bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Hip Fracture: Orthopaedic Trauma in an Aging America
Authors: Reider Lisa , Levy Joseph , Pollak Andrew
Published: December 2020

Trauma related death and disability is common among working-age Americans, however the impact on older adults is consequential and increasing. Fractures are the most common traumatic injury diagnosis among Medicare beneficiaries, and though fragility fractures continue to be an important health problem, recent data indicate an increase in high-energy fractures. The purpose of this study was to produce national incidence estimates among US men and women ≥ 65 years using data from the 2003-2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). The study cohort included hospitalizations involving upper and/or lower extremity fractures which were further classified by mechanism as high or low energy using external cause of injury codes. Incidence was computed using survey weights provided by NIS, and population estimates from the Census Bureau. The incidence of high-energy fractures increased from 744.1/100,000 persons (95%CI: 681.1–807.1) in 2003 to 821.4/100,000 (95%CI: 795.0 – 874.8) in 2014 in women, and from 359.1/100,000 (95%CI: 331.4–386.8) to 408.2/100,000 (95%CI: 394.–809.2) in men. Over 80% were motor vehicle related. The greatest increase was among those ≥ 85 (1,856.4/100,000 to 2,126.3/100,000 in women; 1,069.1/100,000 to 1,215.1/100,000 in men). Simultaneously, the incidence of low-energy fractures declined: 748.4/100,000 (95%CI: 687.5–809.2) to 443.8/100,000 (95%CI: 423.5 -464.1) in women, and 310.6/100,000 (95%CI: 285 – 336.2) to 206.3/100,000 (95%CI: 196.5 - 216) in men. Results suggest that fractures commonly seen in younger adults will be seen more frequently in older age. It is therefore essential to establish treatment pathways to optimize outcomes for the growing number of injured older adults.
Information Seeking Behavior of Latino Family Caregivers of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Ramirez Magaly , De Anda Sofia , Jin Haomiao , Herrera Joseph , Wu Shinyi
Published: December 2020

Latinos are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared to non-Latino Whites. Family caregivers need access to high-quality information, education, and support. The study objective was to understand the information seeking behavior of Latino caregivers of individuals with ADRD. We conducted qualitative interviews in Los Angeles County with Latino caregivers of individuals with ADRD (N=21) and with healthcare and community stakeholders serving Latinos with ADRD and their caregivers (N=6). Caregivers sought information about ADRD, healthcare services and treatment, available community resources, caregiving skills, and short- and long-term care. Having limited time to seek information, lacking skills to navigate the Internet, and insufficient availability of information created barriers to accessing information. With access to information, caregivers increased their knowledge about ADRD, enrolled the person with ADRD in a memory/dementia clinic, participated in treatment decisions, attended community events, learned how to respond to challenging behaviors, and enrolled in daycare/respite programs. Caregivers experienced barriers to using information due to the insurance and immigration status of the person with ADRD and due to services only being available in English. Our study contributes new knowledge on the accessibility and use of information by Latino caregivers and their unique barriers in transforming information access into meaningful results. Healthcare and community-based providers can use our study findings to tailor informational interventions to the needs and preferences of Latinos and to the unique barriers they face in using information to support their caregiving role.
Sex and Asex: A Clonal Lexicon
Authors: Orive Maria E , Krueger-Hadfield Stacy A
Published: December 2020

Organisms across the tree of life have complex life cycles that include both sexual and asexual reproduction or that are obligately asexual. These organisms include ecologically dominant species that structure many terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as many pathogens, pests, and invasive species. We must consider both the evolution and maintenance of these various reproductive modes and how these modes shape the genetic diversity, adaptive evolution, and ability to persist in the species that exhibit them. Thus, having a common framework is a key aspect of understanding the biodiversity that shapes our planet. In the 2019 AGA President’s Symposium, Sex and Asex: The genetics of complex life cycles, researchers investigating a wide range of taxonomic models and using a variety of modes of investigation coalesced around a common theme—understanding not only how such complex life cycles may evolve, but how they are shaped by the evolutionary and ecological forces around them. In this introduction to the Special Issue from the symposium, we give an overview of some of the key ideas and areas of investigation (a common clonal lexicon, we might say) and introduce the breadth of work submitted by symposium participants.
Brazil
Authors: Roett Riordan
Published: December 2020

