bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping habitat protection priority over a marine ecoregion under information gaps
Authors: Wang Xianyan , Kittiwattanawong Kongkiat , Junchompoo Chalatip , Sakornwimon Watchara , Chen Mo , Wu Fuxing , Jutapruet Suwat , Huang Shiang‐Lin
Published: November 2020

Aim

Holistic marine biodiversity conservation refers to ecosystem‐based management through marine conservation planning (MCP), based on mapping habitat protection priority areas. In practice, MCP is frequently hindered by information gaps in biodiversity distributions, particularly on a marine ecoregion scale. Species distribution modelling (SDM) can help to resolve this gap and provide information essential for MCP scenarios. We constructed habitat configurations for three coastal marine megafauna animals using SDM, then based MCP scenarios on the projected habitat configurations and tested the use of marine megafauna animals as surrogates to protect major ecosystems.

Location

Gulf of Thailand, Southeast Asia.

Methods

A MaxEnt model was used to project likely habitats for Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) and sea turtles in the Gulf of Thailand. MARXAN software was used to prioritize spatial configurations for habitat protection. The percentage of overlaps between MARXAN delineations and major biodiversity features in the Gulf of Thailand were calculated.

Results

Habitat configurations of humpback dolphins, Irrawaddy dolphins and sea turtles were projected throughout the coastal and estuarine waters along the Gulf of Thailand. MCP based on the habitat of three marine megafauna animals highlighted five critical habitats for the protection of major ecosystems in the Gulf of Thailand.

Main conclusions

Holistic MCP starts with mapping critical habitats for marine protected area (MPA) networks, balances MPA networks with maritime livelihood activities and alleviates conflicts between MPA management and local livelihood needs. A combination of SDM and MARXAN methods provides a cost‐effective approach to delineate MPA networks. In this approach, surrogate selection and data preparation should consider niches representative of regional ecosystem features and avoid spatial sampling bias. In coastal and estuarine waters, marine megafauna such as coastal cetaceans and sea turtles may serve as efficient surrogates to protect major ecosystems.
A phase II study of bisantrene in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Canaani Jonathan , Danylesko Ivetta , Shemtov Noga , Zlotnick Maya , Lozinsky Kira , Benjamini Ohad , Yerushalmi Ronit , Nagar Meital , Dor Chen , Shimoni Avichai , Avigdor Abraham , Nagler Arnon
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the current role of bisantrene, an anthracene with anthracycline‐like activity which was shown in earlier studies to be effective therapy in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia with no discernible cardiotoxicity, in the treatment of patients with R/R AML.

Methods

This phase 2, single‐center study (NCT03820908) enrolled adult R/R AML to receive bisantrene (250 mg/m2 daily for 7 days) which was administered via an intravenous infusion over 2 hours on days 1‐7. Disease assessment included routine blood work and bone marrow studies.

Results

In all, 10 patients were enrolled with a median of 3 lines of prior therapy including seven patients who had relapsed following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The most frequently reported grade ≥3 treatment‐attributed hematologic AE was thrombocytopenia, whereas the most frequently reported grade ≥3 treatment‐attributed non‐hematologic AE was mucositis. Of the 10 patients, one (10%) achieved a complete remission and three patients achieved a partial remission resulting in an overall response rate of 40%. Next‐generation sequencing of patient samples identified a wide array of mutations associated with activated signaling, splicing, and epigenetic modification.

Conclusions

In view of the observed low toxicity, a follow‐up study combining bisantrene with complementary anti‐leukemic therapy is planned.
Lymph node core biopsies reliably permit diagnosis of lymphoproliferative diseases. Real‐World Experience from 554 sequential core biopsies from a single centre
Authors: Cohen Oliver C. , Brodermann Maximillian H. , Dervin Aoife , Raja Neel , Marafioti Teresa , Otero Sofia , Beale Tim , Jawad Susan , Ramsay Alan , Pomplun Sabine , Ardeshna Kirit M. , Proctor Ian , Townsend William , Morley Simon
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Whilst excision biopsy is traditionally preferred, advances in radiological and histological techniques warrant a re‐look at core biopsy as a viable primary diagnostic method.

Method

Over a 3‐year period, all patients who underwent core biopsy to investigate lymphoma at our centre were included.

Results

554 consecutive patients were included (40.1% prior lymphoma and 59.4% new presentations). Three or more cores were taken in 420 (75.8%) cases. Median time from request to biopsy and biopsy to histology report was 2 (0‐40) days and 7 (1‐24) days, respectively. 510/544 (93.8%) biopsies were diagnostic. There was no difference in whether the biopsy was diagnostic based on indication (new vs. relapsed lymphoma) (P = .445), whether biopsy was PET‐directed (P = .507), for T‐cell lymphoma (P = .468) or nodal vs. extra‐nodal (P = .693). Thirty‐eight patients (6.9%) required a second biopsy due to inadequate tissue. In a patient experience survey, only 13.9% reported any complications (1 self‐limiting minor bleeding, 4 bruising) whilst 16.7% reported any discomfort beyond 12 hours.

