bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological characterization of sympatric and allopatric populations of Petunia axillaris and P. exserta (Solanaceae)
Authors: Teixeira Marcelo Costa , Turchetto Caroline , Maestri Renan , Freitas Loreta B
Published: August 2019

Floral morphological traits are frequently used to identify species, including those that are closely related and show low genetic diversity, and floral shape and colour are known to play an important role in diversification and species isolation. Floral morphology in Petunia (Solanaceae) is considered a driver of diversification because of its association with pollinators. Here, flower morphology was characterized through morphometric analyses and floral pigments. Our main aim was to determine corolla shape in populations of Petunia axillaris and P. exserta and their natural hybrids and how floral display, size and colour are involved in pollinator attraction. In addition, we investigated floral pigments in P. exserta and different hybrid classes. The results from morphometric analyses revealed that each species has a specific floral shape, independent of the collection site. By contrast, in two contact zones, a mosaic of floral phenotypes was observed with some hybrid classes based on corolla colour being placed close to P. exserta. The results suggest that several generations of hybrids or backcrossing could have given rise to this floral diversity in contact zones.
Novel technique for the simultaneous isolation of cardiac fibroblasts and epicardial stromal cells from the infarcted murine heart
Authors: Owenier Christoph , Hesse Julia , Alter Christina , Ding Zhaoping , Marzoq Aseel , Petzsch Patrick , Köhrer Karl , Schrader Jürgen
Published: August 2019

Aims

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to activation of cardiac fibroblasts (aCFs) and at the same time induces the formation of epicardium-derived cells at the heart surface. To discriminate between the two cell populations, we elaborated a fast and efficient protocol for the simultaneous isolation and characterization of aCFs and epicardial stromal cells (EpiSCs) from the infarcted mouse heart.

Methods and results

For the isolation of aCFs and EpiSCs, infarcted hearts (50 min ischaemia/reperfusion) were digested by perfusion with a collagenase-containing medium for only 8 min, while EpiSCs were enzymatically removed from the outside by applying mild shear forces via a motor driven device. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from unstressed hearts served as control. Viability of isolated cells was >90%. Purity of EpiSCs was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and qPCR of various mesenchymal markers including Wilms-tumor-protein-1. Microarray analysis of CFs, aCFs, and EpiSCs on day 5 post-MI revealed a unique gene expression pattern in the EpiSC fraction, which was enriched for epithelial markers and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related genes. Compared to aCFs, 336 significantly altered gene entities were identified in the EpiSC fraction. qPCR analysis showed high expression of Serpinb2, Cxcl13, Adora2b, and Il10 in EpiSCs relative to CFs and aCFs. Furthermore, microarray data identified Ddah1 and Cemip to be highly up-regulated in aCFs compared to CFs. Immunostaining of the infarcted heart revealed a unique distribution of Dermokine, Aquaporin-1, Cytokeratin, Lipocalin2, and Periostin within the epicardial cell layer.

Conclusions

We describe the simultaneous isolation of viable, purified fractions of aCFs and EpiSCs from the infarcted mouse heart. In this study, several differentially expressed markers for aCFs and EpiSCs were identified, underlining the importance of cell separation to study heterogeneity of stromal cells in the healing process after MI.
Specific macrophage populations promote both cardiac scar deposition and subsequent resolution in adult zebrafish
Authors: Bevan Laura , Lim Zhi Wei , Venkatesh Byrappa , Riley Paul R , Martin Paul , Richardson Rebecca J
Published: August 2019

Aims

A robust inflammatory response to tissue injury is a necessary part of the repair process but the deposition of scar tissue is a direct downstream consequence of this response in many tissues including the heart. Adult zebrafish not only possess the capacity to regenerate lost cardiomyocytes but also to remodel and resolve an extracellular scar within tissues such as the heart, but this scar resolution process remains poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the scarring and inflammatory responses to cardiac damage in adult zebrafish in full and investigate the role of different inflammatory subsets specifically in scarring and scar removal.

Methods and results

Using stable transgenic lines, whole organ imaging and genetic and pharmacological interventions, we demonstrate that multiple inflammatory cell lineages respond to cardiac injury in adult zebrafish. In particular, macrophage subsets (tnfα+ and tnfα−) play prominent roles with manipulation of different phenotypes suggesting that pro-inflammatory (tnfα+) macrophages promote scar deposition following cardiac injury whereas tnfα− macrophages facilitate scar removal during regeneration. Detailed analysis of these specific macrophage subsets reveals crucial roles for Csf1ra in promoting pro-inflammatory macrophage-mediated scar deposition. Additionally, the multifunctional cytokine Osteopontin (Opn) (spp1) is important for initial scar deposition but also for resolution of the inflammatory response and in late-stage ventricular collagen remodelling.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of a correctly balanced inflammatory response to facilitate scar deposition during repair but also to allow subsequent scar resolution, and full cardiac regeneration, to occur. We have identified Opn as having both pro-fibrotic but also potentially pro-regenerative roles in the adult zebrafish heart, driving Collagen deposition but also controlling inflammatory cell resolution.
From international origins to transnational commemoration: the cemetery of the Gurs camp, 1939–1963
Authors: Soo Scott
Published: August 2019

