bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the life history strategy of cells underlies tumor’s functional diversity
Authors: Li Tao , Liu Jialin , Feng Jing , Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Sixue , Zhang Minjie , Zhang Yuezheng , Hou Yali , Wu Dafei , Li Chunyan , Chen Young-Bin , Wu Chung-I , Chen Hua , Lu Xuemei
Published: November 2019

Classicalr- vs.K-selection theory describes the trade-offs between high reproductive output and competitiveness and guides research in evolutionary ecology1–5. While its impact has waned in the recent past, cancer evolution may rekindle it6–10. Indeed, solid tumors are an ideal theater forr- andK-selection and, hence, a good testing ground for ideas on life-history strategy evolution11,12. In this study, we imposer- orK-selection on HeLa cells to obtain strongly proliferative r cells and highly competitive K cells. RNA-seq analysis indicates that phenotypic trade-offs in r and K cells are associated with distinct patterns of expression of genes involved in the cell cycle, adhesion, apoptosis, and contact inhibition. Both empirical observations and simulations based on an ecological competition model show that the trade-off between cell proliferation and competitiveness can evolve adaptively and rapidly in naïve cell lines. It is conceivable that the contrasting selective pressure may operate in a realistic ecological setting of actual tumors. When the r and K cells are mixedin vitro, they exhibit strikingly different spatial and temporal distributions in the resultant cultures. Thanks to this niche separation, the fitness of the entire tumor increases. Our analyses of life-history trade-offs are pertinent to evolutionary ecology as well as cancer biology.
Quantitative translation of dog-to-human aging by conserved remodeling of epigenetic networks
Authors: Wang Tina , Ma Jianzhu , Hogan Andrew N. , Fong Samson , Licon Katherine , Tsui Brian , Kreisberg Jason F. , Adams Peter D. , Carvunis Anne-Ruxandra , Bannasch Danika L. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Ideker Trey
Published: November 2019

Mammals progress through similar physiological stages during life, from early development to puberty, aging, and death. Yet, the extent to which this conserved physiology reflects conserved molecular events is unclear. Here, we map common epigenetic changes experienced by mammalian genomes as they age, focusing on evolutionary comparisons of humans to dogs, an emerging model of aging. Using targeted sequencing, we characterize the methylomes of 104 Labrador retrievers spanning a 16 year age range, achieving >150X coverage within mammalian syntenic blocks. Comparison with human methylomes reveals a nonlinear relationship which translates dog to human years, aligns the timing of major physiological milestones between the two species, and extends to mice. Conserved changes center on specific developmental gene networks which are sufficient to capture the effects of anti-aging interventions in multiple mammals. These results establish methylation not only as a diagnostic age readout but as a cross-species translator of physiological aging milestones.
DEK influences the trade-off between growth and arrest via H2A.Z-nucleosomes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Brestovitsky Anna , Ezer Daphne , Waidmann Sascha , Maslen Sarah L. , Balcerowicz Martin , Cortijo Sandra , Charoensawan Varodom , Martinho Claudia , Rhodes Daniela , Jonak Claudia , Wigge Philip A
Published: November 2019

The decision of whether to grow and proliferate or to restrict growth and develop resilience to stress is a key biological trade-off. In plants, constitutive growth results in increased sensitivity to environmental stress1,2. The underlying mechanisms controlling this decision are however not well understood. We used temperature as a cue to discover regulators of this process in plants, as it both enhances growth and development rates within a specific range and is also a stress at extremes. We found that the conserved chromatin-associated protein DEK plays a central role in balancing the response between growth and arrest in Arabidopsis, and it does this via H2A.Z-nucleosomes. DEK target genes show two distinct categories of chromatin architecture based on the distribution of H2A.Z in +1 nucleosome and gene body, and these predict induction or repression by DEK. We show that these chromatin signatures of DEK target genes are conserved in human cells, suggesting that DEK may act through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to control the balance between growth and arrest in plants and animals.
A peek into Western Indian Ocean microbial richness: a pilot for a coral microbiome study
Authors: Wambua Sammy , Gourlé Hadrien , de Villiers Etienne P. , Ngoi Joyce , Macdonald Angus , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , de Villiers Santie
Published: November 2019

Microbial communities are essential components of natural ecosystems. Of the global oceans, the Indian Ocean remains the least studied in terms of its microbial diversity, despite it being a highly dynamic tropical water body. Metagenomics methods have significantly advanced studies in marine microbial ecology in recent years. Preliminary metabarcoding assessments are recommended to mitigate against the associated costs, prior to the metagenomics study, to give an impression of the diversity expected and determine the sequencing effort required.

We report here the first metabarcoding survey of bacterial diversity of the western Indian Ocean (WIO) using samples used for optimizing environmental DNA (eDNA) isolation as pilot experiment for a metagenomic study investigating the coral-reef microbiome of the region. Sampling of water and sediment samples was done near-shore sublittoral and within the coral reef.

