bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertebral fusions in farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in New Zealand
Authors: Davie Peter S. , Walker Seamus P. , Perrott Matthew R. , Symonds Jane E. , Preece Mark , Lovett Bailey A. , Munday John S.
Published: May 2019

Vertebral fusions are an established economic concern in farmed Atlantic salmon, but have not been studied in detail in farmed Chinook salmon. Two radiographic studies of vertebral fusions were performed in farmed Chinook salmon. Sixteen of 1,301 (1.2%) smolt and 201 of 2,636 (7.6%) harvest fish had fusions. There were no significant differences in the number of fused vertebrae/fusion in smolt compared with harvest fish. Secondly, tagged fish were repeatedly radiographed to determine the progression of the fusions. Nineteen (4.4%), 23 (5.3%) and 39 (9.0%) fish had fusions as smolt, after 129 days in sea water, and at harvest, respectively. There were no significant differences in the average number of vertebra/fusion between the three time points. Of the fusions that were observed in smolt, additional vertebra did not become fused in 81% of the lesions. Within the rare fusions that did progress due to the involvement of adjacent vertebra, an average of 1.6 vertebrae were added per year. Fish with fusions were significantly lighter than non‐affected fish at harvest. Fusions are common in farmed Chinook salmon; however, they are typically stable after development. As fish with fusions were lighter at harvest, reducing fusions may have an economic benefit.
Bacteriophage‐based cocktail modulates selected immunological parameters and post‐challenge survival of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Schulz Patrycja , Pajdak‐Czaus Joanna , Robak Stanisław , Dastych Jarosław , Siwicki Andrzej K.
Published: May 2019

Recently, a rapid increase in the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and chemotherapeutics admitted for use in aquaculture has been observed. This happens especially often in intensive breeding. The use of drugs in closed circuits is problematic because it can damage biological filters. Therefore, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural methods of combating pathogens. These include bacteriophages. The aim of the study was to determine the safety of the new BAFADOR® bacteriophage‐based preparation, its effect on selected immunological parameters and the effectiveness of prophylactic and therapeutic use after experimental infections with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The use of BAFADOR® increased the activity of lysozyme, total protein level and immunoglobulin level. The level of ceruloplasmin in the rainbow trout serum remained unchanged regardless of the route of administration of the preparation. Potential killing activity and metabolic activity of spleen phagocytes and proliferation of pronephros lymphocytes were higher compared to the control group. Both therapeutic and prophylactic application of the preparation after mixed experimental infection of A. hydrophila and P. fluorescens limited the mortality of rainbow trout.
Potential application of electronic nose coupled with chemometric tools for authentication assessment in tomato paste
Authors: Mohammad‐Razdari Ayat , Ghasemi‐Varnamkhasti Mahdi , Yoosefian Seyedeh Hoda , Izadi Zahra , Siadat Maryam
Published: May 2019

In this study, adulteration in tomato paste was investigated using a gas sensors array. For this purpose, olfactory machine system was evaluated based on five gas sensors to investigate pumpkin, potato, and starch adulteration (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%). Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), and partial least square (PLS) methods were used for classification and analysis of sensors response. The use of PCA method in the classification of pumpkin, potato, and starch adulteration has explained 99% of the variance between the data. Also, TGS2610, MQ3, TGS2620, and TGS2600 sensors are widely used for classification. LDA method precision for pumpkin, potato, and starch adulteration classification was 79.07, 83.87, and 92.22%, respectively. In SVM method, C‐SVM function as polynomial function and Nu‐SVM as radial base function were used for pumpkin classification with 98.84 and 88.14% precision, respectively. In the classification of potato adulteration, the polynomial function had 90.32 and 83.87% precision in C‐SVM and 96.77 and 86.02% precision in Nu‐SVM. Finally, the two TGS2610 and MQ3 sensors had the best results for classification by PLS. Among the methods of classification, PCA method for categorizing pumpkin adulteration and PLS method in the classification of potato and starch adulteration had the best results.

Practical applications

In this study, an electronic nose system was examined based on five metal oxide semiconductor sensors to recognize pumpkin, potato, and starch adulteration in tomato paste in combination with pattern recognition methods including PCA, LDA, SVM, and PLS. According to results, it is recommended to use TGS2610 and MQ‐3 sensors combined with PCA and SVM method in the design and development of the electronic nose system. Also, potential of the electronic nose system uses for food adulteration monitoring.
Food‐basket intervention to reduce micronutrient deficiencies among Maasai‐pregnant women in Tanzania: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Mshanga N. , Martin H. , Petrucka P.
Published: May 2019

Background

Micronutrients comprised of vitamin and mineral nutrients that are needed during pregnancy for foetal growth, development and maturation, as well as for reducing/preventing maternal complications. However, micronutrient‐rich foods (vegetables and fruits) are lacking in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as a result of restrictions on cultivation in conservation areas and the unavailability of vegetables and fruits in local markets. The present study introduced a food basket intervention and assessed the effectiveness of the food baskets with respect to addressing anaemia, vitamin A and iron deficiencies among pregnant Maasai women within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Methods

The quasi‐experimental study included Misigiyo ward as a control group (provided education only) and Olbalbal ward as an intervention group (provided food baskets and education). The study assessed haemoglobin, serum ferritin and retinol at baseline and during follow‐up. Haemoglobin, serum ferritin and retinol were quantitatively (duplicate) measured with HemoCue™ (HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden), Maglumi 800 (Snibe Diagnostic, Shenzhen, China) and vitamin A enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Dependent and independent t‐tests were used to compare the micronutrient blood levels between and within the groups.

