bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C. elegansaversive olfactory learning generates diverse intergenerational effects
Authors: Pereira Ana Gonçalves , Gracida Xicotencatl , Kagias Konstantinos , Zhang Yun
Published: February 2020

Parental experience can modulate the behavior of the progeny through the inheritance of phenotypic traits acquired by the progenitors. While the molecular mechanisms for behavioral inheritance are studied under several environmental conditions, it remains largely unexplored how the nature of the parental experience affects the information transferred to the next generation. To address this question we usedC. elegans, a nematode that feeds on bacteria in its habitat. Some of these bacteria are pathogenic and the worm learns to avoid them after a brief exposure. We found, unexpectedly, that a short parental experience increased the preference for the pathogen in the progeny. Furthermore, increasing the time of parental exposure switched the response of the progeny from attraction to avoidance. To characterize the underlying molecular mechanisms, we found that the RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRP) RRF-3, required for the biogenesis of 26G endo-siRNAs, regulated both types of intergenerational effects. Together, we show that different parental experiences with the same environmental stimulus generate diverse effects on the behavior of the progeny through small RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression.
Dual blockade of IL-6 and CTLA-4 regresses pancreatic tumors in a CD4+T cell-dependent manner
Authors: Ware Michael Brandon , McQuinn Christopher , Zaidi Mohammad Y. , Knochelmann Hannah , Mace Thomas A. , Chen Zhengjia , Zhang Chao , Farren Matthew R. , Ruggieri Amanda N. , Bowers Jacob , Shakya Reena , Farris A. Brad , Young Gregory , Carson William E. , El-Rayes Bassel , Paulos Chrystal M. , Lesinski Gregory B.
Published: February 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is exceptionally resistant to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We previously reported that elevated systemic interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased numbers of T cells positive for circulating cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) correlate with worse overall survival in patients with PDAC. We postulated that combined blockade of IL-6 and CTLA-4 would significantly enhance anti-tumor immune responses to PDAC. Dual blockade of IL-6 and CTLA-4 in immune competent mice bearing subcutaneously injected pancreatic tumors significantly inhibited tumor growth, accompanied by overwhelming T cell infiltration. Therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in an orthotopic murine model of pancreatic cancer and T cell depletion studies unveiled a unique dependence on CD4+T cells for anti-tumor activity of dual IL-6 and CTLA-4 blockade.In vitrostudies utilizing T cells from a TRP-1 transgenic mouse as an antigen-specific model system demonstrate this combination therapy elicits increased IFN-γ production by activated CD4+T cells. Additionally, IFN-γ stimulation of pancreatic tumor cellsin vitroprofoundly increased tumor cell production of CXCR3 specific chemokines (CXCL10 and CXCL9). Further studies blocking CXCR3 in the presence of combined IL-6 and CTLA-4 blockade prevented orthotopic tumor regression, demonstrating a dependence on the CXCR3 axis for anti-tumor efficacy. We also found combination therapy increased intratumoral CD4+T cells and elicited systemic changes in T-helper subsets. These data represent the first report of IL-6 and CTLA-4 blockade as a means to regress pancreatic tumors with defined operative mechanisms of efficacy. Given these results, this therapeutic combination has potential for immediate clinical translation.

One Sentence Summary

Blockade of interleukin-6 in pancreatic cancer enhances CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibition to regress tumors in a CD4+T cell and CXCR3-dependent manner.
Organic farming benefits birds most in regions with more intensive agriculture
Authors: Kirk David Anthony , Martin Amanda E. , Freemark Lindsay Kathryn E.
Published: February 2020

Organic farming is considered beneficial for biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes but the role of agricultural land use intensity (‘agricultural intensity’), particularly at regional scales, has often been neglected.

We used breeding season bird abundance estimates from paired organic‐conventional fields in Saskatchewan (31 pairs), Ontario (36) and Québec (15), Canada to test two alternative predictions: that the positive effect of organic farming on bird abundance was (a) smaller when controlling for overall effects of local‐ and landscape‐scale agricultural intensity (accounting for main effects on abundance); or (b) increases with local‐ or landscape‐scale agricultural intensity (an interaction effect of intensity × organic farming). We also evaluated whether positive effects of organic farming were stronger in regions with greater agricultural intensity.

The effect of organic farming on the cross‐species abundance of birds was only statistically supported in Ontario when not accounting for agricultural intensity. However, the estimated effect of organic farming was the same whether or not we controlled for agricultural intensity in Saskatchewan (supported positive effect) and Québec (unsupported effect). Little support existed for more positive effects of organic farming on abundance in areas with greater local‐ or landscape‐scale agricultural intensity. In Ontario, there was a trend for more positive effects of organic farming in more intensively farmed landscapes.

Our results showed, for the first time in North America, an effect of regional‐scale agricultural intensity on the potential benefit of organic farms. The influence of organic farming on abundance was most positive in the region with the most intensive agriculture (Saskatchewan) and least positive in the region with the least intensive agriculture (Québec). Additionally, we showed that benefits of organic farming can be overestimated if the effects of local‐ and landscape‐scale agricultural intensity are not considered. However, positive effects of organic farming on cross‐species abundance and the abundance of individual species were still detectable when we controlled for agricultural intensity at local‐ and landscape‐scales.

