bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of water pollution on the phylogenetic community structure of aquatic plants in the East Tiaoxi River, China
Authors: Toyama Hironori , Bessho Kazuhiro , Huang Liangliang , Hirota Shun K. , Kano Yuichi , Mase Keiko , Sato Tatsuro , Naiki Akiyo , Li Jianhua , Shimatani Yukihiro , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: December 2019

Water pollution is one of the most serious aquatic environmental problems worldwide. In China, recent agricultural and industrial development has resulted in rapid changes in aquatic ecosystems. Here, we reveal the effects of water pollution on the phylogenetic community structure of aquatic macrophytes in the Tiaoxi River, China.

We placed a rectangular plot at 47 sites within the Tiaoxi River from the mouth of the river to 88.5 km upstream, in which we recorded species abundance and measured 22 physico‐chemical variables. Bayesian phylogeny using the rbcL and matK gene sequences was employed to quantify phylogenetic α‐ and β‐diversity, and test the phylogenetic signal in four growth forms: emergent, floating‐leaved, free‐floating, and submerged.

Within communities, water contamination and phytoplankton abundance decreased species richness and phylogenetic diversity, which resulted in phylogenetic clustering; species within communities were more closely related to each other than expected. Between communities, differences in geographical distance and phytoplankton abundance resulted in phylogenetic dissimilarity among plots. Aquatic macrophytes showed phylogenetic signals in which related species responded more similarly to disturbance.

Thus, the observed patterns could be explained by environmental filtering and suggested that water pollution by human activity has added more filters to the existing environmental filters that drive the species assembly of macrophyte communities.
High within‐stream replication is needed to predict litter fluxes in wet–dry tropical streams
Authors: M. Tonin Alan , Boyero Luz , Bambi Paulino , Pearson Richard G. , Correa‐Araneda Francisco , Jr. José F. Gonçalves
Published: December 2019

Streams draining forested landscapes are fuelled by terrestrial plant litter, which can be transported downstream or retained and broken down locally. However, fluxes of plant litter in streams can vary at multiple spatio‐temporal scales, affecting the availability of this key resource in heterotrophic stream food webs.

To explore this question we quantified several processes related to litter dynamics (i.e. litter inputs, storage, losses by transport and losses by breakdown) by sampling litter at multiple sites in three streams of the Brazilian Cerrado biome (which has a tropical wet–dry climate) for 2 years. We assessed the relative contribution of different spatial (among and within streams) and temporal scales (annual, seasonal and monthly) to total variability of these processes (hereafter fluxes).

Spatial and temporal variability of fluxes were both high, but spatial variation was 1.67‐fold greater than temporal variation (61 versus 37%, respectively), especially at the within‐stream scale (50% overall); an exception was litterfall, which varied less spatially than temporally (24 versus 76%). Temporal variation of litter storage (and hence availability to consumers) was mostly seasonal and due to differences in net transport.

Inputs and transport were higher in the wet than the dry season (wet versus dry season, 1.45 versus 0.92 and 1.43 versus 0.06 g litter m−2 day−1), while breakdown was similar between both seasons (0.88 versus 0.94 g litter m−2 day−1). Storage (i.e. accumulation) rate was positive and negative in the dry and wet season, respectively, indicating that litter was stored in the dry season and exported in the wet season. The transitional dry–wet season showed the highest inputs, breakdown and storage (3.21, 1.63 g litter m−2 day−1 and 145 g litter m−2), while the wet–dry season showed lower inputs (as in the dry season), higher transport (as in the wet season) and lower breakdown and storage than the other seasons (0.93, 0.65, 0.31 g litter m−2 day−1 and 24 g litter m−2).

Our results underscore the role of variation in biophysical drivers of litter fluxes within streams (e.g. pool–riffle configuration, substrate features, biological communities), and suggest that high within‐stream replication is necessary to study litter fluxes at larger scales and over time. The seasonal patterns suggested potential changes in litter dynamics under future climate scenarios in the tropics, including increased storage due to reduced transport in a drier climate.
Establishment and characterization of highly osteolytic luminal breast cancer cell lines by intracaudal arterial injection
Authors: Han Yuxuan , Nakayama Jun , Hayashi Yusuke , Jeong Seongmoon , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Ito Emi , Watanabe Shinya , Semba Kentaro
Published: December 2019

Bone is one of the most common metastatic sites of breast cancer, and bone metastasis profoundly affects the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Bone metastasis is commonly observed among all the subtypes of breast cancer; however, its molecular mechanism has been analyzed only in triple‐negative subtype of breast cancer (TNBC). To characterize the molecular mechanisms of bone metastasis of luminal breast cancer, we established a bone‐metastatic model of the MCF7, luminal breast cancer cell line, with enhanced osteolytic activity by intracaudal arterial injection (CAI). Pathological analysis of the established cell lines revealed that they exhibited fierce osteolytic ability by promoting osteoclast differentiation and activity. The signature genes extracted from highly osteolytic MCF7 cell lines were differed from those of bone‐metastatic TNBC cell lines. Our results suggest that unique mechanisms of osteolysis in bone‐metastatic lesions of luminal breast cancer. In addition, several up‐regulated genes in MCF7‐BM (Bone Metastasis) 02 cell lines correlated with poor prognosis with luminal breast cancer patients. Our findings support further study on the bone‐metastatic mechanisms of luminal breast cancer.
Collisional bending of the western Paleo‐Kuril Arc deduced from paleomagnetic analysis and U–Pb age determination
Authors: Katagiri Takahiro , Naruse Hajime , Ishikawa Naoto , Hirata Takafumi
Published: December 2019

