bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body size and climate as predictors of plumage colouration and sexual dichromatism in parrots
Authors: Carballo Luisana , Delhey Kaspar , Valcu Mihai , Kempenaers Bart
Published: August 2020

Psittaciformes (parrots, cockatoos and lorikeets) comprise one of the most colourful clades of birds. Their unique pigments and safe cavity nesting habits are two potential explanations for their colourful character. However, plumage colour varies substantially between parrot species and sometimes also between males and females of the same species. Here, we use comparative analyses to evaluate what factors correlate with colour elaboration, colour diversity and sexual dichromatism. Specifically, we test the association between different aspects of parrot colouration and (a) the intensity of sexual selection and social interactions, (b) variation along the slow‐fast life‐history continuum and (c) climatic variation. We show that larger species and species that live in warm environments display more elaborated colours, yet smaller species have higher levels of sexual dichromatism. Larger parrots tend to have darker and more blue and red colours. Parrots that live in wetter environments are darker and redder, whereas species inhabiting warm regions have more blue plumage colours. In general, each of the variables we considered explain small to moderate amounts of variation in parrot colouration (up to 15%). Our data suggest that sexual selection may be acting more strongly on males in small, short‐lived parrots leading to sexual dichromatism. More elaborate colouration in both males and females of the larger, long‐lived species with slow tropical life histories suggests that mutual mate choice, social selection and reduced selection for crypsis may be important in these species, as has been shown for passerines.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding provides enhanced detection of the European eel Anguilla anguilla and fish community structure in pumped river catchments
Authors: Griffiths Nathan P. , Bolland Jonathan D. , Wright Rosalind M. , Murphy Leona A. , Donnelly Robert K. , Watson Hayley V. , Hänfling Bernd
Published: August 2020

The European eel Anguilla anguilla (eel hereafter) is critically endangered and has a catadromous life cycle, which means adult eels that live in pumped catchments must pass through pumps during their downstream spawning migration. Policy makers are currently lacking detailed site‐by‐site eel distribution information to estimate the overall impact of individual pumping stations on eel escapement, and as such lack the data to enable informed prioritisation of pumping station management and targeted mitigation. This study investigated whether environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding can provide increased detection sensitivity for eel and fish community structure in highly regulated pumped catchments, when compared directly to current standard practice fish survey protocols (seine netting/electric fishing). Eels were detected in 14 of 17 sites (82.4%) using eDNA metabarcoding in contrast to 3 of 17 sites (17.6%) using traditional catch methods. In addition, when using eDNA monitoring, species richness was higher in 16 of 17 sites (94.1%), and site occupancy was greater than or equal to traditional methods for 23 of 26 of the fish species detected (88.5%). Although eDNA methods presented significantly higher average species richness and species site occupancy overall, eDNA and catch methods were positively correlated in terms of species richness and site occupancy. It was therefore found that eDNA metabarcoding was a high‐sensitivity method for detecting eels in pumped catchments while also increasing the detection of overall fish community structure compared to traditional catch methods. In addition, this study highlights how eDNA monitoring is especially suited to increase the detection of particular species, with traditional methods sufficient for others. This high sensitivity, coupled with the ability to sample multiple sites in a short time frame, suggests that eDNA metabarcoding workflows could be invaluable tools when prioritising pumping station management.
Long‐term retention of dummy acoustic transmitters in adult brown trout
Authors: Kennedy Richard J. , Evans Derek , Allen Michelle
Published: August 2020

A group of 36 1+ age class Salmo trutta were surgically implanted with dummy acoustic tags and monitored for 370 days. In total 13 tags were expelled throughout the experiment with an overall tag loss rate of c. 0.035 tags per day. Fish length was the only explanatory variable which had a significant association with subsequent tag expulsion. The estimated probability of retaining a tag for a year for a fish of length 32 cm was 0.76, 34 cm was 0.60 and 36 cm was 0.38. The long‐term tag loss patterns were examined and discussed.
Overlapping niches between two co‐occurring invasive fish: the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva and the common bleak Alburnus alburnus
Authors: Balzani Paride , Gozlan Rodolphe E. , Haubrock Phillip J.
Published: August 2020

Invasive fish species impact aquatic ecosystems and modify native communities, often leading to a decline in local species. These ecological impacts include the transmission of pathogens, predation, competition as well as hybridization. Two invasive fish species, the common bleak Alburnus alburnus and the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorabora parva, have both been recently found co‐occurring in several regions of southern Europe, such as the Italian Arno River. Nonetheless, the trophic relationships among invasive fish species, especially cyprinids, remain poorly understood, and no studies have reported the trophic interaction between these two species. This study compared length–weight relationship and used stomach content and stable isotope analysis of two co‐occurring populations in the Arno River to characterize the growth and overlap of potential trophic niches. It also found similar allometric growth in both species, a wider generalist trophic niche for P. parva and a more specialized niche for A. alburnus. A considerable niche overlap was found, suggesting that feeding competition can occur if resources were to be limited. Moreover, the niche of P. parva was more likely to overlap with that of A. alburnus than vice versa, suggesting that P. parva can be considered as a potential over competitor. Nonetheless, the authors found in the overlapping populations no evidence of realized competition, probably avoided through a combination of fine‐scale mechanisms. They also highlighted that these two invasive species can co‐exist and share resources, at least in an open ecosystem like a river, thus potentially doubling up their trophic impact on local communities.
Fall‐Related Hospitalizations in Nursing Home Residents Co‐Prescribed a Cholinesterase Inhibitor and Beta‐Blocker
Authors: Watt Jennifer A. , Campitelli Michael A. , Maxwell Colleen J. , Guan Jun , Maclagan Laura C. , Gomes Tara , Bokhari Mahmoud , Straus Sharon E. , Bronskill Susan E.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between hospitalization for a fall‐related injury and the co‐prescription of a cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) among persons with dementia receiving a beta‐blocker, and whether this potential drug‐drug interaction is modified by frailty.

