bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective extinctions resulting from random habitat destruction lead to under‐estimates of local and regional biodiversity loss in a manipulative field experiment
Authors: Almeida Ryan J. , Berro Alexander A. G. , Lippert Alston , Clary Jake , McKlin Sam , Scott Erin V. , Smith Kevin G.
Published: November 2020

Land‐use change is a significant cause of anthropogenic extinctions, which are likely to continue and accelerate as habitat conversion proceeds in most biomes. One way to understand the effects of habitat loss on biodiversity is through improved tools for predicting the number and identity of species losses in response to habitat loss. There are relatively few methods for predicting extinctions and even fewer opportunities for rigorously assessing the quality of these predictions. In this paper, we address these issues by applying a new method based on rarefaction to predict species losses after random, but aggregated, habitat loss. We compare predictions from three rarefaction models, individual‐based, sample‐based, and spatially clustered, to those derived from a commonly used extinction estimation method, the species–area relationship (SAR). We apply each method to a mesocosm experiment, in which we aim to predict species richness and extinctions of arthropods immediately following 50% habitat loss. While each model produced strikingly accurate predictions of species richness immediately after the habitat loss disturbance, each model significantly underestimated the number of extinctions occurring at both the local (within‐mesocosm) and regional (treatment‐wide) scales. Despite the stochastic nature of our small‐scale, short‐term, and randomly applied habitat loss experiment, we found surprisingly clear evidence for extinction selectivity, for example, when abundant species with low extinction probabilities were extirpated following habitat loss. The important role played by selective extinction even in this contrived experimental system suggests that ecologically driven, trait‐based extinctions play an equally important role to stochastic extinction, even when the disturbance itself has no clear selectivity. As a result, neutrally stochastic null models such as the SAR and rarefaction are likely to underestimate extinctions caused by habitat loss. Nevertheless, given the difficulty of predicting extinctions, null models provide useful benchmarks for conservation planning by providing minimum estimates and probabilities of species extinctions.
Microscopic regulation of plant morphological pores on mechanical properties of porous mullite materials
Authors: Hu Jiaojiao , Li Shujing , Li Yuanbing , Li Xuesong , Xiang Ruofei , Qiao Zhe
Published: November 2020

Generally, a multilayer structure is present inside a walnut shell, and the residual structure of the walnut shell is retained after impregnation and firing. When the walnut shell is used as a pore‐forming agent, this structure helps in improving the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of the lightweight porous materials. In this study, porous mullite materials (PMMs) with plant morphological structure pores were prepared using a‐Al2O3 and silica powder as the raw materials with addition of sol‐impregnated walnut shell powder (WSP). The influence of sol type and firing temperature on the pore structure of the PMMs was analyzed, which affected the compressive strength and thermal conductivity. The plant morphological porous structure was observed in the samples after sol impregnation. After firing at different temperatures, the porous structure gradually contracted and supported the pores, improving the mechanical properties, while the complex porous structure increased the heat conduction path, thereby improving the insulation performance. Using WSP impregnated with silica‐sol and zirconia‐sol as pore‐forming agents, PMMs with higher compressive strength and relatively low thermal conductivity (TC) were prepared.
Significance of the timing of ureteral ligation on prognosis during radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer
Authors: Inokuchi Junichi , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kojima Takahiro , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Sugimoto Mikio , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Yamaguchi Raizo , Habuchi Tomonori , Hashine Katsuyoshi , Mizusawa Junki , Eba Junko , Naito Seiji ,   the Urologic Oncology Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG)
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To investigate the impact on intravesical recurrence and prognosis according to the ureteral ligation timing during radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective chart review of 664 patients with non‐metastatic upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with ureteral ligation (supplementary analysis of JCOG1110A). We excluded patients with previous and/or synchronous bladder cancer, clinically node‐positive disease, no ureteral ligation data, those without ureteral ligation and those with any missing data. We investigated the cumulative incidence of intravesical recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality, and overall survival between patients with ureteral ligation before renovascular ligation (early ureteral ligation), or ureteral ligation after renovascular ligation (late ureteral ligation).

Results

Early and late ureteral ligation was carried out in 243 patients (36.6%) and 421 patients (63.4%), respectively. Intravesical recurrence occurred in 218 patients (32.8%) during follow up (median 3.9 years). No significant difference in the intravesical recurrence was found between early and late ureteral ligation groups. Meanwhile, survival in the early ureteral ligation group was significantly worse compared with the late ureteral ligation group. Multivariable analysis showed that early ureteral ligation was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.24–2.85, P = 0.003) and cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.14–3.25, P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the incidence of intravesical recurrence is not affected by the timing of ureteral ligation during radical nephroureterectomy. However, early ureteral ligation might have a negative impact on survival outcomes.
Transvaginal polytetrafluoroethylene mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: 1‐year clinical outcomes
Authors: Kawaguchi Shohei , Narimoto Kazutaka , Hamuro Akihiro , Nakagawa Tomomi , Urata Satoko , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Iijima Masashi , Nohara Takahiro , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Tachibana Daisuke , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi , Koyama Masayasu
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transvaginal mesh surgery using a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

This prospective observational study included women undergoing transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse that used new polytetrafluoroethylene mesh cut into a shape similar to that of Elevate. We evaluated the subjective and objective outcomes at 3 and 12 months, as well as postoperative complication rates.

