bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic stimuli from predators trigger behavioural responses in aggregate caterpillars
Authors: Breviglieri Crasso Paulo B. , Romero Gustavo Q. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPrey detect their predators through predator signals and cues and, consequently, respond with anti‐predatory behaviours to inhibit the action of their aggressors. Lepidopterans can intercept signals emitted by predators and may defend themselves through chemical, morphological or behavioural responses. In this study, we investigated the effect of acoustic stimuli of different predators on defensive behaviour of gregarious caterpillars. Our results demonstrated that Hylesia nigricans (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) caterpillars alter their behaviour (i.e. abruptly raising the head) in response to the acoustic stimulus of the predators (i.e. predation risk signals from birds and wasps). The magnitude of this response depended on predator identity and caterpillar body size. Larger caterpillars responded more strongly to predatory stimuli than smaller caterpillars. However, regardless of the size of the caterpillars, they responded more strongly to the stimuli of wasps. In addition, we identified that H. nigricans caterpillars emit ultrasonic noise after detecting the stimuli of the predators – this noise seems to function as an alert about the risk of predation during the early stages of development (second and fifth instars). The duration of ultrasonic emission (i.e. milliseconds) increases with the number of repetitions of the stimuli (i.e. wing‐beat sounds of the wasps and insectivorous birds). These results provide novel information about predation risk in interactions among caterpillars and their predators, and indicate possible communication among invertebrates mediated by the risk of predation.
The resprouting response of co‐occurring temperate woody plant and grass species to elevated [CO2]: An insight into woody plant encroachment of grasslands
Authors: Manea Anthony , Leishman Michelle R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe phenomenon of woody plant thickening in grasslands has been observed globally and is likely to have widespread ecological consequences. It has been proposed that woody plant thickening is driven in part by rising atmospheric [CO2] enhancing the resprouting ability of woody plants relative to grasses so they respond more strongly after disturbances such as herbivory and fire. The aim of this study was to examine the CO2 effect on the resprouting ability of 16 co‐occurring temperate woody plant and grass species (eight species from each growth form). Plants were grown in a controlled glasshouse experiment under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated [CO2] (600 ppm) for 14 weeks after which their resprouting ability was measured. Root non‐structural carbohydrate (NSCmass) and nitrogen (Nmass) storage was used as proxies to measure the resprouting ability of woody plants while for the grasses it was measured directly. We found that both the woody plants (22% on average; P = 0.003) and grasses (20% on average; P = 0.003) produced more biomass under elevated [CO2]. Despite the woody plants not allocating additional carbon to belowground storage under elevated [CO2], they had significantly greater root NSCmass (23% on average; P = 0.007) due to increased root biomass production (8% on average; P = 0.007). In contrast, root Nmass of the woody plants did not differ between CO2 treatments (P = 0.373). Surprisingly, the resprouting ability of the grasses did not significantly differ between the CO2 treatments (P = 0.067). These results provide evidence that the differing resprouting response of woody plants and grasses under elevated [CO2] may be contributing to woody plant encroachment of grasslands worldwide.
Impact of environmental conditions on fruit production patterns of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn) in West Africa
Authors: Bondé Loyapin , Ouédraogo Oumarou , Traoré Salifou , Thiombiano Adjima , Boussim Joseph I. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA better knowledge of the impact of environmental conditions on shea tree’s fruit production is critical to improve the species management. Fruit production of 237 shea trees was monitored over five successive years (2014–2018) to understand how climatic variables, shea tree population and land use could affect fruit production patterns of the species in Burkina Faso. Data were collected in 12 shea tree populations distributed in three climatic zones with two contrast land use systems. The results showed that fruit production was negatively correlated with mean annual temperature, temperature seasonality, rainfall seasonality and solar radiation, while it was positive with annual rainfall. Therefore, fruiting modelling is needed to predict the impact of future climate change on reproductive ability of the species. In each climatic zone, fruit production was significantly different among shea tree populations (p < 0.05). Within populations, fruit production greatly varies among years with specific patterns of variation. Land use had significant effect on fruit production of shea tree (p < 0.05). Annually, shea trees produced about 12 times more in agroforestry parklands than in protected areas. Interannual variation in fruit production at individual tree level was higher in protected areas. The cultivation of shea tree is recommended to improve its fruit productivity.