DESIGN

Nested case‐control study using population‐based administrative databases.

SETTING

All nursing homes in Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Persons with dementia aged 66 and older who received at least one beta‐blocker between April 2013 and March 2018 following nursing home admission (n = 19,060).

MEASUREMENTS

Cases were persons with dementia with a hospitalization (emergency department visit or acute care admission) for a fall‐related injury with concurrent beta‐blocker use. Each case (n = 3,038) was matched 1:1 to a control by age (±1 year), sex, cohort entry year, frailty, and history of fall‐related injuries. The association between fall‐related injury and exposure to a ChEI in the 90 days prior was examined using multivariable conditional logistic regression. Secondary exposures included ChEI type, daily dose, incident versus prevalent use, and use in the prior 30 days. Subgroup analyses considered frailty, age group, sex, and history of hospitalization for fall‐related injuries.

RESULTS

Exposure to a ChEI in the prior 90 days occurred among 947 (31.2%) cases and 940 (30.9%) controls. In multivariable models, no association was found between hospitalization for a fall‐related injury and prior exposure to a ChEI in persons with dementia dispensed beta‐blockers (adjusted odds ratio = .96, 95% confidence interval = .85–1.08). Findings were consistent across secondary exposures and subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSION

Among nursing home residents with dementia receiving beta‐blockers, co‐prescription of a ChEI was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for a fall‐related injury. However, we did not assess for its association with falls not leading to hospitalization. This finding could inform clinical guidelines and shared decision making between persons with dementia, caregivers, and clinicians concerning ChEI initiation and/or discontinuation.
Decrease of Anticholinergic Drug Use in Nursing Home Residents in the United States, 2009 to 2017
Authors: Malagaris Ioannis , Mehta Hemalkumar B. , Li Shuang , Goodwin James S.
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the time course of anticholinergic drug use in nursing home residents and assess if any temporal change in anticholinergic use varied by nursing home quality rating.

DESIGN

Retrospective repeated cross‐sectional analysis of Medicare enrollment, Parts A, B, and D, claims data linked to the Minimum Data Set from 2009 to 2017.

SETTING

Medicare‐certified nursing homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Long‐term residents 65 years or older with nursing home stay of at least 100 consecutive days within a given calendar year.

MEASUREMENTS

Estimates of anticholinergic drug prescription rates between 2009 and 2017 were based on a binary variable indicating whether a resident received a drug with high anticholinergic activity, as defined by the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale, for at least 1 day during the initial 100 consecutive days of nursing home stay in a given calendar year. We used mixed effects logistic regression models to determine adjusted rates of anticholinergic use each year and test the interaction between nursing home quality rating and year, while adjusting for patient and nursing home characteristics.

RESULTS

The cohort included 786,858 100‐day nursing home stays (299,354 unique residents) in 6,703 nursing homes for the years 2009 to 2017. Prescription rates were stable at approximately 34% to 35% between 2009 and 2011, then gradually decreased to 24.3% in 2017 (P < .0001), with the decline being more pronounced in nursing homes having high quality ratings (P < .0001). Rates for anticholinergic drugs in nursing homes with 4 to 5 star quality rating (33.7% in 2011 to 23.3% in 2017) showed a steeper decline over time relative to nursing homes with 1 to 2 star quality rating (34.2% in 2011 to 25.2% in 2017) (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of drugs with high anticholinergic activity has declined from 2009 to 2017, with a greater decline in higher‐quality nursing homes.
Morphological and Elastic Transition of Polystyrene Adsorbed Layers on Silicon Oxide
Authors: DINELLI F. , PINGUE P. , SIGNORE G. , NAPOLITANO S.
Published: August 2020

