bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying key questions in the ecology and evolution of cancer
Authors: Dujon Antoine M. , Aktipis Athena , Alix‐Panabières Catherine , Amend Sarah R. , Boddy Amy M. , Brown Joel S. , Capp Jean‐Pascal , DeGregori James , Ewald Paul , Gatenby Robert , Gerlinger Marco , Giraudeau Mathieu , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Hansen Elsa , Kareva Irina , Maley Carlo C. , Marusyk Andriy , McGranahan Nicholas , Metzger Michael J. , Nedelcu Aurora M. , Noble Robert , Nunney Leonard , Pienta Kenneth J. , Polyak Kornelia , Pujol Pascal , Read Andrew F. , Roche Benjamin , Sebens Susanne , Solary Eric , Staňková Kateřina , Swain Ewald Holly , Thomas Frédéric , Ujvari Beata 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe application of evolutionary and ecological principles to cancer prevention and treatment, as well as recognizing cancer as a selection force in nature, has gained impetus over the last 50 years. Following the initial theoretical approaches that combined knowledge from interdisciplinary fields, it became clear that using the eco‐evolutionary framework is of key importance to understand cancer. We are now at a pivotal point where accumulating evidence starts to steer the future directions of the discipline and allows us to underpin the key challenges that remain to be addressed. Here, we aim to assess current advancements in the field and to suggest future directions for research. First, we summarize cancer research areas that, so far, have assimilated ecological and evolutionary principles into their approaches and illustrate their key importance. Then, we assembled 33 experts and identified 84 key questions, organized around nine major themes, to pave the foundations for research to come. We highlight the urgent need for broadening the portfolio of research directions to stimulate novel approaches at the interface of oncology and ecological and evolutionary sciences. We conclude that progressive and efficient cross‐disciplinary collaborations that draw on the expertise of the fields of ecology, evolution and cancer are essential in order to efficiently address current and future questions about cancer.
Melanocortin 1 receptor is dispensable for acute stress induced hair graying in mice
Authors: Zhang Bing , He Megan , Rachmin Inbal , Yu Xiaoling , Kim Seungtea , Fisher David E. , Hsu Ya‐Chieh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractStress is a risk factor for many skin conditions, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its impacts have only begun to be revealed. In mice, acute stress induces loss of melanocyte stem cells (MeSCs) and premature hair greying. Our previous work demonstrated that the loss of MeSCs upon acute stress is caused by the hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. Stress also induces the secretion of stress hormones from the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis; however, whether stress hormones are involved in the hair greying process has not been fully examined. In particular, the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released from the pituitary glands upon stress. ACTH is a ligand for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), which plays critical roles in regulating MeSC migration and skin pigmentation. We investigated whether the MC1R pathway is required for the stress‐induced hair greying. We confirmed that MC1R is the major melanocortin receptor expressed in MeSCs. However, induction of acute stress via resiniferatoxin (RTX) injection still leads to hair greying in Mc1r mutant mice, suggesting that the ACTH–MC1R pathway is not a major contributor in acute stress‐induced premature hair greying.
Delegating power? Performance management from a process perspective
Authors: Gofen Anat , Gassner Drorit 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn contrast to the well‐documented impacts of implementing performance management (PM) systems, the evolution of PM systems' design is understudied, despite the understanding that PM requires ongoing maintenance, continuing reconsideration, and constant adaption to local circumstances. This study employs a process perspective on PM by focusing on the four generations of the Israeli police PM system implemented from 1999 to 2016. Data are drawn from official documentation and interviews with various stakeholders who were involved in the system's re‐designs. PM evolution emerged as a decentralization process, during which Chiefs were gradually given more power, partially at the expense of top management power, through increased discretion, self‐learning features, enhanced understanding and decoupling of measurement–incentives. Shifting from “one size fits all” to a more “tailor‐made” approach, and from top‐down control to user management, PM decentralization exemplifies constructive efforts to bridge the well‐known gap between policy aims and outcomes in performance‐oriented reforms.
Associations between maternal obesity, gestational cytokine levels and child obesity in the NEST cohort
Authors: Maguire Rachel L. , House John S. , Lloyd Dillon T. , Skinner Harlyn G. , Allen Terrence K. , Raffi Asifa Mohamed , Skaar David A. , Park Sarah S. , McCullough Lauren E. , Kollins Scott H. , Bilbo Staci D. , Collier David N. , Murphy Susan K. , Fuemmeler Bernard F. , Gowdy Kymberly M. , Hoyo Cathrine 
Published: December 2020

