bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy of independent versus simultaneous management strategies to address ecological and genetic threats to population viability
Authors: Trask Amanda E. , Fenn Sarah R. , Bignal Eric M. , McCracken Davy I. , Monaghan Pat , Reid Jane M.
Published: June 2019

Small, declining populations can face simultaneous, interacting, ecological and genetic threats to viability. Conservation management strategies designed to tackle such threats independently may then prove ineffective. Population viability analyses that evaluate the efficacy of management strategies implemented independently versus simultaneously are then essential to the design of effective management plans, yet such quantitative evaluations are typically lacking.

We used stochastic individual‐based models, parameterised with high‐quality multi‐year demographic and genetic data, to evaluate the efficacy of independent or simultaneous ecological (supplementary feeding) and genetic (translocations to alleviate inbreeding) management strategies for a red‐billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) population of major conservation concern. This population is experiencing ecological threats from food limitation and genetic threats from escalating inbreeding. Conservation managers therefore face a dilemma: supplementary feeding may be ineffective if inbreeding is limiting stochastic population growth rate (λs), while translocations may be ineffective if food is limiting.

Model simulations suggested that the focal population will decline to extinction relatively rapidly with no conservation management (mean λs ≈ 0.86) and with genetic management alone (λs ≈ 0.90). Ecological management alone reduced, but did not halt the population decline (λs ≈ 0.93). However, simultaneous genetic and ecological management yielded population stability (λs ≈ 1), with genetic rescue lasting ~25 years.

These outcomes arose because the capacity for translocations to alleviate inbreeding depression is limited by food availability, while supplementary feeding cannot achieve population viability in the presence of accumulating inbreeding. However, supplementary feeding improved environmental quality enough to allow expression of variance in fitness and thus inbreeding depression, meaning that reductions in inbreeding following translocations can increase λs.

Synthesis and applications. Our analyses suggest that simultaneous management of ecological and genetic threats will be critical to ensuring viability of Scotland's chough population; neither strategy independently is likely to achieve population persistence and may consequently waste conservation resources. Managers of other resource‐limited, inbred populations should consider that the efficacy of strategies designed to alleviate ecological and genetic threats may be interdependent, such that holistic management is essential to ensure population viability.
The loss of functional diversity: A detrimental influence of landscape‐scale deforestation on tree reproductive traits
Authors: Rocha‐Santos Larissa , Mayfield Margaret M. , Lopes Ariadna V. , Pessoa Michaele S. , Talora Daniela C. , Faria Deborah , Cazetta Eliana
Published: June 2019

Agricultural activities such as crop production and cattle ranching are rapidly replacing forests worldwide, especially in the tropics. Resulting forest loss can adversely affect biodiversity in many ways, including trajectories of community reassembly, community composition, forest structural profiles and taxonomic diversity. Yet, effects of forest loss on specific ecosystem functions remain limited. Processes closely linked with tree reproduction, such as pollination and seed dispersal are of paramount importance for many ecological functions in tropical forests. Disruption in these processes is known to delay or change forest regeneration, diversity and structural dynamics.

To explore how reproductive and dispersal traits are being altered by landscape‐scale deforestation, we surveyed and compiled trait data for tree communities in 20 tropical Atlantic rainforest remnants in northeastern Brazil, across a gradient of deforested landscapes, each retaining 3%–93% forest cover.

The functional richness of reproductive plant attributes decreased as the amount of forest cover decreased, while divergence increased along the same gradient. Loss of forest cover disproportionately affected certain dispersal and reproductive attributes, with most heavily impacted functional attributes including: brief flowering duration, hermaphrodite sexual system, and zoochoric dispersal mode. We identified a clear threshold at 25–30% of forest cover, below which, reproductive attributes disappeared more quickly than expect from forest remnants.

Synthesis. Deforestation may impair tree community functional diversity, particularly by decreasing the number of functions. Under scenarios of extensive deforestation, changes to reproductive and dispersal trait profile of forest communities suggest that profound modifications in the availability of floral and seed resources are likely to be substantial. Such extensive changes to food supply of pollinating and dispersing animals suggest carry‐over effects to the fauna of these important forest systems.
The vaginal microbiota, human papillomavirus and cervical dysplasia: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Norenhag J , Du J , Olovsson M , Verstraelen H , Engstrand L , Brusselaers N
Published: June 2019

Background

Persistent infection with high‐risk human papillomavirus can lead to cervical dysplasia and cancer. Recent studies have suggested associations between the composition of the vaginal microbiota, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and progression to cervical dysplasia and cancer.

Objective

To assess how specific cervico‐vaginal microbiota compositions are associated with HPV infection, cervical dysplasia and cancer, we conducted a systematic review and network meta‐analysis (registered in PROSPERO: CRD42018112862).

Search strategy

PubMed, Web of science, Embase and Cochrane database.

Selection criteria

All original studies describing at least two community state types of bacteria (CST), based on molecular techniques enabling identification of bacteria, and reporting the association with HPV infection, cervical dysplasia and/or cervical cancer.