About 3,000 microbial ribotypes were inferred, from which 41 phyla were uncovered. Sediments registered higher alpha diversity than seawater samples. The phylum Proteobacteria was dominant with its members constituting over 60% of the ribosomal sequence variants (RSVs). The other abundant bacteria were members of Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria phyla. We identified bacterial species with potential broad biotechnological applications, underscoring the WIO’s richness and the usefulness of eDNA metabarcoding approaches in bioprospecting as well as monitoring and/or surveying marine ecosystems.
Ultra-high field imaging of hippocampal neuroanatomy in first episode psychosis demonstrates receptor-specific morphometric patterning
Authors: Park Min Tae M. , Jeon Peter , Khan Ali R. , Dempster Kara , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Lerch Jason P. , Mackinley Michael , Théberge Jean , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: November 2019

Objective

The hippocampus is considered a putative marker in schizophrenia with early volume deficits of select subfields. Certain subregions are thought to be more vulnerable due to a glutamate-driven mechanism of excitotoxicity, hypermetabolism, and then degeneration. Here, we explored whether hippocampal anomalies in first-episode psychosis (FEP) correlate with glutamate receptor density via a serotonin receptor proxy by leveraging structural neuroimaging, spectroscopy (MRS), and gene expression.

Methods

High field 7T brain MR images were collected from 27 control, 41 FEP participants, along with 1H-MRS measures of glutamate. Automated methods were used to delineate the hippocampus and atlases of the serotonin receptor system were used to map receptor density across the hippocampus and subfields. We used gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to test for correlations between serotonin and glutamate receptor genes.

Results

We found reduced hippocampal volumes in FEP, replicating previous findings. Amongst the subfields, CA4-dentate gyrus showed greatest reductions. Gene expression analysis indicated 5-HTR1A and 5-HTR4 receptor subtypes as predictors of AMPA and NMDA receptor expression, respectively. Volumetric differences in the subfields correlated most strongly with 5-HT1A (R=0.64, p=4.09E-03) and 5-HT4 (R=0.54, p=0.02) densities as expected, and replicated using previously published data from two FEP studies. Measures of individual structure-receptor alignment were derived through normative modeling of hippocampal shape and correlations to receptor distributions, termed Receptor-Specific Morphometric Signatures (RSMS). Right-sided 5-HT4 RSMS was correlated with glutamate (R=0.357, p=0.048).

Conclusions

We demonstrate glutamate-driven hippocampal remodeling in FEP through a receptor-density gated mechanism, thus providing a mechanistic explanation of how redox dysregulation affects brain structure and symptomatic heterogeneity in schizophrenia.
Separable regulation of POW1 in TAF2-mediated grain development and BR-mediated leaf angle formation in rice
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Ruci , Wang Yueming , Xu Yufang , Fang Shuang , Chu Jinfang , Yao Shanguo
Published: November 2019

Leaf angle is one of the key factors determining rice plant architecture. However, improvement of the leaf angle appears to be unsuccessful in practical breeding because of the simultaneous occurrence of unfavorable traits such as grain size reduction. In this study, we identified the pow1 (put on weight 1) mutant with enlarged grain size and leaf angle, typical brassinosteroid (BR)-related phenotypes caused by excessive cell proliferation and cell expansion. We show that POW1 encodes a novel protein functioning in grain size regulation by repressing the transcription activity of the interacting protein TAF2, a highly conserved member of the transcription initiation complex TFIID. Loss of function of POW1 increases the phosphorylation of OsBZR1 and decreases the inhibitory effect of OsBZR1 on the transcription of BR biosynthesis genes OsDWARF4 (D4) and D11, thus participates in BR-mediated leaf angle regulation. The separable functions of POW1 in grain size and leaf angle control provide a promising strategy to design high-yielding varieties in which both traits would be favorably developed, i.e., compact plant architecture and increased grain size, thus would promote the high-yield breeding a step forward in rice.
Some insights into composition and monoterpene emission rates from selected dominant tropical tree species of Central India: Plant‐specific seasonal variations
Authors: Malik Tanzil G. , Gajbhiye Triratnesh , Pandey Sudhir K.
Published: November 2019

In this article, we discuss about the seasonal variations in the monoterpene emission rates and chemical composition of monoterpenes from selected tropical tree species of Central India. The highest normalized total average monoterpene emission rates (normalized at 30°C) from all the plant species were found in summer followed by rainy and winter seasons, respectively. The composition of individual monoterpene compounds emitted from all the tropical plant species showed significant seasonal variations. Nine monoterpene compounds were determined across three seasons from these selected plants: α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene represented up to 72.6% of the total monoterpene emission. Although the main compounds emitted were α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene, the other minor compounds were also found at varying emission rates. α‐Terpinene and carene were not observed in Eucalyptus globulus and Pongamia pinnata during winter and rainy seasons. Sabinene was only recorded from Azadirachta indica. We have thus observed clearly that the seasonal as well as monthly variations in chemical composition of monoterpene emission rate are species specific. Furthermore, the effect of environmental variables such as temperature (TEM), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), relative humidity, and carbon dioxide from plant species in distinct seasons revealed that the monoterpene emissions were mainly temperature (TEM) and PAR dependent.
Holding on tight – NPM and the New Zealand performance improvement framework
Authors: Allen Barbara , Eppel Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

