bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Native bee communities vary across three prairie ecoregions due to land use, climate, sampling method and bee life history traits
Authors: Kohler Monica , Sturm Ashton , Sheffield Cory S. , Carlyle Cameron N. , Manson Jessamyn S.
Published: June 2020

Recent evidence indicates that many native bee species are in decline due to the cumulative effects of multiple human‐induced stressors such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, pathogens, and climate change. These declines have raised interest in the status of native bees and in developing tools that support management of bee communities and the ecosystem services they deliver.

Native bees were surveyed using pan traps and netting over 2 years at 68 locations in croplands and rangelands across three ecological regions of Alberta's prairies – the Grassland, Parkland, and Boreal Natural Regions – to evaluate patterns in bee communities in response to disturbance and ecological gradients.

Bee community composition was different across land use and ecoregions. While several cavity‐nesting species had a strong association with rangelands, cavity‐nesting bees tended to be less common in croplands and may be more sensitive to loss of rangeland habitat.

Response patterns in overall bee abundance and richness were driven by interactions between region and land use, highlighting the need for regional studies to understand how bee communities respond to these factors.

This survey is one of the first to sample the response of bee communities to landscape disturbance across a broad spatial area of the Canadian prairies. Large‐scale compositional studies are essential for understanding the status of native bee communities, and for monitoring long‐term trends over time. We recommend subsequent coordinated surveys using standardised methods across broad spatial scales.
Microneedle patch based on dissolving, detachable microneedle technology for improved skin quality of the periorbital region. Part 2: Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Zvezdin V. , Kasatkina T. , Kasatkin I. , Gavrilova M. , Kazakova O.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Microneedle patches based on dissolving, detachable microneedle technology (Russian patent No. 2652567; US patent EFS No. 32735812; WO/2019/231360) are novel dermatological products that allow safe, painless and effective reduction of epidermal wrinkles after six procedures. The purpose of this study was two‐fold (a) to assess the safety and efficacy of microneedle patches comprising 650 microneedles containing hyaluronic and ferulic acids after 6 procedures of applying the applicator to the skin for 25 min; and (b) to correlate our previously reported ex vivo findings.

Methods

The microneedle applicator contains 650 microneedles, which dissolve in 25 min of exposure. The effectiveness of microneedle applicators was confirmed by a randomized split‐phase study involving 82 subjects. Applications of microneedle patches were performed at intervals of two times per week, and the effectiveness was assessed at 6 weeks after the start of the study.

Results

The results of the profilometric evaluation of skin smoothness demonstrated a significant reduction in the average roughness index by 65.32 ± 2.99% and in the mean skin waviness by 66.84 ± 1.6% compared with these indicators in the control group (P < 0.05). The therapeutic effect of the procedure was confirmed by an ultrasound examination that registered a 72.2 ± 5.4% and 25 ± 1.4% increase in echo‐density of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. An independent blinded skin evaluation by dermatologists revealed steady decrease in puffiness of the application area in 89.9% of patients, increased elasticity in 78.3% of the patients, and reduced severity of epidermal wrinkles in 89.9% of the patients.

Conclusions

The applicator with 650 soluble microneedles on its surface containing hyaluronic and ferulic acids is considered a safe, effective and convenient way to improve the skin quality in the periorbital region after six procedures. Nevertheless, additional studies of soluble microneedles are required to fully assess the amount and distribution area of the injected hyaluronic acid and other active components, as well as to detail the mechanism of action of soluble microneedles to improve skin quality.
Pleurotusostreatus and Agaricus subrufescens: investigation of chemical composition and antioxidant properties of these mushrooms cultivated with different handmade and commercial supplements
Authors: Sabino Ferrari Anna Beatriz , Azevedo de Oliveira George , Mannochio Russo Helena , de Carvalho Bertozo Luiza , da Silva Bolzani Vanderlan , Cunha Zied Diego , Farias Ximenes Valdecir , Zeraik Maria Luiza
Published: June 2020

In this study, the chemical composition, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ORAC and FRAP assays) of A. subrufescens and P. ostreatus, cultivated with handmade and commercials supplements, were compared. Additionally, the compounds ergosterol, saccharopine, and hexitol were identified in A. subrufescens by HPLC‐MS/MS. The antioxidant compound p‐coumaric acid and dihexoses was found in both mushroom species. A. subrufescens presented higher total phenolic content (73.8 ± 0.6 mg GAE 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity than P. ostreatus (16.6 ± 0.5 mg GAE 100 g−1). The handmade supplement based on the waste of noble grains presented statistically similar phenolic content to the mushrooms cultivated with commercial ones Spawn Mate II SE (86.1 ± 1.4 and 92.9 ± 0.3 mg GAE 100 g−1, respectively). Therefore, the results support the use of handmade supplements based on agro‐wastes as a viable alternative to the use of high‐cost commercial ones.
Development of a HPLC method combined with ultraviolet/diode array detection for determination of monosodium glutamate in various food samples
Authors: Soyseven Murat , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Arli Göksel
Published: June 2020

