bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms of caffeine‐mediated intestinal epithelial ion transports
Authors: Zhang Fenglian , Wan Hanxing , Yang Xin , He Jialin , Lu Cheng , Yang Shiming , Tuo Biguang , Dong Hui
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

As little is known about the effect of caffeine, one of the most widely consumed substances worldwide, on intestinal function, we aimed to study its action on intestinal anion secretion and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

Anion secretion and channel expression were examined in mouse duodenal epithelium by Ussing chambers and immunocytochemistry. Ca2+ imaging was also performed in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs).

Key Results

Caffeine (10 mM) markedly increased mouse duodenal short‐circuit current (Isc), which was attenuated by a removal of either Cl− or HCO3−, Ca2+‐free serosal solutions and selective blockers of store‐operated Ca2+ channels (SOC/Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ channels), and knockdown of Orai1 channels on the serosal side of duodenal tissues. Caffeine induced SOC entry in IEC, which was inhibited by ruthenium red and selective blockers of SOC. Caffeine‐stimulated duodenal Isc was inhibited by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ chelator (N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine), selective blockers (ruthenium red and dantrolene) of ryanodine receptors (RyR), and of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels (niflumic acid and T16A). There was synergism between cAMP and Ca2+ signalling, in which cAMP/PKA promoted caffeine/Ca2+‐mediated anion secretion. Expression of STIM1 and Orai1 was detected in mouse duodenal mucosa and human IECs. The Orai1 proteins were primarily co‐located with the basolateral marker Na+, K+‐ATPase.

Conclusions and Implications

Caffeine stimulated intestinal anion secretion mainly through the RyR/Orai1/Ca2+ signalling pathway. There is synergism between cAMP/PKA and caffeine/Ca2+‐mediated anion secretion. Our findings suggest that a caffeine‐mediated RyR/Orai1/Ca2+ pathway could provide novel potential drug targets to control intestinal anion secretion.
Basin filling evolution of the central basins of Mallorca since the Pliocene
Authors: Capó Antonio , Garcia Celso
Published: February 2019

A new compilation of data from 436 drill cores using decompaction and backstripping techniques was used to reconstruct the basin filling history from the Pliocene until the present day in the Palma, Inca and Sa Pobla Basins on the island of Mallorca (Spain). Calcareous rocks dominate the source area and provide a limited amount of clastic input to the basins that has resulted in an average accumulation rate of between 5 and 20 m/Ma during the last 5.3 Ma. Carbonate sediment production dominated the basin filling history during early‐mid Pliocene, but during the Quaternary, the sedimentation processes in the Palma Basin were probably enhanced by an evolution in the drainage network that increased the sediment supply and the accumulated thickness caused by stream capture. However, the maximum sedimentation rate filling the depocentres of the three basins has been decreasing since the Pliocene, showing that not only the catchment transport efficiency but also the relative sea level have been controlling the sediment accumulation in these carbonate basins. The isopach cross‐sections support the idea that a palaeorelief was generated during the Messinian sea level drop and that heterogeneities were filled in from the Pliocene to the Quaternary. We conclude that the central basins of Mallorca were filled heterogeneously due to tectonic and geomorphic processes that controlled sediment transport and production, resulting in different average sedimentation thicknesses that decreased since the Pliocene as the accommodation space became filled and the relative sea level dropped.
Extended phenotypes and foraging restrictions: ant nest entrances and resource ingress in leaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Rodríguez‐Planes Lucía I. , Farji‐Brener Alejandro G.
Published: February 2019

Several factors may restrict the acquisition of food to below the levels predicted by the optimization theory. However, how the design of structures that animals build for foraging restricts the entry of food is less known. Using scaling relationships, we determined whether the design of the entrances of leaf‐cutting ant nests restricts resource input into the colony. We measured nests and foraging parameters in 25 nests of Atta cephalotes in a tropical rain forest. Ant flux was reduced to up to 60% at nest entrances. The width of all entrances per nest increased at similar rates as nest size, but the width of nest entrances increased with the width of its associated trail at rates below those expected by isometry. The fact that entrance widths grow slower than trail widths suggests that the enlargement of entrance holes does not reach the dimensions needed to avoid delays when foraging rates are high and loads are big. The enlargement of nest entrances appears to be restricted by the digging effort required to enlarge nest tunnels and by increments in the risk of inundation, predator/parasitoid attacks and microclimate imbalances inside the nest. The design of the extended phenotypes can also restrict the ingress of food into the organisms, offering additional evidence to better understand eventual controversies between empirical data and the foraging theory.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Dung beetle activity affects rain forest seed bank dynamics and seedling establishment
Authors: Urrea‐Galeano Lina Adonay , Andresen Ellen , Coates Rosamond , Mora Ardila Francisco , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo
Published: February 2019

