bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prokaryotic and viral community of the sulfate‐rich crust from Peñahueca ephemeral lake, an astrobiology analogue
Authors: Martin‐Cuadrado Ana‐Belen , Senel Ece , Martínez‐García Manuel , Cifuentes Ana , Santos Fernando , Almansa Cristina , Moreno‐Paz Mercedes , Blanco Yolanda , García‐Villadangos Miriam , del Cura María Ángeles García , Sanz‐Montero María Esther , Rodríguez‐Aranda Juan Pablo , Rosselló‐Móra Ramon , Antón Josefa , Parro Víctor
Published: May 2019

Peñahueca is an athalassohaline hypersaline inland ephemeral lake originated under semiarid conditions in the central Iberian Peninsula (Spain). Its chemical composition makes it extreme for microbial life as well as a terrestrial analogue of other planetary environments. To investigate the persistence of microbial life associated with sulfate‐rich crusts, we applied cultivation‐independent methods (optical and electron microscopy, 16S rRNA gene profiling and metagenomics) to describe the prokaryotic community and its associated viruses. The diversity for Bacteria was very low and was vastly dominated by endospore formers related to Pontibacillus marinus of the Firmicutes phylum. The archaeal assemblage was more diverse and included taxa related to those normally found in hypersaline environments. Several ‘metagenome assembled genomes’ were recovered, corresponding to new species of Pontibacillus, several species from the Halobacteria and one new member of the Nanohaloarchaeota. The viral assemblage, although composed of the morphotypes typical of high salt systems, showed little similarity to previously isolated/reconstructed halophages. Several putative prophages of Pontibacillus and haloarchaeal hosts were identified. Remarkably, the Peñahueca sulfate‐rich metagenome contained CRISPR‐associated proteins and repetitions which were over 10‐fold higher than in most hypersaline systems analysed so far.
Challenges in planning transition to adulthood for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities: professional and managerial perspectives
Authors: Dunsmuir Sandra , Cline Tony , Crafter Sarah , Lang Jane
Published: May 2019

This study reviewed perceived changes to planning and management of transitions to adulthood for young people with special educational needs and disabilities in three local authorities in England, following implementation of the Children and Families Act (2014). Wenger's ‘community of practice’ theoretical framework was used to examine how groups of professionals and managers working in education, health and social care in three areas, set about implementing selected radical changes required by the legislation. Telephone interviews with sixteen participants were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Themes identified related to professional activity, planning and organisation, implications for young people and families and outcomes. There were indications of shifts in professional conceptualisations and reported practices as a result of the Act. Participants described enhanced cross‐service communication and co‐ordinated working practices, achieved though service restructuring, co‐location and changed lines of accountability. An increased emphasis on long‐term planning and involving young people in planning and decision‐making was evident with regard to defining outcomes, and living and working as an adult. The results are considered in relation to the extent that mandated change can influence attitudes and cultures within communities of practice, contributing to the contemporary theoretical debate to incorporate issues relating to power.
Behavioral evidence for contextual olfactory‐mediated avoidance of the ubiquitous phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea by Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Cha Dong H. , Hesler Stephen P. , Brind'Amour Gabrielle , Wentworth Karen S. , Villani Sara , Cox Kerik D. , Boucher Matthew T. , Wallingford Anna , Park Shinyoung K. , Nyrop Jan , Loeb Gregory M.
Published: May 2019

Herbivorous insects may benefit from avoiding the smell produced by phytopathogens infecting plant host tissue if the infected tissue reduces insect fitness. However, in many cases the same species of phytopathogen can also infect host plant tissues that do not directly affect herbivore fitness. Thus, insects may benefit from differentiating between pathogen odors emanating from food and nonfood tissues. This is based on the hypothesis that unnecessarily staying attentive to pathogen odor from nonfood tissue may incur opportunity costs associated with not responding to other important survival functions. In this study adults of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, an invasive larval frugivore, showed reduced attraction to the odor of raspberry fruit, a food tissue, when infected with Botrytis cinerea Pers., a ubiquitous phytopathogen, in favor of odors of uninfected raspberry fruit. Moreover, D. suzukii oviposited fewer eggs on infected raspberry fruit relative to uninfected raspberry fruit. Larval survival and adult size after eclosion were significantly reduced when reared on B. cinerea‐infected raspberry relative to uninfected fruit. Interestingly, when the behavioral choice experiment was repeated using Botrytis‐infected vs. ‐uninfected strawberry leaves, a nonfood tissue, in combination with fresh raspberry fruit, odor from B. cinerea‐infected leaves did not reduce D. suzukii attraction to raspberries relative to raspberries with uninfected leaves. These behavioral results illustrate the important role context can play in odor‐mediated interactions between insects, plants and microbes. We discuss implications of our findings for developing a repellent that can be useful for the management of D. suzukii.
Illiquidity and the Measurement of Stock Price Synchronicity
Authors: Gassen Joachim , Skaife Hollis A. , Veenman David
Published: May 2019