Results

This study included 55 patients. The pelvic organ prolapse quantification scores improved significantly at 3 and 12 months after surgery compared with scores before surgery. In four patients (7.3%), a pelvic examination showed stage 2 objective recurrence without subjective symptoms. Clavien–Dindo grades 2 and 3 perioperative complications were observed in 9.1% and 1.8% of the patients, respectively. Vaginal mesh exposure occurred in one patient (1.8%) at the time of the 3‐month follow‐up evaluation. The mesh was exposed at the proximal midline of the anterior vaginal wall.

Conclusions

These findings show the safe and effective use of the polytetrafluoroethylene mesh for transvaginal mesh surgery.
Should an online manufacturer partner with a competing or noncompeting retailer for physical showrooms?
Authors: Dan Bin , Zhang Haiyue , Zhang Xumei , Guan Zili , Zhang Shuguang
Published: November 2020

More and more online manufacturers collaborate with offline retailers who provide retail services to showcase products in offline retailers’ stores and feature the stores as physical showrooms. Since offline retailers may be noncompeting or competing depending on the product they sell, we investigate two collaboration strategies. Our results show that product competition causes the decreased demand that is realized through physical showroom (negative competition effect) and the increased demand to buy online directly (positive spillover effect) for the online manufacturer. When the positive spillover effect dominates the negative competition effect, the online manufacturer prefers to partner with the competing retailer and strategically sets a high price. Interestingly, the online manufacturer's willingness to partner with the competing retailer may increase with competing product value. Besides, the online manufacturer may benefit from the increased value of the competing product and the increased commission that is paid to the retailer under product competition.
Foliar application of magnesium mitigates soil acidity stress in wheat
Authors: Kibria Mohammad Golam , Barton Louise , Rengel Zed
Published: November 2020

Soil acidity is one of the most important soil constraints for wheat growth, and magnesium (Mg) can play a critical role in mitigating the adverse effects of soil acidity on plants. There is, however, limited information available about the influence of Mg nutrition, especially foliar application, on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth in acidic soil. In a series of glasshouse experiments, Al‐sensitive wheat genotype (ES8) was grown to vegetative stage (Zadoks 23) with or without foliar Mg application at different rates (0, 50, 200 and 1,000 mg Mg/L), and acidic soil was used as the growth medium with or without lime and Mg amendment. The effects of these treatments on plant growth, physiological responses, tissue concentration of Mg, dry biomass accumulation and root length were characterized. Magnesium application to foliage significantly increased (by around 14%) both shoot and root dry biomass compared to the control (0 foliar Mg). No significant variation was observed in response to different Mg salts (sulphate or chloride) applied to either soil or foliage in relation to wheat growth and physiological responses. Other than liming, foliar Mg application (200 mg Mg/L) coupled with Mg application to soil (20 mg/kg soil) provided optimum conditions for wheat growth in an acid soil. Leaf extension rate, chlorophyll content and root length of wheat treated with 200 mg Mg/L foliar application were increased significantly (by 12%, 10% and 23%, respectively) in comparison to plants treated with 0 foliar Mg. Physiological parameters such as net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were 4‐fold higher in foliar Mg‐treated plants compared with those receiving no foliar Mg. Therefore, applying 200 mg Mg/L to the foliage may assist in minimizing the negative impact of soil acidity on wheat growth.
Conversion between Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in older adults undergoing selective surgery using Rasch analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Wen Huangliang , Wang Jinni , Yi Yayan , Wu Jialan , Liao Xiaoyan
Published: November 2020

Aims

To develop and validate a conversion table between the MMSE and the MoCA using Rasch analysis in older adults undergoing selective surgery and examine its diagnostic accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Older patients [N = 129; age 66.0 (4.6) years, education 7.7 (3.5) years] undergoing elective surgery were recruited from December 2017 to June 2018. All participants completed the MMSE and MoCA and 113 of them completed a battery of neuropsychological tests. Common person linking based on Rasch analysis was performed to develop the conversion table. The conversions were validated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), score differences between actual and converted scores, and root mean squared error of the difference (RMSE). The diagnostic accuracy of the conversions for detecting cognitive impairment was also tested.

Results

The MoCA [person measure: 1.3 (1.1) logits] was better targeted to the patients than the MMSE [person measure: 3.2 (1.3) logits]. Conversion from MoCA to MMSE scores (ICC 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.88; RMSE 1.36) was more precise than conversion from MMSE to MoCA (ICC 0.82, 95% CI 0.75–0.87; RMSE 2.56). Conversion from MoCA to MMSE demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment than the actual MMSE, whereas conversion from MMSE to MoCA exhibited the opposite pattern.