Conclusion

Core biopsy performed by experienced radiologists and analysed by expert haemato‐pathologists is a reliable, well‐tolerated method for diagnosing lymphoma and confirming relapse. Multiple cores can be obtained under local anaesthetic yielding sufficient material in the majority of cases.
Endogenous enkephalin is necessary for cocaine‐induced alteration in glutamate transmission within the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Mongi‐Bragato Bethania , Avalos María Paula , Guzmán Andrea S. , García‐Keller Constanza , Bollati Flavia A. , Cancela Liliana M.
Published: November 2020

Altered glutamate transmission within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been proposed as a central mechanism underlying behavioural sensitisation associated with repeated cocaine exposure. In addition to glutamate, enkephalin, an endogenous opioid peptide derived from proenkephalin, is necessary for the neuroadaptations associated with chronic cocaine. However, the influence of enkephalin on long‐term changes in glutamate transmission within the NAc associated with cocaine‐induced sensitisation has not been described. This study used knockout proenkephalin mice (KO) to study the influence of endogenous enkephalin on the adaptations in glutamate neurotransmission associated with repeated cocaine treatment. Wild‐type (WT) and KO mice were treated with daily cocaine injections for 9 days to induce sensitisation. On days 15 and 21, the animals received a cocaine challenge and locomotor sensitisation was evaluated, and microdialysis was performed to determine accumbens glutamate content on day 21. No expression of behavioural sensitisation to cocaine was evidenced in the KO mice. Consistently, these showed no changes in glutamate transmission in the NAc associated with repeated cocaine. This study reveals the central role of enkephalin in regulating the glutamate mechanisms associated with cocaine sensitisation.
Oscillations of C‐peptide in the euglycemic clamp and their effect on the pharmacodynamic assessment of insulin preparations
Authors: Liu Hui , Yu Hongling , Qiao Jingtao , Sun Lisi , Li Jiaqi , Tan Huiwen , Yu Yerong
Published: November 2020

C‐peptide should be continuously suppressed. However, increased postdosing C‐peptide is not an uncommon phenomenon in euglycemic clamp studies involving healthy participants. This study aimed to determine the extent to which the postdosing C‐peptide increases from the baseline that could affect the accuracy of glucodynamics in euglycemic clamp studies involving healthy subjects. First, 10 healthy males underwent a 10‐h euglycemic clamp without exogenous insulin administration to obtain a reference interval (RI) for the ratio of C‐peptide after 0 min (CPt) to baseline C‐peptide (CP0). Then, the data from a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of insulin aspart (IAsp) were analyzed, and 70 eligible clamps were grouped by CPt/CP0: group A ([CPt/CP0]max > upper limit of RI), group B (1<[CPt/CP0]max ≤ upper limit of RI), and group C ([CPt/CP0]max ≤ 1). The differences in basal and clamped blood glucose, CPt/CP0, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of IAsp were compared, and the relationship between elevated CPt and the accuracy of pharmacodynamics was analyzed. The RI of CPt/CP0 was 22.7%‐152.1%; 1.5 × baseline might be a ceiling for the increase in CPt under stable conditions. The maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR) in group A tended to be higher than that in group B or C (Pfor trend = 0.033). The AUCGIR,0‐10h in groups A, B, and C was 1983 ± 650,1682 ± 454, and 1479 ± 440 mg/kg (P = 0.047), respectively, under comparable IAsp exposure. No intergroup difference was detected in clamped glucose, IAsp dose, or body mass index. In conclusion, postdosing C‐peptide over 1.5× baseline indicates insufficient inhibition of endogenous insulin secretion, which could compromise the pharmacodynamics of insulin preparations.
Ensemble modelling, uncertainty and robust predictions of organic carbon in long‐term bare‐fallow soils
Authors: Farina Roberta , Sándor Renata , Abdalla Mohamed , Álvaro‐Fuentes Jorge , Bechini Luca , Bolinder Martin A. , Brilli Lorenzo , Chenu Claire , Clivot Hugues , De Antoni Migliorati Massimiliano , Di Bene Claudia , Dorich Christopher D. , Ehrhardt Fiona , Ferchaud Fabien , Fitton Nuala , Francaviglia Rosa , Franko Uwe , Giltrap Donna L. , Grant Brian B. , Guenet Bertrand , Harrison Matthew T. , Kirschbaum Miko U. F. , Kuka Katrin , Kulmala Liisa , Liski Jari , McGrath Matthew J. , Meier Elizabeth , Menichetti Lorenzo , Moyano Fernando , Nendel Claas , Recous Sylvie , Reibold Nils , Shepherd Anita , Smith Ward N. , Smith Pete , Soussana Jean‐François , Stella Tommaso , Taghizadeh‐Toosi Arezoo , Tsutskikh Elena , Bellocchi Gianni
Published: November 2020

