bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetic limits: Defining the bounds and trade‐offs of successful energy management in a capital breeder
Authors: Shuert Courtney R. , Halsey Lewis G. , Pomeroy Patrick P. , Twiss Sean D.
Published: September 2020

Judicious management of energy can be invaluable for animal survival and reproductive success. Capital breeding mammals typically transfer energy to their young at extremely high rates while undergoing prolonged fasting, making lactation a tremendously energy demanding period. Effective management of the competing demands of the mother's energy needs and those of her offspring is presumably fundamental to maximizing lifetime reproductive success.

How does the mother maximize her chances of successfully rearing her pup, by ensuring that both her pup and herself have sufficient energy during this ‘energetic fast’? While energy management models were first discussed in the 1990s, application of this analytical technique is still very much in its infancy. Recent work suggests that a broad range of species exhibits ‘energy compensation’; during periods when they expend more energy on activity, their bodies partially compensate by reducing background (basal) metabolic rate as an adaptation to limit overall energy expenditure. However, the value of energy management models in understanding animal ecology is presently unclear.

We investigate whether energy management models provide insights into the breeding strategy of phocid seals. Not only do we expect lactating seals to display energy compensation because of their breeding strategy of high energy transfer while fasting, but we anticipate that mothers exhibiting a lack of energy compensation are less likely to rear offspring successfully.

On the Isle of May in Scotland, we collected heart rate data as a proxy for energy expenditure in 52 known individual grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) mothers, repeatedly across 3 years of breeding. We provide evidence that grey seal mothers typically exhibit energy compensation during lactation by downregulating their background metabolic rate to limit daily energy expenditure during periods when other energy costs are relatively high. However, individuals that fail to energy compensate during the lactation period are more likely to end lactation earlier than expected.

Our study is the first to demonstrate the importance of energy compensation to an animal's reproductive expenditure. Moreover, our multi‐seasonal data indicate that environmental stressors may reduce the capacity of some individuals to follow the energy compensation strategy.
Molecular epidemiology in current times
Authors: Tümmler Burkhard
Published: September 2020

Motivated to find options for prevention or intervention, molecular epidemiology aims to identify the host and microbial factors that determine the transmission, manifestation and progression of infectious disease. The genotyping of cultivatable bacterial strains is performed by either anonymous fingerprinting techniques or sequence‐based exploration of variable genomic sites. Multilocus sequence typing of housekeeping genes and allele profiling of the core genome have become standard techniques of bacterial strain typing that may be supplemented by whole genome sequencing to explore all single nucleotide variants and/or the composition of the accessory genome. Next, novel protocols to investigate host and microbiome based upon smart third generation sequencing technologies are being developed for an effective surveillance, rapid diagnosis and real‐time tracking of infectious diseases.
Performingcare: emotion work and ‘dignity work’ – a joint autoethnography of caring for our mum at the end of life
Authors: Wilkinson Samantha , Wilkinson Catherine
Published: September 2020

In this paper we, twin sisters, present a joint autoethnographic account of providing end of life care for our mum who had terminal cancer. Using the theoretical framing of performance from Goffman's theory of Dramaturgy, we present the findings from a joint autoethnography, focusing on two key themes: performing emotion work and performing what we conceptualise as ‘dignity work’. This paper's contributions are twofold. First, conceptually, this paper offers an important contribution to literature concerned with the sociology of illness, by critically engaging with Goffman's notion of frontstage and backstage performance, applied to the context of home care provided by family carers. The second contribution of this paper is methodological; we promote the under‐utilised approach of a joint autoethnography and argue for its usefulness in the context of end of life care. We contend that the process of writing this paper was emotionally challenging, yet arriving at the final paper, which serves as a legacy of our mum, was cathartic. We argue for the usefulness of written diaries as a backstage arena through which other informal carers can think through, and come to terms with, experiences of death and dying.
Early 18F‐FDG PET/CT in COVID‐19
Authors: Cosma Laura , Sollaku Saadi , Frantellizzi Viviana , De Vincentis Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

We report the case of who has been hospitalized complaining about fever in the last 4 days. Laboratory data revealed lymphocytopenia and leucopenia with an elevation of C‐reactive protein and positive real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Six days before this hospitalization, when the patient was asymptomatic, 18F‐FDG PET/CT images were performed for the therapeutic control of liver metastases of colorectal cancer. Lung abnormality findings at 18F‐FDG PET/CT images, unrelated to cancer metastases, but suspicious for viral infection, may suggest the presence of COVID‐19 disease in its early phase before symptoms onset. Since PET/CT is more sensitive than CT scan in detecting host’s reaction, the added value of this technique could be monitoring disease progression and could be used as a biomarker of lung disease activity and therefore as an important tool for a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the progression of lung disease.
Expression and role of p16 and GLUT1 in malignant diseases and lung cancer: A review
Authors: Pezzuto Aldo , D'Ascanio Michela , Ricci Alberto , Pagliuca Alessandra , Carico Elisabetta
Published: September 2020