While the origins, operation and experiences of the internment camps of the Third Republic and Vichy have been studied, little is known about how they were closed and transformed into sites of commemoration. Drawing from fresh archival material, this study demonstrates the complexity of closing the vast complex of Gurs whilst also questioning the extent to which this camp can be understood as a peripheral or forgotten site during the frequently overlooked period of the postwar decades. The analysis of French administrative correspondence not only reveals how the legacy of the camp generated a significant level of ‘administrative noise’, it also furthers understanding of how postwar narratives of the ‘dark years’ were constructed and buttressed by French officials. The failure of the latter to resolve the overlapping issues of responsibility and the maintenance of the camp cemetery underpins this article’s argument that the international origins of the deceased explain both the neglect of the burial ground and its eventual transformation into a transnational site of commemoration in the early 1960s.
Expressed Vomeronasal Type-1 Receptors (V1rs) in Bats Uncover Conserved Sequences Underlying Social Chemical Signaling
Authors: Yohe Laurel R , Davies Kalina T J , Rossiter Stephen J , Dávalos Liliana M
Published: August 2019

In mammals, social and reproductive behaviors are mediated by chemical cues encoded by hyperdiverse families of receptors expressed in the vomeronasal organ. Between species, the number of intact receptors can vary by orders of magnitude. However, the evolutionary processes behind variation in receptor number, and its link to fitness-related behaviors are not well understood. From vomeronasal transcriptomes, we discovered the first evidence of intact vomeronasal type-1 receptor (V1r) genes in bats, and we tested whether putatively functional bat receptors were orthologous to those of related taxa, or whether bats have evolved novel receptors. Instead of lineage-specific duplications, we found that bat V1rs show high levels of orthology to those of their relatives, and receptors are under comparative levels of purifying selection as non-bats. Despite widespread vomeronasal organ loss in bats, V1r copies have been retained for >65 million years. The highly conserved nature of bat V1rs challenges our current understanding of mammalian V1r function and suggests roles other than conspecific recognition or mating initiation in social behavior.
Associations of Brain Pathology Cognitive and Physical Markers With Age in Cognitively Normal Individuals Aged 60–102 Years
Authors: Legdeur Nienke , Tijms Betty M , Konijnenberg Elles , den Braber Anouk , ten Kate Mara , Sudre Carole H , Tomassen Jori , Badissi Maryam , Yaqub Maqsood , Barkhof Frederik , van Berckel Bart N , Boomsma Dorret I , Scheltens Philip , Holstege Henne , Maier Andrea B , Visser Pieter Jelle
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of brain pathologies increases with age and cognitive and physical functions worsen over the lifetime. It is unclear whether these processes show a similar increase with age. We studied the association of markers for brain pathology cognitive and physical functions with age in 288 cognitively normal individuals aged 60–102 years selected from the cross-sectional EMIF-AD PreclinAD and 90+ Study at the Amsterdam UMC. An abnormal score was consistent with a score below the 5th percentile in the 60- to 70-year-old individuals. Prevalence of abnormal scores was estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models. The prevalence of abnormal handgrip strength, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and hippocampal volume showed the fastest increase with age and abnormal MMSE score, muscle mass, and amyloid aggregation the lowest. The increase in prevalence of abnormal markers was partly dependent on sex, level of education, and amyloid aggregation. We did not find a consistent pattern in which markers of brain pathology cognitive and physical processes became abnormal with age.
Trimethylamine But Not Trimethylamine Oxide Increases With Age in Rat Plasma and Affects Smooth Muscle Cells Viability
Authors: Jaworska Kinga , Konop Marek , Hutsch Tomasz , Perlejewski Karol , Radkowski Marek , Grochowska Marta , Bielak-Zmijewska Anna , Mosieniak Grażyna , Sikora Ewa , Ufnal Marcin
Published: August 2019

It has been suggested that trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), a liver oxygenation product of gut bacteria-produced trimethylamine (TMA), is a marker of cardiovascular risk. However, mechanisms of the increase and biological effects of TMAO are obscure. Furthermore, the potential role of TMAO precursor, that is TMA, has not been investigated. We evaluated the effect of age, a cardiovascular risk factor, on plasma levels of TMA and TMAO, gut bacteria composition, gut-to-blood penetration of TMA, histological and hemodynamic parameters in 3-month-old and 18-month-old, male, Sprague–Dawley and Wistar–Kyoto rats. Cytotoxicity of TMA and TMAO was studied in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Older rats showed significantly different gut bacteria composition, a significantly higher gut-to-blood TMA penetration, and morphological and hemodynamic alterations in intestines. In vitro, TMA at concentration of 500 µmol/L (2-fold higher than in portal blood) decreased human vascular smooth muscle cells viability. In contrast, TMAO at 1,000-fold higher concentration than physiological one had no effect on human vascular smooth muscle cells viability. In conclusion, older rats show higher plasma level of TMA due to a “leaky gut”. TMA but not TMAO affects human vascular smooth muscle cells viability. We propose that TMA but not TMAO may be a marker and mediator of cardiovascular risk.
Age and Sex Differences in Acute and Osteoarthritis-Like Pain Responses in Rats
Authors: Ro Jin Y , Zhang Youping , Tricou Christina , Yang Dan , da Silva Joyce T , Zhang Ruixin
Published: August 2019

