bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marginal soft tissue recession after lateral guided bone regeneration at implant site: A long‐term study with at least 5 years of loading
Authors: Cairo Francesco , Nieri Michele , Cavalcanti Raffaele , Landi Luca , Rupe Antonio , Sforza Nicola Marco , Pace Riccardo , Barbato Luigi
Published: September 2020

Background/aim

This study evaluated marginal soft tissue recession at implants with simultaneous lateral guided bone regeneration (GBR), at least five years after prosthetic loading.

Material and methods

Patients treated with GBR at the time of implant placement and adherent to supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) program with at least 5 years of follow‐up were re‐examined in 5 clinical centers. At the last follow‐up, clinical and radiographic data on peri‐implant hard and soft tissue were collected. Multilevel analysis considering center, patient, and implant (brand, length, diameter, position) was performed.

Results

A total of 96 patients and 195 augmented implants were included. The mean duration of SPT was 8.3 ± 3.1 years, while mean recall frequency was 4.5 ± 1.3 months. Sixty‐five (33%) implants received soft tissue graft before prosthetic delivery. Twenty‐one (11%) implants developed biological complications during the follow‐up. No implant failure was reported. Mean difference in bone levels (ΔBL) was −0.7 ± 0.9 mm, while mean difference in keratinized tissue (ΔKT) was −0.4 ± 0.9 mm. Eighty‐five (44%) implants showed recession (REC) of soft tissue margin (mean 0.6 ± 0.8 mm). The presence of REC was associated with use of non‐resorbable membrane (p < .0001) and wider implant diameter (p = .0305), while use of soft tissue graft significantly predicted higher stability of peri‐implant mucosal margin (p = .0003).

Conclusion

Peri‐implant mucosal recession is a common feature 5 years after lateral GBR. The risk of recession may be reduced using GBR with resorbable membranes, small diameter implants, and soft tissue grafting before prosthetic treatment.
Dopamine neurons in the ventral periaqueductal gray modulate isoflurane anesthesia in rats
Authors: Liu Chengxi , Zhou Xiao , Zhu Qiuyu , Fu Bao , Cao Song , Zhang Yu , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yi , Yu Tian
Published: September 2020

Aims

General anesthesia has been applied in surgery for more than 170 years, and there is little doubt that GABAA receptors have an important role as anesthetic molecular targets, but its neural mechanisms remain unclear. Increasing researchers have shown that dopaminergic pathways in the brain are crucial for sleep and wake. General anesthesia‐induced unconsciousness and natural sleep share some neural correlates. However, the role of GABAA receptors in ventral periaqueductal gray (vPAG) dopamine (DA) neurons in the isoflurane‐induced unconsciousness has yet to be identified.

Methods

In the present study, we used calcium fiber photometry recording to explore that the activity of ventral periaqueductal gray (vPAG) neurons. Then, rats were unilaterally microinjected with 6‐hydroxydopamine into the vPAG area to determine the role of vPAG‐DA neurons in isoflurane‐induced‐anesthesia. Furthermore, thirty SD rats were divided into three groups: a GABAAR agonist‐muscimol group, a GABAAR antagonist‐gabazine group, and a control group. Finally, whole‐cell patch clamp was used to examine the effects of isoflurane and GABAA receptor agonist/antagonist on vPAG‐DA neurons.

Results

The vPAG neurons were markedly inhibited during isoflurane anesthesia induction and that these neurons were activated during emergence from isoflurane anesthesia. Lesion to the vPAG‐DA neurons shortened the induction time and prolonged the emergence time while increasing δ power in isoflurane anesthesia. Intracerebral injection of the GABAA receptor agonist (muscimol) into the vPAG accelerated the induction of anesthesia and delayed recovery from isoflurane anesthesia, with a decrease of δ power and an augment of β power. Injection of GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine generated the opposite effects. Isoflurane enhanced GABAergic transmission, and GABAA receptor agonist partly increased isoflurane‐induced inhibition of vPAG‐DA neurons, while GABAA receptor antagonist evidently attenuated GABAergic transmission.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that vPAG‐DA neurons are involved in isoflurane anesthesia through activation of the GABAA receptor.
Automating smart Internet of Things devices in modern homes using context‐based fuzzy logic
Authors: Ming Chen , Kadry Seifedine , Dasel A. Antony
Published: September 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is mainly used to connect different embedded objects over the internet to make communication between them possible. With the help of IoT, devices find a way to interact, work together, and study from each other's experiences just like humans do. IoT finds its way in applications such as smart home, smart city, healthcare, agriculture, and so on. The name smart home arises due to the automation of the normal home appliances to make it smart. When the devices of the normal smart home are connected via the internet, they become a part of the IoT. The smart home should ensure the following characteristics such as security, comfort, convenience, and energy saving. The article presents a technique for IoT controlled devices in a smart home using context‐based fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic is mainly used to monitor and analyze the real‐time data collected from the sensors in the smart homes from various environments. Context‐based fuzzy logic uses a multivalued logic principle which differs from the normal Boolean logic, where the truth value lies between only zero and one (ie, true or false). The proposed smart home is implemented in a real case scenario where it yields an accuracy of 90.5%, response time of 6.41 milliseconds, and an F‐measure of 97%.
Three Key considerations for biodiversity conservation in multilateral agreements
Authors: Burgass Michael J. , Larrosa Cecilia , Tittensor Derek P. , Arlidge William N. S. , Caceres Hernan , Camaclang Abbey , Hampton Shannon , McLaverty Ciaran , Nicholson Emily , Muposhi Victor K. , Pinto Carolina M. , Rowland Jessica A. , Stevenson Simone L. , Watermeyer Kate E. , Milner‐Gulland E.J.
Published: September 2020