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death and in most cases it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Many genetic and microenvironmental factors are able to modify the cell cycle inducing carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Among the metabolic and genetic factors that come into play in carcinogenesis and tumor cell differentiation and growth there are two different proteins that should be considered which are glucose transporters (GLUTs) and p16INK4 The first are glucose transporters which are strongly involved in tumor metabolism, notably accelerating cancer cell metabolism both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. There are different subtypes of GLUT family factors of which GLUT 1 is the most important and widely expressed. By contrast, p16 is mainly a tumor‐suppressor protein that acts on cyclin‐dependent kinase favoring cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Our search focused on the action of the aforementioned factors.
Unusual lung involvements of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma with chylothorax
Authors: Aoki Ayako , Hara Yu , Okudela Koji , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Doshita Kosei , Hashimoto Hisashi , Nakashima Kentaro , Horita Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: September 2020

A 77‐year‐old man who had a persistent productive cough for one month was admitted to our hospital. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed subpleural nodular opacities, irregular pleural thickening with bilateral basal predominance, and a small right pleural effusion. Aspirated fluid was exudative and had the appearance of chylothorax without malignant cells. Surgical lung biopsy specimen showed focal proliferation of neoplastic epithelial cells with lepidic‐predominant pattern and abundant mucus in the alveolar spaces, consistent with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA). The results of PD‐L1 expression and the EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF mutation status analyzed by next generation sequencer were all negative. IMA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subpleural micronodular opacities accompanied by pleural effusion (chylothorax) on chest CT.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

This case showed subpleural micronodular opacities and chylothorax as unusual chest computed tomography (CT) patterns for invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA).

What this study adds

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subpleural micronodular opacities accompanied by pleural effusion on chest CT.
Racial Discrimination, Protective Parenting, and Binge Drinking Among Emerging Adult Black Men
Authors: Kogan Steven M. , Bae Dayoung
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Rural Black men experience escalating rates of binge drinking during emerging adulthood. We hypothesized that exposure to racial discrimination would predict growth in their binge‐drinking trajectories and that protective parenting, including emotional and instrumental support and high expectations for success, would attenuate the influence of racial discrimination on growth in binge drinking.

Methods

Hypotheses were tested with 3 waves of data from 505 men (ages 20.3, 21.9, and 23.1) participating in the African American Men’s Project. Conditional and multigroup latent growth curve models (LGCMs) were implemented using Mplus.

Results

LGCM indicated that binge‐drinking frequency increased linearly across time; exposure to racial discrimination at baseline predicted growth in binge drinking (β = 0.19, p < 0.01). Multigroup comparison procedures indicated significant moderation by protective parenting. When protective parenting was high, racial discrimination had no significant influence on rates of young men’s binge drinking (β = 0.01, p = 0.51). In contrast, when protective parenting was low, the influence of discrimination was heightened (β = 0.21, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Racial discrimination is a pernicious stressor that contributes to increases in binge drinking among young Black men. When parents engaged in emotionally and instrumentally supportive parenting, however, racial discrimination had little influence on binge‐drinking trajectories during emerging adulthood. Study findings underscore the importance of the emerging adult transition as a period of vulnerability and suggest directions for targeting alcohol preventive interventions.

Implications and Contribution

After high school, young Black men are exposed to racial discrimination that can increase rates of binge drinking. When young men’s parents were emotionally and instrumentally supportive toward them, however, racial discrimination did not predict increases in binge drinking.
Candidate Supply Is Not a Barrier to Immigrant Representation: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Dancygier Rafaela , Lindgren Karl‐Oskar , Nyman Pär , Vernby Kåre
Published: September 2020

Immigrants are underrepresented in most democratic parliaments. To explain the immigrant–native representation gap, existing research emphasizes party gatekeepers and structural conditions. But a more complete account must consider the possibility that the representation gap begins at the supply stage. Are immigrants simply less interested in elected office? To test this explanation, we carried out an innovative case–control survey in Sweden. We surveyed elected politicians, candidates for local office, and residents who have not run; stratified these samples by immigrant status; and linked all respondents to local political opportunity structures. We find that differences in political ambition, interest, and efficacy do not help explain immigrants' underrepresentation. Instead, the major hurdles lie in securing a candidate nomination and being placed on an electable list position. We conclude that there is a sufficient supply of potential immigrant candidates, but immigrants' ambition is thwarted by political elites.
Advances and novel developments in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meng Yifan , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: September 2020

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an upper airway disease with high prevalence in the world, and therefore needs to be thoroughly investigated and treated accordingly. Although the mechanisms underlying the pathology and treatment of AR have been widely studied, many aspects of AR are still unclear and warrant further investigations. The purpose of the present review was therefore to report recently published papers, which highlight the novel mechanisms and treatments of AR. These include role of environment, important proteins and cells, and some other factors in the pathogenesis of AR; as well as the role of immunotherapy and biologics in the treatment of AR.
Interleukin 17F gene variations showed no association with BCG osteitis risk after newborn vaccination
Authors: Korppi Matti , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Liehu‐Martiskainen Milla , Barkoff Alex‐Mikael , Lauhkonen Eero , Huhtala Heini , Pöyhönen Laura , Nuolivirta Kirsi , He Qiushui
Published: September 2020

Aim

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) family cytokines promote the host defence against mycobacterial infections. We have previously shown an association between IL17A variations and Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) osteitis. This paper evaluates the association of three IL17F polymorphisms with BCG osteitis after newborn vaccination.