Dung beetles relocate vertebrate feces under the soil surface, and this behavior has many ecological consequences. In tropical forests, for example, seeds defecated by mammals that are subsequently buried by dung beetles are less likely to suffer predation. While the effects of dung beetles on the fate of defecated seeds have been relatively well studied, their effect on seeds already buried in the soil has not. To contribute to fill this gap, we designed a study with three objectives: (a) Describe the vertical re‐distribution of soil seeds that occurs due to dung beetle activity; (b) Determine if beetle activity favors establishment of seedlings from the soil seed bank; and (c) Determine if the effect of dung beetles is stronger in sites of recurrent mammal defecation. We carried out three complementary field experiments, one with artificial seeds (plastic beads) of three sizes buried at known depths, one with two species of seeds buried at those same depths, and one with the natural soil seed bank in sites of single vs. recurrent defecation. Buried beads were moved by dung beetles along the vertical axis, both upwards (9.5%) and downwards (11.5%); smaller beads were more frequently moved downwards while the contrary occurred for larger beads. Dung beetle activity caused an increase in seedling establishment, both from experimentally buried seeds and from the natural seed bank. Defecation recurrence had no effect on seedling establishment. We conclude that dung beetle activity affects seed bank dynamics with important consequences for seedling establishment in tropical forests.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
A Research Note on Canada's LGBT Data Landscape: Where We Are and What the Future Holds
Authors: Waite Sean , Denier Nicole
Published: February 2019

There is a growing international literature on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. One of the biggest limitations for researchers in this field continues to be the dearth of population‐based surveys that include questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and high‐quality demographic, health, social, political, or economic variables. This research note provides an overview of the current LGBT data landscape in Canada. We start with some of the challenges for researchers studying the LGBT community, including issues of sample size, measurement, response bias, and concealment. Next, we provide an overview of Canadian surveys that include questions on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, including the strengths and weaknesses of each. We end with a brief discussion on newly available administrative data and provide recommendations for researchers and policymakers moving forward.
Is calcium supplementation always needed in patients with hypoparathyroidism?
Authors: Al‐Sharefi Ahmed , Glenister Elizabeth , Morris Margaret , Quinton Richard
Published: February 2019

Oral calcium salts are recommended for the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT), although dosimetry is variable between individual patients and clinicians. However, patient feedback on calcium salts can be negative, particularly due to gastrointestinal side effects and hypercalciuria‐related complications. We begin with a clinical case of a HypoPT patient taking oral calcium salts following thyroid surgery, who requested support in reducing her dose of these with a view to stopping entirely. To evaluate her request, we first describe the usual treatment of HypoPT according to current guidance and then present data from (a) a case note review of a cohort of 24 HypoPT patients managed with a “no calcium” treatment regimen by single physician (b) a comprehensive online survey of HypoPT patients’ treatment and experiences (n = 330). The case note review found that target range serum calcium levels were successfully achieved in all 24 patients since transitioning to a “no calcium” regimen, without any breakthrough hypocalcaemia‐related symptoms, the development of new renal stones, the occurrence of calcium‐related hospital admissions or the finding of significant hypercalciuria. The online survey identified 36% of HypoPT patients who continued to take activated vitamin D, but had discontinued calcium supplements. HypoPT patients not currently taking calcium reported a significantly lower prevalence of adverse effects and outcomes, both compared with their previous experiences whilst taking calcium and also compared with the 64% of patients who continued to take oral calcium. We conclude that, subject to methodological limitations, there are significant issues of tolerability arising from conventional calcium‐based treatment regimens for patients with chronic HypoPT. For selected patients, it may be reasonable to facilitate a managed therapeutic transition to “no calcium” regimen, and we also propose that calcium‐based regimes be prospectively evaluated against calcium‐free (or calcium‐low) alternatives.
Trends in contact lens microbial keratitis 1999 to 2015: a retrospective clinical review
Authors: Green Matthew , Sara Sergio , Hughes Ian , Apel Andrew , Stapleton Fiona
Published: February 2019

Importance

Contact lens microbial keratitis (CLMK) is the most common cause of microbial keratitis in our community.

Background

Define the trend in rate of CLMK and define patient demographics/culture results that may have a predictive value in patients with CLMK.

Design

Retrospective review of clinical records of patients with MK.

Participants

All patients with positive corneal scraping between 1999 and 2015 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland identified through local microbiology database.

Methods

Trend in CLMK tested with chi‐squared test of peak 3 years vs other years and Poisson regression of interrupted time series. Patient characteristics predictive of CLMK were defined by creating a polynomial regression model by stepwise variable selection.

Main Outcome Measures

Yearly rate of CLMK.