The Paleo‐Kuril Arc in the eastern Hokkaido region of Japan, the westernmost part of the Kuril Arc in the northwestern Pacific region, shows a tectonic bent structure. This has been interpreted, using paleomagnetic data, to be the result of block rotations in the Paleo‐Kuril Arc. To understand the timing and origin of this tectonic bent structure in the Paleo‐Kuril arc‐trench system, paleomagnetic surveys and U–Pb radiometric dating were conducted in the Paleogene Urahoro Group, which is distributed in the Shiranuka‐hill region, eastern Hokkaido. The U–Pb radiometric dating indicated that the Urahoro Group was deposited at approximately 39 Ma. Paleomagnetic analysis of the Urahoro Group suggested that the Shiranuka‐hill region experienced a 28° clockwise rotation with respect to East Asia. The degree of clockwise rotation implied from the Urahoro Group is smaller than that of the underlying Lower Eocene Nemuro Group (62°) but larger than that of the overlying Onbetsu Group (−9°). It is thus suggested that the Shiranuka‐hill region experienced a clockwise rotation of approximately 34° between the deposition of the Nemuro and Urahoro Groups (50–39 Ma), and a 38° clockwise rotation between the deposition of the Urahoro and Onbetsu Groups (39–34 Ma). The origin of the curved tectonic belt of the Paleo‐Kuril Arc was previously explained by the opening of the Kuril Basin after 34 Ma. The age constraint for the rotational motion of the Shiranuka‐hill region in this study contradicts this hypothesis. Consequently, it is suggested that the process of arc–arc collision induced the bent structure of the western Paleo‐Kuril Arc.
Institutional Investor Trading Around Auditor's Going Concern Modified Opinions: An Analysis of Mutual Funds and Pension Funds
Authors: Geiger Marshall A. , Keskek Sami , Kumas Abdullah
Published: December 2019

We contribute to auditing literature by examining trading behavior of mutual and pension funds around first‐time going concern modified opinions (GCMO). We find that mutual funds are significant net sellers of GCMO firms in the period before the GCMO announcement and then decrease their net selling at the GCMO announcement. In contrast, pension funds appear to be less active net sellers in the pre‐GCMO period and then significantly increase their net selling as an immediate response to the GCMO announcement, and then reduce their net selling in the post‐GCMO period. Our net selling results are robust to a battery of additional tests, including alternative specifications of the GCMO event window, using an extended pre‐GCMO benchmark period, controlling for 8‐K and earnings announcements, excluding subsequently bankrupt firms and using change variables in our models. In additional analyses, we find that overall trading volume increases for both mutual and pension funds at the GCMO announcement. Our examination of trading behavior provides initial evidence on differences between these two groups of institutional investors in their trading response to first‐time GCMOs, and enables us to provide a more robust assessment of the information content of GCMOs for these different groups of sophisticated market participants.
Why direct counter‐terrorism measures only may fail: An analysis of direct and preventive counter‐terrorism measures
Authors: Das Satya P. , Lahiri Sajal
Published: December 2019

We present a two‐agent, asymmetric‐information game model featuring a terror organization (Org) and a defending state (State). The Org chooses an aggregate terror input. The State chooses the levels of preemptive measures and redress of grievances of the Org's population, respectively as direct and preventive counter‐terrorism measures. Defining how the war on terror (WoT) may be “lost” or “won,” we prove that it is impossible to win the WoT with preemptive measures only, if the marginal cost of these measures is increasing. The optimal response of the State to an increase in terrorism is to increase preemption and grant more grievance redress.
Functional characterization of the cis‐regulatory region for the vitellogenin gene in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Asad M. , Munir F. , Xu X. , Li M. , Jiang Y. , Chu L. , Yang G.
Published: December 2019