In this study, we investigated age and sex differences in acute and chronic pain in rats. Groups of young (3–6 months) and aged (20–24 months) male and female Fischer 344 rats were used to assess basal thermal and mechanical thresholds, capsaicin-induced acute nocifensive responses and c-Fos expression in the spinal cord, and monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee osteoarthritis (OA)-like pain responses. There was a significant sex, but not age, effect on thermal threshold on the hindpaw and mechanical threshold on the knee joint. No significant age and sex differences in capsaicin-induced nocifensive and c-Fos responses were observed. MIA induced a greater peak reduction of weight-bearing responses in aged males than young rats. Aged females developed the most profound weight-bearing deficit. With knee joint sensitivity as a primary outcome measure, MIA induced more pronounced and longer-lasting hyperalgesia in older rats, with aged female rats showing the worst effect. These data suggest that age may not have significant effect on acute nociceptive processing, but it significantly impacts OA-like pain, making aged rats, especially females, more vulnerable to chronic pain conditions. These preclinical models should provide important tools to investigate basic mechanisms underlying the impact of age and sex in chronic pain conditions.
The Experience of Aging and Perceptions of “Aging Well” Among Older Migrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Conkova Nina , Lindenberg Jolanda
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

In this study, we examine the experience of aging and subjective views of what it means to age well among older adults with a migrant background in the Netherlands. We embed the study within the successful aging debate and tackle two of its most persistent critiques: the failure to adequately include subjective views in the definition of aging well and the failure to recognize that the process of aging is culturally determined.

Research Design and Methods

The research draws on qualitative data collected through eight focus-group discussions with the six largest migrant groups in the Netherlands, namely Indo-Dutch and Moluccans, and migrants with Western, Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish, and Moroccan background.

Results

The study findings show that in general older migrants experience aging more positively than commonly assumed. Nevertheless, some negative aspects of aging were also mentioned. These together with fears about the future underpin participants’ perceptions about aging well. Key aspects of successful aging include remaining healthy, independent, and engaged. Differences between and within groups exist in the meaning given to these concepts and the extent to which other specific aging-related wishes were mentioned. These differences are rooted in participants’ experiences of the migration event, employment history, and their current socioeconomic conditions.

Discussion and Implications

We conclude that the life course perspective is essential in understanding migrants’ aging process and their views on successful aging, and suggest that policies and interventions which promote disease prevention and tackle social exclusion will be beneficial for older adults with a migration background.
Neighborhood Cohesion and Oral Health Problems Among Older Chinese American Immigrants: Does Acculturation Make a Difference?
Authors: Mao Weiyu , Wu Bei , Chi Iris , Yang Wei , Dong Xinqi
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

Despite an increasing, yet still limited amount of research on social determinants of oral health, the influences of neighborhood characteristics remain understudied, especially within the context of immigration. Acculturation is multidimensional, and its influences on the oral health of immigrants vary across age and ethnic groups. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems among older Chinese American immigrants, and whether and to what extent acculturation indicators moderate the relationship between such cohesion and oral health.

Methods

The research design and working sample included 3,157 older Chinese American immigrants aged 60 years or older from the baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Neighborhood cohesion was measured by a six-item scale. Oral health problems were measured by the presence or absence of such problems. Acculturation included residence in ethnic enclaves, length of stay, and behavioral acculturation. Stepwise logistic regression models with interaction terms (Neighborhood cohesion × Acculturation) were conducted to examine the association between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems, accounting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and health behaviors.

Results

Individuals experiencing higher levels of neighborhood cohesion reported a lower likelihood of having oral health problems. The protective effect of neighborhood cohesion against having oral health problems was stronger when individuals resided in ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown.