Methods

IL17F rs763780, rs11465553 and rs7741835 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied in 132 adults, who presented with BCG osteitis in infancy. The genotypes and minor allele frequencies (MAFs) were compared between cases and Finnish population‐based controls (N = 99) from the 1000 Genomes Project, and MAFs were compared between cases and allele data of Finnish subjects from the large Genome Aggregation Database.

Results

There were no significant differences between former BCG osteitis patients and population‐based controls in the IL17F rs763780 (wild 84.4% vs 84.8%), rs11465553 (86.4% vs 91.9%) or rs7741835 (65.7% vs 67.7%) genotypes. Homozygous variant genotypes were only present in 1.5%, 0.8% and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Likewise, MAFs of the three IL17F SNPs did not substantially differ from those of 11 252, 11 939 and 1371 Finnish subjects, respectively, from the available Genome Aggregation Database.

Conclusion

IL17F rs763780, rs11465553 and rs7741835 variations showed no association with the risk of BCG osteitis after newborn vaccination.
Average 2.5‐year neurodevelopmental test results in children born very preterm did not rule out cognitive deficits at 6.5 years of age
Authors: Kaul Ylva F. , Naseh Nima , Strand Brodd Katarina , Böhm Birgitta , Holmström Gerd , Hellström‐Westas Lena
Published: September 2020

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate cognitive outcomes at 6.5 years in children born very preterm, in relation to neonatal characteristics and 2.5‐year neurodevelopment.

Methods

A prospective cohort, with gestational age 22.3‐31.9 weeks, born 2004‐2007, were examined at 2.5 years with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley‐III) (n = 100) and at 6.5 years with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales (n = 91).

Results

Neonatal factors independently related to 6.5‐year outcome were gestational age, retinopathy of prematurity and treated persistent ductus arteriosus. The Bayley‐III cognitive scores explained only 44% of the Full‐Scale Intelligence Quotient result at 6.5 years, and 22% of the children had Wechsler index results below −1 SD, indicating cognitive impairment, after average test results at 2.5 years. The relative risk to score below −1 SD on the Full‐Scale IQ was 2.83 (95% CI 1.45‐5.53) in children with gestational age below 28 weeks and 2.22 (95% CI 1.18‐4.17) at gestational age 28‐31 weeks.

Conclusion

Very preterm infants born in the 2000s had increased risks for impaired cognition at 6.5 years, but individual predictions based on neonatal risks and 2.5‐year test results were not enough to identify all high‐risk children.
Tempted to join in or not? Moral temptation and self‐reported behaviour in bullying situations
Authors: Gutzwiller‐Helfenfinger Eveline , Perren Sonja
Published: September 2020

We investigate the relationship between adolescents’ construction of a transgression relating to a hypothetical temptation and bystander behaviour and bullying (offline and online). A total of 331 Swiss eighth graders completed an electronic questionnaire on bystanding, bullying, moral disengagement, and empathy. Moral functioning was assessed in a hypothetical scenario, using different moral judgements (deontic and self‐judgement, judging the transgression; paper‐and‐pencil measure). Cluster analyses were used to identify patterns of moral functioning. For the open situation (deontic and self‐judgement), happy transgressors, happy moralists, ashamed moralists, and indifferent moralists were differentiated, and for the transgression (accomplished deed) moralists and happy opportunists. The analyses yielded significant differences between the different cluster groups. Happy transgressors (open situation) reported higher levels of assisting the bullying than unconcerned moralists. Happy transgressors also reported lower levels of helping than ashamed and happy moralists. Opportunists (accomplished deed) reported higher levels of assisting the bullying, offline bullying, and lower levels of helping the victim. The multivariate GEE analyses showed that happy transgressors reported higher levels of assisting the bully and online bullying than the moralist groups (open situation). The study shows that adolescents who construct a favourable interpretation of yielding to temptation in a hypothetical scenario displayed higher levels of both assisting the bully and online bullying, emphasizing the need for incorporating targeted moral education in bullying prevention.
Exhaustion of tumour‐infiltrating T‐cell receptor repertoire diversity is an age‐dependent indicator of immunological fitness independently predictive of clinical outcome in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Rieken Johannes , Bernard Veronica , Witte Hanno M. , Peter Wolfgang , Merz Hartmut , Olschewski Vito , Hertel Lars , Lehnert Hendrik , Biersack Harald , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Feller Alfred C. , Gebauer Niklas
Published: September 2020

