bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of transient infantile pseudohypoaldosteronism in Ireland: A prospective study
Authors: Kaninde Abhidhamma , Grace Mariana L. , Joyce Caroline , Taylor Norman F. , Ghataore Lea , Riordan Micheal F. , O’Grady Michael J. , O’Connell Susan M.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To review the clinical course, outcome and incidence of infantile salt wasting associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or urinary tract malformation (UTM) over a two‐year surveillance period on the island of Ireland.

Methods

A two‐year (2013‐14) prospective surveillance undertaken via the Irish and Ulster Paediatric Surveillance Units. Monthly prepaid postcards were circulated to consultant paediatricians (n = 260) at all paediatric units on the island of Ireland. Infants under one year of age presenting for the first time with hyponatraemia (Na < 130 mmol/L) and/or hyperkalaemia (K > 5.0 mmol/L) associated with urosepsis/UTM were reported.

Results

All 7 reported patients (6 male) had culture‐proven UTI, and 5 (71%) also had an underlying UTM (one diagnosed antenatally). Four (57%) patients had a documented elevated serum aldosterone supporting secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) as the underlying diagnosis. Data on aldosterone were not reported in the other 3 patients, but clinical features were suggestive of secondary PHA. The estimated incidence for the Irish population of transient PHA is 1 per 13,200 total live births per year.

Conclusions

Salt wasting is a rare complication of UTI, especially if associated with underlying UTM. Boys appear to be at particular risk.
Determinants of Labor Force Participation and Wages in Thailand: What is the Role of the Informal Sector?*
Authors: Thaiprasert Nalitra , Leurcharusmee Supanika , Jatukannyaprateep Peerapat , Sirisrisakulchai Jirakom
Published: November 2020

There has been a perennial debate on why the informal economy exists and grows in developing countries around the world. The present study focuses on the case of Thailand, one of the countries with the highest share of informal activities, to clarify whether its informal workers participate in the informal sector voluntarily or involuntarily. The confirmation matters for the design of government policies and public welfare. We separated the study into two levels. First, at the national level, we used the finite mixture model to examine the 2010 Population and Housing Census and estimate the wage equations for formal, voluntary informal and involuntary informal workers. Second, we focused on a local area for the case of Chiang Mai city, where we surveyed a sample of 393 informal business owners to understand their decision to participate in the informal sector. From both levels of study, we found heterogeneity among the informal workers, who could be classified into voluntary and involuntary groups. While those in the voluntary group stay in the informal sector because workers prefer time flexibility, those in the involuntary group stay because of family burdens. Both levels of data also showed that the Thai informal sector is dominated by the voluntary group (>70 percent).
Access to Antenatal Care in Laos: Analysis Using National Level Survey*
Authors: Onphanhdala Phanhpakit , Philavong Vanvisa , Kadoya Yoshihiko , Rahim Khan Mostafa S.
Published: November 2020

Laos has the highest maternal mortality rate in Southeast Asia. The present study examines antenatal care and birth location in relation to the residence, household education levels, wealth, ethnicity, age and media interest of pregnant women. The logit and OLS regression results show that pregnant women living in urban areas and rural areas with roads, from wealthy families, in the Lao ethnic group and in the young age group are more likely to receive antenatal care and have professional health workers deliver their children. Therefore, greater governmental efforts are required to make antenatal care available to all pregnant women.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of evogliptin in hepatically impaired patients
Authors: Hong Taegon , Jin Byung Hak , Kim Choon Ok , Yoo Byung Won , Kim Dasohm , Lee Jung Il , Kim Beom Kyung , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Do Young , Park Jun Yong , Park Min Soo
Published: November 2020

Aims

Evogliptin is a potent and selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor for glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Since evogliptin is mainly eliminated through hepatic metabolism, we investigated the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety characteristics of evogliptin in Korean patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.

Methods

An open‐label, parallel‐group study was conducted in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment and healthy control subjects matched to each patient for sex, age and body mass index. A single dose (5 mg) of evogliptin was administered orally, and serial blood samples were collected over 120 h to assess the PK profile of evogliptin and its main metabolites (M7 and M8).

Results

Patients with mild hepatic impairment and their matched healthy controls showed similar maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve values from 0 to 120 h (AUClast); the geometric mean ratio (GMR) and 90% confidence interval (CI) were 1.04 (0.80, 1.35) and 1.01 (0.90, 1.14), respectively. Exposure to evogliptin (Cmax and AUClast) was increased by about 40% in patients with moderate hepatic impairment—the GMR and 90% CI were 1.37 (1.09, 1.72) and 1.44 (1.18, 1.75), respectively. The metabolic ratios of M7 and M8 were lower in patients with moderate hepatic impairment than in matched healthy controls. Evogliptin was well tolerated by both patients and healthy subjects.