Synthesis and applications. When evaluating impacts of organic farming on biodiversity, it is important to consider the intensity of surrounding agricultural practices at local to regional scales. Our cross‐regional comparison showed that organic farming had the most positive effect on abundance of birds in the region with the most intensive agriculture (Saskatchewan) and least positive effect in the region with the least intensive agriculture (Québec). This demonstrates that birds can benefit from organic farming and this effect can be most pronounced in regions with more intensive agriculture, implying that birds may benefit most from expansion of the area of organic farming in regions where farming is most intensive.
Agricultural land‐use history and restoration impact soil microbial biodiversity
Authors: Turley Nash E. , Bell‐Dereske Lukas , Evans Sarah E. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: February 2020

Human land uses, such as agriculture, can leave long‐lasting legacies as ecosystems recover. As a consequence, active restoration may be necessary to overcome land‐use legacies; however, few studies have evaluated the joint effects of agricultural history and restoration on ecological communities. Those that have studied this joint effect have largely focused on plants and ignored other communities, such as soil microbes.

We conducted a large‐scale experiment to understand how agricultural history and restoration tree thinning affect soil bacterial and fungal communities within longleaf pine savannas of the southern United States. This experiment contained 64 pairs of remnant (no history of tillage agriculture) and post‐agricultural (reforested following abandonment from tillage agriculture >60 years prior) longleaf pine savanna plots. Plots were each 1 ha and arranged into 27 blocks to minimize land‐use decision‐making biases. We experimentally restored half of the remnant and post‐agricultural plots by thinning trees to reinstate open‐canopy savanna conditions and collected soils from all plots five growing seasons after tree thinning. We then evaluated soil bacterial and fungal communities using metabarcoding.

Agricultural history increased bacterial diversity but decreased fungal diversity, while restoration increased both bacterial and fungal diversity. Both bacterial and fungal richness were correlated with a range of environmental variables including above‐ground variables like leaf litter and plant diversity, and below‐ground variables such as soil nutrients, pH and organic matter, many of which were also impacted by agricultural history and restoration.

Fungal and bacterial community compositions were shaped by restoration and agricultural history resulting in four distinct communities across the four treatment combinations.

Synthesis and applications. Past agricultural land use has left persistent legacies on soil microbial biodiversity, even over half a century after agricultural abandonment and after intensive restoration activities. The impacts of these changes on soil microbe biodiversity could influence native plant establishment, plant productivity and other aspects of ecosystem functioning following agricultural abandonment and during restoration.
Do interruptions to the continuity of methadone maintenance treatment in specialist addiction settings increase the risk of drug‐related poisoning deaths? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Durand Louise , O'Driscoll Denis , Boland Fiona , Keenan Eamon , Ryan Benedict K. , Barry Joseph , Bennett Kathleen , Fahey Tom , Cousins Gráinne
Published: February 2020

Aims

To examine the risk of mortality associated with interruptions to the continuity of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), including transfers between services, in opioid‐dependent individuals attending specialist addiction services.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using addiction services and primary care dispensing records, the National Methadone Register and National Drug‐Related Death Index (NDRDI).

Setting

Geographically defined population in Dublin, Ireland.

Participants

A total of 2899 people prescribed and dispensed methadone in specialist addiction services between January 2010 and December 2015. There were five exposure groups: weeks 1–4 following transfer between treatment providers; weeks 1–4 out of treatment; weeks 5–52 out of treatment; weeks 1–4 of treatment initiation; and weeks 5+ of continuous treatment (reference category).

Measurements

Primary outcome: drug‐related poisoning (DRP) deaths. Secondary outcome: all‐cause mortality (ACM). Mortality rates calculated by dividing number of deaths (DRP; ACM) in exposure groups by person‐years exposure. Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression (covariates age, sex, incarceration, methadone dose and comorbidities) estimated differences in mortality rates.

Findings

There were 154 ACM deaths, 55 (35.7%) identified as DRP deaths. No deaths were observed in the first month following transfer between treatment providers. The risk of DRP mortality was highest in weeks 1–4 out of treatment [adjusted relative risk (aRR = 4.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–11.43, P = 0.009] and weeks 1–4 of treatment initiation (ARR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2–9.64, P = 0.02). Similarly, risk of ACM was highest in weeks 1–4 out of treatment (ARR = 11.78, 95% CI = 7.73–17.94, P < 0.001), weeks 1–4 of treatment initiation (aRR = 5.11, 95% CI = 2.95–8.83, P < 0.001) and weeks 5–52 off treatment (aRR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.2–3.47, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Interruptions to the continuity of methadone maintenance treatment by treatment provider do not appear to be periods of risk for drug‐related poisoning or all‐cause mortality deaths. Risk of drug related poisoning and all‐cause mortality deaths appears to be greatest during the first 4 weeks of treatment initiation/re‐initiation and after treatment cessation.
The overall effect of parental supply of alcohol across adolescence on alcohol‐related harms in early adulthood—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Clare Philip J. , Dobbins Timothy , Bruno Raimondo , Peacock Amy , Boland Veronica , Yuen Wing See , Aiken Alexandra , Degenhardt Louisa , Kypri Kypros , Slade Tim , Hutchinson Delyse , Najman Jackob M. , McBride Nyanda , Horwood John , McCambridge Jim , Mattick Richard P.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Recent research suggests that parental supply of alcohol is associated with more risky drinking and alcohol‐related harm among adolescents. However, the overall effect of parental supply throughout adolescence remains unclear, because parental supply of alcohol varies during adolescence. Due to the complexity of longitudinal data, standard analytical methods can be biased. This study examined the effect of parental supply of alcohol on alcohol‐related outcomes in early adulthood using robust methods to minimize risk of bias.

