bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intra‐operative enteroscopy for the identification of obscure bleeding source caused by gastrointestinal angiodysplasias: through a balloon‐tip trocar is better
Authors: Tartaglia D. , Mazzoni A. , Puglisi A.G. , Coccolini F. , Chiarugi M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimIntra‐operative enteroscopy (IE) is a valid diagnostic tool which can be adopted in order to identify the precise location of bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias (GIADs) of the small bowel. We describe a novel IE technique that may increase the diagnostic yield by maintaining a steady distension of the bowel and that prevents microtrauma to the intestinal mucosa and spillage of enteric content into the operative field.MethodsAfter laparotomy, a centimetric transverse enterotomy is performed approximately at the middle of the small bowel. A 12‐mm trocar with balloon is then introduced and insufflated. The small bowel is gently distended by carbon dioxide insufflation. Through the trocar, a paediatric colonscope is then inserted and the enteroscopy is performed either retrogradely to the duodenum or anterogradely to the caecum. Once located, surgery is tailored to the precise site of bleeding, with a consequent sparing of intestinal resection.ResultsIE with 12‐mm trocar with balloon was adopted in four elderly patients undergoing surgery for bleeding GIADs. The length of small bowel resection ranged from 10 to 200 cm, depending on the number of GIADs. Operating time ranged from 210 to 275 min. Intra‐operative blood loss was nil. No patient developed organ‐space or wound infections. There was no recurrence of bleeding from the midgut.ConclusionPerforming IE through a balloon trocar may increase the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure with the benefit of reducing the risk of traumatic injury to the bowel and the risk of surgical site infection.
Cellular senescence and cancer: Focusing on traditional Chinese medicine and natural products
Authors: Liu Yiman , Yang Shenshen , Wang Kailong , Lu Jia , Bao Xiaomei , Wang Rui , Qiu Yuling , Wang Tao , Yu Haiyang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCancer is the principal cause of death and a dominant public health problem which seriously threatening human life. Among various ways to treat cancer, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural products have outstanding anti‐cancer effects with their unique advantages of high efficiency and minimal side effects. Cell senescence is a physiological process of cell growth stagnation triggered by stress, which is an important line of defence against tumour development. In recent years, active ingredients of TCM and natural products, as an interesting research hotspot, can induce cell senescence to suppress the occurrence and development of tumours, by inhibiting telomerase activity, triggering DNA damage, inducing SASP, and activating or inactivating oncogenes. In this paper, the recent research progress on the main compounds derived from TCM and natural products that play anti‐cancer roles by inducing cell senescence is systematically reviewed, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of pro‐senescent cancer.
Living donor financial assistance programs in liver transplantation: The global perspective
Authors: Emamaullee Juliet , Tenorio Lisa , Khan Sara , Butler Chante , Kim Susan , Tucker‐Seeley Reginald , Kwon Yong , Shapiro James , Saigal Sanjiv , Sher Linda , Genyk Yuri 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLiving donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has increased availability of liver transplantation, particularly in countries with limited access to deceased organ donors. It is unclear how individual countries address the financial impact of donation for potential living donors. Herein, living liver donor financial supports were examined, focusing on countries performing ≥10 LDLT per year in the World Health Organization Transplant Observatory. Categories included health insurance coverage, reimbursement of lost wages, employment protection, and other incentives designed to promote living liver donation. Overall, 26 countries have some form of asssistance in removing disincentives to ease the financial burden of living donation, ranging from childcare, accommodations, meals, and travel reimbursement, to coverage of medical complications post‐donation. Most countries provide donation‐related medical coverage. Fourteen provide reimbursement of lost wages and/or paid time off. Several unique programs were designed to incentivize living donation, including free entry to museums and observatories, parking and airline discounts, and exemptions on mortgages and medical deductibles. This study highlights the broad range of programs designed to support living liver donation in high‐volume LDLT countries. The data collected in this study can provide a framework for other nations to propose and implement ethical reimbursement and incentivization for living liver donors.