Conclusion

Although evogliptin exposure was increased in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the increase is unlikely to affect safety and efficacy adversely, and no dose adjustment is warranted.
Tachyplesin induces apoptosis in non‐small cell lung cancer cells and enhances the chemosensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by activating Fas and necroptosis pathway
Authors: Wu Jun , Chen Xi , Zhang Jiaxi , Chen Jianming , Wang Yajun , Wei Ting , Ma Jinyao , Li Yuanqi , Mo Ting , He Zhan , Zhang Haitao
Published: November 2020

Cisplatin has strong broad‐spectrum anticancer activity and is one of the most effective anticancer drugs currently used. The clinical application of cisplatin has led to the resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin. Tachyplesin is an active, natural marine peptide with antitumour activity. In the present study, we investigated whether tachyplesin can be used in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 and H460 cells as well as the cisplatin‐resistant human A549/DDP NSCLC cell line. The results revealed that tachyplesin treatment significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in A549 and H460 cells and the combination of tachyplesin and cisplatin significantly suppressed migration and improved sensitivity to cisplatin in A549/DDP cells. Further mechanistic examination revealed that tachyplesin induced apoptosis in A549/DDP cells by increasing Fas, FasL and p‐RIPK1 levels. These results indicated that tachyplesin induces lung cancer death by activating the Fas, mitochondrial and necroptosis pathways. Tachyplesin could be developed as a candidate drug for cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC.
‘Discuss it with your legal guardian’: Challenges in practising care for young unaccompanied refugee minors
Authors: Omland Guro Brokke , Andenas Agnes , Sveaass Nora
Published: November 2020

How is care arranged for unaccompanied refugee minors at residential care institutions, and what kind of conditions do these arrangements constitute for young persons' well‐being and development? Informed by developmental perspectives that consider young people's development through participation across contexts in everyday life and by research into how parents in ‘ordinary’ families organize care, we developed a study based on interviews with 15 unaccompanied refugee minors and their professional caregivers at residential care institutions. The interviews were analysed systematically by exploring how care is arranged between professionals and its implications in the young persons' lives. The results elucidate how responsibility for following up and making sense of central issues in the lives of the minors was allocated to professionals outside the daily care rather than being part of the primary caregivers' contact with the minors. This practice contrasts with what young persons in ‘ordinary families’ in Norway enjoy, where coordination across contexts and keeping an overview of the total care are considered the responsibility of parents. The article focuses on the outsourcing of what we call refugee‐related legal issues in the minors' everyday lives, to the legal guardians, which appeared to be a barrier to being understood and supported.
Determining the role of eudaimonic values in conservation behavior
Authors: Winkler‐Schor Sophia , van Riper Carena J. , Landon Adam , Keller Rose
Published: November 2020

Values are the fundamental reasons why people engage in conservation behaviors. Recent research has called for a more refined approach to studying values in a way that accounts for the concept of eudaimonia. However, the empirical properties for a eudaimonic value scale have not been tested given that previous investigations have remained at the theoretical level. Drawing from an on‐site survey of visitors to Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, we used a latent profile analysis to better understand the expression of multiple values of nature. Specifically, we segmented respondents by their value orientations with a particular focus on evaluating eudaimonic and hedonic values, alongside the established dimensions of altruistic, biospheric, and egoistic values. We identified 4 distinct subgroups defined by value orientations and validated these subgroups based on measures of conservation behavior and sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age). These results indicated campaign messaging should harness a combination of eudaimonic, biospheric, and altruistic values to propel individual behavior. We also observed that hedonic and egoistic values defined how people related to nature and played a role, albeit less pronounced, in motivating them to take action. Our study is one of the first efforts to operationalize eudaimonia in a conservation context; thus, we have opened a new avenue for protected‐area managers to align their strategies with the underlying values of stakeholders.
Tools for assessing the psychometric adequacy of latent variables in conservation research
Authors: Kyle Gerard , Landon Adam , Vaske Jerry , Wallen Kenneth
Published: November 2020

Conservation psychology has a history of measuring variables that cannot be seen (e.g., values, attitudes, norms). Such latent variables are critical drivers of human action and are often measured using responses to survey questions. Tools for establishing the psychometric adequacy of unobservable, latent variables has been a century‐long pursuit and challenge for quantitative psychologists and statisticians. Fundamental questions at the heart of this challenge include is what is claimed to be measured (validity) being measured and is measurement consistent (reliability)? We examined common methods used to establish the validity and reliability of psychometric instruments. Through a case study of anglers in Texas, we investigated the protocols and metrics used to evaluate the measurement of latent variables. The indicators we tested (identity, awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, and personal norms) validly and reliably assessed latent variables. Our findings also illustrated decision protocols (e.g., discriminant validity, convergent validity, internal consistency) involved in assessing the psychometric adequacy of latent variable indicators. The ability to correctly identify significant relationships among unobserved variables and their influence on human action is directly tied to the adequacy of measurement. In an era of instability and change that threatens social‐ecological systems worldwide, the need for accuracy and precision in conservation social science has never been greater. Research that employs flawed measures has potential to lead to erroneous conclusions and undermine conservation and biodiversity protection.
Does oncological outcome differ between restorative and nonrestorative low anterior resection in patients with primary rectal cancer?
Authors: Roodbeen Sapho X. , Blok Robin D. , Borstlap Wernard A. , Bemelman Willem A. , Hompes Roel , Tanis Pieter J. ,   the Dutch Snapshot Research Group
Published: November 2020

Aim

Nonrestorative low anterior resection (n‐rLAR) (also known as low Hartmann’s) is performed for rectal cancer when a poor functional outcome is anticipated or there have been problems when constructing the anastomosis. Compared with restorative LAR (rLAR), little oncological outcome data are available for n‐rLAR. The aim of this study was to compare oncological outcomes between rLAR and n‐rLAR for primary rectal cancer.