Discussion and Implications

To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals’ perceptions and levels of integration into their neighborhoods and communities.
The Ring of Steel: Extraterritorial Migration Controls in Indonesia and Libya and the Complicity of Australia and Italy
Authors: Dastyari Azadeh , Hirsch Asher
Published: August 2019

This article provides an analysis of cooperative non-entrée policies in Australia and Italy. Through their funding, training and interception activities, Australia and Italy have aided and assisted Indonesia and Libya, respectively, in the commission of a number of internationally wrongful acts against refugees and migrants. These wrongful acts include refoulement; arbitrary detention; violations of the right to life; cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment; and violations of the right to leave. These human rights violations benefit Australia and Italy by preventing refugees and migrants from entering Australian and Italian territory. They are extensively reported and widely known. Neither Australia nor Italy can claim ignorance of the circumstances of these acts. In the light of this analysis, it is argued that, under Article 16 of the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts, Australia and Italy are therefore responsible for their complicity in human rights violations in Indonesia and Libya, respectively.
A framework for assessing which sampling programmes provide the best trade-off between accuracy and cost of data in stock assessments
Authors: Muradian Melissa L , Branch Trevor A , Punt André E
Published: August 2019

Fisheries surveys are required to assess the status of fish populations but are rarely evaluated to determine which data provide most information for least cost. We develop such a method focused on Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This population collapsed in 1992–93 and an intensive monitoring programme has been developed to assess why herring have not yet recovered, including the development of a Bayesian stock assessment model. We conducted a Monte-Carlo simulation study that calculated the deterioration in assessment performance when each survey was excluded, which allowed us to assess the trade-off between cost and improvement in model performance from including each survey data. For $10,000 a year the disease survey reduces bias and imprecision in current biomass by 34% on average, increases model reliability by 22%, and decreases by 31% the probability of a false management conclusion related to regulating the fishery. For $350,000 a year the diver survey reduces bias and imprecision by 12%, increases model reliability by 6%, and decreases the probability of a false management conclusion by 23%. The framework presented here can be used in other fisheries to weigh the costs and benefits of alternative sampling programmes in estimating current biomass.
Correlation between catch method, condition, and diet patterns in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Ljungberg Peter , Ovegård Maria , Öhman Kristin , Königson Sara
Published: August 2019

With seal populations increasing significantly in the Baltic Sea, the conflict between seals and fisheries is growing. The most sustainable method for mitigating the seal–fishery conflict is to develop and use seal-safe fishing gear. Although pots have been shown to be a promising alternative to gillnets for catching cod (Gadus morhua), there are indications that cod caught in pots are in poorer condition than those caught in gillnets, potentially making the pots a less-economical alternative. This study investigates whether this difference in condition is consistent over larger spatial scales. Gear-specific cod condition was related to both short-term (determined from stomach contents) and long-term (determined by stable isotope analysis) diet composition. Results indicate that differences in fish condition between gear types are consistent over large areas, possibly due to temporal and spatial differences in feeding strategies. We argue that condition differences between pot- and gillnet-caught cod may be driven by differences in behavioural traits. Consequently, fishing with a certain gear type may have ecological consequences affecting population characteristics, with implications for fisheries management. From the perspective of the seal–fisheries conflict, pots may ultimately have consequences on the catch value of fish.
Elevated CD54 Expression Renders CD4+ T Cells Susceptible to Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Killing
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Huihui , Zhang Zining , Fu Yajing , Han Xiaoxu , Zhang Yue , Xu Junjie , Ding Haibo , Cui Hualu , Dong Tao , Shang Hong , Jiang Yongjun
Published: August 2019

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells are an important type of effector cell in the innate immune response, and also have a role in regulation of the adaptive immune response. Several studies have indicated that NK cells may influence CD4+ T cells during HIV infection.

Methods

In total, 51 HIV-infected individuals and 15 healthy controls participated in this study. We performed the flow cytometry assays and real-time PCR for the phenotypic analysis and the functional assays of NK cell-mediated deletion of CD4+ T cells, phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB/p65) and the intervention of metformin.

Results

Here we detected high CD54 expression on CD4+ T cells in HIV-infected individuals, and demonstrate that upregulated CD54 is associated with disease progression in individuals infected with HIV. We also show that CD54 expression leads to the deletion of CD4+ T cells by NK cells in vitro, and that this is modulated by NF-κB/p65 signaling. Further, we demonstrate that metformin can suppress CD54 expression on CD4+ T cells by inhibiting NF-κB/p65 phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that further studies to evaluate the potential role of metformin as adjunctive therapy to reconstitute immune function in HIV-infected individuals are warranted.
Transcript-Level Analysis in Combination with Real-Time PCR Elucidates Heat Adaptation Mechanism of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Larvae
Authors: Lü Jianhua , Huo Mingfei , Kang Yulong
Published: August 2019