Bromhexine Hydrochloride Tablets for the Treatment of Moderate COVID‐19: An Open‐Label Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Li Ting , Sun Laifang , Zhang Wenwu , Zheng Chanfan , Jiang Chenchen , Chen Mingjing , Chen Di , Dai Zhijuan , Bao Shihui , Shen Xian 
Published: September 2020

This open‐label randomized controlled pilot study aimed to test the study feasibility of bromhexine hydrochloride (BRH) tablets for the treatment of mild or moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and to explore its clinical efficacy and safety. Patients with mild or moderate COVID‐19 were randomly divided into the BRH group or the control group at a 2:1 ratio. Routine treatment according to China’s Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Plan was performed in both groups, whereas patients in the BRH group were additionally given oral BRH (32 mg t.i.d.) for 14 consecutive days. The efficacy and safety of BRH were evaluated. A total of 18 patients with moderate COVID‐19 were randomized into the BRH group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 6). There were suggestions of BRH advantage over placebo in improved chest computed tomography, need for oxygen therapy, and discharge rate within 20 days. However, none of these findings were statistically significant. BRH tablets may potentially have a beneficial effect in patients with COVID‐19, especially for those with lung or hepatic injury. A further definitive large‐scale clinical trial is feasible and necessary.
Keratoacanthoma, committed stem cells and neoplastic aberrant infundibulogenesis integral to formulating a conceptual model for an infundibulocystic pathway to squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kossard Steven 
Published: September 2020

AbstractKeratoacanthomas (KAs) are distinctive tumors that are defined by their clinical and histopathological features. Their relationship and distinction from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), however, remain controversial. All cytogenic and immunohistochemical markers that have been applied in this quest have failed. A close relationship of KAs to hair follicles has been recognized. The descriptive term infundibulocystic or infundibular SCC was introduced to define a more broad‐based pathway encompassing KAs. The follicular infundibulum roles in respect to neoplasia and wound healing are important elements in understanding the pathogenesis of KAs. Mouse models for KA have provided insights into the relationship of KA to follicles and SCCs. These advances and together with the diverse clinical and histopathological aspects of KA have contributed to the formulation of a conceptual pathway. The central element is that ultraviolet (UV)‐mutated or activated committed infundibular stem cells are driven by the combination of a mutated oncogenic RAS pathway linked with the Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway responsible for stem cell maintenance, hair follicle development, wound healing and driving KA proliferation and terminal keratinization. The existence and activation of this mutated pathway may form the basis of the paradoxical emergence of KAs and SCCs in patients receiving BRAF and PD‐1 inhibitor therapy.
Response of mirid predators to synthetic herbivore‐induced plant volatiles
Authors: Silva Diego B. , Urbaneja Alberto , Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell 
Published: September 2020

AbstractZoophytophagous plant bugs feed on plant tissue as a source of water and nutrients, besides feeding on prey. By phytophagy, mirid predators activate plant defense responses through different pathways, resulting, among others, in the release of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). These compounds could repel herbivores and attract parasitoids and predators, and synthetic versions could potentially be used in biological control. Nevertheless, little is known about the influence of synthetic volatiles on mirid attraction. Using Y‐tube olfactometer trials, we evaluated the responses of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter), Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur), and Dicyphus bolivari Lindberg (Hemiptera: Miridae), important natural enemies used to control various greenhouse pests, to 10 synthetic versions of HIPVs released from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., Solanaceae) plants induced by N. tenuis and M. pygmaeus. Nesidiocoris tenuis responded to five of the 10 HIPVs, whereas M. pygmaeus and D. bolivari responded to four of the 10 HIPVs. Two green leaf volatiles, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl propanoate and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, and the ester methyl salicylate (MeSA) were attractive to all three mirid predator species. Our results demonstrate that the volatiles released by tomato plants activated by N. tenuis and M. pygmaeus phytophagy are attractive to their conspecifics and also to D. bolivari. Further studies should evaluate the potential of these compounds to attract predatory mirids in the field.
