bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and recommendations for greater accessibility of colour figures in ornithology
Authors: Pollet Ingrid L. , Bond Alexander L.
Published: September 2020

People who are colour‐blind or have some form of colour vision deficiency form an invisible minority and scientists should strive to be as inclusive as possible. We reviewed 2873 figures published in 2019 from 1031 scientific papers in 27 ornithological journals to determine those that were colour‐blind compatible, and those that were black‐and‐white printer friendly. About 26% of the published figures were in colour, and while most were colour‐blind compatible, only ~ 60% of them were black‐and‐white printer friendly. Ensuring figures in all forms of scientific communication can be interpreted by readers who are colour‐blind, and can be printed in black‐and‐white will improve the accessibility of ornithological research.
Magnification loupes influence on neck and trunk flexion of dental hygienists while scaling—A pilot study
Authors: Ludwig Emily A , Tolle Susan L , Jenkins Eric , Russell Daniel
Published: October 2020

Objective

Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in the dental hygiene profession. Awkward postures contribute to MSDs and magnification loupes have been suggested to reduce this risk factor and minimize MSDs.

Methods

After IRB approval, 24 hygienists were enrolled in the study: twelve hygienists wearing loupes with a standard manufacturer determined declination angle (control) and 12 hygienists wearing loupes with a custom measured declination angle (experimental). To measure changes in neck and trunk flexion, accelerometers were placed on the occipital region of head, cervical vertebrae C5, and thoracic vertebrae T5 and baseline posture was recorded. Typodonts with artificial calculus simulated the oral environment. Participants were randomly assigned to wear their designated loupes during the first or second trial of the experiment and scaled in each quadrant (UR, LR, UL, LL) of the mouth for two minutes. Participants completed the scaling task twice: in the loupes and no loupes condition in a counterbalanced order. Three‐way mixed design ANOVA was used to determine posture differences in neck and trunk posture.

Results

Those wearing custom loupes (M = 16.52, SD = 6.40) had significantly less trunk flexion while scaling compared to hygienists wearing standard loupes (M = 22.27, SD = 6.40), F(1, 22) = 7.14, P = .01. Neck flexion was not significantly affected while scaling between loupes vs no loupes or loupes type condition, (P’s > .05).

Conclusion

Posture was partially impacted by loupes type. Custom loupes resulted in less trunk flexion. Neck flexion was not affected by either loupes type.
Enhancement of mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite coating prepared by electrophoretic deposition method
Authors: Asgari Nayereh , Rajabi Masoud
Published: October 2020

The addition of bio‐inert ceramics such as alumina and zirconia can significantly improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite bioactive coatings and increase their biocompatibility. In the present study, the surface of a titanium substrate was coated by the electrophoretic deposition method (EPD). Moreover, the reaction bonding process has been used to precipitate the nanocomposite containing the hydroxyapatite (HA), alumina, yitteria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The coating process was performed by an electrical power supply and a suspension of hydroxyapatite, aluminum, and YSZ nanopowders. For preparing a suspension consisting of 50% isopropanol and 50% acetone, 0.6 g/L of iodine was used as a stabilizer. Green and sintered coatings were analyzed by FE‐SEM and XRD. In addition, the mechanical properties such as bonding strength, hardness, and toughness were measured. The hardness, bonding strength, and toughness of the HA coating were 107 ± 10.3 HV, 10.8 ± 3.2MPa, and 0.72MPa√m, respectively, while those of the HA‐Al2O3‐YSZ nanocomposite coating were 213 ± 1.8 HV, 35 ± 1.6MPa, and 1.6MPa√m, respectively.
Modern pollen assemblages of the Neotropics
Authors: Bush Mark B. , Correa‐Metrio Alex , van Woesik Robert , Collins Aaron , Hanselman Jennifer , Martinez Pablo , McMichael Crystal N. H.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Modern pollen assemblages provide a means to calibrate fossil pollen data and to provide a translation from habitat and vegetation type to pollen representation. Here we provide a database of modern pollen abundances from a broad range of neotropical habitats and locations.

Location

The Neotropics, especially western Amazonia, the Andes, The Galápagos, Central America, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Taxon

Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

Methods

Over a 30‐year period, mud–water interface samples, moss polsters, soils and pollen traps were used to assay modern pollen assemblages. Standard extraction methods were used, and a minimum of 300 terrestrial pollen grains were counted and identified in each sample. Bioclimatic data were assigned to each location, and sexual traits and pollination syndromes are provided for some genera. A detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) shows the structuring of the data relative to mean annual temperatures (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP) and precipitation of the driest quarter (PDQ). Probability density functions of distances among samples are calculated within and between Holdridge Life Zones, based on sample DCA scores.

Results

The modern pollen of 636 locations are documented, with >500 pollen types identified. The dataset spans settings with MAT <5°C to > 25°C, and with MAP ranging from c. 500 to 5,000 mm, and PDQ from 80 to 1,500 mm. Ordination of the dataset provides evidence that assemblages differ according to temperature and precipitation, although historical biogeography also shapes pollen rains. The pollen grains of zoophilous species contribute important information to habitat descriptions, but they are under‐represented in the dataset.