The vitellogenin gene promoter (VgP) is an essential cis‐regulatory element that plays a significant role in transcription of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene, leading to the production of yolk protein in insects, including lepidopterans. However, the function of VgP is still not clear in Plutella xylostella. Here, we cloned a 5.1 kb DNA fragment of the cis‐regulatory region adjacent to the 5′ end of the Vg gene of P. xylostella (PxVg). We identified two promoter sites in that 5′ upstream sequence of PxVg and performed in vitro analysis of two promoter sequences (PxVgP1, 4.9 kb, and PxVgP2, 2.9 kb) in the embryonic cell line of P. xylostella. PxVgP2 exhibited higher enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression, so PxVgP2 was used for in vivo analysis. Strong EGFP fluorescence was observed in adult females and the fat body of females, with low expression in embryos. Our results suggest that PxVgP is an important stage‐, tissue‐ and sex‐specific endogenous cis‐regulatory element in P. xylostella.
Evidence of Sundaland’s subsidence requires revisiting its biogeography
Authors: Husson Laurent , Boucher Florian C. , Sarr Anta‐Clarisse , Sepulchre Pierre , Cahyarini Sri Yudawati
Published: December 2019

It is widely accepted that sea level changes intermittently inundated the Sunda Shelf throughout the Pleistocene, separating Java, Sumatra and Borneo from the Malay Peninsula and from each other. On this basis, the dynamics of the biodiversity hotspot of Sundaland is consistently regarded as solely contingent on glacial sea level oscillations, with interglacial highstands creating intermittent dispersal barriers between disjunct landmasses. However, recent findings on the geomorphology of the currently submerged Sunda shelf suggest that it subsided during the Pleistocene and that, over the Late Pliocene and Quaternary, is was never submerged prior to Marine Isotope Stage 11 (MIS 11, 400 ka). This would have enabled the dispersal of terrestrial organisms regardless of sea level variations until 400 ka and hampered movements thereafter, at least during interglacial periods. Existing phylogeographic data for terrestrial organisms conform to this scenario: available divergence time estimates reveal an 8‐ to 9‐fold increase in the rate of vicariance between landmasses of Sundaland after 400 ka, corresponding to the onset of episodic flooding of the Sunda shelf. These results highlight how reconsidering the paleogeographic setting of Sundaland challenges understanding the mechanisms generating Southeast Asian biodiversity.
From man to fly – convergent evidence links FBXO25 to ADHD and comorbid psychiatric phenotypes
Authors: Harich Benjamin , Klein Marieke , Ockeloen Charlotte W. , van der Voet Monique , Schimmel‐Naber Marlies , de Leeuw Nicole , Schenck Annette , Franke Barbara
Published: December 2019

Background

Mental disorders, including Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have a complex etiology, and identification of underlying genetic risk factors is challenging. This study used a multistep approach to identify and validate a novel risk gene for ADHD and psychiatric comorbidity.

Methods

In a single family, severely affected by ADHD and cooccurring disorders, we applied single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐array analysis to detect copy‐number variations (CNVs) linked to disease. Genes present in the identified CNV were subsequently tested for their association with ADHD in the largest data set currently available (n = 55,374); this gene‐set and gene‐based association analyses were based on common genetic variants. Significant findings were taken forward for functional validation using Drosophila melanogaster as biological model system, altering gene expression using the GAL4‐UAS system and a pan‐neuronal driver, and subsequently characterizing locomotor activity and sleep as functional readouts.

Results

We identified a copy number gain in 8p23.3, which segregated with psychiatric phenotypes in the family and was confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR. Common genetic variants in this locus were associated with ADHD, especially those in FBXO25 and TDRP. Overexpression of the FBXO25 orthologue in two Drosophila models consistently led to increased locomotor activity and reduced sleep compared with the genetic background control.

Conclusions

We combine ADHD risk gene identification in an individual family with genetic association testing in a large case–control data set and functional validation in a model system, together providing an important illustration of an integrative approach suggesting that FBXO25 contributes to key features of ADHD and comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders.
A case for feedback and monitoring assessment in competency‐based medical education
Authors: Egan Rylan , Chaplin Timothy , Szulewski Adam , Braund Heather , Cofie Nicholas , McColl Tamara , Hall Andrew K. , Dagnone Damon , Kelley Leah , Thoma Brent
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Within competency‐based medical education, self‐regulated learning (SRL) requires residents to leverage self‐assessment and faculty feedback. We sought to investigate the potential for competency‐based assessments to foster SRL by quantifying the relationship between faculty feedback and entrustment ratings as well as the congruence between faculty assessment and resident self‐assessment.

Materials and methods

We collected comments in (a) an emergency medicine objective structured clinical examination group (objective structured clinical examinations [OSCE] and emergency medicine OSCE group [EMOG]) and (b) a first‐year resident multidisciplinary resuscitation “Nightmares” course assessment group (NCAG) and OSCE group (NOG). We assessed comments across five domains including Initial Assessment (IA), Diagnostic Action (DA), Therapeutic Action (TA), Communication (COM), and entrustment. Analyses included structured qualitative coding and (non)parametric and descriptive analyses.

Results

In the EMOG, faculty's positive comments in the entrustment domain corresponded to lower entrustment score Mean Ranks (MRs) for IA (<11.1), DA (<11.2), and entrustment (<11.6). In NOG, faculty's negative comments resulted in lower entrustment score MRs for TA (<11.8 and <10) and DA (<12.4), and positive comments resulted in higher entrustment score MRs for IA (>15.4) and COM (>17.6). In the NCAG, faculty's positive IA comments were negatively correlated with entrustment scores (ρ = −.27, P = .04). Across programs, faculty and residents made similar domain‐specific comments 13% of the time.