Brazil is one of the most important but puzzling countries in the world. A nation of 200 million people, it has vast natural resource reserves, rich cultural traditions, a middle class undergoing explosive growth, and social welfare policies that are models for much of the world (‘la bolsa familia,’ which provides a guaranteed income to poor families). And, after decades of authoritarian rule, it is a stable democracy. Yet it is beset by problems that no other advanced economy suffers from: staggeringly high crime rates, sky-high inequality levels, and endemic political corruption. Emblematic of these two sides of Brazil is the selection of Rio as site of both the next Summer Olympics and the next World Cup. While the choice of Rio for these events points to Brazil’s expanding presence on the world stage, so far the construction and planning for the events have been disastrous, threatening to deeply embarrass the nation. In Brazil: What Everyone Needs to Know, Riordan Roett, an eminent scholar of Brazil and Latin America, will provide a rich overview of Brazil, covering Brazilian society, politics, culture, and the economy. The book begins with a series of chapters on Brazilian history, beginning with the pre-colonial period and moving on, in succession, to the long era of Portuguese rule, the birth of independent Brazil, the emergence of modern Brazil in the 1930s, the era of the dictators, and - finally - to the democratic regime that came into being in the 1980s. Throughout the book, Roett will focus sharply on the fault lines -- racial, economic, political, and cultural - that have plagued Brazil from its beginnings to this day. As the 2016 World Cup and Summer Olympics approach, interest in Brazil is sure to rise. Roett’s synthesis will provide interested readers with an accessible, authoritative overview of this troubled yet fascinating giant.
What is the role of andexanet alfa in the reversal of anticoagulant effects?
Authors: Sewell Jenna Hill , Williams LaKeisha , McKnight Ellen , Nguyen Anthony , Sarac Miroslav
Published: December 2020

Although using direct oral anticoagulants increases patient risk for hemorrhagic events, FDA-approved options for reversing anticoagulant effects are limited. This article discusses one of the more recent FDA-approved antidotes, andexanet alfa, and provides guidelines for its safe and effective use.
Collateral Damage: A Narrative Review on Epidemics of Substance Use Disorders and Their Relationships to Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States
Authors: Strathdee Steffanie Ann , Bristow Claire C. , Gaines Tommi , Shoptaw Steven
Published: December 2020

Associations between substance use disorders and outbreaks of HIV and acute viral hepatitis have received considerable attention, but less research has focused on links between substance use disorders and sexually transmitted infections, apart from alcohol misuse. This narrative review describes the history of this public health crisis in the United States and direct and indirect effects opioids and specific stimulants have on high-risk sexual behaviors. We also review the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections associated with opioids and stimulants in the United States and discuss opportunities for integrated interventions.
Trypanosoma cruzi
amastigotes that persist in the colon during chronic stage murine infections have a reduced replication rate
Authors: Ward Alexander I. , Olmo Francisco , Atherton Richard L. , Taylor Martin C. , Kelly John M.
Published: December 2020

Chronic
Trypanosoma cruzi
infections are typically lifelong, with small numbers of parasites surviving in restricted tissue sites, which include the gastrointestinal tract. There is considerable debate about the replicative status of these persistent parasites and whether there is a role for dormancy in long-term infection. Here, we investigated
T. cruzi
proliferation in the colon of chronically infected mice using 5-ethynyl-2′deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA to provide ‘snapshots’ of parasite replication status. Highly sensitive imaging of the extremely rare infection foci, at single-cell resolution, revealed that parasites are three times more likely to be in S-phase during the acute stage than during the chronic stage. By implication, chronic infections of the colon are associated with a reduced rate of parasite replication. Despite this, very few host cells survived infection for more than 14 days, suggesting that
T. cruzi
persistence continues to involve regular cycles of replication, host cell lysis and re-infection. We could find no evidence for wide-spread dormancy in parasites that persist in this tissue reservoir.
The internationalization process of agrifood firms: a proposed conceptual framework
Authors: Santos Alexandre Borges , Batalha Mário Otávio , Larue Bruno
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This research seeks to develop a better understanding of internationalization patterns of agrifood firms and explains why different paths are adopted. Further, a conceptual framework to support public and private decision-making is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative research framework was developed featuring case studies about three highly internationalized Brazilian meat processing firms. Top managers were interviewed, and documents were collected to support the intraand crosscase analyses.

Findings

Results suggest that meat processing firms tend to adopt a dual internationalization pattern. Distribution-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI) is normally established gradually, whilst horizontal FDI – the establishment of foreign production facility – tends to be conducted through a fast-paced expansion mode. Interestingly, it was found that food safety issues play a central role in internationalization decisions.

Originality/value

An extension to the Uppsala model was provided by considering agrifood characteristics in the analysis. The results have broad appeal to managers and policymakers. Agribusiness managers could use the theoretical and empirical evidence to support their internationalization decisions. Policymakers can also use this research to gain a better understanding of how agrifood firms expand internationally to either attract or foster FDI.
Aggregate metric model for evaluating business processes
Authors: Eleonu Henry Chika
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a business process measurement framework for the evaluation of a corpus of business processes modelled in different business process modelling approaches. The results of the application of the proposed measurement framework will serve as a basis for choosing business process modelling approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach uses ideas of the goal question metric framework to define metrics for measuring a business process where the metrics answer the questions to achieve the goal. The weighted sum method (WSM) is used to aggregate the measure of attributes of a business process to derive an aggregate measure, and business process modelling approaches are compared based on the evaluation of business process models created in different business process modelling approaches using the aggregate measure.