This paper demonstrates that measures of stock price synchronicity based on market model R2s are predictably biased downward as a result of stock illiquidity, and that previously employed remedies to correct market model betas for measurement bias do not fix R2. Using a large international sample of firm‐years, we find strong negative and nonlinear relations between illiquidity and R2 across countries, across firms, and over time. Because variables of interest frequently relate to illiquidity as well, we illustrate the consequences of not controlling for illiquidity in synchronicity research. More generally, we demonstrate the importance of using nonlinear control variable methods. Overall, we conclude that the illiquidity‐driven measurement bias in R2 provides an explanation for why prior research finds low‐R2 firms to have weak information environments, and suggest future research carefully evaluate the sensitivity of its results to nonlinear controls for illiquidity.
Are Audit Firms' Compensation Policies Associated with Audit Quality?
Authors: Ernstberger Jürgen , Koch Christopher , Schreiber Eva Maria , Trompeter Greg
Published: May 2019

We examine how compensation policies of audit firms are associated with audit quality. Specifically, we investigate the effects of the ratio of variable to fixed compensation and the size of the basis for profit sharing (i.e., whether partners share profits in a small or in a large profit pool). For our analyses, we use detailed mandatory disclosure of the compensation policies in German audit firms. We document that compensation policies vary considerably across audit firms. We find that profit sharing in a small profit pool and high variable compensation are two characteristics of auditor compensation associated with lower audit quality. We also find some evidence suggesting that audit quality may be most at risk in cases in which partners rely more heavily on variable compensation to divide a relatively small profit pool. In additional analyses, we find that these associations are more pronounced in medium‐sized audit firms. We argue that this finding may result from these firms being too large for audit partners to directly monitor each other effectively, yet simultaneously too small to have sophisticated centralized monitoring systems in place. Finally, we find that integrating partner‐specific, nonprofit‐related performance metrics into the compensation structure mitigates the adverse effects of small profit pools and high variable compensation.
Alcohol Drinking and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Damage: A Meta‐Analysis of 15 Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Li Deming , Xu Jiuhong , Liu Fang , Wang Xinjing , Yang Huanhuan , Li Xinli
Published: May 2019

The relationship between alcohol drinking and chronic kidney damage, mainly including declined glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, and end‐stage renal disease, was conflicting. Thus, a meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate their potential associations. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify prospective studies assessing the associations between alcohol drinking and chronic kidney damage published up to March 2019. Random‐effects model was employed to pool the relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup meta‐analyses stratified by the basic characteristics of subjects were performed. A total of 15 cohort studies were included in the present study, with 268,723 participants and 31,766 incident cases. Participants with low (<13 g/d), moderate (13 to 26 g/d), and high (26 to 60 g/d) dose of alcohol drinking had 12% (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.93), 24% (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.83), and 21% (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.88) lower risk of chronic kidney damage compared with the reference group (non‐ or occasional drinkers), respectively. The lower risk for chronic kidney damage remained significant for the declined GFR, or in men, or for participants aged less than 55 yrs, or studies with longer than 8 yrs of follow‐up, while severe alcohol drinking (≥60 g/d) insignificantly increased 7% risk of chronic kidney damage (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.53 to 2.15). No obvious heterogeneity and no publication bias were observed. Based on our meta‐analysis, participants with alcohol drinking less than 60 g/d were at lower risk of declined GFR, especially in men or participants aged less than 55 yrs. Much more prospective cohort studies are required to confirm our present findings.
Morphological abnormalities in anurans from southern Brazil
Authors: Ascoli‐Morrete Thaís , Signor Elias , Santos‐Pereira Manuela , Zanella Noeli
Published: May 2019

In recent years, the progressive decline in populations of anuran amphibians has left many species increasingly vulnerable to extinction. The potential role of morphological abnormalities as a mechanism of this decline has attracted attention in many recent studies. We investigated the occurrence and frequency of morphological abnormalities in anurans from northern of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We sampled 1674 individuals from three different environments – forest, farmland and peri‐urban areas – between 2001 and 2017. We recorded 89 individuals with morphological abnormalities, with 12 different types of abnormality in 19 anuran species. We recorded nine types of abnormality in forest and seven in the farmland, with brachydactyly being the most common abnormality in both areas. Only three abnormalities were recorded in the peri‐urban area, and all three were equally frequent. Studies of morphological alterations provide important insights into the potential effects of environmental impacts on anuran populations and may be essential for the planning of effective conservation strategies.
Hypothalamic concentrations of kisspeptin and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone during the breeding season and non‐breeding season in ewes
Authors: Urias‐Castro Christian , Arreguin‐Arévalo Jesus Alejandro , Magee Christianne , Weber Eric R. , Nett Terry M.
Published: May 2019

Problem

Current methods to quantify kisspeptin (KP) are limited. To this end, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) specific for KP was developed and validated. We hypothesized that use of a RIA would reveal multiple hypothalamic regions as targets of negative seasonal feedback of estradiol on KP production in sheep.