Geographic mosaic of selection by avian predators on hindwing warning colour in a polymorphic aposematic moth
Authors: Rönkä Katja , Valkonen Janne K. , Nokelainen Ossi , Rojas Bibiana , Gordon Swanne , Burdfield‐Steel Emily , Mappes Johanna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWarning signals are predicted to develop signal monomorphism via positive frequency‐dependent selection (+FDS) albeit many aposematic systems exhibit signal polymorphism. To understand this mismatch, we conducted a large‐scale predation experiment in four countries, among which the frequencies of hindwing warning coloration of the aposematic moth, Arctia plantaginis, differ. Here we show that selection by avian predators on warning colour is predicted by local morph frequency and predator community composition. We found +FDS to be the strongest in monomorphic Scotland and lowest in polymorphic Finland, where the attack risk of moth morphs depended on the local avian community. +FDS was also found where the predator community was the least diverse (Georgia), whereas in the most diverse avian community (Estonia), hardly any models were attacked. Our results support the idea that spatial variation in predator communities alters the strength or direction of selection on warning signals, thus facilitating a geographic mosaic of selection.
Understanding the geobiology of the terminal Ediacaran Khatyspyt Lagerstätte (Arctic Siberia, Russia)
Authors: Duda Jan‐Peter , Love Gordon D. , Rogov Vladimir I. , Melnik Dmitry S. , Blumenberg Martin , Grazhdankin Dmitriy V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Khatyspyt Lagerstätte (~544 Ma, Russia) provides a valuable window into late Ediacaran Avalon‐type ecosystems with rangeomorphs, arboreomorphs, and mega‐algae. Here, we tackle the geobiology of this Lagerstätte by the combined analysis of paleontological features, sedimentary facies, and lipid biomarkers. The Khatyspyt Formation was deposited in carbonate ramp environments. Organic matter (0.12–2.22 wt.% TOC) displays characteristic Ediacaran biomarker features (e.g., eukaryotic steranes dominated by the C29 stigmastane). Some samples contain a putative 2‐methylgammacerane that was likely sourced by ciliates and/or bacteria. 24‐isopropylcholestane and 26‐methylstigmastane are consistently scarce (≤0.4% and ≤0.2% of ∑C27‐30 regular steranes, respectively). Thus, Avalon‐type organisms occupied different niches than organisms capable of directly synthesizing C30 sterane precursors among their major lipids. Relative abundances of eukaryotic steranes and bacterial hopanes (sterane/hopane ratios = 0.07–0.30) demonstrate oligotrophic and bacterially dominated marine environments, similar to findings from other successions with Ediacara‐type fossils. Ediacara‐type fossils occur in facies characterized by microbial mats and biomarkers indicative for a stratified marine environment with normal–moderate salinities (moderate–high gammacerane index of 2.3–5.7; low C35 homohopane index of 0.1–0.2). Mega‐algae, in contrast, are abundant in facies that almost entirely consist of allochthonous event layers. Biomarkers in these samples indicate a non‐stratified marine environment and normal salinities (low gammacerane index of 0.6–0.8; low C35 homohopane index of 0.1). Vertical burrowers occur in similar facies but with biomarker evidence for stratification in the water column or around the seafloor (high gammacerane index of 5.6). Thus, the distribution of macro‐organisms and burrowers was controlled by various, dynamically changing environmental factors. It appears likely that dynamic settings like the Khatyspyt Lagerstätte provided metabolic challenges for sustenance and growth which primed eukaryotic organisms to cope with changing environmental habitats, allowing for a later diversification and expansion of complex macroscopic life in the marine realm.