Results

Records of 895 episodes of MK were included. The most common: risk factor was contact lens wear (324, 36.2%), isolated organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa 181, 55.9%) and treatment was monotherapy with a fluoroquinolone 172, 53%). CLMK was most common between 2009 and 2011 (49.5% vs other years 32%, P < 0.001). Poisson regression of the interrupted time series showed there was a significant decrease in the rate over time after 2010 (P < 0.001). Independent factors predictive of CLMK in multivariate regression were young age (15‐49 years) and corneal culture positive for P. aeruginosa

Conclusions and Relevance

The rate of CLMK in our community ranged between 32% and 50% and the rate of disease appears to have peaked during 2009 to 2011 and subsequently declined.
Influence of residual bone height and sinus width on the outcome of maxillary sinus bone augmentation using anorganic bovine bone
Authors: Pignaton Túlio Bonna , Wenzel Ann , Ferreira Carlos Eduardo de Almeida , Borges Martinelli Carolina , Oliveira Guilherme J. P. L. , Marcantonio Elcio , Spin‐Neto Rubens
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate the influence of the posterior residual bone height and sinus width on the outcome of maxillary sinus bone augmentation using anorganic bovine bone.

Material and methods

Bilateral sinus bone augmentation was performed using anorganic bovine bone in 20 patients with residual bone height <2 mm in at least one site on each side. Trephine samples were removed at the implant insertion site 8 months after the grafting procedure, and histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to examine the relative amount (%) of new bone, anorganic bovine bone, and soft tissue in the grafted area. Based on cone beam computed tomography evaluation, the sites of implant insertion were classified according to sinus width into narrow, average, and wide, and according to residual bone height into ≤2 and >2 mm.

Results

A total of 146 implants were installed and 103 biopsies were evaluated. New bone formation in sites classified as narrow (69 sites), average (19 sites), and wide (15 sites) was 28.5% ± 9.24, 28.9% ± 8.61, and 30.3% ± 7.80, respectively. The mean posterior maxillary residual bone height was 4.0 ± 2.43 mm, and 26 and 77 sites were classified as ≤2 and >2 mm, respectively. New bone formation was 26.2% ± 9.10 and 29.8% ± 8.67 for residual bone height ≤2 and >2 mm, respectively. The differences were non‐significant.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, posterior residual bone height and sinus width were not factors with influence on new bone formation in sinuses grafted exclusively with anorganic bovine bone after 8 months of healing.
Rare Constructions Are More Often Sentence‐Initial
Authors: Temperley David
Published: February 2019

Main clause phenomena (MCPs) are syntactic constructions that occur predominantly or exclusively in main clauses. I propose a processing explanation for MCPs. Sentence processing is easiest at the beginning of the sentence (requiring less search); this follows naturally from widely held assumptions about sentence processing. Because of this, a wider variety of constructions can be allowed at the beginning of the sentence without overwhelming the sentence‐processing mechanism. Unlike pragmatic and grammatical accounts of MCPs, the processing account predicts avoidance of MCPs in non‐initial main clauses (non‐initial coordinate clauses and premodified clauses). A corpus study supports these predictions, but it is somewhat inconclusive. A further corpus study examines another type of syntactic construction, premodifying adjunct phrases (“openers”); the prediction here is that less common types of opener will be especially avoided in non‐initial contexts. The prediction is confirmed, supporting the processing view of rare constructions.
Learning From Peers’ Eye Movements in the Absence of Expert Guidance: A Proof of Concept Using Laboratory Stock Trading, Eye Tracking, and Machine Learning
Authors: Król Michał , Król Magdalena
Published: February 2019

Existing research shows that people can improve their decision skills by learning what experts paid attention to when faced with the same problem. However, in domains like financial education, effective instruction requires frequent, personalized feedback given at the point of decision, which makes it time‐consuming for experts to provide and thus, prohibitively costly. We address this by demonstrating an automated feedback mechanism that allows amateur decision‐makers to learn what information to attend to from one another, rather than from an expert. In the first experiment, eye movements of N = 100 subjects were recorded while they repeatedly performed a standard behavioral finance investment task. Consistent with previous studies, we found that a significant proportion of subjects were affected by decision bias. In the second experiment, a different group of N = 100 subjects faced the same task but, after each choice, they received individual, machine learning‐generated feedback on whether their pre‐decision eye movements resembled those made by Experiment 1 subjects prior to good decisions. As a result, Experiment 2 subjects learned to analyze information similarly to their successful peers, which in turn reduced their decision bias. Furthermore, subjects with low Cognitive Reflection Test scores gained more from the proposed form of process feedback than from standard behavioral feedback based on decision outcomes.
Noise, Economy, and the Emergence of Information Structure in a Laboratory Language
Authors: Stevens Jon S. , Roberts Gareth
Published: February 2019