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B‐cell‐malignancy derived from germinal‐centre B‐cells. Curative therapy traditionally requires intensive immunochemotherapy. Recently, immuno‐oncological approaches, modulating the T‐cell tumour response, were approved for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. The architecture of the tumour‐infiltrating T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in BL remains insufficiently characterized. We therefore performed a large‐scale, next‐generation sequencing study of the complimentary‐determining region (CDR)‐3 region of the TCRβ chain repertoire in a large cohort of all epidemiological subtypes of BL (n = 82) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 34). Molecular data were subsequently assessed for correlation with clinical outcome. Our investigations revealed an age‐dependent immunoprofile in BL as in DLBCL. Moreover, we found several public clonotypes in numerous patients suggestive of shared tumour neoantigen selection exclusive to BL and distinct from DLBCL regardless of Epstein–Barr virus and/or human immunodeficiency virus status. Compared with baseline, longitudinal analysis unveiled significant repertoire restrictions upon relapse (P = 0·0437) while productive TCR repertoire clonality proved to be a useful indicator of both overall and progression‐free‐survival [OS: P = 0·0001; hazard ratio (HR): 6·220; confidence interval (CI): 2·263–11·78; PFS: P = 0·0025; HR: 3·086; CI: 1·555–7·030]. Multivariate analysis confirmed its independence from established prognosticators, including age at diagnosis and comorbidities. Our findings establish the clinical relevance of the architecture and clonality of the TCR repertoire and its age‐determined dynamics in BL.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in 80 patients diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma during pregnancy: results from the International Network of Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy
Authors: Maggen Charlotte , Dierickx Daan , Cardonick Elyce , Mhallem Gziri Mina , Cabrera‐Garcia Alvaro , Shmakov Roman G. , Avivi Irit , Masturzo Bianca , Duvekot Johannes J. , Ottevanger Petronella B. , O’Laughlin Andie , Polushkina Evgeniya , Van Calsteren Kristel , Woei‐A‐Jin F.J. Sherida H. , Amant Frédéric ,   for the International Network on Cancer Infertility Pregnancy (INCIP)
Published: September 2020

This cohort study of the International Network on Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy (INCIP) reports the maternal and neonatal outcomes of 80 pregnant patients diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) between 1986 and 2019, focussing on 57 (71%) patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Of all 80 patients, 54 (68%) pregnant patients received chemotherapy; mostly (89%) CHOP‐like (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimens. Four early pregnancies were terminated. Among 76 ongoing pregnancies, there was one stillbirth (1·3%). Overall, there was a high incidence of small for gestational age neonates (39%), preterm delivery (52%), obstetric (41%) and neonatal complications (12·5%), and this could not exclusively be explained by the receipt of antenatal chemotherapy. Half of preterm deliveries (46%) were planned in order to tailor oncological treatment. The 3‐year progression‐free and overall survival for patients with DLBCL treated with rituximab‐CHOP was 83·4% and 95·7% for limited stage (n = 29) and 60·6% and 73·3% for advanced stage (n = 15). Of 36 pregnant patients who received rituximab, five (13%) cases with neonatal complications and three (8%) with maternal infections were reported. In conclusion, standard treatment for DLBCL can be offered to pregnant patients in obstetric centres that cater for high‐risk patients.
Rewilding and gazetting the Iberá National Park: Using an asset approach to evaluate project success
Authors: Pettersson Hanna Louise , de Carvalho Sergio Henrique Collaço
Published: September 2020

The rising demand for natural resources increases the pressure on conservationists to justify the protection and restoration of biodiversity. However, the benefits of protected wild spaces to people are not always evident. In this study, we analyzed a rewilding and national park project in the Iberá Wetlands. We deployed the Protected Area Asset Framework to analyze how investments made by an international NGO in local products, resources and relationships developed new value‐generating practices in the area. We also studied the resulting impact on local stakeholders' perceptions of the project. The results indicate that the NGO's investments have enhanced Iberá's perceived value, also of its less tangible assets such as its aesthetic beauty and cultural significance. This has generated a gradual shift in attitudes from widespread apprehension to increased local support for the new national park. The study contends that gaining local acceptance for protected areas may be facilitated by illuminating their diverse social, cultural and economic potential. The Asset Framework can be used to reveal values that emerge out of society's interaction with nature and help managers develop new and engaging narratives for conservation projects. The lessons provided by the Iberá project can inform management of protected areas in Argentina and elsewhere.
Strategic adaptive management planning—Restoring a desert ecosystem by managing introduced species and native herbivores and reintroducing mammals
Authors: Kingsford Richard T. , West Rebecca S. , Pedler Reece D. , Keith David A. , Moseby Katherine E. , Read John L. , Letnic Mike , Leggett Keith E. A. , Ryall Sharon R.
Published: September 2020