It is nearly three decades since the world recognized the need for a global multilateral treaty aiming to address accelerating biodiversity loss. However, biodiversity continues to decline at a concerning rate. Drawing on lessons from the implementation of the current strategic plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the 2010 Aichi Targets, we highlight three interlinked core areas, which require attention and improvement in the development of the post‐2020 Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity. They are: (1) developing robust theories of change which define agreed, adaptive plans for achieving targets; (2) using models to evaluate assumptions and effectiveness of different plans and targets; and (3) identifying the common but differentiated responsibilities of different actors/states/countries within these plans. We demonstrate how future multilateral agreements must not focus only on what needs to be done but also on how it should be done, using measurable steps, which make sense at the scales at which biodiversity change happens.
Expression of connexin 43 by atypical fibroxanthoma
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Varela‐Vazquez Adrian , Mayan Maria D. , Fonseca Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Connexins are transmembrane channel proteins that interconnect adjacent cells and allow the exchange of signaling molecules between cells and the extracellular milieu. They have been investigated in many tumors to obtain information about tumor nature, behavior, and prognosis.

Methods

Herein, we present a study on the immunohistochemical expression of connexin (Cx) 43 in 16 cases of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX). For the immunohistochemical staining, a tissue array was obtained from the paraffin‐embedded blocks.

Results

The expression was membranous and cytoplasmic in all cases. Thirteen cases (81.25%) showed strong staining. In the other three cases (18.75%), the staining was medium. None of the cases showed nuclear staining. Fifteen out of 16 cases showed a diffuse pattern, and only one case showed a focal pattern.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Cx43 may play an important role in the natural behavior of AFX.
Gastric‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma and cervical cytology: Experience at a general hospital and review of the literature
Authors: Greenland Nancy Y. , Wolsky Rebecca J. , Darragh Teresa M. , Vohra Poonam
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Gastric‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS) is an uncommon type of endocervical adenocarcinoma that is not associated with human papillomavirus infection. This diagnosis is relatively rare and may portend a worse prognosis than usual‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma. Subtle morphological features make it an under‐recognised diagnostic challenge. Study of the cytological features of individual cases is valuable in order to increase awareness of this entity.

Methods

The pathology database of our institution was searched for the diagnosis of GAS and all cytological and surgical specimens for each patient were reviewed. The original cytological interpretation was compared to a retrospective central review interpretation. Clinical history and follow‐up results were obtained from the electronic medical record.

Results

Four cases of GAS were identified. The findings on initial cervical cytology varied, with GAS found in both patients with negative cervical cytology and those with atypical glandular cells. Cytological findings included endocervical cells arranged in three‐dimensional clusters and honeycomb sheets with abundant vacuolar cytoplasm, and in two patients, moderate nuclear atypia with irregular nuclear membranes, coarse chromatin, hyperchromatic nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. In one patient, GAS was incidentally discovered via thorough sampling of a cystic lesion in the superior portion of the endocervical canal.

Conclusions

GAS is an aggressive human papillomavirus‐independent type of endocervical adenocarcinoma with subtle morphological features and, as our study shows, varying clinical presentation. Given the aggressive nature of GAS and the difficulties in initial diagnosis, increased awareness of this entity among pathologists is crucial.
Shifting aspect or elevation? The climate change response of ectotherms in a complex mountain topography
Authors: Feldmeier Stephan , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Veith Michael , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Lötters Stefan
Published: September 2020

Aim

Climate change is expected to cause mountain species to shift their ranges to higher elevations. Due to the decreasing amounts of habitats with increasing elevation, such shifts are likely to increase their extinction risk. Heterogeneous mountain topography, however, may reduce this risk by providing microclimatic conditions that can buffer macroclimatic warming or provide nearby refugia. As aspect strongly influences the local microclimate, we here assess whether shifts from warm south‐exposed aspects to cool north‐exposed aspects in response to climate change can compensate for an upward shift into cooler elevations.

Location

Switzerland, Swiss Alps.

