bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random Effects Misspecification Can Have Severe Consequences for Random Effects Inference in Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Hui Francis K. C. , Müller Samuel , Welsh Alan H.
Published: April 2020

There has been considerable and controversial research over the past two decades into how successfully random effects misspecification in mixed models (i.e. assuming normality for the random effects when the true distribution is non‐normal) can be diagnosed and what its impacts are on estimation and inference. However, much of this research has focused on fixed effects inference in generalised linear mixed models. In this article, motivated by the increasing number of applications of mixed models where interest is on the variance components, we study the effects of random effects misspecification on random effects inference in linear mixed models, for which there is considerably less literature. Our findings are surprising and contrary to general belief: for point estimation, maximum likelihood estimation of the variance components under misspecification is consistent, although in finite samples, both the bias and mean squared error can be substantial. For inference, we show through theory and simulation that under misspecification, standard likelihood ratio tests of truly non‐zero variance components can suffer from severely inflated type I errors, and confidence intervals for the variance components can exhibit considerable under coverage. Furthermore, neither of these problems vanish asymptotically with increasing the number of clusters or cluster size. These results have major implications for random effects inference, especially if the true random effects distribution is heavier tailed than the normal. Fortunately, simple graphical and goodness‐of‐fit measures of the random effects predictions appear to have reasonable power at detecting misspecification. We apply linear mixed models to a survey of more than 4 000 high school students within 100 schools and analyse how mathematics achievement scores vary with student attributes and across different schools. The application demonstrates the sensitivity of mixed model inference to the true but unknown random effects distribution.
Use of asthma drugs and prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization
Authors: Wogelius Pia , Viuff Jakob Hansen , Haubek Dorte
Published: April 2020

Background

Asthma and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) are common diseases among children and have been suspected to be associated with each other.

Aim

To examine the association between asthma or the use of asthma drugs and the prevalence of MIH.

Design

In a population‐based cross‐sectional study, we recorded MIH in 9‐year‐old children in Aalborg Municipality, Denmark, born in the year 2000. We used a unique 10‐digit civil personal number to link data on MIH to population‐based medical register data. The exposure was inhaled asthma medication from birth date until date of dental examination. The outcome was the overall prevalence of MIH according to use of asthma medication. Odds ratios (OR) of having MIH were adjusted for gender, use of antibiotics and amoxicillin, maternal smoking, pre‐ and perinatal complication, and hospital admissions.

Results

We examined 1837 children, of which 542 (29.5%) had one or more molar(s) with MIH. The adjusted odds ratio of having MIH was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.60‐1.51) among children with prescriptions of inhaled asthma medication.

Conclusion

In this study, where the results have been adjusted for confounding, we found no association between use of inhaled asthma medication and the prevalence of MIH.
Pension scheme fees and charge ratios in 44 countries: A comparative study
Authors: Han Taejin , Stańko Dariusz
Published: April 2020

Based on data received from pension supervisory authorities, the article reviews 85 different pension schemes in 44 jurisdictions by looking at fees and charges as well as their legal ceilings and their development since 2014. A key finding is the observed decrease in fees and caps. The article presents jurisdictions according to clusters, i.e. by groups of countries with identical or very similar items already covered by pension fees, and analyses the extent to which various cost and fee elements are covered by fees charged to members. Finally, we calculate charge ratios for each cluster to quantify the impact of fees and charges on pension savings. Occupational defined contribution pension schemes and personal plans linked to employment tend to be much more cost effective than personal schemes that have no direct employment link.
Nickel percolation and coarsening in sintered Li4Ti5O12 anode composite
Authors: Huddleston William , Dynys Frederick , Sehirlioglu Alp
Published: April 2020

Inherently safe all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion battery anodes with high electronic and ionic conductivity are sought to enable next‐generation electric propulsion systems. In novel architectural concepts, multifunctionality of battery materials will provide simultaneous mechanical load bearing and electrochemical energy storage functionality for systems level mass savings. Co‐processing of strain‐free lithium titanate anode and nickel current collector was explored to provide structural integrity and electrical conductivity for a load‐bearing anode with bulk current collection capability. In this study, the effects of processing conditions on densification, electrical conductivity, and microstructural evolution were characterized for Li4Ti5O12‐Ni (LTO‐Ni) composites. Densification of LTO‐Ni was achieved at 900°C and above, and nickel content had minimal effect on final density compared to sintering temperature and time. Electronic conductivity was modeled by percolation theory, exhibiting a large dependence on nickel content and bulk density. Bulk electrical conductivity greater than 1 S/cm was achieved at volume fractions above the percolation threshold. Modeling of microstructural evolution applied Ostwald ripening theories to describe diffusion governing the growth of average nickel particle size and the change in size distributions. Volume fraction effects resulted in larger average Nickel particle sizes and an activation energy of 1.04 eV was measured for nickel particle coarsening.
Integrated learning communities as a peer support initiative for first year university students
Authors: Spiridon Elena , Kaye Linda K. , Nicolson Rod I. , Ransom Heather J. , Tan Angel J. Y. , Tang Bryan W. X.
Published: April 2020