The New Zealand Government's Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) is aimed at public sector organisational improvement. The PIF exemplifies how the characteristics of new public management (NPM) challenge the evolution of performance systems attempting to go beyond performance management. The paper provides an empirical example of the operation of the PIF, using a theoretical frame derived from the literature. The analysis suggests that the PIF design does not yet mitigate the effects of gaming, synecdoche, and reputation‐protecting behaviour. The common graded ratings continue to hold the attention of those to whom the PIF is important, acting as a proxy for the whole performance of the organisation. This is a case study of how, despite promising adaptations, performance improvement efforts remain hampered by NPM limitations.
Internationalism Under Platform Capitalism: Brexit and the Organisation of UK Fast Food Workers
Authors: Colás Alejandro
Published: November 2019

In October 2018, a coalition of UK trade unions and civil society organisations called a strike across the UK’s fast food sector in support of a living wage, union recognition and the end to zero‐hour contracts in the sector. This paper takes the day of action—labelled the McStrike—as a starting point for an account of the place of the EU and Brexit in the campaign for fast food rights, as well as the contrasting political standpoints adopted by the different trade unions involved in the action. Brexit is used as a prism through which to analyse aspects of Britain’s contemporary food politics, especially those pertaining to freedom of movement, workplace organisation, and the role of EU legislation in protecting workers’ rights. In exploring the international dimensions of union organisation among the UK’s fast food workers, other, more conceptual considerations regarding the changing nature of public and private food consumption and the incorporation of food‐to‐go into the gig economy are also broached.
A tool for assessing the satisfaction of a diet: Development and preliminary validation of the Diet Satisfaction Score
Authors: Jospe Michelle R. , Haszard Jillian J. , Taylor Rachael W. , Freedhoff Yoni
Published: November 2019

Aim

Adherence to dietary change is crucial for long‐term benefit and a key element of adherence is the satisfaction of a given diet. We aimed to develop a brief questionnaire, suitable for use in clinical practice that can assess satisfaction with a diet, and to conduct preliminary evaluation of its reliability and validity.

Methods

The questionnaire was developed and drafts were sent to two expert panels for content review. The final questionnaire was assessed for internal consistency, face and construct validity, and test‐retest reliability. Expert feedback was provided by nine clinicians/researchers. The tool was assessed in three phases in different international populations who were recruited using social media. It included adults who were currently following a diet (total n = 1604), and those who had recently abandoned their diet (phase 3 only).

Results

The Diet Satisfaction Score consisted of 10 items measuring one dimension (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85), and participants had a mean total Diet Satisfaction Score of 3.7 (SD = 0.50) from a possible range of 1 to 5. Test‐retest reliability was good as indicated by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.64 and a mean difference (95% confidence interval, CI) between repeated test scores of 0.03 (−0.02, 0.09). Each 1‐point increase in Diet Satisfaction Score was associated with longer diet duration by 1.7 weeks (95% CI = 1.5, 2.0, P < .001).

Conclusions

The Diet Satisfaction Score showed good reliability and preliminary validity and may be a useful clinical tool for assessing diet satisfaction and has the potential to predict adherence.
Improving comparability between qPCR‐based telomere studies
Authors: Verhulst Simon
Published: November 2019

Comparability of findings from qPCR‐based telomere studies is hampered by such measurement results being assay‐specific, precluding a direct quantitative comparisons of observed differences and/or slopes of associations between studies. It is proposed that this can be partially alleviated by expressing qPCR‐based telomere data as Z‐scores.
Error variance bias in neighbour balance and evenness of distribution designs
Authors: Williams E. R. , Piepho H. P.
Published: November 2019

Neighbour balance and evenness of distribution designs help to address user concerns in the two‐dimensional layout of agricultural field trials. This is done by minimising the occurrence of pairwise treatment plot neighbours and ensuring that the replications of treatments are spread out across rows and columns of a trial. Such considerations result in a restriction on the normal randomisation process for a row‐column design which can lead to error variance bias. In this paper, uniformity trial data is used to assess the degree of this bias for both resolvable and non‐resolvable designs. Comparisons are made with a similar investigation using Linear Variance spatial designs.
Using spatial tracking with magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound‐guided biopsy to identify unilateral prostate cancer
Authors: Zhou Steve R. , Priester Alan M. , Jayadevan Rajiv , Johnson David C. , Yang Jason J. , Ballon Jorge , Natarajan Shyam , Marks Leonard S.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To create reliable predictive metrics of unilateral disease using spatial tracking from a fusion device, thereby improving patient selection for hemi‐gland ablation of prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

We identified patients who received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasound‐guided biopsy and radical prostatectomy at a single institution between 2011 and 2018. In addition to standard clinical features, we extracted quantitative features related to biopsy core and MRI target locations predictive of tumour unilaterality. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was used to create a decision tree (DT) for identifying cancer laterality. We evaluated concordance of model‐determined laterality with final surgical pathology.

