bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbraPallas, 1814) plasma biochemistry and hematology reference intervals including blood cell morphology
Authors: Schubiger Carla B. , Gorman M. Elena , Johns Jennifer L. , Arkoosh Mary R. , Dietrich Joseph P.
Published: February 2021

Plasma biochemistry and hematology reference intervals are integral health assessment tools in all medical fields, including aquatic animal health. As sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) are becoming aquaculturally and economically more important, this manuscript provides essential reference intervals (RI) for their plasma biochemistry and hematology along with reference photomicrographs of blood cells in healthy, fasted sablefish. Blood cell morphology can differ between fish species. In addition, blood cell counts and blood chemistry can vary between fish species, demographics, water conditions, seasons, diets, and culture systems, which precludes the use of RI’s from other fish species. For this study, blood was collected for plasma biochemistry and hematology analysis between June 20 and July 18, 2019, from healthy, yearling sablefish, hatched and reared in captivity on a commercial diet. Overnight fast of 16-18 hours did not sufficiently reduce lipids in the blood, which led to visible lipemia and frequent rupture of blood cells during analysis. Therefore, sablefish should be fasted for 24 to 36 hours before blood is collected to reduce hematology artifacts or possible reagent interference in plasma biochemistry analysis. Lymphocytes were the most dominant leukocytes (98%), while eosinophils were rare, and basophils were not detected in sablefish. Neutrophils were very large cells with Döhle bodies. In mammals and avian species, Döhle bodies are usually signs of toxic change from inflammation, but no such association was found in these fish. In conclusion, lipemia can interfere with sablefish blood analysis, and available removal methods should be evaluated as fasting for up to 36 h might not always be feasible. Also, more studies are required to establish RI for different developmental stages and rearing conditions.
How animals endure by bending environmental space: Redefining the fundamental niche
Authors: Matthiopoulos Jason
Published: February 2021

For 70 years, the fundamental niche, the complete set of environments that allow an individual, population, or species to persist, has shaped ecological thinking. Yet, its properties have eluded quantification, particularly for mobile, cognitively complex organisms. Here, I derive a concise mathematical equation for the fundamental niche and fit it to population growth and distribution data. I find that, within traditionally defined environmental spaces, habitat heterogeneity and behavioural plasticity make the fundamental niche more complex and malleable, but also more predictable, than previously envisaged. This important re-evaluation restores the fundamental niche as a cornerstone of ecological theory and promotes it as a central tool for applied ecology. It quantifies how organisms buffer themselves from change by bending the boundaries of viable environmental space, and offers a framework for designing optimal habitat interventions to protect biodiversity or obstruct invasive species.

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY

The fundemental niche of animal species
Selfish migrants: How a meiotic driver is selected to increase dispersal
Authors: Runge Jan-Niklas , Kokko Hanna , Lindholm Anna K.
Published: February 2021

Meiotic drivers are selfish genetic elements that manipulate meiosis to increase their transmission to the next generation to the detriment of the rest of the genome. One example is thethaplotype in house mice, which is a naturally occurring meiotic driver with deleterious traits—poor fitness in polyandrous matings and homozygote inviability or infertility—that prevent its fixation. Recently, we discovered and validated a novel effect oftin a long-term field study on free-living wild house mice and with experiments:t-carriers are more likely to disperse. Here, we ask what known traits of thethaplotype can select for a difference in dispersal betweent-carriers and wildtype mice. To that end, we built individual-based models with dispersal loci on thetand the homologous wildtype chromosomes. We also allow for density-dependent expression of these loci. Thethaplotype consistently evolves to increase the dispersal propensity of its carriers, particularly at high densities. By examining variants of the model that modify different costs caused byt, we show that the increase in dispersal is driven by the deleterious traits oft, disadvantage in polyandrous matings and lethal homozygosity or male sterility. Finally, we show that an increase in driver-carrier dispersal can evolve across a range of values in driver strength and disadvantages.
SCOPE: Flexible targeting and stringent CARF activation enables type III CRISPR-Cas diagnostics
Authors: Steens Jurre A. , Zhu Yifan , Taylor David W. , Bravo Jack P.K. , Prinsen Stijn H.P , Schoen Cor D. , Keijser Bart J.F , Ossendrijver Michel , Hofstra L. Marije , Brouns Stan J.J. , Shinkai Akeo , van der Oost John , Staals Raymond H.J.
Published: February 2021

Characteristic properties of type III CRISPR-Cas systems include recognition of target RNA (rather than DNA) and the subsequent induction of a multifaceted immune response. This involves sequence-specific cleavage of a target RNA and production of cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) second messenger molecules that may trigger dormancy or cell death. In this study, we discovered that a largely exposed seed region at the 3’ end of the crRNA is essential for target RNA binding and cleavage, whereas base pairing at a unique region at the 5’ end of the guide is required to trigger cOA production. Moreover, we uncovered that the natural variation in the composition of type III complexes within a single host results in different guide lengths, and hence variable seed regions. This shifting seed may prevent escape by invading genetic elements, while controlling cOA production very tightly to prevent unnecessary damage to the host. Lastly, we used these findings to develop a new diagnostic tool, named SCOPE, which was used for the specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 from human nasal swab samples, showing sensitivities in the atto-molar range.
Agricultural fertilization with poultry manure results in persistent environmental contamination with the pathogenClostridioides difficile
Authors: Frentrup Martinique , Thiel Nadine , Junker Vera , Behrens Wiebke , Münch Steffen , Siller Paul , Kabelitz Tina , Faust Matthias , Indra Alexander , Baumgartner Stefanie , Schepanski Kerstin , Amon Thomas , Roesler Uwe , Funk Roger , Nübel Ulrich
Published: February 2021