Data collection and analysis

For the meta‐analysis, a network map was constructed to provide an overview of the network relationships and to assess how many studies provided direct evidence for the different vaginal microbiota compositions and HPV, cervical dysplasia or cancer. Thereafter, the consistency of the model was assessed, and forest plots were constructed to pool and summarise the available evidence, presenting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Main results

Vaginal microbiota dominated by non‐Lactobacilli species or Lactobacillus iners were associated with three to five times higher odds of any prevalent HPV and two to three times higher for high‐risk HPV and dysplasia/cervical cancer compared with Lactobacillus crispatus.

Conclusions

These findings suggest an association between certain bacterial community types of the vaginal microbiota and HPV infection and HPV‐related disease. This may be useful for guiding treatment options or serve as biomarkers for HPV‐related disease.

Tweetable abstract

This network meta‐analysis suggests an association between different vaginal bacterial community types and the risk of HPV.
Development and Application of an Active Plastic Multilayer Film by Coating a Plantaricin BM‐1 for Chilled Meat Preservation
Authors: Yang Wenge , Xie Yuanhong , Jin Junhua , Liu Hui , Zhang Hongxing
Published: June 2019

In this study, an active antibacterial packaging film was developed by coating a polyethylene terephthalate/polyvinylidene chloride/retort casting polypropylene (PPR) plastic multilayer film with plantaricin BM‐1 and chitosan. The characteristics of the active packaging film and its antibacterial effect for chilled meat preservation were evaluated. Our results indicated that the barrier properties against oxygen were improved significantly and the tensile strength and the elongation at break were changed slightly. The active plantaricin film significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the viable counts of Listeria monocytogenes by 3.6 log10CFU/mL in liquid medium and approximately 1.4 log10CFU/g in meat stored at 4 °C for 8 days compared with the control. Moreover, the viable counts of aerobes and anaerobes in the meat packaged with the active plantaricin film were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by approximately 0.6 log10CFU/g and 1.1 log10CFU/g when compared with that packaged with PPR film stored at 4 °C for 12 days. The total volatile base (TVB‐N) in the meat packaged with the active plantaricin film was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in the control during the entire storage period. Our results indicated that the active film could extend the meat shelf life by inhibiting the L. monocytogenes and the background spoilage bacteria in chilled meat stored at 4 °C. This outcome suggests that plastic multilayer film incorporating plantaricin BM‐1 can be potentially used for fresh meat packaging.

Practical Application

Fresh meat is highly perishable product. This study developed a plantaricin BM‐1 active plastic multilayer film that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms in chilled meat during storage at 4 °C.
Glucosinolate Content and Sensory Evaluation of Baby Leaf Rapeseed from Annual and Biennial White‐ and Yellow‐Flowering Cultivars with Repeated Harvesting in Two Seasons
Authors: Groenbaek Marie , Kidmose Ulla , Tybirk Erik , Kristensen Hanne Lakkenborg
Published: June 2019

The chemical and sensory quality of field‐grown vegetables may be influenced by cultivar choice and agronomic factors but knowledge is lacking on the new rapeseed vegetables. White‐ and yellow‐flowering rapeseed cultivars were tested in two seasonally different field studies in Denmark at three different growing stages by early sowing the first year and late sowing the second year. Content of glucosinolates (GLSs) was analyzed, and the sensory quality of baby leaf samples was evaluated. The GLS content differed among cultivars across years in all growing stages, with biennial cultivars having the highest GLS content. In the second year, a higher content of all identified GLSs was found at two growing stages except for neoglucobrassicin and gluconasturtiin, compared to the first year. On the contrary, higher contents of all identified GLSs were found at a third stage in the first year except for progoitrin and 4‐methoxy glucobrassicin. Sensory evaluation of bitterness revealed differences among cultivars, higher intensities of bitterness in biennial cultivars, and a relationship between bitterness and content of bitter‐tasting and total GLSs. The effect of repeated harvesting on GLS content differed between the years and no general pattern was seen, except that the composition of individual GLSs was comparable for the biennial cultivars. We conclude that growing season and life cycle had a stronger influence on GLS content than stage at harvest. The link between bitter‐tasting GLSs and bitterness revealed that life cycle and seasonal effects affected the sensory profile of baby leaf rapeseed thereby making a healthier product due to high content of health‐beneficial GLSs.
Stare decisisand judicial log‐rolls: a gains‐from‐trade model
Authors: Cameron Charles M. , Kornhauser Lewis A. , Parameswaran Giri
Published: June 2019

The practice of horizontalstare decisisrequires that judges occasionally decide cases “incorrectly.” What sustains this practice? Given a heterogeneous bench, we show that theincreasing differences in dispositional valueproperty of preferences generates gains when judges trade dispositions over the case‐space. These gains are fully realized by implementing a compromise rule—stare decisis. Absent commitment, we provide conditions that sustain the compromise in a repeated game. When complete compromises become unsustainable, partial compromises still avail. Moreover, judges may prefer to implement partial compromises even when perfect ones are sustainable. Thus,stare decisisis consistent with a partially settled, partially contested legal doctrine.
Prognostic impact of examined lymph node count in pT1N0M0 esophageal cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Liu Ying , Yang Heli , Fu Hao , Li Meng , Feng Zhen , Peng Zhongmin , Liang Zhen , Wang Hui
Published: June 2019

Background

Research on the impact of examined lymph node (ELN) count on node‐negative esophageal cancer (EC) especially pT1N0M0 EC is inadequate. This study was designed to analyze the prognostic impact of ELN count on pT1N0M0 EC.