Method of study

Ovariectomized (OVX) ewes bearing a subcutaneous implant of estradiol were euthanized during the breeding season (BS) (n = 4) and non‐breeding season (NBS) (n = 3). Coronal sections of preoptic area (POA), anterior hypothalamic area (AHA), and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) were collected, as well as the median eminence (ME), cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum. Amounts of KP and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) in individual hypothalamic nuclei were quantified by radioimmunoassay.

Results

Concentration and content of KP were lower during the NBS than the BS in the MBH (P < 0.01) and POA (P < 0.01). Levels of KP in tissue adjacent to the POA and MBH were much lower, and neither concentration nor content of KP differed between the BS and NBS. Kisspeptin was also detected in the cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum, but concentrations were not affected by season. In addition, concentration and content of GnRH in the POA, AHA, MBH, and ME were similar between seasons.

Conclusion

Our RIA results indicate that in addition to the MBH, the POA and AHA appear to be involved in the seasonal negative feedback of estradiol on KP expression.
Pruritus in ordinary scabies: IL‐31 from macrophages induced by overexpression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and periostin
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Satoh Takahiro , Yokozeki Hiroo
Published: May 2019

Background

Scabies is a common contagious skin disease caused by an infestation of the skin by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. A hallmark symptom of scabies is severe itch.

Methods

We sought to determine the generation of a pruritogenic cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐31, together with immune profiles in skin lesions of ordinary scabies through immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies. To elucidate the pathological mechanisms of IL‐31 generation, murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with various T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines and proteins ex vivo.

Results

A large number of CCR4(+) Th2 cells, eosinophils, and basophils infiltrated in scabies lesions. Increased generation of IL‐31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and periostin was also observed. A major population of IL‐31(+) cells were Arginase‐1(+)/CD163(+) M2 macrophages. Murine peritoneal macrophages showed an M2 phenotype and generated IL‐31 when stimulated with TSLP and periostin.

Conclusion

IL‐31 appeared to be largely generated by M2 macrophages in ordinary scabies lesions. This IL‐31 induction was mediated by TSLP and periostin.
Candomblé and the Academic's Tools: Religious Expertise and the Binds of Recognition in Brazil
Authors: Hartikainen Elina Inkeri
Published: May 2019

Latin American state efforts to recognize ethnically and racially marked populations have focused on knowledge and expertise. This article argues that this form of state recognition does not only call on subaltern groups to present themselves in a frame of expertise. It also pushes such groups to position themselves and their social and political struggles in a matrix based on expertise and knowledge. In the context of early 2000s Brazil, the drive to recognition led activists from the Afro‐Brazilian religion Candomblé to reimagine the religion's practitioners’ long‐term engagements with scholars and scholarly depictions of the religion as a form of epistemological exploitation that had resulted in public misrecognition of the true source of knowledge on the religion: Candomblé practitioners. To remedy this situation, the activists called on Candomblé practitioners to appropriate the “academic's tools,” the modes of representation by which scholarly expertise and knowledge were performed and recognized by the general public and state officials. This strategy transformed religious structures of expertise and knowledge in ways that established a new, politically efficacious epistemological grounding for Candomblé practitioners’ calls for recognition. But it also further marginalized temples with limited connections or access to scholars and higher education. [politics of recognition, politics of expertise, state recognition, Candomblé religion, Brazil]
Micronesian Ethnography from a Disordered Soul?
Authors: Petersen Glenn
Published: May 2019

A career of ethnographic and political work in the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands was sparked by a desire to atone for having fought in the United States’ colonial war in Vietnam. This article explores the question of whether pursuing atonement via ethnographic work in itself constitutes a form of colonial exploitation.
Intraoperative detection of aberrant biliary anatomy via intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Chehade Marthe , Kakala Benedict , Sinclair Jane‐Louise , Pang Tony , Al Asady Rafid , Richardson Arthur , Pleass Henry , Lam Vincent , Johnston Emma , Yuen Lawrence , Hollands Michael
Published: May 2019

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard of treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Although intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is widely used as an adjunct to LC, there is still no worldwide consensus on the value of its routine use. Anatomical studies have shown that variations of the biliary tree are present in approximately 35% of patients with variations in right hepatic second‐order ducts being especially common (15–20%). Approximately, 70–80% of all iatrogenic bile duct injuries are a consequence of misidentification of biliary anatomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the adequacy of and the reporting of IOCs during LC.

Methods

IOCs obtained from 300 consecutive LCs between July 2014 and July 2016 were analysed retrospectively by two surgical trainees and confirmed by a radiologist. Biliary tree anatomy was classified from IOC films as described by Couinaud (1957) and correlated with documented findings. The accuracy of intraoperative reporting was assessed. Biliary anatomy was correlated to clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 95% of IOCs adequately demonstrated biliary anatomy. Aberrant right sectoral ducts were identified in 15.2% of the complete IOCs, and 2.6% demonstrated left sectoral or confluence anomalies. Only 20.4% of these were reported intraoperatively. Bile leaks occurred in two patients who had IOCs (0.73%) and two who did not (7.4%).