During a field experiment applying broiler manure for fertilization of agricultural land, we detected viableClostridioides(formerly,Clostridium)difficilein broiler feces, manure, dust, and fertilized soil. A large diversity of toxigenicC. difficileisolates was recovered, including PCR ribotypes common from human disease. Genomic relatedness ofC. difficileisolates from dust and from soil, recovered more than two years after fertilization, traced their origins to the specific chicken farm that had delivered the manure. We present evidence of long-term contamination of agricultural soil with manure-derivedC. difficileand demonstrate the potential for airborne dispersal ofC. difficilethrough dust emissions during manure application.Clostridioidesgenome sequences virtually identical to those from manure had been recovered from chicken meat and from human infections in previous studies, suggesting broiler-associatedC. difficileare capable of zoonotic transmission.
Phase Gradients and Anisotropy of the Suprachiasmatic Network
Authors: Yoshikawa Tomoko , Pauls Scott , Foley Nicholas , Taub Alana , LeSauter Joseph , Foley Duncan , Honma Ken-Ichi , Honma Sato , Silver Rae
Published: February 2021

Biological neural networks operate at several levels of granularity, from the individual neuron to local neural circuits to networks of thousands of cells. The daily oscillation of the brain’s master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) rests on a yet to be identified network of connectivity among its ~20,000 neurons. The SCN provides an accessible model to explore neural organization at several levels of organization. To relate cellular to local and global network behaviors, we explore network topology by examining SCN slices in three orientations using immunochemistry, light and confocal microscopy, real-time imaging, and mathematical modeling. Importantly, the results reveal small local groupings of neurons that form intermediate structures, here termed “phaseomes” which can be identified through stable local phase differences of varying magnitude among neighboring cells. These local differences in phase are distinct from the global phase relationship – that between individual cells and the mean oscillation of the overall SCN. The magnitude of the phaseomes’ local phase differences are associated with a global phase gradient observed in the SCN’s rostral-caudal extent. Modeling results show that a gradient in connectivity strength can explain the observed gradient of phaseome strength, an extremely parsimonious explanation for the heterogeneous oscillatory structure of the SCN.

Significance statement

Oscillation is a fundamental property of information sensing and encoding in the brain. Using real time imaging and modeling, we explore encoding of time by examining circadian oscillation in single neurons, small groups of neurons, and the entire nucleus, in the brain’s master: the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). New insights into the network organization underlying circadian rhythmicity include the discovery of intermediate structures, termed ‘phaseomes’, characterized by neurons which are stably out of phase with their neighbors. Modeling indicates that the pattern of phaseomes across the tissue encompasses a gradient in connectivity strength from the rostral to caudal aspects of the nucleus. Anisotropy in network organization emerges from comparisons of phaseomes and connectivity gradients in sagittal, horizontal and coronal slices.
Itaconate and fumarate derivatives exert a dual inhibitory effect on canonical NLRP3 activation in macrophages and microglia
Authors: Hoyle Christopher , Green Jack P , Allan Stuart M , Brough David , Lemarchand Eloise
Published: February 2021

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that regulates the protease caspase-1 and subsequent interleukin (IL)-1β release from cells of the innate immune system, or microglia in the brain, in response to infection or injury. Derivatives of the metabolites itaconate and fumarate, dimethyl itaconate (DMI), 4-octyl itaconate (4OI) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF), limit both expression of IL-1β, and IL-1β release following NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, the direct effects of these metabolite derivatives on NLRP3 inflammasome responses in macrophages and microglia require further investigation. Using murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, mixed glia and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs), we demonstrate that DMI and 4OI pre-treatment limited IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor production in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) priming, as well as inhibiting subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation. DMI, 4OI, DMF and monomethyl fumarate (MMF), another fumarate derivative, also directly inhibited biochemical markers of NLRP3 activation in LPS-primed macrophages, mixed glia and OHSCs, including ASC speck formation, caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D cleavage and IL-1β release. Finally, DMF, an approved treatment for multiple sclerosis, as well as DMI, 4OI and MMF, inhibited NLRP3 activation in macrophages in response to the phospholipid lysophosphatidylcholine, which is used to induce demyelination, suggesting a possible mechanism of action for DMF in multiple sclerosis through NLRP3 inhibition. Together, these findings reveal the importance of immunometabolic regulation for both the priming and activation steps of NLRP3 activation in macrophages and microglia. Furthermore, we highlight itaconate and fumarate derivatives as a potential therapeutic option in NLRP3-driven diseases, including in the brain.