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) ranks as one of the most prevalent insects in food processing and storage facilities worldwide. Heat treatment has been revisited to disinfest food processing and storage facilities due to increasingly strict regulation on chemicals. The effect of acclimation of T. castaneum larvae to sublethal high temperatures of 36 and 42℃ for 10 h on their heat adaptation was investigated, and transcript-level analysis combinating with real-time PCR (RT–qPCR) was applied for elucidating the heat adaptation mechanism of T. castaneum larvae. Short-term sublethal high temperature acclimation could greatly enhance the thermal adaptability in T. castaneum larvae. In total, 575, 875, and 1017 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were, respectively, determined in comparisons between the 28 and 36℃ treatments, the 28 and 42℃ treatments, and the 36 and 42℃ treatments. Fifty-three and 96 genes were commonly up- and down-regulated in both the 36 and 42℃ treatments relative to 28℃, respectively. The results of RT-qPCR analysis further confirmed the RNA-seq analysis. The current results are in favor of enhancing the insecticidal effectiveness of extreme high temperature treatment and elucidating the heat adaptation mechanism in T. castaneum larvae.
Measuring the Self-Reliance of Refugees
Authors: Leeson Kellie , Bhandari Prem B , Myers Anna , Buscher Dale
Published: August 2019

How do we know whether a refugee household is self-reliant if this is not measured? Although self-reliance has been promoted as a critical assistance strategy for refugees in recent years, there have been limited attempts to rigorously measure the concept. This field report introduces a new measurement tool to assess the movement toward self-reliance among refugee households. The development and utility of a tool to measure self-reliance are described using the pilot studies conducted in Ecuador, Egypt and Lebanon over a 9- to 18-month period. This report utilized unique panel data from 167 refugee households in Egypt and 94 households in Ecuador. The panel data was collected at two points in time (baseline and endline) using paper and pencil or Open Data Kit forms on tablets during face-to-face interviews. This panel group was used to perform the change analysis to examine the movement of households along a self-reliance continuum. Findings show that, overall, 59.8% of households in Ecuador and 64.7% of households in Egypt moved upward in composite score in self-reliance while less than 30% of households regressed in both countries. Further examination is needed to refine and evaluate the tool. The results provide an important starting point and insights into measuring self-reliance using simple indicators and an opportunity to reframe assistance around self-reliance, neither of which had previously been a focus of refugee assistance or relevant literature. It is believed that this methodology will be of use to academics and practitioners seeking to study refugee self-reliance around the world.
The Evolution of Joint Parenting in Poland: The Legal Perspective on Lessons Learned and Still to Be Learned
Authors: Habdas Magdalena
Published: August 2019

The aim of this article is to consider how ideas about raising children by parents who have parted have changed in Poland and how they were reflected in changing provisions of family law in order to offer at least an initial answer to the question of whether joint parenting should be a welcomed development in Polish family law. The article will focus not only on indicating when and how the relevant family law provisions have been amended but also on presenting the academic and practical dilemmas faced in the process of introducing a new concept of joint physical custody over a child when parents have parted. It is argued that an honest revision of the challenges and opportunities joint parenting offers, based not only on national experiences but also on research and experiences of foreign jurisdictions, promotes a better understanding of this solution, which in the Polish context is still an emerging concept requiring ongoing research and active academic consideration.
Case comment: differing interpretations of vaccine risk between courts and experts in Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan) v. Chen
Authors: Ho Jen-Ji
Published: August 2019

Assessing the risk of vaccines is essentially a scientific issue. However, a court’s interpretation of scientific knowledge is not necessarily the same as that of scientists, especially in uncertain cases involving new vaccines or rare side effects. In 2017, the Supreme Administrative Court in Taiwan confirmed a disputed causal relationship between an H1N1 vaccine and a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a teenage boy, in contrast to all medical experts who disagreed with this judgment. The interplay between law and science might be complicated when scientific knowledge is incomplete. A court’s interpretation of scientific knowledge could diverge from experts’ consensus because the purpose of judicial investigations differs from that of scientific investigations. After this case, the Taiwanese government revised vaccine compensation regulations, incorporating more specific criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. The revised regulations can enable judges to better understand and check medical experts’ conclusions and reasoning processes. This case is a good model to help other countries minimize systematic conflicts between law and science in recognizing risks.
Bioethics and Universal Vulnerability: Exploring the Ethics and Practices of Research Participation
Authors: Ries Nola M , Thomson Michael
Published: August 2019

In this article, we advocate the adoption of universal vulnerability as a core value in bioethics. We argue that understanding vulnerability as the universal human condition—and rejecting the labelling of particular individuals or groups as vulnerable—would benefit bioethics and the research it governs. Bioethics first engaged with vulnerability in the context of participation in research and this continues to define how the value is typically understood. Thus, vulnerability is generally deployed to describe individuals (or populations), where real or perceived deficiencies limit the ability to function and to protect themselves from risks. Revisiting this initial context and the participation in research of people living with dementia, we note that the bioethical position of excluding the ‘vulnerable’ from research has led to major gaps in evidence and knowledge to inform care and support. Turning to universal vulnerability, we consider the research design and practices that the approach would mandate. We emphasise the importance of inclusive design and mechanisms of institutional support that enable participation. We argue that these positively impact on the scientific value of research and address social justice concerns around social inclusion. Our aim is to provoke a fundamental reassessment of how vulnerability is conceived of in bioethics.
Nuclear war and public health: preparedness, protection and the case for prevention
Authors: Boulton Frank , Dunn Thomas
Published: August 2019

Background

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the year 2018 saw a continuing ‘drift into global instability’ in which ‘both the USA and Russia are on a path of strategic nuclear (weapons) renewal’ with 3750 nuclear bombs globally deployed ‘ready to fire’. Treaties are being abrogated with increasingly aggressive language exchanged, and discredited tactics such as ‘limited use’ revived. These developments risk an amplifying cascade of nuclear weapon fire, whether started by intent, miscalculation or unintentionally.