Herein we present a study on the formation of irreversibly adsorbed layer of polystyrene molecules on silicon oxide surfaces. Various scanning probe microscopy techniques have been employed to study both the morphology and the mechanical properties of these self‐assembled thin polymeric layers. More in detail, standard contact mode, force versus distance spectroscopy and ultrasonic force microscopy have been employed to obtain spatially‐resolved maps and, thus, observe the physisorption of polystyrene on native silicon oxide substrate in function of time. Thick films, spin coated from a toluene solution, have been annealed at a temperature above the glass transition for increasing time intervals, and finally thoroughly rinsed in toluene. We have found that isolated islands of adsorbed chains are already present after an annealing time of half an hour. Prolonged annealing determines a progressive increase of the covered areas, whereas the formation of a complete flat layer requires 24 h. The pattern observed is in line with expected evolution of an unstable system, corresponding to the phenomenon of spinodal dewetting. Adhesion measurements show that the films present a reduced snap‐off and the formation of a meniscus between tip and surface for annealing time up to 8 h. On the other hand, elastic measurements allow us to observe a progressive increase of the elastic modulus, with a complete transition for annealing time above 20 h. This is indication that a dense packing of the polystyrene molecules occurs, in line with the predictions of current models on the kinetics of irreversible adsorption.

Lay Description

Herein we present a study on the formation of irreversibly adsorbed layer of polystyrene molecules on silicon oxide surfaces. Various scanning probe microscopy techniques have been employed to study both the morphology and the mechanical properties of these self‐assembled thin polymeric layers. Thick polystyrene films, spin coated from a toluene solution, have been thermally annealed at a temperature above the glass transition for increasing time intervals, and finally thoroughly rinsed in toluene. We have found that isolated islands of adsorbed chains are already present after an annealing time of half an hour. Prolonged annealing determines a progressive increase of the covered areas, whereas the formation of a complete flat layer requires twenty‐four hours. The adsorption pattern observed is in line with expected evolution of an unstable system, corresponding to the phenomenon of spinodal dewetting. Adhesion and elastic measurements have allowed us to observe a progressive increase of the packing density of the polystyrene molecules, in agreement with the predictions of current models on the kinetics of irreversible adsorption.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3ß supports serotonin transporter function and trafficking in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner
Authors: Ragu Varman Durairaj , Jayanthi Lankupalle D. , Ramamoorthy Sammanda
Published: August 2020

Serotonin (5‐HT) transporter (SERT) plays a crucial role in serotonergic transmission in the central nervous system, and any aberration causes serious mental illnesses. Nevertheless, the cellular mechanisms that regulate SERT function and trafficking are not entirely understood. Growing evidence suggests that several protein kinases act as modulators. Here, we delineate the molecular mechanisms by which glycogen synthase kinase‐3ß (GSK3ß) regulates SERT. When mouse striatal synaptosomes were treated with the GSK3α/ß inhibitor CHIR99021, we observed a significant increase in SERT function, Vmax, surface expression with a reduction in 5‐HT Km and SERT phosphorylation. To further study how the SERT molecule is affected by GSK3α/ß, we used HEK‐293 cells as a heterologous expression system. As in striatal synaptosomes, CHIR99021 treatment of cells expressing wild‐type hSERT (hSERT‐WT) resulted in a time and dose‐dependent elevation of hSERT function with a concomitant increase in the Vmax and surface transporters because of reduced internalization and enhanced membrane insertion; silencing GSK3α/ß in these cells with siRNA also similarly affected hSERT. Converting putative GSK3α/ß phosphorylation site serine at position 48 to alanine in hSERT (hSERT‐S48A) completely abrogated the effects of both the inhibitor CHIR99021 and GSK3α/ß siRNA. Substantiating these findings, over‐expression of constitutively active GSK3ß with hSERT‐WT, but not with hSERT‐S48A, reduced SERT function, Vmax, surface density, and enhanced transporter phosphorylation. Both hSERT‐WT and hSERT‐S48A were inhibited similarly by PKC activation or by inhibition of Akt, CaMKII, p38 MAPK, or Src kinase. These findings provide new evidence that GSK3ß supports basal SERT function and trafficking via serine‐48 phosphorylation.

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Evaluation of efficacy of QR 678 and QR678 neo hair growth factor formulation for the treatment of female pattern alopecia in patients with PCOS—A prospective study
Authors: Kapoor Rinky , Shome Debraj , Doshi Komal , Patel Ghanshyam , Vadera Sapna
Published: August 2020

Background

Hair is an essential identity of women. Femininity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality are symbolically linked to a woman’s hair. Female pattern hair loss is found in 20%‐30% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of QR678® and QR678 Neo® therapy in the treatment of female alopecia with PCOS.

Method

A total of 20 females diagnosed with PCOS in the age 25‐50 years, with complaints of female pattern alopecia with Ludwig, grades I, and II were selected for the study. At each visit, 1.5 ml solution of QR678® was injected in the scalp skin of patients. A total of eight sessions were performed at an interval of 3 week each. All the patients were evaluated with standard global photography at baseline, 4th and 8th session, and 2 months after 8th session.

Result

Marked improvement was seen in the global photographic assessment score (mean = 8) which was maintained for over 1 year. In videomicroscopic assessment, after four sessions the patients had 8.07 fewer vellus hair, 6.07 more terminal hair, and average hair shaft diameter was 0.82 μm wider. After eight sessions, they had 11.66 fewer vellus hair, 13.77 more terminal hair, and hair shaft diameter was 2.86 μm wider than at baseline.

