bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Political Economy: An Alternative Approach to Understanding the Divergences between Italian and German Positions during the Euro Crisis
Authors: Hien Josef
Published: January 2020

So far, the Euro crisis has been analysed using the ‘varieties of capitalism’ concept, the growth model framework or ideational accounts. These approaches have generally been applied in isolation or in opposition to one another. There has been little cross‐fertilization, due to the different epistemological points of departure that emphasize either institutional rational efficiency, material driving forces or ideational motives for the political economies during the crisis. This article instead applies the concept of cultural political economy to today's socioeconomic tensions between northern and southern member states. Cultural political economy offers a historical evolutionary perspective showing how institutional, material and ideational motivations have co‐evolved in European member states since the 1950s, contributing to the discrepancies that we witness today between the northern and southern EU countries. The article exemplifies the cultural political economy approach against the background of the German–Italian irritations that have sparked through the crisis.
Adjunctive effect of systemic antimicrobials in periodontitis therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teughels Wim , Feres Magda , Oud Valerie , Martín Conchita , Matesanz Paula , Herrera David
Published: January 2020

Aim

To answer the following PICOS questions: in patients with periodontitis, which is the efficacy of adjunctive systemic antimicrobials, in comparison with subgingival debridement plus a placebo, in terms of probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, in randomized clinical trials with at least 6 months of follow‐up?

Material and Methods

A systematic search was conducted: 34 articles (28 studies) were included. Data on clinical outcome variables changes were pooled and analysed using weighted mean differences (WMDs), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals (PIs), in case of significant heterogeneity.

Results

For PPD, statistically significant benefits (p < .001) were observed in short‐term studies (WMD = 0.448, 95% CI [0.324; 0.573], PI [−0.10 to 0.99]) and long‐term studies (WMD = 0.485, 95% CI [0.322; 0.648], PI [−0.11 to 1.08]). Additionally, statistically significant benefits were also found for clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, pocket closure and frequency of residual pockets. The best outcomes were observed for the combination of amoxicillin plus metronidazole, followed by metronidazole alone and azithromycin. Adverse events were more frequently reported in groups using systemic antimicrobials.

Conclusions

The adjunctive use of systemic antimicrobials in periodontal therapy results in statistically significant benefits in clinical outcomes, with more frequent adverse events in test groups using systemic antimicrobials.
Annual Research Review: Looking back to look forward – changes in the concept of autism and implications for future research
Authors: Happé Francesca , Frith Uta
Published: January 2020

The concept of autism is a significant contribution from child psychiatry that has entered wider culture and public consciousness, and has evolved significantly over the last four decades. Taking a rather personal retrospective, reflecting on our own time in autism research, this review explores changes in the concept of autism and the implications of these for future research. We focus on seven major changes in how autism is thought of, operationalised, and recognised: (1) from a narrow definition to wide diagnostic criteria; (2) from a rare to a relatively common condition, although probably still under‐recognised in women; (3) from something affecting children, to a lifelong condition; (4) from something discreet and distinct, to a dimensional view; (5) from one thing to many ‘autisms’, and a compound or ‘fractionable’ condition; (6) from a focus on ‘pure’ autism, to recognition that complexity and comorbidity is the norm; and finally, (7) from conceptualising autism purely as a ‘developmental disorder’, to recognising a neurodiversity perspective, operationalised in participatory research models. We conclude with some challenges for the field and suggestions for areas currently neglected in autism research.
Intergenerational transmission of anxiety: linking parental anxiety to infant autonomic hyperarousal and fearful temperament
Authors: de Vente Wieke , Majdandžić Mirjana , Bögels Susan M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Autonomic hyperarousal has been proposed as a dispositional risk factor for anxiety disorders (ADs). Therefore, we studied physiological arousal in offspring of fathers and mothers with and without ADs and whether infant hyperarousal predicts subsequent fearful temperament.

Methods

Infants (N = 128; age = 4 months) did a novel stimuli task (exposure to visual, olfactory, and acoustic stimuli and an unfamiliar male) and a habituation task (exposure to a repeated acoustic stimulus). Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during baseline, stimuli and post‐stimuli rest. Parents’ AD status and severity were measured using a diagnostic interview and their fearful temperament using a questionnaire. Child fearful temperament was measured at 4 months, 1 year and 2.5 years with observations during structured tasks.