Methods

Data of resected pT1N0M0 EC patients between 1988 and 2015 were extracted from the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The association between ELN count and overall survival (OS) or esophageal cancer‐specific survival (ECSS) were investigated. Factors that may predict the outcome were identified using the Kaplan‐Meier method and the Cox proportional‐hazards model.

Results

A total of 906 patients who underwent resection with at least one lymph node (LN) retrieved met our criteria. The cumulative 5‐year OS was 67.6%, while the cumulative 5‐year ECSS was 75.4%. X‐Tile analysis showed that 12 was the optimal cutoff value for ELN count in terms of both OS (χ2 = 28.764,P < 0.0001) and ECSS (χ2 = 15.668,P= 0.0026). A Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and log‐rank comparison revealed that ELN > 12 was significantly associated with better OS (HR, 0.532; 95% CI, 0.421–0.672;P < 0.001) and ECSS (HR, 0.561; 95% CI, 0.420–0.749;P < 0.001) rates than ELN ≤12. The OS and ECSS benefit of increasing ELN count were also reflected in the multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, sex, race, marital status, location, T stage, tumor size, pathology, and differentiation.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that greater number of ELN count exhibits prognostic significance in pT1N0M0 EC. We recommend more than 12 LNs should be examined in pT1N0M0 EC.
BARDAISAN OF EDESSA AND MEMORIES OF CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN THE NEAR EAST
Authors: ANDRADE NATHANAEL
Published: June 2019

According to Eusebius, the famous Edessene thinker Bardaisan wrote his work On Fate in a time of persecution and addressed it to a figure named Antoninus (HE 4.30). It is commonly surmised that this ‘Antoninus’ was a Roman emperor who sanctioned Christian persecution in some way. But scholars have varied in their interpretations. Some have identified this figure as Caracalla, who visited Edessa in 216–217. But since Eusebius situated Bardaisan's activity in the reign of Marcus Aurelius, he is often deemed to be the Antoninus in question. As this article surmises, the testimony of Eusebius and other late antique authors, like Epiphanius, reflect certain memories both of the integration of Edessa into the Roman provincial system under Caracalla and the social tensions that it raised. But largely due to Eusebius' narrative, late antique authors conceived of Marcus Aurelius as the ‘Antoninus’ to whom Bardaisan reportedly addressed On Fate and other apologetic work, and they created social memories of Bardaisan as a would-be confessor in a context of persecution.
Interactive Effects of Naturalistic Drinking Context and Alcohol Sensitivity on Neural Alcohol Cue‐Reactivity Responses
Authors: Martins Jorge S. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Cooper M. Lynne , Irvin Kelsey M. , Piasecki Thomas M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Considerable evidence indicates that a low level of subjective response to alcohol's acute effects (i.e., low sensitivity) is associated with enhanced risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent work suggests that the highest risk response profile consists of blunted sensitivity to alcohol's sedation‐like effects, coupled with enhanced sensitivity to alcohol's stimulation‐like effects (i.e., differential sensitivity). A largely separate body of work indicates that enhanced reactivity to alcohol‐related cues is associated with increased AUD risk.

Aims

The current research examined the extent to which variability in alcohol response phenotypes is associated with enhanced P3 event‐related potential (ERP) responses to alcohol‐related pictures (ACR‐P3), and whether this reactivity varies according to depicted drinking contexts.

Methods

Eighty young adults (aged 18 to 33 years) completed a self‐report measure of alcohol sensitivity (the Alcohol Sensitivity Questionnaire) and viewed images depicting drinking in naturalistic contexts, alcohol and nonalcohol beverages in isolation (devoid of naturalistic drinking context), and neutral nonbeverage control images while ERPs were recorded.

Results

Results indicated that blunted sensitivity to alcohol's sedative‐like effects was differentially associated with enhanced ACR‐P3 but reduced P3 reactivity to nonalcohol cues. Variation in sensitivity to alcohol's stimulant‐like effects was not associated with differential ACR‐P3. Contrary to predictions, these effects were not potentiated by drinking contexts.

Conclusions

The current results replicate and extend previous work linking low alcohol sensitivity with enhanced incentive salience for alcohol‐related cues and suggest that cues depicting drinking contexts are less likely to differentiate high‐risk from low‐risk drinkers.
Chronic Ethanol Exposure Disrupts Lactate and Glucose Homeostasis and Induces Dysfunction of the Astrocyte–Neuron Lactate Shuttle in the Brain
Authors: Lindberg Daniel , Ho Ada Man Choi , Peyton Lee , Choi Doo‐Sup
Published: June 2019

Background

Impairment of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)‐dependent astrocyte‐neuron lactate transfer disrupts long‐term memory and erases drug‐associated memories in mice. However, few studies have examined how drugs of abuse alter astrocyte‐neuron lactate transfer in neurocircuits related to addiction. This is particularly pertinent for ethanol (EtOH), which has been demonstrated to impair central nervious system (CNS) glucose uptake and significantly alter peripheral levels of glucose, lactate, acetate, and ketones.