Summary statement

We show that itaconate and fumarate derivatives inhibit both the priming and activation steps of NLRP3 inflammasome responses in macrophages and microglia, revealing the importance of immunometabolic NLRP3 regulation.
Risk assessment for the establishment of the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Norderud Erik D. , Powell Scott L. , Peterson Robert K. D.
Published: February 2021

The recent introduction of the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandariniaSmith) in the United States in late 2019 has raised concerns about its establishment in the Pacific Northwest and its potential deleterious effects on honey bees and their pollination services in the region. Therefore, we conducted a risk assessment of the establishment ofV. mandariniain Washington and Oregon on a county-by-county basis. Our tier-1 qualitative and semi-quantitative risk assessment relied on the biological requirements and ecological relationships ofV. mandariniain the environments of the Pacific Northwest. We based the risk characterization on climate and habitat suitability estimates forV. mandariniaqueens to overwinter and colonize nests, density and distribution of apiaries, and locations of major human-mediated introduction pathways that may increase establishment of the hornet in the counties of Washington and Oregon. Our results suggest that 5 counties in the region could be at low risk, 48 at medium risk, and 22 at high risk of establishment. For Washington, counties at high risk included Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom. The high risk Oregon counties included Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Coos, Douglas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, and Yamhill. Many of the western counties of both Washington and Oregon were estimated to be at the highest risk of establishment mainly due to their suitable climate for queens to overwinter, dense forest biomass for nest colonization, and proximity to major port and freight hubs in the region. Considering its negative effects, these counties should be prioritized in ongoing monitoring and eradication efforts ofV. mandarinia.
Toward a geography of community health workers in Niger: a geospatial analysis
Authors: Oliphant Nicholas P , Ray Nicolas , Bensaid Khaled , Ouedraogo Adama , Gali Asma Yaroh , Habi Oumarou , Maazou Ibrahim , Panciera Rocco , Muñiz Maria , Manda Samuel OM , Sy Zeynabou , Jackson Debra , Doherty Tanya
Published: February 2021

Background
Little is known about the geography of community health workers (CHWs), their contribution to geographical accessibility of primary health care (PHC) services, and strategies for optimizing efficiency of CHW deployment in the context of universal health coverage (UHC).
Methods
Using a complete georeferenced census of front-line health facilities and CHWs in Niger and other high resolution spatial datasets, we modelled travel times to front-line health facilities and CHWs between 2000-2013, accounting for training, essential commodities, and maximum population capacity. We estimated additional CHWs needed to maximize geographical accessibility of the population beyond the reach of existing front-line health facilities and CHWs. We assessed the efficiency of geographical targeting of the existing CHW network compared to modelled CHW networks designed to optimize geographical targeting of the estimated population, under-five deaths, and plasmodium falciparum malaria cases.
Results
The percent of the population within 60 minutes walking to the nearest CHW increased from 0·0% to 17·5% between 2000-2013, with 15·5% within 60 minutes walking to the nearest CHW trained on integrated community case management (iCCM) — making PHC services and iCCM, specifically, geographically accessible for an estimated 2·3 million and 2·0 million additional people, respectively. An estimated 10·4 million people (59·0%) remained beyond a 60-minute catchment of front-line health facilities and CHWs. Optimal deployment of 8064 additional CHWs could increase geographic coverage of the estimated total population from 41·5% to 73·6%. Geographical targeting of the existing CHW network was inefficient but optimized CHW networks could improve efficiency by 55·0%-81·9%, depending on targeting metric.
Interpretations
We provide the first high-resolution maps and estimates of geographical accessibility to CHWs at national scale, highlighting improvements between 2000-2013 in Niger, geographies where gaps remained, approaches for improving targeting, and the importance of putting CHWs on the map to inform planning in the context of UHC.
Microbial Sharing between Pediatric Patients and Therapy Animals during Hospital Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs
Authors: Dalton Kathryn R. , Ruble Kathy , Redding Laurel E. , Morris Daniel O. , Mueller Noel T. , Thorpe Roland J. , Agnew Jacqueline , Carroll Karen C. , Planet Paul J. , Rubenstein Ronald C. , Chen Allen R. , Grice Elizabeth A. , Davis Meghan F.
Published: February 2021

Background

Microbial sharing between humans and animals has been demonstrated in a variety of settings. However, the extent of microbial sharing that occurs within the healthcare setting during animal-assisted intervention programs, a validated and valuable part of holistic patient wellness, is unknown. Understanding microbial transmission between patients and therapy animals can provide important insights into potential health benefits for patients, in addition to addressing concerns regarding potential pathogen transmission that limits program utilization. This study evaluated the potential for microbial sharing between pediatric patients and therapy dogs, and tested whether patient-dog contact level and a dog decolonization protocol modified this sharing.

