bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introduced plants as novel Anthropocene habitats for insects
Authors: Padovani Roberto J. , Salisbury Andrew , Bostock Helen , Roy David B. , Thomas Chris D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMajor environmental changes in the history of life on Earth have given rise to novel habitats, which gradually accumulate species. Human‐induced change is no exception, yet the rules governing species accumulation in anthropogenic habitats are not fully developed. Here we propose that nonnative plants introduced to Great Britain may function as analogues of novel anthropogenic habitats for insects and mites, analysing a combination of local‐scale experimental plot data and geographic‐scale data contained within the Great Britain Database of Insects and their Food Plants. We find that novel plant habitats accumulate the greatest diversity of insect taxa when they are widespread and show some resemblance to plant habitats which have been present historically (based on the relatedness between native and nonnative plant species), with insect generalists colonizing from a wider range of sources. Despite reduced per‐plant diversity, nonnative plants can support distinctive insect communities, sometimes including insect taxa that are otherwise rare or absent. Thus, novel plant habitats may contribute to, and potentially maintain, broader‐scale (assemblage) diversity in regions that contain mixtures of long‐standing and novel plant habitats.
Not a melting pot: Plant species aggregate in their non‐native range
Authors: Stotz Gisela C. , Cahill James F. , Bennett Jonathan A. , Carlyle Cameron N. , Bork Edward W. , Askarizadeh Diana , Bartha Sandor , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Boldgiv Bazartseren , Brown Leslie , Cabido Marcelo , Campetella Giandiego , Chelli Stefano , Cohen Ofer , Díaz Sandra , Enrico Lucas , Ensing David , Erdenetsetseg Batdelger , Fidelis Alessandra , Garris Heath W. , Henry Hugh A. L. , Jentsch Anke , Jouri Mohammad Hassan , Koorem Kadri , Manning Peter , Mitchell Randall , Moora Mari , Overbeck Gerhard E. , Pither Jason , Reinhart Kurt O. , Sternberg Marcelo , Tungalag Radnaakhand , Undrakhbold Sainbileg , van Rooyen Margaretha , Wellstein Camilla , Zobel Martin , Fraser Lauchlan H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimPlant species continue to be moved outside of their native range by human activities. Here, we aim to determine whether, once introduced, plants assimilate into native communities or whether they aggregate, thus forming mosaics of native‐ and alien‐rich communities. Alien species might aggregate in their non‐native range owing to shared habitat preferences, such as their tendency to establish in high‐biomass, species‐poor areas.LocationTwenty‐two herbaceous grasslands in 14 countries, mainly in the temperate zone.Time period2012–2016.Major taxa studiedPlants.MethodsWe used a globally coordinated survey. Within this survey, we found 46 plant species, predominantly from Eurasia, for which we had co‐occurrence data in their native and non‐native ranges. We tested for differences in co‐occurrence patterns of 46 species between their native (home) and non‐native (away) range. We also tested whether species had similar habitat preferences, by testing for differences in total biomass and species richness of the patches that species occupy in their native and non‐native ranges.ResultsWe found the same species to show different patterns of association depending on whether they were in their native or non‐native range. Alien species were negatively associated with native species; instead, they aggregated with other alien species in species‐poor, high‐biomass communities in their non‐native range compared with their native range.Main conclusionsThe strong differences between the native (home) and non‐native (away) range in species co‐occurrence patterns are evidence that the way in which species associate with resident communities in their non‐native range is not species dependent, but is instead a property of being away from their native range. These results thus highlight that species might undergo important ecological changes when introduced away from their native range. Overall, we show origin‐dependent associations that result in novel communities, in which alien‐rich patches exist within a mosaic of native‐dominated communities.
How I investigate chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Sangiorgio Valentina Fabiola Ilenia , Arber Daniel A. , Orazi Attilio 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe 2016 revised 4th edition of the World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic neoplasms updated the diagnostic criteria for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Persistent peripheral blood monocytosis of at least 1 × 109/L and a percentage of monocytes ≥10% of the circulating white blood cell count (WBC) are both prerequisite criteria for this diagnosis. CMML represents the prototype of “overlapping” myeloid neoplasms with concurrent myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic features. However, clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with cases showing prevailing “dysplastic” features and others a predominant “proliferative” phenotype. Accounting for this diversity, two variants of CMML are recognized: “dysplastic” CMML defined by WBC < 13 × 109/L and “proliferative” CMML with WBC ≥ 13 × 109/L often showing features mimicking a myeloproliferative neoplasm. Although not an official WHO category, the “oligomonocytic” variant of CMML is defined by relative monocytosis with an absolute monocyte count of 0.5‐0.9 × 109/L. It can be considered a “pre‐phase,” as it frequently anticipates the development of an overt, classic CMML. In an attempt at improving disease prognostication, the blast count based grading system for CMML of the WHO 2008 Classification has been expanded in 2016 to include a new “CMML‐0” category. Lastly, the large body of knowledge on the molecular events occurring in CMML has been used to assist diagnosis and assess prognosis. Despite the step forwards, diagnosis of CMML still remains one of exclusion as no clinical, pathologic or molecular findings are specific for this disease. The current review brings insight into the spectrum of CMML and provides practical advice to approach suspected cases of CMML.