Methods

We subjected C57BL/6J mice to a chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure paradigm to investigate how chronic EtOH exposure alters the concentration of glucose and lactate within the serum and CNS during withdrawal. Next, we determine how chronic injections of lactate (1 g/kg, twice daily for 2 weeks) influence central and peripheral glucose and lactate concentrations. Finally, we determine how CIE and chronic lactate injection affect astrocyte‐neuron lactate transfer by analyzing the expression of MCTs.

Results

Our results show that CIE induces lasting changes in CNS glucose and lactate concentrations, accompanied by increased expression of MCTs. Interestingly, although chronic lactate injection mimics the effect of EtOH on CNS metabolites, chronic lactate injection is not associated with increased expression of MCTs.

Conclusion

CIE increases CNS concentrations of glucose and lactate and augments the expression of MCTs. Although we found that chronic lactate injection mimics EtOH‐induced increases in CNS lactate and glucose, lactate failed to alter the expression of MCTs. This suggests that although lactate may influence the homeostasis of bioenergetic molecules in the CNS, EtOH‐associated increases in lactate are not responsible for increased MCT expression.
What Drives China's 2015 Stock Market Surges and Turmoil?
Authors: Wang Yang‐Chao , Tsai Jui‐Jung , Li Xiongwei
Published: June 2019

Using high‐frequency data, we investigate China's stock market surges and turmoil from 2014 to 2015 by employing GARCH family models to evaluate the effects of government policies, economic factors, and related announcements. The results indicate that China's stock market has primarily been driven by government policies rather than economic factors. During the period, the commentaries of the People's Daily further amplified the direction of market movements in the market surges and turmoil. In addition to individual policies and announcements, we explore the structural changes in volatility in different market stages and provide explanations for the distinct features of each stage.
Republican Freedom, Popular Control, and Collective Action
Authors: Ingham Sean , Lovett Frank
Published: June 2019

Republicans hold that people are dominated merely in virtue of others' having unconstrained abilities to frustrate their choices. They argue further that public officials may dominate citizens unless subject to popular control. Critics identify a dilemma. To maintain the possibility of popular control, republicans must attribute to the people an ability to control public officials merely in virtue of the possibility that they might coordinate their actions. But if the possibility of coordination suffices for attributing abilities to groups, then, even in the best case, countless groups will be dominating because it will be possible for their members to coordinate their actions with the aim of frustrating others' choices. We argue the dilemma is apparent only. To make our argument, we present a novel interpretation of the republican concept of domination with the help of a game‐theoretic model that clarifies the significance of collective action problems for republican theory.
Evaluation of gastric motility in nine dogs before and after prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy: a pilot study
Authors: Coleman KA , Boscan P , Ferguson L , Twedt D , Monnet E
Published: June 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy on gastric motility in healthy large‐breed dogs.

Methods

This was a prospective pilot study with nine healthy client‐owned dogs. Each dog was its own control. Gastric motility was evaluated before and after laparoscopic gastropexy. Dogs were fed a standard diet three weeks before and after surgery. Gastric motility was measured before and 3 weeks after surgery. A wireless motility capsule (WMC) was used to measure gastric pH, intragastric pressure, temperature, frequency of contractions, motility index (MI) and transit time. Non‐parametric statistical analysis was used to compare the paired data. Clients were contacted for follow‐up information 2 years postoperatively.

Results

Median frequency of gastric contractions was 1.3 (range, 0.6–1.9 contractions/min) before gastropexy and 1.0 (range, 0.3–2.6 contractions/min) after gastropexy (P = 0.820). Median MI was 49.2 (range, 23.7–96.6) before gastropexy and 28.1 (range, 12.2–148.9) after gastropexy (P = 0.652). Median gastric emptying time was 1140 (range, 486–1230 min) before gastropexy and 1110 (range, 306–2610 min) after gastropexy (P = 0.570). During the hour before the WMC passed through the pylorus, median MI was 72.2 (range, 48.2–549.3) before gastropexy and 52.9 (range, 15.20–322.8) after gastropexy (P = 0.734), and frequency of contractions was 1.1 (range, 0.9–4.1 contractions/min) before gastropexy and 1.2 (range, 0.5–3.0 contractions/min) after gastropexy (P = 0.652).