Peer Mentoring schemes tend to be developed as retention strategies, however, they can also serve other purposes (psychosocial or career‐related). However, evidence of the effectiveness of these presents mixed results and less is known about the horizontal peer support schemes which may help students capitalize on existing peer relationships. We developed an integrated learning communities (ILC) peer support scheme, building on the theoretical principles of social identity theory, which we embedded within our existing teaching framework and designed functional activities. Collective activities were undertaken to promote the processes of social identity with the intention that these may foster social and academic integration experiences. This intervention was undertaken with an entire cohort of first year undergraduate psychology students. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with a self‐selected sample of these students (N = 17). Thematic analysis revealed two main themes, each with two sub‐themes. These were: “Divergent Experiences” with the sub‐themes of “dependent on people” and “types of support”, and “Good idea in principle” with the sub‐themes of “Theory ≠ Practice” and “Dependent on student engagement”. Although identifying with a peer group was not transparent in the interviews, the existence of a peer support scheme was perceived positively by students which might explain the success of the newly developed student‐led Psychology Society. Indeed, this Psychology Society can provide a lasting framework for further amplification of the student voice. We conclude that our embedded ILC was both feasible and potentially valuable, but it is crucial for the peer support approach to have transactional significance.
Female mate choice and species recognition between two closely related cichlid fish of Lake Malawi, Metriaclima estherae and M. callainos
Authors: Nyalungu Nonhlanhla P. , Couldridge Vanessa
Published: April 2020

Cichlids are one of the most diverse and colourful groups of freshwater fishes in the world. Despite much investigation, the factors that promote speciation in these fishes are still uncertain. However, previous studies suggest that sexual selection on male colour is one of the main drivers of speciation among these fishes. Metriaclima estherae is a polymorphic cichlid species from Lake Malawi, and thus provides an ideal model for the investigation of the importance of colour as a species recognition cue. M. callainos is a closely related and morphologically similar species, with male colour pattern very similar to that of M. estherae. We tested female choice by giving females of the two species a choice between conspecific and heterospecific males in the presence and absence of visual (colour) and chemical cues. The results show that females of M. callainos were able to reliably recognize conspecific males, even when colour was eliminated as a cue. However, females of M. estherae did not prefer conspecific males, although they were able to discriminate between red and blue conspecific colour morphs by using chemical cues. These results suggest that species recognition cues may differ even among closely related species of cichlid fish, and that female preferences for male coloration may be weak in certain species.
Assortative aggression among males in a sympatric pair of Labeotropheus from Lake Malaŵi, Africa
Authors: Pauers Michael J. , Grudnowski Jacob A.
Published: April 2020

Female mate choice has strong experimental support as a diversifying force in the speciation of the haplochromine cichlid fishes of Lake Malaŵi, Africa. Somewhat less understood is the role that male–male aggression might have played in the evolution of new species of these fishes. In the rock‐dwelling haplochromines of Lake Malaŵi, primarily territory‐holding males successfully court females; by determining which males gain territories, male–male aggression could support speciation by excluding less‐fit males from the breeding population. To test the hypothesis that males should direct more aggression towards conspecific rivals, the aggression directed towards conspecific and heterospecific opponents was compared in a sympatric pair of cichlids of the genus Labeotropheus Ahl 1927 (Labeotropheus fuelleborni Ahl 1927 and Labeotropheus trewavasae Fryer 1956). It was found that when presented with a pair of rivals, males of both species did direct more aggression towards the conspecific opponent, and the amount of aggression increased when the conspecific opponent was larger than the heterospecific opponent. In addition, this study found a difference in the behavioural repertoire of the species: L. fuelleborni tends to rely on displays to intimidate opponents, whereas L. trewavasae employs more physical attacks to drive away opponents. Males of both species can thus recognize conspecifics and assess an opponent's relative threat to their ability to successfully reproduce, and use species‐specific strategies to intimidate opponents.
Thermal variation near the thermal optimum does not affect the growth, metabolism or swimming performance in wild Atlantic salmonSalmo salar
Authors: Morissette Jenna , Swart Sula , MacCormack Tyson J. , Currie Suzanne , Morash Andrea J.
Published: April 2020

Typically, laboratory studies on the physiological effects of temperature are conducted using stable acclimation temperatures. Nonetheless, information extrapolated from these studies may not accurately represent wild populations living in thermally variable environments. The aim of this study was to compare the growth rate, metabolism and swimming performance of wild Atlantic salmon exposed to cycling temperatures, 16–21°C, and stable acclimation temperatures, 16, 18.5, 21°C. Growth rate, metabolic rate, swimming performance and anaerobic metabolites did not change among acclimation groups, suggesting that within Atlantic salmon's thermal optimum range, temperature variation has no effect on these physiological properties.
Identification and characterization of outer membrane vesicles from the fish pathogen Vibrio ordalii
Authors: Echeverría‐Bugueño Macarena , Espinosa‐Lemunao Rodrigo , Irgang Rute , Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben
Published: April 2020