Methods

We built ensemble distribution models using high‐resolution climate data for two mountain‐dwelling viviparous ectotherms, the Alpine salamander and the Common lizard, and projected them into various future scenarios to gain insights into distributional changes. We further compared elevation and aspect (northness) of current and predicted future locations to analyse preferences and future shifts.

Results

Future ranges were consistently decreasing for the lizard, but for the salamander they were highly variable, depending on the climate scenario and threshold rule. Aspect preferences were elevation‐dependent: warmer, south‐exposed microclimates were clearly preferred at higher compared to lower elevations. In terms of presence and future locations, we observed both elevational upward shifts and northward shifts in aspect. Under future conditions, the shift to cooler north‐exposed aspects was particularly pronounced at already warmer lower elevations.

Main conclusions

For our study species, shifts in aspect and elevation are complementary strategies to mitigate climatic warming in the complex mountain topography. This complements the long‐standing view of elevational upward shift being their only option to move into areas with suitable future climate. High‐resolution climate data are critical in heterogeneous environments to identify microrefugia and thereby improving future impact assessments of climate change.
Slow wave sleep in naps supports episodic memories in early childhood
Authors: Lokhandwala Sanna , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: September 2020

Naps have been shown to benefit visuospatial learning in early childhood. This benefit has been associated with sleep spindles during the nap. However, whether young children's naps and their accompanying physiology benefit other forms of declarative learning is unknown. Using a novel storybook task, we found performance in children (N = 22, mean age = 51.23 months) was better following a nap compared to performance following an equivalent interval spent awake. Moreover, performance remained better the following day if a nap followed learning. Change in post‐nap performance was positively associated with the amount of time spent in slow wave sleep during the nap. This suggests that slow wave sleep in naps may support episodic memory consolidation in early childhood. Taken in conjunction with prior work, these results suggest that multiple features of brain physiology during naps may contribute to declarative memory processing in early childhood.
Allocation of scarce resources in Africa during COVID‐19: Utility and justice for the bottom of the pyramid?
Authors: Moodley Keymanthri , Rennie Stuart , Behets Frieda , Obasa Adetayo Emmanuel , Yemesi Robert , Ravez Laurent , Kayembe Patrick , Makindu Darius , Mwinga Alwyn , Jaoko Walter
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has raised important universal public health challenges. Conceiving ethical responses to these challenges is a public health imperative but must take context into account. This is particularly important in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). In this paper, we examine how some of the ethical recommendations offered so far in high‐income countries might appear from a SSA perspective. We also reflect on some of the key ethical challenges raised by the COVID‐19 pandemic in low‐income countries suffering from chronic shortages in health care resources, and chronic high morbidity and mortality from non‐COVID‐19 causes. A parallel is drawn between the distribution of severity of COVID‐19 disease and the classic “Fortune at the bottom of the pyramid” model that is relevant in SSA. Focusing allocation of resources during COVID‐19 on the ‘thick’ part of the pyramid in Low‐to‐Middle Income Countries (LMICs) could be ethically justified on utilitarian and social justice grounds, since it prioritizes a large number of persons who have been economically and socially marginalized. During the pandemic, importing allocation frameworks focused on the apex of the pyramid from the global north may therefore not always be appropriate. In a post‐COVID‐19 world, we need to think strategically about how health care systems can be financed and structured to ensure broad access to adequate health care for all who need it. The root problems underlying health inequity, exposed by COVID‐19, must be addressed, not just to prepare for the next pandemic, but to care for people in resource poor settings in non‐pandemic times.
Cross‐sectional associations of device‐measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity with cardio‐metabolic health in the 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Huang B. H. , Hamer M. , Chastin S. , Pearson N. , Koster A. , Stamatakis E.
Published: September 2020

Aims

This study aimed to examine the cross‐sectional associations of thigh accelerometry‐assessed sedentary behaviour and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with cardio‐metabolic health markers and prevalent diabetes in a population sample of middle‐aged British adults.

Methods

Participants (n = 4892) from the age‐46‐to‐48 wave of the 1970 British Cohort Study were fitted with a waterproofed activPAL3 micro device. Total/prolonged sedentary time, breaks and MVPA were the main exposures. We dichotomized prolonged sedentary time and MVPA based on the corresponding median, generating four combinations as categorical exposures. Outcomes comprised of diabetes and seven cardio‐metabolic health markers. We used logistic regression and generalized linear models to examine independent/joint associations, conducting a minimally adjusted model including demographics and contextual covariates, and further adjusted for total sedentary time and/or MVPA as applicable.

Results

Each set of 10 sedentary breaks and 1 h of prolonged sedentary time were associated with HbA1c (mmol/mol) [B = −0.18 (−0.33, −0.03) and 2.35 (1.01, 3.69), respectively]. Each set of 10 sedentary breaks and 1 h of MVPA were favourably associated with diabetes [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.80 (0.71, 0.99) and 0.42 (0.26, 0.67), respectively]. Joint analyses showed that only the low MVPA × long sedentary time combination had significantly higher odds for diabetes than the referent high MVPA × short sedentary time combination [AOR: 1.89 (1.17, 3.03)].