Conclusion

Motility in the stomach did not change in healthy dogs after prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy. We conclude that preventive laparoscopic gastropexy does not induce gastroparesis.
Antimicrobial stewardship in equine practice
Authors: Raidal SL
Published: June 2019

Antimicrobial stewardship involves the judicious use of antimicrobials balanced against the requirement to treat the presenting clinical condition. The same mandate and principles as discussed in human medicine and other veterinary disciplines are relevant to equine practice. This brief review will focus on available resources for equine practitioners, emerging perspectives on antimicrobial use and stewardship, and opportunities for more effective antimicrobial use in equine practice. There is a need for improved client education, availability of faster and more accurate techniques for identification and sensitivity testing of bacterial pathogens, and the development of novel agents.
Monoterpenes modulating autophagy: A review study
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Ahmadi Zahra , Mohammadinejad Reza , Kaviyani Nasim , Tavakol Shima
Published: June 2019

From the beginning of the 21st century, much attention has been made towards the medicinal herbs due to their low side effects and valuable biological activities. Among them, terpenes comprise a large group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that are considered as main components of flavours, antifeedants and pheromones. Monoterpenes have demonstrated a favourable profile as compounds that have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, hepatoprotective and anti‐tumour activities. On the other hand, autophagy is a ‘self‐digestion’ mechanism which plays a remarkable role in a number of pathological conditions such as cancer, ageing, metabolic disorders and infection. Also, autophagy is considered as a stress adaptor that may lead to apoptotic cell death under severe and sustained stress. Autophagy modulation is a promising strategy in cancer treatment, and a variety of drugs have been designed in line with this strategy. In the present MiniReview, we discuss the effects of monoterpenes on autophagy and its relationship with therapeutic impacts of monoterpenes.
Outcomes of synchronous systemic and central nervous system (CNS) involvement of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma are dictated by the CNS disease: a collaborative study of the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance
Authors: Wight Joel C. , Yue Mimi , Keane Colm , Johnston Anna , Linton Kim , Chin Collin , Wai Shin Hnin , Talaulikar Dipti , Gasiorowski Robin , Cheah Chan Yoon , Gregory Gareth P. , Dickinson Michael , Minson Adrian , Coombes Caitlin , Ku Matthew , Lam Stephanie , Hawkes Eliza A.
Published: June 2019

De novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presenting with synchronous central nervous system (CNS) and systemic disease (synDLBCL) is not well described and is excluded from clinical trials. We performed a retrospective analysis of 80 synDLBCL patients treated across 10 Australian and UK centres. Of these patients, 96% had extranodal systemic disease. CNS‐directed treatment with combination intravenous cytarabine and high‐dose methotrexate (“CNS‐intensive”) (n = 38) was associated with favourable survival outcomes compared with “CNS‐conservative” strategies such as intravenous high‐dose methotrexate monotherapy, intrathecal therapy and/or radiotherapy (2‐year progression‐free survival [PFS] 50% vs. 31%, P = 0·006; 2‐year overall survival [OS] 54% vs. 44%, P = 0·037). Outcomes were primarily dictated by the ability to control the CNS disease, with 2‐year cumulative CNS relapse incidence of 42% and non‐CNS relapse 21%. Two‐year OS for CNS‐relapse patients was 13% vs. 36% for non‐CNS relapses (P = 0·02). Autologous stem cell transplantation as consolidation (n = 14) was not observed to improve survival in those patients who received CNS‐intensive induction when matched for induction outcomes (2‐year PFS 69% vs. 56%, P = 0·99; 2‐year OS 66% vs. 56%, P = 0·98). Hyperfractionated or infusional systemic treatment did not improve survival compared to R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) (2‐year OS 49% for both groups). Our study suggests that adequate control of the CNS disease is paramount and is best achieved by intensive CNS‐directed induction.
Salinomycin exerts anti‐colorectal cancer activity by targeting the β‐catenin/T‐cell factor complex
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Zhou Liang , Xiong Yanpeng , Yu Shubin , Li Huan , Fan Jiaoyang , Li Fan , Su Zijie , Song Jiaxing , Sun Qi , Liu Shan‐Shan , Xia Yuqing , Zhao Liang , Li Shiyue , Guo Fang , Huang Peng , Carson Dennis A. , Lu Desheng
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Salinomycin is a well‐known inhibitor of human cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which salinomycin targets colorectal CSCs is poorly understood. Here, we have investigated underlying antitumour mechanisms of salinomycin in colorectal cancer cells and three tumour models.

Experimental Approach

The inhibitory effect of salinomycin on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was analysed with the SuperTopFlash reporter system. The mRNA expression of Wnt target genes was evaluated with real‐time PCR. Effects of salinomycin on β‐catenin/TCF4E interaction were examined using co‐immunoprecipitation and an in vitro GST pull‐down assay. Cell proliferation was determined by BrdU incorporation and soft agar colony formation assay. The stemness of the cells was assessed by sphere formation assay. Antitumour effects of salinomycin on colorectal cancers was evaluated with colorectal CSC xenografts, APCmin/+ transgenic mice, and patient‐derived colorectal tumour xenografts.

Key Results

Salinomycin blocked β‐catenin/TCF4E complex formation in colorectal cancer cells and in an in vitro GST pull‐down assay, thus decreasing expression of Wnt target genes. Salinomycin also suppressed the transcriptional activity mediated by β‐catenin/LEF1 or β‐catenin/TCF4E complex and exhibited an inhibitory effect on the sphere formation, proliferation, and anchorage‐independent growth of colorectal cancer cells. In colorectal tumour xenografts and APCmin/+ transgenic mice, administration of salinomycin significantly reduced tumour growth and the expression of CSC‐related Wnt target genes including LGR5.

