bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nutritional geography of ants: Gradients of sodium and sugar limitation across North American grasslands
Authors: Kaspari Michael , Welti Ellen A. R. , de Beurs Kirsten M.
Published: November 2019

Sugar and sodium are essential nutrients to above‐ and below‐ground consumers. Unlike other properties of ecological communities such as abundance and richness, we know relatively little about nutritional geography—the sources and supply rates of nutrients, and how and why they vary across communities and ecosystems.

Towards a remedy, we present a suite of hypotheses for how sodium and sugary exudate availability should vary for a common omnivore—the ants—and test them using a survey of 53 North American grasslands.

We do so by running transects of salt and sugar baits and inferring the magnitude of environmental supplies as the inverse of their use as exogenous baits. We then use estimates of potential drivers of the availability of salt and sugary exudates—plant and soil nutrients, and bioclimatic variables—to test the best predictors of sodium and salt use by ant communities.

Beyond a baseline of ant activity, salt use increased as an inverse of the amount of sodium in an ecosystem's plant tissue, but not its soils. Plant sodium varied by two orders of magnitude in grasslands across 16° latitude. This suggests that plant exudates are an important source of sodium for grassland consumers. The three drivers that best predict exogenous sugar use by ants all point to factors constraining sugar production: net above‐ground productivity, how far the community is into that year's growing season (both reflecting the rates of photosynthesis) and, intriguingly, the potassium content of plant tissue, which is likely linked to exudate production via plant turgor.

These data suggest that ants and other consumers across a range of grasslands and climate vary significantly in the demand and supply of sugar and salt. This nutritional geography ultimately arises from gradients of climate and biogeochemistry with implications for the geography of plant–consumer interactions.
Bacillus subtilis builds structurally and functionally different spores in response to the temperature of growth
Authors: Isticato Rachele , Lanzilli Mariamichela , Petrillo Claudia , Donadio Giuliana , Baccigalupi Loredana , Ricca Ezio
Published: November 2019

Bacterial spores are commonly isolated from a variety of different environments, including extreme habitats. Although it is well established that such ubiquitous distribution reflects the spore resistance properties, it is not clear whether the growing conditions affect the spore structure and function. We used Bacillus subtilis spores of similar age but produced at 25, 37, or 42°C to compare their surface structures and functional properties. Spores produced at the 25°C were more hydrophobic while those produced at 42°C contained more dipicolinic acid, and were more resistant to heat or lysozyme treatments. Electron microscopy analysis showed that while 25°C spores had a coat with a compact outer coat, not tightly attached to the inner coat, 42°C spores had a granular, not compact outer coat, reminiscent of the coat produced at 37°C by mutant spores lacking the protein CotG. Indeed, CotH and a series of CotH‐dependent coat proteins including CotG were more abundantly extracted from the coat of 25 or 37°C than 42°C spores. Our data indicated that CotH is a heat‐labile protein with a major regulatory role on coat formation when sporulation occurs at low temperatures, suggesting that B. subtilis builds structurally and functionally different spores in response to the external conditions.
Zn(II) suppresses biofilm formation in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by inactivation of the Mn(II) uptake
Authors: Huang Ziyang , Wu Liming , Li Xi , Ma Liumin , Borriss Rainer , Gao Xuewen
Published: November 2019

Biofilms are architecturally complex communities of microbial cells held together by a self‐produced extracellular matrix. Considerable research has focused on the environmental signals that trigger or inhibit biofilm formation by affecting cellular signalling pathways; however, response to soil cues in plant‐associated Bacillus has remained largely unaddressed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Zn(II) ions in biofilm formation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42. We demonstrated that the biofilm formation of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 was abolished by Zn(II) at non‐deleterious concentrations. Moreover, Zn(II) blocked matrix exopolysaccharide and TasA accumulations. Furthermore, the presence of Zn(II) suppressed expression of the response regulator Spo0F but not of sensor histidine kinases KinA‐D. Suppression of phosphorelay by excess Zn interferes with sinI induction under biofilm‐inducing conditions, leading to repression of transcription of operons epsA‐O and tapA‐sigW‐tasA. Addition of Zn(II) decreased the intracellular Mn(II) level by competing for binding to the solute‐binding protein MntA during Mn(II) uptake. These results suggest that the metal ion Zn(II) has a negative effect on biofilm formation in the plant growth promoting and biocontrol bacterium B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42.
Party effects on total and disaggregated welfare spending: A mixed‐effects approach
Authors: GARRITZMANN JULIAN L. , SENG KILIAN
Published: November 2019