An effective, simple and rapid analytical method using HPLC was developed for the analysis of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in various food samples obtained from local market in Turkey. The determination of MSG was performed by its derivatisation with o‐phthaldialdehyde (OPA). A high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet/diode array detection method was performed by using C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm) column with the mobile phase consisting of 10 mm phosphate buffer solution (pH = 5.90) and methanol (75:25, v/v). The applied method was optimised and the validated. The method was linear from 1 to 50 μg mL−1 of MSG. The correlation coefficient value of the developed method was obtained as R2 = 0.9999. The limit of detection and limit of quantification limits were 0.015 and 0.050 μg mL−1, respectively. MSG contents of the food samples range from 0.09 g kg−1 to 120.80 g kg−1. The validated method was successfully applied for the analysis of MSG in several food samples.
Effects of feed composition, protein denaturation and storage of milk serum protein/lactose powders on lactosylation
Authors: Andersson Ida‐Marie , Bergenståhl Björn , Alexander Marcela , Paulsson Marie , Glantz Maria
Published: June 2020

During whey powder production, the feed is subjected to several heat treatments which can cause lactosylation of proteins. In this study, lactosylation of whey proteins was evaluated in spray‐dried powders before and after storage by varying the native protein fraction as well as the serum protein/lactose ratio in the powders. The lactosylation of native α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin in the powders before storage was not affected to a large extent by the protein denaturation or if the feed had been heat treated in a high or low lactose environment. After storage (relative humidity of 23.5%, 30 °C, 25 days), the kinetic of lactosylation tended to increase with increasing native protein fraction and bulk protein content in the powders. An explanation could be that proteins dissolved in the lactose glassy structure might have a lower reactivity, while proteins present in the protein glassy structure with dissolved lactose may display higher lactosylation reactivity.
Umbilical closure using 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate in transumbilical laparoscopic adrenalectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fukumoto Keishiro , Miyajima Akira , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Niwa Naoya , Hongo Hiroshi , Kurihara Isao , Kikuchi Eiji , Oya Mototsugu
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To evaluate postoperative pain and esthetic outcomes in patients undergoing transumbilical laparoscopic adrenalectomy with wound closure using 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate.

Methods

A total of 26 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy with the transumbilical approach and agreed to participate in this study were included. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate group (Glue group) or the non‐use group (non‐Glue group). A single surgeon (AM) carried out all procedures between 2014 and 2017.

Results

There were no significant differences in the clinical background of the Glue and non‐Glue groups. The number of patients with moderate or high levels of pain in the resting/moving period on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3 was 6/10 (46%/77%), 6/9 (46%/69%) and 3/5 (23%/38%) in the non‐Glue group, and 5/7 (38%/54%), 2/7 (15%/54%) and 1/3 (8%/23%) in the Glue group. These differences were not significant. In the subgroup analysis of patients aged <50 years, the numbers were 4/6 (57%/86%), 5/7 (71%/100%) and 3/5 (43%/71%) in the non‐Glue group, and 3/4 (33%/44%), 1/4 (11%/44%) and 0/1 (0%/11%) in the Glue group in the resting/moving period. On postoperative days 2 and 3, these differences were significant (P = 0.035 and 0.037 in the resting period, and P = 0.017 and 0.013 in the moving period).

Conclusions

2‐octyl cyanoacrylate can be used safely for laparoscopic adrenalectomy with the transumbilical approach, and might be useful for reducing postoperative pain in patients aged <50 years.
Mesurer l'effet des frictions d'appariement sur le chômage
Authors: FARM Ante
Published: June 2020

L'auteur montre que les frictions d'appariement pèsent sur l'emploi – entraînant une hausse du chômage – parce qu'elles créent un écart entre demande de main‐d'œuvre et emploi. Expliquant que cet écart peut être mesuré par les emplois non pourvus, à distinguer des emplois à pourvoir, il présente les résultats de l'enquête suédoise sur les emplois vacants, qui estime ces deux indicateurs. Une modification de la fonction d'appariement traduisant des délais de recrutement plus longs est un indice de frictions d'appariement plus grandes, mais il faut, pour le vérifier, mesurer les emplois non pourvus, ce qui permet également d'apprécier leur effet sur le chômage.
Medición del efecto de los problemas de emparejamiento en el desempleo
Authors: FARM Ante
Published: June 2020

El artículo muestra cómo el tiempo necesario para los procesos de contratación puede incidir en el cálculo del desempleo al hacer que el número de asalariados sea inferior al de puestos de trabajo. Esta brecha entre demanda de trabajo y empleo solo puede medirse con precisión incluyendo en las encuestas de vacantes el cálculo tanto de las ofertas de empleo como de los puestos no cubiertos, como se hace en Suecia. Si la función de emparejamiento indica procesos de contratación más largos, ello solo puede interpretarse como aumento de los problemas de emparejamiento si se calculan los empleos no cubiertos, lo que también cuantificará el efecto sobre el desempleo.
Effect of the binary nonoxide additives on the densification behavior and thermal conductivity of Si3N4ceramics
Authors: Wang Weide , Yao Dongxu , Liang Hanqin , Xia Yongfeng , Zuo Kaihui , Yin Jinwei , Zeng Yu‐Ping
Published: June 2020