Direct assessment of skin epithelial barrier by electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Rinaldi Arturo O. , Morita Hideaki , Wawrzyniak Paulina , Dreher Anita , Grant Simon , Svedenhag Per , Akdis Cezmi A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundMany skin and mucosal inflammatory disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, have been associated with an impaired epithelial barrier function, which allows allergens, pollutants, or microbes to enter the tissue and activate the immune response. The aim of this study was to establish a method to directly assess in vivo the epidermal barrier function by electrical impedance (EI) spectroscopy.MethodsMice epidermal barrier was damaged by epicutaneous application of proteases and cholera toxin and by tape stripping. EI and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured before and after the application. Additionally, histological analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and RT‐PCR were performed on skin biopsies to evaluate the epithelial barrier.ResultsA few hours after papain application, a dose‐dependent reduction of EI was detected, reflecting the decreased barrier function. At the same time, an increase of TEWL was observed, with a significant negative correlation with EI, demonstrating that EI changes were directly linked to barrier defects. Twenty‐four and 48 hours after the treatment, EI starts to increase to background levels, indicating tissue healing and restoration of skin barrier. Barrier disruption was confirmed by histological analysis showing an impaired stratum corneum and higher cellular infiltration after papain application. In addition, immunofluorescence staining and RT‐PCR showed downregulation of molecules involved in the barrier function, such as filaggrin, occludin, and claudin‐1, and mRNA levels of filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin. Comparable results were observed after tape stripping and cholera toxin treatment.ConclusionElectrical impedance spectroscopy is a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool to detect skin barrier defects.
Safety and effectiveness of aspirin and enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Nadi Sinan , Vreugdenburg Thomas D. , Atukorale Yasoba , Ma Ning , Maddern Guy , Rovers Maroeska 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundPatients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Australian orthopaedic guidelines recommend aspirin and low‐molecular‐weight heparin (e.g. enoxaparin) for VTE prophylaxis; however, there is debate in the international literature around the use of aspirin as VTE prophylaxis. This review assesses the risks and benefits of aspirin compared to enoxaparin as VTE prophylaxis for patients undergoing THA or TKA.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. Studies comparing enoxaparin, aspirin and/or placebo for VTE prophylaxis in THA or TKA patients were included. Network meta‐analysis (NMA) was performed to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Quality appraisal was conducted by assessing risk of bias and the strength of the evidence.ResultsNine randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. The NMA found no statistically significant differences for the investigated outcomes: total DVT rates (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.86, 1.72), symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) rates (RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.02, 50.86), major haemorrhage (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.02, 50.99) and wound complication (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.17, 3.20). The occurrence of PE was rare. Due to limited data, sub‐group analysis was not possible. The overall quality of evidence in the NMA is considered to be very low.ConclusionThis review did not find statistically significant differences between aspirin and enoxaparin. Future studies should identify more evidence, particularly for rare outcomes such as PE, as this might help decision‐makers to get consensus on the use of aspirin as VTE prophylaxis.
Fast‐track surgery for acute appendicitis in children: a systematic review of protocol‐based care
Authors: Do‐Wyeld Montgommery , Rogerson Thomas , Court‐Kowalski Stefan , Cundy Thomas P. , Khurana Sanjeev 
Published: April 2019

Background‘Fast‐track’ surgery protocols aim to standardize and rationalize post‐operative care, with evidence of safety and efficacy in both uncomplicated and complicated childhood appendicitis. Generalization for broader adoption has been limited by variation in protocol design, including specific antibiotic choice, discharge criteria, post‐operative monitoring and patient selection.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the current evidence underpinning fast‐track protocols for childhood appendicitis and identify areas of consensus and controversy.ResultsAbout 33 studies met the inclusion criteria, including four prospective observational studies, 20 case–control studies, seven cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials studying uncomplicated (n = 9), complicated (n = 18) and mixed cohorts (n = 6). Reduction in length of hospital stay was almost universally reported, with equivalent or improved complication rates. Key themes of protocols included antibiotic choice and duration, discharge criteria and post‐operative laboratory and radiographic testing. Rationalized analgesia is an underexplored aspect of protocol design, and a standardized definition of complicated appendicitis remains elusive.ConclusionStandardized care of childhood appendicitis has been shown to be safe and effective in several local and international centres. Next steps include investigation of a complicated appendicitis protocol that integrates rationalized analgesia in appendicectomy recovery, and development of a consistent classification scheme for complicated disease to aid in identification of amenable cohorts.