Vibriosis outbreaks due to Vibrio ordalii occur globally, but Chilean salmon aquaculture, in particular, has suffered significant monetary losses in the last 15 years. Little is known about the virulence mechanisms employed by V. ordalii. However, most Vibrio pathogens (e.g., Vibrio anguillarum, a very close taxonomic species) present outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that are released extracellularly and implicated in the delivery of virulence factors to host cells. This study provides the first reported evidence of the fish pathogen V. ordalii producing and releasing OMVs under normal growth conditions. Analyses were conducted with the V. ordalii strain Vo‐LM‐18 and the type strain ATCC 33509T. For comparative purposes, the reference strain V. anguillarum ATCC 43307 was employed. The average size for the three Vibrio strains was 0.215 ± 0.6 µm (via scanning electron microscopy) or between 0.19 and 1.8 µm (via dynamic light scattering), with each bacterium presenting a wide range. SDS‐PAGE revealed similarities in OMV patterns, but neither total nor external proteins were identical. Comparing V. ordalii ATCC 33509T and Vo‐LM‐18, bands were most evident in the total proteins, and the greatest degree of similarity in OMV profiles was between 37 and 50 kDa. The purified OMVs demonstrated haemolytic enzyme activity, which could play a role during V. ordalii infection. These data represent an initial step towards gaining new insights into this virulence factor, of which a lot is known in other pathogenic microorganisms.
Fecal calprotectin is a reliable marker of endoscopic response to vedolizumab therapy: A simple algorithm for clinical practice
Authors: Pauwels Renske Wilhelmina Maria , de Vries Annemarie Charlotte , van der Woude Christien Janneke
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

The association of fecal calprotectin (FC) and endoscopic response in inflammatory bowel disease patients during vedolizumab (VDZ) treatment is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of FC to predict endoscopic response.

Methods

Patients with active endoscopic disease at baseline were included. Endoscopies and FC tests were performed at baseline and week 16. Patients with a confirmed endoscopic response at week 16 continued VDZ maintenance therapy, and endoscopy and FC tests were performed at week 52. Endoscopic response was defined as endoscopic Mayo score reduction of ≥ 1, SES‐CD of ≥ 50%, or Rutgeerts' score of ≥ 1. Correlations were assessed using Spearman and receiver operating characteristic statistics.

Results

A total of 114 patients, 46 ulcerative colitis and 68 Crohn's disease patients (44 men, median age 40 years), were included after the start of VDZ; 85% was anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha refractory. Endoscopic response was observed in 60 (53%) patients at week 16; the response sustained in 73% at week 52. FC decreased significantly from 819 at baseline to 154 μg/g at week 16. FC at weeks 16 and 52 were significantly correlated to (sustained) endoscopic response (r = −0.62 / r = −0.67, P < 0.001). FC < 200 μg/g indicates endoscopic response (area under the curve = 0.89, positive predictive value = 94%), whereas FC > 450 μg/g indicates endoscopic non‐response after induction (negative predictive value = 83%). An increase in FC level of > 400 μg/g after induction indicates endoscopic loss of response (area under the curve = 0.97, negative predictive value = 96%).

Conclusion

This prospective study demonstrates a significant correlation between FC and endoscopic response to VDZ. FC < 200 μg/g prognosticate endoscopic response, and FC > 450 μg/g endoscopic non‐response. An increase in FC of > 400 μg/g after induction indicates endoscopic loss of response. This simple FC algorithm may guide clinical decisions on the continuation and optimization of VDZ in inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Fecal calprotectin and need of multiple microbiota trasplantation infusions in Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Gallo Antonella , Cancelli Cristina , Ceron Emily , Covino Marcello , Capoluongo Ettore , Pocino Krizia , Ianiro Gianluca , Cammarota Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio , Montalto Massimo
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has proven to be very effective in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) when compared with standard antibiotic therapy. However, given the lack of validated criteria, decision regarding number and timing of infusions is currently based on the clinician's experience, severity of infection, and clinical response. We performed a longitudinal assessment of fecal calprotectin concentration (FCC) in CDI patients undergoing FMT. FCCs were correlated with the need for multiple infusions and with the clinical status of the patient.

Methods

Fecal calprotectin concentration measurement was performed just before first procedure (T0) and 2 (T1) and 5 (T2) days later. The need for reinfusion was accounted for in the 8 weeks following procedure, and clinical status was evaluated at the end of the given period. Both outcomes were correlated with measured FCCs.