Method

This was a nationwide cross‐sectional comparative study including all elective sphincter‐saving LAR procedures for nonmetastatic primary rectal cancer performed in 2011 in 71 Dutch hospitals. Oncological outcomes of patients undergoing rLAR and n‐rLAR were collected in 2015; the data were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and the results compared using log‐rank testing. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the type of LAR and oncological outcome measures.

Results

A total of 1197 patients were analysed, of whom 892 (75%) underwent rLAR and 305 (25%) underwent n‐rLAR. The 3‐year local recurrence (LR) rate was 3% after rLAR and 8% after n‐rLAR (P < 0.001). The 3‐year disease‐free survival and overall survival rates were 77% (rLAR) vs 62% (n‐rLAR) (P < 0.001) and 90% (rLAR) vs 75% (n‐rLAR) (P < 0.001), respectively. In multivariable Cox analysis, n‐rLAR was independently associated with a higher risk of LR (OR = 2.95) and worse overall survival (OR = 1.72).

Conclusion

This nationwide study revealed that n‐rLAR for rectal cancer was associated with poorer oncological outcome than r‐LAR. This is probably a noncausal relationship, and might reflect technical difficulties during low pelvic dissection in a subset of those patients, with oncological implications.
Diagnostic yield and treatment impact of whole‐genome sequencing in paediatric neurological disorders
Authors: Lee Hsiu‐Fen , Chi Ching‐Shiang , Tsai Chi‐Ren
Published: November 2020

Aim

To investigate the diagnostic yield and treatment impact of whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) in patients with paediatric neurological disorders.

Method

From January 2016 to December 2019, paediatric patients who had suspected genetic neurological disorders were assessed using WGS. The phenotypes of eligible patients were divided into four groups: patients with neurodevelopmental disorders; patients with epilepsy; patients with neuromuscular disorders; and patients with movement disorders.

Results

A total of 214 consecutive patients (128 males, 86 females) underwent WGS. The mean (SD) age of disease onset was 13.8 (27.6) months (range 1d–15y 5mo). The mean (SD) age at which WGS was performed was 71.7 (58.9) months (range 8d–18y). A molecular diagnosis was reported in 43.9% of patients. The highest diagnostic rate was achieved in 62.5% of patients with neuromuscular disorders, 47.5% of patients with epilepsy, 41.1% of patients with neurodevelopment disorders, and 15.4% of patients with movement disorders. All 94 patients with a WGS diagnosis were given access to genetic counselling and 23.4% of patients had immediate changes in treatment strategies after undergoing WGS.

Interpretation

WGS allows paediatric neurologists to integrate genomic data into their diagnosis and adjust management strategies for a range of clinical and genetically heterogeneous disease entities to improve the clinical outcomes of patients. In our cohort, the diagnosis of a significant proportion of patients was reached through WGS (43.9%). Clinicians could use these results to directly guide the management of their patients and improve their clinical outcomes (23.4%).

What this paper adds

For selected children in our cohort, the diagnostic yield of whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) was 43.9%.

WGS can be used to expand our knowledge of phenotype–genotype variations.
Collusion among Accounting Students: Data Visualization and Topic Modeling of Student Interviews
Authors: Shrader Charles B. , Ravenscroft Sue Pickard , Kaufmann Jeffrey B. , Hansen Kyle
Published: November 2020

Although classroom cheating violates academic standards of behavior, it occurs frequently. Although the research on cheating is extensive, few researchers have interviewed students directly involved in cheating behaviors. We explore interview responses gathered from a cohort of graduate accounting students, some of whom colluded on an assignment, whereas others did not. We use Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a powerful text mining algorithm, as our primary tool to explore the underlying topical structure of the interviews and to demarcate subtle differences among students’ reactions to and explanations of their experience. Because LDA does not impose or require a priori theories, we use it to provide ideas for future research rather than to test extant theories about classroom collusion. We identify five primary topics that emerged from the accounting students’ reflections: (1) general course context (including honor code), (2) the rigor of the assignment, (3) student teams as support mechanisms, (4) the perceived repercussions of cheating (colluding), and (5) personality differences between the tax and audit track students. We find subtle language differences between colluders and noncolluders. Colluders considered the nature of the assignment and the difference between tax and audit majors more significant than noncolluders did. Additionally, the role of teams and the general institutional context were somewhat less relevant for colluders than for noncolluders. We conclude by exploring ethical and pedagogical implications of structuring courses as heavily team based for teaching and future research purposes.
Lemon and Schinus polygama essential oils enhance male mating success of Anastrepha fraterculus
Authors: Ruiz María J. , Juárez María L. , Jofré Barud Flavia , Goane Lucía , Valladares Gabriela A. , Bachmann Guillermo E. , Belliard Silvina A. , Páez Jerez Paula , Zamora Belli Ana Lucía , García Méndez F. Daniela , Segura Diego F. , López M. Liza , Vera María T.
Published: November 2020