Results

Parents’ fearful temperament (significant in the habituation task), AD status (significant in the novel stimuli task) and AD severity (significant in both tasks) predicted a higher HR in their infants. Infants’ higher HR reactivity to novel stimuli and diminished HR recovery at 4 months predicted a more fearful temperament during infancy and toddlerhood. Infants’ higher HR at 4 months predicted a more fearful temperament at 2.5 years.

Conclusions

Parental prenatal anxiety (disorders) predicted infants’ autonomic arousal, which in turn predicted later fearful temperament in children. Outcomes suggest that autonomic hyperarousal is a dispositional risk factor of ADs.
Association of depression with adherence to breast cancer screening among women aged 50 to 74 years in the United States
Authors: Park Chanhyun , Ma Xiaojing , Park Sun‐Kyeong , Lawson Kenneth A.
Published: January 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Previous research has shown inconsistent results regarding the association of depression and screening mammography use behaviours. This study aimed to assess the relationship between women's depression and mammography adherence.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from the 2016 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System and employed the Health Belief Model (HBM). The primary independent variable was the presence of depression. The dependent variable was adherence to biennial screening mammography based on the US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. Demographic characteristics and HBM constructs were included as covariates. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used.

Results

A total of 139 550 women were included (weighted n = 48 712 531). Among them, 23.1% reported the presence of depression (n = 32 247). The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for mammography use in women with depression was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80‐0.91, P < .001) compared with women without depression, and the probability of mammography use was significantly lower in women with depression (76.3%; 95% CI, 75.4‐77.3) compared with women without depression (79.1%; 95% CI, 78.5‐79.6). However, the adjusted OR was not statistically significant when controlling for demographic and HBM characteristics (1.02; 95% CI, 0.93‐1.11, P = .698), and the probabilities of mammography use were similar between women with depression (80.1%; 95% CI, 79.0‐81.3) and without depression (79.9%; 95% CI, 79.2‐80.6).

Conclusions

Depression itself was related to nonadherence with mammography screening guidelines. However, after controlling for demographic and HBM characteristics, depression was not associated with adherence with mammography screening guidelines.
First genetic record of the non‐native muzzled blenny Omobranchus punctatus (Teleostei: Blenniidae) in the Atlantic Coast of Central and South America
Authors: Cabezas M. Pilar , Lasso‐Alcalá Oscar M. , Xavier Raquel , Jowers Michael J.
Published: January 2020

In this study we sequenced two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear (18S rRNA) gene fragment of an introduced muzzled blenny (Omobranchus punctatus) specimen collected from the Orinoco Delta (Gulf of Paria estuary) in Venezuela. This is the first genetic data generated for this species' introduced range in Central and South America, suggesting an introduction from the Indian Ocean.
Thirty‐Day Hospital Readmissions in a Care Transitions Program for High‐Risk Older Adults
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G. , Reyes Bernardo , Diaz Sanya , Engstrom Gabriella
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

To describe the causes of 30‐day hospital readmissions among high‐risk older adults during implementation of a multicomponent care transitions program.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data from the evaluation of a multicomponent care transitions program for hospitalized high‐risk older adults.

SETTING

A 400‐bed community teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 75 and older admitted to non–intensive care unit beds who met specific criteria for high risk of complications and hospital readmissions. The intervention group included 202 patients, of whom 37 were readmitted to the hospital as an inpatient or on observation status within 30 days of discharge.

MEASUREMENTS

Root‐cause analyses on each readmission were conducted by hospital physicians and post‐acute care (PAC) organization staff. Additional data were collected by trained project staff using the medical record and postdischarge telephone or in‐person follow‐up visits. These data were reviewed and adjudicated among the authors, and each readmission was rated with unanimous agreement as “preventable,” “possibly preventable,” or “not preventable.”