Conclusion

Conversion from MoCA to MMSE was more precise and had better diagnostic accuracy in detecting pre‐operative cognitive impairment in older patients undergoing selective surgery than conversion from MMSE into MoCA.

Impact

The finding is useful for interpreting, comparing, and integrating cognitive measurements in surgical settings and clinical research. Statistically sound conversion between MoCA and MMSE based on Rasch analysis is now possible for surgical setting and clinical research.
Perceived participation and autonomy post‐stroke and associated factors: An explorative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Yuxia , Zhang Wei , Ye Mingming , Zhou Lanshu
Published: November 2020

Aims

To explore the level and associated factors of perceived participation and autonomy among stroke survivors in Shanghai, China.

Design

Cross‐sectional explorative study.

Methods

From January to December 2018, 431 patients presenting at the neurology departments of three hospitals with a confirmed diagnosis of stroke were recruited. Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, modified Rankin Scale, Self‐efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease six‐item Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were applied to measure their participation, physical function, self‐efficacy, coping styles, and social support.

Results

The average score of perceived participation and autonomy was 41.30 (SD 21.22); and 54.3%, 46.9%, 21.6%, and 7.7% of the participants reported poor participation in social relations, family role, autonomy indoors, and autonomy outdoors. Age, physical function, self‐efficacy, friend support, and knowledge of stroke were predictors of post‐stroke participation. Physical function and self‐efficacy were the most relevant factors of nearly all domains of participation except autonomy outdoors, while predictors of autonomy outdoors were social support, resignation coping style, and knowledge of stroke.

Conclusion

The stroke patients experienced insufficient participation compared with previous studies in western countries. Patients' physical function and self‐efficacy were particularly important and contributed to their participation, while the patient's age, perceived social support, coping styles, and knowledge of stroke also played a role in formulating participation.

Impact

The results may be used to provide nurses with a better understanding of the participation among stroke patients and assist them in promoting the post‐stroke participation. Nurses should pay special attention to those with older age, worse physical function, lower self‐efficacy, less support, little stroke‐related knowledge, or who applied resignation coping style since those patients might experience lower participation in their daily life. It needs further studies to explore the causal effects of self‐efficacy, coping styles, and social support on post‐stroke participation.
Understanding preparation for preterm infant discharge from parents’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hua Wenzhe , Wang Liying , Li Chenxing , Simoni Jane M. , Yuwen Weichao , Jiang Liping
Published: November 2020

Aim

To describe the facilitating/inhibiting factors of preparation for preterm infant discharge and recommendations for increasing discharge readiness from parents’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives based on Meleis's Transitions Theory.

Design

A qualitative cross‐sectional descriptive design.

Methods

We selected a purposive sample of 17 parents (9 fathers and 8 mothers) and 13 healthcare providers (10 nurses and 3 clinicians) from the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Eastern China. Data were collected between May ‐July 2018. Data from audio‐recorded semi‐structured individual interviews were coded with content analysis both inductively and deductively.

Results

The analyses yielded four themes: personal conditions, community conditions, nursing therapeutics, and patterns of response. Parents and healthcare providers had unique opinions about the themes.

Conclusion

Meleis's Transitions Theory seems to be an applicable and practicable framework for understanding the discharge preparation of parents with preterm infants and may be used to help healthcare providers to develop appropriate interventions on discharge preparation practice.

Impact

To address the lack of discharge readiness of preterm infants in China and countries with a similar clinical context, healthcare providers should help parents play a more active role to promote their engagement in discharge preparation. In a wider global community, healthcare providers should consider parents’ personal conditions and their practical needs in performing discharge preparation.
Genomic analysis of gaits and racing performance of the French trotter
Authors: Ricard Anne , Duluard Arnaud
Published: November 2020

The aim was to disentangle gait characteristics from other qualities needed for racing performances with a genomic analysis of French trotters (FT). A sample of 1,390 horses were recruited, from which 46% were genotyped with Illumina chip of 54,602 SNPs, 49% with Affymetrix chip of 670,806 SNPs and 586 had a completed questionnaire on trotting technique. Racing performances cover the period 1996 to 2018. There were 252,368 FT‐born; 96,617 qualified and 83,962 which participated in a race. After quality control, 377,611 SNPs were retained and imputed. Questionnaire described trotting technique over 13 questions which were summarized, after principal component analysis in 3 traits: pacer, heavy trot/gallop and other defects. GWAS and genomic evaluation were performed using single‐step approach. We found 25 QTL for racing performances and 9 for trotting technique. Only DMRT3 mutation was significant for both traits. To tend to pace avoid the defect at gallop and lead to a better early career for earnings, less percentage of disqualified races at all ages and more harness than under saddle career. This is the portrait of AA genotype at DMRT3. We found 5 other QTL, not linked to gait traits, which might improve selection of genetically independent performance traits of earnings per races and percentage of finished races. For only earnings at different ages and in under saddle or harness races, genomic evaluation remains the best way to predict performances.
Isolated systolic hypertension in Asia
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Ying , Cheng Hao‐Min , Chuang Shao‐Yuan , Chia Yook‐Chin , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Minh Huynh Van , Siddique Saulat , Turana Yuda , Tay Jam Chin , Kario Kazuomi , Chen Chen‐Huan
Published: November 2020

Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is the most common type of essential hypertension in the elderly and young adults. With rapid industrialization and population aging, the prevalence of ISH in Asia will rise substantially. Asian populations have distinct epidemiological features, risk factors and are especially vulnerable to ISH. There is a pressing need for Asian countries to formulate their unique strategies for control of ISH. In this review, we focus on the (1) epidemiology and pathophysiology, (2) risk factors and impact on outcomes, and (3) treatment goal and strategy for ISH in Asia.
Type 2 MI induced by a single high dose of isoproterenol in C57BL/6J mice triggers a persistent adaptive immune response against the heart
Authors: Forte Elvira , Panahi Mona , Baxan Nicoleta , Ng Fu Siong , Boyle Joseph J. , Branca Jane , Bedard Olivia , Hasham Muneer G. , Benson Lindsay , Harding Sian E. , Rosenthal Nadia , Sattler Susanne
Published: November 2020

Heart failure is the common final pathway of several cardiovascular conditions and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aberrant activation of the adaptive immune system in response to myocardial necrosis has recently been implicated in the development of heart failure. The ß‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol hydrochloride is used for its cardiac effects in a variety of different dosing regimens with high doses causing acute cardiomyocyte necrosis. To assess whether isoproterenol‐induced cardiomyocyte necrosis triggers an adaptive immune response against the heart, we treated C57BL/6J mice with a single intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol. We confirmed tissue damage reminiscent of human type 2 myocardial infarction. This is followed by an adaptive immune response targeting the heart as demonstrated by the activation of T cells, the presence of anti‐heart auto‐antibodies in the serum as late as 12 weeks after initial challenge and IgG deposition in the myocardium. All of these are hallmark signs of an established autoimmune response. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes from isoproterenol‐treated mice induces left ventricular dilation and impairs cardiac function in healthy recipients. In summary, a single administration of a high dose of isoproterenol is a suitable high‐throughput model for future studies of the pathological mechanisms of anti‐heart autoimmunity and to test potential immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches.
ADFP promotes cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma via Akt phosphorylation
Authors: Meng Xia , Sun Ruiying , Wang Wei , Zhang Na , Cao Shiguang , Liu Boxuan , Fang Ping , Deng Shanshan , Yang Shuanying
Published: November 2020

Previously, we identified differentially expressed proteins, including ADFP, between lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) tissue and paired normal bronchioloalveolar epithelium. In this study, we investigated the role of ADFP in LAC. ADFP levels in the serum of patients with lung cancer and benign diseases were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). shRNA was used to knock‐down or overexpress ADFP in A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells. The biological function of ADFP and its underlying mechanisms was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. ADFP was highly expressed in the serum of lung cancer patients, especially those with LAC. ADFP promoted cell proliferation and up‐regulated the p‐Akt/Akt ratio in A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells in vitro. Furthermore, in nude mice, ADFP promoted tumour formation with high levels of p‐Akt/Akt, Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Similar to the effect of ADFP knock‐down, MK‐2206 (a phosphorylation inhibitor of Akt) reduced A549 and NCI‐H1299 cell proliferation. In ADFP‐overexpressing A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells, proliferation was suppressed by MK‐2206 and returned to the control level. ADFP did not regulate invasion, migration or adhesion in LAC cells. Together, these results suggest that ADFP promotes LAC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by increasing Akt phosphorylation level.
Entry threat, entry delay, and Internet speed: The timing of the U.S. broadband rollout
Authors: Wilson Kyle , Xiao Mo , Orazem Peter F.
Published: November 2020

In a rapidly growing industry, potential entrants strategically choose which local markets to enter. Facing the threat of additional entrants, a potential entrant may lower its expectation of future profits and delay entry into a local market, or it may accelerate entry due to preemptive motives. Using the evolution of local market structures of broadband Internet service providers from 1999 to 2007, we find that the former effect dominates the latter after allowing for spatial correlation across markets and accounting for endogenous market structure. On average, it takes 2 years longer for threatened markets to receive their first broadband entrant. Moreover, this entry delay has long‐run negative implications for the divergence of the U.S. broadband infrastructure: 1 year of entry delay translates into an 11% decrease on average present‐day download speeds.
New insights into patterns and rates of tooth replacement in serrasalmid and characid fishes, with implications for the subsistence fishery of Peru's remote ribereños villages
Authors: Stuart Courtney E. , Green Stephanie J. , Vernygora Oksana , LeBlanc Aaron R. H. , Bertschi Mary H. , Brown Maria
Published: November 2020