Conclusions and Implications

Our study suggested that salinomycin could suppress the growth of colorectal cancer by disrupting the β‐catenin/TCF complex and thus may be a promising agent for colorectal cancer treatment.
Vection in virtual reality modulates vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials
Authors: Gallagher Maria , Dowsett Ross , Ferrè Elisa Raffaella
Published: June 2019

The popularity of virtual reality (VR) has increased rapidly in recent years. While significant technological advancements are apparent, a troublesome problem with VR is that between 20% and 80% of users will experience unpleasant side effects such as nausea, disorientation, blurred vision and headaches—a malady known as Cybersickness. Cybersickness may be caused by a conflict between sensory signals for self‐motion: while vision signals that the user is moving in a certain direction with certain acceleration, the vestibular organs provide no corroborating information. To resolve the sensory conflict, vestibular cues may be down‐weighted leading to an alteration of how the brain interprets actual vestibular information. This may account for the frequently reported after‐effects of VR exposure. Here, we investigated whether exposure to vection in VR modulates vestibular processing. We measured vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) during brief immersion in a vection‐inducing VR environment presented via head‐mounted display. We found changes in VEMP asymmetry ratio, with a substantial increase in VEMP amplitude recorded on the left sternocleidomastoid muscle following just one minute of exposure to vection in VR. Our results suggest that exposure to vection in VR modulates vestibular processing, which may explain common after‐effects of VR.
The impact of the mandatory rest period in Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance events
Authors: Bennet E. D. , Parkin T. D. H.
Published: June 2019

Background

Endurance riding competitions are increasingly popular, with a corresponding awareness of the frequency of Failure to Qualify (FTQ) due to lameness or metabolic problems. Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules require a minimum number of days between competitions, known as a mandatory rest period (MRP).

Objectives

To analyse the impact on FTQ outcomes of MRPs which applied between January 2014 and December 2016, and model potential changes to MRPs to establish which rule change could lead to the largest further reduction in the number of FTQ outcomes.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study and predictive model using a subset of data collected by the FEI of every horse start worldwide in Concours de Raid d’Endurance Internationale (CEI) competitions between 2010 and 2017.

Methods

Descriptive statistics followed by predictive/retrospective modelling of potential scenarios. Scenarios involved extended MRP for all horses and/or for only the fastest ridden horses.

Results

There were clear direct benefits demonstrated from the introduction of MRPs. Among directly affected horses, current MRPs could have prevented 2.3% of FTQ outcomes. Further benefits could be gained by extending MRPs. The ‘best‐value’ impact could be found in a 1‐week extension for all horses plus a 1‐week extension for the fastest ridden horses – which could result in a reduction of up to 11.5% of FTQ outcomes among directly affected horses.

Main limitations

The data set covers all FEI competitions but no National Federation events. The data set is geographically comprehensive but it does not include every competition started by every individual horse. Training data for each horse were not available.

Conclusions

Mandatory rest periods for horses between endurance competitions have had the intended impact of reducing numbers of FTQ outcomes in CEI events. Further benefits could be gained by extending rest periods for all horses and/or for horses ridden at the highest average speeds.
Five Phases of Dyadic Analysis: Stretching the Boundaries of Understanding of Family Relationships
Authors: Hochman Yael , Segev Einav , Levinger Miriam
Published: June 2019

In the last decade, an increasing number of qualitative studies sought to investigate the dynamics of various dyads by conducting in‐depth, multiple family member interviews. The emphasis in the methodological literature dealing with this type of research is primarily on the data collection process, and much less on the development of methods suitable for the analysis of the data thus derived, especially with regard to dyads consisting of family members belonging to different systems: families of origin or nuclear families. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for dyadic analysis based on examining the dynamics of the evolving relationships between key caregivers of a family member with brain injury. The model includes inductive and abductive phases of analysis, and it is based on an ecological‐systemic perspective. The benefits of this model are highlighted, and its potential contribution is further discussed.
Mediation of Childhood Adversity and Health by Relationship Quality in Diverse Couples
Authors: Wheeler Naomi J. , Barden Sejal M. , Daire Andrew P.
Published: June 2019

Individuals with economic disadvantage experience greater (a) adverse childhood experiences (ACE), (b) risk for low relationship quality and relationship dissolution, and (c) disparity in physical and mental health. Thus, a critical need exists to understand the connections between areas of disparity in family and relational health on physical and mental health for those most vulnerable to the deleterious effects. The researchers therefore tested a dyadic model for the mediation of ACE and health by relationship quality with data from 503 couples with economic disadvantage and a racial or ethnic minority background (76.9%). The data fit the proposed model and explained a majority of the variance in health, 82.3% of the variance in menʼs health and 56.5% in womenʼs health—both large effects. Moreover, the significant indirect pathway between ACE and health through relationship quality contributed 98.05% and 57.40% of the total effects for men and women, respectively. Overall, a significant relationship existed between ACE, relationship quality, and health for men and women at the actor‐level and the dyadic influence between members of a couple contributed to the overall model fit. Results add to support for the role of relationship quality as a dyadic social determinant of health disparities with implications for prevention and intervention.
Diagnosis of postoperative delirium in older adults using the Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit in non‐intensive care unit settings: A test modification might improve its diagnostic performance
Authors: Wongviriyawong Titima , Sura‐arunsumrit Patumporn , Chaiwat Onuma , To‐Adithep Puriwat , Ramlee Rachaneekorn , Srinonprasert Varalak
Published: June 2019

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit (CAM‐ICU) among postoperative older patients in non‐ICU settings.