Conclusions

Each set of additional 10 sedentary breaks per day was associated with 20% lower odds for diabetes. A low physical activity level combined with long sedentary time might synergistically deteriorate cardio‐metabolic health.
Childhood food insecurity and incident diabetes: A longitudinal cohort study of 34 042 children in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Clemens K. K. , Le B. , Anderson K. K. , Shariff S. Z.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To examine the association between childhood food insecurity and incident diabetes.

Methods

Using health administrative databases linked to the Canadian Community Health Survey, we conducted a population‐based cohort study of children aged <18 years from Ontario, Canada. Children without diabetes who had a household response to the Canadian Community Health Survey Household Food Security Survey Module were followed for a median of 9.5 years for incident diabetes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between childhood food insecurity and incident diabetes, adjusted sequentially for important clinical and socio‐economic risk factors.

Results

We included 34 042 children, of whom 5.3% lived in food‐insecure households. There were 184 new cases of diabetes, diagnosed at a median age of 16 and 18.5 years in food‐secure and food‐insecure children, respectively. In unadjusted analysis, childhood food insecurity was associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes (hazard ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.81). When adjusted for clinical and socio‐economic confounders, the relationship was no longer statistically significant (hazard ratio 1.55, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.66, adjusted for clinical confounders; hazard ratio 1.30, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.37, adjusted for clinical/socio‐economic confounders). Our results remained robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Although food‐insecure children are a medically and socially vulnerable population, they do not appear to be at increased risk of incident diabetes over a median of 9.5 years.
Sociodemographic, clinical and help‐seeking characteristics of homeless young people with recent onset of psychosis enrolled in specialized early intervention services
Authors: Lee Rufina , Scodes Jennifer , van der Ven Els , Alves‐Bradford Jean‐Marie , Mascayano Franco , Smith Stephen , Dixon Lisa
Published: September 2020

Aim

To examine differences in demographic, clinical, social, functional and help‐seeking characteristics of homeless vs housed individuals enrolled in specialized early intervention teams in the United States.

Methods

Participants comprised 1349 individuals enrolled across 21 teams. Teams report individual‐level data including homelessness status at admission. Bivariate differences between homeless and housed participants were analysed using Wilcoxon‐rank, chi‐square, Fisher‐exact and t tests, as appropriate.

Results

Approximately 5% of participants were homeless at admission. Homeless participants were less likely to be enrolled in school and/or employed (12.2% vs 43.4%); to have more involvement in the legal system (23.0% vs 6.2%); and to have had a more restrictive pathway to care, than housed participants.

Conclusions

Homeless young people with recent‐onset psychosis have a substantially greater need for a diversity of services for psychosocial needs. Homeless individuals may also have a more adverse pathway to care and directed outreach to engage this population may be needed.
Technical Comment on Pande et al. (2020): Why invasion analysis is important for understanding coexistence
Authors: Ellner Stephen P. , Snyder Robin E. , Adler Peter B. , Hooker Giles , Schreiber Sebastian J.
Published: September 2020

Pande et al. (2020) point out that persistence time can decrease even as invader growth rates (IGRs) increase, which potentially undermines modern coexistence theory. However, because persistence time increases rapidly with system size only when IGR > 0, to understand how any real community persists, we should first identify the mechanisms producing positive IGR.
Invasion growth rate and its relevance to persistence: a response to Technical Comment by Ellner et al.
Authors: Pande Jayant , Fung Tak , Chisholm Ryan , Shnerb Nadav M.
Published: September 2020

Ellner et al. (2020) state that identifying the mechanisms producing positive invasion growth rates (IGR) is useful in characterising species persistence. We agree about the importance of the sign of IGR as a binary indicator of persistence, but question whether its magnitude provides much information once the sign is given.
Ocrelizumab in a case of refractory chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with anti‐rituximab antibodies
Authors: Casertano S. , Signoriello E. , Rossi F. , Di Pietro A. , Tuccillo F. , Bonavita S. , Lus G.
Published: September 2020

Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated good efficacy as treatment in patients with resistant chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), but it is highly immunogenic due to its structure. Ocrelizumab (OCR) is a humanized anti‐CD20 antibody, with higher tolerability and a lower immunogenic profile compared to RTX. We present a case of refractory CIDP effectively treated with OCR, switched from RTX after the development of anti‐drug antibodies. A 25‐year‐old man was admitted to our clinic for the onset of distal upper and lower limb weakness and numbness, with electrodiagnostic criteria of CIDP. After several attempted standard CIDP treatments, RTX was introduced due to poor control of clinical relapses. Unfortunately, the patient developed a high anti‐drug antibody titer after RTX infusion, with no control of disease. OCR was started as an off‐label treatment, resulting in partial recovery from the last recurrence and achieving good prevention of new relapses with no adverse events. We suggest that OCR should be considered as another therapeutic option in refractory CIDP. In the literature, this is the first case of CIDP treated with OCR, demonstrating good efficacy for its anti‐CD20 effect and better tolerability because of its lower immunogenicity.
Randomized trial of intravenous immunoglobulin maintenance treatment regimens in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Kuitwaard K. , Brusse E. , Jacobs B. C. , Vrancken A. F. J. E. , Eftimov F. , Notermans N. C. , van der Kooi A. J. , Fokkink W. ‐J. R. , Nieboer D. , Lingsma H. F. , Merkies I. S. J. , van Doorn P. A.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