Conclusion

Surgeons generally demonstrate biliary anatomy well on IOC but reporting of sectoral duct variation can be improved. Further research is needed to determine whether anatomical variation is related to ductal injury.
Dissemination of a novel organ perfusion technique: ex vivo normothermic perfusion of deceased donor kidneys
Authors: Chandak Pankaj , Phillips Benedict L. , Uwechue Raphael , Thompson Emily , Bates Lucy , Ibrahim Ibrahim , Sewpaul Avinash , Figueiredo Rodrigo , Olsburgh Jonathon , Hosgood Sarah , Nicholson Michael L. , Wilson Colin , Callaghan Chris J.
Published: May 2019

Ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) technology is a promising means of organ preservation, assessment, and preconditioning prior to kidney transplantation, which has been pioneered by a single group. We describe the challenges of setting up clinical EVNP programs in 2 new centers, as well as early patient outcomes. Governance, training, and logistical pathways are described. In order to demonstrate safety and proficiency in this new technique, early patient outcomes are also described. Patient outcomes included the incidence of primary nonfunction, delayed graft function, graft and patient survival at 1 year. Contralateral kidneys undergoing static cold storage alone were used as a comparator group. Between March 2016 and July 2017, EVNP was performed on 14 kidneys from 12 donors (11 kidneys in center 1, 3 kidneys in center 2). Of the 14 kidneys that underwent EVNP, 12 organs were implanted into 10 recipients. Two pairs of kidneys were implanted as dual grafts and 1 kidney was implanted simultaneously with a pancreas. The remaining 7 kidneys were transplanted as single allografts. Seven pairs of kidneys were available for paired analysis comparing EVNP versus static cold storage. Graft and patient outcomes were comparable between the 2 preservation techniques. The introduction of a clinical EVNP service requires a careful multimodal approach, drawing on the expertise of specialists in transplantation, hematology, and microbiology. Both new clinical EVNP programs demonstrated proficiency and safety when a structured dissemination process was followed.
Comparative analysis of the eye anatomy in fossorial and surface‐living skink species (Reptilia: Scincidae), with special reference to the structure of the retina
Authors: Zhao Zhongning , Goedhals Jacqueline , Verdú‐Ricoy Joaquín , Jordaan Adriaan , Heideman Neil
Published: May 2019

We compared the eye anatomy of the scotopic fossorial Acontias orientalis, Acontias rieppeli and Typhlosaurus vermis with that of the photopic surface‐living Trachylepis punctatissima, with particular reference to the retina. The findings were compared with published data on gecko species (Röll, 2001), to determine whether similar trends existed. The vestigial eye of T. vermis was not comparable with that of the other three skink species. The findings in A. orientalis, A. rieppeli and T. punctatissima were as follows: (a) A. rieppeli lacked a conus papillaris, (b) A. orientalis, A. rieppeli and T. punctatissima were pure‐cone species but lacked a fovea, (c) estimated cone density in A. orientalis and A. rieppeli was lower than that in T. punctatissima, (d) the ellipsoid cone segment was smaller and the paraboloid segment larger in A. orientalis and A. rieppeli with the reverse in T. punctatissima, (e) VCL%, ONL%, OPL% and GCL% in A. orientalis and A. rieppeli were significantly greater than that of T. punctatissima, (f) INL% and IPL% in T. punctatissima was significantly greater, and (g) T. punctatissima had abundant Müller cells and fibres. Findings in the gecko species were congruent with those of the three skink species of the present study.
Learner engagement in MOOCs: Scale development and validation
Authors: Deng Ruiqi , Benckendorff Pierre , Gannaway Deanne
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of conceptualising and measuring learner engagement in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The paper develops and validates a MOOC engagement scale (MES) to measure learner engagement. The initial questionnaire items of the scale were developed by reviewing existing related literature and validated student engagement constructs. This was followed by a modified scale development process, including two focus group interviews (n = 10), an exploratory survey (n = 12), an expert review (n = 10), a pilot survey (n = 15), an item purification study (n = 590) and a construct validation study (n = 303). The final version of the scale is made up of four dimensions: behavioural engagement, cognitive engagement, emotional engagement and social engagement. The paper concludes with recommendations for how the MES can be used to assess the pattern of engagement in MOOCs and to investigate the relationship between learner engagement and other important MOOC teaching and learning factors.
Multilevel policy from the municipal perspective: A pan‐Canadian survey
Authors: Lucas Jack , Smith Alison
Published: May 2019