Simulation models represent soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in global carbon (C) cycle scenarios to support climate‐change studies. It is imperative to increase confidence in long‐term predictions of SOC dynamics by reducing the uncertainty in model estimates. We evaluated SOC simulated from an ensemble of 26 process‐based C models by comparing simulations to experimental data from seven long‐term bare‐fallow (vegetation‐free) plots at six sites: Denmark (two sites), France, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The decay of SOC in these plots has been monitored for decades since the last inputs of plant material, providing the opportunity to test decomposition without the continuous input of new organic material. The models were run independently over multi‐year simulation periods (from 28 to 80 years) in a blind test with no calibration (Bln) and with the following three calibration scenarios, each providing different levels of information and/or allowing different levels of model fitting: (a) calibrating decomposition parameters separately at each experimental site (Spe); (b) using a generic, knowledge‐based, parameterization applicable in the Central European region (Gen); and (c) using a combination of both (a) and (b) strategies (Mix). We addressed uncertainties from different modelling approaches with or without spin‐up initialization of SOC. Changes in the multi‐model median (MMM) of SOC were used as descriptors of the ensemble performance. On average across sites, Gen proved adequate in describing changes in SOC, with MMM equal to average SOC (and standard deviation) of 39.2 (±15.5) Mg C/ha compared to the observed mean of 36.0 (±19.7) Mg C/ha (last observed year), indicating sufficiently reliable SOC estimates. Moving to Mix (37.5 ± 16.7 Mg C/ha) and Spe (36.8 ± 19.8 Mg C/ha) provided only marginal gains in accuracy, but modellers would need to apply more knowledge and a greater calibration effort than in Gen, thereby limiting the wider applicability of models.
Can switchgrass increase carbon accrual in marginal soils? The importance of site selection
Authors: Kasanke Christopher P. , Zhao Qian , Bell Sheryl , Thompson Allison M. , Hofmockel Kirsten S.
Published: November 2020

Most soil carbon (C) is in the form of soil organic matter (SOM), the composition of which is controlled by the plant–microbe–soil continuum. The extent to which plant and microbial inputs contribute to persistent SOM has been linked to edaphic properties such as mineralogy and aggregation. However, it is unknown how variation in plant inputs, microbial community structure, and soil physical and chemical attributes interact to influence the chemical classes that comprise SOM pools. We used two long‐term biofuel feedstock field experiments to test the influence of cropping systems (corn and switchgrass) and soil characteristics (sandy and silty loams) on microbial selection and SOM chemistry. Cropping system had a strong influence on water‐extractable organic C chemistry with perennial switchgrass generally having a higher chemical richness than the annual corn cropping system. Nonetheless, cropping system was a less influential driver of soil microbial community structure and overall C chemistry than soil type. Soil type was especially influential on fungal community structure and the chemical composition of the chloroform‐extractable C. Although plant inputs strongly influence the substrates available for decomposition and SOM formation, total C and nitrogen (N) did not differ between cropping systems within either site. We conclude this is likely due to enhanced microbial activity under the perennial cropping system. Silty soils also had a higher activity of phosphate and C liberating enzymes. After 8 years, silty loams still contained twice the total C and N as sandy loams, with no significant response to biofuel cropping system inputs. Together, these results demonstrate that initial site selection is critical to plant–microbe interactions and substantially impacts the potential for long‐term C accrual in soils under biofuel feedstock production.
Multiscale drivers of carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages in small European woodlands
Authors: Marrec Ronan , Le Roux Vincent , Martin Ludmilla , Lenoir Jonathan , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , De Smedt Pallieter , Deconchat Marc , Diekmann Martin , Ehrmann Steffen , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Giffard Brice , Liira Jaan , Lindgren Jessica , Valdes Alicia , Verheyen Kris , Wulf Monika , Decocq Guillaume
Published: November 2020

Aim

The spatio‐temporal connectivity of forest patches in lowland agricultural landscapes and their age matter to explain current biodiversity patterns across regional as well as biogeographical extents, to the point that their effect exceeds the one of macroclimate for plant diversity in the understorey of temperate forests. Whether this remains true for other taxonomic groups is still largely unknown. Yet, this relative influence has important consequences for ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services. Focusing on carabid beetle assemblages, we assessed the relative importance of macroclimatic, landscape and patch attributes in driving local species richness (α‐diversity) and species dissimilarity between patches (β‐diversity).

Location

Deciduous forest patches in seven regions along a 2,100‐km‐long latitudinal gradient across the European temperate forest biome, from southern France to central Sweden.

Methods

We sampled 221 forest patches in two 5‐km × 5‐km landscape windows with contrasting management intensities. Carabid beetles were classified into four habitat‐preference guilds: forest‐specialist, forest‐generalist, eurytopic and open‐habitat species. We quantified the multi‐level environmental influence using mixed‐effects models and variation partitioning analysis.

Results

We found that both α‐ and β‐diversity were primarily determined by macroclimate, acting as a large‐scale ecological filter on carabid assemblages among regions. Forest‐patch conditions, including biotic and abiotic heterogeneity as well as patch age (but not patch size), increased α‐diversity of forest species. Landscape management intensity weakly influenced α‐diversity of forest species, but increased the number of non‐forest species in forest patches. Beta diversity of non‐forest species increased with patch heterogeneity and decreased with landscape management intensity.