SummaryBackgroundAlthough maternal systemic inflammation is hypothesized to link maternal pre‐pregnancy obesity to offspring metabolic dysfunction, patient empirical data are limited.ObjectivesIn this study, we hypothesized that pre‐pregnancy obesity alters systemic chemo/cytokines concentrations in pregnancy, and this alteration contributes to obesity in children.MethodsIn a multi‐ethnic cohort of 361 mother‐child pairs, we measured prenatal concentrations of plasma TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, IL‐12 p70 subunit, and IL‐17A using a multiplex ELISA and examined associations of pre‐pregnancy obesity on maternal chemo/cytokine levels, and associations of these cytokine levels with offspring body mass index z score (BMI‐z) at age 2–6 years using linear regression.ResultsAfter adjusting for maternal smoking, ethnicity, age, and education, pre‐pregnancy obesity was associated with increased concentrations of TNF‐α (P = .026) and IFN‐γ (P = .06). While we found no evidence for associations between TNF‐α concentrations and offspring BMI‐z, increased IFN‐γ concentrations were associated with decreased BMI‐z (P = .0002), primarily in Whites (P = .0011). In addition, increased maternal IL‐17A concentrations were associated with increased BMI‐z in offspring (P = .0005) with stronger associations in African Americans (P = .0042) than Whites (P = .24).ConclusionsData from this study are consistent with maternal obesity‐related inflammation during pregnancy, increasing the risk of childhood obesity in an ethnic‐specific manner.
Genome‐wide association study identifying novel variant for fasting insulin and allelic heterogeneity in known glycemic loci in Chilean adolescents: The Santiago Longitudinal Study
Authors: Buchanan Victoria L , Wang Yujie , Blanco Estela , Graff Mariaelisa , Albala Cecilia , Burrows Raquel , Santos José L , Angel Bárbara , Lozoff Betsy , Voruganti Venkata Saroja , Guo Xiuqing , Taylor Kent D , Chen Yii‐Der Ida , Yao Jie , Tan Jingyi , Downie Carolina , Highland Heather M , Justice Anne E , Gahagan Sheila , North Kari E 
Published: December 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe genetic underpinnings of glycemic traits have been understudied in adolescent and Hispanic/Latino (H/L) populations in comparison to adults and populations of European ancestry.ObjectiveTo identify genetic factors underlying glycemic traits in an adolescent H/L population.MethodsWe conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of fasting glucose (FG) and fasting insulin (FI) in H/L adolescents from the Santiago Longitudinal Study.ResultsWe identified one novel variant positioned in the CSMD1 gene on chromosome 8 (rs77465890, effect allele frequency = 0.10) that was associated with FI (β = −0.299, SE = 0.054, p = 2.72×10−8) and was only slightly attenuated after adjusting for body mass index z‐scores (β = −0.252, SE = 0.047, p = 1.03×10−7). We demonstrated directionally consistent, but not statistically significant results in African and Hispanic adults of the Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology Consortium. We also identified secondary signals for two FG loci after conditioning on known variants, which demonstrate allelic heterogeneity in well‐known glucose loci.ConclusionOur results exemplify the importance of including populations with diverse ancestral origin and adolescent participants in GWAS of glycemic traits to uncover novel risk loci and expand our understanding of disease aetiology.
Prospects of alleviating early planting‐associated cold susceptibility of soybean using microbes: New insights from microbiome analysis
Authors: Bandara Ananda Y. , Weerasooriya Dilooshi K. , Bell Terrence H. , Esker Paul D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCold susceptibility is a concern when growing crops of tropical origin in temperate regions. Crops such as rice, corn, sorghum, and soybean are generally susceptible to chilling stress. From production standpoint, a crop's cold tolerance is particularly important when the general recommendation is to adopt earlier than currently practicing planting dates in the spring. Early planting is a potential route to increase soybean yield in the United States. Nonetheless, early planting is often not practically feasible due to low soil temperatures. Although some commercial varieties are cold‐tolerant, soybean is generally prone to cold stress. Soil temperatures below 10°C reduce germination and seedling vigour. Cold temperatures can also increase soybean vulnerability to soilborne seed/seedling diseases. Microorganisms are experimentally shown to alleviate cold stress in agriculturally important crops such as rice, wheat, tomato and grapes. Although microbial inoculants are available to augment soybean yields through enhanced nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization and improved water/nutrient uptake, currently there are no commercially available inoculants to enhance soybean cold tolerance. Here we provide insights into the value of soybean rhizosphere microbiome analysis to identify microbial taxa that could potentially enhance soybean cold tolerance. Formulation of promising candidates into a seed treatment could contribute to early planting‐enabled soybean yield gains.
Optimizing the fiber push‐out method to evaluate interfacial failure in SiC/BN/SiC ceramic matrix composites