Methods and Results

Patients, therapy animals, and the hospital environment were sampled before and after every group therapy session and samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize microbial communities. Both patients and animals experienced changes in the relative abundance and overall diversity of their nasal microbiome, suggesting that exchange of microorganisms had occurred. Increased contact was associated with greater sharing between patients and therapy animals, as well as between patients. A topical chlorhexidine-based dog decolonization intervention was associated with decreased microbial sharing between therapy dogs and patients, particularly from the removal of rarer microbiota from the dog, but did not significantly affect sharing between patients.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the therapy animal is both a potential source of and a vehicle for the transfer of microorganisms to patients but not necessarily the only source. The relative contribution of other potential sources (e.g., other patients, the hospital environment) should be further explored to determine their relative importance.
Spin-resolved atomic orbital model refinement for combined charge and spin density analysis: application to the YTiO3 perovskite
Authors: Kibalin Iurii , Voufack Ariste Bolivard , Souhassou Mohamed , Gillon Béatrice , Gillet Jean-Michel , Claiser Nicolas , Gukasov Arsen , Porcher Florence , Lecomte Claude
Published: February 2021

A new crystallographic method is proposed in order to refine a spin-resolved atomic orbital model against X-ray and polarized neutron diffraction data. This atomic orbital model is applied to the YTiO3 perovskite crystal, where orbital ordering has previously been observed by several techniques: X-ray diffraction, polarized neutron diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance. This method gives the radial extension, orientation and population of outer atomic orbitals for each atom. The interaction term between Ti3+, Y3+ cations and O2− ligands has been estimated. The refinement statistics obtained by means of the orbital method are compared with those obtained by the multipole model previously published.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of [bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane-κP]chloridobis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl-κ2N,C1]iridium(III)
Authors: Klaimanee Ekkapong , Sangwisut Peerapong , Saithong Saowanit , Leesakul Nararak
Published: February 2021

The title IrIIIcomplex, [Ir(C11H8N)2Cl(C25H22P2)], was synthesized from the substitution reaction between the (ppy)2Ir(μ-Cl)2Ir(ppy)2(ppy = deprotonated 2-phenylpyridine, C11H8N−) dimer and 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane (dppm, C25H22P2) under an argon gas atmosphere for 20 h. The IrIIIatom is coordinated by two C,N-bidentate ppy anions, a unidentate dppm ligand and a chloride anion in a distorted octahedral IrC2N2PCl arrangement. The N donor atoms of the ppy ligands are mutuallytranswhile the C atoms arecis. Intramolecular aromatic π–π stacking between the phenyl rings of ppy and dppm, and C—H...Cl interactions are observed. In the crystal, C—H...Cl and C—H...π contacts link the molecules into a three-dimensional network. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to further quantify the intermolecular interactions, and indicated that H...H contacts (63.9%) dominate the packing.
A local radial basis function differential quadrature semi-discretisation technique for the simulation of time-dependent reaction-diffusion problems
Authors: Jiwari Ram , Gerisch Alf
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a meshfree algorithm based on local radial basis functions (RBFs) combined with the differential quadrature (DQ) method to provide numerical approximations of the solutions of time-dependent, nonlinear and spatially one-dimensional reaction-diffusion systems and to capture their evolving patterns. The combination of local RBFs and the DQ method is applied to discretize the system in space; implicit multistep methods are subsequently used to discretize in time.

Design/methodology/approach

In a method of lines setting, a meshless method for their discretization in space is proposed. This discretization is based on a DQ approach, and RBFs are used as test functions. A local approach is followed where only selected RBFs feature in the computation of a particular DQ weight.

Findings

The proposed method is applied on four reaction-diffusion models: Huxley’s equation, a linear reaction-diffusion system, the Gray–Scott model and the two-dimensional Brusselator model. The method captured the various patterns of the models similar to available in literature. The method shows second order of convergence in space variables and works reliably and efficiently for the problems.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the following facts: A meshless method is proposed for reaction-diffusion models based on local RBFs; the proposed scheme is able to capture patterns of the models for big time T; the scheme has second order of convergence in both time and space variables and Nuemann boundary conditions are easy to implement in this scheme.
Barriers in adoption of additive manufacturing in medical sector supply chain
Authors: Choudhary Neha , Kumar Anish , Sharma Varun , Kumar Pradeep
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) is expected to significantly transform the operations in manufacturing sector. It is also proposed to have optimistic applications in the medical supply chains (SC). However, its adoption in medical sector is faced with a range of barriers. Motivated by the need to establish an AM-based medical SC in a developing economy, the present paper analyses the potential barriers that would hinder the adoption of AM in medical SC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature review and expert discussions, 12 significant barriers have been identified, which are analysed using an integrated interpretive structural modelling–analytical network process (ISM–ANP) methodology. An interrelationship between these barriers using ISM has been analysed to determine the driving-dependence power of these barriers using MICMAC (Matrice d' Impacts Croises-Multiplication Applique' e a' Classement) analysis. The barriers are then ranked using the ANP approach.

Findings

It has been focussed that the non-availability of a variety of materials, lack of education and training to designers and workers and production technology limitation are the most critical barriers. The results suggest that the managers should give greater significance to the technological and organizational barriers.