Conclusions

Minimal and inconsistent associations were found between narrative and numerical feedback. Performance monitoring accuracy and feedback should be included in assessment validation.
A quantitative risk assessment model for Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella associated with consumption of informally marketed milk products in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Weldeabezgi Lijalem T. , Atsbha Teklebrhan W. , Kassegn Hagos H. , Gebremichael Teklehaimanot F. , Berhe Mihret H.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this work was to collect relevant input data for integration into Monte‐Carlo simulation using 10,000 iterations to obtain quantitative estimates of exposure and associated risk to Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. Higher prevalence rates of S. aureus (54.9 vs. 28.3%) and Salmonella (12.9 vs. 11.1%) were observed for raw milk distributed via collection milk collection centers (MCC) compared to those via dairy farms (DF). Prevalence found for S. aureus in traditionally fermented milk averaged only 3.7%. Although the 90% CI estimated probabilities of exposures to S. aureus due to DF and MCC raw milk consumption at levels higher than the D‐R value found were 10.6 and 23.5%, respectively, exposures to Salmonella were within the pathogen's tolerable limit. While annual likely of risk of illness by S. aureus due to DF and MCC raw milk consumptions resulted in up to 24.2 and 48.3% estimated illnesses, respectively, traditionally fermented milk consumption was found very much less risky; and resulted only 2.5% estimated illnesses per‐serving‐per‐year. The corresponding values for Salmonella per‐serving‐per‐year estimated illnesses via raw milk sales are, respectively, 5.72 and 11.41% compared to 1.8 and 4.02% when they come in boiled forms.
Contamination of Common Area and Rehabilitation Gym Environment with Multidrug‐Resistant Organisms
Authors: Gontjes Kyle J. , Gibson Kristen E. , Lansing Bonnie , Cassone Marco , Mody Lona
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the multidrug‐resistant organism (MDRO) burden of high‐touch common area and rehabilitation gym surfaces, and to assess microorganism transfer potential during rehabilitation sessions.

DESIGN

Prospective study of environmental contamination.

SETTING

Nursing home (NH).

PARTICIPANTS

Six Michigan NHs.

MEASUREMENTS

Monthly samples from common area surfaces (eg, living room), rehabilitation equipment, and rehabilitation personnel hands were screened for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE), and resistant gram‐negative bacilli (R‐GNB). To assess microorganism transfer potential, we conducted an in‐depth assessment of microorganism transfer during 10 rehabilitation sessions. Microorganism transfer was defined as the identification of a microorganism on a destination surface that was uncontaminated before the rehabilitation session. Patient frequency of common area usage was also assessed qualitatively.

RESULTS

We obtained 1338 common area specimens from 180 monthly facility visits, of which 13.4% (179/1338) were MDRO positive: MRSA, 3.8%; VRE, 5.8%; and R‐GNB, 5.1%. A total of 64% (116/180) of sampling visits had at least one MDRO‐positive common area specimen. Within rehabilitation gyms, we obtained 521 equipment and 190 personnel hand specimens during 60 monthly visits. Of the equipment specimens collected, 7.7% (40/521) were MDRO positive: MRSA, 2.5%; VRE, 4.0%; and R‐GNB, 1.9%. Of the 190 rehabilitation personnel hand specimens collected, 3.7% (7/190) were MDRO positive. Overall, 55% (33/60) of rehabilitation gym visits had at least one MDRO‐positive specimen. Microorganism transfer assessment during 10 rehabilitation sessions revealed 35 opportunities for transfer during which microorganism transfer occurred in 17.1% (6/35) of opportunities.

CONCLUSION

NH common areas and rehabilitation gyms are MDRO reservoirs that may contribute to the transmission of healthcare‐associated pathogens. Because NHs accommodate the increasing short‐stay patient population, developing effective interventions that reduce MDRO transmission in the common area and rehabilitation gym environment should be considered an infection prevention priority. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:478–485, 2020
Advance Care Planning: Social Isolation Matters
Authors: Cudjoe Thomas K.M. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Wolff Jennifer L. , Roth David L.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Social isolation is a risk factor for poor health that influences the well‐being older adults.

OBJECTIVE

We compare advance care planning (ACP) engagement of older adults who were severely socially isolated, socially isolated, and not socially isolated.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional analysis of the 2012 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS).

SETTING

United States of America.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2015 older adults (aged ≥65 years) randomly selected from a representative sample of community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries to participate in an ACP module as part of an annual in‐person interview.

MEASUREMENTS

We classified participants in three groups: severely socially isolated, socially isolated, or not socially isolated. ACP refers to three (yes/no) questions regarding whether a participant had a: (1) prior discussion about care preferences in the case of serious illness (EOL Discussion); (2) durable power of attorney (DPOA); and (3) advance directive (AD). We performed logistic regression analyses to examine the association between social isolation and ACP.