Arid rangelands are degraded worldwide, suffering vegetation transformation, soil erosion, introductions, and extinctions. Wild deserts is restoring a desert ecosystem in Sturt National Park, New South Wales, Australia (35,000 ha), eradicating or controlling introduced animals, managing native herbivores, and reintroducing regionally extinct mammals. We describe a Strategic Adaptive Management Plan for restoration of this desert ecosystem, including a vision, model of ecosystem processes, stakeholder input, a hierarchy of objectives linked to triggers and their management actions, producing outcomes and outputs. Our management treatments included two “no restoration” areas and three “restoration” areas. The latter include two exclosures (each 2,000 ha), free of introduced animals (foxes, cats, rabbits), with previously abundant kangaroos removed and regionally extinct mammals to be reintroduced. The third management treatment is a Wild Training Zone (10,400 ha), with introduced animals and kangaroos managed at low levels, using innovative methods, improving survivorship and avoidance behavior of reintroduced mammals to introduced predators. These measures will allow populations of threatened animals to establish, initially in the exclosures, then the Wild Training Zone and potentially more widely. Our strategic adaptive management planning approach is generic and implementable for any natural resource management project, providing explicit steps and processes that track and report transparently on outcomes, fostering learning by doing.
Discovery of populations endemic to a marine biogeographical transition zone
Authors: Golla Tirupathi Rao , Pieterse Leishe , Jooste Candice M. , Teske Peter R.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Biogeographical transition zones are areas of overlap between the faunas of adjacent biogeographical entities. Particularly the well‐defined transition zones along linear coastlines are interesting natural laboratories to study dispersal and incipient speciation. Few studies have explored whether marine biogeographical transition zones harbour biodiversity that is distinct from that of the biogeographical entities they separate. The Wild Coast in eastern South Africa is a poorly studied transition zone between the region's warm‐temperate and subtropical faunas, and is generally considered to be an area of faunal overlap.

Location

The South African portion of the Western Indian Ocean.

Methods

Sequences of the DNA barcoding marker COI were generated from 306 estuarine sandprawns (Kraussillichirus kraussi) collected at 13 sites. Genetic structure and evolutionary history were assessed using a haplotype network and a Bayesian discrete phylogeographic analysis.

Result

Two populations were identified whose ranges are centred on the Wild Coast, a rare one in the northern portion and a more common one in the central and southern portion of this biogeographical transition zone. These populations are not closely related to each other, but descend from subtropical and warm‐temperate sister populations, respectively. Although genetic distances between populations were low, they exceeded within‐population distances, indicating the presence of a "barcoding gap."

Conclusions

This is the first study to indicate that the Wild Coast marine biogeographical transition zone is not merely an area of faunal overlap, and one of very few studies to have discovered genetically unique populations within a marine biogeographical transition zone. The Wild Coast may harbour additional unique biodiversity that remains to be discovered, including rare species that require protection. More research is required to understand how this environmentally dynamic marine biogeographical transition zone differs from the adjacent biogeographical provinces.
A primary benign cardiac tumor misdiagnosed as cardiac metastasis in the right atrium
Authors: Shi YiLu , Duan ShaSha , Zhang Lei , Bai Xia , Ban Chao , Wang YaXi , Zhang XiaoShan
Published: September 2020

We present a patient with breast cancer with multiple metastases who had an unusual cardiac mass in the right atrium. The cardiac mass was initially diagnosed as malignant metastasis by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) but subsequently diagnosed as benign by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). TTE is the preferred imaging method for examination of cardiac masses. However, this case demonstrates that contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography, MRI, and PET/CT are useful to differentiate between diagnoses of benign and malignant tumor. The combination of multiple diagnostic imaging modalities is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of cardiac tumors.
Predation yields greater population performance: what are the contributions of density‐ and trait‐mediated effects?
Authors: Neale Zoey R. , Juliano Steven A.
Published: September 2020

Population responses to extrinsic mortality can yield no change in the number of survivors (compensation) or an increase in the number of survivors (overcompensation) when the population is regulated by negative density‐dependence. This intriguing response has been the subject of theoretical studies, but few experiments have explored how the source of extrinsic mortality affects the response.

This study tests abilities of three functionally diverse predators, alone and combined, to induce (over)compensation of a prey population. LarvalAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) were exposed to predation byMesocyclops longisetus(Crustacea: Copepoda),Anopheles barberi(Diptera: Culicidae),Corethrella appendiculata(Diptera: Corethrellidae), all three in a substitutive design, or no predation.

Predator treatment had no significant effect on the total number of adult survivors, nor on numbers of surviving males or females. The female development rate and a composite index of performance (r′) were greater with predation relative to no‐predator control. No differences were detected between diverse and single‐species predator treatments.