Originality/value

An approach to overcome these barriers can help the managers and organizations to develop successful AM-based SCs. The study is the first to identify and analyse the barriers for successful adoption of AM in medical SC context.
A case of Muir‐Torre syndrome with a keratoacanthoma and sebaceous neoplasms: Clinicopathological features and a speculation on the pathogenesis of cutaneous tumor type
Authors: Takayama Eriko , Yoshioka Akiko , Takai Toshihiro , Goto Keisuke
Published: February 2021

Muir‐Torre syndrome is a hereditary condition characterized by occurrence of sebaceous neoplasms or keratoacanthomas and visceral tumors. The most common mechanism for this syndrome is a constitutional defect in the mismatch repair genes. We report the case of a 67‐year‐old woman with a mutator L homologue 1 (MLH1) mutation. She had a history of endometrial and colorectal cancers. The patient presented with a typical keratoacanthoma on the right cheek and numerous sebaceous neoplasms on the face and trunk. Seven sebaceous adenomas and a low‐grade sebaceous carcinoma were excised. Most sebaceous adenomas showed dermoscopic features such as some yellow comedo‐like globules and curved vessels in creamy‐white areas. Moreover, they revealed pathological features such as keratoacanthoma‐like architecture and peritumoral or intratumoral lymphocytes. One of these sebaceous adenomas indicated histopathologically spontaneous regression and another was continuous with the hair follicle. Immunohistochemical staining for mismatch repair proteins revealed loss of expression for MLH1 and postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2) proteins in tumor cells nuclei in both keratoacanthoma and sebaceous adenoma. Nuclei in overhanging epithelial lips of the keratoacanthoma were also negative. These findings suggest that the type of Muir‐Torre syndrome‐related cutaneous tumor may have been affected by mismatch repair protein deficient sites in the pilosebaceous unit.
Prospective study of ALDH1A1 gene polymorphisms associated with antituberculosis drug‐induced liver injury in western Chinese Han population
Authors: Peng Wu , Zhao Zhen‐zhen , Jiao Lin , Wu Tao , Chen Hao , Zhang Chun‐ying , Song Jia‐jia , Liu Tang‐yu‐heng , Wu Li‐juan , Wang Min‐jin , Chen Jie , Zhou Yi , Ying Bin‐wu
Published: February 2021

Antituberculosis drug‐induced liver injury (ATDILI) has received increasing attention globally, which may limit the effectiveness of antituberculosis (anti‐TB) treatment. Many host genetic determinants of ATDILI have been identified recently. As little knowledge is currently available about the association between aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1) polymorphisms and ATDILI, the association between their variants and the susceptibility to ATDILI was investigated. A total of 747 patients with TB treated by first‐line anti‐TB drugs were prospectively enrolled at West China Hospital. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood sample of each patient and seven single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ALDH1A1 gene were screened and genotyped with a custom‐designed 2×48‐plex SNP Scan TM kit. The patients were followed up monthly to monitor the development of ATDILI. The C allele and the CA genotype of rs7852860 were significantly associated with an elevated risk for ATDILI (p = .006 and 0.005, respectively), which was consistent with the results in the dominant and additive models. No allele, genotype, or genetic model of the other six SNPs (rs3764435, rs348471, rs63319, rs610529, rs7027604, rs8187876) were found to be associated with susceptibility to ATDILI. The findings first demonstrate that rs7852860 variants in ALDH1A1 gene is associated with susceptibility to ATDILI in the Chinese Han population. Validation studies with larger sample sizes and other ethnic groups are needed to confirm the findings.
Why do eggs fail? Causes of hatching failure in threatened populations and consequences for conservation
Authors: Assersohn K. , Marshall A. F. , Morland F. , Brekke P. , Hemmings N.
Published: February 2021

Reproductive failure is ubiquitous. However, research on the mechanisms underpinning reproductive failure is still lacking in most species. This gap in our understanding has particularly strong repercussions for threatened species and it hinders our ability to establish effective interventions to improve survival. In this review, we focus on why eggs fail to hatch – one of the most critical and understudied aspects of bird reproduction. We identify the main drivers of hatching failure in threatened populations of birds and the key mechanisms that cause failure at different stages of development inside the egg. We then discuss the importance of management interventions aimed at reducing hatching failure in species of conservation concern. Our review highlights the need for a better understanding of the mechanistic basis of hatching failure in non‐model bird species and identifies the methodological tools necessary to achieve this.
Potentially inappropriate medicines for older adults with intellectual disability: Clinical implications from a medication audit
Authors: Lim Anecita Gigi , Garriock Judy , Moody Ingrid , Frischtak Helena , Montayre Jed , Arroll Bruce
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate medications that have the potential to be inappropriately prescribed for people with intellectual disability (ID) and to explore possible issues surrounding the potential harm that can result from the use of groups of medicines for people with ID who are ageing and living longer.

Methods

An audit of medical case records of 350 patients under the care of an organisation in New Zealand was undertaken to examine existing medication profiles.

Results

Of the 350 patients, 95% were prescribed at least five or more medicines, with 7% of patients have 10 or more medicines. Increasing prescriptions are evident for those 56 years old and above.