Results

The present study found a statistically significant increase in serum retinol (P < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group; moreover, baseline serum retinol was positively associated with the follow‐up serum retinol, whereas baseline haemoglobin and serum ferritin were negatively associated.

Conclusions

The food basket intervention holds promise with repect to reducing micronutrient deficiency, especially in communities where micronutrient‐rich foods are scarce.
INSTITUTIONAL DETERMINANTS OF VENTURE CAPITAL ACTIVITY: AN EMPIRICALLY DRIVEN LITERATURE REVIEW AND A RESEARCH AGENDA
Authors: Grilli Luca , Latifi Gresa , Mrkajic Boris
Published: May 2019

Venture Capital (VC) was born and has flourished in the United States, yet it has only modestly developed in other geographical areas. A vast body of research has been carried out to investigate the factors which are conducive to VC activity, and that may better explain the differences in the degree of development and performance of VC industry across different geographical contexts. However, there has only been a limited effort in the literature to systematize what we know (and what we do not know) about the institutional factors that spur VC activity. This paper tries to close that gap, through a systematic survey of the existing literature on the institutional and related determinants of VC activity. Grounding on the seminal work of North (1990), we consider formal (e.g. laws and formal rules) and informal (e.g. cultural norms and tacit codes of behaviour) institutions which are found in the extant empirical economics and management literature to affect the development of the VC industry. Building on this careful review, our paper aims to propose interesting avenues for future research in this domain.
Concomitant Ro/SSA and La/SSB antibodies are biomarkers for the risk of venous thromboembolism and cerebral infarction in primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Mofors J. , Holmqvist M. , Westermark L. , Björk A. , Kvarnström M. , Forsblad‐d'Elia H. , Magnusson Bucher S. , Eriksson P. , Theander E. , Mandl T. , Wahren‐Herlenius M. , Nordmark G.
Published: May 2019

Background

To assess the risk of incident cardiovascular disease in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, overall and stratified by Ro/SSA and La/SSB autoantibody status.

Methods

A cohort of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome in Sweden (n = 960) and matched controls from the general population (n = 9035) were included, and data extracted from the National Patient Register to identify events of myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction and venous thromboembolism. Hazard ratios were estimated using cox proportional hazard regressions.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 9.5 years, the overall hazard ratio (HR) was 1.6 (95% CI 1.2–2.1) for myocardial infarction, 1.2 (95% CI 0.9–1.7) for cerebral infarction and 2.1 (95% CI 1.6–2.9) for venous thromboembolism. Patients positive for both Ro/SSA and La/SSB autoantibodies had a substantially higher risk of cerebral infarction (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.9) and venous thromboembolism (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9–4.8) than the general population. These risks were not significantly increased in Ro/SSA‐ and La/SSB‐negative patients. Among autoantibody‐positive patients, the highest HR of cerebral infarction was seen after ≥10 years disease duration (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4–5.4), while the HR for venous thromboembolism was highest 0–5 years after disease diagnosis (HR 4.7, 95% CI 2.3–9.3) and remained high throughout disease duration.

Conclusions

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is associated with a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the presence of Ro/SSA and La/SSB autoantibodies identify the subgroup of patients carrying the highest risk. These findings suggest that monitoring and prevention of cardiovascular disease in this patient group should be considered.
Goal adjustment capacities and quality of life: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Barlow Meaghan A. , Wrosch Carsten , McGrath Jennifer J.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This meta‐analysis quantified associations between goal disengagement and goal reengagement capacities with individuals' quality of life (i.e., well‐being and health).

Methods

Effect sizes (Fisher's Z′; N = 421) from 31 samples were coded on several characteristics (e.g., goal adjustment capacity, quality of life type/subtype, age, and depression risk status) and analyzed using meta‐analytic random effects models.