Results

A total of 28 CDI patients undergoing FMT were enrolled. Median FCCs at T0 were significantly higher in patients who needed repeat FMT, 540 μg/g versus patients who underwent single FMT, 290 μg/g (P < 0.05). Differences were not significant for FCC at T1 and T2. Regarding correlation with clinical outcome, median FCC at T0 was found to be lower in responders compared with non‐responders with a trend towards statistical significance (P = 0.07). Correlation at T1 and T2 was not significant.

Conclusions

The use of an easily obtainable parameter such as fecal calprotectin could possibly optimize overall management of FMT procedural framework potentially being able to immediately identify patients who may benefit from repeat infusions.
Waiting for COVID‐19
Authors: Francis Trudy J
Published: April 2020

I wrote this as a narrative piece for school, but it is a very honest description of how I'm feeling at this time. I just wanted to reassure people that I am ok. For anyone else who is feeling the same as I am, it's ok. I think it is good for us to be honest about how we are feeling, and it is perfectly reasonable for us to feel confusion during this time. I also think it is good for us to not let any anxiety overwhelm us. So let it out. Talk to someone. Write it down. And breathe. For me, watching the sunrise this morning was a good way to focus on something other than the chaos, other than my feelings.
Cancer, hear my battle CRY
Authors: Chan Alanna B. , Lamia Katja A.
Published: April 2020

Circadian clocks are cell‐autonomous self‐sustaining oscillators that allow organisms to anticipate environmental changes throughout the solar day and persist in nearly every cell examined. Environmental or genetic disruption of circadian rhythms increases the risk of several types of cancer, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we discuss evidence connecting circadian rhythms—with emphasis on the cryptochrome proteins (CRY1/2)—to cancer through in vivo models, mechanisms involving known tumor suppressors and oncogenes, chemotherapeutic efficacy, and human cancer risk.
Spatial phylogenetics of the North American flora
Authors: Mishler Brent D. , Guralnick Robert , Soltis Pamela S. , Smith Stephen A. , Soltis Douglas E. , Barve Narayani , Allen Julie M. , Laffan Shawn W.
Published: April 2020

North America is a large continent with extensive climatic, geological, soil, and biological diversity. As biota faces threat from habitat destruction and climate change, making a quantitative assessment of biodiversity becomes critically important. Rapid digitization of plant specimen records and accumulation of DNA sequence data enable a much‐needed broad synthesis of species occurrences with phylogenetic data. In this study, the first such synthesis of a flora from such a large and diverse part of the world is attempted, all seed plants from the North American continent (here defined to include Canada, United States, and Mexico), with a focus on examining phylogenetic diversity and endemism. We collected digitized plant specimen records and chose a coarse grain for analysis, recognizing that this grain is currently necessary for reasonable completeness per sampling unit. We found that raw richness and endemism patterns largely support previous hypotheses of biodiversity hotspots. The application of phylogenetic metrics and a randomization test revealed novel results, including a significant phylogenetic clustering across the continent, a striking east–west geographical difference in the distribution of branch lengths, and the discovery of centers of neo‐ and paleoendemism in Mexico, the southwestern USA, and the southeastern USA. Finally, our examination of phylogenetic beta diversity provides a new approach to compare centers of endemism. We discuss the empirical challenges of working at the continental scale and the need for more sampling across large parts of the continent, for both DNA data for terminal taxa and spatial data for poorly understood regions, to confirm and extend these results.
The role of weighing‐bathing sequence and postmenstrual age in eliciting adaptive/maladaptive responses in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Bembich Stefano , Trappan Antonella , Galimberti Alice , Taglieri Jessica , Scolz Sabrina , Risso Francesco Maria , Sanson Gianfranco
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In the neonatal intensive care unit, preterm infants are exposed to several stressful stimuli. Inappropriate stimulation led to high risk for short‐ and long‐term neurocognitive disabilities. This study aimed to evaluate whether the sequence of execution of weighing/bathing nursing procedures and postmenstrual age (PMA) have any effect on preterm infants' stress responses.

Design and Methods

Prospective cross‐sectional study on a sample of 21 preterm infants. Responses to the procedures were assessed using an observational sheet based on Als's Synactive Theory of Development. Autonomic and motor responses were scored according to five‐point Likert scales. The order of execution of weighing/bathing nursing procedures and PMA were documented. Effects of weighing/bathing execution sequence and PMA on autonomic and motor response scores were analyzed by linear multiple regression analysis.

Results

The sequence of execution had a significant effect on the autonomic score during weighing (p = .035), evidencing more stress when weighing was executed first. A higher level of stress response on the autonomic score during both weighing (p = .015) and bathing (p = .018) procedure was independently associated with a lower infant PMA.