Main conclusions

The dataset covers a broad environmental range and can help inform biogeographical and palaeoenvironmental interpretation of palaeoecological records. Some caution in using the data is needed as the field of tropical palynology is maturing and the data gathered 30 years ago are less detailed than those gathered recently. Although anemophilous taxa tend to be over‐represented in neotropical pollen spectra, the majority of pollen identified in each sample are from zoophilous species.
New insights into palaeo‐distributions based on Holocene rock art
Authors: Gámez‐Brunswick Carolina , Rojas‐Soto Octavio
Published: October 2020

Aim

Due to the lack of sufficient information, with which to infer past distributions of species, Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) has been used to reconstruct palaeo‐distributions, based on projections of current species ecological niches onto past climatic scenarios. In this study, we utilized ENM to directly and independently reconstruct the Mid‐Holocene distribution of the desert bighorn sheep, using rock art as an alternative source of past distributional information, in order to gain a better understanding of changes in the distribution of this species over the last 6,000 years.

Location

North American deserts.

Taxon

Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni).

Methods

We used 225 current locality records, eight bioclimatic variables from WorldClim and 57 past locality records based on rock art, in combination with CCSM4 and MIROC‐ESM scenarios for the Mid‐Holocene, to reconstruct via ENM the present and past ecological niches and geographic distribution of the species. For modelling ecological niches, we used Maxent, and the models were evaluated using a partial ROC test. We used a niche similarity test to compare present and past reconstructions, performing niche transfers to measure their inter‐predictability, supported by a previous Mobility Oriented Parity test of climate analogy.

Results

The performances of the potential distribution models for the Mid‐Holocene and present were statistically significant and describe a recent increase in the species’ distributional areas, suggesting that past conditions were characterized by higher temperatures and lower precipitation, as was corroborated by the niche transfers. The niche similarity test showed no differences between the past and present niches.

Main conclusions

The models generated from rock art allowed a consistent reconstruction of the ecological niches and present and past distributions of the species. We therefore consider rock art to be a valuable, but hitherto largely ignored, source of information for this species. Analysis of current and past distributions revealed how the species have responded to past climatic changes.
CircFOXP1/FOXP1 promotes osteogenic differentiation in adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and bone regeneration in osteoporosis via miR‐33a‐5p
Authors: Shen Wanxiang , Sun Bin , Zhou Chenghong , Ming Wenyi , Zhang Shaohua , Wu Xudong
Published: September 2020

Osteoporosis (OP) is defined by bone mass loss and structural bone deterioration. Currently, there are no effective therapies for OP treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to have an important function in stem cell osteogenesis and to be associated with OP. Most circRNA roles in OP remain unclear. In the present study, we employed circRNA microarray to investigate circRNA expression patterns in OP and non‐OP patient bone tissues. The circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA interaction was predicted using bioinformatic analysis and confirmed by RNA FISH, RIP and dual‐luciferase reporter assays. ARS and ALP staining was used to detect the degree of osteogenic differentiation in human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) in vitro. In vivo osteogenesis in hASCs encapsulated in collagen‐based hydrogels was tested with heterotopic bone formation assay in nude mice. Our research found that circFOXP1 was significantly down‐regulated in OP patient bone tissues and functioned like a miRNA sponge targeting miR‐33a‐5p to increase FOXP1 expression. In vivo and in vitro analyses showed that circFOXP1 enhances hASC osteogenesis by sponging miR‐33a‐5p. Conversely, miR‐33a‐5p inhibits osteogenesis by targeting FOXP1 3′‐UTR and down‐regulating FOXP1 expression. These results determined that circFOXP1 binding to miR‐33a‐5p promotes hASC osteogenic differentiation by targeting FOXP1. Therefore, circFOXP7ay prevent OP and can be used as a candidate OP therapeutic target.
Undertreatment in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis and other chronic inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Gisondi P. , Girolomoni G.
Published: October 2020

Linked articles: C. Pascal et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 2339–2345. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16329
Larval diet of twoAmazoniangoliath catfish species
Authors: Márquez‐Velásquez Viviana , Galdino Leite Rosseval , Hernandez‐Serna Andres , Alvarado Fredy
Published: September 2020

Analysis of feeding habits was performed for early life stages ofBrachyplatystoma rousseauxiiandBrachyplatystoma filamentosumin the Madeira River, Brazil. Stomach contents ofB. rousseauxiiandB. filamentosumwere identified and analysed to provide the percentage of frequency of occurrence (%FO) and area (%A) and the alimentary index (IAi). The order Diptera represented the most important item consumed by both species. This is the first analyses of the trophic ecology of these ecologically and economically important species of the Amazonian region in early life stages.
Diagnostic accuracy of a novel third generation esophageal capsule as a non‐invasive detection method for Barrett's esophagus: A pilot study
Authors: Duvvuri Abhiram , Desai Madhav , Vennelaganti Sreekar , Higbee April , Gorrepati Venkat Subhash , Dasari Chandra , Chandrasekar Viveksandeep Thoguluva , Vennalaganti Prashanth , Kohli Divyanshoo , Sathyamurthy Anjana , Rai Tarun , Sharma Prateek
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Previous two generations of esophageal capsule did not show adequate detection rates for Barrett's esophagus (BE). We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a novel third generation capsule with an improved frame rate of 35 frames per second for the detection of BE in a pilot study.