Effects of hemolysis, bilirubin, and lipemia interference on coagulation tests detected by two analytical systems
Authors: Nougier Christophe , Jousselme Emilie , Sobas Frédéric , Pousseur Valentin , Négrier Claude 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionInterference on biological assays due to hemolysis, icterus, or lipemia (HIL) could represent a significant source of analytical errors leading to inaccurate interpretation of results. The aim of this study was to assess the HIL interference on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen, using mechanical and optical detection methods.MethodsControl plasmas and plasmas from patients treated with vitamin K antagonists or unfractionated heparin, with or without HIL, were performed on two analytical detection systems in order to identify potential analytical biases. Whether HIL lead to significant biological interferences was also evaluated, and a cutoff point for HIL‐induced analytical bias was determined.ResultsHemolysis influenced PT and aPTT when hemoglobin was at 5 and 1.5 g/L in plasma, respectively. At 1.8 g/L, a positive relationship was found between the bias and the hemoglobin supernatant level only for fibrinogen measurement, using optical detection. For icteric interference, no significant bias was observed until a bilirubin concentration of 30 mg/dL. Lipamia (>500 mg/dL) led to analytical interference when using the optical analyzer.ConclusionThe present study detected analytical interferences such as lipemia (>500 mg/dL) on coagulation tests on the optical analyzer. We also found a biological impact on the results in case of hemolyzed sample: Fibrinogen was decreased when the hemoglobin level was superior to 1.8 g/L, PT was prolonged beyond 5 g/L, and aPTT was shortened beyond 1.5 g/L hemoglobin concentration, especially in patients treated with heparin. Above these thresholds, it is important not to give results that could influence the clinical decision.
An examination of sex differences in associations between cord blood adipokines and childhood adiposity
Authors: Ashley‐Martin Jillian , Karaceper Maria , Dodds Linda , Arbuckle Tye E. , Ettinger Adrienne S. , Fraser William D. , Muckle Gina , Monnier Patricia , Fisher Mandy , Kuhle Stefan 
Published: December 2019

SummaryBackgroundThough the physiological roles of adipokines in metabolism, insulin resistance and satiety are clear, literature regarding associations between cord blood adipokine levels and childhood adiposity is equivocal.ObjectivesTo determine whether cord blood levels of leptin and adiponectin are associated with adiposity in children 2 to 5 years of age, and whether such associations are modified by sex.MethodsLeptin and adiponectin levels were measured in cord blood and anthropometric measures were completed on 550 children enrolled in the Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development Plus study (MIREC‐CD Plus). We used multivariable linear and Poisson regression models to determine associations between cord blood adipokine levels and child body mass index (BMI), triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness and risk of overweight/obesity and to assess effect modification by child sex.ResultsCord blood adiponectin was significantly associated with modest increases in BMI and the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold z‐scores in boys but not girls. A doubling of adiponectin levels was associated with a 30% increased risk of overweight/obesity in boys (RR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.64). Leptin was not associated with anthropometric measures in either sex.ConclusionsThe observed associations between adiponectin and adiposity in boys were statistically significant, of moderate magnitude, and underscore the value of considering sex‐specific patterns.
Labelling accuracy in low nicotine e-cigarette liquids from a sampling of US manufacturers
Authors: Jackson Remonica , Huskey Mariah , Brown Stacy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To assess labelling accuracy for low nicotine concentration e-cigarette liquids.

Methods
Nicotine concentration in twelve e-liquids, available in 3 and 6 mg/ml strengths, was assayed (5 replicates each) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Key findings
Average nominal concentrations of nicotine were lower than reported in 23/24 products tested, with 2/12 products labelled 3 mg/ml, and 3/12 of the 6 mg/ml products showing statistically significant differences from controls.

Conclusions
Despite the emergence of a global regulatory environment for e-cigarettes, inaccuracies still exist in nicotine concentration labelling, which may affect user habits and reliability of products used in smoking cessation.