Conclusions and Practice Implications

The real‐time recognition of adaptive/maladaptive responses allows nurses to personalize their approach to preterm infants, taking into account PMA and adjusting the appropriate sequence of execution of weighing/bathing nursing procedures.
Scaling relationships among functional traits are similar across individuals, species, and communities
Authors: Long Wenxing , Zhou Yadong , Schamp Brandon S. , Zang Runguo , Yang Xiaobo , Poorter Lourens , Xiao Chuchu , Xiong Menghui
Published: April 2020

Question

Bivariate relationships among functional traits reflect how plants adjust to environments through the allocation of limiting resources. Bivariate relationships are well studied across species, but whether the nature of these trait relationships changes across organizational levels (individual, species, community), and whether processes driving these relationships vary across these levels, is seldom explored.

Location

The tropical cloud forests of the Bawangling Nature Reserve, Jianfengling Nature Reserve and Limushan Nature Reserve on Hainan Island, Southern China.

Methods

We measured leaf mass per area (LMA), plant height (H) and wood density (WD) for 4,748 individual trees, 174 species and 48 communities in three tropical cloud forests, and recorded five soil characteristics that are important for plant growth. We evaluated bivariate relationships between these traits across the three organizational levels, and assessed the effects of soil conditions on these trait relationships.

Results

LMA versus H, WD versus H, and LMA versus WD were all positively and disproportionately related, suggesting differential carbon investment between leaves and stem, as well as between stem height and stem density. The slopes of these relationships did not differ significantly across the three levels, suggesting a similar allocation strategy operating at different hierarchical levels. Soil phosphorus had a significant effect on the scaling exponents across all three organizational levels, indicating that phosphorus limitation in cloud forests is a principal driver of resource allocation patterns in trees.

conclusions

We conclude that tropical cloud forest trees have relatively consistent scaling relationships between three primary functional traits across the individual, species, and community levels. The coordinated resource allocation strategies in plants are most likely driven by the prevailing environmental constraints.
Review of policies, data, and interventions to improve maternal nutrition in Afghanistan
Authors: Kim Christine , Mansoor Ghulam Farooq , Paya Pir Mohammad , Ludin Mohammad Homayoun , Ahrar Mohammad Javed , Mashal Mohammad Omar , Todd Catherine S.
Published: April 2020

Malnutrition contributes to direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality, which is particularly high in Afghanistan. Women's nutritional status before, during, and after pregnancy affects their own well‐being and mortality risk and their children's health outcomes. Though maternal nutrition interventions have documented positive impact on select child health outcomes, there are limited data regarding the effects of maternal nutrition interventions on maternal health outcomes globally. This scoping review maps policies, data, and interventions aiming to address poor maternal nutrition outcomes in Afghanistan. We used broad search categories and approaches including database and website searches, hand searches of reference lists from relevant articles, policy and programme document requests, and key informant interviews. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed by type of source document, such as studies with measures related to maternal nutrition, relevant policies and strategies, and programmatic research or evaluation by a third party with explicit interventions targeting maternal nutrition. We abstracted documents systematically, summarized content, and synthesized data. We included 20 policies and strategies, 29 data reports, and nine intervention evaluations. The availability of maternal nutrition intervention data and the inclusion of nutrition indicators, such as minimum dietary diversity, have increased substantially since 2013, yet few nutrition evaluations and population surveys include maternal outcomes as primary or even secondary outcomes. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that target maternal nutrition in Afghanistan. Policies and strategies more recently have shifted towards multisectoral efforts and specifically target nutrition needs of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. This scoping review presents evidence from more than 10 years of efforts to improve the maternal nutrition status of Afghan women. We recommend a combination of investments in measuring maternal nutrition indicators and improving maternal nutrition knowledge and behaviours.
Foraging shifts and visual preadaptation in ecologically diverse bats
Authors: Davies Kalina T. J. , Yohe Laurel R. , Almonte Jesus , Sánchez Miluska K. R. , Rengifo Edgardo M. , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Sears Karen E. , Dávalos Liliana M. , Rossiter Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

Changes in behaviour may initiate shifts to new adaptive zones, with physical adaptations for novel environments evolving later. While new mutations are commonly considered engines of adaptive change, sensory evolution enabling access to new resources might also arise from standing genetic diversity, and even gene loss. We examine the relative contribution of molecular adaptations, measured by positive and relaxed selection, acting on eye‐expressed genes associated with shifts to new adaptive zones in ecologically diverse bats from the superfamily Noctilionoidea. Collectively, noctilionoids display remarkable ecological breadth, from highly divergent echolocation to flight strategies linked to specialized insectivory, the parallel evolution of diverse plant‐based diets (e.g., nectar, pollen and fruit) from ancestral insectivory, and—unusually for echolocating bats—often have large, well‐developed eyes. We report contrasting levels of positive selection in genes associated with the development, maintenance and scope of visual function, tracing back to the origins of noctilionoids and Phyllostomidae (the bat family with most dietary diversity), instead of during shifts to novel diets. Generalized plant visiting was not associated with exceptional molecular adaptation, and exploration of these novel niches took place in an ancestral phyllostomid genetic background. In contrast, evidence for positive selection in vision genes was found at subsequent shifts to either nectarivory or frugivory. Thus, neotropical noctilionoids that use visual cues for identifying food and roosts, as well as for orientation, were effectively preadapted, with subsequent molecular adaptations in nectar‐feeding lineages and the subfamily Stenodermatinae of fig‐eating bats fine‐tuning pre‐existing visual adaptations for specialized purposes.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals domestication‐associated features of Atlantic salmon lipid metabolism
Authors: Jin Yang , Olsen Rolf Erik , Harvey Thomas Nelson , Østensen Mari‐Ann , Li Keshuai , Santi Nina , Vadstein Olav , Bones Atle Magnar , Vik Jon Olav , Sandve Simen Rød , Olsen Yngvar
Published: April 2020