The acceptability of sentences in natural language is constrained not only grammaticality, but also by the relationship between what is being conveyed and such factors as context and the beliefs of interlocutors. In many languages the critical element in a sentence (its focus) must be given grammatical prominence. There are different accounts of the nature of focus marking. Some researchers treat it as the grammatical realization of a potentially arbitrary feature of universal grammar and do not provide an explicit account of its origins; others have argued, however, that focus marking is a (grammaticalized) functional solution to the problem of efficiently transmitting information via a noisy channel. By adding redundancy to highlight critical elements in particular, focus protects key parts of the message from noise. If this information‐theoretic account is true, then we should expect focus‐like behavior to emerge even in non‐linguistic communication systems given sufficient noise and pressures for efficiency. We tested this in an experiment in which participants played a simple communication game in which they had to click cells on a grid to communicate one of two line figures drawn across the grid. We manipulated the noise, available time, and required effort, and measured patterns of redundancy. Because the lines in many cases overlapped, meaning that only some parts of each line could be used to distinguish it from the other, we were able to compare the extent to which effort was expended on adding redundancy to critical (non‐overlapping) and non‐critical (overlapping) parts of the message. The results supported the information‐theoretic account of focus and shed light on the emergence of information structure in language.
The influence of affective state on respiratory muscle activity
Authors: Westbrook Juliette , MacBean Victoria
Published: February 2019

Measures of neural respiratory drive through the use of electromyography of the parasternal intercostal muscles (EMGpara) are accurate markers of respiratory load and are reflective of pulmonary function. A previous observation of a significant reduction in EMGpara from a first to second measurement occasion was attributed to participants’ acclimatization to the laboratory environment and a reduction in anxiety. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether manipulation of participants’ affective state would influence EMGpara and related variables. Healthy adult participants underwent measurement of EMGpara and respiratory flow and volume during exposure to four conditions: no stimulus, music, and tense and calm videos. Respiratory rate (RR), raw neural respiratory drive index (rawNRDI, the product of EMGpara in microvolts and RR) and minute ventilation (VE) differed significantly across conditions: RR and VE were significantly higher in the tense condition than all other conditions (all P<0·05); rawNRDI was higher in the tense compared to the calm video condition (P = 0·03). There was also a significant relationship between EMGpara and subjective tension ratings (measured via visual analogue scale) in the tense condition (Spearman's rho = 0·508, P = 0·016), with multivariate modelling indicating significant interactions between rawNRDI and subjective ratings of both tension and calmness. This suggests that anxiety could contribute to elevated respiratory muscle activity and ventilation. Greater consideration should be given to the influence of anxiety when undertaking measurement of respiratory muscle activity to ensure data accurately represent underlying respiratory load.
Non‐insulin treatments for Type 1 diabetes: critical appraisal of the available evidence and insight into future directions
Authors: Wright L. A. , Hirsch I. B.
Published: February 2019

Intensive insulin therapy is the mainstay of treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes, but hypoglycaemia and weight gain are often limiting factors in achieving glycaemic targets and decreasing the risk of diabetes‐related complications. The inclusion of pharmacological agents used traditionally in Type 2 diabetes as adjuncts to insulin therapy in Type 1 diabetes has been explored, with the goal of mitigating such drawbacks. Pramlintide and metformin result in modest HbA1c and weight reductions, but their use is limited by poor tolerability and, in the case of pramlintide, by frequency of injections and cost. The addition of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists to insulin results in improved glycaemic control, reduced insulin doses and weight loss, but this is at the expense of higher rates of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia with ketosis. Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 and dual sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 and ‐1 inhibitors also improve glucose control, but with reductions in weight and insulin requirements potentiating the risk of acidosis‐related events and hypoglycaemia. The high proportion of people with Type 1 diabetes not achieving glycaemic targets, the negative clinical impact of intensive insulin therapy and the rise in obesity and cardiovascular disease and mortality, underline the need for individualized clinical care. The evaluation of new therapies, effective in Type 2 diabetes, as adjuncts to insulin therapy represents a promising strategy, particularly given the beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in people with Type 2 diabetes with or at high risk of complications that are also observed in patients with Type 1 diabetes. As the population with Type 1 diabetes ages, our mission is to evolve and provide better tools and improved therapies to excel, not only in glycaemic control but also in risk reduction and reduction of complications.
Is it possible to constantly and accurately monitor blood sugar levels, in people with Type 1 diabetes, with a discrete device (non‐invasive or invasive)?
Authors: Avari P. , Reddy M. , Oliver N.
Published: February 2019