High peak serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels may not be needed for maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and such high levels may cause side effects. More frequent lower dosing may lead to more stable IgG levels and higher trough levels, which might improve efficacy. The aim of this trial is to investigate whether high frequent low dosage IVIg treatment is more effective than low frequent high dosage IVIg treatment.

Methods

In this randomized placebo‐controlled crossover trial, we included patients with CIDP proven to be IVIg‐dependent and receiving an individually established stable dose and interval of IVIg maintenance treatment. In the control arm, patients received their individual IVIg dose and interval followed by a placebo infusion at half the interval. In the intervention arm, patients received half their individual dose at half the interval. After a wash‐out phase patients crossed over. The primary outcome measure was handgrip strength (assessed using a Martin Vigorimeter). Secondary outcome indicators were health‐related quality of life (36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey), disability (Inflammatory Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale), fatigue (Rasch‐built Fatigue Severity Scale) and side effects.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were included and were treated at baseline with individually adjusted dosages of IVIg ranging from 20 to 80 g and intervals ranging from 14 to 35 days. Three participants did not complete the trial; the main analysis was therefore based on the 22 patients completing both treatment periods. There was no significant difference in handgrip strength change from baseline between the two treatment regimens (coefficient −2.71, 95% CI −5.4, 0.01). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes or side effects.

Conclusions

More frequent lower dosing does not further improve the efficacy of IVIg in stable IVIg‐dependent CIDP and does not result in fewer side effects.
Continuous EEG findings in patients with COVID‐19 infection admitted to a New York academic hospital system
Authors: Pellinen Jacob , Carroll Elizabeth , Friedman Daniel , Boffa Michael , Dugan Patricia , Friedman David E. , Gazzola Deana , Jongeling Amy , Rodriguez Alcibiades J. , Holmes Manisha
Published: September 2020

Objective

There is evidence for central nervous system complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection, including encephalopathy. Encephalopathy caused by or arising from seizures, especially nonconvulsive seizures (NCS), often requires electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring for diagnosis. The prevalence of seizures and other EEG abnormalities among COVID‐19‐infected patients is unknown.

Methods

Medical records and EEG studies of patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID‐19 infections over a 2‐month period at a single US academic health system (four hospitals) were reviewed to describe the distribution of EEG findings including epileptiform abnormalities (seizures, periodic discharges, or nonperiodic epileptiform discharges). Factors including demographics, remote and acute brain injury, prior history of epilepsy, preceding seizures, critical illness severity scores, and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels were compared to EEG findings to identify predictors of epileptiform EEG abnormalities.

Results

Of 111 patients monitored, most were male (71%), middle‐aged or older (median age 64 years), admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU; 77%), and comatose (70%). Excluding 11 patients monitored after cardiac arrest, the most frequent EEG finding was moderate generalized slowing (57%), but epileptiform findings were observed in 30% and seizures in 7% (4% with NCS). Three patients with EEG seizures did not have epilepsy or evidence of acute or remote brain injury, although all had clinical seizures prior to EEG. Only having epilepsy (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4‐21) or seizure(s) prior to EEG (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7‐13) was independently associated with epileptiform EEG findings.