Findings

The proposed measurement framework was applied to a corpus of business process models in different business process modelling approaches and is showed that insight is gained into the effect of business process modelling approach on the maintainability of a business process model. From the results, business process modelling approaches which imbibed the principle of separation of concerns of models, make use of reference or base model for a family of business process variants and promote the reuse of model elements performed highest when their models are evaluated with the proposed measurement framework. The results showed that the applications of the proposed framework proved to be useful for the selection of business process modelling approaches.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is in the application of WSM to integrate metric of business process models and the evaluation of a corpus of business process models created in different business process modelling approaches using the aggregate measure.
Learning from intelligent failure: an organizational resource for school improvement
Authors: Benoliel Pascale , Berkovich Izhak
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Schools are complex and imperfect organizations; thus, it is not possible for school leaders to completely avoid failures. The capacity to learn from failure is essential to the effectiveness of teachers as individuals and for teams and schools. However, it is hardly practiced in most schools. The present theoretical article seeks to offer an integrative conceptual framework in which intelligent failure is conceptualized as an organizational learning process. The purpose is twofold: first, to address the question of why school faculty fails to learn from failure; second, to show how learning from intelligent failure in the school context can be framed as a resource for school improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The present theoretical article seeks to offer an integrative conceptual framework in which intelligent failure is conceptualized as an organizational learning process.

Findings

The present study draws upon the social capital theory as an overarching framework to develop a conceptual model that incorporates the learning settings and a leadership tolerant of “intelligent failure” that might enable us to identify the root causes of failure and the kinds of lessons that can be drawn from failure analysis. In the proposed conceptual model, school organizational features combine with a leadership tolerant of intelligent failures to enhance opportunities to analyze, manage and learn from intelligent failures in school settings.

Originality/value

An important lacuna in educational scholarship is that although detecting and correcting school failures is normal, investigating the root causes of these failures or pinpointing the behaviors necessary to avoid their reoccurrence is often neglected in both theory and practice. By integrating research from both non-educational and educational literature, this study may provide a new perspective for school management, since it emphasizes the reframing of intelligent failure as an organizational asset for school improvement. The present study broadens the literature on educational management and organizational learning and provides a new approach for school failures and failure management.
Genesis of Strata‐bound Sulfide Orebodies in the Tongling Polymetallic Mineralization Cluster, SE China: Evidence from Colloform Pyrite
Authors: XU Liang , XIE Qiaoqin , CHEN Tianhu , XU Xiaochun , ZHOU Yuefei , SUN Shaohua , CHEN Ping
Published: December 2020

Colloform pyrite (CPy) is widely distributed in the Tongling mineralization cluster of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Mineralization Belt (MLYRMB), China. There have many debates as to whether such CPy is associated with Late Mesozoic igneous or Carboniferous sedimentation. CPy from the Xinqiao deposit, a representative of the stratabound sulfide deposits in the MLYRMB, was studied by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that CPy mainly comprises pyrite, pyrrhotite, quartz, and illite. Pyrite in CPy shows cubic, globule, and xenomorphic morphologies. No octahedral or pyritohedron was observed. Most of the quartz crystals display xenomorphic morphology, where pyrite mold are popular on the surface. Organic matter (OM), which is usually bound to illite, is an important component in CPy. Morphological investigations which exhibit detrital features of quartz and clay minerals indicate that they were derived from continental weathering. Specially, some hexagonal pyrrhotite nanoparticles which show mackinawite morphology are coexisted with OM. The results indicate that the transformation process of sulfides possibly is mackinawite (the precursor) —hexagonal pyrrhotite—pyrite. Thus, compositional and micro‐textural characteristics of CPy in Xinqiao deposit suggest it to be a sedimentary origin rather than a hydrothermal origin which is associated with Yanshanian magmatism. Moreover, the coexistence of CPy and stratabound sulfide orebodies in the MLYRMB suggests a causal link between the two. It is considered that CPy might have served as a Cu mineralization geochemical barrier for the Cu‐bearing ore‐forming fluids, which originated from the Mesozoic magma in the MLYRMB.
N immobilization treatment revisited: A retarded and temporary effect unfolded in old‐field restoration
Authors: Halassy Melinda , Kövendi‐Jakó Anna , Paolinelli Reis Bruna , Szitár Katalin , Seyidova Zeynab , Török Katalin
Published: December 2020

Aim

There is increasing recognition that plant–soil feedbacks drive species co‐existence; therefore the below‐ground compartment should be better considered in ecological restoration. Addition of carbon is a restoration measure that relies on indirect plant–soil relationships by immobilizing soil nitrogen in microbial biomass to manipulate competitive hierarchies between plant species. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of six years of carbon amendment in old‐field restoration in the long term, 20 years after the first application.