Real‐time continuous glucose monitors using subcutaneous needle‐type sensors continue to develop. The limitations of currently available systems, however, include time lag behind changes in blood glucose, the invasive nature of such systems, and in some cases, their accuracy. Non‐invasive techniques have been developed, but, to date, no commercial device has been successful. A key research priority for people with Type 1 diabetes identified by the James Lind Alliance was to identify ways of monitoring blood glucose constantly and accurately using a discrete device, invasive or non‐invasive. Integration of such a sensor is important in the development of a closed‐loop system and the technology must be rapid, selective and acceptable for continuous use by individuals. The present review provides an update on existing continuous glucose‐sensing technologies, and an overview of emergent techniques, including their accuracy and limitations.
A comparative analysis of EU and US trade policies towards least developed countries and the African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiaries
Authors: Davies Elwyn , Nilsson Lars
Published: February 2019

Motivation

The European Union (EU) and the US have specific trade preference programmes in place directed towards developing countries in general and, primarily in the case of the EU, towards least developed countries (LDCs) in particular. This article examines the relative merits of these programmes.

Purpose

The article compares the trade policies of the EU and the US with respect to LDCs and the countries eligible for the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and examines the relative success of the two donors’ trade policies vis‐à‐vis these two groups of beneficiaries in terms of increasing imports from them.

Approach and methods

Econometric evidence from a gravity model is used to compare the effects of EU and US preferential trade policy on imports from the beneficiary countries. First, regressions are carried out using total EU and US imports as dependent variables and, second, EU and US duty‐free imports are used.

Findings

The descriptive part of the article shows that (a) a larger share of EU imports benefits from duty‐free MFN tariffs; (b) the EU offers preferences on all imports from the LDCs (except arms and ammunition), while the US extends preferences to three quarters of all imports; (c) EU preferences are better utilized; and (d) the EU imports more goods duty free. The econometric analysis shows that EU trade policy towards the LDCs and the AGOA beneficiaries has generated approximately twice as much in imports as US policy, when imports of mineral fuels are excluded from the analysis.

Policy implications

EU trade policy is found to outperform US trade policy in terms of generating imports from the LDCs and the AGOA beneficiaries. Hence, if any trade policy ought to be copied by other countries, as suggested by some observers, it should be EU trade policy rather than US trade policy.
Normal values of left ventricular rotational parameters in healthy adults—Insights from the three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Healthy Study
Authors: Kormányos Árpád , Kalapos Anita , Domsik Péter , Lengyel Csaba , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Left ventricular (LV) rotation and twist are essential parts of LV function. Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a relatively new method and is useful for the quantification of LV wall deformation and rotational parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine LV rotation and twist differences between different age‐groups and genders in a healthy population.

Methods

The present study is comprised of 297 healthy adults; 120 adults have been excluded due to inferior image quality. The population was further divided into 4 subgroups based on age decades.

Results

Only the LV twist of all patients (13.5 ± 3.7 degree vs 15.6 ± 4.9 degree, P = 0.02) and the LV twist of females (13.0 ± 3.6 degree vs 15.5 ± 5.6 degree, P = 0.03) differed significantly between the age‐group of 18–29 years and 50+ years. LV basal and apical rotation were not significantly different between the age‐groups; however, they tendentiously increased with aging. No significant differences could be demonstrated regarding LV rotational and twist parameters between genders in any group. A phenomenon called LV rigid body rotation (LV‐RBR)—where the base and apex of the LV rotate in the same direction—was present in 10 cases.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography seems to be a reasonably viable tool for the quantification of LV rotation and twist. Both LV basal and apical rotation and LV twist increase with aging, regardless of gender. LV‐RBR is also present in the normal population.
Normal percentile curves for left atrial size in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Díaz Alejandro , Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel
Published: February 2019

Background

Despite the clinical utility of echocardiography to measure left atrial (LA) structure and function, there are scarcities of data about the percentiles of LA diameter (LAD), LA volume (LAVOL), and LA volume indexed by body surface area (LAVOL/BSA) from prospective population‐based studies in healthy children and adolescents from the Southern Cone of Latin America.

Methods

Echocardiographic studies were obtained in 1095 healthy subjects nonexposed to cardiovascular risk factors (5–24 years). Age‐ and sex‐specific reference values of LAD, LAVOL, and LAVOL/BSA were generated using parametric regression based on fractional polynomials.

Results

After covariate analysis (ie, adjusting by age, body surface area), specific sex‐specific percentiles were evidenced as necessaries. Age‐ and sex‐specific 1st, 2.5th, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, 97.5th, and 99th percentile and curves were reported. Our percentiles showed high concordance and complementarity with what was previously reported for the population of North American, European, and Asiatic Populations.