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly pest control method that relies on the introduction of sterility into the pest population by the release of sterile males. Many Tephritidae fruit fly pests are currently being controlled with SIT. Sterile insect technique efficacy can be increased if the sexual success of mass‐reared sterile males is enhanced. Phytochemicals influence the sexual behaviour of many species of phytophagous insects. Here, we evaluated the possibility of using essential oils to enhance male sexual success of the highly polyphagous fruit fly pest Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), also known as the South American fruit fly. In laboratory tests, we determined the effect of exposing males to volatiles from seven essential oils [Baccharis spartioides (Hook. & Arn) Cabrera (Asteraceae), Schinus polygama (Cav.) Cabrera, Schinus areira (L.) (Anacardiaceae), Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) (Zingiberaceae), Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F., Citrus paradisi Macfad., and Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae)] and two monoterpenes (limonene and citral) that are present at high proportions in some of the oils we evaluated. One exposed and one non‐exposed (control) male were placed in a mating arena with one virgin female. We recorded the type of male chosen as mating partner, copula start time, and copula duration. Laboratory males exposed to the volatiles of C. limon and S. polygama essential oils achieved more matings than non‐exposed males. The rest of the oils had no effect on male mating success. In addition, limonene‐exposed males obtained significantly more matings than non‐exposed males, and citral induced a detrimental effect. Exposure to the volatiles of the various essential oils and monoterpenes did not impact on copula start time and copula duration. We discuss the role of essential‐oil volatiles on A. fraterculus males’ sexual behaviour and its implications for SIT.
Multiple‐scale negative impacts of warming on ecosystem carbon use efficiency across the Tibetan Plateau grasslands
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Yangjian , Zhu Juntao , Cong Nan , Zhao Guang , Zu Jiaxing , Wang Zhipeng , Huang Ke , Wang Li , Liu Yaojie , Zheng Zhoutao , Tang Ze , Zhu Yixuan , Zhang Tao , Xu Mingjie , Di Yangping , Chen Yao
Published: November 2020

Aim

Ecosystem carbon use efficiency (CUEe) is a core parameter of ecosystem process models, but its relationships with climate are still uncertain, especially for ecosystems with harsh environments. Large inconsistencies in climate impacts on the CUEe have been reported among various spatial scales. The goal of this study was to examine whether warming promotes or restricts the CUEe and whether the CUEe responds to a warming gradient in a linear or nonlinear manner.

Location

Tibetan Plateau.

Time period

2000–2018.

Major taxa studied

Alpine grassland ecosystem.

Methods

We integrated multiple‐source data of carbon fluxes and CUEe, including warming experiments at a site scale, eddy covariance observations at a landscape scale and synthesized warming experiments and ecosystem process models at a regional scale. Next, we deployed a statistical model to examine the warming impacts on the CUEe across scales; the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the CUEe and its components were summarized based on the results of standardized major axis tests and routines, structural equation modelling and nonlinear models.

Results

This study reported a suppressive warming impact on the CUEe, which followed a nonlinear curve with severe inhibition in the high‐level warming treatment. With a warming threshold of 1.5–2.0°C, CUEe response patterns transitioned from no change to a significant decrease. The restriction effects can be ascribed to the joint adverse and asymmetric effects of warming on CUEe components under multiple‐level warming. Warming‐modified relationships among CUEe components and the nonlinear effects of biotic and abiotic factors led to the nonlinear responses of CUEe to warming.

Main conclusions

This study revealed suppressive and nonlinear effects of warming on the CUEe, including especially dramatic CUEe decreases with high‐level warming. These findings are critical for optimizing model parameters and improving predictions of the carbon sequestration capacity of alpine grasslands.
Feasibility and accuracy of pathological diagnosis in en‐bloc transurethral resection specimens versus conventional transurethral resection specimens of bladder tumour: evaluation with pT1 substaging by 10 pathologists
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Yorozu Takashi , Miki Jun , Iwatani Kosuke , Obayashi Koki , Sato Shun , Kimura Takahiro , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Egawa Shin
Published: November 2020

Aims

En‐bloc transurethral resection (TUR) of bladder tumour (ERBT) is designed to provide more accurate pathological diagnosis of specimens than conventional TUR of bladder tumour (cTURBT). Some studies have reported that T1 bladder cancer substage could be a prognostic factor in assessing tumour progression, but such substaging has not been widely adopted because of problems with pathological diagnosis using cTURBT specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible advantages of en‐bloc TUR specimens in T1 substaging following assessment by a panel of 10 pathologists.