Location

Old‐fields and reference sand steppe on dry calcareous sandy soil in Fülöpháza, Kiskun LTER site (46°53′ N, 19°24′ E), Hungary, Pannonian biogeographic region, Europe.

Methods

We applied carbon amendment in the form of sucrose and sawdust on three abandoned agricultural fields between 1998 and 2003. Vegetation was surveyed in 1998–2006 and re‐sampled in 2008, 2010 and 2018 on permanent 2 m × 2 m coenological relevés for carbon‐amended, control and reference plots (n = 144). We used principal response curves (PRC) to describe vegetation development trajectories and linear mixed‐effects models to test changes in cover of vascular plants and cryptogams, nitrogen requirement groups and restoration species groups with time and treatment.

Results

Carbon amendment resulted in lower soil nitrogen availability, and lower cover of vascular plants and cryptogams compared to control, but these differences became visible only four to five years after the first application and disappeared three years after the cessation of treatment. Minor treatment effects on the cover of oligotrophic, mesotrophic and target species were found.

Conclusions

Carbon amendment did not speed up the recovery of sand grasslands; however, the reduction of cover (vegetation and cryptogam) can be a window of opportunity for other species to colonize that can be used as a complement to other treatments. Long‐term monitoring is especially important in evaluating restoration interventions that focus on indirect above‐ground–below‐ground linkages.
Mothers’ Perceptions of the Climate of Their Children’s Schools: Covariations With Children’s Academic Adjustment in Families of Mexican Origin
Authors: Lin Lynda C. , Pomerantz Eva M. , Zheng Lucy R. , Robins Richard W.
Published: December 2020

Although Latinx parents’ perceptions of the climate of their children’s schools may play a role in their children’s academic adjustment, research examining this idea is sparse. Every 2 years beginning when children were in fifth grade (Mage = 10.86 years) until they were in 11th grade, Mexican‐origin mothers (N = 674) reported on their perceptions of the climate of their children’s schools; information on children’s academic adjustment was collected from children and mothers. Multilevel modeling indicated that when mothers had more positive school climate perceptions, their children valued school more and performed better in school, but did not necessarily hold higher educational expectations. The findings suggest the importance of schools in creating welcoming environments for Mexican‐origin parents.
Differences in Established Joint Attention in Hearing‐Hearing and Hearing‐Deaf Mother‐Child Dyads: Associations With Social Competence, Settings, and Tasks
Authors: MacGowan Taigan L. , Tasker Susan L. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: December 2020

The authors examined relations among observed joint attention, maternal report of child’s social competence, setting (home vs. laboratory), task (unstructured vs. semi‐structured), and dyad type [hearing mother–hearing child (n = 55,Mage = 25.8 months) vs. hearing mother–deaf child (n = 27,Mage = 26.9 months)]. Hearing child dyads scored higher on joint attention during unstructured tasks, especially in their home environment. Hearing child dyads displayed similar joint attention to deaf toddler dyads when they engaged in a semi‐structured task, but higher on these measures during unstructured free play. Unlike hearing children, joint attention was differentially related to social competence in deaf children, with relatively higher versus lower social competence depending on relatively high versus low observed joint attention, respectively.
Suppressing synchronous firing of epileptiform activity by high‐frequency stimulation of afferent fibers in rat hippocampus
Authors: Wang Zhaoxiang , Feng Zhouyan , Yuan Yue , Zheng Lvpiao
Published: December 2020

Aims

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising technology for treating epilepsy. However, the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of the high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) utilized by DBS to suppress epilepsy remain uncertain. Previous studies have shown that HFS can desynchronize the firing of neurons. In this study, we investigated whether the desynchronization effects of HFS can suppress epileptiform events.

Methods

HFS trains with seconds of duration (short) and a minute of duration (long) were applied at the afferent fibers (ie, Schaffer collaterals) of the hippocampal CA1 region in anesthetized rats in vivo. The amplitude and the rate of population spikes (PS) appeared in the downstream of stimulation were calculated to evaluate the intensity of synchronized firing of neuronal populations between short and long HFS groups. A test of paired‐pulse depression (PPD) was used to assess the alteration of inhibitory neuronal circuits.

Results

The sustained stimulation of a 60‐s long HFS suppressed the afterdischarges that were induced by a 5‐s short HFS to impair the local inhibitions. During the sustained HFS, the mean PS amplitude reduced significantly and the burst firing decreased, while the amount of neuronal firing did not change significantly. The paired‐pulse tests showed that with a similar baseline level of small PS2/PS1 ratio indicating a strong PPD, the 5‐s HFS increased the PS2/PS1 ratio to a value that was significantly greater than the corresponding ratio during sustained HFS, indicating that the PPD impaired by a short HFS may be restored by a sustained HFS.