Methods

This was a blinded prospective pilot study conducted at a tertiary medical center. Patients with known BE (at least C0M > 1) who presented for endoscopic surveillance (May to October 2017) were included. All patients underwent novel esophageal capsule (PillCam™ UGI; Medtronic) ingestion using the simplified ingestion protocol followed by standard high‐definition upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]). Capsule endoscopy findings were interpreted by examiners blinded to endoscopy results and compared with endoscopic findings (gold standard). Following completion of both tests, a subjective questionnaire was provided to all patients regarding their experience.

Results

Twenty patients (95%males, mean age 66.3 [±7.9] years) with BE undergoing surveillance EGD were eligible. The mean BE length was 3.5 (±2.7) cm. Novel esophageal capsule detected BE in 75% patients when images were compared with endoscopy. Novel capsule detected BE in 82% patients when the BE length was ≥2 cm. The mean esophageal transit time was 0.59 s. On a subjective questionnaire, all 20 patients reported novel capsule as being more convenient compared with EGD.

Conclusions

In this pilot, single‐center study, novel esophageal capsule was shown to be not ready for population screening of BE. Studies integrating artificial intelligence into improved quality novel esophageal capsule should be performed for BE screening.
Dose–response association of the ZJU index and fatty liver disease risk: A large cohort in China
Authors: Li Xue , Qin Pei , Cao Liming , Lou Yanmei , Shi Jing , Zhao Ping , Wang Changyi , Ma Jianping , Xu Shan , Peng Xiaolin , Chen Hongen , Zhao Dan , Hu Fulan , Zhao Yashuang
Published: October 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the sex‐specific association between the ZJU index and risk of fatty liver disease in a large Chinese cohort.

Methods

A total of 28 729 adults without fatty liver disease at baseline and who completed at least one follow‐up of annual examinations between 2009 and 2016 were included in this study. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for fatty liver disease risk associated with the ZJU index.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 3.01 years, 7373 developed fatty liver disease. There were significant associations between the ZJU index and fatty liver disease for women and men with increasing HRs as the quartiles increase across Q2–Q4, corresponding HRs (95% CIs) in M3 were 2.28 (1.98–2.64), 3.52 (3.07–4.04), and 4.87 (4.24–5.59) for women and 2.44 (2.17–2.75), 4.18 (3.73–4.68), and 6.23 (5.56–6.98) for men. The association between the ZJU index and fatty liver disease risk remained significant in all the subgroups except that of T2DM and abdominal obesity subgroups for men. However, the association became nonsignificant when comparing Q3 and Q2 of the ZJU index with reference in the subgroups of T2DM for men, and nonsignificant when comparing Q3 of the ZJU index with reference in the subgroups of participants with T2DM and abdominal obesity for women.

Conclusion

The ZJU index was significantly associated with the risk of fatty liver disease in Chinese population. It will be better to keep body mass index, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and fasting plasma glucose at a normal level for preventing fatty liver disease.
Epidemiological and biochemical factors (serum ferritin and vitamin D) associated with premature hair graying in Egyptian population
Authors: El‐Husseiny Rania , Alrgig Nawres Taher , Abdel Fattah Nermeen S.A.
Published: October 2020

Background

The etiology of premature hair graying (PHG) remains incompletely understood with limited treatment options, although has profound impacts on patient’s quality of life.

Aims

To assess demographic and clinical profiles of Egyptian PHG patients and explore association of various epidemiological risk factors and serum vitamin D and ferritin levels with PHG.

Patients and Methods

Three hundred PHG patients and equal number of controls, aged <30 years, were included. Assessment of epidemiological and clinical characteristics, biometric data and stress perception using perceived stress scale (PSS‐10) was done, with measurement of serum vitamin D and ferritin levels for all subjects. PHG was graded into mild, moderate, and severe if <10, 10‐100, and >100 gray hairs, respectively. Statistical significance for various compared parameters was done employing suitable tests, with P‐value ≤ .05 considered significant.

Results

Results reported significant positive relation of PHG with family history, sedentary life style, and stress (P = .001, .029, and .001, respectively), while no significant relation with smoking, body mass index, or frequent hair dyes use (>3 per year) (P = .425, .5, and .65, respectively). No significant difference was found in mean vitamin D between patients and controls (23.79 ± 13.01 ng/mL vs 24.85 ± 13.19 ng/mL, P = .701), while low serum ferritin (<20 ng/mL) was significantly associated with PHG (14.7 % patients vs 2.7% controls, P = .017).