Binary nonoxide additives ZrSi2‐MgSiN2were applied to obtain Si3N4ceramics with high thermal conductivity by gas pressure sintering. The shrinkage behaviors during sintering were investigated by in situ dilatometry. Although densification was retarded due to a higher N/O ratio in the liquid phase, the incorporation of oxygen was inhibited because of the lower oxygen content in the liquid phase. The substitution of oxide additives by nonoxide additives eliminated native SiO2and induced a nitrogen‐rich liquid, resulting in purified Si3N4grains, reduced glassy phase, and enhanced Si3N4‐Si3N4contiguity. Ultimately, a thermal conductivity of 117.32 W m−1 K−1was achieved using ZrSi2‐MgSiN2as sintering additives, increased by 32% compared to those doped with ZrO2‐MgO.
A seasonal shift in offspring sex ratio of the brood parasitic brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Authors: Louder Matthew I. M. , Schelsky Wendy M. , Hoover Jeffrey P. , Louder Amber N. A. , Hauber Mark E.
Published: June 2020

Avian obligate brood parasites do not provide parental care for their eggs and young, and may therefore serve as a strong model system to test predictions of evolutionary sex‐allocation theories, independent of parental modulation of primary sex ratios. However, none of the handful of previous studies examining offspring sex ratio in brood parasitic birds have revealed a bias from parity at the level of the female parasite, the host species or temporal scale(s). This is also surprising, because in at least one brood parasite, the brown‐headed cowbird Molothrus ater, adult sex ratios are consistently and heavily male‐biased. Here we used a large database of embryonic and nestling cowbirds’ genetic sex ratios collected from nests of a single host species, the prothonotary warbler Protonotaria citrea to assess potential overall, temporal and individual patterns of bias. Contrary to previous findings, we documented an increase in the calculated male sex ratios later in the breeding season. There was no effect of whether embryos or nestlings were sampled, implying a lack of host parental effect on shifting the primary‐to‐secondary sex ratios of brood parasitic offspring. Future work should explore the sex‐specific survival and recruitment pattern of fledgling cowbirds raised by this and other host species to reconcile theoretical and empirical predictions and patterns.
Embryonic skull development in the gecko,Tarentola annularis(Squamata: Gekkota: Phyllodactylidae)
Authors: Khannoon Eraqi R. , Evans Susan E.
Published: June 2020

Tarentola annularisis a climbing gecko with a wide distribution in Africa north of the equator. In the present paper, we describe the development of the osteocranium of this lizard, from the first appearance of the cranial elements up to the point of hatching. This is based on a combination of histology and cleared and stained specimens. This is the first comprehensive account of gekkotan pre‐hatching skull development based on a comprehensive series of embryos, rather than a few selected stages. Given that Gekkota is now widely regarded as representing the sister group to other squamates, this account helps to fill a significant gap in the literature. Moreover, as many authors have considered features of the gekkotan skull and skeleton to be indicative of paedomorphosis, it is important to know whether this hypothesis is supported by delays in the onset of cranial ossification. In fact, we found the sequence of cranial bone ossification to be broadly comparable to that of other squamates studied to date, with no significant lags in development.
Polycaprolactone‐based dermal filler complications: A retrospective study of 1111 treatments
Authors: Lin Shang‐Li , Christen Marie‐Odile
Published: June 2020

Background

Aging signs can be corrected through volume restoration in multiple soft tissue layers and in the supraperiosteal plane using hyaluronic acid (HA) or nonhyaluronic acid (non‐HA) fillers. The non‐HA bioresorbable polycaprolactone (PCL)‐based filler with collagen‐stimulating properties has a proven safety profile, but rare potential complications such as nodules and granuloma can occur. Furthermore, PCL‐based fillers cannot be immediately removed by injection of an enzyme. These potential drawbacks have yet to be described in the literature.

Aims

The author performed 1111 treatments between 2015 and 2018. This study aims to review and analyze these treatments to ascertain the complication rates of the PCL‐based filler. Suggestions for complication prevention and management are also discussed.

Methods

780 patients treated with the PCL‐based filler were reviewed by the physician between April 2015 and May 2018. During this period, 5595 syringes were used in 1111 treatments. All complication data were acquired by phone interviews, reports by patients, or observation at follow‐up visits. Complications were subdivided into early‐onset (occurring up to 2 weeks after treatment) and late‐onset events (occurring more than 2 weeks to years after treatment).

Results

Among the 1111 treatments, there were 50 cases (4.5%) of edema that lasted longer than 2 weeks, 30 cases (2.7%) of bruising, 8 cases (0.72%) of malar edema, 5 cases (0.45%) of temporarily palpable lumps and 2 cases (0.18%) of discoloration. There were no cases of intravascular injection, nodules/granulomas, or infection.