Results

A nuclear war would cause immediate and massive loss of human life, unprecedented damage to societal infrastructures and climatic disruption resulting in a ‘nuclear winter’ or ‘nuclear famine’.

Conclusions

The systems defending national territory against nuclear warhead missiles do not guarantee protection, and neither would hastily erected domestic shelters. Any post-survival world would be utterly different and severely challenging. The only effective preventative measures require nuclear disarmament through treaty.
Low-dose aspirin use and cancer-specific mortality: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Wang Xianmin , Luo Yupeng , Chen Tingting , Zhang Kui
Published: August 2019

Background

Considering the increased risk of bleeding caused by aspirin, and the observed benefit in all-cause mortality may be due to an improvement in cardiovascular-related mortality. We carried out this meta-analysis to estimate the association of low-dose aspirin use and risk of cancer-specific mortality.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for all articles within a range of published years from 1980 to 2018.

Results

Finally, 13 published cohort studies with 65 768 patients were available for estimating overall risk of cancer-specific mortality associating with post-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use, and 4 cohort studies were available for pre-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use with 16 654 patients. Overall, statistical evidence of significantly decreased cancer-specific mortality was found to be associated with post-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75–0.93), but not with pre-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use. In terms of subgroup analyses by cancer type, post-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use was significantly with decreased cancer-specific mortality for digestive tract cancer including colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicated that post-diagnosis but not pre-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use may reduce cancer-specific mortality.
MEAN VALUE OF LET FOR ONCOGENIC EFFECTS OF RADON AND ITS PROGENY
Authors: Sedlák A
Published: August 2019

The topic of the article is to define the average value of linear energy transfer (LET) for carcinogenic effects of radon progeny. The microdosimetric model of boundary specific energy is used. It follows that the effect at high LET should decrease approximately with the third power of LET. This is verified by the analysis of the relationship between radiation effects ratio and LET in published experiments with oncogenic transformation of mammalian cells irradiated with the monoenergetic alpha particles. If these cells are exposed with the radon irradiator, our analysis leads us to conclude that the oncogenic effect of radon progeny is comparable to that of alpha particles with a LET of 75 keV/μm. It is about a quarter lower than the LET value, where the effect of the monoenergetic alpha particles reaches its maximum level. Some implications for lung cancer due to radon inhalation may also be carefully examined.
CONTAMINATION DEPTH OF 137CS IN CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors: Listjak Martin , Slaninka Alojz , Nečas Vladimír
Published: August 2019

Uncertainty analysis for nondestructive estimation of contamination depth is presented. The contamination depth was determined using the peak-to-peak method as an in-situ measurement in which gamma spectra were measured by an HPGe detector. Since exponential activity distribution is a crucial assumption of this method, the distribution profile was confirmed by laboratory tests of core drill samples. The main parameter influencing uncertainty of contamination depth is uncertainty of relaxation length. The uncertainty is composed for statistical error represented by the ratio of net peak areas and systematic error given detection efficiency of measurement setup. Systematic relative error was evaluated to be 7.45%. Statistical relative error was evaluated to 9.97% for the proposed optimum net peak area. Variability of relaxation length was identified to be very low with mean value 2 mm with standard deviation 0.73 mm. For fixed relaxation length, it should be possible to estimate contamination depth by nonspectrometric devices.
LOW DOSE BATH FROM IMPT VS. IMXT FOR THE PELVIC AREA WHEN TREATING ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: Navrátil Matěj , Vondráček Vladimír , Andrlík Michal , Kubeš Jiří , Rosina Jozef , Grebenyuk Alexander
Published: August 2019

Twenty (10 intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and 10 intensity-modulated x-ray therapy (IMXT) treatment plans for patients with advanced prostate carcinoma were compared in this study. All chosen patients were indicated for prostate and pelvic lymph nodes irradiation using simultaneous integrated boost technique. These patients represent typical specimen for this diagnose. IMPT irradiates just half of the tissue volume with a low dose (up to 10 cobalt gray equivalent) compared to IMXT without compromise in target volumes coverage and in this way reduces the risk of secondary cancer development or other possible complications.
LUNG REGENERATION IN ABSTAINING SMOKERS
Authors: Böhm Radoslav , Sedlák Antonín , Bulko Martin , Holý Karol
Published: August 2019