Significance

Our study supports growing evidence that COVID‐19 can affect the central nervous system, although seizures are unlikely a common cause of encephalopathy. Seizures and epileptiform activity on EEG occurred infrequently, and having a history of epilepsy or seizure(s) prior to EEG testing was predictive of epileptiform findings. This has important implications for triaging EEG testing in this population.
Comparative transcriptomics of ice‐crawlers demonstrates cold specialization constrains niche evolution in a relict lineage
Authors: Schoville Sean D. , Simon Sabrina , Bai Ming , Beethem Zachary , Dudko Roman Y. , Eberhard Monika J. B. , Frandsen Paul B. , Küpper Simon C. , Machida Ryuichiro , Verheij Max , Willadsen Peter C. , Zhou Xin , Wipfler Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Key changes in ecological niche space are often critical to understanding how lineages diversify during adaptive radiations. However, the converse, or understanding why some lineages are depauperate and relictual, is more challenging, as many factors may constrain niche evolution. In the case of the insect order Grylloblattodea, highly conserved thermal breadth is assumed to be closely tied to their relictual status, but has not been formerly tested. Here, we investigate whether evolutionary constraints in the physiological tolerance of temperature can help explain relictualism in this lineage. Using a comparative transcriptomics approach, we investigate gene expression following acute heat and cold stress across members of Grylloblattodea and their sister group, Mantophasmatodea. We additionally examine patterns of protein evolution, to identify candidate genes of positive selection. We demonstrate that cold specialization in Grylloblattodea has been accompanied by the loss of the inducible heat shock response under both acute heat and cold stress. Additionally, there is widespread evidence of selection on protein‐coding genes consistent with evolutionary constraints due to cold specialization. This includes positive selection on genes involved in trehalose transport, metabolic function, mitochondrial function, oxygen reduction, oxidative stress, and protein synthesis. These patterns of molecular adaptation suggest that Grylloblattodea have undergone evolutionary trade‐offs to survive in cold habitats and should be considered highly vulnerable to climate change. Finally, our transcriptomic data provide a robust backbone phylogeny for generic relationships within Grylloblattodea and Mantophasmatodea. Major phylogenetic splits in each group relate to arid conditions driving biogeographical patterns, with support for a sister‐group relationship between North American Grylloblatta and Altai‐Sayan Grylloblattella, and a range disjunction in Namibia splitting major clades within Mantophasmatodea.
MicroRNA‐215‐5p inhibits the proliferation of keratinocytes and alleviates psoriasis‐like inflammation by negatively regulating DYRK1A and its downstream signalling pathways
Authors: Liu Aimin , Zhang Buxin , Zhao Wei , Tu Yuanhui , Wang Qingxing , Li Jing
Published: September 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal hyperproliferation and differentiation. The object of this study is to explore the role of microRNA‐215‐5p in psoriasis‐like inflammation. The expression of miR‐215‐5p was found to be down‐regulated in pro‐inflammatory factor‐stimulated HaCaT cells and imiquimod (IMQ)‐treated skin tissues. Overexpression of miR‐215‐5p suppressed the proliferation and cell cycle progression of HaCaT cells. Further, miR‐215‐5p agomir alleviated the disease severity, pathological features and Ki67 positive cells in IMQ‐treated mice. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐215‐5p could bind to the 3′UTR of DYRK1A. The in vitro and in vivo results showed that miR‐215‐5p negatively regulates DYRK1A, which further inhibited EGFR and its downstream signalling pathways, AKT and ERK. Collectively, our results provide evidence that overexpression of miR‐215‐5p inhibits the proliferation of HaCaT cells and alleviates psoriasis‐like inflammation partly by DYRK1A mediated inhibition of the EGFR signalling pathway. miR‐215‐5p may serve as a novel small molecule for therapeutic intervention in psoriasis.
“Part‐Time Parent”: Mothering in the Context of Shared Physical Custody
Authors: Markham Melinda Stafford , Coleman Marilyn
Published: September 2020

Objective

This qualitative study examined women's identities as mothers when sharing postdivorce physical custody of children.

Background

The increase in divorced parents sharing physical custody can create challenges, especially for women whose identity is manifested through the social position of mother. Although researchers have investigated children's outcomes in connection with shared physical custody, little is known regarding the effects of shared custody on women's identities as mothers.

Method

A secondary analysis was conducted using interviews from a grounded theory study of 20 divorced women with shared physical custody arrangements.

Results

Mothers resolved the cognitive dissonance they experienced upholding the competing values of being physically present for their child and supporting their child's relationship with their father by prioritizing the belief that their child should maintain relationships with both parents. The mothers found ways in which their part‐time parent role supported their mothering identity. They also experienced challenges and developed individual solutions to overcome the challenges.

Conclusion

The ideology of intensive mothering may be changing, particularly for women who undergo divorce or separation. Mothers' beliefs that their children should maintain relationships with both parents overrides their desire to always be physically present for their children and decreases the time women enact their role as mothers.

Implications

Practitioners are encouraged to guide mothers' adjustment to their custody arrangement and help them “redo” the ways they view their mother identity.
Adhesively bonded joint brittle fracture assessment via average strain energy density criterion
Authors: Ferro Paolo , Berto Filippo
Published: September 2020

The average strain energy density (ASED) criterion applied to design of notched mechanical components has been achieved a considerable success over the years thanks to its numerous advantages including the need for a relatively coarse mesh, the use of a scalar rather than vector quantity and the ability to compare the strength of parts with different notch angles. It is known that adhesively bonded joints mechanical strength is governed by the stress singularity arising near the intersection between the adhesive‐substrate interface and the free surface of the bonded joint, even without notches. This is due to the different elastic material properties of the adhesive compared to those of the substrate that induces a constitutive stress singularity. This phenomenon makes the strain energy density criterion particularly suitable for the design of bonded joints, as well. This contribution is aimed at applying the ASED criterion to the static strength assessment of bonded joints. Experimental results taken from literature were found in good agreement with those predicted by the ASED approach.
The two‐sided nature of reliance on prior knowledge and on L1/L2 structural similarity in L2 sentence comprehension
Authors: Rosenstein Ofra , Meir Irit , Miller Paul
Published: September 2020