RESULTS

Approximately 23% of older adults were either severely socially isolated or socially isolated. Older adults who experienced social isolation were less likely to engage in ACP than those who were not socially isolated. In adjusted analysis, older adults who were socially isolated had lower odds of having an EOL discussion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49‐0.87) or having a DPOA (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.53‐0.96) compared to those who were not socially isolated.

CONCLUSION

Social isolation is associated with lower engagement in ACP. Clinicians should identify older adults who are at risk for or experience social isolation as they may benefit from targeted ACP efforts. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:841–846, 2020
Financial Dampening
Authors: WIELAND JOHANNES F. , YANG MU‐JEUNG
Published: December 2019

We propose a novel mechanism, “financial dampening,” whereby loan retrenchment by banks attenuates the effectiveness of monetary policy. The theory unifies an endogenous supply of illiquid local loans and risk sharing among subsidiaries of bank holding companies (BHCs). We derive an instrumental variable (IV) strategy that separates supply‐driven loan retrenchment from local loan demand by exploiting linkages through BHC internal capital markets across spatially separate BHC member banks. We estimate that retrenching banks increase loan supply substantially less in response to exogenous monetary policy rate reductions. This relative decline has persistent effects on local employment and thus provides a rationale for slow recoveries from financial distress.
Is the project ‘mine’ or ‘ours’? A multilevel investigation of the effects of individual and collective psychological ownership
Authors: Martinaityte Ieva , Unsworth Kerrie L. , Sacramento Claudia A.
Published: December 2019

Challenging the dominant view that individual psychological ownership (IPO) is only relevant at the individual and collective psychological ownership (CPO) at the group level, we developed a multilevel model of psychological ownership. We distinguished theoretically and empirically between two types of ownerships and test how IPO and CPO effect individual and team behaviours. Data were obtained across three‐time points from 186 members and their managers in 39 project teams from multiple countries. Results revealed that, at the individual level, both IPO and CPO were positively related to individual engagement which, in turn, related to individual creativity. However at the group level, group‐mean IPO was negatively related to team engagement, while group‐mean CPO was positively related to team engagement. Team engagement, in turn, was positively related to team creativity. This study sheds light on IPO and CPO as being independent constructs with distinct positive and negative effects on individual and team processes and outcomes.

Practitioner points

In a team project, it is important for every member to feel personal ownership towards the project as it drives individuals to invest more effort and be more creative in the project.

At the same time, managers should be aware that individual ownership minimizes collective effort. Teams with high individual ownership are less collectively engaged, which in turn diminishes team creativity.

Managers should invest time in making each team member feel like a project owner, but also focusing on teams developing a feeling of collective ownership (‘This is our project’) if they expect higher team dedication and more creative project outcomes.
Single Implant Retained Overdenture Treatment Protocol: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Padmanabhan Harini , Kumar S. Madhan , Kumar V. Anand
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This systematic review was undertaken to establish the most favourable protocol to treat an edentulous mandible with a single implant‐retained overdenture. The formulated PICO question was: “Which surgical and prosthetic protocols result in the highest survival and complication rates of implants and prostheses employed in a single implant retained overdenture for the rehabilitation of a completely edentulous mandibular ridge?”

Materials and Methods

A structured literature search was conducted using the following databases; PubMed, ScienceDirect, COCHRANE, LILACS, IndeMED, OVID, EMBASE, NIH Clinical Trials for reports related to the single implant‐retained overdenture treatment. Only English articles were included. Publications with a minimum follow up time of 1 year and above were included for meta‐analysis. A Poisson regression model was applied to estimate the survival rates of the implant and prosthesis employed.

Results

The electronic database search yielded 2083 titles and abstracts; and a total of 17 were selected for the systematic review, of which 11 studies were subjected to meta‐analysis. The implants showed high estimated five and 10‐year survival rates of 91.93% and 84.62%, respectively. Implants that were delayed loaded showed the greatest survival rates, while immediately loaded implants presented with higher survival rates at five (p = 0.849) and 10 years (p = 0.464) when compared to early loaded implants. The greatest number of fractures were associated with ball abutments with an event rate of 10.8 (95% CI: 10.5‐11.09) per 100 prosthesis years, while locator abutments showed a greater number of maintenance events with an event rate of 16.84(95% CI:16.01‐17.66) per 100 prosthesis years.