Conclusion

Medicines that may have been appropriate for people with intellectual disability when they were younger may have the potential to cause harm when they age. It is therefore important that monitoring and evaluation of medications for ageing individuals with intellectual disability are regularly undertaken.
Conventional ICSI vs. physiological selection of spermatozoa for ICSI (picsi) in sibling oocytes
Authors: Novoselsky Persky Michal , Hershko‐Klement Anat , Solnica Amy , Bdolah Yuval , Hurwitz Arye , Ketzin El Gilad Mali , Nefesh Iris , Esh‐Broder Efrat
Published: February 2021

Background

Physiological selection of spermatozoa for ICSI (PICSI) is a sperm selection method based on sperm binding to hyaluronic acid. Previous studies on the effect of hyaluronic acid binding assays on fertilization and embryo quality have shown inconsistent results. Previous sibling oocyte studies have not found a significant improvement in fertilization or embryo development with hyaluronic acid binding assays.

Objective

To compare fertilization and embryo development between standard intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and PICSI in sibling oocytes.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of all in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles between January 2017 and April 2020 in which sibling oocytes were randomly fertilized by both ICSI and PICSI. Fertilization rate and the rate of embryos eligible for transfer were compared.

Results

Forty‐five IVF cycles, in which 257 oocytes were fertilized with PICSI and 294 with standard ICSI, were compared. Most of the patients included in the study had previous failures of fertilization, poor embryonic development, implantation failure, or miscarriage. All but two of the patients had at least one previous unsuccessful IVF cycle. Both fertilization rates (71% vs. 83%) and transfer eligible embryo rates (38% vs. 51%) were significantly higher in PICSI fertilized oocytes (p = 0.008 and p = 0.01 respectively).

Discussion

Our study is the largest sibling oocyte study comparing ICSI and PICSI, and the first to find a significant improvement in fertilization and embryo quality with PICSI using sibling oocytes. The fact our cohort included almost exclusively couples with previous unsuccessful IVF cycles might suggest that PICSI should be used in selected cases.

Conclusion

PICSI improves fertilization rates and transfer eligible embryo rates in sibling oocytes in a selected study group.
Entrenchment or efficiency? CEO‐to‐employee pay ratio and the cost of debt
Authors: Bardos Katsiaryna , Kozlowski Steven E. , Puleo Michael R.
Published: February 2021

Using new data on S&P 1500 firms’ chief executive officer (CEO)‐to‐employee pay ratios disclosed by mandate of Section 953(b) of the Dodd–Frank Act, we examine the effect of within‐firm pay inequality on bond yield spreads. We find a significant negative relation between industry‐adjusted CEO‐to‐employee pay ratio and yield spreads while controlling for covariates and endogeneity. This result is strongest in financially constrained, labor‐intensive, and small‐to‐medium‐sized firms. The evidence supports the incentive‐provision explanation of CEO‐to‐employee pay disparity, reflecting efficient CEO compensation rather than rent extraction. We also document selection bias in self‐reported pay ratios, highlighting the efficacy of the Dodd–Frank provisions.
‘Caries disease among an elderly population—A 10‐year longitudinal study’
Authors: Edman Kristina , Holmlund Anders , Norderyd Ola
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of dental caries and to identify risk factors for dental caries in an elderly population between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

This longitudinal study used data from a questionnaire survey and a clinical examination administered on two occasions 10 years apart to 273 individuals who were 65 and 75 years of age in 2008. The variables included were prevalence of dental caries as well as socioeconomic and socio‐behavioural factors.

Results

The number of teeth decreased in both age groups by a mean of 2 over the 10‐year study period, but the prevalence of dental caries remained stable. Approximately, a quarter of the participants had caries lesions. Toothbrushing once a day or less was the factor most strongly correlated with dental caries lesions (OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 1.68–8.66, p = 0.001), followed by need for homecare (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.55–7.93, p = 0.003) and interproximal cleaning less than once a day (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.36–5.19, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

This longitudinal study revealed no increase in the prevalence of dental caries lesions, indicating that good oral health can be preserved among elderly people. The highest risk for dental caries lesions was among participants with inadequate oral hygiene routines (toothbrushing once a day or less and seldom using interproximal devices) and in need of help in daily living, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene and collaboration between dental services and community‐based health care.
Application of the hospital‐family holistic care model in caregivers of patients with permanent enterostomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Xi , Lin Jin Ling , Gao Rui , Chen Ning , Huang Gui Fang , Wang Long , Gao Hong , Zhuo Hui Zhen , Chen Li Qi , Chen Xiao Huan , Li Hong
Published: February 2021

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of the hospital‐family holistic care model based on the theory of ‘Timing It Right’ in caregivers of patients with permanent enterostomy.

Design

A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐five caregivers of patients with permanent enterostomy were recruited from 1 May 2017–31 August 2019. They were randomized into either intervention group (N = 62) or control group (N = 63). The control group received routine care and follow‐up, while the intervention group received routine care, follow‐up, and hospital‐family holistic care intervention based on ‘Timing It Right’. The care ability, psychological distress, and life quality of the caregivers were evaluated between the groups before the intervention, at discharge, and 3 and 6 months after discharge.