Main conclusions

Our results highlight the leading role of broad macroclimatic gradients over local and landscape factors in determining the composition of local carabid communities, thereby shedding light on macroecological patterns of arthropod assemblages. This study emphasizes the urgent need for preserving ancient forest patches embedded in agricultural landscapes, even the small and weakly connected ones.
Migraine and Sport in a Physically Active Population of Students: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Pilati Laura , Battaglia Giuseppe , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Di Marco Salvatore , Torrente Angelo , Raieli Vincenzo , Firenze Alberto , Salemi Giuseppe , Brighina Filippo
Published: November 2020

Objective

In this study, we explored the relationship between migraine and sport in a physically active population of students, analyzing the risk of migraine among sporty students.

Background

The relationship between sport and migraine is controversial; moreover, several studies report on sport as a migraine trigger, but there is evidence that physical activity could have a relevant role in migraine prevention.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using the validated ID‐migraine questionnaire including specific demo‐anthropometric (gender, age, weight, height) and sports variables on a potentially active student population of the University of Palermo. Evaluation in putative migraine subjects of clinical features and disability was explored through the administration of the Italian version of the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Three hundred and ninety‐three out of 520 students (210 F, mean age: 23.5 ± 0.7 years; 183 M; mean age: 20.5 ± 0.7 years) participated in this study. Migraine screened positive in 102 subjects (26.0%) and its prevalence was significantly higher among females (P < .001). An increased risk of migraine was found in females, and a protective effect of sport on the risk of migraine among females, but not among males.

Conclusions

The role of exercise in migraine is still unclear. This study supports a protective role of sport in migraine reporting a protective effect in females. Further studies are needed to deepen the association between sport and migraine.
Scots, capitalism, and the colonial countryside: Impressions from nineteenth‐century Cape Breton
Authors: Nerbas Don
Published: November 2020

In Cape Breton during the second half of the nineteenth century, rural labor from the nearby countryside, often the children of settlers who had emigrated from the western Isles and Highlands of Scotland earlier in the century, was decisive in shaping the mining workforce that developed on the island's Sydney coalfield. The importance of this distinctive Highland influence upon the working‐class culture that developed in Cape Breton's “country of coal” was suggested decades ago by labor historians, and more recently it has been addressed in the region's rural historiography. It is a history that, nonetheless, remains obscure and has lingered in the blind spots of various subfields of study, including in historical investigations of “Highland enclave settlements” and “Scottishness” in northern North America. This essay suggests the need to approach the subject in terms of a broader transformation of the colonial countryside, one which takes into account the interconnected histories of capitalism and settler colonialism.
Coronal restoration of the root filled tooth – a qualitative analysis of the dentists' decision‐making process
Authors: Dawson V. S. , Fransson H. , Wolf E.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To describe the decision‐making process of the general dental practitioner (GDP) underlying the choice of coronal restoration of a root filled tooth.

Methodology

GDPs were strategically selected with respect to gender, age, undergraduate dental school, service affiliation and duration of professional experience. Semistructured in‐depth interviews were conducted, focusing on the informant’s personal experience of the process which leads to a decision as to how to restore a root filled tooth. The informants were invited to describe in their own words the latest two cases involving decisions of direct or full crown restorations respectively. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews from 14 informants, aged 27–64 (mean age 46 years), were included and analysed according to Qualitative Content Analysis.

Results

A theme (latent content) was identified: Clinical factors were considered important but were overruled by context and patient opinions, if in conflict. Three main categories, including seven subcategories (manifest content), were identified. The categories were clinical factors, contextual factors and patient's views. Clinical factors underlying the GDPs' decision included the current dental status and the estimated longevity of the intended restoration. In certain cases, contextual factors were also of importance, either supporting the GDPs' decision or modifying it. However, the patient's views played a decisive role in the final choice of coronal restoration, leading to either mutual acceptance or a compromise, taking into account the patient's economic status and opinions.

Conclusions

With respect to coronal restoration of a root filled tooth, the GDPs’ decision‐making process was based not only on clinical factors, but also on decisive contextual factors and consideration of the patients’ views.
Buccal mucosal ureteroplasty for the management of ureteric strictures: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Heijkoop Bridget , Kahokehr Arman A
Published: November 2020

Objective

To review the published literature evaluating the efficacy and safety of buccal mucosa ureteroplasty.

Methods

A systematic literature review was carried out using a protocol devised a priori. The review was registered with the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results were scrutinized and full text of all relevant articles was obtained for review.

Results

A systematic search resulted in 1092 articles, with scrutiny resulting in 1079 exclusions. Two additional articles were identified from references, resulting in a total of 15 included studies containing a total of 72 buccal mucosal ureteroplasty procedures. A total of 34 cases were carried out using the open approach, and 38 were carried out using the robot assisted approach. The overall reported success rate was reported to be 66 out of 72 (91.6%), being 32 out of 34 (94.1%) and 34 out of 38 (89.5%) open and robotic cases, respectively. The complication rate was reported in 60 cases, being 15 out of 60 (25%) for all complications, with a 5% (3/60) rate for complications graded as Clavien–Dindo score ≥3.