Sensitivity analyses indicated predation effects on the number of female adults produced, despite not being affected significantly, was the largest contributing factor to significant treatment effects on the demographic indexr′. While predation did not significantly increase the production of adults, it did release survivors from density‐dependent effects sufficiently to increase population performance. This study provides an empirical test of mechanisms by which predation may yield positive mortality effects on victim populations, a phenomenon predicted to occur across many taxa and food webs.
Potential benefits of biodiversity to Australian vegetation projects registered with the Emissions Reduction Fund—is there a carbon‐biodiversity trade‐off?
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Prober Suzanne M.
Published: September 2020

Global assessments show biodiversity has already declined beyond ‘safe limits’ across most biomes, calling for large‐scale conservation and restoration interventions. At the same time, the potential and emerging catastrophic impacts of accelerated climate change have led to increasing investment in climate change mitigation efforts through maintaining or sequestering carbon in vegetation biomass, particularly woodlands and forests. This raises the challenge of whether these climate change mitigation investments can concurrently contribute to ameliorating the biodiversity crisis. However, the assumption of industry observers is that tree monocultures will sequester more carbon than biodiverse plantings, that is, there is a carbon‐biodiversity trade‐off. Here, we review experimental and observational evidence to examine whether a biodiversity trade‐off is necessary to maximise carbon credits. We apply the findings to the four types of Australian vegetation projects that have been registered with the Australian Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund since 2012: avoided deforestation, managed regeneration, farm forestry and tree planting. We find limited evidence in the biodiversity‐ecosystem function literature for a trade‐off between biodiversity and carbon stored in above‐ground vegetation biomass; rather we find evidence for neutral or positive relationships. Further, additional benefits of plant diversity to carbon storage, rarely accounted for in vegetation projects, include increased soil carbon storage, stability and ecological resilience to disturbances. Our findings suggest opportunities for enhancing biodiversity in vegetation projects, for example through more diverse plantings, or manipulation of herbivores or plant propagules in avoided deforestation and managed regeneration projects. More research is needed to understand the contribution of faunal diversity to ecosystem functions and to manage fire in vegetation projects. We conclude that vegetation projects can aim to benefit biodiversity without compromising carbon credits.
Genetic structure, diversity and demography based on mitochondrial DNA analysis of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Kawakami Yasuko , Yamazaki Kazuo , Ohashi Kazunori , Nakahama Naoyuki
Published: September 2020

Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is widely distributed from intermediate latitude to equatorial regions. Here, we examined its genetic structure and diversity based on a 627 bp region of the mitochondrial COI gene. We then estimated its demographic changes over the past 30 000 years. We observed 22 haplotypes in 339 individuals from 29 sites in Japan and Taiwan. The 22 haplotypes were integrated into two haplotype groups: one group exists at higher frequencies in lower latitudes (22–26°N), whereas the other group appears at higher frequencies in higher latitudes (30–37°N). The effective population size of the group that predominates in higher latitudes increased from 15 000 to 10 000 years before present. In contrast, the size of the lower‐latitude group has remained constant for 30 000 years. These data suggest that C. sexmaculata might have expanded its distribution northwards and could be increasing its population size since the last glacial period.
Early seizure spread and epilepsy surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Andrews John P. , Ammanuel Simon , Kleen Jonathan , Khambhati Ankit N. , Knowlton Robert , Chang Edward F.
Published: September 2020

Objective

A fundamental question in epilepsy surgery is how to delineate the margins of cortex that must be resected to result in seizure freedom. Whether and which areas showing seizure activity early in ictus must be removed to avoid postoperative recurrence of seizures is an area of ongoing research. Seizure spread dynamics in the initial seconds of ictus are often correlated with postoperative outcome; there is neither a consensus definition of early spread nor a concise summary of the existing literature linking seizure spread to postsurgical seizure outcomes. The present study is intended to summarize the literature that links seizure spread to postoperative seizure outcome and to provide a framework for quantitative assessment of early seizure spread.

Methods

A systematic review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A Medline search identified clinical studies reporting data on seizure spread measured by intracranial electrodes, having at least 10 subjects and reporting at least 1‐year postoperative outcome in the English literature from 1990 to 2019. Studies were evaluated regarding support for a primary hypothesis: Areas of early seizure spread represent cortex with seizure‐generating potential.

Results

The search yielded 4562 studies: 15 studies met inclusion criteria and 7 studies supported the primary hypothesis. The methods and metrics used to describe seizure spread were heterogenous. The timeframe of seizure spread associated with seizure outcome ranged from 1‐14 seconds, with large, well‐designed, retrospective studies pointing to 3‐10 seconds as most likely to provide meaningful correlates of postoperative seizure freedom.