The study explored the contribution of prior knowledge and reliance on L1 syntactic knowledge to L2 written sentence comprehension. Participants, 102 native Hebrew speakers at three education levels (junior high, high school, and postsecondary), answered questions in two sentence categories: Semantically plausible sentences that readers can understand by linking their content words to prior knowledge; semantically neutral sentences, whose comprehension requires adequate syntactic processing. To track the benefits of linguistic transfer from Hebrew (L1) to English (L2), the study manipulated the languages’ cross‐linguistic structural similarity. The results suggest that Hebrew‐speaking students rely on prior knowledge and/or on structural similarities between Hebrew and English to interpret English sentences. When they cannot rely on either of these two factors, they manifest remarkably poor understanding of quite basic English constructions even at the postsecondary level.
Modelling daily catches of silver‐phase European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in two hydropower‐regulated rivers
Authors: Lenihan Eamonn S. , McCarthy T. Kieran , Lawton Colin
Published: September 2020

Estimation of silver eel production, Anguilla anguilla L., is fundamental for the management of eel stocks. In the hydropower‐regulated rivers Shannon and Erne, Ireland, production is calculated using catch data from a conservation trap and transport programme. However, in both rivers gaps in silver eel catch datasets tend to occur, which can lead to biases in production estimates. Generalised additive models (GAMs) were used to model daily catch in these rivers based on a variety of environmental variables. Final models for the Shannon and Erne explained 83.7% and 78.8% of deviance in daily catch, respectively. A second model on the Erne included catch from a nearby fishing site in an attempt to increase explanatory power and explained 91.7% of deviance. Although model accuracy was increased, reliance on catch from another site may limit the applicability of the model. Model predictions were combined with estimates of fishing efficiency to predict production for the Shannon (36,210 kg; 0.85 kg/ha) and Erne (66,899–67,047 kg; 2.55–2.56 kg/ha). These values represented a 9.3% and 2.8%–3.0% increase on production estimated from incomplete catch records alone for the Shannon and Erne, respectively.
Importance of metapopulation dynamics to explain fish persistence in a river system
Authors: Bellard Céline , Hugueny Bernard
Published: September 2020

Habitat modification and fragmentation are key factors responsible for fish population decline worldwide. Previous assessments documented a total of 72 species extinctions for the sole class of Actinopterygii. However, global extinctions are difficult to monitor or study based on fossil records. By contrast, local extinctions occurring at the population level are easier to study. Given this context, an important question relates to whether extinction dynamics studied at the local scale can provide useful information to understand extinctions occurring at larger scales. This would be the case if local extinctions were not balanced by recolonisation as in a classic metapopulation. Our aim is thus to explain the observed regional (per basin) persistence of 252 fish populations by testing contribution of local extinction rates and more generally metapopulation dynamics components.

To address this aim, we used the annual extinction probability of 252 regional populations of up to 14 species inhabiting 18 coastal rivers, which became isolated c. 8,500 years ago. We specifically compared extinction probabilities obtained by seven theoretical models to investigate whether regional extinction rates (i.e. loss from a river system) were correlated to local extinction rates (i.e. loss from an occupied site) and the role of metapopulation dynamics to explain regional persistence.

Using empirical data, we showed the importance of variables related to metapopulation dynamics to explain extinction rates across the 18 river systems. As expected, the regional extinction rate decreased with the colonisation rate, area, metapopulation size, and percentage of occupied localities. By contrast, an inconsistent relationship emerged between regional and local extinction rates, as species with high local extinction rates were not particularly prone to regional extinction.

Our results provide strong support for the contribution of colonisation rates to explain persistence. Overall, our results show that the equilibrium number of occupied localities could be a good predictor of the long‐term persistence of metapopulations in rivers. Finally, our results suggest the importance of connectivity to maintain sustainable populations within the river system.
Beyond ecological opportunity: Prey diversity rather than abundance shapes predator niche variation
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Javier , Finstad Anders G. , Arnekleiv Jo Vegar , Kjærstad Gaute , Amundsen Per‐Arne
Published: September 2020

Ecological opportunity (i.e. the diversity of available resources) has a pivotal role in shaping niche variation and trophic specialisation of animals. However, ecological opportunity can be described with regard to both diversity and abundance of resources. The degree to which these two components contribute to niche variation remains unexplored.

To address this, we used an extensive dataset on fish diet and benthic invertebrate diversity and density from 73 sampling events in three Norwegian rivers in order to explore realised trophic niches and the response of dietary niche variation along gradients of resource diversity (potential trophic niches), resource density (as a proxy of resource abundance) and fish density (as a proxy of inter‐ and intra‐specific competition) in a freshwater top predator (the brown trout,Salmo truttaL.).