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in demographic and clinical characteristics of intervention patients readmitted versus those not readmitted. A higher proportion of the 37 patients who were readmitted did not have a postdischarge visit than the 165 patients who were not readmitted (15 [41%] vs 45 [27%]; P = .11). Among the 37 readmissions, 14 (38%) were rated as not preventable, 14 (38%) as possibly preventable, and 9 (24%) as preventable. Readmissions were rated as preventable or possibly preventable for a variety of reasons that provide insight into how care transitions programs for high‐risk older adults might be made more effective.

CONCLUSION

Root‐cause analyses of hospital readmissions among high‐risk older adults by hospital physicians and PAC providers can identify strategies that might enhance the effectiveness of care transitions interventions in this complex population. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1307–1312, 2020.
Designed game situations enhance fundamental movement skills in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Regaieg G. , Kermarrec G. , Sahli S.
Published: January 2020

Background

This study aimed to compare the effects of a designed program based on games situations with those of a conventional one, the Adapted Physical Education (APE) program, on the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children with Down Syndrome (DS), aged 6 to 10.

Methods

Twenty‐eight children (13 girls and 15 boys; age 8.84 ± 1.06) with DS participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups as the experimental group (EG) with 13 children (3 girls and 10 boys) and the control group (CG) composed with 15 children (10 girls and 5 boys). The EG participated in a conceived training program based on games situations along 10 weeks, while the CG took part in an APE conventional program based on football, long Jump and sprint adapted exercises. The FMS (locomotor and object control skills) were evaluated using the Gross Motor Development‐2 Test at pretraining and posttraining for both groups.

Results

The results revealed that both programs improve significantly locomotor skills with significantly better improvement in the EG. However, a significant object control skills improvement was observed only among the EG.

Conclusions

In light of our findings, a training program based on adapted games situations during 10 weeks may be recommended for FMS improvement, specifically object control skills.
Bonding Strength of Universal Adhesives to Indirect Substrates: A Meta‐Analysis of in Vitro Studies
Authors: Cuevas‐Suárez Carlos Enrique , de Oliveira da Rosa Wellington Luiz , Vitti Rafael Pino , da Silva Adriana Fernandes , Piva Evandro
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the in vitro bond strength of universal adhesive systems to indirect substrates.

Material and Methods

Two reviewers performed a literature search up to March 2018 in seven databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Scopus, LILACS, IBECS, and BBO. The review included studies that compared the bond strength of universal adhesives and well‐established material‐specific primers to indirect substrates: lithium disilicate ceramic, yttrium‐stabilized zirconium dioxide ceramic, leucite‐reinforced ceramic, feldspathic porcelain, polymer infiltrated ceramic material, resin composite or metal alloys. Analyses were carried out using RevMan 5.3.5. A global comparison was performed with the standardized mean difference using a random‐effects models at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 45 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and the meta‐analysis was performed with 42 studies. Bond strength to glass‐based ceramics and alloys was improved with the use of a specific‐primer as separate step before the bonding procedures (lithium disilicate, p < 0.001; alloys, p < 0.001). The bond strength to zirconium substrates was improved with the use of universal adhesives (p < 0.001). For bond strength to composite resin as indirect substrate, universal adhesives performed in a manner similar to that of the material‐specific primer (p = 0.11).

Conclusions

The clinical procedure of luting zirconia and resin composite restorations could be simplified by using single‐bottle universal adhesives. However, the ability of universal adhesives to achieve an adequate and durable bond to glass‐based ceramics and alloys appears to be limited.
Influence of Tooth Preparation Design and Scan Angulations on the Accuracy of Two Intraoral Digital Scanners: An in Vitro Study Based on 3‐Dimensional Comparisons
Authors: Ammoun Rami , Suprono Montry S. , Goodacre Charles J. , Oyoyo Udochukwu , Carrico Caroline K. , Kattadiyil Mathew T.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of two intraoral scanners (IOS) in terms of different preparation designs and scan angulation limitation due to the presence of adjacent teeth.

Materials and Methods

Eight different complete coverage (CC) and partial coverage (PC) tooth preparations were scanned by two IOS, the 3Shape TRIOS (TRI) and the 3M True Definition (TRU). All teeth preparations were scanned in the presence and absence of adjacent teeth. Four groups were established for each IOS; Group 1: PC preparations with adjacent teeth. Group 2: CC preparations with adjacent teeth. Group 3: PC preparations without adjacent teeth. Group 4: CC preparations without adjacent teeth. 3D analysis was performed to examine average absolute discrepancy (AAD) and maximum absolute discrepancy (MAD). A Two‐way ANOVA was performed followed by a post‐hoc Tukey's test HSD to evaluate the effect of adjacent teeth, preparation design, and the type of IOS used.