We explored patterns, rates and unexpected socio‐ecological consequences of tooth replacement in serrasalmids and characids of the Peruvian Amazon using microcomputed tomography. Of 24 specimens collected in February 2019, representing a mix of red‐bellied piranha Pygocentrus nattereri, redeye piranha Serrasalmus rhombeus, silver dollar fish Ctenobrycon hauxwellianus and mojara Astyanax abramis, six individuals possessed edentulous jaw quadrants. On average, 22.9% of fish collected per day from these species featured incomplete dentition, a value three to five times higher than anticipated based on replacement rates estimated from captive fish, differences that may be driven by ontogeny, seasonality or environmental quality.
OPTIMIZATION OF A NEW CULTURE MEDIUM FOR THE LARGE‐SCALE PRODUCTION OF PROTEIN‐RICH ARTHROSPIRA PLATENSIS (OSCILLATORIALES, CYANOPHYCEAE)
Authors: Gómez Cintia , Guzmán‐Carrasco Ana , Lafarga Tomas , Acién‐Fernández Francisco Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Our aim was to develop a novel medium for the large‐scale production of protein‐rich Arthrospira with potential applications as a biofertilizer. The novel culture medium, termed as FM‐II, was formulated using low‐cost commercial chemicals and specifically designed to improve protein production. Both Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima were produced using FM‐II and Arnon medium, which was used as a control. Photosynthetic status of the cells, which was checked by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass dry weight and protein content, was assessed daily. Arthrospira platensis had higher biomass and protein productivities than A. maxima when cultured in both control and FM‐II media. Incorporation of varied micronutrients into FM‐II formulation did not improve biomass productivity. Maximum biomass dry weight in FM‐II and control medium was 2.9 and 2.5 g · L−1, respectively. Total protein content of the biomass ranged between 55% and 65%, suggesting potential for being used in the development of high‐value agricultural products. As some nutrients were discarded unused, the initial content of phosphates and bicarbonates was reduced by 75% and 50%, respectively, without affecting the process productivity. Results reported herein could promote the production and utilization of Arthrospira platensis by significantly reducing productions costs and therefore increasing the feasibility of the process.
Molecular identification of bird species in the diet of the bird‐like noctule bat in Japan
Authors: Ibáñez C. , Fukui D. , Popa‐Lisseanu A .G. , Pastor‐Beviá D. , García‐Mudarra J. L. , Juste J.
Published: November 2020

We investigated the birds in the diet of the bird‐like noctule (Nyctalus aviator) through DNA amplification from feather remains found in faecal pellets. Our goal was to confirm whether N. aviator preys on nocturnally migratory species, as does its European relative N. lasiopterus, and to gain insight into this hunting strategy (e.g. on the wing vs. from cavities). The diversity and the characteristics of the birds found in the faecal remains indicate that in Japan N. aviator employs a similar hunting strategy on songbirds as N. lasiopterus in Iberia. Both noctules are primarily generalist insectivores that prey seasonally on songbirds of 5‐25 g body mass during their migration and probably hunt them at high altitude. Accordingly, predation on birds seems to be a strategy that appears in distant points across the Palaearctic and is not the result of local specialization. We hypothesize that the bird hunting behaviour appeared during evolution as a trophic jump from a pre‐existing hunting behaviour on the many insects that carry out seasonal nocturnal migrations in temperate zones at high altitude.
LGR5 induces β‐catenin activation and augments tumour progression by activating STAT3 in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kawasaki Keishi , Kuboki Satoshi , Furukawa Katsunori , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Takano Shigetsugu , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: November 2020

Background & Aims

LGR5 enhances Wnt‐β‐catenin signalling; however, involvement of LGR5 or Wnt‐β‐catenin signalling in ICC progression has not been reported.

Methods

Functions and regulations of LGR5‐mediated β‐catenin activation in ICC progression were evaluated using surgical specimens collected from 61 ICC patients or 2 ICC cell lines.

Results

LGR5 expression was increased in some cases of ICC. It was positively correlated with β‐catenin activation, OLFM4 expression and STAT3 activation, and negatively correlated with GRIM19 expression in ICC, thereby enhancing cancer stem cell (CSC)‐like property and EMT. High LGR5 expression was an independent factor for poor prognosis in ICC after operation. In vitro, Wnt inhibition by IWP‐2 suppressed β‐catenin activation, OLFM4 expression and STAT3 activation. IWP‐2 treatment decreased expression of EpCAM, CD133, vimentin and increased E‐cadherin expression. The rate of mesenchymal cells was decreased and cell invasiveness was suppressed after IWP‐2 treatment, suggesting that Wnt‐β‐catenin signalling enhanced CSC‐like property and EMT by activating STAT3. In addition, LGR5 knockdown inhibited β‐catenin activation, resulting in suppression of β‐catenin‐induced STAT3 activation through inhibition of OLFM4‐GRIM19 cascade. As these results, LGR5 knockdown suppressed CSC‐like property and EMT. Therefore, LGR5 was a key regulator for β‐catenin activation, and β‐catenin was unable to be activated without LGR5.