Conclusion

Single implant‐retained overdenture treatment is a cost‐effective, minimally invasive and simple treatment that can be used to restore function and aesthetics to edentulous patients, with relatively high implant and prosthesis success rates and minimal complications.
Overestimating One's “Green” Behavior: Better‐Than‐Average Bias May Function to Reduce Perceived Personal Threat from Climate Change
Authors: Leviston Zoe , Uren Hannah V.
Published: December 2019

The actions of others, and what others approve of, can be a powerful tool for promoting proenvironmental behavior. A potential barrier to the utility of social norms, however, are cognitive biases in how people perceive themselves and others, including the better‐than‐average effect. This effect describes the tendency for people to think they are exceptional, especially when compared with their peers. To investigate the role of the better‐than‐average effect in proenvironmental behavior, we administered questions as part of a larger online survey of 5,219 nationally representative Australians. Participants were asked to report whether they engaged in a list of 21 proenvironmental behaviors, and then asked to estimate how their engagement compared with that of the average Australian. Over half of our participants self‐enhanced; they overestimated their engagement in proenvironmental behaviors relative to others. Self‐enhancement was related to reduced perceptions of personal harm from climate change, more favorable assessments of coping ability, less guilt, and lower moral and ethical duty to take action to prevent climate change. These relationships held when participants skeptical about anthropogenic climate change were removed from analyses. We discuss the implications of the findings for the use of social norms in promoting proenvironmental behavior.
How Religion Predicts Pet Ownership in the United States
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Burge Ryan P.
Published: December 2019

Over 60 percent of Americans have some sort of family pet. Although studies have explored the personality and demographic correlates of pet ownership, none have considered whether religious characteristics may influence not only pet ownership, but the kind of pet Americans own. Drawing on data from the 2018 General Social Survey, we examine the religious antecedents of pet ownership in general as well as owning a cat or a dog, taking into account factors previously associated with owning certain pets (e.g., urban vs. rural residence, political affiliation). Although religious tradition and biblical literalism generally do not predict pet ownership, frequent worship attendees and the most conservative evangelicals report owning fewer pets. Religious characteristics also predict Americans’ ownership of particular pets. Most notably, we find a strong, negative association between worship attendance and cat ownership. We theorize potential mechanisms. On the one hand, certain personality types might simultaneously attract some Americans toward religious participation and away from pets, and cats in particular. Alternatively, to the extent that pet ownership is a partial substitute for human bonding and interaction, Americans more deeply embedded within a religious community may have less need (or time) for pets generally, and specifically more independent “roommate pets,” like cats.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates from ambulatory practice and from a referral hospital
Authors: Potier Julie F. N. , Durham Andy E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Responsible use of antimicrobials in equine practice relies on knowledge of common bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial sensitivities.

Objectives

To assess the frequency of bacterial resistance to a combination of parenteral penicillin and gentamicin and to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for PO use in a selection of clinical isolates, and subsequently to determine the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobials that might then be used as alternatives to first‐line antimicrobials for the same isolates.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimicrobials for 6354 bacterial isolates from 365 ambulatory practices and 519 isolates from a referral hospital. The MICs were used to indicate sensitivity or resistance to commonly used antimicrobials and the prevalences of resistance were compared between origin of the isolates, and among antimicrobial drugs.

Results

Isolates from the referral hospital were significantly (P < .05) more likely to be resistant to the antimicrobials tested than those derived from ambulatory practice. Overall, 91% of the ambulatory isolates and 64% of the hospital isolates were sensitive to penicillin‐gentamicin. For trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole combination, 82% of the ambulatory practice isolates and 56% of the referral hospital isolates were sensitive.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Most isolates were sensitive to penicillin and gentamicin as well as trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. No predictable efficacious second choice antimicrobial was identified for those isolates resistant to the first‐line antimicrobials. The likelihood of isolates being sensitive to second choice antimicrobials was variable but generally higher for ambulatory isolates compared to referral isolates. Bacterial identification and measurement of MIC are essential to make the appropriate antimicrobial choice.
Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) following intravenous and intramuscular administration at two dosage rates
Authors: Poapolathep Saranya , Laovechprasit Weerapong , Giorgi Mario , Monanunsap Somchai , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Kongchandee Petcharat , Poapolathep Amnart
Published: December 2019

Limited pharmacokinetic information to establish suitable therapeutic plans is available for green sea turtles. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of marbofloxacin (MBF) in the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, following single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administration at two dosages of 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 hr. MBF in plasma was extracted using liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed by a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). MBF was quantifiable from 15 min to 96 hr after i.v. and i.m. administrations at two dose rates. A noncompartmental model was used to fit the plasma concentration of MBF versus time curve for each green sea turtle. The t1/2λz value, similar for both the dosages (22–28 hr), indicated that the overall rate of elimination of MBF in green sea turtles is relatively slow. The average i.m. F% ranged 88%–103%. MBF is a concentration‐dependent drug and the AUC/MIC ratio is the best PK/PD predictor for its efficacy. The MBF dosage of 4 mg/kg appeared to produce an appropriate value of the PK‐PD surrogate that predicts antibacterial success for disease caused by susceptible bacteria. In contrast, i.m. administration of MBF at a dosage of 2 mg/kg b.w. was not found to produce a suitable PK‐PD surrogate index. However, further studies of multiple doses and plasma binding proteins are warranted to confirm an appropriate dosage regimen.
Paid Sick Leave and Employee Absences
Authors: Scognamiglio Annalisa
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the response of sickness absences to changes in the replacement rate for sick leave. In June 2008, a national law modified both the strength of monitoring and the monetary cost of sick leaves for public sector employees in Italy. Focusing on the National Health Service, which accounts for 21 per cent of the Italian public administration, first, I show that absences largely decreased following the reform. Second, using a difference‐in‐differences strategy that exploits variation in changes to the replacement rate for sick leave, I estimate that a 1 per cent point decrease in the replacement rate reduces absences by 1 per cent.
Lineage‐specific adaptation to climate involves flowering time in North American Arabidopsis lyrata
Authors: Walden Nora , Lucek Kay , Willi Yvonne
Published: December 2019