Design

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Australia

Participants

A cohort of school students (n = 1906) recruited in the first year of secondary school (average age 12.9 years) from Australian schools in 2010–11, interviewed annually for 7 years.

Measurements

The exposure variable was self‐reported parental supply of alcohol (including sips/whole drinks) during 5 years of adolescence (waves 1–5). Outcome variables were self‐reported binge drinking, alcohol‐related harm and symptoms of alcohol use disorder, measured in the two waves after the exposure period (waves 6–7). To reduce risk of bias, we used targeted maximum likelihood estimation to assess the (counterfactual) effect of parental supply of alcohol in all five waves versus no supply on alcohol‐related outcomes.

Findings

Parental supply of alcohol throughout adolescence saw greater risk of binge drinking [risk ratios (RR) = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–1.84] and alcohol‐related harms (RR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.22–1.69) in the year following the exposure period compared with no supply in adolescence. Earlier initiation of parental supply also increased risk of binge drinking (RR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.05–1.14), and any alcohol‐related harm (RR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.05–1.13) for each year earlier parental supply began compared with later (or no) initiation.

Conclusions

Adolescents whose parents supply them with alcohol appear to have an increased risk of alcohol‐related harm compared with adolescents whose parents do not supply them with alcohol. The risk appears to increase with earlier initiation of supply.
Efficacy and safety of treatment with biologicals (benralizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, omalizumab and reslizumab) for severe eosinophilic asthma. A systematic review for the EAACI Guidelines ‐ recommendations on the use of biologicals in severe asthma
Authors: Agache Ioana , Beltran Jessica , Akdis Cezmi , Akdis Mubeccel , Canelo‐Aybar Carlos , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Casale Thomas , Chivato Tomas , Corren Jonathan , Del Giacco Stefano , Eiwegger Thomas , Firinu Davide , Gern James E. , Hamelmann Eckard , Hanania Nicola , Mäkelä Mika , Hernández‐Martín Irene , Nair Parameswaran , O'Mahony Liam , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Papi Alberto , Park Hae‐Sim , Pérez de Llano Luis , Posso Margarita , Rocha Claudio , Quirce Santiago , Sastre Joaquin , Shamji Mohamed , Song Yang , Steiner Corinna , Schwarze Jurgen , Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Palomares Oscar , Jutel Marek
Published: February 2020

Five biologicals have been approved for severe eosinophilic asthma, a well‐recognized phenotype. Systematic reviews (SR) evaluated the efficacy and safety of benralizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, omalizumab and reslizumab (alphabetical order) compared to standard of care for severe eosinophilic asthma. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched to identify RCTs and health economic evaluations, published in English. Critical and important asthma‐related outcomes were evaluated for each of the biologicals. The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using GRADE. 19 RCTs (three RCTs for benralizumab, three RCTs for dupilumab, three RCTs for mepolizumab, five RCTs for omalizumab and five RCTs for reslizumab), including subjects 12 to 75 years old (except for omalizumab including also subjects 6‐11 years old), ranging from 12 to 56 weeks were evaluated. All biologicals reduce exacerbation rates with high certainty of evidence: benralizumab incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.53 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.72), dupilumab (IRR) 0.43 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.59), mepolizumab IRR 0.49 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.66), omalizumab (IRR) 0.56 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.77) and reslizumab (IRR) 0.46 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.58). Benralizumab, dupilumab and mepolizumab reduce the daily dose of oral corticosteroids (OCS) with high certainty of evidence. All evaluated biologicals probably improve asthma control, QoL and FEV1, without reaching the minimal important difference (moderate certainty). Benralizumab, mepolizumab and reslizumab slightly increase drug‐related adverse events (AE) and drug‐related serious AE (low to very low certainty of evidence). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio per quality‐adjusted life year value is above the willingness to pay threshold for all biologicals (moderate certainty). Potential savings are driven by decrease in hospitalizations, emergency and primary care visits. There is high certainty that all approved biologicals reduce the rate of severe asthma exacerbations and for benralizumab, dupilumab and mepolizumab for reducing OCS. There is moderate certainty for improving asthma control, QoL, FEV1. More data on long‐term safety are needed together with more efficacy data in the paediatric population.
MEDIEVAL SILVER PRODUCTION AROUND SIJILMÂSA, MOROCCO
Authors: Baron S. , Souhassou M. , Fauvelle F.‐X.
Published: February 2020