Conclusions

LGR5 is essential for β‐catenin activation induced by Wnt signalling. Activated β‐catenin further activates STAT3 and enhances CSC‐like property and EMT, leading to aggressive tumour progression and poor prognosis in patients with ICC. Therefore, LGR5 is an excellent prognostic predictor and a promising therapeutic target for ICC.
E‐Learning for Continuing Medical Education of Neurology Residents
Authors: Dong Liang , Gao Tingting , Zheng Wei , Zeng Kebin , Wu Xiushu
Published: November 2020

This study focuses on the application, advantages, and disadvantages of E‐learning in neurology education. The findings of the study demonstrate that E‐learning can effectively improve learning efficiency and reduce learning costs. Neurologists can access the right study material on the Internet anytime, anywhere. Compared with traditional teaching methods, it is easier for text, graphics, animation, audio, video, and other multimedia formats of E‐learning to attract learners' interest. This makes the complex subject of neurology, including its basic theories, more vivid, and easier to understand for young neurologists. Moreover, in clinical practice, gaps in knowledge and skills acquisition can be bridged by treating virtual patients and watching videos of examination techniques and pathological signs. Compared with traditional teaching methods, E‐learning can better meet individual needs, and thus it has come to be one of the foremost choices for young neurologists to continue learning.
Signals and signal transduction pathways in Entamoeba histolytica during the life cycle and when interacting with bacteria or human cells
Authors: Guillen Nancy
Published: November 2020

Entamoeba histolytica is the etiological agent of amebiasis in humans. This ameba parasite resides as a commensal in the intestine where it shares intestinal resources with the bacterial microbiome. In the intestinal ecosystem, the ameba encysts and eventually develops disease by invading the tissues. E. histolytica possesses cell surface receptors for the proper sensing of signals involved in encystation or sustaining parasite interaction with bacteria and human cells. Among those receptors are the Gal/GalNAc lectin, G protein‐coupled receptors, and transmembrane kinases. In addition there are recently discovered, promising proteins, including orthologs of Toll‐type receptors and β trefoil lectins. These proteins trigger a wide variety of signal transduction pathways; however, most of the players involved in the signaling pathways evoked in this parasite are unknown. This review provides an overview of amoebic receptors and their role in encystation, adherence to bacteria or human cells, as well as the reported intracellular signal transduction processes that they can trigger. This knowledge is essential for understanding the lifestyle of E. histolytica and its cytopathic effect on bacteria and human cells that are responsible for infection.
Aerosol barriers in pediatric anesthesiology: Clinical data supports FDA caution
Authors: Tighe Nathaniel T. G. , McClain Craig D. , Vlassakova Bistra G. , Cravero Joseph P. , Peyton James M. , Kovatsis Pete G. , Park Raymond S. , Stein Mary Lyn
Published: November 2020

Background

The onset of the COVID19 pandemic drove the rapid development and adoption of physical barriers intended to protect providers from aerosols generated during airway management. We report our initial experience with aerosol barrier devices in pediatric patients and raise concerns that they may increase risk to patients.

Methods

In March 2020, we developed and implemented simulation training and use of plastic aerosol barrier devices as a component of our perioperative COVID‐19 workflow. As part of our quality improvement process, we obtained detailed feedback via a web‐based survey after cases were performed while using these aerosol barriers.

Results

Between March and June 2020, 36 pediatric patients age 1mo‐18years with anatomically normal airways and either PCR confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 were intubated under an aerosol barrier as part of urgent or emergent anesthetic care at our institution. Experienced providers had more difficulty than expected in six (16.7%) of the cases with four cases requiring multiple attempts to secure the airway and two cases involving pronounced difficulty in a single attempt. The aerosol barrier was perceived as a contributing factor to difficulty in all cases.

Conclusion

The use of barriers may result in unanticipated difficulties with airway management, particularly in pediatric patients, which could lead to hypoxemia or other patient harm. Our initial experience in pediatric patients is the first such report in patients and provides clinical data which corroborates the simulation data prompting the FDA to withdraw support of barriers.
Which inflammatory marker is more reliable in diagnosing acute septic arthritis in the pediatric population?
Authors: Bayram Serkan , Bilgili Fuat , Kıral Doğan , Yağcı Taha Furkan , Yıldırım Ahmet Müçteba , Demirel Mehmet
Published: November 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigate diagnostic values of C‐reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio as possible indirect inflammatory markers in children with septic arthritis (SA) for diagnosis process.