Building on in‐depth case studies and extensive theory‐building by Canadian multilevel governance scholars, this article identifies and describes multilevel policy involvement by federal, provincial, municipal, private, and NGO actors in three policy phases and eighteen policy domains that specifically involve local governments in Canada. Drawing from an original pan‐Canadian survey of municipal mayors and councillors, we show that municipal politicians see multilevel policy involvement as remarkably prevalent across many policy domains. Using an original measure of multilevel policy involvement, we identify the policy domains in which policy involvement is most concentrated or fragmented and then describe the correlates of this measure. Multilevel policy involvement, we argue, is more clearly associated with policy phase and policy domain than with municipal population or region. We conclude with a discussion of implications for future research.
Leucine‐rich repeat neuronal protein‐1 suppresses apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through regulation of Fas/FasL
Authors: Liu Bofang , Zhang Ye , Fan Yibo , Wang Shuo , Li Zhi , Deng Mingming , Li Ce , Wang Jin , Ma Rui , Wang Xiaoxun , Wang Yan , Xu Ling , Hou Kezuo , Che Xiaofang , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan
Published: May 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. As a result of the lack of reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for GC, patient prognosis is still poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for studies examining the underlying pathogenesis of GC in order to find effective biomarkers. LRRN1 (leucine‐rich repeat neuronal protein‐1) is a type I transmembrane protein that plays an important role in the process of nerve development and regeneration. However, its role in cancer, especially in GC, remains unclear. In the present study, we found that LRRN1 expression is upregulated in GC tissues and that high LRRN1 expression is associated with poor prognosis. siRNA and shRNA‐mediated knockdowns of LRRN1 expression promoted GC cell apoptosis and activation of the Fas/FasL pathway. LRRN1 knockdown also resulted in upregulation of JUN, a subunit of the transcription factor AP‐1 (activator protein‐1). This suggests that LRRN1 suppresses GC cell apoptosis by downregulating AP‐1, resulting in inhibition of the Fas/FasL pathway. These results confirm that LRRN1 plays a significant role in GC pathogenesis. Moreover, LRRN1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
Stages of change and engagement in a family intervention
Authors: Castillo‐Garayoa José A. , Montes‐Vallecillos Anna , Perales‐Echeverría Arantxa , Sánchez‐Velasco Almudena , Medina‐Cervera Sergio
Published: May 2019

Prochaska and DiClemente's stages of change model facilitate understanding of engagement difficulties in psychosocial intervention processes. We assessed the link between stages of family change and intervention dropout in a sample of 141 families with relational conflicts between parents and adolescent children. Each family member's stage of change was defined according to three criteria: seeing the conflict as a relational problem, assuming part of the responsibility for the dysfunctional relationship, and understanding one's own mental and emotional states and those of the other family members involved in the conflict (mentalization). Our dropout rate for the sample was 41.8% and was higher for immigrant families. We found a strong association between engagement and the contemplation stage of change, particularly the mother's. In family conflict interventions, participation of all the family members is essential so as raise awareness of the relational aspects of the conflict and the shared responsibility for the conflict and its resolution.
Contact analysis of gap formation at dental implant‐abutment interface under oblique loading: A numerical‐experimental study
Authors: He Yiting , Fok Alex , Aparicio Conrado , Teng Wei
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To develop numerical and experimental methods for investigating the formation of micro‐gaps and the change in contact area at the implant‐abutment interface of two different connector designs under oblique cyclic loading.

Materials and Methods

Samples (n = 10 per group) of two‐piece implant systems with the conical connection (group A) and the external hexagonal connection (group B) were subjected to cyclic loading with increasing load amplitudes up to 220 N. After loading, the samples were scanned using micro‐CT, with silver nitrate as a high‐contrast penetrant, and the level of leakage was assessed using a discrete scoring system. Three‐dimensional finite element (FE) analyses of the two implant systems were also conducted to reveal the micro‐gap formation process, especially bridging of the internal abutment screw space. The experimental and numerical results for the bridging load were then compared.

Results

90% of the samples in group A showed leakage into the internal implant space at a load of around 100 N; while over 80% of those in group B did so at a load of around 40 N. This agreed with the FE analysis, which showed bridging of the internal implant space at loads similar to those measured for the two implant systems. Residual gaps of less than 1.49 μm were predicted for group A only after unloading.

Conclusions

The FE‐predicted loads for bridging agreed well with those found experimentally for leakage to occur. The conical connection showed more resistance against formation of micro‐gaps at the implant‐abutment interface than the external hexagonal connection. Although the minimum load required to bridge the internal implant space was within the range of human biting force, the relation between bacterial invasion and micro‐gaps needs further research.
Transplantation of Nurr1‐overexpressing neural stem cells and microglia for treating parkinsonian rats
Authors: Qian Yuan , Chen Xiao‐Xiang , Wang Wei , Li Jun‐Jun , Wang Xian‐Peng , Tang Zhi‐Wei , Xu Jiao‐Tian , Lin Hai , Yang Zhi‐Yong , Li Li‐Yan , Song Xiao‐Bin , Guo Jia‐Zhi , Bian Li‐Gong , Zhou Lei , Lu Di , Deng Xing‐Li
Published: May 2019

Background

Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation is considered a promising treatment for Parkinson's disease. But most NSCs are differentiated into glial cells rather than neurons, and only a few of them survive after transplantation due to the inflammatory environment.