Conclusions

In children and adolescents, the interpretation of the LA size requires sex‐related percentiles. This study provides the largest Argentinean database concerning percentile curves of LAD, LAVOL, and LAVOL/BSA obtained in healthy children and adolescents. These data are valuable in that they provide values with which data of populations of children, adolescents, and young adults can be compared.
HOW DOES INFRASTRUCTURE AFFECT ECONOMIC GROWTH? INSIGHTS FROM A SEMIPARAMETRIC SMOOTH COEFFICIENT APPROACH AND THE CASE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN CHINA
Authors: Zhang Yin‐fang , Sun Kai
Published: February 2019

This paper attempts to shed new empirical light on infrastructure's role in economic growth using a semiparametric smooth coefficient model to avoid specification problems in some existing studies and admit infrastructure‐induced nonlinearity and parameter heterogeneity. Estimated by a three‐step procedure that controls for endogeneity in both the regressors and the environmental variable (infrastructure), the model is applied to the empirical context of telecommunications infrastructure in a fast‐growing economy, China. The results reveal that telecommunications contribute to output through various sources, namely its neutral and non‐neutral impacts. The total/net effect is positive but largely decreases with telecommunications stocks. (JEL L96, O4, O1)
Current clinical practice and challenges in the management of secondary immunodeficiency in hematological malignancies
Authors: Na Il‐Kang , Buckland Matthew , Agostini Carlo , Edgar John David M. , Friman Vanda , Michallet Mauricette , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Quinti Isabella
Published: February 2019

Objective

Despite long‐standing safe and effective use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) in primary immunodeficiency, clinical data on IgRT in patients with secondary immunodeficiency (SID) due to B‐cell lymphoproliferative diseases are limited. Here, we examine the correlation between approved IgRT indications, treatment recommendations, and clinical practice in SID.

Methods

An international online survey of 230 physicians responsible for the diagnosis of SID and the prescription of IgRT in patients with hematological malignancies was conducted.

Results

Serum immunoglobulin was measured in 83% of patients with multiple myeloma, 76% with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 69% with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Most physicians (85%) prescribed IgRT after ≥2 severe infections. In Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United States, immunoglobulin use was above average in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, while in the UK considerably fewer patients received IgRT. The use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin was highest in France (34%) and lowest in Spain (19%). Immunologists measured specific antibody responses, performed test immunization, implemented IgRT, and used subcutaneous immunoglobulin more frequently than physicians overall.

Conclusions

The management of SID in hematological malignancies varied regionally. Clinical practice did not reflect treatment guidelines, highlighting the need for robust clinical studies on IgRT in this population and harmonization between countries and disciplines.
Development and topographical organization of projections from the hippocampus and parahippocampus to the retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Haugland Kamilla G. , Sugar Jørgen , Witter Menno P.
Published: February 2019

The rat hippocampal formation (HF), parahippocampal region (PHR), and retrosplenial cortex (RSC) play critical roles in spatial processing. These regions are interconnected, and functionally dependent. The neuronal networks mediating this reciprocal dependency are largely unknown. Establishing the developmental timing of network formation will help to understand the emergence of this dependency. We questioned whether the long‐range outputs from HF‐PHR to RSC in Long Evans rats develop during the same time periods as previously reported for the intrinsic HF‐PHR connectivity and the projections from RSC to HF‐PHR. The results of a series of retrograde and anterograde tracing experiments in rats of different postnatal ages show that the postnatal projections from HF‐PHR to RSC display low densities around birth, but develop during the first postnatal week, reaching adult‐like densities around the time of eye‐opening. Developing projections display a topographical organization similar to adult projections. We conclude that the long‐range projections from HF‐PHR to RSC develop in parallel with the intrinsic circuitry of HF‐PHR and the projections of RSC to HF‐PHR.
Wild‐caught great tits Parus major fail to use tools in a laboratory experiment, despite facilitation
Authors: Johnsson Robin D. , Brodin Anders
Published: February 2019

Studies investigating tool use in animals that are not known tool users in the wild are important in helping to understand how and under what circumstances this ability might arise. Tool use appears to be uncommon in great tits (Parus major), with only a single documented observation in which a wild great tit used conifer needles to extract larvae from crevices in trees. In a laboratory‐based experiment, we examined whether wild‐caught great tits could learn to use tools in a similar manner. We presented the birds with two different tool use tasks in which they would need to use either a stick or a hook to extract an otherwise inaccessible meal worm from a transparent plastic tube. First, the birds passed a simpler training criterion (pulling a tool with an attached food reward) that aimed to reduce the difficulty of the task. Nevertheless, none of the individuals learnt to use tools in either of the two tasks. This result stands in stark contrast to the abilities of some corvids and parrots, which can learn to use tools in captivity, even though some of them are not tool users in the wild. We believe that tool use might be difficult for some birds to learn since the skills required for this ability seem not to be part of their natural foraging behaviour.
Tenoscopic removal of a protruding osteophyte as a treatment for chronic common digital extensor tendinopathy and associated tenosynovitis
Authors: Gray S. M. , Gutierrez‐Nibeyro S. D. , LoBato D. N.
Published: February 2019