Domestication of animals imposes strong targeted selection for desired traits but can also result in unintended selection due to new domestic environments. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salmar) was domesticated in the 1970s and has subsequently been selected for faster growth in systematic breeding programmes. More recently, salmon aquaculture has replaced fish oils (FOs) with vegetable oils (VOs) in feed, radically changing the levels of essential long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs). Our aim here was to study the impact of domestication on metabolism and explore the hypothesis that the shift to VO diets has unintentionally selected for a domestication‐specific lipid metabolism. We conducted a 96‐day feeding trial of domesticated and wild salmon fed diets based on FOs, VOs or phospholipids, and compared transcriptomes and fatty acids in tissues involved in lipid absorption (pyloric caeca) and lipid turnover and synthesis (liver). Domesticated salmon had faster growth and higher gene expression in glucose and lipid metabolism compared to wild fish, possibly linked to differences in regulation of circadian rhythm pathways. Only the domesticated salmon increased expression of LC‐PUFA synthesis genes when given VOs. This transcriptome response difference was mirrored at the physiological level, with domesticated salmon having higher LC‐PUFA levels but lower 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 levels. In line with this, the VO diet decreased growth rate in wild but not domesticated salmon. Our study revealed a clear impact of domestication on transcriptomic regulation linked to metabolism and suggests that unintentional selection in the domestic environment has resulted in evolution of stronger compensatory mechanisms to a diet low in LC‐PUFAs.
Evaluation of Anterior Decompression Surgical Outcomes of Proximal‐Type Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Chang‐bo , Ma Zhen‐sheng , Hu Jin‐bo , Yang Xiao‐jiang , Wei Wei , Zhang Yang , Lei Wei
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the efficiency of anterior decompression on the proximal‐type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis. From January 2014 to November 2017, 21 patients with proximal‐type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) underwent anterior decompression. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 35–73 years with an average of 51.62 years. All the patients underwent surgery of anterior decompression (ACDF or ACCF). Among them, 12 patients underwent C4/5 single level ACDF, eight patients underwent C4/5 and C5/6 double level ACDF, and one patient underwent C5 anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic parameters were assessed. The clinical examinations were reviewed, including muscle strength, neck disability index (NDI) score, cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and improvement rate of manual muscle test (MMT) at the last follow‐up. Preoperative spinal cord or nerve impingement was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) myelography. Postoperative lateral X‐ray radiographs were performed every 3 months after the surgery.

Results

Severe preoperative muscle atrophy of the deltoid or biceps muscles occurred in 21 patients included in the study. All of them involve impingements of the ventral nerve root and/or the anterior horn according to MRI and CT myelography. The preoperative duration of symptoms averaged 8.4 months. The average follow‐up for all patients was 13.2 months. At the final follow‐up, all patients showed statistically significant improvements in muscle strength and NDI scores (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). For the deltoid muscles force and C‐JOA scores, the average improvement rates were 66.49% ± 10.04% and 62.23% ± 9.23%, respectively. With respect to MMT, 12 proximal‐type patients were graded excellent, six were good, and three were fair, and the overall improvement rate was 85.7%.

Conclusions

For proximal‐type CSA patients with cervical radiculopathy, earlier anterior decompression surgery can achieve satisfactory results by significantly improving a patient's muscle strength and relieving compression symptoms.
Anesthesia for bilateral pulmonary banding as part of hybrid stage I approach palliating neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Zajonz Thomas , Cupka Pavol , Koerner Christian , Mann Valesco , Menges Thilo , Akintuerk Hakan , Valeske Klaus , Thul Josef , Schranz Dietmar , Mueller Matthias
Published: April 2020

Background

Neonatal management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and complex remains a challenging task, whereby the “hybrid” palliation is often reserved for high‐risk patients as a “rescue” procedure.

Aim

This study documents the anesthetic challenges and potential complications associated with the Giessen hybrid stage I approach.

Methods

The Giessen hybrid stage I approach is focused on surgical bilateral pulmonary artery banding. Retrospective perioperative data were analyzed. Contrary to a stable group A, inotropic treatment before surgery for treatment of postnatal shock classified patients as unstable (Group B). Clinical outcomes considered were inhospital mortality, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, postoperative time at the intensive care unit, perioperative vasoactive medication requirements, and red blood cell transfusion.