Conclusion

The complication rate of the PCL‐based filler was found to be low, and there were no cases of intravascular injection, nodules, and/or granulomas during the 3‐year observation. Longer‐lasting edema was associated with a higher injection volume and malar edema was related to lymphatic compression.
The Employment Effects of Faster Payment: Evidence from the Federal Quickpay Reform
Authors: BARROT JEAN‐NOËL , NANDA RAMANA
Published: June 2020

We study the impact of Quickpay, a reform that permanently accelerated payments to small business contractors of the U.S. government. We find a strong direct effect of the reform on employment growth at the firm level. However, we document substantial crowding out of nontreated firms' employment within local labor markets. While the overall net employment effect is positive, it is close to zero in tight labor markets. Our results highlight an important channel for alleviating financing constraints in small firms, but emphasize the general‐equilibrium effects of large‐scale interventions, which can lead to lower aggregate outcomes depending on labor market conditions.
Perinatal outcomes of intrauterine transfusion for the surviving twin in monochorionic twin gestation involving a single fetal demise
Authors: Kanda Masako , Noguchi Shohei , Yamamoto Ryo , Kawaguchi Haruna , Hayashi Shusaku , Murakoshi Takeshi , Ishii Keisuke
Published: June 2020

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of intrauterine transfusion (IUT) for the surviving co‐twin in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin gestations involving single intrauterine fetal death (sIUFD).

Methods

Cases of MCDA twin gestations involving emergent IUT for co‐twins experiencing acute feto‐fetal hemorrhage (AFFH) subsequent to sIUFD during the second trimester were reviewed. Fetal anemia was confirmed via fetal blood sampling, and perinatal data were retrieved from medical charts to determine the outcomes of surviving co‐twins. A poor outcome at 28 days of age was defined as fetal death, neonatal death or neurological impairment such as severe intraventricular hemorrhage or cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).

Results

This study included 16 cases of sIUFD diagnosed at a median of 22.5 weeks of gestation (range: 18–25 weeks). The median interval in hours between diagnosis of fetal demise and IUT was approximately 4.2 (0–22) hours. All cases achieved IUT without significant intraoperative complications. Four cases experienced a fetal loss of the co‐twin, whereas 12 co‐twins were born alive (including 9 preterm births), with only 1 poor outcome in a preterm infant with PVL.

Conclusion

IUT may be a feasible prenatal intervention for surviving co‐twins with AFFH. However, more extensive or pooled studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this intervention.
Intellectual humility and perceptions of political opponents
Authors: Stanley Matthew L. , Sinclair Alyssa H. , Seli Paul
Published: June 2020

Objective

Intellectual humility (IH) refers to the recognition that personal beliefs might be wrong. We investigate possible interpersonal implications of IH for how people perceive the intellectual capabilities and moral character of their sociopolitical opponents and for their willingness to associate with those opponents.

Method

In four initial studies (N = 1,926, Mage = 38, 880 females, 1,035 males), we measured IH, intellectual and moral derogation of opponents, and willingness to befriend opponents. In two additional studies (N = 568, Mage = 40, 252 females, 314 males), we presented participants with a specific opponent on certain sociopolitical issues and several social media posts from that opponent in which he expressed his views on the issue. We then measured IH, intellectual, and moral derogation of the opponent, participants' willingness to befriend the opponent, participants' willingness to “friend” the opponent on social media, and participants' willingness to “follow” the opponent on social media.

Results

Low‐IH relative to high‐IH participants were more likely to derogate the intellectual capabilities and moral character of their opponents, less willing to befriend their opponents, and less willing to “friend” and “follow” an opponent on social media.

Conclusions

IH may have important interpersonal implications for person perception, and for understanding social extremism and polarization.
Environmental certification programs: How does information provision compare with taxation?
Authors: Podhorsky Andrea
Published: June 2020

This paper develops a monopolistic competition framework to assess whether environmental certification programs can serve as effective substitutes for more traditional policy instruments such as environmental taxation or a minimum quality standard (MQS). I show that if firms can organize themselves and choose the certification standard collectively, then there is a beneficial role for a regulator to intervene. Also, the degree of substitution between differentiated goods that impose environmental damage and a “clean” outside good, the degree of competition in the industry and the extent of environmental damage caused by minimal quality goods are important considerations in the choice between a certification program and a tax or a MQS. While the comparison between a certification program and a tax depends on numerous factors, I find unequivocally that certification is a poor substitute for taxation whenever the outside good is a close substitute for differentiated goods, there is a high degree of competition in the industry or if minimal quality goods impose considerable environmental damage.
Meaningful mapping of remediation in longitudinal and developmental assessment models
Authors: Heeneman Sylvia , Schut Suzanne
Published: June 2020

Heeneman, Schut reflect on how insights from developmental models can be used to advance assessment practices, support personalized remediation strategies
Cable force estimation of a long‐span cable‐stayed bridge with microwave interferometric radar
Authors: Zhao Wenju , Zhang Guangwei , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2020