Welfare is the largest expenditure category in all advanced democracies. Consequently, much literature has studied partisan effects on total and policy‐specific welfare expenditure. Yet, these results cannot be trusted: the methodological standard is to apply time‐series cross‐section regressions to annual observation data. But governments hardly change annually. Thus, the number of observations is artificially inflated, leading to incorrect estimates. While this problem has recently been acknowledged, it has not been convincingly resolved. This article proposes mixed‐effects models (also known as ‘multilevel models’ or ‘hierarchical models’) as a solution, which allows decomposing variance into different levels and permits complex cross‐classification data structures. It is argued that mixed‐effects models combine the strengths of existing methodological approaches while alleviating their weaknesses. Empirically, partisan effects on total and on disaggregated expenditure in 23 OECD countries in the period 1960–2012 are studied using several measures of party preferences and revealing several substantially relevant findings.
Careers in context: An international study of career goals as mesostructure between societies' career‐related human potential and proactive career behaviour
Authors: Andresen Maike , Apospori Eleni , Gunz Hugh , Suzanne Pamela Agata , Taniguchi Mami , Lysova Evgenia I. , Adeleye Ifedapo , Babalola Olusegun , Bagdadli Silvia , Bakuwa Rhoda , Bogićević Milikić Biljana , Bosak Janine , Briscoe Jon P. , Cha Jong‐Seok , Chudzikowski Katharina , Cotton Richard , Dello Russo Silvia , Dickmann Michael , Dries Nicky , Dysvik Anders , Eggenhofer‐Rehart Petra , Fei Zhangfeng , Ferencikova Sonia , Gianecchini Martina , Gubler Martin , Hackett Denisa , Hall Douglas T. , Jepsen Denise , Çakmak‐Otluoğlu Kadriye Övgü , Kaše Robert , Khapova Svetlana , Kim Najung , Lazarova Mila , Lehmann Philip , Madero Sergio , Mandel Debbie , Mayrhofer Wolfgang , Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Naito Chikae , Nikodijević Ana D. , Parry Emma , Reichel Astrid , Rozo Posada Paula Liliana , Saher Noreen , Saxena Richa , Schleicher Nanni , Shen Yan , Schramm Florian , Smale Adam , Unite Julie , Verbruggen Marijke , Zikic Jelena
Published: November 2019

Careers exist in a societal context that offers both constraints and opportunities for career actors. Whereas most studies focus on proximal individual and/or organisational‐level variables, we provide insights into how career goals and behaviours are understood and embedded in the more distal societal context. More specifically, we operationalise societal context using the career‐related human potential composite and aim to understand if and why career goals and behaviours vary between countries. Drawing on a model of career structuration and using multilevel mediation modelling, we draw on a survey of 17,986 employees from 27 countries, covering nine of GLOBE's 10 cultural clusters, and national statistical data to examine the relationship between societal context (macrostructure building the career‐opportunity structure) and actors' career goals (career mesostructure) and career behaviour (actions). We show that societal context in terms of societies' career‐related human potential composite is negatively associated with the importance given to financial achievements as a specific career mesostructure in a society that is positively related to individuals' proactive career behaviour. Our career mesostructure fully mediates the relationship between societal context and individuals' proactive career behaviour. In this way, we expand career theory's scope beyond occupation‐ and organisation‐related factors.
Association of global DNA hypomethylation with post‐operative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery
Authors: Li Hui , Wu Ting‐Ting , Tang Lin , Liu Qing , Mao Xin‐zhan , Xu Jun‐mei , Dai Ru‐Ping
Published: November 2019

Background

Post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a decline of cognitive status that commonly occurs after surgery in elderly patients. Whether DNA methylation is associated with the development of POCD remains unclear.

Methods

Subjects (N = 124) older than 65 years‐of‐age undergoing hip replacement surgery were enrolled. A battery of neuropsychiatric tests was used to examine the perioperative cognitive function of the patients. Early POCD was analyzed using the reliable change index (RCI), and subjects were diagnosed with POCD if RCI < −1.96. Peripheral leukocyte DNA was isolated, and DNA methylation was measured via 5‐methylcytosine (mC) using Elisa.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (19.4%) developed early POCD. There was no difference in baseline 5‐mC levels by POCD status. The 5‐mC levels significantly decreased on day 7 after surgery in patients who developed early POCD (P = .004), but did not change in non‐POCD patients. Moreover, post‐operative 5‐mC levels were significantly lower in POCD patients than those in non‐POCD patients (P = .003). Bivariate logistic models adjusted for age, gender, BMI, duration of anesthesia, and education level clearly demonstrated an independent association between post‐operative 5‐mC level and early POCD.

Conclusions

Post‐operative global hypomethylation of leukocyte DNA was associated with the development of early POCD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial, NCT02965235. Registered 16 November 2016, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT02965235&rank=1#rowId0
Intrauterine phenotype features of fetuses with Williams–Beuren syndrome and literature review
Authors: Yuan Meizhen , Deng Linbei , Yang Yingjun , Sun Luming
Published: November 2019

Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a well‐defined multisystem chromosomal disorder that is caused by a chromosome 7q11.23 region heterozygous deletion. We explored prenatal diagnosis of WBS by ultrasound as well as multiple genetic methods to characterize the structural variants of WBS prenatally. Expanded noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT‐plus) was elected as a regular prenatal advanced screen for risk assessments of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy and genome‐wide microdeletion/microduplication syndromes at the first trimester. At the second and three trimester, seven prenatal cases of WBS were evaluated for the indication of the invasive testing, the ultrasound features, cytogenetic, single‐nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array), and fluorescent quantitative PCR (QF‐PCR) results. The NIPT‐plus results for seven fetuses were low risk. All cryptic aberrations were detected by the SNP array as karyotyping analyses were negative. Subsequently, QF‐PCR further confirmed the seven deletions. Combining our cases with 10 prenatal cases from the literature, the most common sonographic features were intrauterine growth retardation (82.35%, 14/17) and congenital cardiovascular abnormalities (58.82%, 10/17). The manifestations of cardiovascular defects mainly involve supravalvar aortic stenosis (40%, 4/10), ventricular septal defect (30%, 3/10), aortic coarctation (20%, 2/10), and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (20%, 2/10). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first largest prenatal study of WBS cases with detailed molecular analysis. Aortic coarctation combined with persistent left superior vena cava and right aortic arch cardiovascular defects were first reported in prenatal WBS cases by our study.
Intrapartum and neonatal mortality in low‐risk term women in midwife‐led care and obstetrician‐led care at the onset of labor: A national matched cohort study
Authors: Wiegerinck Melanie M. J. , Eskes Martine , van der Post Joris A. M. , Mol Ben W. , Ravelli Anita C. J.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Midwife‐led models of care have been the subject of debate for many years. We conducted a study to compare intrapartum and neonatal mortality rates in midwife‐led (primary) vs obstetrician‐led (secondary) care at the onset of labor in low‐risk term women.

Material and methods

We performed an unmatched and a propensity score matched cohort study using data from the national perinatal audit registry (PAN) and from the national perinatal registry (PERINED) of the Netherlands. We included women with singleton pregnancies (without congenital anomalies or antepartum fetal death) who gave birth at term between 2010 and 2012. We excluded the following major risk factors: non‐vertex position of the fetus, previous cesarean birth, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prolonged rupture of membranes (≥24 hours), vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, nonspontaneous start of labor and post‐term pregnancy (≥42 weeks). The primary outcome was intrapartum or neonatal mortality up to 28 days after birth. Secondary outcome measures were mode of delivery and a 5‐minute Apgar score <7.

Results

We included 259 211 women. There were 100/206 642 (0.48‰) intrapartum and neonatal deaths in the midwife group and 23/52 569 (0.44‰) in the obstetrician group (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 0.70‐1.74). Propensity score matched analysis showed mortality rates of 0.49‰ (26/52 569) among women in midwife‐led care and 0.44‰ (23/52 569) for women in obstetrician‐led care (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.65‐1.98). In the midwife group there were significantly lower rates of vaginal instrumental deliveries (8.4% vs 13.0%; matched OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.62‐0.67) and intrapartum cesarean sections (2.6% vs 8.2%; matched OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.30‐0.34), and fewer neonates with low Apgar scores (<7 after 5 minutes) (0.69% vs 1.11%; matched OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53‐0.69).

Conclusions

Among low‐risk term women, there were comparable intrapartum and neonatal mortality rates for women starting labor in midwife‐led vs obstetrician‐led care, with lower intervention rates and fewer low Apgar scores in the midwife group.
Assessing maternal dietary quality in early pregnancy in the programming of intrauterine fetal growth
Authors: Kennedy Rachel A. K. , Reynolds Ciara M. E. , O’Malley Eimer G. , Turner Michael J.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

It is established globally that a healthy maternal diet during pregnancy is important in programming fetal growth and development. The assessment of maternal dietary intake, however, is challenging both in clinical practice and in research studies. The aim of this study was to compare three individual dietary quality scores in early pregnancy based on European, American and World Health Organization (WHO) nutrient recommendations for the identification of suboptimal fetal growth.

Material and methods

Women were recruited conveniently at their first antenatal hospital visit and completed a supervised 4‐day diet history. The results were dichotomized into those women meeting and those not meeting macronutrient and micronutrient recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), WHO and the Institute of Medicine (USA). Composite nutrient scores were derived. The relation between the three individual dietary scores in early pregnancy and subsequent birthweight and small‐for‐gestational‐age was compared using regression analyses.

Results

Of the 202 women, the mean age was 32.2 (SD 5.0) years and 44.6% were nulliparas. The mean dietary quality scores were: EFSA 9.4 (SD 3.1), WHO 8.5 (SD 3.7) and USA 9.6 (SD 3.6). On multivariable regression, there was a positive relationship between the EFSA (β = 44.7, 95% CI 17.0‐72.4, P = 0.002), WHO (β = 39.2, 95% CI 17.2‐61.1, P = 0.001), and USA (β = 40.0 95% CI 17.6‐62.3, P = 0.001) score and birthweight. All 3 scores were positively associated with birthweight centiles. However, only those in the lowest quartile of the EFSA score were more likely to be small‐for‐gestational‐age (odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.1‐7.4, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This study found that a dietary quality score based on European nutrient recommendations was better than other international recommendations at identifying in early pregnancy those women at risk of suboptimal fetal growth.
Closed loop automated oxygen control in neonates—A review
Authors: Sturrock Sarah , Williams Emma , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: November 2019

Aim

Neonates frequently require supplementary oxygen but may develop complications if the oxygen saturation is outside the target range. This review aimed to determine whether the algorithms used in closed loop automated oxygen control systems influenced their efficacy and whether use of the systems reduced relevant, long‐term neonatal complications.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. The search terms were ‘closed loop’ or ‘automat*’, ‘oxygen’ and ‘neonat*’.