Results

A total of 173 patients were identified with biopsy coordinates and surgical pathology available. Based on CART analysis, in addition to biopsy‐ and MRI‐confirmed disease unilaterality, patients should be further screened for cancer detected within 7 mm of midline in a 40 mL prostate, which equates to the central third of any‐sized prostate by radius. The area under the curve for this DT was 0.82. Standard diagnostics and the DT correctly identified disease laterality in 73% and 80% of patients, respectively (P = 0.13). Of the patients identified as unilateral by standard diagnostics, 47% had undetected contralateral disease or were otherwise incorrectly identified. This error rate was reduced to 17% (P = 0.01) with the DT.

Conclusion

Using spatial tracking from fusion devices, a DT was more reliable for identifying laterality of prostate cancer compared to standard diagnostics. Patients with cancer detected within the central third of the prostate by radius are poor hemi‐gland ablation candidates due to the risk of midline extension of tumour.
Bird assemblages on Amazonian river islands: Patterns of species diversity and composition
Authors: Borges Sérgio Henrique , Baccaro Fabricio , Moreira Marcelo , Choueri Erik Lacerda
Published: November 2019

The principles of island biogeography are rarely applied to the animal assemblages of Amazonian river islands. Here, we compare bird assemblages of Amazonian river islands with a variety of mainland habitats. We also examine how bird species diversity and composition are related to island physical attributes. Birds were sampled with mist nets and qualitative censuses on 11 river islands and 24 mainland sites on the lower reaches of the Rio Negro in the Brazilian Amazon. Island bird assemblages were characterized by lower species richness and a higher abundance of a few dominant species. Additionally, the species composition of the islands was distinct from that of the mainland, including the nearby floodplain habitats. The number of bird species increased with island size and habitat diversity, and decreased with degree of isolation. In addition, small islands tended to harbor an impoverished subset of the species present on larger ones. Bird species diversity and composition on Amazonian river islands are likely influenced by the ecological succession and historical events affecting island formation. Considering their small total area across the Amazon basin, these insular fluvial communities could be disproportionately threatened by river channel disturbances related to climate change or hydroelectric dam development.

Abstract in Portughese is available with online material.
The functional patterns of adolescent mothers leaving foster care: Results from a cluster analysis
Authors: Shpiegel Svetlana , Aparicio Elizabeth M. , King Bryn , Prince Dana , Lynch Jason , Grinnell‐Davis Claudette L.
Published: November 2019

Few studies have explored the outcomes of adolescent mothers leaving foster care, especially using person‐oriented methods. The current study employed a cluster analysis to identify unique patterns of functioning among adolescent mothers aged 19 (n = 777). Data from the National Youth in Transition Database and the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System were utilized. Findings revealed five subpopulations characterized by distinct constellations of outcomes at age 19. The largest group (43%) exhibited competent functioning across all the domains studied—its members were connected to school and/or employment and did not experience homelessness, substance abuse referrals, or incarceration during the past 2 years (i.e., “resilient”). A relatively small group (12%) exhibited challenges across all the above‐referenced domains, whereas the remaining groups presented challenges in some domains, but not in others. Follow‐up analyses revealed that adolescent mothers classified as resilient at age 19 had the lowest rates of congregate care placements and the highest rates of nonrelative foster care placements at age 17. Moreover, they had lower placement instability and higher rates of extended foster care as compared with members of the other clusters. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Historical and contemporary indigenous marine conservation strategies in the North Pacific
Authors: Ban Natalie C. , Wilson Emma , Neasloss Doug
Published: November 2019

Strategies to reduce, halt, and reverse global declines in marine biodiversity are needed urgently. We reviewed, coded, and synthesized historical and contemporary marine conservation strategies of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation in British Columbia, Canada to show how their approaches work. We assessed whether the conservation actions classification system by the Conservation Measures Partnership was able to encompass this nation's conservation approaches. All first‐order conservation actions aligned with the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation's historical and contemporary marine conservation actions; hereditary chief management responsibility played a key role. A conservation ethic permeates Kitasoo/Xai'xais culture, and indigenous resource management and conservation existed historically and remains strong despite extreme efforts by colonizers to suppress all indigenous practices. The Kitasoo/Xai'xais's embodiment of conservation actions as part of their worldview, rather than as requiring actions separate from everyday life (the norm in nonindigenous cultures), was missing from the conservation action classification system. The Kitasoo/Xai'xais are one of many indigenous peoples working to revitalize their governance and management authorities. With the Canadian government's declared willingness to work toward reconciliation, there is an opportunity to enable First Nations to lead on marine and other conservation efforts. Global conservation efforts would also benefit from enhanced support for indigenous conservation approaches, including expanding the conservation actions classification to encompass a new category of conservation or sacredness ethic.
SOCIAL INFLUENCE AND THE CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY DECISION
Authors: Fisher Jonathan D.
Published: November 2019