National trends in urinary diversion over the past 20 years: an Australian study
Authors: Best Oliver , Patel Manish I. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundTo investigate the trends in urinary diversion (UD) in Australia over the past 20 years, to correlate with patient demographics and to compare with international data.MethodsA retrospective analysis of Medicare Australia data was performed using the relevant Medicare Benefit Schedule procedure codes over the past 20 years. Included diversion procedures were ureterocutaneous, ureterocolonic, intestinal conduit and continent reservoir. All patients aged older than 15 years were included in the analyses.ResultsOver the past two decades, 6124 cystectomies and 7166 UDs were subsidized by Medicare Australia. The median age group for UD was 65–74 years old and 71.8% were male. Intestinal conduit accounted for the majority of UDs (84.9%), followed by continent reservoirs (11.8%). Ureterocolonic and ureterocutaneous accounted for small proportions (2.9% and 0.4%, respectively). The absolute numbers of UD procedures increased over the past 20 years but the proportion of different methods remained constant. The rates of continent reservoir UD were significantly higher in men and people aged less than 55 years old (P < 0.001 for both). Over the course of the study, the proportion of people aged greater than 75 years undergoing UD increased significantly (P < 0.001).ConclusionIn contrast to major international academic institutions, the proportion of continent reservoir UDs performed in Australia has not changed over the past two decades. Intestinal conduit remains the most common UD procedure.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: sirolimus‐ or everolimus‐based immunosuppression following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Grigg Sam E. , Sarri Gino L. , Gow Paul J. , Yeomans Neville D. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundCalcineurin‐inhibitor immunosuppressants (tacrolimus and ciclosporin) have been associated with an exposure‐related increase in tumour recurrence following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conversely, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (sirolimus and everolimus) have been suggested to reduce recurrence rates and improve survival in this patient group.AimTo clarify the potential benefit of mTOR‐inhibitors in HCC transplant patients by comparing recurrence and survival outcomes with calcineurin‐inhibitor‐based immunosuppression.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed. The inclusion criteria were observational or interventional studies reporting the effect of early‐initiated (<6 months post‐transplant) mTOR‐inhibitor‐based immunosuppression on survival or tumour recurrence in patients transplanted with HCC, compared to a control of calcineurin‐inhibitor‐based therapy.ResultsMeta‐analysis demonstrated that compared with calcineurin‐inhibitor controls, recurrence‐free‐survival was significantly increased with mTOR‐inhibitor‐based therapy at 1‐year (Risk‐Ratio (RR): 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.18) and 3‐years (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.21) post‐transplant, with a nonsignificant increase at 5‐years (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.99‐1.35). Overall survival was improved at 1‐year (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.12), 3‐years (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.19), and 5‐years (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.29). Recurrence‐rate was lower in the mTOR‐inhibitor arm (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56‐0.82), with no significant increase in acute rejection (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.94‐1.28).ConclusionsmTOR‐inhibitor‐based immunosuppression may be a preferable option in patients transplanted with HCC. It improves recurrence‐free‐survival over at least three years and reduces the recurrence rate compared with standard calcineurin‐inhibitor‐based therapy, with no significant increase in the rate of acute rejection. Future research should clarify the effect in higher vs lower risk cohorts.
Effects of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus on growth performance, immunological parameters, antioxidant status, and intestinal bacteria of quail
Authors: Guo Lili , Hua Jin , Luan Zhihua , Xue Puyou , Zhou Songquan , Wang Xiaomin , Qin Nan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate the potential application of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus (AMSL) in the poultry industry. Quails were divided into four groups and fed daily with an AMSL‐free diet (control) or with 1%, 3%, or 5% (w/w) AMSL‐incorporated diets for 35 days. The results showed that supplementing AMSL in the diet, especially at a concentration of 3%, increased daily gain and feed intake during the entire experiment (p < 0.05). The immune organ development of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius was promoted, and the immune system was enhanced by increasing the quantities of IgA and complements C3 and C4 (p < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 3%–5% AMSL groups regulated the intestinal flora by promoting the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria and inhibiting the growth of coliform bacteria (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding incorporated diets with appropriate AMSL levels significantly increased growth performance, strengthened the immune system, improved antioxidative status, and regulated the intestinal microflora of quails, suggesting that AMSL has the potential to serve as a feed additive in the poultry industry.
Covert moral bioenhancement, public health, and autonomy
Authors: Zambrano Alexander 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn a recent article in this journal, Parker Crutchfield argues that if moral bioenhancement ought to be compulsory, as some authors claim, then it ought to be covert, i.e., performed without the knowledge of the population that is being morally enhanced. Crutchfield argues that since the aim of compulsory moral bioenhancement is to prevent ultimate harm to the population, compulsory moral bioenhancement is best categorized as a public health issue, and should therefore be governed by the norms and values that apply in public health settings. In this article, I argue for two related claims. First, I question the extent to which compulsory moral enhancement should be considered a public health issue that ought to be governed by the norms and values that apply in public health settings. Second, I argue that Crutchfield's argument that covert moral bioenhancement would better respect people's autonomy than an overt program overlooks two important autonomy‐based reasons that, in fact, favor an overt moral enhancement program over a covert one.