Authors: De Meyere Robin M. G. , Gale Louise , Harris Stephen , Edmonds Ian M. , Marrow Thomas J. , Armstrong David E. J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe investigation of several parameters during fiber push‐out micromechanical tests on the interfacial shear strength (ISS) of the BN interphase in SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMC) was undertaken to optimize experimental work. The SiCf/SiC composites—candidate materials for jet engine components—were manufactured with varying fiber types and interlayer thicknesses. Experimental parameters explored included analyzing the effect of sample thickness on the success rate of micromechanical tests, the effect of fiber local environment whether at tow‐level (intra‐tow variability in ISS) or CMC architecture‐level (inter‐tow variability), the effect of nanoindenter flat‐punch tip size, and the effect of the interphase thickness itself. Over 1000 fiber push‐outs were performed and analyzed in this work—with data presented as cumulative distribution functions to compare and contrast samples. It was found that the ISS measured was strongly and statistically influenced by the underlying fiber roughness (interphase adherence), as well as its local fiber environment (e.g., number of nearest neighbors) only if the thickness of the interphase itself surpassed a threshold of 200 nm. Finally for thinner interphases, limited value was added to the CMC as the ISS measured was high and there was no effect from any local environment.
Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health in Spine Surgery: Impact on Postoperative Delirium
Authors: Pernik Mark N. , Deme Palvasha R. , Nguyen Madelina L. , Aoun Salah G. , Adogwa Owoicho , Hall Kristen , Stewart Nick A. , Dosselman Luke J. , El Tecle Najib E. , McDonald Shelley R. , Bagley Carlos A. , Wingfield Sarah A. 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDelirium is a common postoperative complication in geriatric patients, especially in those with underlying risk factors. Multicomponent nonpharmacologic interventions are effective in preventing delirium, however, implementation of these measures is variable in perioperative care. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of our Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health Program (UTSW POSH) on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing elective spine surgery.Study DesignThe UTSW POSH program is an interdisciplinary perioperative initiative involving geriatrics, surgery, and anesthesiology to improve care for high‐risk geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Preoperatively, enrolled patients (n = 147) were referred for a geriatric assessment and optimization for surgery. Postoperatively, patients were co‐managed by the primary surgical team and the geriatrics consult service. UTSW POSH patients were retrospectively compared to a matched historical control group (n = 177) treated with usual care. Main outcomes included postoperative delirium and provider recognition of delirium.ResultsUTSW POSH patients were significantly older (75.5 vs 71.5 years; P < .001), had more comorbidities (8.02 vs 6.58; P < .001), and were more likely to undergo pelvic fixation (36.1% vs 17.5%; P < .001). The incidence of postoperative delirium was lower in the UTSW POSH group compared to historical controls, although not statistically significant (11.6% vs 19.2%; P = .065). Delirium was significantly lower in patients who underwent complex spine surgery (≥4 levels of vertebral fusion; N = 106) in the UTSW POSH group (11.7% vs 28.9%, P = .03). There was a threefold increase in the recognition of postoperative delirium by providers after program implementation, (76.5% vs 23.5%; P = .001).ConclusionsThis study suggests that interdisciplinary care for high‐risk geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium and increase provider recognition of delirium. The benefit may be greater for those undergoing larger procedures.
Asymmetry of the pelvic ring evaluated by CT‐based 3D statistical modeling
Authors: Handrich Kristin , Kamer Lukas , Mayo Keith , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Noser Hansrudi , Arand Charlotte , Wagner Daniel , Rommens Pol M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe human pelvis is a complex anatomical structure that consists of the innominate bones, sacrum and coccyx to form the pelvic ring. Even though considered to be a symmetric entity, asymmetry of the pelvic ring (APR) might occur to alter its anatomy, function, or biomechanics or to impact assessment and treatment of clinical cases. APR and its assessment is complicated by the intricate anatomy of the pelvic ring. There is only limited information and understanding about APR with no established evaluation methods existing. The objective of the present study was to adopt CT‐based 3D statistical modeling and analysis to assess APR within the complex anatomy of the pelvic ring. We were interested to establish a better understanding of APR with knowledge and applications transferred to human anatomy, related research, and development subjects and to clinical settings. A series of 150 routine, clinical, pelvic CT protocols of European and Asian males and females (64 ± 15 (20–90) years old) were post‐processed to compute gender‐ and ancestry‐specific 3D statistical models of the pelvic ring. Evaluations comprised principal component analysis (PCA) that included size, shape, and asymmetry patterns and their variations to be assessed. Four different CT‐based 3D statistical models of the entire pelvic ring were computed according to the gender and ancestry specific groups. PCA mainly displayed size and shape variations. Examination of additional PCA modes permitted six distinct asymmetry patterns to be identified. They were located at the sacrum, iliac crest, pelvic brim, pubic symphysis, inferior pubic ramus, and near to the acetabulum. Accordingly, the pelvic ring demonstrated not to be entirely symmetric. Assessment of its asymmetry proved to be a challenging task. Using CT‐based 3D statistical modeling and PCA, we identified six distinct APRs that were located at different anatomical regions. These regions are more prone to APRs than other sites. Minor asymmetry patterns have to be distinguished from the distinct APRs. Side differences with regard to size, shape, and/or position require to be taken into account. APRs may be due different load mechanisms applied via spine or lower extremity or locally. There is a need for simpler and efficient, yet reliable methods to be routinely transferred to human anatomy, related research, and development subjects and to clinical settings.
Report of one case of malignancy among 17 autonomous thyroid nodules in children and adolescents
Authors: Rosario Pedro W , de Castro Nicolau Theara 
Published: December 2020

