bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arthropod community composition along snowmelt gradients in snowbeds in the Snowy Mountains of south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Green Ken , Slatyer Rachel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEnvironmental gradients drive variation in community composition across a range of spatial scales. In alpine regions, areas of long‐lasting snow (‘snow patches’) create snowmelt gradients that drive considerable change in vegetation structure and composition over small spatial scales. This study examined whether there is parallel variation in arthropod communities using snowmelt gradients in the Australian Alps. Mites (Acarina) were the most common arthropods in snow patches, followed by springtails while, among the insects, the orders Hymenoptera (primarily Formicidae), Diptera, Coleoptera (primarily Carabidae) and Hemiptera (primarily Cicadellidae) dominated. Along the snowmelt gradient, arthropod assemblages changed from having equal proportions of predators and herbivores in early‐melting zones to being predator‐dominated in late‐melting zones, particularly early in the growing season. This followed a transition in vegetation cover and composition and was driven by higher numbers of predacious carabid beetles in later‐melting zones. Overall, however, our results suggest that snowbed arthropod communities in the Australian alpine zone are more sensitive to short‐term effects, such as time since snowmelt, than to differences in vegetation structure and composition or long‐term patterns of snowmelt. Continued advancement of snowmelt timing due to warmer spring temperatures is therefore likely to have more impact on the seasonality of snowbed arthropod communities than on the overall community composition.
Velvet worm (Phylum Onychophora) on a sand island, in a wetland: Flushed from a Pleistocene refuge by recent rainfall?
Authors: Marshall Jonathan C. , Martin Hailey 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVelvet worms (Onychophora) are restricted to moist, humid microclimates, but are poorly known from south‐east Queensland, Australia, where they are typically rainforest fauna. We made the unlikely observation of one of these invertebrates clinging to floating debris in a wetland on North Stradbroke Island. Palaeoecology of this wetland reveals that it once was within rainforest and has remained moist for at least the past 80 000 years, thus potentially harbouring an onychophoran population as a relic of a past broader, rainforest distribution. The presence of this animal, floating in the wetland, can be explained by recent climate, since the wetland filled following heavy rainfall shortly before the observation. This highlights the importance of groundwater‐fed wetlands as evolutionary refugia for moisture‐dependent biota.
Effects of redistributing policy support on farmers’ technical efficiency
Authors: Bonfiglio Andrea , Henke Roberto , Pierangeli Fabio , Pupo D'Andrea Maria Rosaria 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe objective of this article is twofold: first, investigating the relationship between technical efficiency and decoupled direct payments of a sample of Italian farms prior to the application of the 2014–2020 Common Agricultural Policy reform; second, evaluating possible implications of alternative scenarios about distribution of direct payments on technical efficiency. To these aims, a stochastic frontier analysis is adopted. Results indicate that direct payments produce significant effects on technical efficiency in specialized farms, which received higher levels of support. However, effects are contrasting. Moreover, results show that redistribution of policy subsidies may negatively impact on technical efficiency to an extent depending upon the criterion of redistribution applied. Finally, some policy suggestions are given.
Risks of genetic damage in offspring conceived using spermatozoa produced during chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Authors: Meistrich Marvin L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundMen who have just started cytotoxic therapy for cancer are uncertain and concerned about whether spermatozoa collected or pregnancies occurring during therapy might be transmitting genetic damage to offspring. There are no comprehensive guidelines on the risks of different doses of the various cytotoxic, and usually genotoxic, antineoplastic agents.ObjectivesTo develop a schema showing the risks of mutagenic damage when spermatozoa, exposed to various genotoxic agents during spermatogenesis, are collected or used to produce a pregnancy.Materials and methodsA comprehensive literature review was performed updating the data on genetic and epigenetic effects of genotoxic agents on animal and human spermatozoa exposed during spermatogenic development.ResultsRelevant data on human spermatozoa and offspring are extremely limited, but there are extensive genetic studies in experimental animals that define sensitivities for specific drugs and times. The animal data were extrapolated to humans based on the stage when the cells were exposed and the relative kinetics of spermatogenesis and were consistent with the limited human data. In humans, alkylating agents and radiation should already induce a high risk of mutations in spermatozoa produced within 1 or 2 weeks after initiation of therapy. Topoisomerase II inhibitors and possibly microtubule inhibitors produce the greatest risk at weeks 5‐7 of therapy. Nucleoside analogs, antimetabolites, and bleomycin exert their mutagenic effects on spermatozoa collected at 7‐10 weeks of therapy.Discussion and conclusionsA schema showing the time from initiation of therapy at which specific antineoplastic agents can cause significant levels of genetic damage in conceptuses and live offspring was developed. The estimates and methods for computing the level of such risk from an individual patient's treatment regimen will enable patients and counselors to make informed decisions on the use of spermatozoa or continuation of a pregnancy.