Methods and results

We assessed the substages in 123 patients (cTURBT, n = 91; ERBT, n = 32) who were diagnosed with pT1 bladder cancer. We randomly selected 10 ERBT specimens and 10 cTURBT specimens with cancer invasion areas equivalent to those of their corresponding ERBT specimens. Ten pathologists performed pT1 substaging for pT1a/b/c and pT1m/e in 20 patients (cTURBT, n = 10; ERBT, n = 10). We evaluated diagnostic times and rates of diagnostic concordance among these pathologists, comparing cTURBT and ERBT. The median diagnostic times per slide were 87.7 s [interquartile range (IQR) 71.9–109.2 s) for cTURBT and 54.7 s (IQR 46.0–59.6 s) for ERBT (P = 0.009). The rate of diagnostic concordance was significantly better for ERBT specimens. For pT1a/b/c, the median concordance rates were 50% for cTURBT and 80% for ERBT (P = 0.02); for pT1m/e, the median concordance rates were 70% for cTURBT and 90% for ERBT (P = 0.05). For pT1a/b/c, the average κ‐values between the pathologist and the standard diagnosis were 0.04 for cTURBT and 0.47 for ERBT.

Conclusions

The use of ERBT specimens shortened the diagnostic time and minimised interobserver variability for T1 substaging compared with the use of cTURBT specimens.
Reconciliation and Mission
Authors: Engelsviken Tormod
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the message and ministry of reconciliation with a view to both its biblical content and its contemporary missional application. Within a salvation historical framework of missio Dei, the article outlines the biblical narrative about human beings created in the image of God for personal relationships with God, self, other people, and nature; the fall in sin and the human predicament that necessitate reconciliation; the historical reconciliation provided by God through the incarnation, atoning death, and victorious resurrection of Christ (the first stage); the message of reconciliation in the mission of the church; the present reception of reconciliation through faith in that message (the second stage); and the results of reconciliation both in relation to God (“vertical reconciliation”) and among human beings in the church and in the world (“horizontal reconciliation”), with an emphasis on peace, unity, love, forgiveness, righteousness, and freedom. Christ’s victory over and subjugation of all evil spirit powers are described as “cosmic reconciliation.” Because reconciliation may be partial in this world where sin still exists and evil powers are active, the eschatological hope is for a final reconciliation where the relationships to God, to other human beings, and to a recreated world are renewed and consummated.
Missional Resistance
Authors: Parker Stephen
Published: November 2020

The television series Man in the High Castle is set in an alternate United States of America reality where Nazi Germany and Japan won World War II. This paper explores the saga's themes narratively, scripturally, and missionally, engaging with various cultural, religious, and mission studies. The resistance theme of The Man in the High Castle in particular provides a useful parallel to Christian mission that is surprisingly resonant both with scripture and with Benjamin Simon's three pillars of mission. The oppressive values of the conquering empires lead to an awareness that there is a problem with the world, which encourages Christians toward mission and the series' Americans toward resistance. Finally, the success in The Man in the High Castle of sharing stories of “another world” as a scheme of resistance provides a useful strategy for Christians today. Mission, with a Man in the High Castle flavour, becomes an act of resistance to oppressive evil through the sharing of stories of the coming kingdom of God. Simon's three pillars of mission can all be seen in the approaches to mission seen from the series. Because the world is filled with oppressive values and needs Christian resistance, the pillar of transformation is required. The idea of sharing stories of an alternate world, the kingdom of God, is also an example of both gospel transmission and gospel translation into a fresh context.
Principles of Discipleship and Church Growth from Acts 2:46‐47
Authors: Josue Huaycani Cotrado Yiner
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this article is to make a comprehensive exegesis of the text of Acts 2:46‐47 and to extract basic biblical principles for the work of discipleship. Along with this topic, this article also analyzes the aspect of the growth of the church, since the study text indicates that the Lord added new converts to the church, although the church itself had an internal task to fulfil. Even though church growth has generally been distanced from doctrinal catechesis in the church in the same way that theology is divorced from ecclesiastical practice, this work attempts to show that a responsible and simple exegesis of the text can integrate the “theory” of doctrine with missionary practice and the responsibility to make disciples, so that the church increases in membership.
New Ecuadorian records of the eyeless banjo catfish Micromyzon akamai (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae) expand the species range and reveal intraspecific morphological variation
Authors: Chuctaya Junior , Encalada Andrea C. , Barragán Karla S. , Torres Maria L. , Rojas Karla E. , Ochoa‐Herrera Valeria , Carvalho Tiago P.
Published: November 2020