I examine the influence of neighbors on the consumer bankruptcy decision using administrative bankruptcy records linked to the 2000 Decennial Census. Two empirical strategies remove unobserved common factors that affect identification. The first strategy uses small geographical areas to isolate neighborhood effects, and the second strategy identifies the effect using past bankruptcy filers who moved states. The findings from both strategies reinforce each other and confirm the role of social influence on the bankruptcy decision. Having a past bankruptcy filer move into the block from a different state increases the likelihood of filing by 10%. (JELD12, K35)
Credit score classification using spiking extreme learning machine
Authors: Kuppili Venkatanareshbabu , Tripathi Diwakar , Reddy Edla Damodar
Published: November 2019

Credit score classification is a prominent research problem in the banking or financial industry, and its predictive performance is responsible for the profitability of financial industry. This paper addresses how Spiking Extreme Learning Machine (SELM) can be effectively used for credit score classification. A novel spike‐generating function is proposed in Leaky Nonlinear Integrate and Fire Model (LNIF). Its interspike period is computed and utilized in the extreme learning machine (ELM) for credit score classification. The proposed model is named as SELM and is validated on five real‐world credit scoring datasets namely: Australian, German‐categorical, German‐numerical, Japanese, and Bankruptcy. Further, results obtained by SELM are compared with back propagation, probabilistic neural network, ELM, voting‐based Q‐generalized extreme learning machine, Radial basis neural network and ELM with some existing spiking neuron models in terms of classification accuracy, Area under curve (AUC), H‐measure and computational time. From the experimental results, it has been noticed that improvement in accuracy and execution time for the proposed SELM is highly statistically important for all aforementioned credit scoring datasets. Thus, integrating a biological spiking function with ELM makes it more efficient for categorization.
Alternative pathways to sustainable seafood
Authors: Stoll Joshua S. , Bailey Megan , Jonell Malin
Published: November 2019

Seafood certifications are a prominent tool being used to encourage sustainability in marine fisheries worldwide. However, questions about their efficacy remain the subject of ongoing debate. A main criticism is that they are not well suited for small‐scale fisheries or those in developing nations. This represents a dilemma because a significant share of global fishing activity occurs in these sectors. To overcome this shortcoming and others, a range of “fixes” have been implemented, including reduced payment structures, development of fisheries improvement projects, and head‐start programs that prepare fisheries for certification. These adaptations have not fully solved incompatibilities, instead creating new challenges that have necessitated additional fixes. We argue that this dynamic is emblematic of a common tendency in natural resource management where particular tools and strategies are emphasized over the conservation outcomes they seek to achieve. This can lead to the creation of “hammers” in management and conservation. We use seafood certifications as an illustrative case to highlight the importance of diverse approaches to sustainability that do not require certification. Focusing on alternative models that address sustainability problems at the local level and increase fishers’ adaptive capacity, social capital, and agency through “relational” supply chains may be a useful starting point.
Ultrasonic risk stratification of carotid web
Authors: Luo Xianghong , Li Zhaojun
Published: November 2019

Carotid webs may cause a frequent recurrent ischemic stroke. Based on the database of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), demographics, clinical, and imaging characteristics were compared between the patients with carotid web and without it. Twelve patients with carotid web were younger and more frequent in females than those without it. Both clinical and imaging features determined that the patients with carotid web were prone to TIA due to the pooling of blood with stagnation and the consequent thrombosis. Ultrasonography has big potential for assessment and risk stratification of the carotid web.
Short‐ and mid‐term effects of sleeve gastrectomy on left ventricular function with two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in obese patients
Authors: Inci Sinan , Gül Murat , Alsancak Yakup , Ozkan Namık
Published: November 2019

Aim

This study aimed to investigate left ventricular functions of obese patients with no known heart disease who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by speckle tracking echocardiography in their early and medium‐term postoperative follow‐up.

Patients and Method

Thirty‐seven obese patients (10 M, 27 F) without coronary artery disease or heart failure who had undergone LSG were included in the study. Apical four‐, three‐, and two‐chamber images were analyzed longitudinally by conventional methods and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for left ventricle functions preoperatively, at the postoperative Month 1 and at the postoperative Month 6 (QLAB 6.0), using current software.