Conclusions

The sustained HFS can desynchronize the population firing of epileptiform activity and accelerate a recovery of inhibitions to create a balance between the excitation and the inhibition of local neuronal circuits. The study provides new clues for further understanding the mechanism of DBS and for advancing the clinical application of DBS in treating epilepsy.
Characterizing Pharmacogenetic Testing Among Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Brown Jacob T. , Ramsey Laura B. , Van Driest Sara L. , Aka Ida , Colace Susan I.
Published: December 2020

Although pharmacogenetic testing is becoming increasingly common across medical subspecialties, a broad range of utilization and implementation exists across pediatric centers. Large pediatric institutions that routinely use pharmacogenetics in their patient care have published their practices and experiences; however, minimal data exist regarding the full spectrum of pharmacogenetic implementation among children’s hospitals. The primary objective of this nationwide survey was to characterize the availability, concerns, and barriers to pharmacogenetic testing in children’s hospitals in the Children’s Hospital Association. Initial responses identifying a contact person were received from 18 institutions. Of those 18 institutions, 14 responses (11 complete and 3 partial) to a more detailed survey regarding pharmacogenetic practices were received. The majority of respondents were from urban institutions (72%) and held a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (67%). Among all respondents, the three primary barriers to implementing pharmacogenetic testing identified were test reimbursement, test cost, and money. Conversely, the three least concerning barriers were potential for genetic discrimination, sharing results with family members, and availability of tests in certified laboratories. Low‐use sites rated several barriers significantly higher than the high‐use sites, including knowledge of pharmacogenetics (P = 0.03), pharmacogenetic interpretations (P = 0.04), and pharmacogenetic‐based changes to therapy (P = 0.03). In spite of decreasing costs of pharmacogenetic testing, financial barriers are one of the main barriers perceived by pediatric institutions attempting clinical implementation. Low‐use sites may also benefit from education/outreach in order to reduce perceived barriers to implementation.
School outcomes of adolescents with cerebral palsy in Sweden
Authors: Jarl Johan , Alriksson‐Schmidt Ann
Published: December 2020

Aim

To study school outcomes of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with a matched comparison group from the general population, and to observe to what extent sociodemographic and disability‐specific factors are associated with school outcomes.

Method

This was a register study of persons with CP in Sweden, born between 1990 and 1999, with a matched comparison group. Logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations between CP and disability‐specific factors and school outcomes (receiving final grades, grade scores, fulfilling the requirements for progressing to secondary school/university, and attending secondary school).

Results

Children with CP had substantially lower school achievement compared with a general population sample. Much of the difference can be attributed to intellectual disability; however, CP remained strongly negatively associated with school outcomes. Ability to communicate in an effective manner explained most of the variation in children with CP, whereas motor function played a smaller role.

Interpretation

The results suggest that school achievements might be improved if the communication barrier could be reduced, for example by ascertaining access to appropriate communication devices and by educators being aware that communicative difficulties do not necessarily imply intellectual disability. This might enhance the school experience and create an environment where children with CP can reach their full potential.

What this study adds

There are reduced educational outcomes associated with cerebral palsy.

Negative outcomes are mainly driven by reduced communicative and intellectual ability.

Gross motor function is associated with outcomes, but plays a smaller part.
Incomplete hippocampal inversion and epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mutti Carlotta , Riccò Matteo , Bartolini Yerma , Bernabè Giorgia , Trippi Irene , Melpignano Andrea , Ciliento Rosario , Zinno Lucia , Florindo Irene , Sasso Enrico , Odone Anna , Parrino Liborio , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta
Published: December 2020

Objective

Incomplete hippocampal inversion (IHI) is a relatively frequent radiological finding at visual inspection in both epilepsy and healthy controls, but its clinical significance is unclear. Here, we systematically retrieve and assess the association between epilepsy and IHI using a meta‐analytic approach. Additionally, we estimate the prevalence of IHI in patients with malformation of cortical development (MCD).

Methods

We systematically searched two databases (Embase and PubMed) to identify potentially eligible studies from their inception to December 2019. For inclusion, studies were population‐based, case–control, observational studies reporting on epilepsy and IHI. The risk of developing epilepsy in IHI (estimated with odds ratio [ORs]) and the frequency of IHI among patients with MCD are provided.

Results

We screened 3601 records and assessed eligibility of 2812 full‐text articles. The final material included 13 studies involving 1630 subjects. Seven studies (1329 subjects: 952 epileptic and 377 nonepileptic) were included for the estimation of the risk of developing epilepsy in the presence of IHI. The estimated OR of active epilepsy in IHI was 1.699 (95% confidence interval = 0.880–3.281), with moderate heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 71%). Seven studies (591 patients) provided information about the frequency of IHI in MCD. Up to one third of patients with MCD (27.9%) presented coexistent IHI.