Comparison of outcomes of single‐incision and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis requiring percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage
Authors: Funamizu Naotake , Harada Eriko , Ishiyama Satoshi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionSingle‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been accepted as a less invasive alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). However, the feasibility and safety of SILC for acute cholecystitis, especially in cases with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), are still limited because of the technical difficulty of SILC. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and feasibility of SILC compared to CLC for cholecystitis requiring PTGBD.MethodsFrom 1 July 2017 to 8 June 2019, eight patients underwent SILC with PTGBD, and nine underwent CLC with PTGBD. The patients' data, including the operative time, total blood loss, conversion rate to laparotomy, and perioperative complications, were compared.ResultsIn seven of eight patients, SILC was successfully performed. Only one patient required conversion to open surgery because necrosis prevented the cystic duct from being clipped. However, bile leakage occurred in this patient and was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. In the CLC group, one patient required laparotomy but had no postoperative complications due to strong adhesion. One patient underwent reoperation for bile duct injury after the first operation. One other complication (ie, wound infection) was seen in the CLC group. There was no significant difference in the mean operative time and estimated blood loss between the SILC and CLC groups.ConclusionWith our gallbladder retraction method, SILC may be a relatively safe and feasible alternative to CLC for cholecystitis, even in cases requiring PTGBD.
FLT3 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: Therapeutic paradigm beyond inhibitor development
Authors: Kiyoi Hitoshi , Kawashima Naomi , Ishikawa Yuichi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in hematopoietic cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. The most clinically important point is that mutation of the FLT3 gene is the most frequent genetic alteration and a poor prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. There are two major types of FLT3 mutations: internal tandem duplication mutations in the juxtamembrane domain (FLT3‐ITD) and point mutations or deletion in the tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3‐TKD). Both mutant FLT3 molecules are activated through ligand‐independent dimerization and trans‐phosphorylation. Mutant FLT3 induces the activation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways, mainly STAT5, MAPK and AKT signals, leading to cell proliferation and anti–apoptosis. Because high‐dose chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation cannot sufficiently improve the prognosis, clinical development of FLT3 kinase inhibitors expected. Although several FLT3 inhibitors have been developed, it takes more than 20 years from the first identification of FLT3 mutations until FLT3 inhibitors become clinically available for AML patients with FLT3 mutations. To date, three FLT3 inhibitors have been clinically approved as monotherapy or combination therapy with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in Japan and/or Europe and United states. However, several mechanisms of resistance to FLT3 inhibitors have already become apparent during their clinical trials. The resistance mechanisms are complex and emerging resistant clones are heterogenous. Further basic and clinical studies are required to establish the best therapeutic strategy for AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
The effects of age and obesity on postprandial dynamics of serum testosterone levels in men
Authors: Van de Velde Frederique , Reyns Tim , Toye Kaatje , Fiers Tom , Kaufman Jean‐Marc , T'Sjoen Guy , Lapauw Bruno 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveGuidelines recommend using fasting samples to evaluate testosterone (T) levels in men, as free and total T levels decrease postprandially. However, it is not clear whether these dynamics are affected by age or obesity. This could be relevant given the obesity epidemic, ageing population and the barrier for screening which fasting could impose.Design/ParticipantsA total of 43 men underwent a solid mixed meal tolerance test. Serum samples were taken fasting, and at 30, 60 and 120 minutes postprandially. A commercial immunoassay was used to determine sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectroscopy for total T concentrations and free T levels were calculated.ResultsPostprandially, both total and free T were lower at all‐time points compared with fasting (all, P < .005). At 60 minutes, maximum mean decreases of 15 ± 15% and 17 ± 16% were seen for total and free T levels, respectively. Younger men had greater decreases in both total and free T levels compared with men older than 40 years (all, P < .05). A greater decrease at 30 and 60 minutes postprandially was observed for both total and free T levels in nonobese vs obese men (all, P < .05).ConclusionsAfter a mixed meal, total and free T serum levels decreased whereas SHBG levels did not change. Interestingly, postprandial decreases were less pronounced in men older than 40 years and/or with obesity. Although this study indicates less pronounced decreases in certain men, fasting samples remain a prerequisite for establishing correct diagnosis of male hypogonadism.