Results

Goal disengagement (r = 0.08, p < 0.01) and goal reengagement (r = 0.19, p < 0.01) were associated with greater quality of life. While goal disengagement more strongly predicted negative (r = −0.12, p < 0.01) versus positive (r = 0.02, p = 0.37) indicators of well‐being, goal reengagement was similarly associated with both (positive: r = 0.24, p < 0.01; negative: r = −0.17, p < 0.01). Finally, the association between goal disengagement and lower depressive symptoms (r = −0.11, p < 0.01) was reversed in samples at‐risk for depression (r = 0.08, p = 0.01), and goal disengagement more strongly predicted quality of life in older samples (B = 0.003, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings support theory on the self‐regulatory functions of individuals' capacities to adjust to unattainable goals, document their distinct benefits, and identify key moderating factors.
Practitioners' perceptions of the ASQ‐TRAK developmental screening tool for use in Aboriginal children: A preliminary survey
Authors: D'Aprano Anita , Johnston Hannah , Jarman Rebecca , Jeyaseelan Deepa , Chan Yee Pei , Johansen Kimberly , Finch Sue
Published: May 2019

Aim

To determine health practitioners' experience of using the culturally adapted Ages and Stages Questionnaire ‐ Talking about Raising Aboriginal Kids (ASQ‐TRAK) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire‐3 (ASQ‐3) with Australian Aboriginal families and their perception about parents' acceptability and understanding of the instruments.

Methods

We surveyed a convenience sample of practitioners who had used both the ASQ‐TRAK and the ASQ‐3 developmental screening tools with Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory and South Australia. We compared their experience and perception about parents' acceptability and understanding of both instruments.

Results

All 38 respondents used the ASQ‐3 and 35 the ASQ‐TRAK; 100% rated the ASQ‐TRAK as more acceptable and easier to understand for parents compared with 68% (P < 0.001) and 52.6% (P < 0.001), respectively, for the ASQ‐3. A greater proportion of respondents were satisfied using the ASQ‐TRAK (100%) than the ASQ‐3 (65.7%) (P = 0.003). A higher proportion indicated that the ASQ‐TRAK was respectful (85.3% compared with ASQ‐3 27.8%, P < 0.001), culturally relevant (70.6% compared to 16.2%, P < 0.001) and engaging (76.5% compared to 16.2%, P < 0.001).

Qualitative exploration of respondents' comments supported the quantitative findings. The ASQ‐TRAK was considered more culturally appropriate, engaging and useful.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the culturally adapted ASQ‐TRAK is preferred to the ASQ‐3 by health practitioners in the Australian Aboriginal context. Failing to address cultural and linguistic factors and applying measurement tools developed for one population to another, is problematic in any setting. While further research is required to explore parents' experience directly, these data provide support for the ASQ‐TRAK to be used in this context.
The concept of therapeutic hierarchy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Vitale Alessandro , Farinati Fabio , Pawlik Timothy M. , Frigo Anna Chiara , Giannini Edoardo G. , Napoli Lucia , Ciccarese Francesco , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Borzio Franco , Sacco Rodolfo , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Virdone Roberto , Marra Fabio , Felder Martina , Morisco Filomena , Benvegnù Luisa , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati‐Baroni Gianluca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Missale Gabriele , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Colecchia Antonio , Bernardi Mauro , Trevisani Franco , Cillo Umberto
Published: May 2019

Background

The Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) prognostic system for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has recently been proposed and validated. We sought to explore the relationship among the ITA.LI.CA prognostic variables (ie tumour stage, functional score based on performance status and Child‐Pugh score, and alpha‐fetoprotein), treatment selection and survival outcome in HCC patients.

Patients and Methods

We analysed 4,867 consecutive HCC patients undergoing six main treatment strategies (liver transplantation, LT; liver resection, LR; ablation, ABL; intra‐arterial therapy, IAT; Sorafenib, SOR; and best supportive care, BSC) and enrolled during 2002‐2015 in a multicenter Italian database. In order to control pretreatment imbalances in observed variables, a machine learning methodology was used and inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) was calculated. An IPTW‐adjusted multivariate survival model that included ITA.LI.CA prognostic variables, treatment period and treatment strategy was then developed. The survival benefit of HCC treatments was described as a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), using BSC as a reference value and as predicted median survival.

Results

After the IPTW, the six treatment groups became well balanced for most baseline characteristics. In the IPTW‐adjusted multivariate survival model, treatment strategy was found to be the strongest survival predictor, irrespective of ITA.LI.CA prognostic variables and treatment period. The survival benefit of different therapies over BSC was: LT = 0.19 (0.18‐0.20); RES = 0.40 (0.37‐0.42); ABL 0.42 (0.40‐0.44); IAT = 0.58 (0.55‐0.61); SOR = 0.92 (0.87‐0.97). This multivariate model was then used to predict median survival for each therapy within each ITA.LI.CA stage.

Conclusion

The concept of therapeutic hierarchy was established within each ITA.LI.CA stage.
Factors predicting identity as educators and openness to improve: an exploratory study
Authors: Snook Abigail Grover , Schram Asta B , Jones Brett D , Sveinsson Thorarinn
Published: May 2019

Context

Researchers suggest that teachers’ work environment affects their sense of connectedness and appreciation, which affects their educator identity. However, sessional (also known as adjunct, clinical, contingent and non‐tenured) faculty members may struggle with their educator identity. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the extent to which perceived connectedness and received appreciation predicted identity as a medical (health care science) educator and openness to improve in tenure‐track and sessional faculty members.