Since cables are the critical structural components for ensuring the overall structural integrity and safety of cable‐stayed bridges, the portable and rapid cable force measurement has a very important practical significance in the bridge health monitoring. In this paper, a method of simultaneous and continuous estimation of the forces of multiple cables using a self‐developed microwave interferometric radar was proposed. In the proposed approach, first, the time‐varying modal frequencies are identified by the Hilbert transform algorithm from the displacements of multiple cables, which are monitored by the self‐developed radar, and then, the time‐varying cable forces are obtained by the vibration method. In addition, for the problem of multiple cables located in the same range bin when distance test or the test angle is nonideal, a single‐channel blind source separation algorithm based on vibrational mode decomposition (VMD) and time‐frequency analysis was proposed to separate the cable signals. Furthermore, a method based on the spectrum correlation coefficients was proposed to determine the number of decomposition layers in VMD. The “Nanjing Eye” cable‐stayed footbridge was used to conduct field measurement to validate the proposed method. Field measurement results show a good agreement with reference measurements, which demonstrate that the proposed method can perform well in an actual project for portable and rapid cable force estimation.
Plectin dysfunction in neurons leads to tau accumulation on microtubules affecting neuritogenesis, organelle trafficking, pain sensitivity and memory
Authors: Valencia R. G. , Mihailovska E. , Winter L. , Bauer K. , Fischer I. , Walko G. , Jorgacevski J. , Potokar M. , Zorec R. , Wiche G.
Published: June 2020

Aims

Plectin, a universally expressed multi‐functional cytolinker protein, is crucial for intermediate filament networking, including crosstalk with actomyosin and microtubules. In addition to its involvement in a number of diseases affecting skin, skeletal muscle, heart, and other stress‐exposed tissues, indications for a neuropathological role of plectin have emerged. Having identified P1c as the major isoform expressed in neural tissues in previous studies, our aim for the present work was to investigate whether, and by which mechanism(s), the targeted deletion of this isoform affects neuritogenesis and proper nerve cell functioning.

Methods

For ex vivo phenotyping, we used dorsal root ganglion and hippocampal neurons derived from isoform P1c‐deficient and plectin‐null mice, complemented by in vitro experiments using purified proteins and cell fractions. To assess the physiological significance of the phenotypic alterations observed in P1c‐deficient neurons, P1c‐deficient and wild‐type littermate mice were subjected to standard behavioural tests.

Results

We demonstrate that P1c affects axonal microtubule dynamics by isoform‐specific interaction with tubulin. P1c deficiency in neurons leads to altered dynamics of microtubules and excessive association with tau protein, affecting neuritogenesis, neurite branching, growth cone morphology, and translocation and directionality of movement of vesicles and mitochondria. On the organismal level, we found P1c deficiency manifesting as impaired pain sensitivity, diminished learning capabilities and reduced long‐term memory of mice.

Conclusions

Revealing a regulatory role of plectin scaffolds in microtubule‐dependent nerve cell functions, our results have potential implications for cytoskeleton‐related neuropathies.
The challenges of defining a healthy and ‘sustainable’ diet
Authors: Steenson S. , Buttriss J. L.
Published: June 2020

Considerable debate exists about changes required to current diets to deliver simultaneous improvements for both human health and environmental sustainability. Media coverage has focussed largely on the environmental and health impacts of animal source foods, particularly red meat. However, animal source foods contribute notably to intakes of micronutrients (e.g. iron, zinc, iodine, calcium) in current UK diets, and evidence indicates nutrient intakes/status may be inadequate if appropriate substitutions are not made when restricting such foods in the diet, highlighting the need to consider the overall dietary pattern. Healthy and sustainable dietary patterns have been modelled based on nutritional adequacy alone (e.g. Eatwell Guide), or nutrition combined with environmental impact (e.g. WWF Livewell Plates). Studies have also considered other aspects, such as the health impact or cost, with some analyses providing ‘optimised’ diets representing the smallest required changes to current diets. Consistent changes are evident for most food groups (e.g. increases in fruit and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates, fish and – in most cases – beans, pulses and other legumes; decreases in red/processed meat, cheese and high‐fat/sugar foods). However, recommendations for dairy consumption (particularly milk) are less consistent. Methodological variation makes it difficult to directly compare recommendations to date, due to use of different data sources, environmental metrics and modelling assumptions/constraints, although reducing food waste is an important consideration regardless of dietary pattern. In the UK, adopting the government’s Eatwell Guide, which incorporates affordability and familiarity, appears a sensible direction of travel at the current time, likely to deliver nutritional, health and environmental benefits.
Gastrointestinal motility evaluation in children with orthostatic intolerance: Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Manini Mhd Louai , Barazi Adnan , Khemani Disha , Abd‐Rabu Rami , Absah Imad , Fischer Philip R. , Mara Kristin , Stephens Michael , Camilleri Michael
Published: June 2020

Objective

Orthostatic intolerance (OI) and autonomic dysfunction (AD) are common in adolescents and young adults. Patients experience multisystem symptoms including gastrointestinal (GI), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension (OH), or only symptoms of OI (SOI) without significant findings on 70‐degree head‐up tilt testing (HUT). We hypothesize that patients with POTS, OH, and SOI show differences in GI symptoms and motility test and that heart rate (HR) changes on HUT predict severity of GI dysmotility.