Methods

In this study, neural stem cells (NSCs) and microglial cells both forced with the Nurr1 gene were transplanted into the striatum of the rat model of PD. The results were evaluated through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

The behavioral abnormalities of PD rats were improved by combined transplantation of NSCs and microglia, both forced with Nurr1. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase+ cells in the striatum of PD rats increased, and the number of Iba1+ cells decreased compared with the other groups. Moreover, the dopamine neurons differentiated from grafted NSCs could still be detected in the striatum of PD rats after 5 months.

Conclusions

The results suggested that transplantation of Nurr1‐overexpressing NSCs and microglia could improve the inhospitable host brain environments, which will be  a new potential strategy for the cell replacement therapy in PD.
Intentionally building relationships between participatory online groups and formal organisations for effective emergency response
Authors: Park Chul Hyun , Johnston Erik W.
Published: May 2019

Advances in information and communication technologies enable the public to contribute to emergency response. For instance, reporting systems set up during recent disasters allowed affected people to submit testimonies about conditions on the ground. In addition, the public has analysed data and helped to mobilise and deliver relief resources. To plan intentionally for an integrative emergency response system in the networked age, this research explores two subject areas: (i) the organisational and technical determinants of relationships forged between formal organisations and participatory online groups established by the public; and (ii) the consequences of the outcomes generated by these relationships. Four in‐depth case studies were selected for the analysis, which revealed that resource dependence, shared understanding, and the use of certain types of information technology influence the formation of such relationships. Furthermore, healthy collaborative relationships increase the chances of desirable results, including inter‐organisational alignment and minimal long‐term harm owing to a disaster.
Study design choices for evaluating the comparative safety of diabetes medications: An evaluation of pioglitazone use and risk of bladder cancer in older US adults with type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Garry Elizabeth M. , Buse John B. , Gokhale Mugdha , Lund Jennifer L. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Pate Virginia , Stürmer Til
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aim of the study was to empirically demonstrate the effect of varying study designs when evaluating the safety of pioglitazone in treating bladder cancer.

Methods

We identified Medicare beneficiaries above 65 years of age with diabetes between 2008 and 2015 and with classified exposure (at least two claims within 180 days) to glucose‐lowering drugs (GLD), pioglitazone or another drug. The effects of varying the following study design parameters on bladder cancer risk were assessed: use of a new vs existing drug, choice of referent (all non‐users and users of GLDs, non‐insulin GLDs and DPP‐4s) and whether or not censoring accounted for treatment change. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to obtain adjusted HRs and 95% CIs.

Results

We included 1,510,212 patients classified as pioglitazone users (N = 135,188) or non‐users (N = 1,375,024). Users had more diabetic complications than non‐users, but fewer than insulin users. The HR ranged from 1.10 (1.01‐1.20) to 1.13 (0.99‐1.29) when censoring ignored treatment change, suggesting a weak association or none between pioglitazone and bladder cancer, probably under‐estimating risk. However, the HR was 1.20 (1.01‐1.42) when cohorts were restricted to new users, censored upon treatment change, and when DPP‐4 was used as the referent, suggesting an increased risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone.

Conclusions

The continued demand for new GLDs indicates the need for more robust observational methods to improve the value of generating real‐world evidence in equipping clinicians to make informed prescribing decisions. Although there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach, we recommend active comparator new user study designs that compare therapeutically equivalent drugs and account for treatment changes during follow‐up to present the least biased comparative safety estimates.
Influence of larval and juvenile life history on age at first maturity in two tropical amphidromous fish species
Authors: Lagarde Raphaël , Teichert Nils , Grondin Henri , Hue Thomas , Gaudin Philippe , Ponton Dominique
Published: May 2019

This study investigates how age at first maturity of two tropical amphidromous species Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Pallas, 1770) and Cotylopus acutipinnis (Guichenot, 1863) varies in relation to their larval and juvenile life history. Reproductive stage was estimated based on histological observation of ovaries of more than 200 females of each species caught monthly over 1 year. The age of fish was estimated by interpreting the daily increments deposited on otoliths during the oceanic larval phase, and the juvenile phase in the river. The age at first maturity was approximately 9 months for S. lagocephalus and 7 months for C. acutipinnis, corresponding to approximately 70–130 and 90–130 days after they returned to freshwater respectively. For both species, the time spent in freshwater before maturity was significantly influenced by the duration of the pelagic larval stage at sea (PLD) and the season of return in freshwater. Individuals with a long PLD, or returning in freshwater during the warmer season, maturated faster once in freshwater. This reproductive advantage may minimise the risk of extirpation due to catastrophic events at each generation and thus probably benefits amphidromous species living in very unpredictable tropical rivers.
Women's labour force participation in nineteenth‐century England and Wales: evidence from the 1881 census enumerators’ books
Authors: You Xuesheng
Published: May 2019