Methods

We utilised an ‘identification with teaching’ scale to measure medical educator identity. We developed scales to measure perceived connectedness to university department, openness to improve teaching, and appreciation as a motivation to try a new teaching method. We then hypothesised a path model between these constructs. We surveyed faculty members at a health sciences school and performed confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modelling using data from a sample of 73 tenure‐track and 146 sessional faculty members to explore support for the hypothesised model.

Results

Connectedness and appreciation predicted identity as a medical educator and openness to improve in different ways for sessional and tenure‐track faculty members. For tenure‐track faculty members, appreciation predicted medical educator identity and openness to improve, whereas a sense of connectedness trended towards predicting an openness to improve. For sessional faculty members, connectedness to their department predicted their identity as a medical educator, which acted as a mediator to predict an openness to improve.

Discussion

Our data supported the hypothesised model, but the sessional and tenure‐track faculty models differed in strength and focus. We explore reasons for these differences based on the working environment of each teacher type. We suggest that the two models partially explain the transformation from ‘a clinician who teaches’ to a medical educator. Finally, we make suggestions for how identity as a medical educator and openness to improve may be encouraged in both types of teachers.
NRF2 activation with Protandim attenuates salt‐induced vascular dysfunction and microvascular rarefaction
Authors: Priestley Jessica R. C. , Fink Katie E. , McCord Joe M. , Lombard Julian H.
Published: May 2019

Hypothesis

This study tested the hypothesis that dietary activation of the master antioxidant and cell protective transcription factor nuclear factor, erythroid ‐2‐like 2 (NRF2), protects against salt‐induced vascular dysfunction by restoring redox homeostasis in the vasculature.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats and Syrian hamsters were fed a HS (4.0% NaCl) diet containing ~60 mg/kg/day Protandim supplement for 2 weeks and compared to controls fed HS diet alone.

Results

Protandim supplementation restoredendothelium‐dependent vasodilation in response to acetylcholine (ACh) in middle cerebral arteries (MCA)of HS‐fed rats and hamster cheek pouch arterioles, and increased microvessel density in the cremastermuscle of HS‐fed rats. The restored dilation to ACh in MCA of Protandim‐treated rats was prevented by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with L‐NAME [100 μM] and was absent in MCA from Nrf2(−/−) knockout rats fed HS diet. Basilar arteries from HS‐fed rats treated with Protandim exhibited significantly lower staining for mitochondrial oxidizing species than untreated animals fed HS diet alone; and Protandim treatment increased MnSOD (SOD2) protein expression in mesenteric arteries of HS‐fed rats.

Conclusions

These results suggest that dietary activation of NRF2 protects against salt‐induced vascular dysfunction, vascular oxidative stress, and microvascular rarefaction by upregulating antioxidant defenses and reducing mitochondrial ROS levels.
When and why people think beliefs are “debunked” by scientific explanations of their origins
Authors: Plunkett Dillon , Buchak Lara , Lombrozo Tania
Published: May 2019

How do scientific explanations for beliefs affect people's confidence that those beliefs are true? For example, do people think neuroscience‐based explanations for belief in God support or challenge God's existence? In five experiments, we find that people tend to think explanations for beliefs corroborate those beliefs if the explanations invoke normally‐functioning mechanisms, but not if they invoke abnormal functioning (where “normality” is a matter of proper functioning). This emerges across a variety of kinds of scientific explanations and beliefs (religious, moral, and scientific). We also find evidence that these effects can interact with people's prior beliefs to produce motivated judgments.
Phylogenetic relationships of Iranian Allium sect. Allium (Amaryllidaceae, Allioideae) as inferred from nrDNA ITS, cpDNA rps16 and trnL–F sequences
Authors: Veiskarami Gholam Hassan , Khodayari Hamed , Heubl Guenther , Weigend Maximilian , Zarre Shahin
Published: May 2019

Allium is a particularly species rich (more than 800 species) and economically important genus, with numerous taxonomic problems at all levels of classification. In this study, we try to uncover the phylogenetic relationships of the common leek Allium ampeloprasum based on selected samples of this species and its putative relatives in A. sect. Allium from Iran. The silica‐dried leaf samples of 56 accessions representing 23 species of Allium were sequenced; 53 sequences of nrDNA ITS, 35 sequences of plastid rps16 and 52 sequences of trnL–F were generated and additional accessions were extracted from GenBank in order to cover all recognized main lineages in the genus. Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference generated similar trees, but the placement of A. ampeloprasum and its relatives differed slightly between the nuclear and the plastid phylogenies. In the nrITS tree, A. ampeloprasum is retrieved as a highly supported clade with A. iranicum, while in the combined plastid tree A. ampeloprasum formed a highly supported clade with A. vineale. This supports the hypothesis of a possible hybrid origin of A. ampeloprasum. Allium iranicum formed a clade in the plastid tree, but was resolved as paraphyletic in the nrITS tree, probably due to presence of multiple non‐concerted copies of nrITS. Close relationships are suggested between the following species: A. aznavense and A. wendelboi with A. talyschense, A. erubescens and A. rotundum with A. scorodoprasum and A. abbasii with A. phanerantherum.
The functional trait space of tree species is influenced by the species richness of the canopy and the type of forest
Authors: Benavides Raquel , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Valladares Fernando
Published: May 2019