Significance

The present findings confirm that IHI is commonly observed in patients with MCD especially in periventricular nodular heterotopia or polymicrogyria. However, the estimated OR indicates overall weak increased odds of epilepsy in people with IHI, suggesting that the presence of isolated IHI cannot be considered a strong independent predictor for epilepsy development. Clear‐cut neuroradiological criteria for IHI and advanced postprocessing analyses on structural magnetic resonance imaging scans are recommended to highlight differences between epileptogenic and nonepileptogenic IHI.
Freshwater snails and the green algae Cladophora are probably not hosts of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: McMahon Taegan A. , Nordheim Caitlin L. , Prokopiak Devin M.
Published: December 2020

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogenic fungus that has devastated amphibian populations globally by causing the disease chytridiomycosis. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is capable of infecting non‐amphibian hosts, such as crayfish, and has been detected on reptile and bird species. Given the taxonomic heterogeneity in the known hosts and vectors of Bd, it is likely that there is a diversity of undiscovered non‐amphibian hosts of the fungus.

Here, we investigated whether Bd could survive on freshwater snails (Physella acuta) and Cladophora algae. We exposed small and large snails (n = 15 snails/size category), Cladophora algae (n = 5), and artificial spring water controls (ASW; n = 5) to live Bd. We also maintained Bd‐free control snails (n = 5 snails/size category) in ASW. All treatments were maintained for 7 weeks at 18°C. Mortality was checked three times a week, snails were weighed every 2 weeks, and 7 weeks after exposure, the snails, algae, and water were tested for Bd using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

We found that Bd did not grow on live snails, algae, or ASW long term. Additionally, live snails (n = 20) collected from Bd‐positive ponds in California were all negative for Bd, as well. Given that we found no Bd on the experimentally exposed or field swabbed snails, snails are probably not a reservoir host of Bd.

While negative results are often not published, Bd is one of the deadliest pathogens on earth; it is essential to know what is and is not capable of maintaining Bd for well‐designed disease models.
Forager age and foraging state, but not cumulative foraging activity, affect biogenic amine receptor gene expression in the honeybee mushroom bodies
Authors: Peng Tianfei , Derstroff Dennis , Maus Lea , Bauer Timo , Grüter Christoph
Published: December 2020

Foraging behavior is crucial for the development of a honeybee colony. Biogenic amines are key mediators of learning and the transition from in‐hive tasks to foraging. Foragers vary considerably in their behavior, but whether and how this behavioral diversity depends on biogenic amines is not yet well understood. For example, forager age, cumulative foraging activity or foraging state may all be linked to biogenic amine signaling. Furthermore, expression levels may fluctuate depending on daytime. We tested if these intrinsic and extrinsic factors are linked to biogenic amine signaling by quantifying the expression of octopamine, dopamine and tyramine receptor genes in the mushroom bodies, important tissues for learning and memory. We found that older foragers had a significantly higher expression of Amdop1, Amdop2, AmoctαR1, and AmoctβR1 compared to younger foragers, whereas Amtar1 showed the opposite pattern. Surprisingly, our measures of cumulative foraging activity were not related to the expression of the same receptor genes in the mushroom bodies. Furthermore, we trained foragers to collect sucrose solution at a specific time of day and tested if the foraging state of time‐trained foragers affected receptor gene expression. Bees engaged in foraging had a higher expression of Amdop1 and AmoctβR3/4 than inactive foragers. Finally, the expression of Amdop1, Amdop3, AmoctαR1, and Amtar1 also varied with daytime. Our results show that receptor gene expression in forager mushroom bodies is complex and depends on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Correlations of morphological features and surgical management with clinical outcome in a multicentre study of 241 phyllodes tumours of the breast
Authors: Mihai Raluca , Callagy Grace , Qassid Omar L , Loughlin Mark O , Al‐Hilfi Lena , Abbas Areeg , Campora Michela , Hodi Zsolt , Ellis Ian , Lee Andrew H S , Rakha Emad A
Published: December 2020

Aims

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) represent an unusual but complex group of breast lesions with a tendency to recur locally and, less commonly, metastasise. On core biopsies, their appearances can be difficult to discriminate from those of other fibroepithelial lesions, which may compromise their surgical management. The aims of this study were to assess the preoperative diagnosis of PTs and to evaluate the impacts of surgical management and morphological features on their behaviour.