Methods

The CAM‐ICU was used by trained staff to prospectively evaluate postoperative patients for delirium. The patients were aged ≥60 years, were in general wards and had no critical illnesses. The assessments occurred for 7 consecutive days after surgery. The results were compared with delirium diagnoses obtained by geriatricians using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition criteria as the reference standard.

Results

The sensitivity of delirium detection for the CAM‐ICU was 31.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.6–56.6), while the specificity was 97.6% (95% CI 94.9–99.1), positive predictive value was 50.0% (95% CI 26.3–73.7) and negative predictive value was 95.0% (95% CI 93.3–96.3). Feature 4 (disorganized thinking) yielded the highest sensitivity (60%; 95% CI 14.7–94.7), whereas feature 2 (inattention) had low sensitivity (36.8%; 95% CI 16.3–61.6). Further analyses to explore the highest sensitive criteria showed that if CAM‐ICU diagnoses were made by the presence of any two out of feature 1 (acute change or fluctuation of cognition), feature 3 (altered level of consciousness) or feature 4, the sensitivity increased substantially to 80.0% (95% CI 28.4–99.5), with a reasonably high specificity of 81.8% (95% CI 48.2–97.7).

Conclusions

Modification of the flow of delirium diagnosis using the CAM‐ICU appears to offer a better sensitivity for detecting delirium in non‐ICU settings. Furthermore, changing feature 2 to evaluate patients’ attention levels over a longer period of time might yield a better diagnostic performance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 762–767.
Revisiting income convergence in Turkey: Are there convergence clubs?
Authors: Aksoy Tolga , Taştan Hüseyin , Kama Özge
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates club convergence in per capita income across 81 NUTS‐III regions in Turkey over the 1987–2017 period using the procedure suggested by Phillips and Sul. Based on a nonlinear factor model that allows for transitional heterogeneity, our econometric approach enables us to test the presence of convergence clusters and to examine their transitional behavior. We obtain strong evidence that there is no absolute or conditional convergence but convergence clubs across Turkish regions: five clubs in the first period covering 1987–2001 and six clubs in the second period covering 2004–2017. The geographical distribution of clubs suggests a clear separation between the eastern and the western regions of Turkey for both periods. While geography may be destiny, results from an ordered logit model reveal that initial income per capita, human capital, and total credits are the most important determinants of convergence clubs in Turkey.
Loss of C/EBPδ enhances apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and exacerbates experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Jozawa Hiroki , Inoue‐Yamauchi Akane , Arimura Sumimasa , Yamanashi Yuji
Published: June 2019

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic inflammation involving intestinal tissue damage, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease as major entities. Accumulating evidence suggests that excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) contributes to the development of IBD. It was recently reported that the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein delta (C/EBPδ) is involved in inflammation; however, its role in colitis remains unclear. Here, we found that C/EBPδ knockout mice showed enhanced susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis, a mouse model of IBD, which was associated with severe colonic inflammation and mucosal damage with increased IEC apoptosis. Additionally, DSS stimulation induced increased expression of pro‐apoptotic BH3‐only protein Bim in the colon of C/EBPδ knockout mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that C/EBPδ plays an essential role in suppressing DSS‐induced colitis, likely by attenuating IEC apoptosis.
Impact of lunar phase on outcomes following ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Segan Louise , Brennan Angela , Reid Christopher M. , Hiew Chin , Oqueli Ernesto , Ajani Andrew , Clark David , Duffy Stephen J. , Yip Thomas ,   Melbourne Interventional Group Investigators
Published: June 2019

Background

There is a long‐held belief in the association between the full moon and extremes of human behaviour and adverse health consequences. Small‐scale studies are conflicting; however, most suggest no clear association between lunar phase and occurrence of acute coronary syndromes.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of the lunar phase, and in particular, the full moon phase, on the incidence and outcomes among ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We conducted a multi‐centre retrospective study from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry, including 7570 STEMI cases from six tertiary centres over a 12‐year study period in Victoria, Australia, and performed statistical analysis using Stata software. Primary outcomes studied were the incidence of STEMI, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and mortality at 1 and 5 years in cases of STEMI undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention during the full moon between 2005 and 2017 in Victoria, Australia.

Results

This study demonstrated neither significant difference in STEMI incidence (P = 0.61) nor of major adverse cardiovascular events across all lunar phases. Subgroup analysis confirmed no difference in outcomes during the full moon compared to a composite of other lunar phases.Kaplan–Meier survival estimates showed similar 30‐day outcomes across lunar phases (P = 0.35) and when comparing full moon to a composite of other lunar phases (P = 0.45). Similarly, there was no significant difference in survival at 1 and 5 years between lunar phases (P = 0.68) or compared to the full moon phase (P = 0.51).