Analysing how species modify their trait expression along a diversity gradient brings insight about the role that intraspecific variability plays over species interactions, e.g. competition versus complementarity. Here, we evaluated the functional trait space of nine tree species dominant in three types of European forests (a continental‐Mediterranean, a mountainous mixed temperate and a boreal) growing in communities with different species richness in the canopy, including pure stands. We compiled whole‐plant and leaf traits in 1719 individuals, and used them to quantify species trait hypervolumes in communities with different tree species richness. We investigated changes along the species richness gradient to disentangle species responses to the neighbouring environment, in terms of hypervolume size (trait variance), shape (trait relative importance) and centroid translation (shifts of mean trait values) using null models. Our main results showed differences in trait variance and shifts of mean values along the tree diversity gradient, with shorter trees but with larger crowns in mixed stands. We found constrained functional spaces (trait convergence) in pure stands, suggesting an important intraspecific competition, and expanded functional spaces (trait divergence) in two‐species admixtures, suggesting competition release due to interspecific complementarity. Nevertheless, further responses to increasing species richness were different for each forest type, waning species complementarity in sites with limiting conditions for growth. Our results demonstrate that tree species phenotypes respond to the species richness in the canopy in European forests, boosting species complementarity at low level of canopy diversity and with a site‐specific pattern at greater level of species richness. These outcomes evidence the limitation of functional diversity measures based only on traits from pure stands or general trait database values.
Hormonal Status and Cognitivo‐Emotional Profile in Real‐Life Patients With Neuropathic Pain: A Case Control Study
Authors: Corriger Alexandrine , Duclos Martine , Corcuff Jean‐Benoit , Lambert Céline , Marceau Geoffroy , Sapin Vincent , Macian Nicolas , Roux Delphine , Pereira Bruno , Pickering Gisèle
Published: May 2019

Background

The specific impact of neuropathic pain and recommended neuropathic pain treatments on the hormonal and immune status of patients has been so far poorly explored. This study aimed at studying, in real life, the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and the cytokine profile of patients with neuropathic pain. It also explored their links with cognition, emotion, quality of life, and drug treatment.

Methods

This prospective study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01543425) included 60 patients with neuropathic pain and 60 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers after obtaining signatures of informed consent. A number of parameters were measured: adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, cortisol awakening response, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, 17‐β‐estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, cytokines, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and vitamin D. Psychological parameters were assessed by questionnaires.

Results

Patients with neuropathic pain had lower levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (P = 0.009) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (P < 0.001) than controls, and the cortisol awakening response was impaired. Patients were more depressed and anxious (P < 0.001) and had a diminished quality of life (P < 0.001), which was influenced by cytokines (P = 0.0067) and testosterone (P = 0.028). Antidepressants and antiepileptics appeared to interfere with testosterone and cognitivo‐emotional domains.

Conclusion

An impairment of the hormonal status and of the immune system was observed in patients. It identified testosterone as a potential pivotal mediator between antidepressants/antiepileptics and quality of life. Further studies must address the exact impact of different types of drugs on central effects, of gender differences, and of the immune system of neuropathic pain.
Why Truthmaking Is Not a Case of Grounding
Authors: Audi Paul
Published: May 2019

Truthmaker theorists often express their core commitment by saying that truth is grounded in being, and grounding theorists often take truthmaking to be a paradigm case of grounding. But I will argue that truthmaking is not a case of grounding. What is crucial for understanding truthmaking is not grounding but rather meaning (in a broad sense including reference). Truth is still constrained by how things are, so even if (so‐called) truthmakers don't play a role in grounding truths, the methodological program of truthmaker theory survives. Here I lay out my understanding of truth and truthmaking, and distinguish two conceptions of grounding. I argue that truthmaking is not plausibly seen as a case of grounding on either conception. I argue further that treating truthmaking as grounding threatens to violate a plausible irreflexivity principle, and makes trouble for the view that grounding is transitive. I then suggest that there is no genuine relation of truthmaking (which there would have to be if it were a true case of grounding). Finally, I show how the core insights of truthmaker theory are preserved by the understanding of truthmaking that I favor.
Restored native prairie supports abundant and species‐rich native bee communities on conventional farms
Authors: Paterson Caitlin , Cottenie Karl , MacDougall Andrew S.
Published: May 2019