Study design

From medical records of patients (<18 years) with OI, we collected demographics, presenting symptoms, GI manifestations, and GI motility testing. Data were compared between the 3 groups (POTS, OH, and SOI). We assessed changes in HR on HUT with changes on GI motility evaluation.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐nine patients were included (73% females). Abdominal pain (65%), nausea (49%), vomiting (18%), and constipation (24%) were the most common GI symptoms. In patients who had motility evaluation, there were 27% (53/193) with delayed gastric emptying (GE) at 4 hours, 35% (32/92) with delayed colonic transit (CT), 55% (17/31) with reduced gastric accommodation (GA), and 75% (21/28) with dyssynergic defecation (DD). Among 100 POTS, 34 OH, and 95 SOI patients, no significant differences in GI symptoms or motility tests were identified and HR changes on HUT were not associated with changes on motility tests.

Conclusion

GI symptoms are frequent in adolescents with OI and are associated with delayed GE, reduced GA, delayed CT, and presence of DD.
An update of knowledge on the regulatory role of Treg cells in apical periodontitis
Authors: Wei Lili , Xu Mi , Xiong Haofei
Published: June 2020

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a prevalent infectious and inflammatory disorder that involves inflammation of periapical tissues and the disintegration of alveolar bone. AP may eventually lead to tooth loss if not timely treated. This disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria in the necrotic pulps and root canals, thereby triggering responses from the innate and adaptive immune system of the periapical tissues. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a major role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and immunological self‐tolerance; however, these only account for roughly 5%–10% of human peripheral CD4+ T cells. Several studies have examined the possible role and underlying mechanism of Treg cells in different inflammatory and autoimmune disorders to facilitate the development of novel treatments for these diseases. Recent studies have indicated that Treg cells may gather at the sites of infection, thus limiting the generation of immune responses and bone resorption in the periapical area. This review will summarize studies regarding the presence and regulatory role of Treg cells in AP.
Spatial scale, neighbouring plants and variation in plant volatiles interactively determine the strength of host–parasitoid relationships
Authors: Aartsma Yavanna , Pappagallo Silvia , van der Werf Wopke , Dicke Marcel , Bianchi Felix J. J. A. , Poelman Erik H.
Published: June 2020

Species‐specific responses to the environment can moderate the strength of interactions between plants, herbivores and parasitoids. However, the ways in which characteristics of plants, such as genotypic variation in herbivore induced volatiles (HIPVs) that attract parasitoids, affect trophic interactions in different contexts of plant patch size and plant neighbourhood is not well understood. We conducted a factorial field experiment with white cabbage Brassica oleracea accessions that differ in the attractiveness of their HIPVs for parasitoids, in the context of different patch sizes and presence or absence of surrounding Brassica nigra plants. Parasitism rates of experimentally introduced Pieris brassicae caterpillars and the presence of naturally occurring Pieris spp. caterpillars in the plots were assessed throughout the growing season. The abundance of Pieris caterpillars was neither affected by cabbage accession nor plot size. Later in the season, when B. nigra plants had senesced, fewer caterpillars were found on cabbage plants in plots with a B. nigra border. Parasitism rates fluctuated over the season, and were not affected by plot size. However, the B. nigra border negatively affected parasitism rates on the accession that is less attractive to the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata, but not on the more attractive accession. Our results show that plant variation in HIPVs can differentially influence herbivores and parasitoids depending on characteristics of the surrounding vegetation context. These findings underscore the importance of considering the interaction between focal plant traits and neighbourhood context to reliably predict trophic cascades.
Five decades with grandparent donors: The Norwegian strategy and experience
Authors: Bjerre Anna , Mjøen Geir , Line Pål‐Dag , Naper Christian , Reisæter Anna Varberg , Åsberg Anders
Published: June 2020

Living donors (LDs) are preferred over DDs for renal transplantation in children due to superior GS. Oslo University Hospital has never restricted living donation by upper age. The aim of this study was to investigate long‐term outcomes using grandparents (GPLD) compared to PLD. Retrospective nationwide review in the period 1970‐2017. First renal graft recipients using a GPLD were compared to PLD kidney recipients for long‐term renal function and GS. 278 children (≤18 years) received a first renal transplant: 27/251 recipients with a GPLD/PLD. GPLD (median 59 (42‐74) years) were significantly older than PLD (median 41 (23‐65) years, (P < .001). Median DRAD was 52 (38‐70) vs 28 (17‐48) years, respectively. GS from GPLD and PLD had a 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival of 100%, 100%, and 90% vs 93%, 82%, and 72%, respectively (P = .6). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for gender, donor age, recipient age, and year of transplant, this finding was similar (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.34‐2.84, P = .97). Five‐year eGFR was 47.3 and 59.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the GPLD and PLD groups (P = .028), respectively. In this nationwide retrospective analysis, GS for pediatric renal recipients using GPLD was comparable to PLD. Renal function assessed as eGFR was lower in the GPLD group. The GPLD group was significantly older than the PLD group, but overall this did not impact transplant outcome. Based on these findings, older age alone should not exclude grandparent donations.
Facing the Giant: A Framework to Undo Sex‐Based Discrimination in Academia
Authors: Bishu Sebawit G. , Kennedy Alan
Published: June 2020