Methods

The medical records of pediatric patients with SA who underwent debridement surgery between February 2005 and November 2018 were obtained from the hospital records. A total of 59 children with SA and 60 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Hemograms parameters including WBC count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count, CRP, ESR, NLR, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio. Biochemical parameters including alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, and albumin were investigated and compared between both groups.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients, 30% female (n: 18) and 70% male (n: 41), who had received operations for SA were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 7.1 (range 6 days to 15 years) years and mean follow up 56.6 (12–140) months. No significant differences were observed in any biochemical parameters between the groups. However, a significant difference was found between the septic arthritis and the control group in all hemogram parameters.

Conclusions

Although the sensitivity and specificity of the NLR are lower than CRP, ESR, and WBC which are most commonly used inflammatory parameters in diagnosis process of septic arthritis, NLR may be useful in confirming the diagnosis in the clinical practise, with an optimum diagnostic cut‐off value of 4.05.
Discussing current syphilis case definitions: A proposal for a “probable infectious” case
Authors: O'Byrne Patrick , Orser Lauren , MacPherson Paul
Published: November 2020

Syphilis has increased in recent years, causing difficulties for clinicians and public health practitioners alike. While one issue with the current management of syphilis is that it has both a myriad of presentations and complicated laboratory results, another issue relates to the current case definitions used to define and track syphilis in public health surveillance. One item that is missing is a “probable” case definition, which could help capture the number of likely cases of syphilis that were appropriately treated clinically, but which failed to reach public health case definition based on serologic markers. This approach could produce a more accurate picture of the breadth of syphilis transmission in North America and help better appreciate the groups most affected by syphilis change. We put forward and argue this position herein.
Estimating the Potential Health Benefits of Air Quality Warnings
Authors: Buonocore Jonathan J. , Robinson Lisa A. , Hammitt James K. , O'Keeffe Lucy
Published: November 2020

National, state, and local air quality authorities issue warnings urging residents to stay indoors or to take other precautions when pollutant levels are expected to exceed defined thresholds. Previous work explores the impact of warnings on specific activities but not the health improvements that might result if individuals fully responded to the recommendations. We estimate these potential health impacts using recent pollution data in three U.S. locations: Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We focus on mortality risks among the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable. Under the strong assumptions of no infiltration and no offsetting indoor sources, we estimate that the benefits associated with avoiding ambient ozone and fine particle exposure are generally less than $14 per person for one additional hour spent indoors on days when air quality thresholds are exceeded. These estimates are sensitive to assumptions regarding the relationship between decreased exposure and mortality risks. Individuals’ decisions to stay indoors likely depend on the value of the health benefits compared with the value of forgone work and leisure activities. While the national warning system provides flexibility and allows individuals to tailor their responses to personal circumstances, our analysis suggests that its benefits under typical conditions are small. The benefits of warnings under wildfire or other extreme conditions may be much greater.
Threshold-Based Subgroup Testing in Logistic Regression Models in Two-Phase Sampling Designs
Authors: Huang Ying , Cho Juhee , Fong Youyi
Published: November 2020

The effect of treatment on binary disease outcome can differ across subgroups characterised by other covariates. Testing for the existence of subgroups that are associated with heterogeneous treatment effects can provide valuable insight regarding the optimal treatment recommendation in practice. Our research in this paper is motivated by the question of whether host genetics could modify a vaccine's effect on HIV acquisition risk. To answer this question, we used data from an HIV vaccine trial with a two-phase sampling design and developed a general threshold-based model framework to test for the existence of subgroups associated with the heterogeneity in disease risks, allowing for subgroups based on multivariate covariates. We developed a testing procedure based on maximum of likelihood ratio statistics over change-planes and demonstrated its advantage over alternative methods. We further developed the testing procedure to account for bias sampling of expensive (i.e. resource-intensive to measure) covariates through the incorporation of inverse probability weighting techniques. We used the proposed method to analyse the motivating HIV vaccine trial data. Our proposed testing procedure also has broad applications in epidemiological studies for assessing heterogeneity in disease risk with respect to univariate or multivariate predictors.
Modelling Ediacaran metazoan–microbial reef growth
Authors: Curtis Andrew , Wood Rachel , Bowyer Frederick , Shore Amy , Curtis‐Walcott Alastair , Robertsson Johan
Published: November 2020

