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The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is a critically endangered species. Three-dimensional–printed prosthetic beaks made of titanium alloy and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) were used to repair the beak of a red-crowned crane that had a complete fracture of the anterior maxillary bone and rhinotheca. The physical properties and stability of the prostheses and changes in the crane's behaviors after application of either beak were evaluated. The titanium alloy and PEEK prosthetic beaks weighed 30.81 g and 5.9 g, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed differences in microstructure between the 2 materials and the true beak; the true beak was softer than both materials from which the prostheses were made. The titanium beak frequently detached, and the residual natural beak showed significant cuticle softening with this prosthetic beak. The titanium beak detached within an approximately 3-month period after placement, whereas the PEEK prosthetic beak has remained secure for 2 years. Moreover, the crane's foraging times (P <.01) and grooming times (P <.05) with the titanium alloy false beak were lower than the normal, red-crowned crane. With the PEEK beak, no detachment or cuticle softening occurred, and foraging and grooming behaviors were evaluated by the investigators as natural (P >.05). Based on the results of this clinical case, the PEEK prosthetic beak was found to be superior to the titanium alloy prosthetic beak in color, weight, firmness, and postoperative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the genus Treron (Columbidae) are widely distributed in southern Asia and the Indo-Malayan Region but their relationships are poorly understood. Better knowledge of the systematic status of this genus may help studies of historical biogeography and taxonomy. The complete mitochondrial genome of T. curvirostra was characterized, a first for the genus. It is 17,414 base pairs in length, containing two rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), and one D-loop with a primary structure that is similar to that found in most members of Columbidae. Most PCGs start with the common ATG codon but are terminated by different codons. The highest value of the Ka/Ks ratio within 13 PCGs was found in ATP8 with 0.1937, suggesting that PCGs of the mitochondrial genome tend to be conservative in Columbidae. Moreover, the phylogenetic relationships within Columbidae, which was based on sequences of 13 PCGs, showed that (T. curvirostra + Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) were clustered in one clade, suggesting a potentially close relationship between Treron and Hemiphaga. However, the monophyly of the subfamilies of Columbidae recognized by the Interagency Taxonomic Information System could not be corroborated. Hence, the position of the genus Treron in the classification of Columbidae may have to be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently published studies investigating the association between brain tumors and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk have yielded inconsistent findings. To provide a more precise estimate for this association, we firstly performed a meta-analysis by pooling all currently available data. Methods: Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by use of STATA 12.0 software. All eligible studies were identified by a comprehensive literature search in databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google scholar. Results: According to the inclusion criteria, 9 independent studies were finally included into this study. Individuals with brain tumors were at an increased risk of VTE (RR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.31-2.12, P < 0.001), particularly those undergoing surgery (RR =1.68, 95% CI 1.44-1.98, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis by type of tumor showed that the risk of VTE was significantly associated with glioma (RR=1.68, 95% CI 1.44-1.98, P < 0.001), high-grade glioma (RR=1.70, 95% CI 1.29-2.23, P < 0.001), and glioblastoma multiforme (RR=1.74, 95% CI 1.43-2.12, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests increased risk of VTE in patients with brain tumors, particularly those undergoing surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of a series of global security incidents, scholars and observers have placed increasing importance on nontraditional security (NTS). Since 2012, Xi Jinping's regime has emphasized NTS issues and cooperation, which begs the question "What is the role of NTS in China's foreign policy, and how is it shaped?" This study analyzes articles that include the term "nontraditional security" ("") in The People's Daily newspaper since its first mention in 2001. Focusing particularly on the period between 2012 and 2019, the study explains China's securitization process and its motivations toward NTS issues. By analyzing case studies of the NTS issues of terrorism, environmental issues, and cybersecurity, and further summarizing the logic in common behind the Chinese government's process of securitizing NTS issues, this paper highlights the correlation between the characteristics of China's NTS and China's major foreign policy initiatives that play an active role in leading international efforts to enhance global governance and exploring new models of cooperation. Based on an analysis of China's emphasis on promotion of NTS and provision of public goods, I argue that NTS has played an increasingly important role in China's pursuit of greater influence in global governance mechanisms., (© Journal of Chinese Political Science/Association of Chinese Political Studies 2020.)