Stream microbial communities and ecosystem functioning show complex responses to multiple stressors in wastewater
Authors: Burdon Francis J. , Bai Yaohui , Reyes Marta , Tamminen Manu , Staudacher Philipp , Mangold Simon , Singer Heinz , Räsänen Katja , Joss Adriano , Tiegs Scott D. , Jokela Jukka , Eggen Rik I. L. , Stamm Christian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMultiple anthropogenic drivers are changing ecosystems globally, with a disproportionate and intensifying impact on freshwater habitats. A major impact of urbanization are inputs from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Initially designed to reduce eutrophication and improve water quality, WWTPs increasingly release a multitude of micropollutants (MPs; i.e., synthetic chemicals) and microbes (including antibiotic‐resistant bacteria) to receiving environments. This pollution may have pervasive impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Viewed through multiple lenses of macroecological and ecotoxicological theory, we combined field, flume, and laboratory experiments to determine the effects of wastewater (WW) on microbial communities and organic‐matter processing using a standardized decomposition assay. First, we conducted a mensurative experiment sampling 60 locations above and below WWTP discharges in 20 Swiss streams. Microbial respiration and decomposition rates were positively influenced by WW inputs via warming and nutrient enrichment, but with a notable exception: WW decreased the activation energy of decomposition, indicating a “slowing” of this fundamental ecosystem process in response to temperature. Second, next‐generation sequencing indicated that microbial community structure below WWTPs was altered, with significant compositional turnover, reduced richness, and evidence of negative MP influences. Third, a series of flume experiments confirmed that although diluted WW generally has positive influences on microbial‐mediated processes, the negative effects of MPs are “masked” by nutrient enrichment. Finally, transplant experiments suggested that WW‐borne microbes enhance decomposition rates. Taken together, our results affirm the multiple stressor paradigm by showing that different aspects of WW (warming, nutrients, microbes, and MPs) jointly influence ecosystem functioning in complex ways. Increased respiration rates below WWTPs potentially generate ecosystem “disservices” via greater carbon evasion from streams and rivers. However, toxic MP effects may fundamentally alter ecological scaling relationships, indicating the need for a rapprochement between ecotoxicological and macroecological perspectives.
Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of soil methane fluxes in forests: Global patterns and among‐biomes differences
Authors: Gatica Gabriel , Fernández María E. , Juliarena Maria P. , Gyenge Javier 
Published: September 2020

AbstractForest soils are the most important terrestrial sink of atmospheric methane (CH4). Climatic, soil and anthropogenic drivers affect CH4 fluxes, but it is poorly known the relative weight of each driver and whether all drivers have similar effects across forest biomes. We compiled a database of 478 in situ estimations of CH4 fluxes in forest soils from 191 peer‐reviewed studies. All forest biomes (boreal, temperate, tropical and subtropical) but savannahs act on average as CH4 sinks, which presented positive fluxes in 65% of the sites. Mixed effects models showed that combined climatic and edaphic variables had the best support, but anthropogenic factors did not have a significant effect on CH4 fluxes at global scale. This model explained only 19% of the variance in soil CH4 flux which decreased with declines in precipitation and increases in temperature, and with increases in soil organic carbon, bulk density and soil acidification. The effects of these drivers were inconsistent across biomes, increasing the model explanation of observed variance to 34% when the drivers have a different slope for each biome. Despite this limited explanatory value which could be related to the use of soil variables calculated at coarse scale (~1 km), our study shows that soil CH4 fluxes in forests are determined by different environmental variables in different biomes. The most sensitive system to all studied drivers were the temperate forests, while boreal forests were insensitive to climatic variables, but highly sensitive to edaphic factors. Subtropical forests and savannahs responded similarly to climatic variables, but differed in their response to soil factors. Our results suggest that the increase in temperature predicted in the framework of climate change would promote CH4 emission (or reduce CH4 sink) in subtropical and savannah forests, have no influence in boreal and temperate forests and promote uptake in tropical forests.