Significance

The complex correlation between electrophysiologic seizure spread and the potential for seizure generation needs further elucidation. Prospective cohort studies or trials are needed to evaluate epilepsy surgery targeting cortex involved in the first 3‐10 seconds of ictus.
MicroRNAs and target genes in epileptogenesis
Authors: Feng Yanyan , Yang Haojun , Yue Yinyan , Tian Fafa
Published: September 2020

Epilepsy is a chronic brain dysfunction. Current antiepileptic medicines cannot prevent epileptogenesis. Increasing data have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are selectively altered within the epileptic hippocampi of experimental models and human tissues, and these alterations affect the genes that control epileptogenesis. Furthermore, manipulation of miRNAs in animal models can modify epileptogenesis. As a result, miRNAs have been proposed as promising targets for treating epilepsy. We searched PubMed using the terms “microRNAs/miRNAs AND epilepsy”, “microRNAs/miRNAs AND epileptogenesis”, and “microRNAs/miRNAs AND seizure”. We selected the articles in which the relationship between miRNAs and target gene(s) was validated and manipulation of miRNAs in in vivo epilepsy models modified epileptogenesis during the chronic phase via gene regulation. A total of 13 miRNAs were found in the present review. Based on the current analysis of miRNAs and their target gene(s), each miRNA has limitations as a potential epilepsy target. Importantly, miR‐211 or miR‐128 transgenic mice displayed seizures. These findings highlight new developments for epileptogenesis prevention. Developing novel strategies to modify epileptogenesis will be effective in curing epilepsy patients. This article provides an overview of the clinical application of miRNAs as novel targets for epilepsy.
Envious Ethnography and the Ethnography of Envy in Anthropology's “Orient”: Towards A Theory of Envy
Authors: Hughes Geoffrey
Published: September 2020

Drawing on prevalent Euro‐American folk models, extant theories of envy in the social sciences tend to reduce it to an emotion embodied in individual subjects, who are believed to envy those who have more and those who are hierarchically superordinate. Yet envy can also be viewed as a social, intersubjective phenomenon—one potentially incorporating humans and various other‐than‐human entities into complex and unpredictable relationships involving occult phenomena like witchcraft and the evil eye as well as entire families, regions, and abstract identity categories of ethnicity, gender, and class. The tension between ethnographic accounts of envy in the Middle East and Middle Eastern accounts of envy provides an opportunity to explore the phenomenon of “envying down” and an underappreciated, recursive dimension of envy: envying the efficacy of other people's envy. Envy is revealed to be reflexive, relational, and often institutionalized—even within the institution of ethnography itself.
When the Ghosts Live in the Nursery: Postpartum Depression and the Grandmother‐Mother‐Baby Triad in Luzhou, China
Authors: Mason Katherine A.
Published: September 2020

In Luzhou, China, where grandmothers often serve as primary caregivers for infants, the past and the future haunt new mothers suffering from postpartum depression. In this article, I draw upon longitudinal interviews conducted with 10 families in Luzhou as part of a larger multisited ethnography of postpartum depression and anxiety. I argue that the grandmother‐mother‐baby triad model of infant care in interior urban China accentuates the pain of depressed postpartum mothers by making it difficult for them to rid their homes of the ghosts of past traumas and lost futures. Mothers resent and fear grandmothers even as they rely on them to care for their babies. Memories of trauma, perceived displacement by the grandmother as the mother figure for their babies, and lack of control over their households and children characterize depressed postpartum mothers’ experiences. Mothers primarily blame their mothers‐in‐law for their unhappiness even as they depend on themselves to “self‐adjust.”
Metabolism as a central regulator of β‐cell chromatin state
Authors: Vanderkruk Ben , Hoffman Brad G.
Published: September 2020

Pancreatic β‐cells are critical mediators of glucose homeostasis in the body, and proper cellular nutrient metabolism is critical to β‐cell function. Several interacting signaling networks that uniquely control β‐cell metabolism produce essential substrates and co‐factors for catalytic reactions, including reactions that modify chromatin. Chromatin modifications, in turn, regulate gene expression. The reactions that modify chromatin are therefore well‐positioned to adjust gene expression programs according to nutrient availability. It follows that dysregulation of nutrient metabolism in β‐cells may impact chromatin state and gene expression through altering the availability of these substrates and co‐factors. Metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) can significantly alter metabolite levels in cells. This suggests that a driver of β‐cell dysfunction during T2D may be the altered availability of substrates or co‐factors necessary to maintain β‐cell chromatin state. Induced changes in the β‐cell chromatin modifications may then lead to dysregulation of gene expression, in turn contributing to the downward cascade of events that leads to the loss of functional β‐cell mass, and loss of glucose homeostasis, that occurs in T2D.
Non‐invasive fibrosis markers are associated with mortality risk in both general populations and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients
Authors: Mao Xianhua , Liu Zhenqiu , Shi Oumin , Yu Kangkang , Jiang Yanfeng , Jin Li , Zhang Tiejun , Chen Xingdong
Published: September 2020

Aim

We assessed the correlations between non‐invasive fibrosis scores and mortality in both the general population and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.