Sijilmâsa (south‐east Morocco) was one of the most strategic cities in a far‐reaching exchange network, that is, the Trans‐Saharan trade, linking the Maghreb with West Africa during the medieval period (from the 8th to the 15th century CE). It was also one of the most important gold and silver monetary workshops at the time. If gold came from West Africa, we know from written sources that silver was produced in Morocco, although archaeological evidence of silver mining and smelting has remained elusive. Thanks to a thorough analysis of the lead isotopic data from silver mining districts in Morocco and from ores and slags of our study, we were able to refine the tracing of our materials and provide tangible evidence of medieval mining in the close hinterland of Sijilmâsa city.
Curative options for sickle cell disease: haploidentical stem cell transplantation or gene therapy?
Authors: Leonard Alexis , Tisdale John , Abraham Allistair
Published: February 2020

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is curative in sickle cell disease (SCD); however, the lack of available matched donors makes this therapy out of reach for the majority of patients with SCD. Alternative donor sources such as haploidentical HSCT expand the donor pool to nearly all patients with SCD, with recent data showing high overall survival, limited toxicities, and effective reduction in acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Simultaneously, multiple gene therapy strategies are entering clinical trials with preliminary data showing their success, theoretically offering all patients yet another curative strategy without the morbidity and mortality of GVHD. As improvements are made for alternative donors in the allogeneic setting and as data emerge from gene therapy trials, the optimal curative strategy for any individual patient with SCD will be determined by many critical factors including efficacy, transplant morbidity and mortality, safety, patient disease status and preference, cost and applicability. Haploidentical may be the preferred choice now based mostly on availability of data; however, gene therapy is closing the gap and may ultimately prove to be the better option. Progress in both strategies, however, makes cure more attainable for the individual with SCD.
Cataract surgery and Indigenous eye care: A review
Authors: Taylor Hugh R. , Anjou Mitchell D.
Published: February 2020

Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is still a major cause of vision loss. The pathway of care to cataract surgery has many potential gaps and barriers. Although there has been a significant increase in services over the last few years, there is still the urgent need to facilitate timely and affordable cataract surgery. Particularly for public surgery there needs to be a significant decrease in waiting times for the clinical assessment of those needing surgery and for those on a surgical waiting list.
Efficacy and safety of febuxostat for treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia among kidney transplant patients: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Chewcharat Api , Chang Yuan‐Ting , Thongprayoon Charat , Crisafio Anthony , Bathini Tarun , Mao Michael A. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: February 2020

Background

The objective of this meta‐analysis of observational studies was to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of febuxostat in treating hyperuricemia among kidney transplant patients.

Methods

We conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1960 to July 2019 to identify studies that investigated the effects of febuxostat in kidney transplant patients on uric acid as well as safety profiles including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin level (Hb), white blood cell counts (WBC), liver enzymes, and trough level of tacrolimus.

Results

Seven observational studies with 367 participants were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with allopurinol, the febuxostat group demonstrated a higher odds of achieving target uric acid levels lower than 6 mg/dL within 12 months (OR = 2.9, P = .004). However, there was no statistical difference in change of uric acid (WMD = −1.0 mg/dL/y, P = .32) and change in allograft eGFR within a year (WMD = 0.01 mL/min/1.73 m2/y, P = .98) between febuxostat and allopurinol. Regarding safety profiles, there were no statistical differences in eGFR, Hb, WBC, liver enzymes (AST, ALT), and trough level of tacrolimus between baseline and at the study end. Only one study reported suspected graft loss among febuxostat group.

Conclusion

Among kidney transplant patients, treating hyperuricemia with febuxostat showed a higher odds of reaching the target of serum uric acid < 6 mg/dL compared with allopurinol without causing significant side effects including change in tacrolimus level, liver function, decline in renal graft function, and bone marrow function.
923. QUERCUS LAMELLOSA
Authors: O'Brien Seamus
Published: February 2020

The evergreen oak, Quercus lamellosa, is illustrated. Its discovery by Francis Buchanan‐Hamilton and its ecology are described. Suggestions for its cultivation are given.
927. PRAMELES YUNNANENSIS
Authors: Rushforth Keith
Published: February 2020

Prameles yunnanensis is illustrated. Its distribution and ecology are reported. The synonyms are listed and described. Instructions for its cultivation are given.
928. ACER FORRESTII
Authors: Crowley Dan
Published: February 2020

Acer forrestii Diels is illustrated. Its history, ecology and distribution in China, are noted, and related species are discussed. Instructions for its cultivation are given.
Lack of orientation selectivity of the heme insertion in murine neuroglobin revealed by resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Milazzo Lisa , Exertier Cécile , Becucci Maurizio , Freda Ida , Montemiglio Linda Celeste , Savino Carmelinda , Vallone Beatrice , Smulevich Giulietta
Published: February 2020

Different murine neuroglobin variants showing structural and dynamic alterations that are associated with perturbation of ligand binding have been studied: the CD loop mutants characterized by an enhanced flexibility (Gly‐loop40–48 and Gly‐loop44–47), the F106A mutant, and the double Gly‐loop44–47/F106A mutant. Their ferric resonance Raman spectra in solution and in crystals are almost identical. In the high‐frequency region, the identification of a double set of core size marker bands indicates the presence of two 6‐coordinate low spin species. The resonance Raman data, together with the corresponding crystal structures, indicate the presence of two neuroglobin conformers with a reversed (A conformer) or a canonical (B conformer) heme insertion orientation. With the identification of the marker bands corresponding to each conformer, the data indicate that the B conformer increases at the expense of the A form, predominantly in the Gly‐loop44–47/F106A double mutant, as confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. This is the first time that a reversed heme insertion has been identified by resonance Raman in a native 6‐coordinate low‐spin heme protein. This diagnostic tool could be extended to other heme proteins in order to detect heme orientational disorder, which are likely to be correlated to functionally relevant heme dynamics.