Smoking modifies morphological and physiological parameters of the lungs. Due to the irritation of airways, the natural self-cleaning ability of the lungs is impaired. The mucus accumulates in the airways and various infections develop, leading to chronic bronchitis. After the cessation of smoking, the lungs of the smoker start to heal and regenerate. Cilia in the lungs start to grow again and cleanse the lungs, thus reducing the risk of infection. The regeneration of the lungs takes a long time and depends on the degree of lung damage due to smoking. The aim of this study was to reconstruct the evolution of this regeneration process in chronic smokers by using the biological effects of radon and its decay products. Thus, radon in this study served as a tracer of changes induced by smoking.
RADON ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN WATERS OF SPRINGS IN SELECTED AREAS OF WESTERN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Eckertová Terézia , Müllerová Monika , Holý Karol
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the results of measurements of radon activity concentration (RAC) in spring waters and natural wells in three mountains of Slovakia (Strážov Mountains, Považský Inovec and Little Carpathians). These mountains provide drinking water for inhabitants of surrounding towns and villages. Little Carpathians is the most seismically active area in Slovakia. Považský Inovec, where 2 out of 11 uranium deposits of Slovakia are located, is interesting due to increased uranium mineralization. We have collected samples from more than 170 natural water sources, many of which exceed the guide value of 100 Bq l−1, with a maximum value of 274 Bq l−1. The median of these data (15 Bq l−1) is also higher than the national median in groundwater (11.6 Bq l−1). From the obtained data, we have created maps representing RAC of groundwaters for the whole territory. These maps were also compared with the geological maps.
DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF DEVICES FOR CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF RADON ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN WATERS
Authors: Eckertová Terézia , Holý Karol , Müllerová Monika , Bulko Martin
Published: August 2019

Continuous radon measurement in waters is an appropriate tool for the study of its variations as well as for the clarification and understanding of the factors that cause these changes. In addition, sudden changes in radon activity concentration (RAC) in groundwater can be used to identify geodynamic activities and earthquake predictions. In this paper, two measuring systems for continuous monitoring of RAC in waters are presented and tested. One of them was designed for water sources with a high yield; the second one operates with a constant volume of a sample using a different method of 222Rn release from water. We present our first laboratory tests of continuous measurement of RAC in tap waters as well as the variations of RAC observed during a week.
Eye contact enhances interpersonal motor resonance: comparing video stimuli to a live two-person action context
Authors: Prinsen Jellina , Alaerts Kaat
Published: August 2019

Previous research has shown a link between eye contact and interpersonal motor resonance, indicating that the mirroring of observed movements is enhanced when accompanied with mutual eye contact between actor and observer. Here, we further explored the role of eye contact within a naturalistic two-person action context. Twenty-two participants observed simple hand movements combined with direct or averted gaze presented via a live model in a two-person setting or via video recordings, while transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) to measure changes in M1 excitability. Skin conductance responses and gaze behavior were also measured to investigate the role of arousal and visual attention herein. Eye contact significantly enhanced excitability of the observer’s M1 during movement observation within a two-person setting. Notably, participants with higher social responsiveness (Social Communication subscale of the Social Responsiveness Scale) displayed a more pronounced modulation of M1 excitability by eye gaze. Gaze-related modulations in M1 excitability were, however, not associated with differences in visual attention or autonomic arousal. In summary, the current study highlights the effectiveness and feasibility of adopting paradigms with high ecological validity for studying the modulation of mirror system processes by subtle social cues, such as eye gaze.
Regulation of Macrophage Foam Cell Formation During Nitrogen Mustard (NM)-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Lung Lipids
Authors: Venosa Alessandro , Smith Ley Cody , Murray Alexa , Banota Tanvi , Gow Andrew J , Laskin Jeffrey D , Laskin Debra L
Published: August 2019

Nitrogen mustard (NM) is a vesicant known to target the lung, causing acute injury which progresses to fibrosis. Evidence suggests that activated macrophages contribute to the pathologic response to NM. In these studies, we analyzed the role of lung lipids generated following NM exposure on macrophage activation and phenotype. Treatment of rats with NM (0.125 mg/kg, i.t.) resulted in a time-related increase in enlarged vacuolated macrophages in the lung. At 28 days postexposure, macrophages stained positively for Oil Red O, a marker of neutral lipids. This was correlated with an accumulation of oxidized phospholipids in lung macrophages and epithelial cells and increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) phospholipids and cholesterol. RNA-sequencing and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that lipid handling pathways under the control of the transcription factors liver-X receptor (LXR), farnesoid-X receptor (FXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-ɣ, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) were significantly altered following NM exposure. Whereas at 1–3 days post NM, FXR and the downstream oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor, Cd36, were increased, Lxr and the lipid efflux transporters, Abca1 and Abcg1, were reduced. Treatment of naïve lung macrophages with phospholipid and cholesterol enriched large aggregate fractions of BAL prepared 3 days after NM exposure resulted in upregulation of Nos2 and Ptgs2, markers of proinflammatory activation, whereas large aggregate fractions prepared 28 days post NM upregulated expression of the anti-inflammatory markers, Il10, Cd163, and Cx3cr1, and induced the formation of lipid-laden foamy macrophages. These data suggest that NM-induced alterations in lipid handling and metabolism drive macrophage foam cell formation, potentially contributing to the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) Produces Dopaminergic Neuropathology in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sammi Shreesh Raj , Foguth Rachel M , Nieves Claudia Sofía , De Perre Chloe , Wipf Peter , McMurray Cynthia T , Lee Linda S , Cannon Jason R
Published: August 2019