20‐Hydroxyecdysone receptor‐activated Bombyx mori CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein gamma regulates the expression of BmCBP and subsequent histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation in Bo. mori
Authors: Lyu H. , Xu G. , Chen P. , Song Q. , Feng Q. , Yi Y. , Zheng S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB)‐binding protein (CBP or CREBBP) plays important roles in regulating gene transcription and animal development. However, the process by which CBP is up‐regulated to impact insect development is unknown. In this study, the regulatory mechanism of Bombyx mori CBP (BmCBP) expression induced by 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) was investigated. In the Bo. mori cell line, DZNU‐Bm‐12, 20E enhanced BmCBP transcription and histone H3K27 acetylation. BmCBP RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in decreased histone H3K27 acetylation. Additionally, the luciferase activity analysis revealed that the transcription factor, Bo. mori CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein gamma (BmC/EBPg), activated BmCBP transcription, which was suppressed by BmC/EBPg RNAi and promoted by BmC/EBPg overexpression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation results demonstrated that BmC/EBPg could bind to the C/EBP cis‐regulatory elements in two positions of the BmCBP promoter. Moreover, BmC/EBPg transcription was enhanced by the 20E receptor (BmEcR), which bound to the BmC/EBPg promoter. BmEcR RNAi significantly inhibited the transcriptional levels of BmC/EBPg and BmCBP in the presence of 20E. Furthermore, the BmEcR‐BmC/EBPg pathway regulated the acetylation levels of histone H3K27. Altogether, these results indicate that BmEcR enhances the expression of BmC/EBPg, which binds to the BmCBP promoter, activates BmCBP expression and leads to histone H3K27 acetylation.
The Australia and New Zealand Cardio‐Oncology Registry: evaluation of chemotherapy‐related cardiotoxicity in a national cohort of paediatric cancer patients
Authors: Lapirow Daniel , La Gerche Andre , Toro Claudia , Masango Emma , Costello Ben , Porello Enzo , Ludlow Louise , Marshall Glenn , Trahair Toby , Mateos Marion , Lewin Jeremy , Byrne Jennifer , Boutros Rose , Manudhane Rebecca , Heath John , Ayer Julian , Gabriel Melissa , Walwyn Thomas , Saundankar Jelena , Forsey Jonathon , Le Ha , Mason Kylie , Celermajer David , Downie Peter , Walker Roderick , Holland Lucy , Martin Michelle , McLeman Lorna , Diamond Yonatan , Marcocci Maurizio , Donath Susan , Cheung Michael , Elliott David A. , Conyers Rachel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is an area of increasing focus, particularly during the survivorship period, for paediatric, adolescent and adult cancer survivors. With the advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, there is a new set of mechanisms from which paediatric and young adult patients with cancer may suffer cardiovascular injury. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the survivorship period. The recently established Australian Cardio‐Oncology Registry is the largest and only population‐based cardiotoxicity database of paediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology patients in the world, and the first paediatric registry that will document cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies using a prospective approach. The database is designed for comprehensive data collection and evaluation of the Australian practice in terms of diagnosis and management of CTRCD. Using the Australian Cardio‐Oncology Registry critical clinical information will be collected regarding predisposing factors for the development of CTRCD, the rate of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and transition to overt heart failure, further research into protectant molecules against cardiac dysfunction and aid in the discovery of which genetic variants predispose to CTRCD. A health economic arm of the study will assess the cost/benefit of both the registry and cardio‐oncology clinical implementation. Finally, an imaging arm will establish if exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and VO2 max testing is a more sensitive predictor of cardiac reserve in paediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology patients exposed to cardiac toxic therapies.
Immunity against sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax parasites
Authors: de Jong Roos M. , Tebeje Surafel K. , Meerstein‐Kessel Lisette , Tadesse Fitsum G. , Jore Matthijs M. , Stone Will , Bousema Teun 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThe efficient spread of malaria from infected humans to mosquitoes is a major challenge for malaria elimination initiatives. Gametocytes are the only Plasmodium life stage infectious to mosquitoes. Here, we summarize evidence for naturally acquired anti‐gametocyte immunity and the current state of transmission blocking vaccines (TBV). Although gametocytes are intra‐erythrocytic when present in infected humans, developing Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes may express proteins on the surface of red blood cells that elicit immune responses in naturally exposed individuals. This immune response may reduce the burden of circulating gametocytes. For both P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, there is a solid evidence that antibodies against antigens present on the gametocyte surface, when co‐ingested with gametocytes, can influence transmission to mosquitoes. Transmission reducing immunity, reducing the burden of infection in mosquitoes, is a well‐acknowledged but poorly quantified phenomenon that forms the basis for the development of TBV. Transmission enhancing immunity, increasing the likelihood or intensity of transmission to mosquitoes, is more speculative in nature but is convincingly demonstrated for P. vivax. With the increased interest in malaria elimination, TBV and monoclonal antibodies have moved to the center stage of malaria vaccine development. Methodologies to prioritize and evaluate products are urgently needed.