Results

From June 1998 to December 2015, 185 patients were allocated to Group A (n = 165) and Group B (n = 20). The inhospital mortality was 2.2% with no difference between the groups. There was also no difference in the postoperative time on mechanical ventilation and the time in the intensive care unit. Vasoactive medication was more often required in Group B (100%) compared to Group A (19%). In Group B, more red blood cells were transfused 6.0 ± 8.3 vs 2.0 ± 5.8 mL/kg in Group A (P < .05, 95% CI 0.0 ‐ 2.6).

Conclusion

Considering a learning curve, anesthesia for surgical bilateral pulmonary artery banding palliating patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and complex can safely be performed, independent from the preoperative clinical status.
Arginase and its mechanisms in Leishmania persistence
Authors: Pessenda Gabriela , da Silva João Santana
Published: April 2020

Leishmaniasis is a neglected infectious disease with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to chronic infection and eventual death. The mechanisms of disease susceptibility and pathology have been extensively studied, but there are no steadfast rules regarding leishmaniasis. A Th1 response is usually associated with infection control, while a predominant Th2 response is detrimental to the patient. In this scenario, the enzymes arginase and inducible nitric oxide synthase represent two possible pathways of immune response. While the former contributes to parasite replication, the latter is crucial for its control. In the present review, we collected study results that associate arginase expression in patients and in experimental models with disease susceptibility/chronicity and show some proposed mechanisms that explain the role of arginase in maintaining Leishmania infection, including polyamine and thiol synthesis, tissue‐resident macrophage (TRM) proliferation and activation and T‐cell suppression and exhaustion.
Characterization of virus species associated with sweetpotato virus diseases in Burkina Faso
Authors: Tibiri Ezechiel B. , Pita Justin S. , Tiendrébéogo Fidèle , Bangratz Martine , Néya James B. , Brugidou Christophe , Somé Koussao , Barro Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) production in sub‐Saharan Africa is severely affected by viral diseases caused by several interacting viruses, including sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), and sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV). However, the aetiology of viral symptoms on sweetpotato is rarely established in most countries in Africa. Here, we aimed to investigate and characterize the incidence of sweetpotato viruses in Burkina Faso. We performed a countrywide survey in 18 districts of Burkina Faso and collected 600 plants, with and without symptoms, from 80 fields. Viral strains were identified using nitrocellulose membrane‐ELISA, PCR, and reverse transcription‐PCR. Three scions from each of 50 selected plants with symptoms were grafted to healthy Ipomoea setosa and then serological and molecular tests were performed on the 150 recorded samples. Three viruses were detected: 24% of samples were positive for SPFMV, 18% for SPLCV, and 2% for SPCSV. Across all diagnostic tests, 40% of all plant samples were virus‐negative. Coinfections were found in 16% of samples. Partial sequences were obtained, including 13 that matched SPFMV, one that matched SPLCV, and one that matched SPCSV. All identified SPFMV isolates belonged to either phylogroup B or A‐II. The SPCSV‐positive isolates had 98% gene sequence homology with SPCSV‐West Africa for the coat protein. Begomovirus‐positive isolates clustered with SPLCV‐United States. This first study of sweetpotato viral diseases in Burkina Faso indicates widespread occurrence and suggests a need for further epidemiological investigations, breeding programmes focused on virus‐resistant varieties, and improved farming practices to control disease spread.
The impact of task load on the integration of explicit contextual priors and visual information during anticipation
Authors: Gredin N. Viktor , Broadbent David P. , Findon James L. , Williams A. Mark , Bishop Daniel T.
Published: April 2020

There is limited knowledge about the impact of task load on experts’ integration of contextual priors and visual information during dynamic and rapidly evolving anticipation tasks. We examined how experts integrate contextual priors––specifically, prior information regarding an opponent's action tendencies––with visual information such as movement kinematics, during a soccer‐specific anticipation task. Furthermore, we combined psychophysiological measures and retrospective self‐reports to gain insight into the cognitive load associated with this integration. Players were required to predict the action of an oncoming opponent, with and without the explicit provision of contextual priors, under two different task loads. In addition to anticipation performance, we compared continuous electroencephalography (EEG) and self‐reports of cognitive load across conditions. Our data provide tentative evidence that increased task load may impair performance by disrupting the integration of contextual priors and visual information. EEG data suggest that cognitive load may increase when contextual priors are explicitly provided, whereas self‐report data suggested a decrease in cognitive load. The findings provide insight into the processing demands associated with integration of contextual priors and visual information during dynamic anticipation tasks, and have implications for the utility of priors under cognitively demanding conditions. Furthermore, our findings add to the existing literature, suggesting that continuous EEG may be a more valid measure than retrospective self‐reports for in‐task assessment of cognitive load.
Prophecy in the Ancient Levant and Old Babylonian Mari
Authors: Deluty Julie B.
Published: April 2020