Results

One hundred and eleven caregivers completed the study (88.8%). At 3 and 6 months after discharge, the care ability and life quality in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group (t = 8.506/9.783, t = 22.652/26.179, p < 0.05) based on the t tests, and the psychological distress was lower than that in the control group. The ostomy adaptability of the control group was significantly lower than that in the intervention group (p < 0.001) based on the t tests, and the χ2 test showed that ostomy complication was more than that in the intervention group (23.81% vs. 12.90% and 34.92% vs. 19.35%; p < 0.05) at 3 and 6 months after discharge. The interaction between time and group showed that the effect of time factor varied with the group and the four evaluation indexes in the intervention group gradually improved with the extension of the observation time and were better than those in the control group based on generalized estimating equation model.

Conclusion

The hospital‐family holistic care model based on ‘Timing It Right’ can effectively improve the care ability of caregivers of patients with permanent enterostomy, reduce psychological distress, and improve the quality of life.

Impact

The caregivers of patients with permanent enterostomy showed dynamic changes in their care experience and needs at different stages of the disease. The hospital‐family holistic care intervention strategy based on ‘Timing It Right’ can effectively improve the caregiver's care ability, alleviate psychological distress, and improve the quality of life. Additionally, improving the patients' stoma adaptability and reducing the incidence of complications related to ostomy.
Inhibition of adenosine kinase attenuates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Wang Bailu , Sun Shukun , Cao Shengchuan , Zhai Xiaoxuan , Zhang Chuanxin , Zhang Qun , Yuan Qiuhuan , Sun Yi , Xue Mengyang , Ma Jingjing , Xu Feng , Wei Shujian , Chen Yuguo
Published: February 2021

Increased adenosine helps limit infarct size in ischaemia/reperfusion‐injured hearts. In cardiomyocytes, 90% of adenosine is catalysed by adenosine kinase (ADK) and ADK inhibition leads to higher concentrations of both intracellular adenosine and extracellular adenosine. However, the role of ADK inhibition in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains less obvious. We explored the role of ADK inhibition in myocardial I/R injury using mouse left anterior ligation model. To inhibit ADK, the inhibitor ABT‐702 was intraperitoneally injected or AAV9 (adeno‐associated virus)—ADK—shRNA was introduced via tail vein injection. H9c2 cells were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. ADK was transiently increased after myocardial I/R injury. Pharmacological or genetic ADK inhibition reduced infarct size, improved cardiac function and prevented cell apoptosis and necroptosis in I/R‐injured mouse hearts. In vitro, ADK inhibition also prevented cell apoptosis and cell necroptosis in H/R‐treated H9c2 cells. Cleaved caspase‐9, cleaved caspase‐8, cleaved caspase‐3, MLKL and the phosphorylation of MLKL and CaMKII were decreased by ADK inhibition in reperfusion‐injured cardiomyocytes. X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), which is phosphorylated and stabilized via the adenosine receptors A2B and A1/Akt pathways, should play a central role in the effects of ADK inhibition on cell apoptosis and necroptosis. These data suggest that ADK plays an important role in myocardial I/R injury by regulating cell apoptosis and necroptosis.
Elevation of EIF4G1 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer progression by activating mTOR signalling
Authors: Lu Ying , Yu Shanshan , Wang Guangxue , Ma Zuan , Fu Xuelian , Cao Yueyu , Li Qinchuan , Xu Zengguang
Published: February 2021

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 (EIF4G1), as the key component of the transcription initiation factor complex EIF4F, is significantly upregulated in multiple solid tumours, including lung cancer. However, the function and mechanism of EIF4G1 in the regulation of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. Here, using the clinical samples and the comprehensive survival analysis platforms Kaplan‐Meier plotter, we observed aberrant upregulation of EIF4G1 in NSCLC tissues; furthermore, high expression of EIF4G1 showed association with low differentiation of lung cancer cells and poor overall survival in NSCLC patients. Non‐small‐cell lung cancer cell line A549 and H1703 stably infected with EIF4G1 shRNA were used to determine the function of EIF4G1 in regulating cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that EIF4G1 promoted the G1/S transition of the cell cycle and tumour cell proliferation in non‐small cell lung cancer. Mechanistically, EIF4G1 was found to regulate the expression and phosphorylation of mTOR (Ser2448), which mediates the tumorigenesis‐promoting function of EIF4G1. The inhibition of mTOR attenuated the EIF4G1‐induced development and progression of tumours. These findings demonstrated that EIF4G1 is a new potential molecular target for the clinical treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer.
Influenza and Influenza Vaccine: A Review
Authors: Nypaver Cynthia , Dehlinger Cynthia , Carter Chelsea
Published: February 2021