Conclusion

Intra‐dermal injections of QR 678® hair growth factor formulation is an effective option for female pattern alopecia with PCOS. This is the first of its kind study using QR678® and QR678 Neo® in PCOS patients.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Amyloidosis of the Tongue
Authors: Lee Sarah Kay Youny , Muller Olivia , Rasmussen Chad
Published: August 2020

Amyloidosis of the tongue can result in significant and irreversible alterations of tooth position and function due to prolonged application of imbalanced force on the teeth by the enlarged tongue. Due to the rarity of this oral form of systemic disease, little has been elucidated on management of the resulting impaired oral function. While surgery can address the size of the tongue, it carries significant morbidities, enlargement can recur, and does not address adverse tooth positioning. Prosthetic rehabilitation can more aptly restore oral function but it also needs to be tailored based on the patient's expectations and goals as well as biologic and mechanical parameters of treatment. This report discusses an effective and noninvasive application of a tooth‐supported, removable prosthesis with an onlay occlusal design to restore occlusion, speech, and esthetics in a patient with tongue‐based amyloidosis.
Resistance to Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum haplotype B in tomato landraces from Mexico
Authors: Garzón‐Tiznado José Antonio , Melgoza‐Villagómez Claudia María , López‐Orona Carlos Alfonso , Castro‐Espinoza Luciano , Velarde‐Félix Sixto , Figueroa‐Pérez Marely Graciela , Retes‐Manjarrez Jesús Enrique
Published: August 2020

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum haplotype B (CLsoB) is an economically important pathogen of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops in New Zealand and Central and North America. Currently, resistant cultivars of tomato are not available as a management tactic because breeding programmes lack sources of resistance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance in tomato to CLsoB. Forty‐six landraces of tomato were collected from several states in Mexico and were inoculated with CLsoB using 20 infested adults of Bactericera cockerelli per plant. Two assays were done over two years under greenhouse conditions. In the first trial, landraces FC22 and FC44 showed a significantly higher proportion of resistant plants, less symptom severity and longer incubation time compared with the other forty‐four landraces and two susceptible cultivars. In the second assay, resistance to CLsoB of the landraces FC22 and FC44 was confirmed because they had again significantly greater numbers of resistant plants, less symptom severity, relative lower CLsoB titers and longer incubation time relative to the other genotypes. All plants considered resistant from both assays had DNA of CLsoB. Results indicate that all resistant plants from these landraces are promising sources for the development of tomato cultivars with resistance to CLsoB.
Cryptic lineages and potential introgression in a mixed‐ploidy species (Phragmites australis) across temperate China
Authors: Liu Le‐Le , Yin Mei‐Qi , Guo Xiao , Wang Jing‐Wen , Cai Yun‐Fei , Wang Cui , Yu Xiao‐Na , Du Ning , Brix Hans , Eller Franziska , Lambertini Carla , Guo Wei‐Hua
Published: August 2020

Polyploidization and hybridization are very common in natural plant species, and mixed‐ploidy species provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of evolutionary history, local abundance, and ploidy level on the direction and extent of introgression between intraspecific lineages. First, we delimited two morphologically cryptic lineages of Phragmites australis Trin. ex Steud. in temperate China using 11 nuclear microsatellites and two chloroplast DNA fragments with 225 samples from China as well as 11 samples from Oceania and Europe. Our evidence supported that haplotype O and haplotype P were two relatively independent lineages with low and high ploidy levels, respectively; haplotype M might be ancient and could have undergone a complex evolutionary history. Then we examined the lineage divergence and compared the introgression patterns between two major lineages along geographical and abundance gradients with a large number of samples (n = 1067) collected from China. The sympatric coexistence of two lineages in north and northeast China implies an ongoing or potential introgression between them. Cline analysis showed that the level of genetic admixture were significantly correlated with longitude rather than latitude. Our results also suggested that ploidy level could deeply influence the introgression asymmetry, and the effect of the current local abundance on introgression might be covered by the past coexistence time driven by phylogeographic history. Our study draws a baseline for future research on the ecological and evolutionary consequences of migration and introgression of Chinese P. australis under global change.
Long‐term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow‐up of dogs with osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Nye Carolyn , Hostnik Eric , Parker Elizabeth , Wittum Thomas , Jones Stephen , Moore Sarah , Cook Laurie , da Costa Ronaldo C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA‐CSM) is a complex disorder with limited long‐term survival. The longitudinal progression is currently unknown.

Objective

To describe changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 2‐year minimum period. We hypothesized that spinal lesions would progress in the majority of dogs.

Animals

Eleven dogs previously diagnosed with OA‐CSM were prospectively studied. Nine dogs were treated medically, whereas 2 were treated surgically.

Methods

Clinical and MRI follow‐up were performed with a median time between MRI studies of 30 months (range, 24‐54). Morphologic assessment evaluated vertebral canal stenosis, spinal cord compression, foraminal stenosis, and articular processes, among other variables. Morphometric assessment included vertebral canal area, spinal cord area, area of the articular processes, and foraminal height.