Results

Eighteen studies were identified: sixteen comparison clinical studies, an observational study and an animal study. Overall, closed loop automated oxygen control was associated with an increased percentage of time spent within the target oxygen saturation range and there were fewer manual adjustments to the inspired oxygen concentration when compared with manual oxygen control. The systems were effective in infants on non‐invasive respiratory support or mechanically ventilated, but no study included term‐born infants. No long‐term data were available to determine if complications of oxygen toxicity were reduced.

Conclusion

Closed loop automated oxygen control has been shown in short term trials including preterm and low birth weight infants to improve target saturation achievement. Whether long‐term outcomes will be improved with their use requires investigation.
Characteristics of graft‐versus‐host disease occurring after alemtuzumab‐containing allogeneic stem cell transplants: incidence, organ involvement, risk factors and survival
Authors: Finazzi Maria C. , Boschini Cristina , Craddock Charles , Rambaldi Alessandro , Ward Janice , Malladi Ram K.
Published: November 2019

T‐cell depletion with alemtuzumab represents an effective form of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT); however, little is known regarding the impact of in vivo alemtuzumab on either the incidence or clinical characteristics of acute and chronic GVHD. We therefore studied 201 consecutive adult patients who received an alemtuzumab‐based, reduced‐intensity conditioned (RIC) allograft. With a median follow‐up of 24 months, the cumulative incidence of classic acute and late acute (persistent, recurrent and late onset) GVHD grades II–IV (grades III–IV) was 34% (13%) and 20% (8%) respectively; the cumulative incidence of classic chronic GVHD and overlap syndrome were 4% and 7% respectively. A previous diagnosis of classic acute GVHD is a risk factor for chronic GVHD (hazard ratio 10·91, 95% confidence interval 2·35–50·63, P = 0·0023) while late onset acute GVHD is not a risk factor for later development of chronic GVHD. Unrelated donor transplant is a risk factor for the development of classic acute GVHD but not for late onset or chronic GVHD. In conclusion, this study describes a distinctive pattern of GVHD following alemtuzumab‐RIC allografts, identifies the risk factors for GVHD development and provides prognostic information of patients with GVHD.
A randomised controlled trial of extended anticoagulation treatment versus standard treatment for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and post‐thrombotic syndrome in patients being treated for a first episode of unprovoked VTE (the ExACT study)
Authors: Bradbury Charlotte , Fletcher Kate , Sun Yongzhong , Heneghan Carl , Gardiner Chris , Roalfe Andrea , Hardy Pollyanna , McCahon Debbie , Heritage Gail , Shackleford Helen , Hobbs FD Richard , Fitzmaurice David
Published: November 2019

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is prevalent and impactful, with a risk of death, morbidity and recurrence. Post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common consequence and associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). The ExACT study was a non‐blinded, prospective, multicentred randomised controlled trial comparing extended versus limited duration anticoagulation following a first unprovoked VTE (proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). Adults were eligible if they had completed ≥3 months anticoagulation (remaining anticoagulated). The primary outcome was time to first recurrent VTE from randomisation. The secondary outcomes included PTS severity, bleeding, QoL and D‐dimers. Two‐hundred and eighty‐one patients were recruited, randomised and followed up for 24 months (mean age 63, male:female 2:1). There was a significant reduction in recurrent VTE for patients receiving extended anticoagulation [2·75 vs. 13·54 events/100 patient years, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0·20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·09 to 0·46, P < 0·001)] with a non‐significant increase in major bleeding [3·54 vs. 1·18 events/100 patient years, aHR 2·99 (95% CI: 0·81–11·05, P = 0·10)]. Outcomes of PTS and QoL were no different between groups. D‐dimer results (on anticoagulation) did not predict VTE recurrence. In conclusion, extended anticoagulation reduced VTE recurrence but did not reduce PTS or improve QoL and was associated with a non‐significant increase in bleeding. Results also suggest very limited clinical utility of D‐dimer testing on anticoagulated patients.
The fossil record of spiders revisited: implications for calibrating trees and evidence for a major faunal turnover since the Mesozoic
Authors: Magalhaes Ivan L. F. , Azevedo Guilherme H. F. , Michalik Peter , Ramírez Martín J.
Published: November 2019