Database

Crystallographic structure: structural data are deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the 6RA6 PDB entry.
A regional assessment of land‐based carbon mitigation potentials: Bioenergy, BECCS, reforestation, and forest management
Authors: Krause Andreas , Knoke Thomas , Rammig Anja
Published: February 2020

Land‐based solutions are indispensable features of most climate mitigation scenarios. Here we conduct a novel cross‐sectoral assessment of regional carbon mitigation potential by running an ecosystem model with an explicit representation of forest structure and climate impacts for Bavaria, Germany, as a case study. We drive the model with four high‐resolution climate projections (EURO‐CORDEX) for the representative concentration pathway RCP4.5 and present‐day land‐cover from three satellite‐derived datasets (CORINE, ESA‐CCI, MODIS) and identify total mitigation potential by not only accounting for carbon storage but also material and energy substitution effects. The model represents the current state in Bavaria adequately, with a simulated forest biomass 12.9 ± 0.4% lower than data from national forest inventories. Future land‐use changes according to two ambitious land‐use harmonization scenarios (SSP1xRCP2.6, SSP4xRCP3.4) achieve a mitigation of 206 and 247 Mt C (2015–2100 period) via reforestation and the cultivation and burning of dedicated bioenergy crops, partly combined with carbon capture and storage. Sensitivity simulations suggest that converting croplands or pastures to bioenergy plantations could deliver a carbon mitigation of 40.9 and 37.7 kg C/m2, respectively, by the year 2100 if used to replace carbon‐intensive energy systems and combined with CCS. However, under less optimistic assumptions (including no CCS), only 15.3 and 12.2 kg C/m2 are mitigated and reforestation might be the better option (20.0 and 16.8 kg C/m2). Mitigation potential in existing forests is limited (converting coniferous into mixed forests, nitrogen fertilization) or even negative (suspending wood harvest) due to decreased carbon storage in product pools and associated substitution effects. Our simulations provide guidelines to policy makers, farmers, foresters, and private forest owners for sustainable and climate‐benefitting ecosystem management in temperate regions. They also emphasize the importance of the CCS technology which is regarded critically by many people, making its implementation in the short or medium term currently doubtable.
Characterization of high temperature optical spectra of glass melts and modeling of thermal radiation conductivity
Authors: Faber Anne‐Jans , Rongen Mathi , Lankhorst Adriaan , Meneses Domingos De Sousa
Published: February 2020

Two innovative experimental techniques for measuring the high temperature near infrared optical spectra of glass melts are compared. The critical experimental features of both techniques, one based on transmission and the other based on emittance measurements, are reviewed. Typical results of both techniques, including high temperature spectra and values for the Rosseland mean absorption coefficient and thermal radiation conductivity versus temperature for similar glass melts, are compared. The study is focused on sulfate fined soda lime silicate glass melts colored with iron oxide and chromium oxide and on the effect of the glass redox state on the thermal radiation conductivity. It is shown that essentially different measuring principles provide consistent results for similar glass melt types, that is, colors. Using the high temperature spectra of a large variety of (colored) glasses, a new semi‐empirical model is developed for predicting the Rosseland radiation conductivity of arbitrary sulfate fined soda lime silicate glass melts, colored with iron oxide and chromium oxide. By separating the effects of (a) the temperature‐dependent redox state, (b) the high temperature changes in ligand field strengths and (c) the glass matrix, the model reliably predicts the Rosseland radiation conductivity, with a chemical analysis of the glass as input only.
Peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis as a risk factor for cardiovascular events
Authors: Hepburn Kirsten S. , Lambert Kelly , Mullan Judy , McAlister Brendan , Lonergan Maureen , Cheikh Hassan Hicham I.
Published: February 2020

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Infection is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular events (CVE); however, no studies have examined the association between PD peritonitis and CVE.

Aim

To examine peritonitis as a risk factor for CVE in PD patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all adults undertaking PD for ≥3 months in one Australian health district from 2001 to 2015. Baseline characteristics and peritonitis event information was obtained from the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant registry. The Centre for Health Research Illawarra Shoalhaven Population facilitated data linkage using ICD10 coding to capture CVE information.

Results

A total of 211 patients was included, with median age of 66 years (interquartile range 54.49–74.45); 64% were male. Peritonitis occurred in 114 (54%) patients and 65 (30.8%) patients experienced a CVE. Identified risk factors for CVE included: cerebrovascular disease (hazard ratio (HR) 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–5.47), diabetes (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.47–3.96), coronary artery disease (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.01–2.77) and age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06). There was no significant increase in risk of CVE following peritonitis (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.81–2.32, P = 0.24), even when accounting for age, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and existing coronary artery disease (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.78–2.23, P = 0.30).