Results

On follow‐up MRI, the most affected site at the initial examination in medically treated dogs had progressed in 4 of 9 dogs, improved in 4, and was unchanged in 3. Clinically, all dogs except 2 medically treated dogs were unchanged to improve at follow‐up. Initially, 50 of 60 (83.3%) intervertebral spaces had vertebral canal stenosis, whereas in the follow‐up MRI 82.3% did. Of the sites with stenosis, 45.7% were unchanged, 18.6% improved, and 38.9% worsened. Morphometry identified significant decreases in vertebral canal and spinal cord areas at C4‐C5 through C6‐C7, and significant progression of articular process irregularities at C3‐C4 and C6‐C7.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This long‐term follow‐up study of dogs with OA‐CSM did not identify clinical or MRI progression of lesions in the majority of dogs.
Outcome and treatments of dogs with aortic thrombosis: 100cases(1997‐2014)
Authors: Ruehl Mackenzie , Lynch Alex M. , O'Toole Therese E. , Morris Bari , Rush John , Couto C. Guillermo , Hmelo Samantha , Sonnenshein Stacey , Butler Amy , Guillaumin Julien
Published: August 2020

Background

Aortic thrombosis (ATh) is an uncommon condition in dogs, with limited understanding of risks factors, outcomes, and treatments.

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe potential risk factors, outcome, and treatments in dogs with ATh.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with a diagnosis of ATh based on ultrasonographic or gross necropsy examination.

Method

Multicentric retrospective study from 2 academic institutions.

Results

One hundred dogs were identified. Anti‐thrombin diagnosis, 35/100 dogs were nonambulatory. The dogs were classified as acute (n = 27), chronic (n = 72), or unknown (n = 1). Fifty‐four dogs had at least one comorbidity thought to predispose to ATh, and 23 others had multiple comorbidities. The remaining 23 dogs with no obvious comorbidities were classified as cryptogenic. Concurrent illnesses potentially related to the development of ATh included protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN) (n = 32), neoplasia (n = 22), exogenous corticosteroid administration (n = 16), endocrine disease (n = 13), and infection (n = 9). Dogs with PLN had lower antithrombin activity than those without PLN (64% and 82%, respectively) (P= .04). Sixty‐five dogs were hospitalized with 41 subsequently discharged. Sixteen were treated as outpatient and 19 euthanized at admission. In‐hospital treatments varied, but included thrombolytics (n = 12), alone or in combination with thrombectomy (n = 9). Fifty‐seven dogs survived to discharge. Sixteen were alive at 180 days. Using regression analysis, ambulation status at the time of presentation was significantly correlated with survival‐to‐discharge (P < .001).

Conclusions/Clinical Importance

Dogs with ATh have a poor prognosis, with nonambulatory dogs at the time of presentation having worse outcome. Although the presence of comorbid conditions associated with hypercoagulability is common, an underlying cause for ATh was not always identified.
Specialized and shared functions of diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases in Streptomyces development
Authors: Haist Julian , Neumann Sara Alina , Al‐Bassam Mahmoud M. , Lindenberg Sandra , Elliot Marie A. , Tschowri Natalia
Published: August 2020

The second messenger bis‐3,5‐cyclic di‐guanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP) determines when Streptomyces initiate sporulation. c‐di‐GMP signals are integrated into the genetic differentiation network by the regulator BldD and the sigma factor σWhiG. However, functions of the development‐specific diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) CdgB and CdgC, and the c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) RmdA and RmdB, are poorly understood. Here, we provide biochemical evidence that the GGDEF‐EAL domain protein RmdB from S. venezuelae is a monofunctional PDE that hydrolyzes c‐di‐GMP to 5′pGpG. Despite having an equivalent GGDEF‐EAL domain arrangement, RmdA cleaves c‐di‐GMP to GMP and exhibits residual DGC activity. We show that an intact EAL motif is crucial for the in vivo function of both enzymes since strains expressing protein variants with an AAA motif instead of EAL are delayed in development, similar to null mutants. Transcriptome analysis of ∆cdgB, ∆cdgC, ∆rmdA, and ∆rmdB strains revealed that the c‐di‐GMP specified by these enzymes has a global regulatory role, with about 20% of all S. venezuelae genes being differentially expressed in the cdgC mutant. Our data suggest that the major c‐di‐GMP‐controlled targets determining the timing and mode of sporulation are genes involved in cell division and the production of the hydrophobic sheath that covers Streptomyces aerial hyphae and spores.
Eeyarestatin 24 impairs SecYEG‐dependent protein trafficking and inhibits growth of clinically relevant pathogens
Authors: Steenhuis Maurice , Koningstein Gregory M. , Oswald Julia , Pick Tillman , O’Keefe Sarah , Koch Hans‐Georg , Cavalié Adolfo , Whitehead Roger C. , Swanton Eileithyia , High Stephen , Luirink Joen
Published: August 2020