Results

No difference was found between standard echocardiography and Doppler parameters in terms of the 1‐month versus 6‐month follow‐up values compared to baseline. Left ventricular STE longitudinal measurements demonstrated significantly higher longitudinal strain and strain velocity parameters in the follow‐up values at Month 6 compared to the values at Month 1 and at baseline. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was −17.48 ± 1.09% in 6‐month follow‐up, −16.16 ± 1.26% in 1‐month follow‐up, and −16.06 ± 1.25% at baseline (P < .001). A significant correlation was found between delta GLS, which represents patients’ GLS change in 6 months, and delta weight, which represents patients’ body weight change in 6 months.

Conclusion

Obese patients who had undergone LSG were observed to have improved left ventricular function in the mid‐term.
A GAME THEORETIC ANALYSIS OF VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
Authors: Harrison Rodrigo , Silva Francisco
Published: November 2019

In countries/states where voluntary euthanasia (VE) or physician‐assisted suicide (PAS) is legal, the patient's decision about whether to request VE or PAS heavily relies on the information others provide. We use the tools of microeconomic theory to study how communication between the patient, his family and his physician influences the patient's decision. We argue that families have considerable power over the patient and that the amount of information that is transmitted from physician to patient might be severely diminished as a result of legalizing VE or PAS. We discuss our main results in the context of the ongoing normative debate over the legalization of VE and PAS. (JEL D8, I12)
Stress test of the skin: The cutaneous permeability barrier treadmill
Authors: Schmuth Matthias , Feingold Kenneth R. , Elias Peter M.
Published: November 2019

Studying skin barrier function is central to our understanding of many skin disorders. The past decade has seen a surge of skin barrier related investigative work. Genetic, biochemical and cell biology experiments have added much evidence to the importance of the barrier in disease pathogenesis of a variety of disorders including ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, functional assays prove ever more important to demonstrate relevance of any of these findings. A paper published by Monash and Blank 60 years ago describes a stress test of the skin barrier, measuring skin barrier recovery, a functional test of tremendous implications. This seminal paper has not been cited for almost 15 years, time to acknowledge its critical importance and to review the relevance of this method today.
Sedimentation of ballasted cells‐free EPS in meromictic Fayetteville Green Lake
Authors: Kamennaya Nina A. , Hu Ping , Jansson Christer
Published: November 2019

Fayetteville Green Lake (FGL) is a recognized, extensively studied present‐day model of the stratified Proterozoic ocean. Nonetheless, biomass sedimentation in FGL remains hard to explain: while virtually all sediment pigments belong to photosynthetic sulfur bacteria from a chemocline, the isotopic carbon signature of the bulk organic matter suggests its epilimnetic phytoplankton origin. To explain the epilimnetic origin of sedimented carbon, we studied the dominant Synechococci, isolated from FGL. Here, we present experimental evidence that FGL Synechococci produce copious extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) especially when availability of inorganic carbon (Ci) is high relative to availability of other macronutrients, for example phosphorus. The accumulating EPS become impregnated with calcium, magnesium, and sodium cations and are released to the environment as ballasted cell coverings. Sedimentation of these cell‐free EPS can constitute the bulk of pigment‐free organic material in FGL sediment. Because increased availability of Ci specifically stimulates production of EPS and the accumulated EPS adsorb cations and become ballasted, we propose the universal role of cyanobacterial EPS in biomass sedimentation in the high‐Ci Paleoproterozoic ocean as well as in modern aquatic systems like FGL.
Stem elongation in Pennisetum purpureum results from a fixed pattern of vegetative development potentially enhanced by the initiation of flowering
Authors: Portes Silva Guilherme , da Silva Sila Carneiro , Escobar‐Guttiérrez Abraham , Lemaire Gilles , Louarn Gaëtan
Published: November 2019

The characterization of stem elongation is of fundamental importance in C4 tropical grasses as it affects forage quality and determines optimal management practices. The objectives of this study were to analyse the determinants of stem elongation and leaf area production in shoots of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Napier (elephant grass) using unstressed isolated plants. Three experiments were conducted in Brazil during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Regular measurements of leaf and pseudostem length were performed on the main and primary axes. Ten destructive measurements were also performed during each experiment to monitor apical meristem height, internode length and the number of initiated leaves. The onset of stem elongation occurred at the same vegetative stage (i.e., appearance of leaf 13) irrespective of the seasons and experiments. The first internode to elongate belonged to phytomer 8, and a constant lag of five phyllochrons was systematically observed between internode production and its rapid elongation period. Higher stem and internode elongation rates were observed during the reproductive phase (autumn) versus the vegetative phase (summer and spring group). Maximal internode length reached 8–10 cm in summer and spring and 20 cm in autumn, at approximately phytomers 12–13. A similar pattern was reported for all primary axes irrespective of the experiments, the position of the first internode to elongate descending regularly down the main axis. These results provide key elements to predict the onset of stem elongation in the field from simple measurements. They could contribute to improving crop models for perennial tropical C4 grasses.
Early safety of tenofovir alafenamide in patients with a history of tubulopathy on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hamzah L , Williams D , Bailey AC , Jones R , Ibrahim F , Musso CG , Burling K , Barbini B , Campbell L , Post FA ,   the Fanconi‐Tenofovir Alafenamide trial team
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on kidney and bone biomarkers in patients who developed proximal renal tubulopathy (PRT) while receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