Relationship between heart rate variability and carotid intima‐media thickness in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health – ELSA‐Brasil
Authors: Hoshi Rosangela A. , Santos Itamar S. , Dantas Eduardo M. , Andreão Rodrigo V. , Mill José G. , Goulart Alessandra C. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Bensenor Isabela 
Published: December 2019

SummaryBackgroundBoth increased carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) and low heart rate variability (HRV) have been associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether cardio autonomic alterations are accompanied or not by subclinical atherosclerosis in participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil).MethodscIMT measures and 5‐min HRV analyses were performed in apparently healthy adults. Heart rate variability was evaluated by linear time and frequency domain analyses. cIMT was defined as the average between the mean left and mean right cIMT values and was analysed as continuous and categorized variables (P≥75 or P<75). Multiple linear models using continuous variables and multivariate logistic regression with categorized cIMT and HRV quartiles were performed.ResultsOut of 7256 participants eligible for analyses, 23·4% presented cIMT ≥ 75th percentile. Heart rate variability variables were reduced in cIMT ≥ P75 in comparison with cIMT < P75: SDNN 33·0 versus 37·0 ms, P<0·001; RMSSD 22·0 versus 26·0 ms, P<0·001; LF 191·0 versus 260·0 ms2, P<0·001; HF 164·0 versus 238·5 ms2, P<0·001. In crude analysis, an increased odds ratio for cIMT ≥ P75 was verified within the lowest two quartiles of LF and HF, but significances did not remain after adjustments for anthropometric and clinical variables.ConclusionsConsidering the entire sample, subjects with cIMT ≥ P75 presented lower HRV values, but no independent relationships were detected between cIMT and HRV after multivariate adjustment.
A novel method to improve the osteogenesis capacity of hUCMSCs with dual‐directional pre‐induction under screened co‐culture conditions
Authors: Rong Qiong , Li Shuyi , Zhou Yang , Geng Yuanming , Liu Shangbin , Wu Wanqiu , Forouzanfar Tim , Wu Gang , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhou Miao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based therapy for bone regeneration has been regarded as a promising method in the clinic. However, hBMSCs with invasive harvesting process and undesirable proliferation rate hinder the extensive usage. HUCMSCs of easier access and excellent performances provide an alternative for the fabrication of tissue‐engineered bone construct. Evidence suggested the osteogenesis ability of hUCMSCs was weaker than that of hBMSCs. To address this issue, a co‐culture strategy of osteogenically and angiogenically induced hUCMSCs has been proposed since thorough vascularization facilitates the blood‐borne nutrition and oxygen to transport in the scaffold, synergistically expediting the process of ossification.Materials and methodsHerein, we used osteogenic‐ and angiogenic‐differentiated hUCMSCs for co‐culture in screened culture medium to elevate the osteogenic capacity with in vitro studies and finally coupled with 3D TCP scaffold to repair rat's critical‐sized calvarial bone defect. By dual‐directional induction, hUCMSCs could differentiate into osteoblasts and endothelial cells, respectively. To optimize the co‐culture condition, gradient ratios of dual‐directional differentiated hUCMSCs co‐cultured under different medium were studied to determine the appropriate condition.ResultsIt revealed that the osteogenic‐ and angiogenic‐induced hUCMSCs mixed with the ratio of 3:1 co‐cultured in the mixed medium of osteogenic induction medium to endothelial cell induction medium of 3:1 possessed more mineralization nodules. Similarly, ALP and osteogenesis/angiogenesis‐related genes expressions were relatively higher. Further evidence of bone defect repair with 3D printed TCP of 3:1 group exhibited better restoration outcomes.ConclusionsOur work demonstrated a favourable and convenient approach of dual‐directional differentiated hUCMSCs co‐culture to improve the osteogenesis, establishing a novel way to fabricate tissue‐engineered bone graft with 3D TCP for large bone defect augmentation.
Chinese commercial paper: The bank lending channel of monetary transmission and beyond
Authors: Liu Kerry 
Published: December 2019

AbstractChina's commercial paper financing experienced dramatic growth in January 2019. This paper examines the bank lending channel of China's monetary transmission to commercial paper, and more broadly, the factors that affect the growth of commercial paper, which is the first of its kind in the academic literature. The main conclusions include: the bank lending channel to commercial paper exists; the performance of the real economy also has a significant effect on the growth of the commercial paper.