Eeyarestatin 1 (ES1) is an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated protein degradation, Sec61‐dependent Ca2+ homeostasis and protein translocation into the ER. Recently, evidence was presented showing that a smaller analog of ES1, ES24, targets the Sec61‐translocon, and captures it in an open conformation that is translocation‐incompetent. We now show that ES24 impairs protein secretion and membrane protein insertion in Escherichia coli via the homologous SecYEG‐translocon. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that ES24 has a complex mode of action, probably involving multiple targets. Interestingly, ES24 shows antibacterial activity toward clinically relevant strains. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of ES24 is equivalent to or better than that of nitrofurantoin, a known antibiotic that, although structurally similar to ES24, does not interfere with SecYEG‐dependent protein trafficking. Like nitrofurantoin, we find that ES24 requires activation by the NfsA and NfsB nitroreductases, suggesting that the formation of highly reactive nitroso intermediates is essential for target inactivation in vivo.
Global patterns of biomass allocation in woody species with different tolerances of shade and drought: evidence for multiple strategies
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo , Laanisto Lauri , Poorter Hendrik , Niinemets Ülo
Published: August 2020

The optimal partitioning theory predicts that plants of a given species acclimate to different environments by allocating a larger proportion of biomass to the organs acquiring the most limiting resource. Are similar patterns found across species adapted to environments with contrasting levels of abiotic stress?

We tested the optimal partitioning theory by analysing how fractional biomass allocation to leaves, stems and roots differed between woody species with different tolerances of shade and drought in plants of different age and size (seedlings to mature trees) using a global dataset including 604 species.

No overarching biomass allocation patterns at different tolerance values across species were found. Biomass allocation varied among functional types as a result of phenological (deciduous vs evergreen broad‐leaved species) and broad phylogenetical (angiosperms vs gymnosperms) differences. Furthermore, the direction of biomass allocation responses between tolerant and intolerant species was often opposite to that predicted by the optimal partitioning theory.

We conclude that plant functional type is the major determinant of biomass allocation in woody species. We propose that interactions between plant functional type, ontogeny and species‐specific stress tolerance adaptations allow woody species with different shade and drought tolerances to display multiple biomass partitioning strategies.
Current surgical treatment standards for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer
Authors: Jung Minoa K. , Schmidt Thomas , Chon Seung‐Hun , Chevallay Mickael , Berlth Felix , Akiyama Junichi , Gutschow Christian A. , Mönig Stefan P.
Published: August 2020

A number of different surgical techniques for the treatment of cancer of the esophagus and the esophagogastric junction have been proposed. Guidelines generally recommend a transthoracic approach for esophageal cancer, including Siewert type I tumors. In tumors of the proximal esophageal third, transthoracic esophagectomy may be extended to a three‐field approach, including resection of cervical lymph nodes. However, the choice between transthoracic esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis (Ivor Lewis esophagectomy) and the three‐incision approach with cervical esophago‐gastrostomy (McKeown esophagectomy) remains controversial, with guidelines varying among different countries. Furthermore, it is commonly accepted that Siewert type III tumors should be treated by extended total gastrectomy with transhiatal resection of the lower esophagus, whereas currently no consensus exists regarding the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma. Likewise, there is a major controversy regarding palliative and potentially curative treatment modalities in oligometastatic disease. This review deals with current surgical treatment standards for cancer of the esophagus and the eosphagogastric junction, including discussion of ongoing trials.
Systematic review and meta‐analyses of the relationship between short sleep and incidence of obesity and effectiveness of sleep interventions on weight gain in preschool children
Authors: Miller Michelle A. , Bates Sarah , Ji Chen , Cappuccio Francesco P.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to determine (a) whether short sleep is associated with the incidence of obesity and (b) whether interventions beneficial for sleep reduce weight gain in preschool children. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane up to 12/09/2019. (a) Studies that were included were prospective, had follow‐up ≥1 year, with sleep duration at baseline and required outcome measures. (b) Intervention trials with sleep intervention and measures of overweight or obesity were included. Data were extracted according to PRISMA guidelines. (a) The risk of developing overweight/obesity was greater in short sleeping children (13 studies, 42 878 participants, RR: 1.54; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.77; p < 0.001). Sleep duration was associated with a significant change in BMI z‐score (10 studies, 11 cohorts and 29 553 participants) (mean difference: −0.02 unit per hour sleep; −0.03 to −0.01; p < 0.001). (b) Four of the five intervention studies reported improved outcomes: for BMI (−0.27 kg/m2; −0.50 to −0.03; p = 0.03); for BMI z‐score (−0.07 unit; −0.12 to −0.02; p = 0.006). Short sleep duration is a risk factor or marker of the development of obesity in preschool children. Intervention studies suggest that improved sleep may be beneficially associated with a reduced weight gain in these children.
Life‐space mobility in dementia patients and family caregivers: A dyadic approach
Authors: Chung Jane , Lee Jongwon , Elswick Ronald K.
Published: August 2020

Background and objective

Given that most dementia care is provided at home by family caregivers, caregivers’ health and outdoor activities may influence persons with dementia (PWDs)’ mobility. At the same time, PWDs’ functional deterioration and mobility changes might affect mobility behaviours in their caregivers. The aims of this pilot study were to examine the relationship of PWD’s life‐space mobility (LSM) with their caregiver's LSM and to investigate the role of caregiver and PWD characteristics in determining the level of LSM in both PWDs and caregivers.