Methods and results

We combined datasets from three centres over two decades, including core biopsies, excision specimens, and follow‐up. Core biopsy results were compared with final excision specimens. The relationships of surgical procedure and morphological features with local recurrence (LR) and metastasis were assessed. Two hundred and forty‐one PTs were studied. Core biopsy resulted in a diagnosis of possible or definite PT in 76% of cases. Malignant tumours were more likely to be larger, occurred at an older age, and were surgically more challenging, with difficulties being encountered in achieving negative margins. There were 12 cases (5%) that showed LR alone, and another six cases (2.5%) that had distant metastases. Morphological features associated with adverse outcome were grade of PT, increased mitotic counts, necrosis, infiltrative margins, stromal atypia, and heterologous components. Both LR and metastatic behaviour correlated with larger size and distance to margins.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that excision margins have a significant impact on LR of PT, whereas metastatic behaviour is influenced by tumour biology. We add to the evidence base on histological features of tumours that contribute to long‐term outcomes of PT patients.
Impact of endogenous insulin secretion on the improvement of glucose variability in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes treated with canagliflozin plus teneligliptin
Authors: Miya Aika , Nakamura Akinobu , Cho Kyu Yong , Kawata Shinichiro , Nomoto Hiroshi , Nagai So , Sugawara Hajime , Taneda Shinji , Tsuchida Kazuhisa , Omori Kazuno , Yokoyama Hiroki , Takeuchi Jun , Aoki Shin , Kurihara Yoshio , Atsumi Tatsuya , Miyoshi Hideaki
Published: December 2020

Aims/Introduction

To identify the effect of combination therapy with a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor and a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor compared with switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor to a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor on improving the glucose variability in patients with or without impaired endogenous insulin secretion.

Materials and Methods

A secondary analysis regarding the relationship between endogenous insulin secretion and the change in mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (ΔMAGE) was carried out in a multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel‐group comparison trial that enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes who had been taking teneligliptin and were treated by switching to canagliflozin (SWITCH) or adding canagliflozin (COMB). Participants were categorized into the following four subgroups: SWITCH or COMB and high or low fasting C‐peptide (CPR) divided at baseline by the median.

Results

ΔMAGE in the COMB group was greatly improved independent of a high or low CPR (−29.2 ± 28.3 vs −20.0 ± 24.6, respectively; P = 0.60). However, ΔMAGE was not ameliorated in the low CPR SWITCH group, and the ΔMAGE was significantly smaller than that in the high CPR COMB group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

COMB would be a better protocol rather than switching teneligliptin to canagliflozin to improve daily glucose variability in patients with impaired endogenous insulin secretion.
Potassium and phosphorus transport and signaling in plants
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Yi‐Fang , Wu Wei‐Hua
Published: December 2020

Nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) are essential macronutrients for plant growth and development, and their availability affects crop yield. Compared with N, the relatively low availability of K and P in soils limits crop production and thus threatens food security and agricultural sustainability. Improvement of plant nutrient utilization efficiency provides a potential route to overcome the effects of K and P deficiencies. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying how plants sense, absorb, transport, and use K and P is an important prerequisite to improve crop nutrient utilization efficiency. In this review, we summarize current understanding of K and P transport and signaling in plants, mainly taking Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) as examples. We also discuss the mechanisms coordinating transport of N and K, as well as P and N.
What Makes Good Trilateralism? Theorizing the Utilities of Trilateralism in East Asia
Authors: Zhang Muhui
Published: December 2020

In recent decades, the development of trilateral institutions has proliferated widely in East Asia. Inspired by an analysis of minilateralism, prevailing studies have spoken highly of trilateralism, as trilateral groupings offer greater outputs for regional community building. In contrast to the prevailing optimism, this study argues that trilateralism – the miniature form of multilateralism – is not unconditionally “good.” A three‐party arrangement is seen as potentially problematic, and its effectiveness is not guaranteed. This research examines two potential structural uncertainties for trilateralism in East Asia, which are the efficiency problem and the solidarity problem. This article sets up a theoretical model for examining the utility and operability of trilateralism in East Asia, and presents a cost–benefit analysis by comparing the utility of trilateralism with those of bilateralism and multilateralism. In East Asia, countries have been struggling with bilateral conflicts, and the prevailing logic of rivalry has led to the pursuits of “relative gains.” Thus, three preconditions are required in order to establish a “good” trilateralism: firm shared interests that prevent trilateral agreements to be eclipsed by embedded bilateral approaches, stable bilateral ties that ensure the operability of trilateral arrangements, and an effective leading country for implementing coherent policy responses. This article also enacts theories into practices and explains the performances of three trilateral relations (US–Japan–Australia, US–Japan–Korea, and China–Japan–Korea) in East Asia.
Perspectives on validation in digital soil mapping of continuous attributes—A review
Authors: Piikki Kristin , Wetterlind Johanna , Söderström Mats , Stenberg Bo
Published: December 2020