Conclusions

Buccal mucosa ureteroplasty appears to have high success rates and low rates of serious complications in both open and robot assisted approaches. However, the current available literature is limited to 72 cases, and further studies with larger patient populations and ongoing longitudinal review are warranted.
Assuming Reintegration, Experiencing Dislocation – Returns from Europe to Afghanistan
Authors: Majidi Nassim
Published: November 2020

Decisions on the return of Afghans from Europe are often based on the perceived support that communities of return and social networks can provide. This assumption shapes court decisions over asylum cases and is factored in assistance packages upon return. It is assumed that social networks will act as a “safety net” for returnee . However, recent evidence on post‐return outcomes shows that migrants’ social networks may not provide them with the resources they need to reintegrate their country of origin. While the role of social networks in destination contexts has been extensively studied, this article shows that social networks may not act as facilitators of reintegration, but as barriers to this process. Taking the case study of returns from Europe to Afghanistan, the article concludes on the weak ties and broken bond between individual returnees and communities, further speaking of a process of community dislocation upon return. Policy and practice need to unpack the concept of “community of return” as a community may simply not exist, have changed or be unable to act as a source of support for returnees from Europe.
The fabrication of nanodiamond doped tellurite germanate glass with robust structure and its luminescence
Authors: Xu Yayan , Gan Haiyong , Lu Zhanling , Ye Renguang , Chen Tanghan , Zhang Junjie , Tian Ying , Xu Shiqing
Published: November 2020

Fluorescence of negative‐charged nitrogen‐vacancy centers in nanodiamond allows applications in quantum metrology, nanoscale sensor, and bioimaging, of utmost relevance to domains from nanotechnologies to biosensing. However, the low color center content and collection efficiency of photons are crucial issues. Although, several studies about coupling nanodiamond into optical waveguides have already been proposed, the search for the most appropriate substance and simplest, most effective method are of keys. In this study, we present a novel nontraditional way to incorporate nanodiamond with increased negative‐charged nitrogen‐vacancy content to 75.48% into tellurite germanate glass. The hybrid glass is stable in structure with predominant TeO4 trigonal bipyramid. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity is enhanced in composite. Such robust nanodiamond in tellurite germanate glass optical system has the potential to be used for nanoparticle sensing and quantum metrology.
Development and validation of a risk assessment nomogram for venous thromboembolism associated with hospitalized postoperative Chinese breast cancer patients
Authors: Li Jing , Qiang Wan‐Min , Wang Yan , Wang Xiao‐Yuan
Published: November 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an individualized nomogram to predict venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in hospitalized postoperative breast cancer patients.

Design

A single‐central retrospective and non‐interventional trial.

Methods

For model development, we used data from 4,755 breast cancer patients between 1 November 2016–30 June 2018 (3,310 patients in the development group and 1,445 in the validation group). Overall, 216 patients developed VTE (150 in development group and 66 in validation group). The model was validated by receiver operating characteristic curves and the calibration plot. The clinical utility of the model was determined through decision curve analysis.

Results

The individualized nomogram consisted of six clinical factors: age, body mass index, number of cardiovascular comorbidities, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical treatment, hospital length of stay and two pre‐operative biomarkers of Homocysteine and D‐dimer. The model at the 3.9% optimal cut‐off had the area under the curve of 0.854 (95% CI, 0.824–0.884) and 0.805 (95% CI, 0.740–0.870) in the development and validation groups. A p = 0.570 of the calibration test showed that the model was well‐calibrated. The net benefit of the model was better between threshold probabilities of 5%–30% in decision curve analysis.

Conclusion

The nomogram of VTE risk assessment, is applicable to hospitalized postoperative breast cancer patients. However, multi‐central prospective studies are needed to improve and validate the model. Effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylaxis in high‐risk patients are needed to demonstrate in interventional trials.

Impact

This nomogram can be used in clinical to inform practice of physicians and nurses to predict the VTE probability and maybe direct personalized decision making for thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized postoperative breast cancer patients.
Asprin‐loaded strontium‐containing α‐calcium sulphate hemihydrate/nano‐hydroxyapatite composite promotes regeneration of critical bone defects
Authors: Jiang Yi , Qin Hanjun , Wan Haoyang , Yang Jun , Yu Qi , Jiang Mo , Yu Bin
Published: November 2020