Conclusion

PHG in Egyptian population is significantly associated with positive family history, stress, sedentary life style, and low serum ferritin level, while role of vitamin D deficiency should be further evaluated.
Positive Evaluations Expressed Through Original Stories: An Intervention to Promote Resilience in Japan1
Authors: Hirano Mari
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to design a program incorporating a narrative perspective that promotes resilience. A program was implemented that conveys an appreciation for the internal qualities of a familiar other person through the creation of a story about them. The experiment was conducted with 36 pairs of women; each pair had a “giver” and a “recipient.” The giver created a story that praised the “good points” of the recipient. There were significant increases in recipients' scores on measures of resilience, self‐esteem, and sense of acceptance of the giver. Additionally, the use of a story can help expand the interpretative ability of receiving and expressing praise.
Novel Cyanobacterial Diversity Found in Costa Rican Thermal Springs Associated with Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles Volcanoes: A Polyphasic Approach
Authors: Brenes‐Guillén Laura , Vidaurre‐Barahona Daniela , Morales Saylen , Mora‐López Marielos , Sittenfeld Ana , Uribe‐Lorío Lorena
Published: October 2020

Central America is one of the most important biodiversity hot spots in the world, and Costa Rican microbial communities from thermal springs are the best characterized in the isthmus. Miravalles is an inactive quaternary stratovolcano, and the Rincón de la Vieja is a unique active volcano, in whose slopes diverse hydrothermal springs, such as Las Lilas, are located. These springs harbor extensive microbial mats, whose diversity has been studied. Based on their importance as primary producers, in this study we focused on cultured cyanobacterial diversity from two geothermal environments of northern Costa Rica. Several cultural, molecular and taxonomic techniques were employed to maximize the results of a polyphasic approach. Sample collection sites were physicochemically described, and strains were isolated and characterized by light and electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequences and amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). Fifty‐six phylotypes were isolated and classified into 21 morphotypes and identified in 14 genera, some of them might be new species within these genera. Furthermore, according to phylogenetic analysis, there are three possible new genera in our collection. Miravalles and Las Lilas thermal springs are reservoirs of novel phylogeographic lineages of phototrophic microorganisms. This study is the first report of strains that belong to the genera Gloeocapsa, Stanieria, Microseira, Klisinema and Oculatella isolated from thermal springs and growing at temperatures above 50°C. We also obtained isolates assigned to Synechococcus, Leptolyngbya spp., and Fischerella, which are considered typical strains in these environments.
Glycemic variability in newly diagnosed diabetic cats treated with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue exenatide extended release
Authors: Krämer Anna L. , Riederer Angelina , Fracassi Federico , Boretti Felicitas S. , Sieber‐Ruckstuhl Nadja S. , Lutz Thomas A. , Contiero Barbara , Zini Eric , Reusch Claudia E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Glycemic variability (GV) is an indicator of glycemic control and can be evaluated by calculating the SD of blood glucose measurements. In humans with diabetes mellitus (DM), adding a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogue to conventional therapy reduces GV. In diabetic cats, the influence of GLP‐1 analogues on GV is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate GV in diabetic cats receiving the GLP‐1 analogue exenatide extended release (EER) and insulin.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned cats with newly diagnosed spontaneous DM.

Methods

Retrospective study. Blood glucose curves from a recent prospective placebo‐controlled clinical trial generated 1, 3, 6, 10, and 16 weeks after starting therapy were retrospectively evaluated for GV. Cats received either EER (200 μg/kg) or 0.9% saline SC once weekly, insulin glargine and a low‐carbohydrate diet. Mean blood glucose concentrations were calculated and GV was assessed by SD. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests.

Results

In the EER group, GV (mean SD [95% confidence interval]) was lower at weeks 6 (1.69 mmol/L [0.9‐2.48]; P = .02), 10 (1.14 mmol/L [0.66‐1.62]; P = .002) and 16 (1.66 mmol/L [1.09‐2.23]; P = .02) compared to week 1 (4.21 mmol/L [2.48‐5.93]) and lower compared to placebo at week 6 (3.29 mmol/L [1.95‐4.63]; P = .04) and week 10 (4.34 mmol/L [2.43‐6.24]; P < .000). Cats achieving remission (1.21 mmol/L [0.23‐2.19]) had lower GV compared to those without remission (2.96 mmol/L [1.97‐3.96]; P = .01) at week 6.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The combination of EER, insulin, and a low‐carbohydrate diet might be advantageous in the treatment of newly diagnosed diabetic cats.
mtDNA depletion‐like syndrome in Wilson disease
Authors: Medici Valentina , Sarode Gaurav V. , Napoli Eleonora , Song Gyu‐Young , Shibata Noreene M. , Guimarães Andre O. , Mordaunt Charles E. , Kieffer Dorothy A. , Mazi Tagreed A. , Czlonkowska Anna , Litwin Tomasz , LaSalle Janine M. , Giulivi Cecilia
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Wilson disease (WD) is caused by mutations in the copper transporter ATP7B, with its main pathology attributed to copper‐mediated oxidative damage. The limited therapeutic effect of copper chelators and the early occurrence of mitochondrial deficits, however, undermine the prevalence of this mechanism.

Methods

We characterized mitochondrial DNA copy number and mutations as well as bioenergetic deficits in blood from patients with WD and in livers of tx‐j mice, a mouse model of hepatic copper accumulation. In vitro experiments with hepatocytes treated with CuSO4 were conducted to validate in vivo studies.

Results

Here, for the first time, we characterized the bioenergetic deficits in WD as consistent with a mitochondrial DNA depletion‐like syndrome. This is evidenced by enriched DNA synthesis/replication pathways in serum metabolomics and decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number in blood of WD patients as well as decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number, increased citrate synthase activity, and selective Complex IV deficit in livers of the tx‐j mouse model of WD. Tx‐j mice treated with the copper chelator penicillamine, methyl donor choline or both ameliorated mitochondrial DNA damage but further decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number. Experiments with copper‐loaded HepG2 cells validated the concept of a direct copper‐mitochondrial DNA interaction.