Two specimens of Micromyzon akamai, an eyeless and miniaturized species previously known only from the deep channels of the eastern Amazon basin in Brazil, are reported from the Curaray River, a tributary of the Napo River in Ecuador. The new specimens are the first records of Micromyzon in the headwaters of the Amazon River and the first records of M. akamai outside Brazil. External morphological characters and a phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome c oxidase I (coI) gene support the identification of the new specimens as M. akamai. Nevertheless, the new specimens also indicate that some features previously hypothesized to be apomorphic for M. akamai are intraspecifically variable.
Characterization and function study of a glutamyl endopeptidase homolog from Nocardia seriolae
Authors: Wang Wenji , Hou Suying , Chen Guoquan , Xia Liqun , Chen Jianlin , Wang Zhiwen , Lu Yishan
Published: November 2020

Glutamic endopeptidases (Glu), belonging to the class of serine proteases, are a subfamily of chymotrypsin‐like proteolytic enzymes, which are regarded as important virulence factors in bacteria. However, the roles of glutamic endopeptidases of Nocardia seriolae in pathogenic process still remain uncertain. Here, a glutamic endopeptidase homolog from N. seriolae (GluNS) was cloned and its function was elucidated. GluNS encoded a 414‐aa protein which shared 93% identity to N. concava. In the phylogenetic tree, the glutamic endopeptidases of genus Nocardia clustered together firstly and then clustered with Streptomyces species. Moreover, GluNS was identified to be a secreted protein of N. seriolae and localized in the mitochondria of FHM cells. The transient overexpression of GluNS significantly induced increase in caspase‐3 activity and decrease in ΔΨm values in FHM cells. The number of apoptotic bodies was remarkably higher than that in control group. Taken together, GluNS overexpression induced apoptotic characteristics in FHM cells. This study provided new insights into the function of glutamic endopeptidase from N. seriolae.
High‐resolution Micro‐CT Myelography to Assess Spinal Subarachnoid Space Changes After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Zambrano‐Rodríguez Pablo C. , Bolaños‐Puchet Sirio , Reyes‐Alva Horacio J. , de Los Santos Roberto A. , Martinez‐Cruz Angelina , Guízar‐Sahagún Gabriel , Medina Luis A.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The spinal subarachnoid space (SSAS) is vital for neurologic function. Although SSAS alterations are known to occur after spinal cord injury (SCI), there is a lack of high‐resolution imaging studies of the SSAS after SCI in rodents. Therefore, the aim here was to assess changes in the SSAS of rats subjected to graded SCI, using high‐resolution micro‐CT myelography.

METHODS

Long‐Evans adult rats were subjected to mild or severe spinal cord contusion at T9. Imaging studies of SSAS features were carried out in injured rats at acute (day 1) and subacute (day 15) stages postinjury, as well as in control rats, using high‐resolution micro‐CT myelography with a contrast‐enhanced digital subtraction protocol. We studied a total of 33 rats randomly allocated into five experimental groups. Micro‐CT myelograms were assessed by expert observers using both qualitative and quantitative criteria.

RESULTS

Qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that SCI induces changes in the SSAS that vary as a function of both injury severity and time elapsed after injury. SSAS blockage was the main alteration detected. Moreover, the method used here allowed fine details to be observed in small animals, such as variations in the preferential pathways for contrast medium flow, neuroimaging nerve root enhancement, and leakage of contrast medium due to tearing of the dural sac.

CONCLUSION

Micro‐CT myelography provides high‐resolution images of changes in the SSAS after SCI in rats and is a useful tool for further experimental studies involving rat SCI in vivo.
Preschoolers’ true and false reports: Comparing effects of the Sequential Interview and NICHD protocol
Authors: Magnusson Mikaela , Joleby Malin , Ernberg Emelie , Akehurst Lucy , Korkman Julia , Landström Sara
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The current study aimed to examine a Norwegian technique for conducting investigative interviews with preschoolers: the Sequential Interview (SI). The SI advocates for increased initial rapport building and includes a pre‐determined break before the substantive phase. To explore the potential benefits and risks of the SI, the technique was compared with an adapted version of the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) protocol.

Methods

A total of 129 preschoolers (3–6 years) were interviewed with either the SI or NICHD protocol about a self‐experienced (Exp. I) or non‐experienced (Exp. II) event.

Result

For Exp. I, no significant difference was observed across interview conditions in the number of reported details about a self‐experienced event. Children interviewed with the SI exhibited a slightly lower accuracy rate compared to those interviewed with the NICHD protocol. For Exp. II, a total of 31.1% of the preschoolers initially assented to remembering a fictive (false) experience and 15.6% gave an account (>40 details) of the non‐experienced event. We found no difference between interviewing conditions in assent rates or number of false accounts.