Conclusions

We did not find an increase in the risk of CVE following a peritonitis episode in PD patients. This result may be due to small sample size or rapid peritonitis treatment mitigating cardiovascular risk.
Large electrostrain in low‐temperature sintered NBT‐BT‐0.025FN incipient piezoceramics
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Yangyang , Marwat Mohsin A. , Wang Ge , Wang Dawei , Ma Weigang , Wei Tian , li Mei , Xu Jiwen , Yang Huabin , Kongparakul Suwadee , Samart Chanatip , Zang Jiadong , Fan Pengyuan , Zhang Haibo
Published: February 2020

It is well‐known that the high sintering temperatures of (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 (NBT)‐based incipient piezoceramics limit their applications on low‐cost multilayer piezoelectric actuators with base metal internal electrodes. In this work, a synergistic sintering additive of 0.75 wt% Li2CO3 and 0.75 wt% CuO was utilized to explore the effect on sintering behavior and electrostrain of (Na1/2Bi1/2)0.935Ba0.065Ti0.975(Fe1/2Nb1/2)0.025O3 (NBT‐BT‐0.025FN) incipient piezoceramic. The optimal sintering temperature of NBT‐BT‐0.025FN decreased from 1160°C to 940°C due to the formation of a liquid phase, with limited degradation on electrostrain. When sintered at 940°C, a large strain of 0.39% (a nominal piezocoefficient of 571 pm/V) was achieved, which is promising for potential actuator applications co‐firing with Ag electrodes.
Factors associated with improvement in MELD score after antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Lee Hye Won , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Tse Yee‐Kit , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Ahn Sang Hoon , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Improvement in Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score during antiviral treatment is associated with reduced hepatic decompensation and death in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)‐related cirrhosis. We aimed to identify factors associated with transplant‐free survival and on‐treatment MELD score improvement.

Methods

We identified patients with CHB‐related cirrhosis and MELD score ≥ 15 at the start of entecavir and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment between 2005 and 2017. The primary endpoint was transplant‐free survival at month 6. The secondary endpoints at month 6 were transplant‐free survival with > 5‐point improvement in MELD score and transplant‐free survival with MELD score < 15.

Results

Of 999 cirrhotic CHB patients, 605 (60.6%) achieved transplant‐free survival at month 6. Proportion of transplant‐free survival at month 6 stabilized at 10% in patients with high MELD. Patients who achieved transplant‐free survival at month 6 were younger, had lower MELD score, lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and higher albumin at baseline. Of 605 patients with transplant‐free survival, 276 (45.6%) achieved > 5‐point improvement in MELD score; 183 (30.2%) had 1‐point to 5‐point improvement in MELD score; 146 (24.1%) had no improvement or a worsened MELD score. Also, 321 (53.1%) patients with transplant‐free survival had a MELD score < 15 at month 6.

Conclusion

On top of lower MELD score, patients with CHB‐related cirrhosis who are younger, have higher albumin, and lower ALT are more likely to achieve transplant‐free survival after 6 months of antiviral treatment.
Endogenous oxytocin inhibits hypothalamic corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurones following acute hypernatraemia
Authors: Pati Dipanwita , Harden Scott W. , Sheng Wanhui , Kelly Kyle B. , de Kloet Annette D. , Krause Eric G. , Frazier Charles J.
Published: February 2020

Significant prior evidence indicates that centrally acting oxytocin robustly modulates stress responsiveness and anxiety‐like behaviour, although the neural mechanisms behind these effects are not entirely understood. A plausible neural basis for oxytocin‐mediated stress reduction is via inhibition of corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) that regulate activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Previously, we have shown that, following s.c. injection of 2.0 mol L−1 NaCl, oxytocin synthesising neurones are activated in the rat PVN, an oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)‐dependent inhibitory tone develops on a subset of parvocellular neurones and stress‐mediated increases in plasma corticosterone levels are blunted. In the present study, we utilised transgenic male CRH‐reporter mice to selectively target PVN CRH neurones for whole‐cell recordings. These experiments reveal that acute salt loading produces tonic inhibition of PVN CRH neurones through a mechanism that is largely independent of synaptic activity. Further studies reveal that a subset of CRH neurones within the PVN synthesise mRNA for Oxtr(s). Salt induced Oxtr‐dependent inhibitory tone was eliminated in individual PVN CRH neurones filled with GDP‐β‐S. Additional electrophysiological studies suggest that reduced excitability of PVN CRH neurones in salt‐loaded animals is associated with increased activation of inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Nevertheless, substantial effort to recapitulate the core effects of salt loading by activating Oxtr(s) with an exogenous agonist produced mixed results. Collectively, these results enhance our understanding of how oxytocin receptor‐mediated signalling modulates the function of CRH neurones in the PVN.
Left posterior prefrontal regions support domain‐general executive processes needed for both reading and math
Authors: Wang Kai , Banich Marie T. , Reineberg Andrew E. , Leopold Daniel R. , Willcutt Erik G. , Cutting Laurie E. , Del Tufo Stephanie N. , Thompson Lee A. , Opfer John , Kanayet Frank J. , Lu Zhong‐Lin , Petrill Stephen A.
Published: February 2020