Our laboratory originally synthesized strontium(Sr)‐containing α‐calcium sulphate hemihydrate/nano‐hydroxyapatite composite (Sr‐α‐CSH/n‐HA) and demonstrated its ability to repair critical bone defects. This study attempted to incorporate aspirin into it to produce a better bone graft material for critical bone defects. After 5% Sr‐α‐CSH was prepared by coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods, it was mixed with aspirin solution of different concentrations (50 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml, 800 μg/ml and 3200 μg/ml) at a fixed liquid‐solid ratio (0.54 v/w) to obtain aspirin‐loaded Sr‐α‐CSH/n‐HA composite. In vitro experiments were performed on the composite extracts. The tibial defects (3 mm*5 mm) in SD rat model were filled with the composite for 4 weeks and 12 weeks to evaluate its osteogenic capacity in vivo. Our results showed its capability of proliferation, migration and osteogenesis of BMSCs in vitro got improved. In vivo treatment with 800 μg/ml aspirin–loaded Sr‐α‐CSH/n‐HA composite led to significantly more new bone formation in the defects compared with Sr‐α‐CSH/n‐HA composite and significantly promoted the expression of osteogenic‐related genes and inhibited osteoclast activity. In general, our research suggests that aspirin‐loaded Sr‐α‐CSH/n‐HA composite may have a greater capacity of repairing tibial defects in SD rats than simple Sr‐α‐CSH/n‐HA composite.
Unique inflammatory signature in haemophilic arthropathy: miRNA changes due to interaction between blood and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Mignot Sandra , Cagnard Nicolas , Albaud Benoit , Bally Cécile , Siavellis Justine , Hermine Olivier , Frenzel Laurent
Published: November 2020

In haemophilia, the recurrence of hemarthrosis leads to irreversible arthropathy termed haemophilic arthropathy (HA). However, HA is a unique form of arthropathy in which resident cells, such as fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), come into direct contact with blood. Therefore, we hypothesized that FLS in HA could have a unique inflammatory signature as a consequence of their contact with blood. We demonstrated with ELISA and ELISPOT analyses that HA‐FLS expressed a unique profile of cytokine secretion, which differed from that of non‐HA‐FLS, mainly consisting of cytokines involved in innate immunity. We showed that unstable cytokine mRNAs were involved in this process, especially through miRNA complexes as confirmed by DICER silencing. A miRNOME analysis revealed that 30 miRNAs were expressed differently between HA and non‐HA‐FLS, with most miRNAs involved in inflammatory control pathways or described in certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Analysis of transcriptomic networks, impacted by these miRNAs, revealed that protein processes and inflammatory pathways were particularly targeted in LPS‐induced FLS, and in particular vascularization and osteoarticular modulation pathways in steady‐state FLS. Our study demonstrates that the presence of blood in contact with FLS may induce durable miRNA changes that likely participate in HA pathophysiology.
Satyrization in Drosophila fruitflies
Authors: Leigh Stewart , Rostant Wayne G. , Taylor Martin I. , Alphey Luke , Chapman Tracey
Published: November 2020

The satyr of Greek mythology was half‐man, half‐goat, with an animal persona signifying immoderate sexual appetites. In biology, satyrization is the disruption of reproduction in matings between closely related species. Interestingly, its effects are often reciprocally asymmetric, manifesting more strongly in one direction of heterospecific mating than the other. Heterospecific matings are well known to result in female fitness costs due to the production of sterile or inviable hybrid offspring and can also occur due to reduced female sexual receptivity, lowering the likelihood of any subsequent conspecific matings. Here we investigated the costs and mechanisms of satyrization in the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup of fruitflies. The results showed that D. simulans females experienced higher fitness costs from a loss of remating opportunities due to significantly reduced post‐mating sexual receptivity than did D. melanogaster females, as a result of reciprocal heterospecific matings. Reciprocal tests of the effects of male reproductive accessory gland protein (Acp) injections on female receptivity in pairwise comparisons between D. melanogaster and five other species within the melanogaster species subgroup revealed significant post‐mating receptivity asymmetries. This was due to variation in the effects of heterospecific Acps within species with which D. melanogaster can mate, and significant but nonasymmetric Acp effects in species with which it cannot. We conclude that asymmetric satyrization due to post‐mating effects of Acps may be common among diverging and hybridising species. The findings are of interest in understanding the evolution of reproductive isolation and species divergence.
Method for cryopreservation of Paramoeba perurans
Authors: Tröße Christiane , Kindt Mats , Blindheim Steffen , Andersen Linda , Nylund Are
Published: November 2020

Paramoeba perurans causes amoebic gill disease (AGD), which is a major problem in aquaculture worldwide. The parasite can be cultured in vitro, but to this date, no method for long‐term storage of the clones exists. In this study, we describe a method for cryopreservation of Paramoeba perurans. The method was successfully employed on four out the five clones we tested. The thawing success rate, that is the percentage of successfully thawed vials relative to the total number of vials that were thawed, differed for the clones and ranged from 25% to 100%. The age of the clones seemed to have a negative impact on the ability to survive cryopreservation.
The finger loop as an activation sensor in arrestin
Authors: Vishnivetskiy Sergey A. , Huh Elizabeth K. , Gurevich Eugenia V. , Gurevich Vsevolod V.
Published: November 2020

The finger loop in the central crest of the receptor‐binding site of arrestins engages the cavity between the transmembrane helices of activated G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Therefore, it was hypothesized to serve as the sensor that detects the activation state of the receptor. We performed comprehensive mutagenesis of the finger loop in bovine visual arrestin‐1, generated mutant radiolabeled proteins by cell‐free translation, and determined the effects of mutations on the in vitro binding of arrestin‐1 to purified phosphorylated light‐activated rhodopsin. This interaction is driven by two factors, rhodopsin activation and rhodopsin‐attached phosphates. Therefore, the binding of arrestin‐1 to light‐activated unphosphorylated rhodopsin is low. To evaluate the role of the finger loop specifically in the recognition of the active receptor conformation, we tested the effects of these mutations in the context of truncated arrestin‐1 that demonstrates much higher binding to unphosphorylated activated and phosphorylated inactive rhodopsin. The majority of finger loop residues proved important for arrestin‐1 binding to light‐activated rhodopsin, with six mutations affecting the binding exclusively to this form. Thus, the finger loop is the key element of arrestin‐1 activation sensor. The data also suggest that arrestin‐1 and its enhanced mutant bind various functional forms of rhodopsin differently.