Conclusions

This study underlines the relevance of targeting the copper‐mitochondrial DNA pool in the treatment of WD separate from the established copper‐induced oxidative stress‐mediated damage.
Quorum‐sensing signaling by chironomid egg masses’ microbiota, affects haemagglutinin/protease (HAP) production by Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Sela Rotem , Hammer Brian K. , Halpern Malka
Published: October 2020

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, is commonly isolated, along with other bacterial species, from chironomid insects (Diptera: Chironomidae). Nevertheless, its prevalence in the chironomid egg masses’ microbiota is less than 0.5%. V. cholerae secretes haemagglutinin/protease (HAP) that degrades the gelatinous matrix of chironomid egg masses and prevents hatching. Quorum sensing (QS) activates HAP production in response to accumulation of bacterial autoinducers (AIs). Our aim was to define the impact of chironomid microbiota on HAP production by V. cholerae. To study QS signaling, we used V. cholerae bioluminescence reporter strains (QS‐proficient O1 El‐Tor wild‐type and QS‐deficient mutants) and different bacterial species that we isolated from chironomid egg masses. These egg mass isolates, as well as a synthetic AI‐2, caused an enhancement in lux expression by a V. cholerae QS‐deficient mutant. The addition of the egg mass bacterial isolate supernatant to the QS‐deficient mutant also enhanced HAP production and egg mass degradation activities. Moreover, the V. cholerae wild‐type strain was able to proliferate using egg masses as their sole carbon source, while the QS‐deficient was not. The results demonstrate that members of the chironomid bacterial consortium produce external chemical cues that, like AI‐2, induce expression of the hapA gene in V. cholerae. Understanding the interactions between V. cholerae and the insects’ microbiota may help uncover the interactions between this pathogen and the human gut microbiota.
Assessing the impact of the threatened crucian carp (Carassius carassius) on pond invertebrate diversity: A comparison of conventional and molecular tools
Authors: Harper Lynsey R. , Lawson Handley Lori , Sayer Carl D. , Read Daniel S. , Benucci Marco , Blackman Rosetta C. , Hill Matthew J. , Hänfling Bernd
Published: October 2020

Fishes stocked for recreation and angling can damage freshwater habitats and negatively impact biodiversity. The pond‐associated crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is rare across Europe and is stocked for conservation management in England, but its impacts on pond biota are understudied. Freshwater invertebrates contribute substantially to aquatic biodiversity, encompassing many rare and endemic species, but their small size and high abundance complicate their assessment. Practitioners have employed sweep‐netting and kick‐sampling with microscopy (morphotaxonomy), but specimen size/quality and experience can bias identification. DNA and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offer alternative means of invertebrate assessment. We compared invertebrate diversity in ponds (N = 18) with and without crucian carp using morphotaxonomic identification, DNA metabarcoding and eDNA metabarcoding. Five 2 L water samples and 3 min sweep‐net samples were collected at each pond. Inventories produced by morphotaxonomic identification of netted samples, DNA metabarcoding of bulk tissue samples and eDNA metabarcoding of water samples were compared. Alpha diversity was greatest with DNA or eDNA metabarcoding, depending on whether standard or unbiased methods were considered. DNA metabarcoding reflected morphotaxonomic identification, whereas eDNA metabarcoding produced markedly different communities. These complementary tools should be combined for comprehensive invertebrate assessment. Crucian carp presence minimally reduced alpha diversity in ponds, but positively influenced beta diversity through taxon turnover (i.e., ponds with crucian carp contained different invertebrates to fishless ponds). Crucian carp presence contributes to landscape‐scale invertebrate diversity, supporting continued conservation management in England. Our results show that molecular tools can enhance freshwater invertebrate assessment and facilitate development of more accurate and ecologically effective pond management strategies.
The mosquitoes of Finland: updated distributions and bionomics
Authors: Culverwell C. L. , Uusitalo R. J. , Korhonen E. M. , Vapalahti O. P. , Huhtamo E. , Harbach R. E.
Published: September 2020

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected in Finland between 2012 and 2018 to determine the species present and their distributions. In total, 52 466 specimens from 1031 collections formed the basis for the preparation of distribution maps for each of the 40 species that were collected. Anopheles maculipennis s.s., An. claviger, Aedes geminus and Ochlerotatus sticticus are confirmed on mainland Finland after previous records were uncertain or absent. Coquillettidia richiardii, Culiseta morsitans, Cs. ochroptera, Culex territans, Cx. torrentium, Oc. leucomelas, Oc. nigrinus, Oc. pullatus and Oc. punctodes occur more widely than previously reported. Three species, Ae. rossicus, Cs. subochrea and Oc. cyprius were not collected, although Ae. rossicus was subsequently found in Lapland by another researcher. No invasive species were collected. Ochlerotatus communis, an aggressive biter, was the most commonly encountered species. Larval collection data suggest that several species may have up to three generations per year in Finland, with Cx. torrentium and Cx. pipiens having at least two, and Oc. communis and Oc. punctor regularly found as larvae across the summer. These data, especially when coupled with historical records, are vital for monitoring species which have significant vector potential, particularly when faced with a warming climate.
Addition of small‐bowel transit scintigraphy to gastric emptying for assessment of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Maurer Alan H. , Yu Daohai , Lu Xiaoning , Dadparvar Simindokht , Kamat Bhishak H. , Shahsavari Dariush , Parkman Henry P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Dyspeptic symptoms are not well correlated with gastric emptying (GE) results.