Conclusions

This study showed no significant difference in the incidence or cardiovascular outcomes and survival in patients with STEMI undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention during the lunar phases.
Danqi soft capsule prevents infarct border zone remodelling and reduces susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in post‐myocardial infarction rats
Authors: Ma Shiyu , Ma Jin , Mai Xiaoyi , Zhao Xujie , Guo Liheng , Zhang Minzhou
Published: June 2019

Danqi soft capsule (DQ) is a traditional Chinese medicine containing Salvia miltiorrhiza and Panax notoginseng; it is safe and efficient in treating ischaemic heart diseases. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether DQ could prevent infarct border zone (IBZ) remodelling and decrease ventricular arrhythmias occurrence in post‐myocardial infarction (MI) stage. MI was induced by a ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. DQ was administered to the post‐MI rats started from 1 week after MI surgery for 4 weeks. The results showed that DQ treatment significantly attenuated tachyarrhythmia induction rates and arrhythmia score in post‐MI rats. In echocardiography, DQ improved left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. Histological assessment revealed that DQ significantly reduced fibrotic areas and myocyte areas, and increased connexin (Cx) 43 positive areas in IBZ. Western blot revealed that DQ treatment significantly reduced the protein expression levels of type I and III collagens, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and Smad3 phosphorylation, while increasing Cx43 amounts. Overall, these findings mainly indicated that DQ intervention regulates interstitial fibrosis, Cx43 expression and myocyte hypertrophy by TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway in IBZ, inhibits LV remodelling and reduces vulnerability to tachyarrhythmias after MI. This study presents a proof of concept for novel antiarrhythmic strategies in preventing IBZ remodelling, modifying the healed arrhythmogenic substrate and thus reducing susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in the late post‐MI period.
Mechanical stress alters protein O‐GlcNAc in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Frank Dorottya , Cser Annamária , Kolarovszki Béla , Farkas Nelli , Miseta Attila , Nagy Tamás
Published: June 2019

Protein O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) is a post‐translational modification of intracellular proteins that regulates several physiological and pathophysiological process, including response to various stressors. However, O‐GlcNAc's response to mechanical stress has not been investigated yet. As human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are stimulated by compression force during orthodontic tooth movement that results in structural remodelling, in this study we investigated whether mechanical stress induces any alteration in protein O‐GlcNAc in PDL cells. In this study, PDL cells isolated from premolars extracted for orthodontic indications were exposed to 0, 1.5, 3, 7 and 14 g/cm2 compression forces for 12 hours. Cell viability was measured by flow cytometry, and protein O‐GlcNAc was analysed by Western blot. Cellular structure and intracellular distribution of O‐GlcNAc was studied by immunofluorescence microscopy. We found that between 1.5 and 3 g/cm2 mechanical compression, O‐GlcNAc significantly elevated; however, at higher forces O‐GlcNAc level was not increased. We also found that intracellular localization of O‐GlcNAc proteins became more centralized under 2 g/cm2 compression force. Our results suggest that structural changes stimulated by compression forces have a significant effect on the regulation of O‐GlcNAc; thus, it might play a role in the mechanical stress adaptation of PDL cells.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction to detect Salmonella serovars Indiana, Enteritidis, and Typhimurium in raw meat
Authors: Xu Jingxiao , Zhang Ping , Zhuang Linlin , Zhang Di , Qi Kezong , Dou Xinhong , Wang Chengming , Gong Jiansen
Published: June 2019

Salmonella‐contaminated raw food is an important source of human food poisoning. Traditional methods for detecting Salmonella in meat involve many time‐consuming and laborious steps, preventing timely and effective control of the pathogen. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that targets serovar‐specific genes such as A7P63_0910 (Salmonella Indiana), sdfI (Salmonella Enteritidis), and STM4497 (Salmonella Typhimurium) for three meat‐associated Salmonella serovars was established. This multiplex PCR has been validated by extensive testing on reference strains and clinical isolates belonging to different Salmonella serovars (n = 348) and non‐Salmonella bacteria (n = 12). The detection limit is 100 CFU per reaction for bacterial culture, being equivalent to 10 pg per reaction for bacterial genomic DNA. Detection of Salmonella in raw meat samples by this multiplex PCR revealed that the prevalence of S. Indiana, S. Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium is 7.7%, 5.7%, and 2.0%, respectively. The multiplex PCR established in this study can be used as a novel and convenient tool for simultaneous detection of three major meat‐associated Salmonella serovars, including the newly emerging and highly drug‐resistant S. Indiana.

Practical applications

In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that targets serovar‐specific genes such as A7P63_0910 (Salmonella Indiana), sdfI (Salmonella Enteritidis), and STM4497 (Salmonella Typhimurium) for three meat‐associated Salmonella serovars was established. This multiplex PCR is suitable for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of three major meat‐associated Salmonella serovars, and has been validated by extensive testing of reference strains and clinical isolates. The multiplex PCR assay can provide rapid and specific screening for top three Salmonella serovars in meat samples.