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Insulin signalling in hypothalamic neurones
Authors: Belsham Denise D. , Dalvi Prasad S.
Published: November 2020

Subsequent to the discovery of insulin by Banting and Best in the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto 100 years ago, the field of insulin signalling and action has grown at a remarkable pace. Yet, the recognition that insulin action in the brain is critical for whole body homeostasis has only recently been appreciated. The hypothalamus is a key region in the brain that responds to circulating insulin by engaging a complex signalling cascade resulting in the ultimate release of neuropeptides that control hunger and feeding. Disruption of this important feedback system can lead to a phenomenon called cellular insulin resistance, where the neurones cease to sense insulin. The factors contributing to insulin resistance, as well as the resulting detrimental effects, include the induction of neuroinflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and alterations in the architecture of the blood‐brain barrier that allow transport of insulin into the brain. These manifestations usually change energy balance, causing weight gain, often resulting in obesity and its deadly comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, there is still hope because the signal transduction pathways can be targeted at a number of levels by neurone‐specific therapeutics. With the advent of unique cell models for investigating the mechanisms involved in these processes, the discovery of novel targets is increasingly possible. Although we are still looking for a cure for diabetes, Banting and Best would be impressed at how far their discovery has advanced and the contemporary knowledge that has been accumulated based on insulin action.
Does sensitive skin represent a skin condition or manifestations of other disorders?
Authors: Chen Lihong , Zheng Jie
Published: November 2020

Sensitive skin or cutaneous sensory syndrome is defined as a skin condition that is hypersensitive to stimuli, presented with itching, irritant, erythema, and dryness. However, is it associated with more than impairment of epidermal functions, psychological stress and topical medication or products? We think that it can be a skin condition or manifestation of other cutaneous or extracutaneous disorders. In this paper, we brief relation of sensitive skin syndrome with cutaneous and extracutaneous disorders, clinically, and pathophysiologically.
Decomposing Social Sustainability: Signaling Theory Insights into Supplier Selection Decisions
Authors: Thomas Rodney , Darby Jessica L. , Dobrzykowski David , van Hoek Remko
Published: November 2020

Social sustainability has emerged as a key determinant in supplier selection. However, firms may approach social sustainability in varying ways such as investments in employee welfare or philanthropy. Little is known about how supply chain managers consider these individual dimensions when making sourcing decisions. Therefore, this research decomposes social sustainability into dimensions of employee welfare and philanthropy to determine their effects on supplier selection. Vignette‐based experiments in a transportation context test a priori hypotheses derived from signaling theory, and post hoc qualitative insights reveal deeper understanding. Results show buyers have significant preferences to select, trust, and collaborate with suppliers who have desirable levels of employee welfare, philanthropy, and pricing. However, these findings are tempered by differential effect sizes and suggest that the practical significance of hypothesized relationships vary. These findings help refine our understanding of social sustainability conceptualizations and evolving supplier selection criteria, as well as offer timely insights for suppliers, buyers, and policymakers amidst surging demand for social sustainability.
Translation and cultural adaptation of the Pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System‐Emotional Distress item banks into Chinese
Authors: Gao Wenjun , Yuan Changrong
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To develop the Chinese version of the Pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)‐Emotional Distress item bank version 2.0—both conceptually equivalent to the original and relevant in the Chinese culture.

Design and Methods

The Pediatric PROMIS‐Emotional Distress item bank was translated, following the standard Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) translation methodology, by a translation team. Eight children aged 8–17 years from the general population were cognitively interviewed.

Results

Most items were well understood by children, and some revisions were made after the cognitive interviewing based on the suggestions of the interviewees. The Chinese version of the Pediatric PROMIS‐Emotional Distress‐v2.0 item bank was conceptually and semantically equivalent to the original.