AimThis study aimed to report a case of malignancy in a series of 17 autonomous thyroid nodules in children/adolescents.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients with thyroid nodules between 2003 and 2018 who had the following characteristics: (i) low serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); (ii) nodule(s) > 1 cm on ultrasonography; (iii) homogenous uptake on scintigraphy with radioiodine in the area corresponding to the nodule(s); (iv) suppression of the remaining parenchyma; and (v) age ≤ 18 years. The approach of the institution was to perform fine‐needle aspiration in all children/adolescents with autonomous thyroid nodules, as well as surgery in all patients of this age group with toxic nodular disease.ResultsThirteen patients, 11 girls and 2 boys aged 9–18 years, had 17 autonomous nodules ranging in size from 1.4 to 5.5 cm. Cytology was benign in 11 nodules (64.7%) and histology confirmed the benign nature in all of them. Two nodules (11.7%) had non‐diagnostic cytology and were also benign. Cytology was indeterminate in three other nodules (17.6%), with two adenomas and one follicular tumour of uncertain malignant potential. Finally, cytology was suspicious for malignancy in only one nodule (5.9%) for which the infiltrative follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma was confirmed. The patient was a 13‐year‐old girl whose nodule exhibited highly suspicious ultrasonography features.ConclusionThe incidence of malignancy in this series of 17 autonomous thyroid nodules in children/adolescents was 5.9%.
Changing color and intensity of LED lighting across the day impacts on circadian melatonin rhythms and sleep in healthy men
Authors: Stefani Oliver , Freyburger Marlène , Veitz Simon , Basishvili Tamara , Meyer Martin , Weibel Janine , Kobayashi Kumpei , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Cajochen Christian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe examined whether dynamically changing light across a scheduled 16‐h waking day influences sleepiness, cognitive performance, visual comfort, melatonin secretion, and sleep under controlled laboratory conditions in healthy men. Fourteen participants underwent a 49‐h laboratory protocol in a repeated‐measures study design. They spent the first 5 hours in the evening under standard lighting, followed by an 8‐h nocturnal sleep episode at habitual bedtimes. Thereafter, volunteers either woke up to static light or to a dynamic light that changed spectrum and intensity across the scheduled 16‐h waking day. Following an 8‐h nocturnal sleep episode, the volunteers spent another 11 hours either under static or dynamic light. Static light attenuated the evening rise in melatonin levels more compared to dynamic light as indexed by a significant reduction in the melatonin AUC prior to bedtime during static light only. Participants felt less vigilant in the evening during dynamic light. After dynamic light, sleep latency was significantly shorter in both the baseline and treatment night while sleep structure, sleep quality, cognitive performance, and visual comfort did not significantly differ. The study shows that dynamic changes in spectrum and intensity of light promote melatonin secretion and sleep initiation in healthy men.
Evaluation of metabolic monitoring practices for mental health consumers in the Southern District Health Board Region of New Zealand
Authors: O'Brien Anthony John , Abraham Reny Mary 
Published: December 2020