Substantial evidence has suggested that reading and math are supported by executive processes (EP). However, to date little is known about which portion of the neural system underpinning domain‐general executive skills works to support reading and math. In this study, we aimed to answer this question using fMRI via two complementary approaches. First, imaging data were acquired whilst a sample of 231 adolescents performed each of three separate tasks designed to assess reading comprehension, numerical magnitude estimation, and EP in working memory (WM), respectively. With careful task designs and conjunction analyses, we were able to isolate cross‐domain brain activity specifically related to EP, as opposed to lower‐level domain‐general processes (e.g., visual processing). Second, the meta‐analytic tool Neurosynth was used to independently identify brain regions involved reading, math, and EP. Using a combination of forward and reverse statistical inference and conjunction analyses, we again isolated brain regions specifically supporting domain‐general EP. Results from both approaches yielded overlapping activation for reading, math, and EP in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, left inferior frontal junction, and left precentral gyrus. This pattern suggests that posterior regions of the prefrontal cortex, rather than more central regions such as mid‐DLPFC, play a leading role in supporting domain‐general EP utilized by both reading and math.
Meriolin1 induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and targeting the Akt/MAPKs pathways in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Su Dan , Wang Wenbin , Wu Xinyue , Li Minyue , Yan Xuelong , Hua Zhonghong , Liu Jiahui , Zhu Zhiyu , Hu Kun , Ren Jie
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Meriolins, a kind of chemical hybrid between meridianins and variolins, have lately been determined as kinase inhibitors and reportedly have antitumour activity. However, there is currently no in-depth study for the action mechanism. This study aimed to elucidate the potentially antitumour action mechanism of Meriolin1 on human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells.

Methods

Firstly, cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Secondly, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, cell autophagy, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured by flow cytometry. Then, cell cycle-associated proteins, Bcl-2 family proteins, Akt/MAPK proteins and autophagy-associated proteins expressions were evaluated by Western blot. Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expressions were also evaluated by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, cell adhesion assay and Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining were carried out to detect the effect of Meriolin1 on cell adhesion and morphology. Finally, to gain further insight into mechanism of action of Meriolin1 to CDK protein, the molecular docking study was performed by using the CDOCKER module of DS software.

Key findings

Meriolin1 could exert the antitumour activity on SH-SY5Y cells by inducing cell cycle arrest, cell autophagy, the mitochondrion-dependent cell apoptosis and targeting the Akt/MAPKs signalling pathway.

Conclusions

Meriolin1 might be a promising therapeutic candidate for neuroblastoma.
A New Methodology for Supply Chain Management: Discourse Analysis and its Potential for Theoretical Advancement
Authors: Hardy Cynthia , Bhakoo Vikram , Maguire Steve
Published: February 2020

This paper responds to recent calls for methodological diversification and “in‐house” theory development within the discipline of SCM, by introducing discourse analysis to readers of the Journal of Supply Chain Management. One of the merits of discourse analysis is the way in which it “problematizes” taken‐for‐granted aspects of organizational life, including supply chains, to show that what we assume to be natural, inevitable and beneficial is rarely quite so straightforward as it may seem. In addition, through the way in which it emphasizes the interrogation of meaning, discourse analysis can broaden conceptualizations of the supply chain to include actors that have previously been overlooked, such as employees, workers, not‐for‐profit organizations, regulators, consumers, and the media. Using examples that are familiar to SCM researchers—the discourses of lean, sustainability, modern slavery, and big data—we illustrate how discourse analysis can help to theorize SCM phenomena by problematizing established meanings and revealing how they reproduce power relations among actors. We then show how insights from discourse analysis can complement existing theories of the supply chain and, in so doing, potentially rejuvenate the field of SCM by inspiring novel theory development, opening up different empirical settings, and promoting new ways of analyzing qualitative data.
Microbial community structure reveals instability of nutritional symbiosis during the evolutionary radiation of Amblyomma ticks
Authors: Binetruy Florian , Buysse Marie , Lejarre Quentin , Barosi Roxanne , Villa Manon , Rahola Nil , Paupy Christophe , Ayala Diego , Duron Olivier
Published: February 2020