Evaluation of the effect of laser salpingopharyngostomy on the guttural pouch environment in horses
Authors: Jukic Chantelle C. , Cowling Nicholas R. , Perkins Nigel R. , van Eps Andrew W. , Ahern Benjamin J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundLaser salpingopharyngostomy has been used as an adjunct to primary medical therapy allowing for topical debridement, topical treatment or to potentially alter the guttural pouch environment in horses with guttural pouch disease.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of a laser salpingopharyngostomy on the guttural pouch environment in healthy horses.Study designExperimental study.MethodsIn six adult Standardbred female horses, under standing sedation a stab incision was made ventral to the sternocephalicus tendon and a customised trocar inserted into the medial guttural pouch compartment. Baseline (day 0) temperature, humidity, oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were recorded. A laser salpingopharyngostomy was subsequently made into the right guttural pouch. The guttural pouch environment was re‐sampled as above on days 7 and 14 to detect differences in the local environment of the guttural pouch caused by the laser salpingopharyngostomy.ResultsThe guttural pouch environment was altered by the laser salpingopharyngostomy. Baseline recorded values within the guttural pouch were highly constant within each horse. Post laser salpingopharyngostomy there was considerable variation within the guttural pouch between horse and during the period of sampling. Specifically, CO2 levels post laser salpingopharyngostomy appeared to be linked directly to the horse's respiratory pattern with peaks and troughs recorded post laser salpingopharyngostomy. The variation in CO2 was significantly different at days 7 and 14 post laser salpingopharyngostomy compared with baseline levels (day 7 = 6 mm Hg, day 14 = 8.83 mm Hg). Oxygen levels were also more varied during sampling compared with baseline (day 7 = 3.4%, day 14 = 1.83%). There was no change in humidity or temperature during the study.Main limitationsThis study was conducted on horses with no evidence of guttural pouch abnormalities or disease.ConclusionsLaser salpingopharyngostomy alters the guttural pouch environment and this may be useful in the treatment of guttural pouch disease where this alteration is desirable.
Morphological comparison of artificial teeth position utilising denture space in glossectomy patients
Authors: Awuti Shataer , Sumita Yuka I. , Hattori Mariko , Yoshi Shigen , Kelimu Shajidan , Ohbayashi Naoto , Kurabayashi Tohru , Taniguchi Hisashi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the denture space of edentulous glossectomy patients with that of a control group from the perspective of artificial teeth positioning by using three‐dimensional techniques.BackgroundIt is known that the shape of the denture space may be affected by tongue resection or reconstruction. However, the details of artificial teeth positioning in these patients remain unclear.Materials and methodsSix edentulous glossectomy patients aged 73‐83 years and six normal participants aged 74‐85 years participated in the study. Piezography was used to elucidate the characteristics of the denture space. For visualisation, piezographic records were scanned using cone beam computed tomography and the data were converted into stereolithographic format. Three‐dimensional images of piezographic records were then constructed. Bucco‐lingual widths of the mandibular occlusal surface were reproduced, and the camber line of the occlusal surface was set so as to simulate the position of the artificial teeth. The maximum chord of the occlusal surface on the left and right sides was recorded and measured. The discrepancy and ratio of the larger chord to the smaller chord between the right and left sides was calculated and subjected to statistical analyses using the Mann‐Whitney U test.ResultsThere were significant differences in discrepancy and ratio between the left and right in the control group and the glossectomy patients (P ˂ .01). The glossectomy patients showed a greater discrepancy and ratio than the control group.ConclusionsThe simulated artificial teeth positions on the occlusal surface between the right and left side were asymmetric in glossectomy patients.
Prevalence of violence against older adults and associated factors in Çanakkale, Turkey: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gürsoy Melike Yalçın , Kara Fatih 
Published: December 2019

AimThis study was designed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence against older adults and the associated risk factors in Çanakkale, Turkey.MethodsA cross‐sectional, population‐based study was carried out, including 1230 individuals aged ≥65 years living in the city of Çanakkale, Turkey. The population of the study consisted of 73 367 individuals aged ≥65 years, living in Çanakkale. Sample selection was made with the one‐step cluster sampling method. The data were collected by face‐to‐face interview. The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written consent was taken from the participants.ResultsOf the participants, 4.1% had experienced physical violence, 2.5% were subjected to sexual abuse, 23.5% had undergone psychological violence and 12.2% had a history of economic violence. The exposure to any of the given violence types was 28.5%. Risk factors related to violence were being married, having children, educated partner, lack of economic independence, poor self‐perceived health, administration of medications by others, feeling lonely, dissatisfaction with life, poor perception of family relations and not participating in family decisions.ConclusionsThese results show that violence against older adults is a significant problem in a city in western Turkey. Therefore, an in‐depth evaluation of the determined risk factors related to violence and actions for its prevention are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 66–71.