In 2019, American workers reported 26,221 claims of workplace harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Nearly half of those claims represented sex‐based harassment. The #MeToo movement has shined a spotlight on the pervasiveness of harassment across sectors and institutions. A 2018 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine indicates that 58 percent of women in academic institutions, for instance, have experienced some form of sexual harassment. In this article, the authors propose a three‐part framework to establish a culture of zero tolerance of sexual harassment. The framework helps academic and other institutions prevent sexual harassment, protect victims from risks of reporting harassment, and set accountability measures to demand justice. The utility of the framework is twofold. First, administrators can apply it as a tool to audit institutional attitudes toward sexual harassment. Second, leaders can apply it as a corrective tool to prevent permissive organizational climates that allow sexual harassment to be perpetuated.
Use of two cloprostenol administrations 11.5 days apart efficiently synchronizes oestrus in photostimulated multiparous dairy goats in the non‐breeding season
Authors: Netto Marina Monteiro , Balaro Mario Felipe Alvarez , Cosentino Isabel Oliveira , do Espírito Santo Caroline Gomes , de Oliveira Rodrigo Vasconcelos , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira
Published: June 2020

This study assessed the efficiency of synchronous oestrous induction by light programme followed by two doses of cloprostenol in acyclic Saanen goats of different parity orders. Primiparous (n = 22) and multiparous (n = 33) goats were subjected to 16 hr of light and 8 hr of darkness for 60 days (D0‐D60), starting 10 days after the winter solstice. All goats received 120 µg cloprostenol doses on D130 (morning) and D141.5 (afternoon) (11.5 days apart). Oestrus behaviour, ovarian follicular dynamics and serum progesterone (P4) analyses were recorded from D0 to D174 at different intervals. Animals in oestrus after D141.5 were randomly assigned into two groups: assisted natural mating (NM) or artificial insemination (AI; 10–24 hr after oestrus onset with frozen‐thawed semen). From D57 to D120, 89.0% of goats presented large follicles (5–8 mm) and P4 concentrations were subluteal from D0 to D120. More multiparous compared to primiparous goats (54.5%, 18/33 vs. 18.2%, 4/22) exhibited oestrus after both injections. More primiparous compared to multiparous goats (54.5%, 12/22 vs. 12.1%, 4/33) did not exhibit oestrus after any injection. A total of 35 goats (64%) were in oestrus after the second prostaglandin injection and were subjected to NM or AI. The conception rate was similar among primiparous (70.0%, 7/10) and multiparous (68.0%, 17/25) goats but the pregnancy rate differed, being 31.8% (7/22) and 51.5% (17/33), respectively. No interaction was found between parity order and P4 concentrations in does that became pregnant or not. Thus, the association between light programme (60 days, starting at the beginning of winter) and two cloprostenol administrations 11.5 days apart (starting 70 days after the end of the light treatment) resulted in sufficient synchronous oestrous response in multiparous acyclic Saanen goats to reach satisfactory fertility levels after both NM and AI.
Ecological restoration‐based education in the Colombian Amazon: toward a new society–nature relationship
Authors: Garzón Natasha V. , Rodríguez León Carlos H. , Ceccon Eliane , Pérez Daniel R.
Published: June 2020

Caquetá Department, in the Colombian Amazon, has a historical context of deforestation, education of poor quality, land tenure conflicts, and social violence. Thus, there is an urgent need to restore not only the ecosystem, but also the social fabric and the society–nature relationship. This article describes the process, impacts, obstacles, and lessons learned from a program of ecological restoration‐based education for local communities. During 2017, a group of 15 local people were selected and trained in ecological restoration to become, as we called them, “local scientists” (LS). After this educative process, these LS, together with researchers from social sciences and biology, developed an ecological restoration education program aimed to local peasants. The bioregional current of environmental education and significant learning theory were the educative theoretical frameworks used. The pedagogical contents were grouped into five main themes: (1) soils, (2) farm planning, (3) river basins, (4) monitoring, and (5) social organization. During 2018, between 8 and 70 peasants per community participated in the program. The last phase, carried out in 2019, consisted of the propagation of native forest species and outplantings by the program participants, to restore the landscape connectivity in a region considered to be high priority. Peasants built 71 nursery gardens on their farms with their own labor. They produced 400,000 seedlings of 21 native forest species, which were further planted on 277 farms over 550 ha. The implications of the pedagogical process of the program, the advances in restoration of degraded forests, and changes in society–nature relationships are discussed.
Exercise training as part of lung cancer therapy
Authors: Cavalheri Vinicius , Granger Catherine L.
Published: June 2020

Exercise training is playing an increasing role in lung cancer care. Lung cancer is associated with significant burden to the individual and healthcare system. There is now substantial evidence that exercise training is safe, feasible and effective at improving several outcomes in people with lung cancer, especially in those with NSCLC. Exercise is beneficial across the lung cancer disease and treatment pathway, including in patients with early stage disease before and after surgery, and in patients with advanced disease. This review describes the impact of lung cancer and lung cancer treatment on patient health outcomes and summarizes the aims, safety, feasibility and effects of exercise training in the context of both early stage and advanced stage lung cancer. The paper also includes a discussion of current topical discussion areas including the use of exercise in people with bone metastases and the potential effect of exercise on suppression of tumour growth. Finally, seven clinical questions are included, which are a priority to be addressed by future research over the next decade as we strive to progress the field of lung cancer and improve patient outcomes.
A New Poetics of Science: On the Establishment of “Scientific‐Fictional Literature” in the Soviet Union
Authors: SCHWARTZ MATTHIAS
Published: June 2020