Methods

Individuals with a history of TDF‐associated PRT and currently suppressed HIV infection on a tenofovir‐sparing regimen were randomized 1:1 to continue current antiretroviral therapy or initiate emtricitabine (F)/TAF with discontinuation of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) as appropriate. Renal and bone biomarkers were analysed at baseline, week 4 and week 12. The primary outcome was the mean difference between study arms in urine retinol‐binding protein:creatinine ratio (RBPCR) change from baseline to week 12. Data were analysed using linear regression, with robust standard errors (primary outcome), and repeated measures mixed effects models (secondary outcomes). The trial was registered under European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database 2016‐003345‐29.

Results

We randomized 31 individuals [mean age 52.4 (standard deviation 0.3) years; 97% male; 90% white); all completed the study. At 12 weeks, there was no difference in change in RBPCR (β 19.6; 95% confidence interval −35.3, 74.5; P = 0.47), and no difference in change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (based on creatinine or cystatin C), albuminuria, proteinuria, renal phosphate or urea handling, (fasting) urine osmolality, parathyroid hormone and bone turnover markers in the control versus the F/TAF exposed groups. No cases of PRT were observed.

Conclusions

In people with a history of proximal renal tubulopathy while on TDF, 12‐week exposure to TAF did not adversely affect renal tubular function. These data support continued evaluation of the long‐term safety of TAF in this group of patients.
Vulnerability to climate change for two endemic high‐elevation, low‐dispersive Annitella species (Trichoptera) in Sierra Nevada, the southernmost high mountain in Europe
Authors: Múrria Cesc , Sáinz‐Bariáin Marta , Vogler Alfried P. , Viza Aida , González Marcos , Zamora‐Muñoz Carmen
Published: November 2019

Climate change is predicted to progressively shift habitat characteristics that will alter the distribution and eco‐physiological responses of organisms. High‐elevation stream insects without extensive dispersal are expected to be highly vulnerable if they are unable to track predicted shifts. Understanding dispersal is therefore crucial to implement practical solutions in conservation.

The evolutionary history of the Palaearctic genus Annitella (Trichoptera), the population dynamics and habitat distribution (present and future) of two endemic species (A. esparraguera and A. iglesiasi) confined to Baetic Mountains (SE‐Iberian Peninsula) were assessed to gain fundamental insights into species responses to climate warming and to identify populations at risk.

Diversification of Annitella was dated to the Pleistocene and was likely associated with southern and extra‐Mediterranean refugia located across Europe. The two endemic species belong to distant lineages that preferred similar cold headwater pristine habitats. The range of A. esparraguera was larger than that of A. iglesiasi. Both species showed low genetic diversity in cox1, but only A. esparraguera exhibit locally unique haplotypes, indicating limited gene flow. For A. esparraguera, modelled future habitat suitability showed 88.4% range contraction by 2050 (RCP scenario 8.5) and a displacement of 41.5% of the current potential distribution to higher elevations.

Populations of A. esparraguera are predicted to be lost because of the reduction of optimal habitat and limited propensity for tracking future suitable conditions. Beyond the preservation of their current habitat, their conservation might require proactive measures (translocations). Similar predictions may apply to other Mediterranean endemic headwater specialist restricted to isolated high‐elevation streams.
Passive filler loaded polysilazane‐derived glass/ceramic coating system applied to AISI 441 stainless steel, part 1: Processing and characterization
Authors: Petríková Ivana , Parchovianský Milan , Švančárek Peter , Lenz Leite Mateus , Motz Günter , Galusek Dušan
Published: November 2019

This study describes an oxidation and corrosion resistant environmental barrier coating (EBC) applied to an AISI 441 stainless steel substrate. For this purpose, four polymer‐derived ceramic (PDC) coating systems were developed. These coating systems consisted of a bond coat applied by dip coating, and a top‐coat that was loaded with passive fillers and deposited by spray coating. The microstructures of the coatings were investigated using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the phase composition of the coatings. The optimized composite top coatings were prepared from the preceramic polymer HTT1800, filled with yttria‐stabilized zirconia and a specially tailored Al2O3–Y2O3–ZrO2 (AYZ) passive filler, and commercial barium silicate glasses were used as sealing agents. After thermal treatment in air at 750°C, uniform and crack‐free composite coatings on stainless steel substrates were developed, with thicknesses of up to 93 μm. Oxidation tests, which were performed at 850°C in synthetic air, showed that every tested coating system remained undamaged by oxidation and showed good bonding to the metal substrate.
Serum angiopoietin‐2 level as a novel biomarker in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Khattab Fathia M. , Said Nora M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin disease. Angiopoietin is an intrinsic mediator induced by T helper 2 cytokines and has been reported it to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between circulating angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) in AD patients and to determine its correlation with the severity and chronicity of the disease.