This report describes an adult Quarter Horse gelding that was presented for evaluation of chronic tenosynovitis of the right common digital extensor tendon sheath. Radiographic and tenoscopic evaluation confirmed the presence of a periarticular osteophyte from the third metacarpal bone protruding into the common digital extensor tendon sheath. Tenoscopic surgical resection of the osteophyte and debridement of the affected tendon resolved the tenosynovitis and associated right forelimb lameness. Osteophytes in this location can be a source of focal traumatic tendonitis of the common digital extensor tendon which can lead to a chronic tenosynovitis of the common digital extensor tendon sheath. Tenoscopic debridement and lavage is a viable treatment option for chronic nonseptic common digital extensor tendinopathy and associated tenosynovitis.
Identifying Functional Urban Areas in Ecuador Using a Varying Travel Time Approach
Authors: Obaco Moisés , Royuela Vicente , Xavier Vítores
Published: February 2019

Identifying integrated urban areas is an important issue for urban analysis and policy evaluation. In this article, we provide a set of FUAs suitable for monitoring urbanization in Ecuador, a less developed country without commuting data. We do so substituting such socioeconomic flows by available information on road structure, which allow us to work with accessibility based on a varying travel time. In order to build Ecuadorean FUAs, we calibrate our methodology considering Colombian data. We perform several sensitivity analysis and robustness checks to Ecuador with alternative sources of socioeconomic flows. We conclude that the use of GIS data and the calibrated thresholds provide a set of FUAs similar to the ones that would result of using commuting information.
A Multiscale Assessment of Shallow Groundwater Salinization in Michigan
Authors: Curtis Zachary K. , Liao Hua‐sheng , Li Shu‐Guang , Sampath Prasanna Venkatesh , Lusch David P.
Published: February 2019

Managing nonpoint‐source (NPS) pollution of groundwater systems is a significant challenge because of the heterogeneous nature of the subsurface, high costs of data collection, and the multitude of scales involved. In this study, we assessed a particularly complex NPS groundwater pollution problem in Michigan, namely, the salinization of shallow aquifer systems due to natural upwelling of deep brines. We applied a system‐based approach to characterize, across multiple scales, the integrated groundwater quantity–quality dynamics associated with the brine upwelling process, assimilating a variety of modeling tools and data—including statewide water well datasets scarcely used for larger scientific analysis. Specifically, we combined (1) data‐driven modeling of massive amounts of groundwater/geologic information across multiple spatial scales with (2) detailed analysis of groundwater salinity dynamics and process‐based flow modeling at local scales. Statewide “hotspots” were delineated and county‐level severity rankings were developed based on dissolved chloride (Cl−) concentration percentiles. Within local hotspots, the relative impact of upwelling was determined to be controlled by: (1) streams—which act as “natural pumps” that bring deeper (more mineralized) groundwater to the surface; (2) the occurrence of nearly impervious geologic material at the surface—which restricts fresh water dilution of deeper, saline groundwater; and (3) the space–time evolution of water well withdrawals—which induces slow migration of saline groundwater from its natural course. This multiscale, data‐intensive approach significantly improved our understanding of the brine upwelling processes in Michigan, and has applicability elsewhere given the growing availability of statewide water well databases.
An eight‐month randomized controlled trial on the use of intra‐oral cameras and text messages for gingivitis control among adults
Authors: Araújo Mário‐Rui , Alvarez Maria‐João , Godinho Cristina A. , Roberto Magda S.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the effects of using an intra‐oral camera (IOC) during a dental hygiene consultation and mobile text messages (TM) between appointments on clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of patients with gingivitis.

Materials and methods

Patients were randomly assigned into four conditions: IOC, TM, IOC + TM and control, and examined at three assessment points over eight months (N = 142). Bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and social cognitive determinants of behaviour change (outcome expectancies, action and volitional self‐efficacy, intention, planning and action control) were evaluated in an examiner‐blind controlled study. Mixed‐effects modelling was employed to examine changes in study outcomes. Mediations by the psychological determinants were inspected for the effect on treatment groups in clinical parameters and behaviour.

Results

Compared to the control group, all treatment conditions improved dental hygiene and revealed a significant decrease in BOMP from baseline to 4 months, maintained at 8 months; this was clinically relevant in the IOC + TM group, where individuals had more positive outcome expectancies as well as higher levels of action self‐efficacy and intention from baseline to four months, maintained at eight months. Volitional self‐efficacy was reinforced in all treatments. The psychological determinants did not prove to be the mechanisms responsible for these effects.