Adaptation to local climatic conditions is commonly found within species, but whether it involves the same intraspecific genomic variants is unknown. We studied this question in North American Arabidopsis lyrata, whose current distribution is shaped by post‐glacial range expansion from two refugia, resulting in two distinct genetic clusters covering comparable climatic gradients. Using pooled whole‐genome sequence data of 41 outcrossing populations, we identified loci associated with three niche‐determining climatic variables in the two clusters and compared these outliers. Little evidence was found for parallelism in climate adaptation for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and for genes with an accumulation of outlier SNPs. Significantly increased selection coefficients supported them as candidates of climate adaptation. However, the fraction of gene ontology (GO) terms shared between clusters was higher compared to outlier SNPs and outlier genes, suggesting that selection acts on similar pathways but not necessarily the same genes. Enriched GO terms involved responses to abiotic and biotic stress, circadian rhythm and development, with flower development and reproduction being among the most frequently detected. In line with GO enrichment, regulators of flowering time were detected as outlier genes. Our results suggest that while adaptation to environmental gradients on the genomic level are lineage‐specific in A. lyrata, similar biological processes seem to be involved. Differential loss of standing genetic variation, probably driven by genetic drift, can in part account for the lack of parallel evolution on the genomic level.
“Kids these days”: Reconsidering our conversations about Millennial learners
Authors: Regehr Glenn
Published: December 2019

When feeling frustrated by the next generation of learners, Regehr suggests that exploring what values are being violated, rather than simply challenging uncomfortable behaviour, can lead to valuable learning for both the student and the preceptor.
The obesity paradox for outcomes in atrial fibrillation: Evidence from an exposure‐effect analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Liu Xiao , Guo Linjuan , Xiao Kaiwen , Zhu Wengen , Liu Menglu , Wan Rong , Hong Kui
Published: December 2019

The impact of obesity on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. We conducted an exposure‐effect meta‐analysis of prospective studies to clarify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in patients with AF. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched through May 1, 2019. Summary relative risks (RRs) were calculated using random‐effects models. Nonlinear associations were explored using restricted cubic spline models. Twenty publications involving 161,922 individuals were included. Categorical variable analysis showed that underweight was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (RR: 2.6), cardiovascular death (RR: 2.91), major bleeding (RR: 1.57), stroke or systemic embolism (RR: 1.62), and a composite endpoint (RR: 2.23). In exposure‐effect analysis, the risk per 5 BMI increase was reduced for adverse outcomes (RR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.80‐0.92 for all‐cause death; RR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.71‐0.95 for cardiovascular death; RR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84‐0.95 for stroke or systemic embolism; and RR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.67‐0.92 for a composite endpoint). There was a significant “U”‐shaped exposure‐effect relationship with all‐cause death, and the nadir of the curve was observed at a BMI of approximately 28. Our results showed that underweight is associated with a worse prognosis, but that overweight and obesity are associated with improved adverse outcomes in patients with AF.
Left atrial appendage isolation during ablation in the interatrial septum: Rapid recognition by continuous monitoring of appendage electrograms
Authors: Elbatran Ahmed I. , Leung Lisa W.M. , Gallagher Mark M.
Published: December 2019

Extensive atrial ablation in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial tachycardia (AT) can affect interatrial connections. A 76‐year‐old man with a history of tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy and nine ablation procedures for AF/AT over 15 years presented with highly symptomatic recurrent AT. Previous ablation lesions included pulmonary vein isolation, left atrial posterior wall isolation, mitral isthmus line, cavotricuspid isthmus line, and the ablation of areas of fractionated electrograms.

Electroanatomical mapping found the pulmonary veins and the left atrial posterior wall to be silent, as was the posterior interatrial septum and the mitral isthmus area. Activation mapping showed progression of electrograms in the left atrial appendage (LAA) from the septal aspect posteriorly, and in the coronary sinus from proximal to distal; implying the existence of a septal circuit, where extensive fractionation was noted. This was targeted, while monitoring conduction into the LAA using a multielectrode catheter. Ablation led to prompt termination of tachycardia and simultaneous LAA isolation. Immediate cessation of ablation led to recovery of conduction into LAA. Additional lesions in the interatrial septum were required to render the tachycardia noninducible, accompanied by temporary isolation of LAA. The ablation lesion sets employed while ablating AF and left AT can block many interatrial pathways, rendering conduction dependent on muscle bundles in the interatrial septum and, therefore, vulnerable to block by lesions in this area. LAA isolation has been associated with high incidence of LAA thrombus formation and stroke despite oral anticoagulation. Continuous observation of LAA electrograms during ablation can help to avoid this complication.
Over‐accumulation of abscisic acid in transgenic tomato plants increases the risk of hydraulic failure
Authors: Lamarque Laurent J. , Delzon Sylvain , Toups Haley , Gravel Anne‐Isabelle , Corso Déborah , Badel Eric , Burlett Régis , Charrier Guillaume , Cochard Hervé , Jansen Steven , King Andrew , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Pouzoulet Jérôme , Cramer Grant R. , Thompson Andrew J. , Gambetta Gregory A.
Published: December 2019