This article serves as an introduction to the historical phenomenon of prophecy in the Ancient Levant and Old Babylonian Mari. Of particular focus is the terminology for prophetic personnel, prophecy as a system of communication, the link between prophecy and monarchy at Mari, and the question of biblical prophetic books and their relationship to prophetic practice. The ancient evidence is surveyed in an effort to elucidate a comparative investigation across the Ancient Near East. This includes narratives and books in the Hebrew Bible, and extra‐biblical sources from the sites of Lachish and Deir 'Alla in the larger Levant. Additionally, the Old Babylonian archives of the 18th century BCE kingdom of Mari (Tell Hariri, Syria) illuminate how prophecy is part of a larger system of royal correspondence in antiquity. The article offers the most up‐to‐date literature on prophecy at Mari and also introduces new work on third‐party intermediaries, those individuals who relay prophets' messages to their recipients.
‘All you that be young, whom I do now represent’: Doctrine, Deception and Discontent in Lusty Juventus
Authors: Caputo Nicoletta
Published: April 2020

In a period when harsh controversy was dominant, the Edwardian interlude Lusty Juventus is remarkable for presenting a different aspect of Reformation propaganda that eschewed vituperative anti‐Catholicism and aimed rather at creating a doctrinal consensus around the key tenets of the New Creed. At the same time, however, anxiety for the moral situation of the Edwardian Church can be discerned in the play.

With its doctrinal emphasis, its conciliatory stance and its incipient discontent, this quite‐neglected interlude stands out as a fundamental step in the development of the drama connected to the Tudor Reformation. Such theatrical production began with the polemical anti‐Catholicism of John Bale’s plays, which fed on vituperation and verbal abuse, and culminated in the Elizabethan so‐called money plays, which castigated contemporary social and religious evils alike, and bitterly deplored the failure of the Reformation to bring about that utter moral regeneration its champions so fervently advocated.
Modern sector development: The role of exports and institutions in developing countries
Authors: Gries Thomas , Grundmann Rainer
Published: April 2020

A prospering modern sector is crucial for the successful long‐term development in developing countries as it provides income and job growth for large shares of society. While this idea is widely accepted, there is, perhaps surprisingly, far less analysis about the exact determinants of this economic modernization process. In this article we empirically investigate whether international trade and institutions, both much discussed in the debates on general growth and development, are particularly important for the diffusion of production in the modern sector within developing societies. In a large cross section time‐series sample, we provide robust estimation results that point to an important role of institutions and to a nonlinear impact of manufacturing exports. Our results, which are derived using a range of estimators and are ultimately less susceptible to endogeneity concerns, also provide interesting insights into the role of natural resources and official development aid.
Health practices in Europe towards families of older patients with cancer: a scoping review
Authors: Konradsen Hanne , Brødsgaard Anne , Østergaard Birte , Svavarsdóttir Erla , Dieperink Karin B. , Imhof Lorenz , Luttik Marie Louise , Mahrer‐Imhof Romy , García‐Vivar Cristina
Published: April 2020

Introduction

In Europe, cancer is one of the predominant causes of mortality and morbidity among older people aged over 65. A diagnosis of cancer can imply a negative impact on the quality of life of the older patients and their families. Despite research examining the impact of cancer on the family, it is unclear what kind of information is available about the types of clinical practice towards older patients with cancer and their families. The aim is to determine the extent, range and variety of research in Europe describing health practices towards families of older patients with cancer and to identify any existing gaps in knowledge.

Methods

Scoping review.

Results

A total of 12 articles were included, showing that family interventions are generally based on end‐of‐life care. Most studies used a qualitative approach and involved different types of family member as participants. Most studies were conducted in the UK.

Conclusions

Review findings revealed limited knowledge about health practices in Europe towards families with an older patient with cancer. This review indicates a need to increase family‐focused research that examines health practices that meet the needs of families of older patients with cancer. Seeing cancer as a chronic disease, there is an urgent need for the implementation of family‐focused interventions.
Why targeting matters: The apprenticeship program for youth in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hora Ondřej , Sirovátka Tomáš
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we analyze the targeting and outcomes of the apprenticeship program implemented under the Youth Guarantee/YG scheme in the Czech Republic. We examine the outcomes and targeting using counterfactual impact evaluation (quasi‐experimental design) of the apprenticeship program on the basis of administrative data from the Czech Employment Office. The implementation strategy is analyzed using various policy documents. The findings indicate that the program is apparently targeted at those groups of young people who are less disadvantaged as regards education level and previous unemployment experience. At the same time, paradoxically, the effects in terms of outflows from the unemployment register are weak for the short‐term and medium‐term unemployed, as well as for low‐skilled and high‐skilled youth, and stronger effects are evident in the case of long‐term unemployed and medium‐skilled youth. The failures in targeting and in adjusting the program to the needs of more vulnerable groups of youth are due to an inconsistent implementation strategy of Czech Public Employment Services.