Methods

We used data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988–2014. The NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) score, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) score, and Forns index score were calculated at baseline. The associations of these scores with the risk of mortality were determined using additive Cox proportional hazard models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to study the predictive capacity of each scoring system.

Results

A total of 44 508 participants were included; among them, 9721 deaths occurred during a mean follow‐up of 12.5 years. A “J”‐shaped correlation pattern was observed for both the FIB‐4 and APRI scores. A “U”‐shaped correlation pattern was observed for both the Forns index and NFS. Similar correlation patterns were observed in 1955 NAFLD patients. For overall mortality, the AUROC values of the selected fibrosis scores were comparable between general population and NAFLD patients. The superior predictive capacity was found for FIB‐4, with AUROC of 75.03% (95% confidence interval, 70.91% to 79.82%) in general population and 75.32% (95% confidence interval, 69.43% to 80.11%) in NAFLD patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Non‐linear associations were shown between the fibrosis scoring systems and mortality risk. These scores could serve as indicators for mortality in people with or without NAFLD.
Energy in South Asian history
Authors: Shutzer Matthew
Published: September 2020

Energy history is a burgeoning sub‐field focused on the role of a wide variety of prime movers—from solar energy, to animal labor, to water power, and diesel‐fueled engines—in shaping human societies. Although some energy historians consider “energy” a relatively constant feature of societies across time and culture, others have highlighted the specificity of the modern era as a unique period of energy history due to the globalization of fossil fuel dependency during the 20th century. This article puts forward South Asia as a critical site for understanding the past and future of the fossil fuel energy system. I argue that fossil fuels were central to the formation of colonial political economy beginning in the late‐19th century, and that in the context of decolonization, fossil fuels came to serve as a site of social and political contestation within South Asia's emergent developmental states. The second part of the article in particular focuses on the enduring role of fossil fuels in structuring relations between South Asian polities and global networks of both capital and neocolonial power. In the absence of an existing field of South Asian energy history, my article presents possible periodizations, conjunctures, and key issues that will animate future scholarly debate on fossil fuel energy transitions in South Asia and the wider postcolonial world.
Effect of waste‐derived MA spinel on sintering and stabilization behavior of partially stabilized double phase zirconia
Authors: El‐Amir Ahmed A. M. , Abdelgawad Mahmoud , Li Shufeng , Ewais Emad M. M. , El‐Gamal Safaa M. A.
Published: September 2020

Cubic‐stabilized zirconia ceramic composites have been synthesized by conventional sintering, starting from commercial m‐ZrO2, Y2O3, and waste‐derived magnesium aluminate spinel (MA) powders. In this work, the effect of sintering temperature and MA content on stabilization and densification properties of YSZ have been duly considered. MA‐free YSZ0 composite sintered at 1600°C‐1700°C revealed m‐ and t‐ZrO2 dual‐phase structure where its m‐ZrO2 was partially stabilized upon temperature rising into tetragonal phase by Y3+ diffusion inside zirconia structure. YSZ10‐50 composites containing 10‐50 wt% MA demonstrated dissimilar behavior where their m‐ZrO2 was transformed and stabilized into a cubic form by diffusion of Y3+, Mg+2, and Al+3 inside zirconia lattice. Furthermore, densification of YSZ10‐50 powder mixtures by conventional sintering at 1600°C for 2 hours resulted in fully dense compacts with micrometer‐sized grains. The outcomes indicate that MA has a significant effect on m‐ZrO2 stabilization into the cubic phase structure at room temperature. In this respect, this study offers huge potentials for developing fully stabilized c‐ZrO2 ceramics that could be possibly used as industrial ceramics for structural applications of harsh chemical and thermal environmental conditions.
Impact of dextran conjugation on physicochemical and gelling properties of sweet potato protein through Maillard reaction
Authors: Arogundade Lawrence A. , Mu Tai‐Hua , Zhang Miao , Khan Nasir M.
Published: September 2020

Covalently linked sweet potato protein (SPP)–dextran conjugates were produced through Maillard reaction, and the effects of this conjugation on physicochemical and gelling properties of SPP were studied. Formation of SPP–dextran‐conjugated product was confirmed with increase in browning intensity and molecular weight, with concomitant reduction in free amino group content of the protein. Dry‐heating period of 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days gave rise to 0%, 12.8%, 19.0%, 25.2% and 22.8% degree of conjugation (DC), respectively. High molecular weight protein polymer with polydispersed band above 50 kDa was formed. FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed that the C‐O (amide I) and C‐N (amide II) stretching bands were modified by the Maillard reaction. Conjugation of SPP with dextran reduced its denaturation temperature. SPP–dextran conjugate gels’ network structures were sustained by both physical interactions and covalent bonds. SPP–dextran conjugates’ gels had significantly improved hardness and resilience in comparison with the unmodified SPP (P < 0.05).