Aims

To determine (a) prevalence of delayed SB transit (SBT) in patients undergoing GE scintigraphy for symptoms of gastroparesis; (b) symptoms associated with delayed SBT.

Methods

Patients with symptoms of gastroparesis underwent combined GE and SBT scintigraphy (GES/SBTS). Patients ingested a mixed solid (S)‐liquid (L) meal with egg whites labeled with 500 µCi Tc‐99 m sulfur colloid and water with 125 µCi In‐111 DTPA. Retained S and L gastric activity and percent of L In‐111 activity in terminal ileum (TI) and/or cecum/colon at 6 h were determined. Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PAGI‐SYM) assessed symptoms from 0 (none) to 5 (very severe).

Key Results

Of 363 patients, 174 (47.9%) had delayed S GE, 141 (38.8%) delayed L GE, and 70 (19.3%) delayed SBT. Delayed SBT was seen in 24 (6.6%) with normal S GE and 46 (12.7%) with delayed S GE. Patients with isolated delayed SBT had highest symptom scores for postprandial fullness (3.5), stomach fullness (3.4), nausea (3.2), bloating (3.2), compared to isolated delayed S GE who had highest symptom scores for postprandial fullness (3.7), nausea (3.6), stomach fullness (3.4), and early satiety (3.3).

Conclusions & Inferences

Delayed SBT occurred in 19.3% of dyspeptic patients using GES/SBTS. While postprandial and stomach fullness were common to both delayed S GE and delayed SBT, early satiety was associated with delayed S GE whereas bloating was associated with delayed SBT. Thus, SBTS can augment GES to help explain some symptoms associated with dyspepsia and suspected gastroparesis.
Moral luck in team‐based health care
Authors: Story Daniel , Kenner Catelynn
Published: October 2020

Clinicians regularly work as teams and perform joint actions that have a great deal of moral significance. As a result, clinicians regularly share moral responsibility for the actions of their teams and other clinicians. In this paper, we argue that clinicians are exceptionally susceptible to a special type of moral luck, called interpersonal moral luck, because their moral statuses are often affected by the actions of other clinicians in a way that is not fully within their control. We then argue that this susceptibility partly explains why a conscientious clinician has reason to avoid participating in unvirtuous healthcare teams. We also argue that this susceptibility partly explains the special systems of entitlements that characterize healthcare teams and set healthcare teams apart from other teams of workers.
Guardians of humanity? The challenges of nursing practice in the digital age
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Digital technologies have become a crucial factor in nursing. Given the fact that many tasks could also be done by robots or AI systems, the place for the nurse in this scenario is unclear. In what way and to what extent will the implementation of ever more sophisticated technology affect nursing practice? It is the aim of this paper to analyse the potential challenges of nursing practice in the digital age. The analysis is conducted through the lens of new materialism, a set of theoretical models that understand the relationship between humans and technology as dynamic and performative. According to this view, there is no prefixed essence of technology. Rather, the meaning of technology is enacted in concrete practice. The analysis shows that in past debates on technology use in nursing, the nurses’ role has been defined as guardians of humanity, defending the patient against the dehumanizing effects of technology. This role has been transferred to the digital age, where it is the duty of nurses to cushion the negative effects of digital technology. As an alternative to this outdated role, nurses should be included in processes of technology design and policymaking. Enabling nursing professionals to shape the circumstances of a digitally enhanced holistic practice may empower their status within the healthcare system and also benefit the patient by contributing to a more person‐centred care.
Identification of Streptococcus mutans genes involved in fluoride resistance by screening of a transposon mutant library
Authors: Yu Jie , Wang Yaqi , Han Dongmei , Cao Wei , Zheng Lanyan , Xie Zhoujie , Liu Hao
Published: October 2020