Throughout the Phanerozoic, sessile metazoans grew in close association with various microbial carbonates to form reefs. The first metazoans with calcareous hard‐parts appeared in the terminal Ediacaran,ca550 million years ago, and these also commonly grew associated with microbial mats, thrombolites and stromatolites, to form the oldest known metazoan–microbial reefs. These hard‐parts also formed the first skeletal (bioclastic) carbonate sediments, which increased to dominate shallow marine carbonate sedimentary production during the Phanerozoic. Here the growth dynamics and sedimentary interactions between Ediacaran microbial–metazoan reefs and their bioclastic products are described based on reef complexes from the Nama Group, Namibia (ca547 Ma), and the first three‐dimensional numerical models are constructed to parametrize these dynamics. These reefs are observed to form large domal mounds and columns neighbouring locally high rates of bioclastic sediment accumulation, and commonly evolve to flat‐topped surfaces overlain by sediment. This model is parsimonious, embodying a single dynamic rule:metazoans attach to microbialite mounds which grow radially into free space shedding bioclasts in proportion to metazoan production. Models evolve mounds into columns due to spatial competition, and produce an oscillating interplay between mound expansion and smothering that results in an inter‐fingering of microbialite mound and detrital sediment. This dynamic is shown to be non‐linear in the proportion of bioclastic sediment produced. Smothering by bioclastic sediment is also demonstrated to both reduce the rate (by volume) of subsequent mound growth, and to overwhelm the growing mat surfaces of stromatolites: after a threshold is reached in the rate of bioclastic sediment deposition, sediment terminates all stromatolite growth. These models show that the general characteristics of field observations can be explained by a single dynamic rule, and that reef‐sourced bioclasts may make an important local contribution to Ediacaran to Cambrian microbial–metazoan reef dynamics – a contribution that remains important throughout the Phanerozoic.
Violence in Camus and Sartre: Ambiguities
Authors: Berthold Daniel
Published: November 2020

The friendship between Albert Camus and Jean‐Paul Sartre was torn apart over the question of the justifiability of violence in the service of a desired political end. I argue that the undeniable political and moral differences between Sartre and Camus are in fact ones of emphasis and not, as they themselves came to believe, ones of total opposition. A careful consideration of points of connection, however ambiguous, allows for a more nuanced narrative of Sartre’s and Camus’s famous relationship and of debates about justice and the legitimacy of violence that remain central to our contemporary world.
The associations between meeting 24‐hour movement guidelines and adiposity in Asian Adolescents: The Asia‐Fit Study
Authors: Hui Stanley Sai‐chuen , Zhang Ru , Suzuki Koya , Naito Hisashi , Balasekaran Govindasamy , Song Jong Kook , Park Soo Yeon , Liou Yiing Mei , Lu Dajiang , Poh Bee Koon , Kijboonchoo Kallaya , Thasanasuwan Wiyada
Published: November 2020

Less is known about how compliance with 24‐hour movement guidelines for physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and sleep affects adiposity in young people. The purposes of this study were to compare compliance with 24‐hour movement guidelines in Asian adolescents and to examine the associations between compliance with 24‐hour movement guidelines and body fat percentage. A sample of 12 590 adolescents aged 13.63 (± 1.01) years from eight Asian metropolitan cities including Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong SAR, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Taipei (Taiwan), and Tokyo (Japan) completed interviewer‐administered questionnaires to assess moderate‐to‐vigorous PA, recreational screen time, sleep duration, and covariates. Body fat percentage was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. We found that compliance with 24‐hour movement guidelines differed in Asian adolescents across the eight cities. Adjusting for covariates, there was a negative association between number of the guidelines being met and body fat percentage in Asian adolescents. In addition, meeting only the sleep guideline and both the PA and sleep guidelines had negative associations with body fat percentage compared with no guidelines being met. Our findings improve the understanding about how compliance with 24‐hour movement guidelines benefit a healthy body weight in adolescents, as well as contribute to development of evidence‐based 24‐hour movement guidelines for Asian young people. Future research is needed to gain better insights into the directionality of the associations between compliance with 24‐hour movement guidelines and adiposity, as well as the mechanisms underlying the associations in Asian adolescents.
The racial division of nature: Making land in Recife
Authors: Davies Archie
Published: November 2020

In this paper I analyse the making and unmaking of amphibious urban modernity in Recife in the Northeast of Brazil in the first half of the 20th century. I argue that the transformation of the city was predicated on an absorptive and eradicative notion of whiteness that required the enclosure of wet, amphibious space to make dry land. The process of urban transformation proceeded not only through a racial division of space, but through a racial division of nature.
Towards a dynamic model of the industrial upgrading with global value chains
Authors: Shen Jim Huangnan , Zhang Luyao , Lee Chien‐Chiang , Zhang Jun , Shen Leilei
Published: November 2020

This research constructs a simple dynamic model to illustrate the micro‐mechanism of industrial upgrading along the global value chains. Our model predicts that as firms move up from downstream to upstream stages, (a) there is higher profitability if and only if the following three conditions are satisfied. First, the increasing rate of sunk cost (including R&D expenditure) over sequential stages of production cannot be sufficiently large (endogenous sunk cost effect). Second, the decreasing rate of change of intermediate input demand with respect to the price set by firms at a production stage cannot be sufficiently high (intermediate input price effect). Third, the decreasing rate of change of intermediate input demand with respect to the pricing dynamics over the sequential stages of production cannot be sufficiently large (sequential pricing uncertainty effect); (b) total cost is lower if and only if the decreasing rate of change of input demand with respect to the price is sufficiently large; (c) output is higher if and only if and the decreasing rate of change of input demand with respect to the price is not sufficiently large; and (d) the price decreases. We show that the empirical patterns revealed in China are consistent with our model's predictions.