Since the 1920s the relationship between literature and science, more specifically between the modes of popularizing scientific ideas to a broader public, was a broadly discussed topic among writers, critics and scholars. In these debates the relation between educational goals, entertaining devices and visionary thought experiments was a contested issue. Moreover, their interrelationship led to the first efforts to define the Soviet version of science fiction, namely as “scientific‐fantastic literature” (nauchno‐fantasticheskaia literatura). As an alternative to this controversial term Maxim Gorkyi proposed and popularized the expression “scientific‐fictional literature” (nachno‐khudozhestvennaia literatura) as early as the 1930s. His formulation was meant to constitute a new kind of genre within the frames of Socialist Realism, as well as generate a new, uniquely Soviet understanding of scientific thinking itself, opposed to the bourgeois notion of supposedly objective scientific knowledge. But it was not until long after Gorky's death in the post‐war period that the term was finally established as a compulsory form of writing in the context of the “science wars” (Ethan Pollock) of late Stalinism. The article reconstructs these controversial discourses surrounding a new poetics of science and offers an exemplary reading of the work of one of the most prominent and influential writers in the field to highlight the ideological scope, but also the aesthetic limits of “scientific‐fictional literature.”.
Do types of foreign capital matter for income equality?
Authors: Baek Inmee , Chia Andrew
Published: June 2020

We investigate the link between financial integration and income inequality, suggesting that different channels of financial integration have contrasting distributional effects. Using an unbalanced panel of 65 countries from 1992 to 2015 and employing dynamic panel data methods, we find that greater financial integration through debt‐creating capital increases income inequality compared to equity‐type capital. Furthermore, a larger share of direct investment in financial integration is associated with lower income inequality; the converse is true for loans and credit, while the share of portfolio investment has no significant effect when considered as a whole. Evidence also shows that increased financial integration and trade is beneficial for reducing the income inequality of emerging economies.
Therapeutic potential of EBV infection
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: June 2020

Targeting MYC or factors that sustain its expression may turn EBV infection into a therapeutic tool for B cell lymphomas.
Chikungunya Virus Infection Impairs the Function of Osteogenic Cells
Authors: Roy Enakshi , Shi Wen , Duan Bin , Reid St Patrick
Published: June 2020

Presently, no vaccines or treatment options are available for CHIKV infection. Joint pain is one of the major concerns. Although studies have shown an association between bone pathology and infection, the molecular pathogenesis in the context of bone pathology is poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that BMSCs and BMSC-derived osteogenic cells are susceptible to CHIKV infection, and that infection likely alters the function of osteogenic cells. This study highlights altered osteogenic differentiation as a possible mechanism for causing the bone pathology observed in CHIKV pathogenesis.
Supplemental Material: Individual Development Plans (IDPs): An Underutilized Advising Tool in the Geosciences
Authors: Eason Deborah E. , Bruno Barbara C. , Böttjer-Wilson Daniela
Published: June 2020

Additional program information and implementation details, advisor/mentor survey results, and a copy of the basic IDP template used in the ‘Ike Wai project.
Improving community pharmacists’ clinical knowledge to detect and resolve drug-related problems in Croatia: a before/after survey study investigating the efficacy of an educational intervention
Authors: Zekan Lovre , Mestrovic Arijana , Perisin Ana Seselja , Bukic Josipa , Leskur Dario , Rusic Doris , Modun Darko
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge level of community pharmacists in Croatia to identify and resolve drug-related problems (DRPs).

Design

Before/after survey study.

Setting

University of Split School of Medicine.

Participants

115 community pharmacists from all over the Croatia.

Interventions

An interactive 3-day clinical pharmacy workshop with the goal of increasing the knowledge level of community pharmacists in Croatia to identify and resolve DRPs in routine practice. Teaching methods were based on interactive clinical case solving.

Outcome measure

Change of the community pharmacists’ knowledge based on preworkshop and postworkshop evaluation. A survey-based clinical knowledge measurement tool was used in order to evaluate the efficacy of the workshop. The lowest possible total score was 0 and the highest was 80. A higher survey score indicates a higher level of clinical knowledge to identify and resolve DRPs.

Results

Participating pharmacists had significantly higher postworkshop mean survey score (49.1±8.0) than the preworkshop mean survey score (42.9±8.2), with the mean score difference of 6.2 (95% CI 4.3 to 8.1). Furthermore, it was found that community pharmacists significantly increased their survey scores, regardless of their age.

Conclusions

Interactive and case-based clinical pharmacy workshop could be a valuable tool to increase the knowledge of community pharmacists about identification and management of DRPs in routine practice. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term knowledge maintenance and the improvement in patients’ clinical outcomes.