Fluoride has been used as an effective anticaries agent for more than 70 years, which might result in the emergence of fluoride‐resistant strains. However, the fluoride resistance mechanism and the cariogenic properties of fluoride‐resistant mutant for cariogenic bacterial species Streptococcus mutans remain largely unknown. We describe here the construction and characterization of a mariner‐based transposon system designed to be used in S. mutans, which is also potentially applicable to other streptococci. To identify genetic determinants of fluoride resistance in S. mutans, we constructed a library of S. mutans transposon insertion mutants and screened this library to identify mutants exhibiting fluoride resistance phenotype. Two mutants were found to carry transposon insertion in two different genetic loci (smu.396 and smu.1291c), respectively. Our subsequent genetic study indicates the fluoride‐resistant phenotype for the mutant with the insertion in smu.1291c is resulting from the constitutive overexpression of downstream operon smu.1290c‐89c, which is consistent with the previous reports. We also demonstrate for the first time that the deletion of smu.396 is responsible for the fluoride‐resistant phenotype and that the combining of smu1290c‐89c overexpression and smu.396 deletion in one strain could attribute an additive effect on the fluoride resistance. In addition, our results suggest that the biological fitness of those fluoride‐resistant mutants is reduced compared to that of wild‐type strain. Overall, our identification and characterization of genetic determinants responsible for fluoride resistance in S. mutans expand our understanding of the fluoride resistance mechanism and the biological consequence of the fluoride resistance strains.
Medial Metaphyseal Beak Angle as a Predictor for Langenskiöld Stage II of Blount's Disease
Authors: Wongcharoenwatana Jidapa , Kaewpornsawan Kamolporn , Chotigavanichaya Chatupon , Eamsobhana Perajit , Laoharojanaphand Tinh , Musikachart Piyanuch , Ariyawatkul Thanase
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the medial metaphyseal beak (MMB) cut‐off angle predicting Langenskiöld stage II of Blount's disease and to study the intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliabilities of angle measurements and the influence of the experience level of observers.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on children aged 2–4 years from January 2000 to December 2017. Children were identified through a computer‐based search. Children with Langenskiöld stage II of Blount's disease who had been initially evaluated at our institution were categorized into Blount group and children who were diagnosed with physiologic bowing were categorized into control group. Data on the patients' ages, genders, and affected sides were collected. The MMB angles were measured on standing anteroposterior radiographs of the knees. The angle was formed between one line drawn parallel to the medial cortex of the proximal tibia, and a second line running from the intersection of the first line with the proximal tibial metaphysis through to the most distal point of the MMB. Measurements were independently performed by six observers. All observers repeated the measurements 2 weeks after they were first done.

Results

There were 148 legs from 79 children (48 males and 31 females) with an average age of 28.6 months. The average MMB angle of the Blount group was 128.52° ± 5.38° (P‐value <0.001) and of the control group was 114.45° ± 4.89°. The average femorotibial angle of the Blount group was 15.48° ± 6.81° (P‐value <0.001) and of the control group was 7.71° ± 7.94°. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that an MMB angle >122° (sensitivity 92.7%; specificity 97.0%) was associated with Langenskiöld stage II. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the intra‐observer reliability ranged from 0.93–0.97, and the inter‐observer reliability was 0.93.

Conclusions

By using anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the knee, the MMB angle is a potential radiographic parameter to distinguish between Langenskiöld stage II of Blount's disease and physiologic bowed legs, with an MMB angle >122° predicting Langenskiöld stage II.
Catheter ablation of an antidromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia using a slow, decrementally conducting accessory pathway in the great cardiac vein
Authors: Emkanjoo Zahra , Madadi Shabnam , Kamali Farzad
Published: October 2020

The inability to ablate left accessory pathways (APs) from endocardial approaches may suggest an epicardial location. We report on a 43‐year‐old woman presenting with a wide QRS tachycardia with Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) morphology, right inferior axis, and the “pattern break” appearance in V2 resembled the outflow tract ventricular tachycardia. An electrophysiology study confirmed an antidromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia using an antegrade slow, decrementally conducting AP that was successfully ablated in the great cardiac vein‐anterior interventricular vein junction after failure of endocardial approach.
Asthma in farm children is more determined by genetic polymorphisms and in non‐farm children by environmental factors
Authors: Krautenbacher Norbert , Kabesch Michael , Horak Elisabeth , Braun‐Fahrländer Charlotte , Genuneit Jon , Boznanski Andrzej , von Mutius Erika , Theis Fabian , Fuchs Christiane , Ege Markus J. ,   the GABRIELA, PASTURE study groups
Published: September 2020

Background

The asthma syndrome is influenced by hereditary and environmental factors. With the example of farm exposure, we study whether genetic and environmental factors interact for asthma.

Methods

Statistical learning approaches based on penalized regression and decision trees were used to predict asthma in the GABRIELA study with 850 cases (9% farm children) and 857 controls (14% farm children). Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from a genome‐wide dataset based on a literature search or by statistical selection techniques. Prediction was assessed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and validated in the PASTURE cohort.

Results

Prediction by family history of asthma and atopy yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.62 [0.57‐0.66] in the random forest machine learning approach. By adding information on demographics (sex and age) and 26 environmental exposure variables, the quality of prediction significantly improved (AUC = 0.65 [0.61‐0.70]). In farm children, however, environmental variables did not improve prediction quality. Rather SNPs related to IL33 and RAD50 contributed significantly to the prediction of asthma (AUC = 0.70 [0.62‐0.78]).