Design and method

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 26 caregivers providing dementia care at home. Caregivers were used as proxy for assessing sociodemographic, clinical and physical function in PWDs. Caregivers’ sociodemographic characteristics, LSM, social support, depressive symptoms, caregiving burden and preparedness for caregiving were measured.

Results

The level of LSM in caregivers was correlated with the PWD’s LSM level. Caregivers who perceived high levels of social support and readiness for caregiving tended to report high levels of LSM. PWDs’ age and independence in instrumental activities of daily living were correlated with caregivers’ LSM.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that the caregiver's LSM influenced and was affected by the PWD’s LSM. This underscores the need for additional research that examines the role of caregivers’ psychosocial and physical health on PWDs’ mobility and the context of dementia care and its influences on how dementia care dyads decide and participate in mobility behaviours.

Implications for practice

The findings of this pilot study will be helpful in identifying a target for interventions designed to delay the onset of mobility disability and maintain and improve social participation in PWDs. To minimise the effects of mobility limitations in PWDs, it is critical to examine their mobility issues from multilevel perspectives, including their caregiver's LSM levels and characteristics that have implications for both research and clinical practice.
Atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy: Procedural challenges and efficacy
Authors: Fink Thomas , Sciacca Vanessa , Heeger Christian‐Hendrik , Vogler Julia , Eitel Charlotte , Reissmann Bruno , Rottner Laura , Rillig Andreas , Mathew Shibu , Maurer Tilman , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Metzner Andreas , Tilz Roland Richard
Published: August 2020

Background

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy is challenging due to anatomical alterations. After lung resection, electrically active pulmonary vein (PV) stumps remain and need to be localized for PV isolation (PVI). The present study aims to describe clinical challenges of PVI in patients with pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on 19 patients with previous pulmonary lobectomy or pneumectomy undergoing catheter ablation for AF in three German hospitals.

Results

Nineteen patients with paroxysmal, persistent, or longstanding‐persistent AF and history of pulmonary lobectomy (n = 11) or pneumectomy (n = 8) were enrolled. Catheter ablation was performed as radiofrequency (RF) ablation using 3D mapping, robotic RF ablation, or by using balloon devices. Decent anatomical changes were observed in patients with lobectomy while cardiac rotation and mediastinal shifting was dominant in patients with pneumectomy. Visualization of all PVs including PV stumps by PV angiography was possible in 10 of 19 patients (52.6%). PV spikes were observed in all identified PV remnants. In nine patients (47.4%), at least one PV remnant could not be identified and electrical isolation was not performed. During 24 months follow‐up, patients with incomplete PVI had a significantly shorter arrhythmia‐free survival than patients with complete PVI (76.2% [95% Confidence interval (CI) 47.2‐100.0%] vs 40.0% [95% CI 5.6‐74.1%], P = .043).

Conclusion

In patients with AF and previous lobectomy or pneumectomy, identification and isolation of all PVs are challenging but crucial for ablation success. Additional imaging techniques may be necessary to achieve complete PVI.
Factors associated with household contacts’ tuberculosis testing and evaluation
Authors: Barroso Elvy G.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

No research has been done in New York City that shows the demographic characteristics of household contacts testing, evaluation, and treatment of LTBI. The objective of the study was to identify demographic factors associated with household contacts’ TB testing, evaluation, and LTBI treatment.

Design and Methods

A retrospective analysis of the New York City (NYC) TB registry data that examined the factors (gender, age, country of birth, race/ethnicity, and borough of residence) associated with TB testing, evaluation, and LTBI treatment. The study sample included all household contacts of TB cases identified from 2010 to 2014 (N = 3,008). The data set was chosen when nurses were the primary case managers at chest centers in the department of health. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to identify factors associated with testing, evaluation, and LTBI treatment.

Results

The demographic characteristics of household contacts associated with testing, evaluation, and LTBI treatment were consistent with those of TB cases in NYC from 2010 to 2014. Those not tested, not fully evaluated, and refusing LTBI treatment were most often aged 18–44 years and were non‐US born. Males were significantly more likely than females not to be fully evaluated. Among racial/ethnic groups, Asian and Hispanic persons were at higher risk of not being fully evaluated, and residents of Queens had the highest risk among the five boroughs. In multivariate analyses, age was a significant predictor of behavior, such that the older the person the less likely to get TB testing or to accept LTBI treatment. Non‐US country of birth was associated with lower likelihood of being fully evaluated but more likely to accept LTBI treatment when fully evaluated, while Asian or Hispanic race/ethnicity was associated with higher likelihood of both behaviors.