We performed a systematic mapping of validation methods used in digital soil mapping (DSM), in order to gain an overview of current practices and make recommendations for future publications on DSM studies. A systematic search and screening procedure, largely following the RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) protocol, was carried out. It yielded a database of 188 peer‐reviewed DSM studies from the past two decades, all written in English and all presenting a raster map of a continuous soil property. Review of the full‐texts showed that most publications (97%) included some type of map validation, while just over one‐third (35%) estimated map uncertainty. Most commonly, a combination of multiple (existing) soil sampe datasets was used and the resulting maps were validated by single data‐splitting or cross‐validation. It was common for essential information to be lacking in method descriptions. This is unfortunate, as lack of information on sampling design (missing in 25% of 188 studies) and sample support (missing in 45% of 188 studies) makes it difficult to interpret what derived validation metrics represent, compromising their usefulness. Therefore, we present a list of method details that should be provided in DSM studies. We also provide a detailed summary of the 28 validation metrics used in published DSM studies, how to interpret the values obtained and whether the metrics can be compared between datasets or soil attributes.
OUTSTANDING ISSUES WITH ROBERT RUSSELL'S NIODA CONCERNING QUANTUM BIOLOGY AND THEISTIC EVOLUTION
Authors: Qureshi‐Hurst Emily , Bennett Christopher T.
Published: December 2020

Non‐Interventionist Objective Divine Action (NIODA), introduced by Robert John Russell, is a model of divine action drawing upon insights from quantum mechanics. It presents an intriguing and significant challenge to classical conceptions of divine action with far‐reaching consequences. When applying NIODA to theistic evolution, however, significant questions emerge that require attention. We identify and assess two sets of concerns. The first relates to quantum physics, particularly whether and how quantum occurrences influence mutations and evolution. We argue that the current empirical evidence is ambiguous in its support of the kinds of quantum action that Russell proposes, though emerging data from quantum biology look promising. The second set of concerns is metaphysical, especially concerning the problem of evil. NIODA gives Godextensive agency over evolution and genetics, which has adverse consequences for theodicy. We propose potential solutions to the problems highlighted in our article, both metaphysical and physical, to improve the viability of NIODA's application to theistic evolution.
Editorial
Authors: Beddoe Liz
Published: December 2020

Editorial
Expanding the field: Animals and social work
Authors: Adamson Carole , Lowe Simon
Published: December 2020

Editorial for special section
Aotearoa New Zealand social workers and their views of inclusion of animals in social work practice – A descriptive study
Authors: Yeung Polly , Robertson Nicole , Sandford-Reed Lucy
Published: December 2020

PURPOSE: Given the benefits of the human–animal bond (HAB), animals are being used in a range of social work settings. It is important to gain a more in-depth understanding of social work practitioners’ knowledge and actions in these interactions. The purpose of this study was to examine the views and knowledge of social workers in relation to the HAB in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHODS: A survey using an online portal was administrated to qualified social workers via professional and community networks to assess their exposure, level of knowledge, support, training, and barriers to animal–human relations. RESULTS: A total of 140 questionnaires were used for analysis. The results, similar to findings from Canada and the United States, indicate that social workers seemed to have high exposure to information about the benefits of HAB and understanding of the connections between animal abuse and child abuse/domestic violence. Only 68% have included animals in their social work practice. The vast majority have had no specific training in HAB. Untested or untrained animals were also reported to have been used in social work intervention practice. The lack of clear workplace policies, support and professional training in HAB were key barriers that inhibited the inclusion of animals in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of understanding over how to include HAB in practice has serious implications for social work. HAB continues to influence and contribute to the lives of families and individuals and social workers have a duty to develop general awareness and knowledge of the benefits to human health and wellbeing of interacting with animals.
Mental health and the news media in Aotearoa New Zealand: Key informant perspectives
Authors: Oliver Natasha , Beddoe Liz , Adamson Carole
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Without personal experience or specific background knowledge of an issue, individuals exposed to news media are limited in their ability to gauge the accuracy of media content. The perception of people with mental illness as dangerous or incompetent allows for discrimination to occur, often resulting from inaccurate portrayals in the media.METHOD: A small, qualitative study was undertaken to explore key informant perspectives on the representation of mental health issues in the current Aotearoa New Zealand media context. Eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with key informants; each participant provided at least one of the following perspectives: mental health professional, mental health advocate, mental health consumer and/or media personnel.FINDINGS: The participants in this research found that news media strongly influence how the public views mental health, but believe media representation has improved in recent years. However, participants described an absence of stories illustrating successful interventions and felt that the portrayal of mental illnesses are still misrepresented and stigmatised by the media. Mental health services and mental health professionals were seen as poorly represented by the news media, which was thought to deter help-seeking and hinder trust.CONCLUSION: Public attitudes towards mental health have a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing mental distress. The news media have the ability to change public perceptions; however, this influence can be either harmful or helpful. Mental health stories need to be consistently contextualised and use inclusive language in order to a make a positive large- scale change in public attitudes.