Studies in evolutionary biology and biogeography increasingly rely on the estimation of dated phylogenetic trees using molecular clocks. In turn, the calibration of such clocks is critically dependent on external evidence (i.e. fossils) anchoring the ages of particular nodes to known absolute ages. In recent years, a plethora of new fossil spiders, especially from the Mesozoic, have been described, while the number of studies presenting dated spider phylogenies based on fossil calibrations increased sharply. We critically evaluate 44 of these studies, which collectively employed 67 unique fossils in 180 calibrations. Approximately 54% of these calibrations are problematic, particularly regarding unsupported assignment of fossils to extant clades (44%) and crown (rather than stem) dating (9%). Most of these cases result from an assumed equivalence between taxonomic placement of fossils and their phylogenetic position. To overcome this limitation, we extensively review the literature on fossil spiders, with a special focus on putative synapomorphies and the phylogenetic placement of fossil species with regard to their importance for calibrating higher taxa (families and above) in the spider tree of life. We provide a curated list including 41 key fossils intended to be a basis for future estimations of dated spider phylogenies. In a second step, we use a revised set of 23 calibrations to estimate a new dated spider tree of life based on transcriptomic data. The revised placement of key fossils and the new calibrated tree are used to resolve a long‐standing debate in spider evolution – we tested whether there has been a major turnover in the spider fauna between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. At least 17 (out of 117) extant families have been recorded from the Cretaceous, implying that at least 41 spider lineages in the family level or above crossed the Cretaeous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary. The putative phylogenetic affinities of families known only from the Mesozoic suggest that at least seven Cretaceous families appear to have no close living relatives and might represent extinct lineages. There is no unambiguous fossil evidence of the retrolateral tibial apophysis clade (RTA‐clade) in the Mesozoic, although molecular clock analyses estimated the major lineages within this clade to be at least ∼100 million years old. Our review of the fossil record supports a major turnover showing that the spider faunas in the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic are very distinct at high taxonomic levels, with the Mesozoic dominated by Palpimanoidea and Synspermiata, while the Cenozoic is dominated by Araneoidea and RTA‐clade spiders.
Light and electron microscopy of chlorpromazine‐induced hyperpigmentation
Authors: Calheiros Talita , de Almeida Hiram L. , Jorge Valéria M. , de Almeida Antônia L. , Motta Luis
Published: November 2019

Chlorpromazine may induce abnormal skin hyperpigmentation in exposed areas, described as slate‐gray, purple, or blue‐grayish discoloration. A 58‐year‐old man with schizophrenia, had been taking chlorpromazine for 5 years, and his sun‐exposed skin areas exhibited a blue‐grayish color. Large deposits of brown pigment and granular basophilic material were seen in the dermis with light microscopy. HMB‐45 and anti‐Melan‐A antibody immunostaining labeled some pigment in the dermis. Transmission electron microscopy identified deposits among dermal collagen bundles collagen in both transverse and longitudinal sections. In the latter, an arboriform aspect of deposits was quite clear, and some melanophages were also seen. The three‐dimensional examination of the dermis with scanning electron microscopy also identified deposits, which at higher magnification demonstrated an appearance in the shape of leaves, grass‐like, interspersed with normal collagen. These results suggest a complex pathogenic mechanism, including deposition of dermal melanin together with drug itself and potentially additional unknown metabolites.
The value of BRCA‐1‐associated protein 1 expression and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A deletion to distinguish peritoneal malignant mesothelioma from peritoneal location of carcinoma in effusion cytology specimens
Authors: Althakfi Wajd , Gazzo Sophie , Blanchet Marine , Isaac Sylvie , Piaton Eric , Villeneuve Laurent , Glehen Olivier , Gilly François‐Noel , Brevet Marie
Published: November 2019

Objective

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM), represents 30% of all malignant mesothelioma, and is characterised by a difficult diagnosis and different presentations. Immunohistochemistry has improved the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis between metastatic adenocarcinoma and malignant mesothelioma, and loss of BRCA‐1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) expression is correlated with BAP1 somatic or constitutional genetic defects. Furthermore, cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) is frequently lost in DMPM. In the present study, we assessed the value of integrating BAP1 in the panel of antibodies used for the diagnosis of DMPM in cytological samples. Since p16 fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) assay could constitute an additional useful adjunct, results of BAP1 immunostaining and p16 FISH assays have been compared.

Methods

Forty‐eight DMPM patients and 71 peritoneal carcinomatosis patients were included. BAP1 immunohistochemical and CDKN2A FISH techniques were performed on tissue specimens of DMPM (n = 48) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 71) then on cell‐block of DMPM (n = 16), peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 25) and peritoneal benign effusion (n = 5).

Results

Loss of BAP1 expression was observed in 56.3% of DMPM while none of the peritoneal carcinoma specimens showed BAP1 loss of expression. CDKN2A loss was observed in 34.9% DMPM and 2.1% peritoneal carcinoma. Although BAP1 immunostaining was successful in 100% of cytological DMPM samples, CDKN2A deletion status could be obtained for 75% of DMPM cases.