Biometric technology and beneficiary rights in social protection programmes
Authors: Sepúlveda Carmona Magdalena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOver the past decade, the use of biometric technology in the identification and authentication of beneficiaries of social protection programmes has increased. However, there has been little debate among governments, donors and civil society organizations on the potential implications of this technology in relation to the inclusion of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, as well as for the protection of privacy and personal data. This article aims to fill that gap. First, the article reviews how biometric technology is used in various social protection programmes around the world. Then, it examines the potential risks and challenges of deploying biometric technology in social protection programmes. Finally, it assesses the requirements necessary to ensure that biometric technology is implemented in compliance with international law standards. The focus is on developing countries, where the use of biometric technology in identification systems has increased considerably in recent years. Among the key conclusions of the article is that the adoption of biometric technology, often encouraged by donors, needs to be preceded by democratic debate where all alternatives are discussed. The adoption of this technology should be accompanied by a context‐specific assessment of risks, and the adoption of an appropriate legal and institutional framework to protect rights and ensure that the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the population are not excluded.
Microinsurance: A short history
Authors: Dror David M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTwenty years ago, the International Social Security Review published an article that introduced a new term to the vocabulary of development and social protection: Microinsurance. Now, twenty years later, it is suitable to take stock of the contribution of microinsurance towards promoting coverage and social security. The article reviews the main insights gained from 20 years of implementation, including a clear expression of the value proposition of health microinsurance, understanding the demand for microinsurance, the business process for successful implementation, and conditions that must be satisfied for scaling and sustainable operations. It also explains the context that led to a considerable divergence in the microinsurance space. The article offers a discussion of unresolved issues and thoughts about the future of microinsurance. The conclusion of this article is that microinsurance can flourish when the necessary four pillars for its implementation exist, namely mainstreaming through political support, enhanced insurance literacy of the customers, technical assistance to self‐administer the schemes, and availability of seed capital. The sufficient additional condition is that customers perceive microinsurance as offering welfare gains that cannot be obtained by other means.
Carbon vacancy ordering in zirconium carbide powder
Authors: Zhou Yue , Heitmann Thomas W. , Bohannan Eric , Schaeperkoetter Joseph C. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOrdered carbon vacancies were detected in zirconium carbide (ZrCx) powders that were synthesized by direct reaction. Zirconium hydride (ZrH2) and carbon black were used as starting powders with the molar ratio of ZrH2:C = 1:0.6. Powders were reacted at 1300°C or 2000°C. The major phase detected by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) was ZrCx. No excess carbon was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in powders synthesized at either temperature. Ordering of the carbon vacancies was identified by neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and further supported by selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The vacancies in carbon‐deficient ZrCx exhibited diamond cubic symmetry with a supercell that consisted of eight (2 × 2 × 2) ZrCx unit cells with the rock‐salt structure. Rietveld refinement of the neutron diffraction patterns revealed that the synthesis temperature did not have a significant effect on the degree of vacancy ordering in ZrCx powders. Direct synthesis of ZrC0.6 resulted in the partial ordering of carbon vacancies without the need for extended isothermal annealing as reported in previous experimental studies.
Improving the quality of bowel preparation through an app for inpatients undergoing colonoscopy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guo Bingmei , Zuo Xiuli , Li Zhen , Liu Jun , Xu Na , Li Xiaohui , Zhu Aifang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsTo explore whether educational information delivered via a medical smartphone app in conjunction with verbal and written instructions, compared with traditional booklet‐based and verbal instructions, could improve the quality of bowel preparation for hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy.DesignA prospective, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial.MethodsWe performed a prospective, endoscopist‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University in China between October 2017–March 2018. Inpatients who are eligible, based on the inclusion criteria, were randomized into two groups. Both groups received oral and written instructions for bowel preparation. In addition, the smartphone app group received instructions through a medical smartphone app. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate bowel preparation according to the Boston bowel preparation scale score. The secondary outcomes included patient compliance with instructions on how to take laxatives, side effects and rates of adenoma detection.ResultsA total of 293 patients were enrolled in this study. Demographic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The χ2 test showed that the medical smartphone app group showed significant improvement in the rate of adequate bowel preparation compared with the control group (77.2% vs. 56.8%, p < .001). The adenoma detection rate (ADR) was significantly higher in the smartphone app group than in the control group (21.4% vs. 12.8%, p = .029) based on the χ2 test. The rates of incomplete compliance with instructions were 15.17% in the smartphone app group and 33.11% in the control group (p < .001) based on the χ2 test. The overall adverse events were 23.45% and 37.84% in the smartphone app and control groups, respectively (p = .008), based on the χ2 test.ConclusionInstructions provided via a mobile social media app in conjunction with traditional verbal and written methods could improve the quality of bowel preparation, increase the ADR and decrease adverse effects. App instructions could be an effective addition to oral and written instructions for inpatients undergoing colonoscopy.ImpactThis study suggested that clinical personnel could deliver information via smartphone as a powerful addition to traditional educational methods that could improve work efficiency and help patients increase the success rate of bowel preparation.Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1900024666.