Mutualistic interactions with microbes have facilitated the adaptation of major eukaryotic lineages to restricted diet niches. Hence, ticks with their strictly blood‐feeding lifestyle are associated with intracellular bacterial symbionts through an essential B vitamin supplementation. In this study, examination of bacterial diversity in 25 tick species of the genus Amblyomma showed that three intracellular bacteria, Coxiella‐like endosymbionts (LE), Francisella‐LE and Rickettsia, are remarkably common. No other bacterium is as uniformly present in Amblyomma ticks. Almost all Amblyomma species were found to harbour a nutritive obligate symbiont, Coxiella‐LE or Francisella‐LE, that is able to synthesize B vitamins. However, despite the co‐evolved and obligate nature of these mutualistic interactions, the structure of microbiomes does not mirror the Amblyomma phylogeny, with a clear exclusion pattern between Coxiella‐LE and Francisella‐LE across tick species. Coxiella‐LE, but not Francisella‐LE, form evolutionarily stable associations with ticks, commonly leading to co‐cladogenesis. We further found evidence for symbiont replacements during the radiation of Amblyomma, with recent, and probably ongoing, invasions by Francisella‐LE and subsequent replacements of ancestral Coxiella‐LE through transient co‐infections. Nutritional symbiosis in Amblyomma ticks is thus not a stable evolutionary state, but instead arises from conflicting origins between unrelated but competing symbionts with similar metabolic capabilities.
Cognitive appraisals and team performance under stress: A simulation study
Authors: Carenzo Luca , Braithwaite Elizabeth C. , Carfagna Fabio , Franc Jeffrey , Ingrassia Pier Luigi , Turner Martin J. , Slater Matthew J. , Jones Marc V.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The present study explored how challenge and threat responses to stress relate to performance, anxiety, confidence, team identity and team characteristics (time spent in training and postgraduate experience) in a medical simulation‐based team competition.

Methods

The study was conducted during a national simulation‐based training event for residents, the SIMCUP Italia 2018. The SIMCUP is a simulation competition in which teams of four compete in simulated medical emergency scenarios. Cross‐sectional data were collected prior to the 3 days of the competition. Subjects included 95 participants on 24 teams. Before the competition on each day, participants completed brief self‐report measures that assessed demands and resources (which underpin challenge and threat responses to stress), cognitive and somatic anxiety, self‐confidence and team identification. Participants also reported time (hours) spent practising as a team and years of postgraduate experience. A team of referees judged each scenario for performance and assigned a score. A linear mixed model using demands and resources was built to model performance.

Results

The data showed that both demands and resources have positive effects on performance (31 [11‐50.3] [P < .01] and 54 [25‐83.3] [P < .01] percentage points increase for unitary increases in demands and resources, respectively); however, this is balanced by a negative interaction between the two (demands * resources interaction coefficient = −10 [−16 to −4.2]). A high level of resources is associated with better performance until demands become very high. Cognitive and somatic anxieties were found to be correlated with demands (Pearson'sr = .51 [P < .01] and Pearson'sr = .48 [P < .01], respectively). Time spent training was associated with greater perceptions of resources (Pearson'sr = .36 [P < .01]).

Conclusions

We describe a model of challenge and threat that allows for the estimation of performance according to perceived demands and resources, and the interaction between the two. Higher levels of resources and lower demands were associated with better performance.
Managing resource transposition in the face of extreme events: Fieldwork at two public networks in Germany and the US
Authors: Berthod Olivier , Grothe‐Hammer Michael , Hagen Ryan , Sydow Jörg
Published: February 2020

As administrations increasingly rely on interorganizational networks to organize public service provision, this article inspects the role resourcing plays in the way managers working in networks cope in the face of extreme events. Using comparative analyses of fieldwork in the context of two emergency service networks in two major cities in Germany and the US, we introduce the concept of resource transposition. This concept holds the potential to explain why and how networks might perform well in situations that drain its central participants' resources. We highlight the relevance of four practices: resource (re)production; resource administration through integration; resource administration through centralization; resource support. We derive a set of propositions underlining the usefulness of the concept of resource transposition.
Rice Big Grain 1 promotes cell division to enhance organ development, stress tolerance and grain yield
Authors: Lo Shuen‐Fang , Cheng Ming‐Lung , Hsing Yue‐ie Caroline , Chen Yi‐Shih , Lee Kuo‐Wei , Hong Ya‐Fang , Hsiao Yu , Hsiao An‐Shan , Chen Pei‐Jing , Wong Lai‐In , Chen Nan‐Chen , Reuzeau Christophe , Ho Tuan‐Hua David , Yu Su‐May
Published: February 2020

Grain/seed yield and plant stress tolerance are two major traits that determine the yield potential of many crops. In cereals, grain size is one of the key factors affecting grain yield. Here, we identify and characterize a newly discovered gene Rice Big Grain 1 (RBG1) that regulates grain and organ development, as well as abiotic stress tolerance. Ectopic expression of RBG1 leads to significant increases in the size of not only grains but also other major organs such as roots, shoots and panicles. Increased grain size is primarily due to elevated cell numbers rather than cell enlargement. RBG1 is preferentially expressed in meristematic and proliferating tissues. Ectopic expression of RBG1 promotes cell division, and RBG1 co‐localizes with microtubules known to be involved in cell division, which may account for the increase in organ size. Ectopic expression of RBG1 also increases auxin accumulation and sensitivity, which facilitates root development, particularly crown roots. Moreover, overexpression of RBG1 up‐regulated a large number of heat‐shock proteins, leading to enhanced tolerance to heat, osmotic and salt stresses, as well as rapid recovery from water‐deficit stress. Ectopic expression of RBG1 regulated by a specific constitutive promoter, GOS2, enhanced harvest index and grain yield in rice. Taken together, we have discovered that RBG1 regulates two distinct and important traits in rice, namely grain yield and stress tolerance, via its effects on cell division, auxin and stress protein induction.