Conclusion

BAP1 immunostaining represents an objective and reproducible diagnostic biomarker for peritoneal mesothelioma in effusion cytology specimens and should be preferred to CDKN2A FISH analysis on these precious samples.
The effect of enamel fractures on oral health‐related quality of life in adolescents
Authors: Feldens Carlos Alberto , Senna Rita Azevedo , Vargas‐Ferreira Fabiana , Braga Vanessa Simas , Feldens Eliane Gerson , Kramer Paulo Floriani
Published: November 2019

Background/Aim

Enamel fractures are the most common type of traumatic dental injury (TDI) in children and adolescents. Recognizing the impact of these fractures on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) could contribute to the establishment of treatment protocols. The aim of this study was to assess and quantify the impact of enamel fractures on overall OHRQoL and domain scores in adolescents.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 775 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years in the city of Santo Ângelo in southern Brazil. Sociodemographic variables were collected from parents/caregivers using a structured questionnaire. The adolescents answered the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11‐14). Physical examinations were performed by an examiner who had undergone training and calibration exercises for the investigation of TDI (Andreasen criteria), dental caries (WHO criteria), and malocclusion (Dental Aesthetic Index). Data analysis involved Poisson regression with robust variance.

Results

The prevalence of TDI was 11.9% and enamel fractures accounted for 79.3% of all injuries. In the multivariate analysis, adolescents with enamel fractures had 29% higher CPQ11‐14 scores (worse OHRQoL) than those without TDI, even after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical variables (mean ratio = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09‐1.53; P = .003). Enamel fractures exerted a negative impact on the functional limitation, emotional well‐being, and social well‐being domains.

Conclusions

Enamel fractures exert a negative impact on the OHRQoL of adolescents, suggesting that subjective measures should be incorporated in the evaluation of patients with this traumatic injury.
Chronological age and reservoir characteristics as predictors of trait composition in Neotropical reservoir fish assemblages
Authors: Muniz Carolina M. , dos Santos Natália C. L. , Baumgartner Matheus T. , Agostinho Angelo A. , Gomes Luiz C.
Published: November 2019

One of the main impacts on aquatic environments is the alteration of flow regime, usually caused by dam construction. This impact changes the dynamics and functioning of the environment. We aimed to evaluate changes in the composition of functional traits of fish assemblages from 29 reservoirs of different chronological ages. We assessed if there were any alterations in trophic state of these reservoirs according to their ages (chronological variable). Then, we evaluated the relationship between functional traits and environmental/chronological variables. Results showed that reservoir age is a predictor of fish assemblage functional traits composition. In older reservoirs, there was a predominance of omnivorous species, with multiple spawning and parental care. However, herbivorous species, with total spawning and medium size, had their abundance reduced. Also, it was possible to identify the influence of depth and water retention time on the composition of functional traits. By showing that although age has an influence on composition, the intrinsic characteristics of each reservoir are very important in evaluating the impacts of these projects. Therefore, the findings presented provide insights into what may happen to functional traits of fish assemblages with ageing of reservoirs.
Habitat associations of the Threatened pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) at the northern edge of the species range
Authors: Lamothe Karl A. , Drake D. Andrew R.
Published: November 2019

Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) is a small, reclusive species that is widespread in North America, but is one of the rarest fishes in Canada, found in less than 12 known localities in southwestern Ontario. In contrast to most pugnose minnow populations across the global range, Canadian populations are primarily found in turbid systems, potentially indicating persistence in suboptimal conditions. We used data from a multi‐gear species and habitat survey in the Canard River, Ontario, a system dominated by agricultural inputs and the best‐known capture site of the species in Canada, to parameterise multi‐gear occupancy models for understanding the relationship between pugnose minnow occupancy and microhabitat features, including the role of turbidity. Almost 300 pugnose minnow were captured, representing the largest single collection of the species in Canadian history. The best occupancy model indicated that the probability of pugnose minnow occupancy was highest in the deepest sites with the lowest water clarity (i.e. high turbidity); however, competing models suggested that occupancy was highest at sites with wild celery (Vallisneria americana) and higher water clarity, signifying that habitats with low turbidity may be utilised if sufficient physical cover exists. Together, our results suggest that Canadian pugnose minnow populations occupy and potentially favour turbid conditions, possibly to avoid visual predators in clearer habitats. It remains uncertain whether this abiotic association represents a long‐term, viable, local adaptation or whether persistence of pugnose minnow in the Canard River is at risk unless significant water quality improvements can be made.
The role of iron repletion in adult iron deficiency anemia and other diseases
Authors: Elstrott Benjamin , Khan Lubna , Olson Sven , Raghunathan Vikram , DeLoughery Thomas , Shatzel Joseph J.
Published: November 2019

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent and treatable form of anemia worldwide. The clinical management of patients with IDA requires a comprehensive understanding of the many etiologies that can lead to iron deficiency including pregnancy, blood loss, renal disease, heavy menstrual bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, bariatric surgery, or extremely rare genetic disorders. The treatment landscape for many causes of IDA is currently shifting toward more abundant use of intravenous (IV) iron due to its effectiveness and improved formulations that decrease the likelihood of adverse effects. IV iron has found applications beyond treatment of IDA, and there is accruing data about its efficacy in patients with heart failure, restless leg syndrome, fatigue, and prevention of acute mountain sickness. This review provides a framework to diagnose, manage, and treat patients presenting with IDA and discusses other conditions that benefit from iron supplementation.
Parents’ Experiences of Their Child’s Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: McElvaney Rosaleen , Nixon Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