Conclusions

Asthma in farm children is more likely predicted by other factors as compared to non‐farm children though in both forms, family history may integrate environmental exposure, genotype and degree of penetrance.
Volatiles from soil‐borne fungi affect directional growth of roots
Authors: Moisan Kay , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Dicke Marcel , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani , Cordovez Viviane
Published: September 2020

Volatiles play major roles in mediating ecological interactions between soil (micro)organisms and plants. It is well‐established that microbial volatiles can increase root biomass and lateral root formation. To date, however, it is unknown whether microbial volatiles can affect directional root growth. Here, we present a novel method to study belowground volatile‐mediated interactions. As proof‐of‐concept, we designed a root Y‐tube olfactometer, and tested the effects of volatiles from four different soil‐borne fungi on directional growth of Brassica rapa roots in soil. Subsequently, we compared the fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) previously profiled with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Using our newly designed setup, we show that directional root growth in soil is differentially affected by fungal volatiles. Roots grew more frequently toward volatiles from the root pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, whereas volatiles from the other three saprophytic fungi did not impact directional root growth. GC–MS profiling showed that six VOCs were exclusively emitted by R. solani. These findings verify that this novel method is suitable to unravel the intriguing chemical cross‐talk between roots and soil‐borne fungi and its impact on root growth.
Family functioning of single‐parent families with children attending a special needs school in Japan
Authors: Hiratani Yuko , Hohashi Naohiro
Published: September 2020

Background

Single‐parent families with disabled children are obliged to take special care of children and shoulder excessive burdens. This study aimed to clarify the family functioning of child‐rearing single‐parent families with children attending special needs schools in Japan.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with qualitative content analysis utilized for data analysis.

Results

The results of the data analysis clarified nine categories: excessive concentration of family functioning on mothers, and adjustments in the family functioning they perform; creation of a family environment friendly to disabled children and their families; satisfaction with family needs by gaining support from the neighborhood and social resources; anxieties related to children's disabilities; promotion of a better understanding of disability; unavoidable reduction in the amount of time shared by the family; efforts to maintain an infrastructure for health care; selection and effective use of a special needs school; and strengthened bonds between families with disabled children.

Conclusions

Receiving adequate support from the school is of great assistance in enabling families to maintain their family functioning. This demonstrates that, through the use of the time while the child attends a special needs school, the family can accomplish family functioning, contributing to a fulfilling family life.
A multidisciplinary approach to improving transition readiness in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Shapiro Jordan M. , Himes Ryan , Khaderi Saira , Economides Julie , El‐Serag Hashem B.
Published: September 2020

The Six Core Elements of Transition have been advocated to guide transition, but little is published about their use with liver transplant patients. We started a liver transplant transition program in August 2015 using quality improvement (QI) methods and by linking the Six Core Elements of Transition to process measures. Eligible patients completed baseline transition readiness assessments (Readiness for Transition Questionnaire, RTQ), interviews with a psychologist, received focused education, and completed follow‐up RTQs before transfer to adult care. Our QI goal was to improve RTQ scores by 20% prior to transfer to adult care. We also assessed continuity of care, tacrolimus levels, rejection, and retransplantation as balancing measures. Of the 24 patients who completed the transition program and were transferred to adult care, RTQ scores were available for 11 patients. Overall RTQ scores improved from 23.7 to 30.5 (+28.7%, P = .009) prior to transfer. Nearly two‐thirds (63%) of patients were seen by adult transplant hepatology within 6 months, and one patient was lost to follow‐up after the first adult visit. Tacrolimus‐level standard deviations were <2.0 in 45% of patients in pediatric care and 72% of patients in adult care. Three patients had undergone immunosuppression withdrawal in pediatric care, with one restarted on immunosuppression prior to transfer to adult care due to late acute rejection. The Six Core Elements of Transition can be translated into patient‐ and system‐level transition milestones to serve as potential quality metrics in the implementation of transition programs.
Acute rejection in pediatric renal transplantation: Retrospective study of epidemiology, risk factors, and impact on renal function
Authors: do Nascimento Ghizoni Pereira Luiza , Tedesco‐Silva Hélio , Koch‐Nogueira Paulo Cesar
Published: September 2020

AR is a major relevant and challenging topic in pediatric kidney transplantation. Our objective was to evaluate cumulative incidence of AR in pediatric kidney transplant patient, risk factors for this outcome, and impact on allograft function and survival. A retrospective cohort including pediatric patients that underwent kidney transplantation between 2011 and 2015 was designed. Risk factors for AR were tested by competing risk analysis. To estimate its impact, graft survival and difference in GFR were evaluated. Two hundred thirty patients were included. As a whole, the incidence of AR episodes was 0.16 (95% CI = 0.12‐0.20) per person‐year of follow‐up. And cumulative incidence of AR was 23% in 1 year and 39% in 5 years. Risk factors for AR were number of MM (SHR 1.36 CI 1.14‐1.63 P = .001); ISS with CSA, PRED, and AZA (SHR 2.22 CI 1.14‐4.33 P = .018); DGF (SHR 2.49 CI 1.57‐3.93 P < .001); CMV infection (SHR 5.52 CI 2.27‐11.0 P < .001); and poor adherence (SHR 2.28 CI 1.70‐4.66 P < .001). Death‐censored graft survival in 1 and 5 years was 92.5% and 72.1%. Risk factors for graft loss were number of MM (HR 1.51 CI 1.07‐2.13 P = .01), >12 years (HR 2.66 CI 1.07‐6.59 P = .03), and PRA 1%‐50% (HR 2.67 CI 1.24‐5.73 P = .01). Although occurrence of AR did not influence 5‐year graft survival, it negatively impacted GFR. AR was frequent in patients assessed and associated with number of MM, ISS regimen, DGF, CMV infection, and poor adherence, and had deleterious effect on GFR.