Practice Implications

The Chinese version of the Pediatric PROMIS‐Emotional Distress item bank is now available for further studies to develop computer adaptive tests (CATs). Future CAT version measures may become a new standard measure for children in the general population and those living with a chronic condition in China.
Increased population density depresses activity but does not influence emigration in the snailPomatias elegans
Authors: Dahirel M. , Menut L. , Ansart A.
Published: November 2020

Dispersal is a key trait linking ecological and evolutionary dynamics, allowing organisms to optimize fitness expectations in spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments. Some organisms can either actively disperse or reduce activity in response to challenging conditions, and both responses may be under a trade‐off. To understand how such organisms respond to changes in environmental conditions, we studied emigration (the first step of dispersal) and activity behaviour in the gonochoric land snailPomatias elegans, a litter decomposer that can reach very high local densities, over most of the range of ecologically relevant densities. We found that crowding had no detectable effect on emigration tendency in this species, contrary to previous results in many hermaphroditic snails.Pomatias elegansis nonetheless able to detect population density; we show they reduce activity rather than increase dispersal in response to crowding. We propose that limiting activity may be more advantageous than moving away in species with especially poor movement abilities, even by land mollusc standards, such asP. elegans. Interestingly, emigration and activity were positively correlated independently of density; this dispersal syndrome may reflect an underlying pace‐of‐life syndrome and is compatible with a dispersal‐dormancy trade‐off, which would require further investigation. Additionally, we found snails with heavier shells relative to their size tended to be less mobile, which may reflect physical and metabolic constraints on movement and/or survival during inactivity. We finally discuss how the absence of density‐dependent dispersal may explain whyP. elegansis often found at very high local densities, and the possible consequences of this behaviour for ecosystem functioning and litter decomposition.
Measurement of liver and spleen stiffness as complementary methods for assessment of liver fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Janik Maciej K. , Kruk Beata , Szczepankiewicz Benedykt , Kostrzewa Konrad , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna , Górnicka Barbara , Lammert Frank , Milkiewicz Piotr , Krawczyk Marcin
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Liver stiffness measurements (LSM), commonly performed by transient elastography (TE) or two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE), are used to quantify liver fibrosis. Active hepatitis, a hallmark of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), could bias LSM. This bias might be overcome by measurement spleen 2D‐SWE. Here, we compare liver and spleen 2D‐SWE to TE and liver biopsy (LB) in prospectively recruited patients with AIH.

Methods

We analysed liver and spleen 2D‐SWE in relation to liver TE in 90 patients treated ≥ 6 months for AIH. Liver and spleen 2D‐SWE were also compared to LB in 63 individuals with AIH. Finally, we evaluated these tools in 220 patients with AIH and during 18 months follow‐up.

Results

Liver 2D‐SWE correlated with surrogate markers of active hepatitis (ALT and IgG, both P < .001) but there was no link between spleen 2D‐SWE and ALT. Liver 2D‐SWE, but not spleen 2D‐SWE, was associated with histopathological inflammatory score (P < .01). When compared to LB, the optimal cut‐offs for detecting cirrhosis by liver and spleen 2D‐SWE were 16.1 kPa (AUROC 0.93) and 29.8 kPa (AUROC 0.95), respectively. In patients with active hepatitis the combined diagnostic approach including liver and spleen 2D‐SWE had significantly better AUROC for detecting cirrhosis than liver 2D‐SWE alone.

Conclusions

Liver and spleen 2D‐SWE are reliable complementary methods for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in AIH. Spleen 2D‐SWE seems to be less biased by inflammation and could facilitate fibrosis assessment in therapy‐naïve patients or in the presence of active hepatitis.
Surface cyclopoid copepod assemblages in relation to environmental conditions near undisturbed coral reefs of Minicoy, southeastern Arabian Sea, a part of the Indian Ocean
Authors: Radhakrishnan Radhika , Sunny Santu Kuzhikandathil , Sivasankaran Bijoy Nandan , Mahadevan Harikrishnan
Published: November 2020

The cruise conducted in the spring inter‐monsoon (pre‐monsoon) of April 2015 in the frame of a funded project epitomized an open ocean survey that allowed procuring a quasi‐synoptic picture of cyclopoid copepod community structure in 18 open ocean stations of the Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwestern Indian coast, based on the analysis of standing stock and composition in the integrated 0–10 m water column. The main objective was to explore the community structure of cyclopoid copepods prevailing here and which environmental variable influences the same. It is witnessed that sea surface temperature (SST) (30.42 ± 0.19°C), sea surface salinity (SSS) (33.56 ± 1.15 psu), and dissolved oxygen (DO) (4.32 ± 0.06 ml/L) with SSS and DO are the best matching variables diversifying cyclopoid copepod species (av. abundance 700 ± 386 no. of individuals/100 m3). Average zooplankton biomass (0.03 ml/m3) and abundance (8,989 ± 3,866 no. of individuals/100 m3) were also observed. Fifty‐one cyclopoid copepod species belonging to four families and seven genera were identified, with the dominance of high saline species such as Sapphirina, Copilia, Farranula, and Oncaea. An abundance biomass curve (ABC) plot analysis indicated an undisturbed community with normal environmental conditions. TAXDTEST (taxonomic distinctness) depicted a diverse condition where all points clustered together within a 95% confidence level. Our results indicate that the cyclopoid copepod assemblage near Minicoy Island is a diverse, undisturbed community and hypothesize that the stable environmental conditions during pre‐monsoon (spring inter‐monsoon) preferred the diversification of cyclopoid copepods with the prevalence of high saline species. The data evolved could be used as a standard reference/benchmark to detect any deviation from an undisturbed/diverse community status of Minicoy Island in the looming scenario of climate change in and around the Indian Ocean.