A child’s disclosure of sexual victimization is a difficult experience for parents and has been associated with traumatization, disbelief, denial, self‐blame, and clinical difficulties. To date, most studies on parents’ responses have been quantitative assessments of the psychological impact of disclosure on parents. A paucity of research has qualitatively explored mothers’ experiences of their child’s disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) and fathers’ experiences have been even further neglected. The current study seeks to characterize parents’ experiences of their child’s disclosure of CSA and to uncover the process‐oriented nature of parental responses. This qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach to analysis, involved interviews with 10 mothers and four fathers whose children (3–18 years) had experienced sexual abuse. Three themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme—making sense of the abuse in retrospect—captured the process through which parents sought to make sense of their child’s disclosure, focusing on why their child had not disclosed the abuse to them earlier, and how they had noticed something was wrong but misattributed their child’s behavior to other factors. The second theme—negotiating parental identity as protector—reflected how parents’ identity as a protector was challenged, their perception of their world had been forever altered, and they now experienced themselves as hypervigilant and overprotective. The final theme—navigating the services—pertained to parents’ struggle in navigating child protection and police services, and feelings of being isolated and alone. These findings highlight the need for empathy and parental support following child disclosure of sexual victimization.
Who still dies young in a rich city? Revisiting the case of Oxford
Authors: Brimblecombe Nicola , Dorling Danny , Green Mark
Published: November 2019

There are substantial inequalities in mortality and life expectancy in England, strongly linked to levels of deprivation. Mortality rates among those who are homeless are particularly high. Using the city of Oxford (UK) as a case study, we investigate ward‐level premature standardised mortality ratios for several three‐year and five‐year periods between 2002 and 2016, and explore the extent to which the mortality of people who become homeless contributed to any rise or fall in geographical inequalities during this period. Age–sex standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for people aged under 65 years old, with and without deaths among the homeless population, were calculated using Office for National Statistics Death Registration data for England and Wales 2002−2016. Individuals who were homeless or vulnerably housed were identified using records supplied by a local Oxford homeless charity. We found that in an increasingly wealthy, and healthy, city there were persistent ward‐level inequalities in mortality, which the city‐wide decrease in premature mortality over the period masked. Premature deaths among homeless people in Oxford became an increasingly important contributor to the overall geographical inequalities in health in this city. In the ward with the highest SMR, deaths among the homeless population accounted for 73% of all premature deaths of residents over the whole period; in 2014–2016 this proportion rose to 88%. Homelessness among men (the vast majority of the known homeless population) in this gentrifying English city rose to become the key explanation of geographical mortality patterns in deaths before age 65 across the entire city, particularly after 2011. Oxford reflects a broader pattern now found in many places across England of increasing homeless deaths, widening geographical inequalities in life expectancy, and sharp increases in all‐age SMRs. The answer to the question, “Who dies young in a rich, and in fact an even richer, place?” is – increasingly – the homeless.
Rethinking time and lifestyle migration: Multiple temporalities, identity formation, and post‐migration life of Chinese Houniao
Authors: Chen Jingfu , Bao Jigang
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the multiple temporalities of lifestyle migration through the study of the Houniao (“snowbirds”), mostly retirees from northern China. It attends to their seasonal migration to Sanya and Haikou, and explores the reconstruction of everyday practices, experience, and identities in association with their perceptions of past, present, and future. Personal biographies and national socio‐economic transformation over time encourage them to strike a balance between frugality and quality of life, and raise their generational awareness. The post‐migration life and identities of the “snowbirds” are also affected by their future aspirations and active ageing practices. The production of the Houniao's present life is further examined in relation to their perceptions of everyday rhythms and the negotiation of cultural and regional identities. This paper underlines the centrality of time in (lifestyle) migration. It offers insight into the time‐spaces and complexity of lifestyle migration and changing elderly life in modern China.
Effect of carbodiimide and chlorhexidine on the bond strength longevity of resin cement to root dentine after radiation therapy
Authors: Lopes F. C. , Roperto R. , Akkus A. , de Queiroz A. M. , Francisco de Oliveira H. , Sousa‐Neto M. D.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effect of carbodiimide (EDC) and chlorhexidine (CHX) on the bond strength (BS) of resin cement to root dentine of teeth submitted to radiotherapy.

Methodology

One hundred and twenty extracted maxillary canines were selected and assigned to 2 groups (n = 60): nonirradiated and irradiated (30 cycles of 2 Gy, total 60 Gy). Roots lengths were standardized, and canals were prepared and filled. Post spaces were then prepared, and the samples were redistributed according to dentine treatment (n = 20): saline solution (SF); CHX 2%; or EDC 0.5M. After drying the post space, fibreglass posts were cemented. Cross‐sectioned slices were obtained, and in half of the specimens of each subgroup (n = 10), the analysis was performed immediately; the others (n = 10) were stored for 10 months before analyses. The most cervical slice of each third was subjected to a push‐out test and failure pattern analysis (n = 10), and the most apical slice submitted to the analysis of the adhesive interface by SEM (n = 5). The bond strength data were submitted toanovaand Tukey tests, the adhesive interface adaptation was submitted to Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests, and the Chi‐square test was used to evaluate the type of failure.