Conclusions

A multiple‐strategy benefit from using the IOC in consultation and TM between appointments improves clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of periodontal health four months after treatment, maintained at eight months’ follow‐up. Insights are provided for the efficacy of the images and text messages for oral hygiene changes.
A systematic review of methods used to sample and analyse periradicular tissue fluid during root canal treatment
Authors: Virdee S. S. , Butt K. , Grant M. , Camilleri J. , Cooper P. R. , Tomson P. L.
Published: February 2019

Aim

The primary aim was to identify techniques used to sample and analyse periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) in permanent teeth diagnosed with apical disease during root canal treatment. Secondly, to identify the types of inflammatory mediators studied using this approach.

Methodology

Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science and OpenGrey. Eligibility Criteria: Clinical studies published until 1 June 2018 which utilized orthograde techniques to sample and analyse PTF were included. Cell culture, laboratory or animal studies and those concerned with investigating inflammatory mediator activity from within healthy or diseased pulp tissue, and not periradicular tissues, were excluded. Study appraisal and methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, data were extracted on study characteristics, target mediators, sampling and assay techniques and the parameters associated with the PTF sampling and eluting protocol. A qualitative synthesis was conducted, and studies were critically appraised using a modified version of the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Study Characteristics: From 251 studies, 33 were eligible for inclusion. Sampling techniques included the use of paper points (n = 27), fine needle aspiration (n = 4) and filter strips (n = 2). Assay techniques included enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (n = 18), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 9), radioimmunoassay (n = 4), colorimetric assay (n = 2), immunofluorometric assay (n = 1) and cytometric bead array (n = 1). Forty‐five different inflammatory mediators were targeted at the proteomic/metabolomic (n = 25) or transcriptomic level (n = 9). Limitations: Significant heterogeneity exists within the methodology, and only 5 studies disclosed unambiguous information about their PTF sampling and eluting protocols.

Conclusions

Paper points and proteomic/metabolomic analysis are currently the preferred methods for studying and analysing PTF during root canal treatment. The most studied analytes were IL‐1β and TNF‐α. Implications: Further research is required to develop an optimized PTF sampling and eluting protocol to overcome methodological heterogeneity, and future studies are advised to follow a standardized approach to reporting their methodology.
The effects of six phenolic acids and tannic acid on colour stability and the anthocyanin content of mulberry juice during refrigerated storage
Authors: You Yilin , Li Na , Han Xue , Guo Jielong , Zhao Yu , Huang Weidong , Zhan Jicheng
Published: February 2019

Six phenolic acids and tannic acid are added to fresh mulberry juice to enhance the colour. Effects of these copigments on colour stability and the anthocyanin content of mulberry juice are investigated while being stored at 4 °C for 30 days. Results suggest that the addition of the copigments markedly increases the maximum absorbance of mulberry juice. Cyanidin‐3‐glucoside is the major anthocyanin, followed by cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside. Furthermore, the retention rate of the total anthocyanin, cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside increases after the addition of all copigments. The effect of ferulic acid on the stability of total anthocyanin, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside in mulberry juice is the best, 89.52%, 86.90% and 94.46% respectively (66.56%, 62.58% and 73.60% in the control group). Researchers recommend the addition of ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid and caffeic acid – all of which belong to the hydroxycinnamic acid group, to the mulberry juice to enhance the colour stability and anthocyanin content.
Purification and identification of kokumi‐enhancing peptides from chicken protein hydrolysate
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Ma Yuan , Ahmed Zaheer , Geng Weitao , Tang Wei , Liu Yuan , Jin Huihui , Jiang Fang , Wang Jinju , Wang Yanping
Published: February 2019

The Maillard reaction products (MRPs) from chicken protein hydrolysate were demonstrated to have intense umami and kokumi‐enhancing effects. To find the main flavour‐enhancing compounds in the chicken protein hydrolysate, the fractions with different molecular weights were obtained by ultrafitration. The evaluation of taste characteristics revealed that the fractions with molecular weights ranging from 1000 to 5000 Da predominantly contributed to the umami and kokumi‐enhancing effects. After further purification by using ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) in combination with sensory evaluation, three peptides were identified, an octapeptide (WVNEEDHL), a nonapeptide (NSLEGEFKG) and a decapeptide (KDLFDPVIQD). Sensory evaluation results showed that all three peptides could significantly enhance the meat flavour, umami taste and thickness of the chicken powder solution. The results indicate that the peptides have potential application as effective chicken flavour‐enhancing ingredients in the food industry.