Molecular interplay of autophagy and endocytosis in human health and diseases
Authors: Mahapatra Kewal K. , Panigrahi Debasna P. , Praharaj Prakash P. , Bhol Chandra S. , Patra Srimanta , Mishra Soumya R. , Behera Bishnu P. , Bhutia Sujit K. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTAutophagy, an evolutionarily conserved process for maintaining the physio‐metabolic equilibrium of cells, shares many common effector proteins with endocytosis. For example, tethering proteins involved in fusion like Ras‐like GTPases (Rabs), soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), lysosomal‐associated membrane protein (LAMP), and endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) have a dual role in endocytosis and autophagy, and the trafficking routes of these processes converge at lysosomes. These common effectors indicate an association between budding and fusion of membrane‐bound vesicles that may have a substantial role in autophagic lysosome reformation, by sensing cellular stress levels. Therefore, autophagy–endocytosis crosstalk may be significant and implicates a novel endocytic regulatory pathway of autophagy. Moreover, endocytosis has a pivotal role in the intake of signalling molecules, which in turn activates cascades that can result in pathophysiological conditions. This review discusses the basic mechanisms of this crosstalk and its implications in order to identify potential novel therapeutic targets for various human diseases.
Pharmacokinetic study of the oral fluorouracil antitumor agent S‐1 in patients with impaired renal function
Authors: Goto Keiko , Fujiwara Yutaka , Isobe Takeshi , Chayahara Naoko , Kiyota Naomi , Mukohara Toru , Tsubata Yukari , Hotta Takamasa , Tamura Kenji , Yamamoto Noboru , Minami Hironobu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough dose reduction of S‐1 is recommended for patients with impaired renal function, dose modification for such patients has not been prospectively evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of 5‐fluorouracil, 5‐chloro‐2,4 dihydroxypyridine and oteracil potassium, and to review the recommended dose modification of S‐1 in patients with renal impairment. We classified patients receiving S‐1 into 4 groups according to their renal function, as measured using the Japanese estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation. The daily S‐1 dose was adjusted based on the patient's eGFR and body surface area. Blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis. A total of 33 patients were enrolled and classified into 4 groups as follows: 10 patients in cohort 1 (eGFR ≥ 80 mL/min/1.73 m2), 10 patients in cohort 2 (eGFR = 50‐79 mL/min/1.73 m2), 10 patients in cohort 3 (eGFR = 30‐49 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 3 patients in cohort 4 (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Those in cohorts 3 and 4 treated with an adjusted dose of S‐1 showed a similar area under the curve for 5‐fluorouracil (941.9 ± 275.6 and 1043.5 ± 224.8 ng/mL, respectively) compared with cohort 2 (1034.9 ± 414.3 ng/mL). Notably, while there was a statistically significant difference between cohort 1 (689.6 ± 208.8 ng/mL) and 2 (P = 0.0474) treated with an equal dose of S‐1, there was no significant difference observed in the toxicity profiles of the cohorts. In conclusion, dose adjustment of S‐1 in patients with impaired renal function using eGFR is appropriate and safe.
Reminiscing on acute and chronic events in children with cancer and their parents: An exploratory study
Authors: Guidotti Laura , Solari Federica , Bertolini Patrizia , Gebennini Erika , Ghiaroni Giulia , Corsano Paola 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundChildren with cancer live through intense emotional experiences that call for coping with stressful events. The narration of these events allows them to construct a detailed memory system, fostering the elaboration and attribution of meaning to the disease experience. In particular, shared memory between the parent and the child about past events (i.e., reminiscing) helps children to deal with negative emotional experiences, encouraging emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies.The present study aims to investigate reminiscing in parent–child with cancer dyads, focusing on parents' reminiscing habits, parents' reminiscing style about acute and chronic events, and children's well‐being, assessed with respect to emotional regulation and coping skills.MethodFifteen children from ages 4 to 8 years admitted to a paediatric haematology and oncology ward of an Italian hospital, and their parents were engaged in a reminiscing conversation about acute and chronic events related to disease. Moreover, some questionnaires have been proposed to evaluate parents' reminiscing habits and children's emotional regulation and coping skills. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were conducted.ResultsThe data showed that parents frequently practise reminiscing in everyday life, focusing on directive and socioemotional functions. In reminiscing conversations about acute and chronic events concerning their child's illness, they use an elaborative reminiscing style and an emotional reminiscing style mainly concerning chronic events. A positive correlation between this reminiscing style and children's adaptive coping strategies was found mainly in acute events. A negative correlation emerged between parents' emotional terms (emotional reminiscing) and children's difficulties in emotional regulation.ConclusionThis study underlines the benefits of elaborative and emotional reminiscing conversation, in order to help children with cancer and their families to cope with acute and chronic stressful events. Reminiscing can be a useful methodology for health professionals with a view to collecting information on patients' memories of illness.