Influenza is a highly contagious, deadly virus, killing nearly half a million people yearly worldwide. The classic symptoms of influenza are fever, fatigue, cough, and body aches. In the outpatient setting, diagnosis can be made by clinical presentation with optional confirmatory diagnostic testing. Antiviral medications should be initiated as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of initiation of symptoms. The primary preventive measure against influenza is vaccination, which is recommended for all people 6 months of age or older, including pregnant and postpartum women, unless the individual has a contraindication. Vaccination should occur at the beginning of flu season, which typically begins in October. It takes approximately 14 days after vaccination for a healthy adult to reach peak antibody protection. There are challenges associated with vaccine composition and vaccine uptake. It takes approximately 6 to 8 months to identify and predict which influenza strains to include in the upcoming season's vaccine. During this time, the influenza virus may undergo antigenic drift, that is, mutating to avoid a host immune response. Antigenic drift makes the vaccine less effective in some seasons. The influenza virus occasionally undergoes antigenic shift, in which it changes to a novel virus, creating potential for a pandemic. There are also barriers to vaccine uptake, including lack of or limited access to care and misconceptions about receiving the vaccine. Interventions that improve access to and uptake of the influenza vaccine must be initiated, targeting multiple levels, including health care policy, patients, health care systems, and the health care team. This article reviews information about influenza identification, management, and prevention.
The values of religious nones, dones, and sacralized Americans: Links between changes in religious affiliation and Schwartz values
Authors: Schwadel Philip , Hardy Sam A. , Van Tongeren Daryl R. , DeWall C. Nathan
Published: February 2021

Objective

Religious identification is associated with specific values, particularly conservation values that focus on social rather than personal interest. Recent research, however, suggests that the psychological repercussions of religious commitment can persist after people cease identifying as religious. We examine if thisreligion residue effectleads to differences in values between those who were once religious but no longer identify as religious and those who never identified as religious.

Methods

We use longitudinal survey data to examine how changes in identification with religion are associated with Schwartz's circle of values.

Results

Results show that religious affiliates were more likely than both those who disaffiliated across waves and those who consistently had no affiliation to endorse each of the social focus values except universalism. As hypothesized, when it came to conservation values, those who disaffiliated from religion were more similar to affiliates than were those who were consistently unaffiliated. Additional analyses showed that (a) associations between religious identification trajectories and values were largely consistent across genders, and (b) those who disaffiliated from evangelical Protestant denominations stood out from other disaffiliates.

Conclusions

We conclude with a discussion of how these findings further understanding of the association between religion and personal values.
Genetics and molecular markers for anthocyanin pigmentation in barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link)
Authors: Renganathan Vellaichamy Gandhimeyyan , Vanniarajan Chockalingam , Senthil Natesan , Nirmalakumari Angamuthu , Karthikeyan Adhimoolam , Veni Kannan , Ramalingam Jegadeesan
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to track the inheritance and identify the expressed sequence tag (EST) ‐ simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker (s) associated with the anthocyanin pigments in barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.). The F1 and F2 generations were developed using the anthocyanin pigmented genotype ACM 331 (purple inflorescence) and three non‐pigmented genotypes, ACM 333, ACM 335 and MA 10 (green inflorescence). The F1 plants of all the three crosses had medium purple inflorescence indicating that purple pigment was partially dominant over green inflorescence. The segregation ratio of F2 generation is 1:2:1 (purple:medium purple:green) further confirmed that purple is partially dominant over the green and governed by one gene. Fifty‐one EST‐SSR markers were used to screen the pigmented and non‐pigmented bulks of the F2 population. A marker, BMESSR 39 associated with the anthocyanin pigment trait was obtained, which revealed a high correlation with the anthocyanin pigment present in the F2 population consisting of 430 individuals (85.10%) and 80 barnyard millet genotypes (63.75%). The information obtained in this study could pave way for breeding anthocyanin pigmented genotypes and genetic studies in barnyard millet.
Immunohistochemical expression of HER ‐ 2 and Ki ‐ 67 in granulosa cell tumor in bitches
Authors: Matos Ana Carina Heil da Silva , Consalter Angélica , dos Santos Batista Bárbara Paula , Fonseca Ana Beatriz Monteiro , Ferreira Ana Maria Reis , Leite Juliana da Silva
Published: February 2021

Granulosa cell tumour, an ovarian neoplasm of stromal origin, is an important tumour related to oestrogenic dominance syndrome and cystic endometrial hyperplasia–pyometra complex. In order to analyse ovarian tumour´s malignant potential, immunohistochemical markers can be used, such as anti‐HER2 and anti‐Ki‐67. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of immunohistochemical markers HER‐2 and Ki‐67 in granulosa cell tumour from bitches´ ovaries. In HER‐2 immunomarker analysis using the HercepTest® method, most tumours were classified as 2+ (moderate labelling). Concerning Ki‐67 immunomarker, only one case was described as having a high proliferative index. An association was found between immunostained cell percentage by anti‐HER‐2 antibodies and high pleomorphism, represented by the pattern of follicular/trabecular tumour arrangement. There was no correlation between anti‐Ki‐67 and anti‐HER‐2 antibody immunostaining intensities, probably due to only one case with a high Ki‐67 index. With an effective protocol for HER‐2 and Ki‐67 immunohistochemical identification in granulosa cell tumours in bitches, it was possible to characterize this neoplasm proliferation profile.