Predicting transformations during reactive flash sintering in CuO and Mn2O3
Authors: Murray Shannon E. , Lin Yu‐Ying , Sulekar Soumitra S. , Gebre Mebatsion S. , Perry Nicola H. , Shoemaker Daniel P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractReactive flash sintering has been demonstrated as a method to rapidly densify and synthesize ceramic materials, but determining the extent of chemical reactions can be complex since the maximum temperature reached by the sample may be brief in time. The black body radiation (BBR) model has been shown to accurately predict the sample temperature during the steady state of flash (stage III). This work demonstrates situations where the BBR model alone does not accurately predict when a phase transformation will occur. We examine the model reactions of CuO reduction to Cu2O during stage II and Mn2O3 reduction to Mn3O4 in stage III. In CuO, highly resistive samples result in initially localized current flow, a stochastic process resulting in inhomogeneous heating and error in the BBR model during stage II. CuO reduction does not occur in constant heating rate experiments with 6.25 V/mm fields, even though the sample temperature momentarily exceeds the phase transformation temperature. Increased furnace heating to 950°C before application of a field is required to drive the transition. In Mn2O3, the calculated sample temperature of the gauge is less than the transformation temperature, but localized heating at the contact will exceed the transformation temperature, causing the transformation to propagate away from the electrode during stage III. This work demonstrates two forms of inhomogeneity (local, stochastic current flow, and local contact resistance) that result in a complex thermal profile of the sample. This profile should be interrogated to understand reaction kinetics, and can be beneficial when engineered.
Effectiveness of active video game usage on body composition, physical activity level and motor proficiency in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Lau Patrick Wing‐Chung , Wang Geng , Wang Jing‐Jing 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterventions with active video games (AVGs) can promote physical activity (PA) and health and are compatible with a school setting. The needs of children with intellectual disability (ID) in this area have been neglected.MethodsA two‐arm trial was conducted among 203 students with intellectual disability. The intervention group was prescribed a 12‐week intervention with AVG. The control group continued with usual PA.ResultsChildren's BOT‐2 short‐form score increased in both the intervention and control groups. However, the AVG intervention had no statistically significant effect on children's body composition, PA and motor proficiency overall, or in analyses of subgroups based on age, body weight and comorbid autism.ConclusionActive video game intervention had no marked effect on body composition, PA and motor proficiency in children with intellectual disability. The reasons for the lack of effectivity of the intervention are discussed; these may provide better guidelines for future AVG intervention in children with intellectual disability.
Thiopurines and their optimization during infliximab induction and maintenance: A retrospective study in Crohn's disease
Authors: Luber Raphael P , Dawson Luke , Munari Stephanie , Kariyawasam Viraj C , Martin Catherine , Gibson Peter R , Sparrow Miles P , Ward Mark G 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimCombining therapy with a thiopurine is favored when commencing infliximab in Crohn's disease; however, the optimal 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (TGN) level and how long to continue thiopurines after induction are uncertain.We aimed to compare outcomes after induction and during maintenance in combination therapy versus infliximab monotherapy in Crohn's and to examine whether TGN levels were associated with outcomes.MethodsCrohn's patients induced with infliximab with or without concomitant thiopurines were retrospectively identified. Response to induction and clinical outcomes in subsequent 6‐month maintenance semesters were analyzed. A TGN level ≥235 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells was considered therapeutic.ResultsIn 89 patients, response to induction was higher in combination therapy than monotherapy (74 vs 47%, P = 0.04). This benefit was only seen in patients with a therapeutic TGN (odds ratio 3.72, confidence interval 1.07–13.0, P = 0.04). Combination therapy during induction yielded a three times longer time to subsequent need for treatment escalation or treatment failure compared with monotherapy (29 vs 9 months, P = 0.01), with both therapeutic and subtherapeutic TGNs independent predictors on multivariate analysis. Among 370 semesters, there was no difference in outcomes between combination therapy and monotherapy (P = 0.42), nor when combination semesters were stratified by therapeutic versus subtherapeutic TGN (P = 0.56). In semester 1 only, a significantly higher remission rate was observed with therapeutic compared with subtherapeutic TGN (76% vs 33%, P = 0.02).ConclusionsCombination therapy dosed with an optimized thiopurine was superior to infliximab monotherapy for induction of response, durability of response, and clinical outcomes in the first 6 months following induction. Thereafter, combination therapy yielded no clinical advantage, supporting consideration of thiopurine withdrawal on a case‐by‐case basis.