Native pollinators are increasingly needed on conventional farms yet rarely fostered via management. One solution is habitat restoration in marginal areas, but colonization may be constrained if resident pollinator richness is low or if restored areas fail to provide sufficient floral or nesting resources. We quantified restoration outcomes for native bees, and associated resources, on three conventional farms with forb‐grass prairie plantings on marginal areas of varying sizes, in a heavily farmed region of central North America. We tested bee abundance and richness in restored prairie versus the dominant habitats of the region—crops, forest remnants, and edges of fields and roads. Restored prairie supported 2× more species (95 of 119 total species) and 3× more bees (72% of captured individuals) compared to the other cover types. All richness and abundance differences among habitat types were associated with higher floral resources in restored prairie. Thirty percent of the bee species were unique to prairie, consistent with long‐distance dispersal but begging the question of origin given the absence of prairie regionally. Our results suggest that road and field edges may be the source, as these areas had more floral and nesting resources than forest or crop fields combined and supported 55% of all species despite covering only approximately 5% of the sampled farms. Habitat scarcity is not the only constraint on native bees in agricultural landscapes, with increasing concern over disease and chemicals. However, we observed that restored areas on marginal lands of conventional farms can support abundant and species‐rich populations of native bees.
‘So, the circle has grown’ – Child Health Services nurses’ experiences of giving parental interviews with nonbirthing parents
Authors: Ståhl Malin , Kristensson Hallström Inger , Skoog Malin , Vilhelmsson Andreas
Published: May 2019

Background

Lately, greater focus has been given to the mental health of nonbirthing parents postpartum. However, mothers, but not nonbirthing parents, are routinely screened for postpartum depression, and until recently, nonbirthing parents have not been given the same opportunity as mothers to discuss their parental role without the other parent present. To strengthen the parental role, a separate parental interview with the nonbirthing parent began to be offered as part of the Swedish Child Health Service's (CHS) general programme.

Aim

This study aimed to explore CHS nurses’ experiences of performing parental interviews with nonbirthing parents.

Methods

Content analysis was used when analysing data from six research interviews, of which half were focus group interviews. In total, 11 CHS nurses were interviewed.

Results

Child Health Service nurses reported that although the interview with the nonbirthing parent was a positive experience and that a more family‐oriented perspective was something many of them had been longing for, they could also feel that it demanded a lot from them, including things they had perhaps not previously considered. CHS nurses reported difficulties with having such close contact with both parents, and they also described feeling worried about the information that could come up in a standardised conversation and the knowledge provided.

Conclusion

There are both possibilities and challenges in widening the responsibilities of the CHS nurse to include the nonbirthing parent by offering a postpartum interview.

Implications

This study provides information to healthcare professionals about the importance of providing proper guidance and education when broadening the duties and responsibilities for CHS nurses to include nonbirthing parents in mental health screening. CHS nurses must be given the resources needed to deal with the challenges they encounter and sufficient time for the interviews to be possible and meaningful.
The case for allele‐specific recognition by the TCR
Authors: Cohn Melvin , Anderson Colin C. , Dembic Zlatko
Published: May 2019

There is a sharp difference in how one views TCR structure–function–behaviour dependent on whether its recognition of major histocompatibility complex‐encoded restriction elements (R) is germline selected or somatically generated. The generally accepted or Standard model is built on the assumption that recognition of R is by the V regions of the αβ TCR, which is not driven by allele specificity, whereas the competing model posits that recognition of R is allele‐specific. The establishing of allele‐specific recognition of R by the TCR would rule out the Standard model and clear the road to a consideration of a competing construct, the Tritope model. Here, the case for allele‐specific recognition (germline selected) is detailed making it obvious that the Standard model is untenable.
Effect of subsoiling on soil properties and winter wheat grain yield
Authors: Wang Hanbo , Bai Wenbo , Han Wei , Song Jiqing , Lv Guohua
Published: May 2019

A 2‐year field experiment was carried out in loessal soil in a semi‐humid climate to explore the integrative influences of subsoiling on soil properties and winter wheat grain yield. Results showed that it was essential to deepen the plough pan in loessal soil. The sharply increased soil penetration resistance (>7MPa) in plough pan under dry soil condition was especially harmful for plant growth. In rotary tillage treatment, the waterlogging conditions caused by shallow plough pan slightly produced macropores and preferential water flow. Significantly, higher grain yield was obtained in the subsoiling tillage treatment, increased by 21.9% in 2016 and 11.3% in 2017, respectively. Subsoiling tillage improved the resilience of winter wheat under adverse climate conditions. Subsoiling tillage should be popularized in loessal soil with shallow plough pan in semi‐humid climate. This study may provide valuable information on soil sustainable use and management in loessal soil.
Thinking space differently: Deleuze's Möbius topology for a theorisation of the encounter
Authors: Cockayne Daniel G. , Ruez Derek , Secor Anna J.
Published: May 2019