Climate change threatens food security, and plant science researchers have investigated methods of sustaining crop yield under drought. One approach has been to overproduce abscisic acid (ABA) to enhance water use efficiency. However, the concomitant effects of ABA overproduction on plant vascular system functioning are critical as it influences vulnerability to xylem hydraulic failure. We investigated these effects by comparing physiological and hydraulic responses to water deficit between a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) wild type control (WT) and a transgenic line overproducing ABA (sp12). Under well‐watered conditions, the sp12 line displayed similar growth rate and greater water use efficiency by operating at lower maximum stomatal conductance. X‐ray microtomography revealed that sp12 was significantly more vulnerable to xylem embolism, resulting in a reduced hydraulic safety margin. We also observed a significant ontogenic effect on vulnerability to xylem embolism for both WT and sp12. This study demonstrates that the greater water use efficiency in the tomato ABA overproducing line is associated with higher vulnerability of the vascular system to embolism and a higher risk of hydraulic failure. Integrating hydraulic traits into breeding programmes represents a critical step for effectively managing a crop's ability to maintain hydraulic conductivity and productivity under water deficit.
A brief history of periodontics in the United States of America: Pioneers and thought‐leaders of the past, and current challenges
Authors: Armitage Gary C.
Published: December 2019

This paper summarizes historical events in periodontology in the United States over the past 200 years. The contributions of some of the key thought‐leaders of the past are highlighted. Throughout the 20th century, the evolution of thought, leading to the views currently held regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases, was significantly influenced by: (1) major changes in health‐care education; (2) the emergence of periodontics as a specialty of dentistry; (3) the publication of peer‐reviewed journals with an emphasis on periodontology; (4) formation of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); and (5) expansion of periodontal research programs by the NIDCR. The two major future challenges facing periodontal research are development of a better understanding of the ecological complexities of host‐microbial interactions in periodontal health and disease, and identification of the relevant mechanisms involved in the predictable regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues.
Current trends and new developments in HIV research and periodontal diseases
Authors: Ryder Mark I. , Shiboski Caroline , Yao Tzy‐Jyun , Moscicki Anna‐Barbara
Published: December 2019

With the advent of combined antiretroviral therapies, the face of HIV infection has changed dramatically from a disease with almost certain mortality from serious comorbidities, to a manageable chronic condition with an extended lifespan. In this paper we present the more recent investigations into the epidemiology, microbiology, and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in patients with HIV, and the effects of combined antiretroviral therapies on the incidence and progression of these diseases both in adults and perinatally infected children. In addition, comparisons and potential interactions between the HIV‐associated microbiome, host responses, and pathogenesis in the oral cavity with the gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body are presented. Also, the effects of HIV and combined antiretroviral therapies on comorbidities such as hyposalivation, dementia, and osteoporosis on periodontal disease progression are discussed.
Epigenetic reprogramming in periodontal disease: Dynamic crosstalk with potential impact in oncogenesis
Authors: Barros Silvana P. , Fahimipour Farahnaz , Tarran Robert , Kim Steven , Scarel‐Caminaga Raquel Mantuaneli , Justice Anne , North Kari
Published: December 2019

Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inﬂammatory disease associated with microbial dysbiosis and characterized by progressive destruction of the periodontal tissues. Such chronic infectious inflammatory disease is recognized as a major public health problem worldwide with measurable impact in systemic health. It has become evident that the periodontal disease phenotypes are not only determined by the microbiome effect, but the extent of the tissue response is also driven by the host genome and epigenome patterns responding to various environmental exposures. More recently there is mounting evidence indicating that epigenetic reprogramming in response to combined intrinsic and environmental exposures, might be particularly relevant due its plasticity and potential application towards precision health. The complex epigenetic crosstalk is reflected in the prognosis and progress of periodontal diseases and may also lead to a favorable landscape for cancer development. This review discusses epigenomics modifications focusing on the role of DNA methylation and pathways linking microbial infection and inflammatory pathways, which are also associated with carcinogenesis. There is a more clear vision whereas 'omics' technologies applied to unveil relevant epigenetic factors could play a significant role in the treatment of periodontal disease in a personalized mode, evidencing that public health approach should coexist with precision individualized treatment.