This article uses a new source of data, namely the full sample of the 1881 census enumerators’ books, to study female labour force participation. It examines the interaction between labour demand and supply to gauge their relative importance in determining female labour force participation rates (LFPRs). Three main findings emerge from the current article. First, there is an unmistakable link between labour demand and female LFPRs. High levels of female labour force participation are found in areas where there were industries with ample demand for female labour. Second, supply‐side factors also had clear effects on female LFPRs. However, they can only operate within the limit imposed by the demand‐side conditions. Third, female migration did not fundamentally change the spatial patterns of female LFPRs. Overall, this article argues that the demand side of the female labour market was the most important factor in determining female LFPRs in nineteenth‐century England and Wales.
A field test of the audibility of urban versus rural songs in mountain chickadees
Authors: LaZerte Stefanie E. , Slabbekoorn Hans , Otter Ken A.
Published: May 2019

Anthropogenic noise can mask avian vocalizations, and several urban‐dwelling species adjust frequency or amplitude of vocalizations in ways that appear to compensate for increased noise levels. Playback studies have investigated whether receivers differentiate between signals produced by rural and urban males, but it is difficult to determine whether differential response to stimulus reflects differences in audibility versus perceived differences in male signals/condition that result from urban settlement. Here, we performed paired‐playback trials to determine whether mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) differentiate urban versus rural songs when both stimuli were broadcast within noise. For each playback, stimuli were played in short bouts starting at a low signal‐to‐noise ratio and increasing in relative amplitude with each successive bout. If the primary function of adjusted urban songs is propagation in noise, we hypothesized that focal males would respond sooner to urban versus rural playbacks (detect at lower signal‐to‐noise ratios). If urban songs solely encode information about the male's condition (such as increased aggression), then we predicted only a differential aggressive response to playbacks once detected. If urban songs both increase propagation and embed information on male condition, we predicted a combination of both response types. We found no difference in latency to first response in urban versus rural songs, but some evidence for differential aggression to playback dependent on both stimulus type (urban vs. rural) and local ambient noise levels; focal males in noisy (urban) sites responded aggressively to both stimulus types, whereas focal males in quiet (rural) sites responded more aggressively to urban than to rural stimuli. This context‐dependent discrimination may be the result of increased aggression in urban habitats, improved communication in noisy habitats by urban signallers and receivers, or some combination of the two.
Iron superoxide dismutase contributes to miltefosine resistance in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Veronica Jalaja , Chandrasekaran Sambamurthy , Dayakar Alti , Devender Moodu , Prajapati Vijay Kumar , Sundar Shyam , Maurya Radheshyam
Published: May 2019

The emergence of drug‐resistant Leishmania is the major challenge to management of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in areas in which this parasite is endemic. Miltefosine has been widely used against VL, but the emergence of resistant strains could impose a significant threat in the near future. The present study used high‐throughput proteomics to determine whether proteins are differentially expressed in miltefosine‐resistant (BHU875) and ‐sensitive (DD8) Leishmania donovani strains. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed up‐regulation of iron superoxide dismutase (FeSODA) in the resistant BHU875 strain compared to the drug‐sensitive DD8 strain. In accordance with the proteomic data, BHU875 showed higher FeSODA enzymatic activity relative to the sensitive strain. Molecular characterization of BHU875 parasites in which the gene encoding FeSODA was silenced demonstrated that drug sensitivity was restored and the intracellular survival of the parasite was lowered. This suggests that FeSODA activity plays a part in miltefosine resistance. Our study provides a drug target that could be used to overcome miltefosine resistance or help in rational redesigning of miltefosine‐based therapy to combat Leishmania infection.
Impact of field fungal contamination of barley on ensiling properties, nutritional quality and the microbiome of barley silage
Authors: Nair Jayakrishnan , Turkington T. Kelly , Blackshaw Robert , Geddes Charles M. , Lupwayi Newton Z. , Xu Shanwei , Yang Jinli , Yang Hee‐Eun , Wang Yuxi , McAllister Tim A.
Published: May 2019

Barley varieties of differing fungal disease resistance were grown in triplicate plots at Lacombe and Lethbridge, Alberta with the disease resistant variety (FR) sprayed with a foliar fungicide to maximize differences in field fungal disease. Both varieties were harvested at soft dough and ensiled in minisilos to assess differences in fungal contamination on ensiling properties, nutritional quality, aerobic stability and associated bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Data were analysed as repeated measures with the effect of treatment × time (duration of ensiling or aerobic exposure) included in the model. The percentage leaf area diseased by net form net blotch was higher (p < 0.05) in the untreated barley cv. Sundre (UN, 59.1% leaf area affected at Lacombe and 25.2% at Lethbridge) than in the FR barley cv. Chigwell (0.7% leaf area affected at Lacombe and 0.1% at Lethbridge). Fungal resistant barley had a lower (p < 0.01) acid and neutral detergent fibre content. Relative abundance of Xanthomonadales was higher (p = 0.02) for FR than UN, while Lactobacillales dominated the bacterial microbiome after 60 day of ensiling in both silages. Bacillales dominated both FR and UN after 21 day of aerobic exposure. Fungal resistant fresh barley forage had a tendency (p = 0.10) for a greater relative abundance of Pleosporales, while UN had higher (p < 0.01) Hypocreales. Mould counts were lower (p = 0.01) for FR than UN after 7 day of ensiling. Fungal resistant barley had minimal influence on the fungal community that contributed to the aerobic deterioration of barley silage.
Histological analysis of fundic gland polyps secondary to PPI therapy
Authors: Fukuda Masahide , Ishigaki Hirohito , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Mukaisho Ken‐Ichi , Matsubara Akiko , Ishida Hideaki , Moritani Suzuko , Itoh Yasushi , Sugihara Hiroyuki , Andoh Akira , Ogasawara Kazumasa , Murakami Kazunari , Kushima Ryoji
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to clarify the histopathological features of fundic gland polyps (FGPs) in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and to investigate the mechanism of enlargement of FGPs after PPI treatment.