Conclusions

Findings on age from this study will enable public health agencies and public health nurses to plan for effective strategies that will increase the number of household contacts who accept TB testing and evaluation, as well as the numbers who will accept and complete LTBI treatment.
The Right Wrong‐Makers
Authors: Chappell Richard Yetter
Published: August 2020

Right‐ and wrong‐making features (“moral grounds”) are widely believed to play important normative roles, e.g. in morally apt or virtuous motivation. This paper argues that moral grounds have been systematically misidentified. Canonical statements of our moral theories tend to summarize, rather than directly state, the full range of moral grounds posited by the theory. Further work is required to “unpack” a theory’s criterion of rightness and identify the features that are of ground‐level moral significance. As a result, it is not actually true that maximizing value is the fundamental right‐making feature even for maximizing consequentialists. Focusing on the simple example of utilitarianism, I show how careful attention to the ground level can drastically influence how we think about our moral theories.
Acetic acid improves drought acclimation in soybean: an integrative response of photosynthesis, osmoregulation, mineral uptake and antioxidant defense
Authors: Rahman Mezanur , Mostofa Mohammad Golam , Keya Sanjida Sultana , Rahman Abiar , Das Ashim Kumar , Islam Robyul , Abdelrahman Mostafa , Bhuiyan Shahab Uddin , Naznin Tahia , Ansary Mesbah Uddin , Tran Lam‐Son Phan
Published: August 2020

Exposure to drought stress negatively affects plant productivity and consequently threatens global food security. As global climates change, identifying solutions to increase the resilience of plants to drought is increasingly important. Several chemical treatments have recently emerged as promising techniques for various individual and combined abiotic stresses. This study shows compelling evidence on how acetic acid application promotes drought acclimation responses in soybean by investigating several morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes. Foliar applications of acetic acid to drought‐exposed soybean resulted in improvements in root biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency; leading to improved growth performance. Drought‐induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and the resultant increased levels of malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage, were considerably reverted by acetic acid treatment. Acetic acid‐sprayed plants suffered less oxidative stress due to the enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms, as evidenced by the increased activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase. Improved shoot relative water content was also linked to the increased levels of soluble sugars and free amino acids, indicating a better osmotic adjustment following acetic acid treatment in drought‐exposed plants. Acetic acid also increased stem/root, leaf/stem and leaf/root mineral ratios and improved overall mineral status in drought‐stressed plants. Taken together, our results demonstrated that acetic acid treatment enabled soybean plants to positively regulate photosynthetic ability, water balance, mineral homeostasis and antioxidant responses; thereby suggesting acetic acid as a cost‐effective and easily accessible chemical for the management of soybean growth and productivity in drought‐prone areas.
Sympathetic arousal during the processing of dysphoric affect by youths at high and low familial risk for depression
Authors: Daches Shimrit , Vine Vera , George Charles J. , Jennings J. Richard , Kovacs Maria
Published: August 2020

Youths at high risk for depression have been shown to have problems in repairing their own sad mood. Given that sympathetic arousal has been implicated both in the experience and regulation of affect, an atypical pattern of arousal may be one of the factors that contribute to mood repair problems. In the current study, we measured sympathetic arousal of never‐depressed youths at high (n = 56) and low (n = 67) familial risk for depression during sad mood induction and instructed mood repair. Sympathetic arousal was indexed by skin conductance level (SCL) and cardiac pre‐ejection period (PEP); mood repair outcome was indexed by self‐rated affect. High‐risk youths demonstrated increased SCL during sadness induction, which persisted during mood repair; low‐risk youths evidenced increased SCL only during mood repair. Shortened PEP was evident only among high‐risk youths and only during mood repair. Furthermore, shortened PEP during mood induction predicted less successful mood repair in the low‐risk but not in the high‐risk group. The findings suggest that: (a) depression‐prone youths differ from control peers in patterns of sympathetic responses to emotional stimuli, which may impair their ability to relieve sadness, and (b) activation patterns differ across subsystems (SCL vs. PEP) of sympathetic activity, in conjunction with depression risk status.
Effect of illumination on fish and amphibian: development, growth, physiological and biochemical processes
Authors: Ruchin Alexander B.
Published: August 2020

Being one of the main environmental factors, the light factor influences many aspects of animal life. Photoperiod, light intensity (illumination) and wavelength are the primary periodic factors. There is a review that discusses the role of illumination on various life processes of aquatic anamnia vertebrates (fish and amphibians). The effect of light on the development, growth, respiration, consumption and efficiency of food conversion, hormone release, reproduction and behaviour of fish and amphibians has been studied. Illumination influences differently a significant number of physiological and biochemical processes and reactions of anamnia vertebrates at various development stages. The obtained results show that the nature of exposure to light is species‐specific and corresponds to the ecological niche of species. Illumination influences both positively and negatively the development, growth and other physiological processes of fish and amphibians. Illumination plays a special role during the first feeding of fish in the environment and aquaculture. There are positive and negative behavioural responses of fish to light. However, it is not always possible to distinguish fish species with only a negative or only a positive reaction to light. The quality of the reaction can be influenced by the stage of development of eggs or larvae, age characteristics, feeding status, season, time, the physiological state of fish, morbidity, etc. A promising area of research is the study of the influence of light on the hormonal status of the body and reproduction of fish. Also, the light pollution and its influence on the physiology of anamnia vertebrates are important.