Results

The irradiated specimens had significantly lower bond strength (13.8 ± 4.3) than the nonirradiated (18.1 ± 3.1;P < 0.001). For the irradiated teeth, the bond strengths were significantly lower in the SF and CHX groups (P < 0.001). Also, the bond strengths reduced significantly after 10 months in the SF and CHX groups (P < 0.001). Cohesive failures occurred in dentine for irradiated specimens. Poorer interface adaptation, dentine fractures and microfractures were observed in irradiated specimens, and better adaptation was observed for specimens after EDC treatment.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy was associated with lower bond strength and worse interface adaptation. Dentine treatment with EDC contributed to adhesive interface longevity during the cementation of glass fibre posts in nonirradiated and irradiated teeth.
The expression of miR‐125b in Nrf2‐silenced A549 cells exposed to hyperoxia and its relationship with apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Chu Xiaoyun , Gong Xiaohui , Zhou Huilin , Cai Cheng
Published: November 2019

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that affects the quality of life of infants. At present, premature exposure to hyperoxia for extended periods of time is believed to affect the development of lung tissue and vascularity, resulting in BPD. The oxidative stress caused by hyperoxia exposure is an important risk factor for BPD in premature infants. Nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important regulator of antioxidant mechanisms. As a microRNA, microRNA‐125b (miR‐125b) plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Although the Nrf2/ARE pathway has been extensively studied, little is known about the regulatory role of microRNAs in Nrf2 expression. In this study, the expression levels of Nrf2 and miR‐125b in the lung tissues of premature Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and A549 cells exposed to hyperoxia were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and the apoptosis of A549 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that Nrf2 and miRNA‐125b in the lung tissues of premature rats increased significantly upon exposure to hyperoxia and played a protective role. Nrf2 was suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in A549 cells, miR‐125b was similarly inhibited, and apoptosis was significantly increased. These results suggest that miR‐125b helps protect against BPD as a downstream target of Nrf2.
Diphencyprone: the career of a strong contact sensitizer in clinical dermatology
Authors: Happle R.
Published: November 2019

Linked article: A. Bullen et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 2101–2105. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15766.
Patient's companions as a vulnerable group in Turkish hospitals: A descriptive study
Authors: Akpinar Aslihan , Özcan Muesser , Ülker Toygar Deniz
Published: November 2019

Background

In Turkish hospitals, in addition to health care professionals, there are people who are also a significant part of the health care services; even though they are not professionals. In Turkey, these people are known as refakatçi (a patient's companion).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the concept of the patient's companion from their own perspective and to evaluate the concept of the patient's companion in terms of biomedical ethics.

Methods

This was a descriptive study. Personal interviews were conducted via a structured questionnaire containing open‐ended questions with the patients' companions. Thematic text analysis method was used to analyze the open‐ended questions. The study was conducted at a University Research and Training Hospital in the Aegean Region of Turkey.

Results

A total of 118 patient companions participated in the study. These patient companions stayed with the patients because of their concerns about trusting the health care professionals in caring for the patients. During their stay, the companions encountered several problems, including staying in ward‐type rooms and resting in a single armchair, as well as staying for a mean time span of 4 days, primarily for 24 consecutive hours in each day. Despite these conditions, most of the companions surprisingly declared their satisfaction with their stays.

Conclusions

Patients' companions should be defined as bioethical subjects; more specifically, they should be defined as vulnerable subjects and should not be taken advantage of. The description of patient companions as a vulnerable group allows for the ethical evaluation of similar systems, such as those in Israel, Greece, Korea, and Iran, and could allow for the development of a common solution for these systems. Moreover, such a definition provides an important basis for social, ethical, or legal studies on the health care systems in all of these countries.
Genome‐wide analysis of the Chinese sturgeon sox gene family: identification, characterisation and expression profiles of different tissues
Authors: Yang Jing , Hu Yacheng , Han Jilu , Xiao Kan , Liu Xueqing , Tan Chun , Zeng Qingkai , Du Hejun
Published: November 2019

The sox family is assumed to be responsible for a number of developmental systems. Genome sequencing technology makes it possible to scan sox genes and conduct characteristic analyses of different species. In fish, full characterisation of sox genes at the genome‐wide level has been reported for pufferfish Takifugu rubripes, medaka Oryzias latipes, tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. However, no systematic investigation of the sox family in sturgeons (Acipenseridae) has been reported to date. This study conducted genome‐wide identification of the sox genes in the Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis and profiled their tissue distribution between male and female individuals. In total, 19 sox genes were identified, including soxb1, b2, c, d, e, f and h, in the Chinese sturgeon. Genomic structure analysis indicated relatively conserved exon–intron structures in each sox group and phylogenetic analysis supported the previous classification of the sox family. Most of the sox genes showed a tissue‐specific expression pattern, indicating the possible involvement of Chinese sturgeon sox genes at different developmental processes such as cardiac and gonadal development. This study provides a comprehensive resource of Chinese sturgeon sox genes and enables a better understanding of the evolution and function of the sox family.