The relation between difference and space has long been and continues to be an animating problem in theoretical and political conversations across the discipline of geography, including in much recent work on encounter. In this paper, we make the case for the value of a less explored angle on space in Deleuze's work, which we call the topologies of space‐as‐difference. We highlight the Möbius strip as a central figure in his ontological system, and we show the significance of this topological structure both for understanding key Deleuzian concepts, such as the virtual and actual, and for understanding space and difference in productive ways. We demonstrate this by showing how Deleuzian topologies of difference enable us to further theorise the encounter – a key theme in recent geographical scholarship – as spatial and embodied, connecting up with material feminism and work on the skin, touch, and breath. We suggest that Deleuze's concept of space‐as‐difference thus contributes to the intensification of relational and topological approaches to space that are currently shaping the discipline.
Effect of Evidence‐Based Practice (EBP) Courses on MSN and DNP Students’ Use of EBP
Authors: Moore Elizabeth R. , Watters Richard , Wallston Kenneth A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of evidence‐based practice (EBP) courses on nursing students’ attitudes, perceived support from their professional network, self‐efficacy, knowledge, and implementation of EBP.

Design

This study utilized a two‐group, pre‐ and posttest design with 190 Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and 37 Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) students.

Methods

An EBP instrument based on the theory of planned behavior was administered both before and after the EBP course (the intervention).

Findings

Both the pre‐ and posttest were completed by 126 students for a 56% response rate. No significant differences between the MSN (n = 102) and DNP (n = 24) students were found in precourse scores on any of the subscales except behavior, with the DNP students reporting they performed more EBP behaviors in the clinical setting. Overall, student scores on three of the four subscales of the EBP instrument (attitudes, self‐efficacy, and behavior) significantly increased pre‐ to postcourse. The self‐efficacy subscale demonstrated the greatest pre‐ to postcourse change scores. When the DNP and MSN students were compared, change scores on attitudes and self‐efficacy remained significant in both groups. There was a significant positive change in EBP behavior only for the MSN students. Knowledge scores increased significantly only for the DNP students.

Linking Evidence to Action

EBP courses can increase self‐reported EBP behaviors in the clinical setting, especially in MSN students. A precourse student evaluation will help faculty determine their learning needs in order to develop appropriate learning activities to support their acquisition of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to use EBP in the clinical setting. Administering the same evaluation postcourse can help faculty evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching. As a result, advanced practice nurses will be better equipped to facilitate and promote the implementation of EBP to support high‐quality care and improved health outcomes.
The Likelihood of Developing a Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
Infection during a Hospital Stay
Authors: Tamma Pranita D. , Kazmi Abida , Bergman Yehudit , Goodman Katherine E. , Ekunseitan Ernest , Amoah Joe , Simner Patricia J.
Published: May 2019

Of 1,455 unique patients in U.S. intensive care units (ICUs), 4% were rectally colonized with CRE on admission. A total of 297 patients were initially negative for carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) and remained in the ICU long enough to contribute additional swabs; 22% of these patients had a subsequent CRE-positive swab, with a median time to CRE colonization of 13 days (interquartile range, 7 to 21 days).
Codon Usage Heterogeneity in the Multipartite Prokaryote Genome: Selection-Based Coding Bias Associated with Gene Location, Expression Level, and Ancestry
Authors: López J. L. , Lozano M. J. , Lagares A. , Fabre M. L. , Draghi W. O. , Del Papa M. F. , Pistorio M. , Becker A. , Wibberg D. , Schlüter A. , Pühler A. , Blom J. , Goesmann A. , Lagares A.
Published: May 2019

Bacterial genomes usually include many thousands of genes which are expressed with diverse spatial-temporal patterns and intensities. A well-known evidence is that highly expressed genes, such as the ribosomal and other translation-related proteins (RTRPs), have accommodated their codon usage to optimize translation efficiency and accuracy. Using a bioinformatic approach, we identify core-genes sets with different ancestries, and demonstrate that selection processes that optimize codon usage are not restricted to RTRPs but extended at a genome-wide scale. Such findings highlight, for the first time, a previously undiscovered adaptation strategy associated with the chromosomal-core information. Contrasted with the translationally more adapted genes, singletons (i.e., exclusive genes, including those of the plasmidome) appear as the gene pool with the less-ameliorated codon usage in the lineage. A comprehensive summary describing the inter- and intra-replicon heterogeneity of codon usages in a complex prokaryote genome is presented.
Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase-Mediated Metabolic Utilization of Benzo[
a
]Pyrene by
Aspergillus
Species
Authors: Ostrem Loss Erin M. , Lee Mi-Kyung , Wu Ming-Yueh , Martien Julia , Chen Wanping , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Jefcoate Colin , Remucal Christina , Jung Seunho , Kim Sun-Chang , Yu Jae-Hyuk
Published: May 2019