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been widely utilized in numerous industries. Due to long environmental and biological half-lives, PFOS is a major public health concern. Although the literature suggests that PFOS may induce neurotoxicity, neurotoxic mechanisms, and neuropathology are poorly understood. Thus, the primary goal of this study was to determine if PFOS is selectively neurotoxic and potentially relevant to specific neurological diseases. Nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) were exposed to PFOS or related per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for 72 h and tested for evidence of neuropathology through examination of cholinergic, dopaminergic, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)ergic, and serotoninergic neuronal morphologies. Dopaminergic and cholinergic functional analyses were assessed through 1-nonanol and Aldicarb assay. Mechanistic studies assessed total reactive oxygen species, superoxide ions, and mitochondrial content. Finally, therapeutic approaches were utilized to further examine pathogenic mechanisms. Dopaminergic neuropathology occurred at lower exposure levels (25 ppm, approximately 50 µM) than required to produce neuropathology in GABAergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurons (100 ppm, approximately 200 µM). Further, PFOS exposure led to dopamine-dependent functional deficits, without altering acetylcholine-dependent paralysis. Mitochondrial content was affected by PFOS at far lower exposure level than required to induce pathology (≥1 ppm, approximately 2 µM). Perfluorooctane sulfonate exposure also enhanced oxidative stress. Further, mutation in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase rendered animals more vulnerable. Neuroprotective approaches such as antioxidants, PFAS-protein dissociation, and targeted (mitochondrial) radical and electron scavenging were neuroprotective, suggesting specific mechanisms of action. In general, other tested PFAS were less neurotoxic. The primary impact is to prompt research into potential adverse outcomes related to PFAS-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in humans.
XIV Modern Literature
Authors: Levay Matthew , Bratton Francesca , Krzakowski Caroline , Keese Andrew , Corser Sophie , Livingstone Catriona , West Mark , Cooper Samuel , D’Monte Rebecca , Rodríguez Martín Gustavo A , Saunders Graham , Baker William , Masud Noreen , Creasy Matthew , Alonso Alex , O’Hanlon Karl
Published: August 2019

This chapter has eight sections 1. General. 2 British Fiction Pre-1945; 3. British Fiction 1945 to the Present; 4. Pre-1950 Drama; 5. Post-1950 Drama; 6. British Poetry 1900–1950; 7. British Poetry Post-1950; 8. Irish Poetry. Section 1 is by Matthew Levay; section 2(a) is by Francesca Bratton; section 2(b) is by Caroline Krzakowski; section 2(c) is by Sophie Corser; section 2(d) is by Andrew Keese; section 2(e) is by Catriona Livingstone; section 3(a) is by Mark West; section 3(b) is by Samuel Cooper; section 4(a) is by Rebecca D’Monte; section 4(b) is by Gustavo A. Rodríguez Martín; section 5 is by Graham Saunders and William Baker; section 6(a) is by Noreen Masud; section 6(b) is by Matthew Creasy; section 7 is by Alex Alonso; section 8 is by Karl O’Hanlon.
Skull shape variation in extant pangolins (Pholidota: Manidae): allometric patterns and systematic implications
Authors: Ferreira-Cardoso Sérgio , Billet Guillaume , Gaubert Philippe , Delsuc Frédéric , Hautier Lionel
Published: August 2019

Pangolins are among the most endangered groups of mammals, comprising eight extant species delineated into three genera. Despite several studies dedicated to their skeletal anatomy, the potential taxonomic insight from cranial morphological variation in extant Pholidota is yet to be assessed with modern geometric morphometric methods. We present the first comprehensive study on the cranial morphology of extant pangolins and discuss its implications for the taxonomy and evolution of the group. We performed landmark-based morphometric analyses on 241 museum specimens to describe the variation in skull shape in seven of the eight extant species. Our analyses revealed genus- and species-level morphological discrimination, with Asian species (Manis spp.) being grouped together, whereas African pangolins present distinct skull shapes between small (Phataginus spp.) and large (Smutsia spp.) species. Analyses of allometry also identified a set of traits whose allometric trajectories distinguish Asian from African specimens. Finally, we uncovered intraspecific variation in skull shape in white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) that partly corroborates recent DNA-based differentiation among biogeographically distinct populations. Overall, our results shed light on the morphological diversity of the skull of these enigmatic myrmecophagous mammals and confirm the genus-level classification and cryptic diversity within the white-bellied pangolin revealed by molecular phylogenetics.