Accessible summaryWhat is known on this subject?

The physical health of people with serious mental illness (SMI) is an issue of growing concern in New Zealand and internationally.

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent among people with severe mental illness and increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

No previous international research has investigated rates of metabolic monitoring in specialist mental health services and in primary care.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Rates of metabolic monitoring are low in this specialist mental health service and in primary care.

Primary care nurses are positive in their views of their role in providing care for people with mental illness, and would value further education in this area.

What are the implications for practice?

Services need to consider ways in which nurses can be supported to improve rates of metabolic monitoring.

Guidelines may have a role to play in improved monitoring but need service‐level support in order to be effective.

AbstractIntroductionPeople with serious mental illness experience significant disparities in their physical health compared with the general population. One indicator of health impairment is metabolic syndrome, which increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. No international studies have reported both primary care and mental health nurses' rates of metabolic monitoring among people with serious mental illness, and no New Zealand studies have investigated rates of metabolic monitoring.AimTo evaluate metabolic monitoring practices within one of New Zealand's 20 district health board regions.MethodAn audit of clinical records in primary care (n = 46) and secondary care (n = 47) settings and a survey of practice nurses were conducted. A survey was sent to 127 practice nurses with a response rate of 19% (n = 24). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsRates of metabolic monitoring were low in both services. Survey participants expressed positive views towards physical health monitoring and confidence in relating to mental health consumers. Rates of treatment of metabolic abnormalities were low, and communication between primary and secondary services was limited.ConclusionDespite existence of guidelines and protocols, metabolic monitoring rates in both primary and secondary health services are low. Incorporating metabolic monitoring systems into service delivery, supported by appropriate tools and resourcing, is essential to achieve better clinical outcomes for people experiencing mental illness.