Conclusions

The study provides valuable insights into the difficulties involved when interviewing young children. The results showed few differences between the novel SI model and the well‐established NICHD protocol. While many preschoolers could provide accurate testimony, some embedded worrisome false details in their narratives. Furthermore, a minority of children gave false reports about non‐experienced events when interviewed with the two techniques. Methodological limitations and suggestions for future research will be discussed.
Breastfeeding practices after a counselling intervention for factory workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Haider Rukhsana , Thorley Virginia , Yourkavitch Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Breastfeeding may be particularly challenging for female factory workers who have long working hours and inadequate access to health information and care. In Chattogram, Bangladesh, a peer counselling intervention was undertaken to improve infant feeding practices of factory workers. Counselling started during pregnancy and continued until children were 18 months old. This article presents the results of a cross‐sectional survey undertaken during 2 weeks in March–April 2017, after the project's conclusion. The aim was to compare breastfeeding practices, specifically early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), among factory workers who had received peer counselling in the intervention areas (IA) with those of non‐counselled factory workers in the nearby comparison areas (CA). Six female interviewers, trained over 3 days, conducted interviews at the workers' homes. Data were analysed to assess the association of peer counselling with infant feeding practices. Factory workers (N = 382) with infants between 0 and 18 months of age participated in the survey, in IA (n = 188) and in CA (n = 194). Although there were more health facility deliveries among the CA workers, only 43 (22%) of those workers had initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of birth versus 166 (88%) of the IA workers (p < .001). EBF prevalence on 24‐h recall in infants aged 0–6 months was only 7/83 (8%) for the CA workers versus 73/75 (97%) for IA workers (p < .001). The survey showed that breastfeeding practices of factory workers in the IA after the intervention were significantly better than those of factory workers in the CA.
Type and intensity of surrounding human land use, not local environment, shape genetic structure of a native grassland plant
Authors: Emel Sarah L. , Wang Shichen , Metz Richard P. , Spigler Rachel B.
Published: November 2020

Landscape heterogeneity can shape genetic structure and functional connectivity of populations. When this heterogeneity imposes variable costs of moving across the landscape, populations can be structured according to a pattern of “isolation by resistance” (IBR). At the same time, divergent local environmental filters can limit gene flow, creating an alternative pattern of “isolation by environment” (IBE). Here, we evaluate IBR and IBE in the insect‐pollinated, biennial plant Sabatia angularis (L.) Pursh (Gentianaceae) across serpentine grasslands in the fragmented landscape of SE Pennsylvania, USA using ~4500 neutral SNP loci. Specifically, we test the extent to which radical alteration of the landscape matrix by humans has fundamentally altered the cost of movement, imprinting a pattern of IBR dictated by land use type and intensity, and the potential for IBE in relation to a gradient of heavy metal concentrations found in serpentine soil. We reveal a strong signal of IBR and a weak signal of IBE across sites, indicating the greater importance of the landscape matrix in shaping genetic structure of S. angularis populations in the study region. Based on Circuitscape and least cost path approaches, we find that both low‐ and high‐intensity urbanization resist gene flow by orders of magnitude greater than “natural” habitats, although resistance to low‐intensity urbanization weakens at larger spatial scales. While cropland presents a substantially lower barrier than urban development, cumulative human land use surrounding populations predicts within‐population genetic diversity and inbreeding in S. angularis. Our results emphasize the role of forest buffers and corridors in facilitating gene flow between serpentine grassland patches and averting local extinction of plant populations.
Severe onychomycosis management with oral terbinafine in a kidney transplantation setting: Clinical follow‐up by image analysis
Authors: Moreno‐Sabater Alicia , Ouali Nacéra , Chasset François , Frances Camille , Senet Patricia , Faucon Caroline , Hennequin Christophe , Bachmeyer Claude
Published: November 2020

Background

Severe onychomycosis treatment in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is challenging because of drug interactions and adverse events. Tacrolimus remains the antirejection treatment (ART) of choice in kidney transplantation but tolerance with systemic terbinafine for the management of severe onychomycosis has not been studied.

Objective

This study illustrates severe onychomycosis management in a kidney transplantation setting and investigates systemic terbinafine tolerance profile in KTR.

Patients/Methods

We retrospective analysed clinical data of KTR with a confirmed diagnosis of severe onychomycosis.

Results

We retrieved a total of 29 KTR with severe onychomycosis needing an oral treatment to manage onychomycosis. In 55.1% (16/29) KTR, altered renal biological parameters or lack of guidelines to manage severe onychomycosis were the main reasons to deterring clinicians from prescribing oral treatments. 13 patients received an oral terbinafine treatment (9, 3 and 1 with a tacrolimus, cyclosporine and everolimus‐based ART, respectively). Clinical and biological follow‐up did not reveal severe drug interactions. ART blood levels showed significant variations in 2 patients without clinical consequences in renal graft. Two patients reported mild adverse events but after only one dose of terbinafine. Using an open‐source image analysis program, clinical evolution of onychomycosis could be retrospectively quantified and followed up.