We are increasingly exposed to environmental pollutants, including the carcinogen benzo[
a
]pyrene (BaP), which has prompted extensive research into human metabolism of toxicants. However, little is known about metabolic mechanisms employed by fungi that are able to use some toxic pollutants as the substrates for growth, leaving innocuous by-products. This study systemically demonstrates that a common soil-dwelling fungus is able to use benzo[
a
]pyrene as food, which results in expression and metabolic changes associated with growth and energy generation. Importantly, this study reveals key components of the metabolic utilization of BaP, notably a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and the fungal NF-κB-type transcriptional regulators. Our study advances fundamental knowledge of fungal BaP metabolism and provides novel insight into designing and implementing enhanced bioremediation strategies.
Efficacy of Oral Encochleated Amphotericin B in a Mouse Model of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Lu R. , Hollingsworth C. , Qiu J. , Wang A. , Hughes E. , Xin X. , Konrath K. M. , Elsegeiny W. , Park Yoon-Dong , Atakulu L. , Craft J. C. , Tramont E. C. , Mannino R. , Williamson P. R.
Published: May 2019

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a significant global fungal pathogen that kills an estimated quarter of a million HIV-infected individuals yearly and has poor outcomes despite therapy. The most effective therapy, amphotericin B, is highly effective in killing the fungus but is available only in highly toxic, intravenous formulations that are unavailable in most of the developing world, where cryptococcal disease in most prevalent. For example, in Ethiopia, reliance on the orally available antifungal fluconazole results in high mortality, even when initiated as preemptive therapy at the time of HIV diagnosis. Thus, alternative agents could result in significant saving of lives. Toward this end, the present work describes the development of a new formulation of amphotericin B (CAmB) that encapsulates the drug as a crystal lipid nanoparticle that facilitates oral absorption and prevents toxicity. Successful oral absorption of the drug was demonstrated in a mouse model that, in combination with the antifungal flucytosine, provided efficacy equal to a parental preparation of amphotericin B plus flucytosine. These studies demonstrate the potential for CAmB in combination with flucytosine to provide an effective oral formulation of a well-known, potent fungicidal drug combination.
Rigorous Statistical Methods for Rigorous Microbiome Science
Authors: Willis Amy D.
Published: May 2019

High-throughput sequencing has facilitated discovery in microbiome science, but distinguishing true discoveries from spurious signals can be challenging. The Statistical Diversity Lab develops rigorous statistical methods and statistical software for the analysis of microbiome and biodiversity data.
Traumatic perforation of a juxtapancreatic enteric duplication cyst: a paediatric emergency
Authors: Anand Sachit , Jain Vishesh , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Agarwala Sandeep
Published: May 2019

This report outlines a rare case of juxtapancreatic duplication cyst in a 5-month-old infant who presented with peritonitis, secondary to traumatic perforation of the cyst. We aim to highlight the role of selective mucosectomy in these cases.
A rare case of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome with Sjögren’s syndrome and primary hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Iizuka Katsumi , Mizuno Masami , Nonomura Kenta , Yabe Daisuke
Published: May 2019

A 31-year-old woman experienced tetany and was diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis and hypoparathyroidism. At 33 years of age, her renal function gradually decreased. At 39 years of age, she moved to our hospital and was diagnosed with tubulointerstitial nephritis by renal biopsy. Simultaneously, she was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome by autoantibodies and salivary gland biopsy. At 40 years of age, based on hypoglycaemia and eosinophilia, she was suspected of adrenal insufficiency, and was diagnosed with primary adrenal insufficiency by both corticotropin stimulation and corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test. She was diagnosed as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) (Hashimoto thyroiditis and possible primary adrenal insufficiency) as well as primary hypoparathyroidism and Sjögren’s syndrome, which are very rarely complicated in APS-2. Therefore, in this patient, it was helpful to pay attention for new onset of other autoimmune diseases.
Sleep talking and primary progressive aphasia: case study and autopsy findings in a patient with logopenic primary progressive aphasia and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Apple Alexandra Clemans , Mao Qinwen , Bigio Eileen , Bonakdarpour Borna
Published: May 2019

This case study highlights the parasomnia behaviours of an individual with primary progressive aphasia, a type of dementia known for decline in language abilities. Despite a paucity of speech during the day, this individual had concurrent sleep talking at night; a combination which, to our knowledge, has never been reported before. Post-mortem pathology confirmed clinical suspicion of both Alzheimer and Lewy body diseases, both asymmetric to the left side. Given this rare left-sided asymmetrical pathology, we hypothesise that the relatively preserved right hemisphere may have allowed for access to intact overlearned phrases which usually originate from the right hemisphere to appear while asleep. A second hypothesis is also presented which postulates that bottom-up processing may have overridden top-down apathy during sleep and allowed for speech output in this case.