Linear models indicated that individual and population niche variation increased with increasing ecological opportunity in terms of prey diversity. However, no simple cause‐and‐effect associations between niche indices and prey abundance were found. Our multiple regression analyses indicated that the abundance of certain resources (e.g. Chironomidae) can interact with prey diversity to determine individual and population realised trophic niches. Niche variation (within‐individual component and inter‐individual diet variation) decreased with increasing inter‐ and intra‐specific competition.

This study extends prevailing trophic ecology theory by identifying diversity, rather than density, of available prey resources as a primary driver of niche variation in fish of temperate riverine systems with no extensive resource limitation. The study also shows that ecological opportunity may mask the direction of the effect (compression or expansion) of competition on niche variation when food resources are diverse.

Our study provides novel empirical insight to the driving forces behind niche variation and reveals that diversity, rather than density, of available prey resources may be a primary driver of niche variation in freshwater fish. Our study supports the view that a broader potential trophic niche promotes broader realised trophic niche variation by individuals, which leads to individual niche diversification by opening access to alternatives resources, resulting in a concomitant rise in the realised trophic niche width of the population.
Better desiccated than eaten by fish: Distribution of anurans among habitats with different risks to offspring
Authors: Kloskowski Janusz
Published: September 2020

Freshwater species with complex life cycles face a trade‐off between the risks of offspring mortality due to desiccation in temporary habitats and due to predators common in long‐duration habitats, especially fish. In real‐world conditions, intermediate‐gradient areas that are highly suitable for some ecological specialists are often limited. I examined the relative significance of drivers of the permanence–predation gradient in habitat selection by pond‐breeding anurans.

Anuran oviposition was investigated at the community level in fish pond landscapes with only three types of habitat, permanent fish‐containing ponds and highly desiccation‐prone pools, either fishless or recently emptied of fish and with fish odour (fish cue). Altogether, 65 ponds/pools, interspersed in four clusters, were examined for the presence of egg masses.

Bufo bufo was the only species preferring permanent ponds. Egg masses of Rana sp. (Rana arvalis/Rana temporaria) occurred in all fishless pools, and less frequently in the ponds. Bufotes viridis and long larval period species Pelobates fuscus and Hyla orientalis oviposited almost exclusively in fishless pools. Fish‐cue pools were avoided by all species. Anuran richness was higher in fishless pools than in permanent ponds. Species distribution between the two habitats was nested, with both common and rare species occurring in fishless pools.

The results indicate the primacy of offspring predation risk over hydroperiod constraints in oviposition decision‐making by fish‐intolerant anurans. The absence of some species from ponds and pools with fish or fish cues shows that non‐consumptive interactions may better explain the scarcity of anuran larvae in waters dominated by fish than actual consumption. The strict avoidance of fish habitats despite their proximity to fishless patches indicates fine‐scale assessment of predation risk. However, rigid habitat selection against fish predation on offspring may prove maladaptive if habitats with high desiccation risk are the main alternative and are indiscriminately preferred. Maintenance of fishless wetlands with a hydroperiod sufficient to allow completion of metamorphosis should be a conservation priority for anuran diversity in areas where fishless habitats are limited.
Structure and parameter uncertainty in centennial projections of forest community structure and carbon cycling
Authors: Shiklomanov Alexey N. , Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Atkins Jeff W. , Gough Christopher M.
Published: September 2020

Secondary forest regrowth shapes community succession and biogeochemistry for decades, including in the Upper Great Lakes region. Vegetation models encapsulate our understanding of forest function, and whether models can reproduce multi‐decadal succession patterns is an indication of our ability to predict forest responses to future change. We test the ability of a vegetation model to simulate C cycling and community composition during 100 years of forest regrowth following stand‐replacing disturbance, asking (a) Which processes and parameters are most important to accurately model Upper Midwest forest succession? (b) What is the relative importance of model structure versus parameter values to these predictions? We ran ensembles of the Ecosystem Demography model v2.2 with different representations of processes important to competition for light. We compared the magnitude of structural and parameter uncertainty and assessed which sub‐model–parameter combinations best reproduced observed C fluxes and community composition. On average, our simulations underestimated observed net primary productivity (NPP) and leaf area index (LAI) after 100 years and predicted complete dominance by a single plant functional type (PFT). Out of 4,000 simulations, only nine fell within the observed range of both NPP and LAI, but these predicted unrealistically complete dominance by either early hardwood or pine PFTs. A different set of seven simulations were ecologically plausible but under‐predicted observed NPP and LAI. Parameter uncertainty was large; NPP and LAI ranged from ~0% to >200% of their mean value, and any PFT could become dominant. The two parameters that contributed most to uncertainty in predicted NPP were plant–soil water conductance and growth respiration, both unobservable empirical coefficients. We conclude that (a) parameter uncertainty is more important than structural uncertainty, at least for ED‐2.2 in Upper Midwest forests and (b) simulating both productivity and plant community composition accurately without physically unrealistic parameters remains challenging for demographic vegetation models.