Conclusions

The results presented here suggest that oral terbinafine can be proposed to treat severe onychomycosis with an acceptable tolerance profile in KTR with different ART such as tacrolimus and highlight the need of multicentric studies to establish guidelines for onychomycosis treatment in KTR.
Do Locals Need Our Help? On Participatory Research in Anthropology
Authors: Vargas‐Cetina Gabriela
Published: November 2020

Here I argue that anthropologists, whether we want it or not, affect the localities and the people at our fieldwork sites. These effects can be short, medium or long‐term, depending on the place and the circumstances. Short term help may mean helping to pick up fruit or vegetables for dinner or lend a hand during the harvest. Mid‐term engagement may mean to set up a school for local teachers wanting to learn anthropological methods or participate over the years in a single project helping with help, funds, or both. Long‐term projects may include setting up museums and helping support them through foreign donations or working with locals through the mediation of a foreign or world‐wide institution such as the World Health Organization or the United Nations. There are specialty areas, such as medical anthropology, which could seem to have the in‐built purpose of achieving long‐term effects, but most other anthropological work does not fall within these categories and anthropologists can choose when and how to commit to local welfare depending on their circumstances and those of their hosts. Here I discuss the ways in which different anthropologists have chosen to engage with locals during and after fieldwork.
The SNL‐HDA19 histone deacetylase complex antagonizes HY5 activity to repress photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jing Yanjun , Guo Qiang , Lin Rongcheng
Published: November 2020

Reprogramming of the transcriptome during photomorphogenesis requires dynamic changes in chromatin and distribution of histone modifications. However, the chromatin‐based regulation of this process remains to be elucidated.

Here, we identify the conserved SWI‐INDEPENDENT3 LIKE (SNL)‐HISTONE DEACETYLASE19 (HDA19) deacetylase complex, including HDA19 and SNL1–SNL6, as a negative regulator of the light signaling pathway. Light‐repression of HDA19 and SNLs expression is mediated by photoreceptors. HDA19 and SNLs are required for histone deacetylation and chromatin inactivation of PHYA gene. We further examined the interaction between SNL‐HDA19 complex and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), and their antagonistic regulation on the expressions of target genes.

The HDA19 deacetylase complex is recruited by HY5 to the chromatin regions of two positive light signaling genes, HY5 and B‐BOX CONTAINING PROTEIN 22 (BBX22), thereby reduces the accessibility and histone acetylation and represses their expression. HDA19, SNL1, and HY5 associate with the same regulatory regions of HY5 and BBX22, and HY5 binding to these loci is enhanced upon SNL‐HDA19 dysfunction.

Our study reveals a crucial role for the HDA19 deacetylase complex in light signaling and demonstrates that the functional interplay between chromatin regulators and transcription factors regulates photomorphogenetic responses to the changing light environments.
Bioenergy sorghum maintains photosynthetic capacity in elevated ozone concentrations
Authors: Li Shuai , Moller Christopher A. , Mitchell Noah G. , Lee DoKyoung , Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2020

Elevated tropospheric ozone concentration (O3) significantly reduces photosynthesis and productivity in several C4 crops including maize, switchgrass and sugarcane. However, it is unknown how O3 affects plant growth, development and productivity in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), an emerging C4 bioenergy crop. Here, we investigated the effects of elevated O3 on photosynthesis, biomass and nutrient composition of a number of sorghum genotypes over two seasons in the field using free‐air concentration enrichment (FACE), and in growth chambers. We also tested if elevated O3 altered the relationship between stomatal conductance and environmental conditions using two common stomatal conductance models. Sorghum genotypes showed significant variability in plant functional traits, including photosynthetic capacity, leaf N content and specific leaf area, but responded similarly to O3. At the FACE experiment, elevated O3 did not alter net CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), stomatal sensitivity to the environment, chlorophyll fluorescence and plant biomass, but led to reductions in the maximum carboxylation capacity of phosphoenolpyruvate and increased stomatal limitation to A in both years. These findings suggest that bioenergy sorghum is tolerant to O3 and could be used to enhance biomass productivity in O3 polluted regions.
The Economics of Investment and Prioritization of Flood Risk Reduction Measures in a Watershed
Authors: Corderi‐Novoa David , Hori Tsuneki , Yamin Luis E.
Published: November 2020

Existing and projected economic losses caused by floods all over the world have generated a growing consensus about the need for investment in flood risk mitigation. Most of the evidence on the returns to risk reduction is based on cost–benefit analysis performed for specific measures, lacking a comprehensive appraisal of alternatives. This article presents an integrated approach to consistently prioritize potential flood mitigation measures in a river basin and determine the economically desirable investment level in flood risk reduction. An optimization model is developed to select the type, size, and schedule of flood risk mitigation measures over a planning horizon. The model is formulated as a dynamic mixed integer linear program and applied to a river basin where severe floods have occurred historically. A variety of individual and combinations of risk reduction measures are used as inputs for the model. Initial analysis is conducted for different scenarios of flood damage growth, investment financing constraints, and decisionmakers’ preferences toward extreme and future losses. Results show that investment in flood risk reduction is economically justified in the basin. Investment is greater for higher rates of damage growth and aversion to extreme flood losses. Financing constraints only affect the rate of implementation of risk reduction measures in the initial periods. The proposed integrated approach can inform the design of investment plans for flood risk reduction based on sound economic principles, providing valuable support to decisionmakers.