Methods and results

A total of 196 biopsy specimens of FGPs, which consisted of 87 FGPs in patients treated with PPIs (PPI group) and 109 FGPs in patients treated without PPIs (non‐PPI group) were compared histologically using haematoxylin and eosin staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunohistochemical stain with Ki67, MUC5AC and MUC6. The significant histological features of FGPs in the PPI group were: larger size of dilated fundic gland cysts, larger number of foveolar and mixture type fundic gland cysts, foveolar cell hyperplasia, parietal cell protrusion, mononuclear cell infiltration and a higher percentage of Ki67‐positive cells in the deeper layers of the glands. Multiplex immunohistochemical stain showed that Ki67‐positive cells were also positive for MUC5AC, and the Ki67‐positive rate was significantly higher in MUC5AC‐positive cells of the PPI group than of the non‐PPI group. Gene mutations of β‐catenin were found in only 9.7% of FGPs in the PPI group.

Conclusions

Enlargement of fundic gland cysts due to foveolar cell proliferation and parietal cell protrusion might promote the enlargement of FGPs in patients treated with PPIs. β‐catenin gene mutations might not be associated with these histological changes of FGPs after PPI treatment.
Anti‐inflammatory / anti‐oxidant activity of ingredients of sunscreen products? Implications for SPF
Authors: Kolbe L. , Pissavini M. , Tricaud C. , Trullás Cabanas C. , Dietrich E. , Matts P. J.
Published: May 2019

Objective

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen products is derived from testing in vivo their ability to prevent erythema (“sunburn”). Recently, certain articles have raised concerns that sunscreen products may actively suppress erythema via anti‐inflammatory / anti‐oxidant (AI/AO) activity. These articles reason that this may result in a higher labelled SPF value than that provided by the efficacy of the UVR filters alone, giving consumers a “false sense of security”. On the other hand, since inflammatory processes are known to play a role in the mechanisms of photodamage / skin cancer induction and propagation, AI/AO activity may provide valuable incremental photoprotective benefit (provided that there is no interference with visible erythema). The objective of these studies, therefore, was to investigate the potential of AI/AO ingredients to suppress UVR‐induced erythemal response in human skin, in vivo.

Methods

In vivo studies with SPF30 sunscreen formulations containing a variety of AI/AO ingredients were performed according to the International Standard ISO24444:2010 method. While ISO24444:2010 requires assessment of erythema at 20 ± 4h post‐irradiation, an additional assessment at 5 h post‐irradiation was also used to determine potential delay in erythema development.

Results

None of the formulations, containing a variety of AI/AO ingredients, influenced SPF determination in comparison to the vehicle formulation.

Conclusion

Our in vivo results demonstrate that commonly‐used AI/AO ingredients, at concentrations typically used in sunscreen products, neither influence SPF value nor delay erythemal response, i.e., the measured SPF reflects the true photoprotective capacity of the product.
The mediational effect of coherence on the relationship between mental load and job burnout among oncology nurses
Authors: Wilczek‐Rużyczka Ewa , Dębska Grażyna , Pasek Małgorzata , Zwierzchowska Marta
Published: May 2019

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine the mediational effect of coherence on the relationship between mental load and job burnout among oncology nurses.

Background

Working stress and strain cause high mental load and can lead to job burnout among oncology nurses. Sense of coherence protects against the negative consequences of occupational mental load and may prevent professional burnout.

Materials and methods

The study was carried out with 165 oncology nurses from chemotherapy departments. The data were collected from April to September 2013 using the Antonovsky Sense of Coherence Scale, Meister questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results

Manageability mediated the relations between Mental Load and both Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization. Meaningfulness exerted significant mediational effect on the relationship between Mental Load and Depersonalization. Manageability and Meaningfulness attenuate the unfavourable effect of Monotony and Unspecific load on motional Exhaustion and Depersonalization.

Conclusions

Sense of coherence, especially Manageability and Meaningfulness, seems to be an important resource for oncology nurses, buffering the negative impact of mental load on well‐being of nurses. Strengthening the sense of coherence can be helpful in preventing or dealing with professional burnout.