Methods

The present study included 38 AD patients and 38 healthy controls, age‐ and sex‐matched. We collected 3 mm of venous blood from each subject. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determined serum angiopoietin. We determined the correlation between serum Ang‐2 level, duration of disease, severity, type of atopy, and scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) score.

Results

There were highly significant differences between patients and controls with regard to serum Ang‐2 levels (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between severe AD patients with serum Ang‐2 levels with an increasing level of degree severity (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in serum Ang‐2 levels among widespread type (P < 0.03). There was a positive significant correlation between Ang‐2 levels and both duration and SCORAD score of the patient group.

Conclusion

Serum Ang‐2 levels may correlate with disease severity, chronicity in patients with AD, and serve as a potential biomarker of the disease severity.
Skin lightening effect of natural extracts coming from Senegal botanical biodiversity
Authors: Zeitoun Hussein , Michael‐Jubeli Rime , El Khoury Rindala , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette , Tfayli Ali , Salameh Dominique , Lteif Roger
Published: November 2019

Background

Skin depigmentation is increasingly oriented toward plant extracts because of harmfulness of depigmenting active ingredients used in cosmetics and dermatology. Reconstructed human pigmented epidermis (RHPE) is the closest in vitro model to human skin and offers the possibility to test the global depigmenting effect of a plant extract. These co‐cultures of keratinocytes and melanocytes are the most advanced and newest models for testing depigmentation, and until now very few studies have been done with these cultures. We investigated the cytotoxicity and the inhibitory effect on tyrosinase and melanogenesis of four extracts from Combretum micranthum (G. Don) leaves, Anacardium occidentale (L.) fruits, Moringa oleifera (Lam.) seeds, and Adansonia digitata (L.) seeds.

Methods

The vegetal extracts were obtained by ultrasound‐assisted extraction and the vegetal oils by maceration. Anti‐tyrosinase properties of two aqueous extracts were evaluated. Then, the cytotoxicity and depigmenting effects of these plant extracts were tested in vitro with RHPE model delivered by SkinEthic®.

Results

Antityrosinase activities were found to be 84.58% and 31.02% for C. micranthum and A. occidentale, respectively. All extracts, except A. occidentale, showed to be nontoxic. C. micranthum, M. oleifera, A. digitata, and mixture of M. oleifera and A. digitata extracts have shown, for the first time, an in vitro depigmenting activity equivalent or even more important than kojic acid.

Conclusions

These natural extracts coming from Senegal botanical biodiversity could be used in cosmetic and dermatology as alternative agents to achieve skin depigmentation. Further study should be focused on the mechanism of action of these plant extracts.
Decoding the complexities of human malaria through systems immunology
Authors: Tran Tuan M. , Crompton Peter D.
Published: November 2019

The complexity of the Plasmodium parasite and its life cycle poses a challenge to our understanding of the host immune response against malaria. Studying human immune responses during natural and experimental Plasmodium infections can enhance our understanding of malaria‐protective immunity and inform the design of disease‐modifying adjunctive therapies and next‐generation malaria vaccines. Systems immunology can complement conventional approaches to facilitate our understanding of the complex immune response to the highly dynamic malaria parasite. In this review, recent studies that used systems‐based approaches to evaluate human immune responses during natural and experimental Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections as well as during immunization with candidate malaria vaccines are summarized and related to each other. The potential for next‐generation technologies to address the current limitations of systems‐based studies of human malaria are discussed.
Management of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Shih‐Ying , Su Yu‐Xuan , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Chang Jenny Zwei‐Chieng , Tu Yu‐Kang
Published: November 2019

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects many children, and adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common cause of paediatric OSA.

Aim

Despite the growing treatment options, there is no comprehensive comparison of all interventions. We aimed to compare and rank the effectiveness of various treatments in a network meta‐analysis.

Design

Literature was searched from inception to 13 May 2018 for paediatric OSA with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The outcomes were the changes in apnoea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxyhaemoglobin desaturation index (ODI), and lowest arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Frequentist approach to network meta‐analysis was used. Treatment hierarchy was summarized according to the surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves.

Results

Fourteen trials comprising 1064 paediatric OSA participants evaluating ten interventions (adenotonsillectomy, adenotonsillectomy + pharyngoplasty, adenotonsillotomy, antimicrobial therapy, steroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists [LTRAs], steroids + LTRAs, rapid maxillary expansion [RME], placebo, and no treatment) were identified for network meta‐analysis. In terms of effectiveness in AHI reduction, surgical approach was still the most effective intervention than no treatment. RME was one of the most effective interventions to improve lowest SaO2. No comparisons showed statistical significance in reducing ODI.

Conclusions

Irrespective of the intervention used, complete resolution of OSA was not achieved in most trials.