Results

For TRI, AAD for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 20 ± 1.8 µm, 19.6 ± 2.4 µm, 15.5 ± 2.7 µm, and 12.9 ± 1.4 µm, respectively, whereas MAD for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 109.7 ± 13.5 µm, 93.2 ± 28.9 µm, 85.6 ± 16.1 µm, and 66 ± 20.1 µm, respectively. For TRU IOS, AAD for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 22.0 ± 3.6 µm, 17.9 ± 2 µm, 20 ± 5.9 µm, and 14.9 ± 1.7 µm, respectively, whereas the MAD for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 151.4 ± 38.4 µm, 92.2 ± 17. µm, 92.6 ± 23.6 µm, and 71.4 ± 11.9 µm, respectively. Two‐way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the AAD and MAD of TRI and TRU (p< 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences for presence or absence of adjacent teeth (p< 0.001), and preparation design (p< 0.001).

Conclusions

PC preparation scans revealed lower accuracy than CC. The presence of adjacent teeth decreased the accuracy of both IOS. TRI gave higher accuracy than TRU for PC, but both IOS showed comparable accuracy for CC groups.
In the Fabric of Research: Racial and Gender Stereotypes in Survey Items Assessing Attitudes about Abortion
Authors: McClelland Sara I. , Dutcher Harley , Crawford Brandon
Published: January 2020

We investigated the content of survey items to assess whether and how racist and sexist stereotypes are woven into the fabric of research on attitudes about abortion in the United States. We collected and analyzed a comprehensive set of survey items (456 items from 80 studies) used in peer‐reviewed research published from 2008 to 2018 in representative and nonrepresentative studies of U.S. respondents. Our analysis was guided by historical narratives that have been influential in shaping representations of women and reproduction in the United States (e.g., the Moynihan Report). With this background, we developed three themes pertaining to how individuals’ attitudes about abortion are measured: we found that items rely on (1) moral, (2) sexual, and (3) financial evaluations of women seeking abortion care. These themes highlighted implicit and explicit judgments of women, including representations of them as unwilling to partner with men and as fiscally and sexually irresponsible. We argue that survey items meant to objectively assess abortion attitudes draw on negative racial and gender stereotypes and that these stereotypes then travel widely under the veneer of scientific objectivity. Critical methods, such as the item bank analysis described in this study, are crucial to discern how inequality, prejudice, and discrimination can be reproduced in the fabric of research methods. In our discussion, we offer suggestions for researchers to reduce these and related forms of bias in survey‐based abortion research.
My Influence on the World (of Others): Goal Efficacy Beliefs and Efficacy Affect Predict Private, Public, and Activist Pro‐environmental Behavior
Authors: Hamann Karen R. S. , Reese Gerhard
Published: January 2020

Efficacy beliefs are important drivers of human behavior. In the sustainability domain, self‐, collective, and participatory efficacy tend to predict pro‐environmental behavior (PEB). Yet, few studies consider efficacy actors and goals simultaneously, and it is uncertain whether specific efficacy beliefs are more or less predictive of specific PEB types (i.e., private, public, or activist). Therefore, we implemented a 2 × 2 plus baseline design (Study 1, N = 259), presenting participants with success stories and imagination tasks that highlighted either self‐ or collective efficacy (I vs. we) and either a direct or indirect goal (act environmentally friendly vs. encourage others to act). Although the manipulations did not affect goal efficacy beliefs or PEB intentions, goal efficacy beliefs and positive affect predicted PEB intentions, and specific efficacy behavior patterns occurred. Study 2 (N = 1,143) replicated most of the findings from Study 1: Self‐efficacy predicted private PEB, and participatory efficacy predicted activist PEB. The relationship between collective efficacy and public PEB remains unclear. Our results highlight the importance of differentiating actors and goals in efficacy research and behavior types in general.
Turnover and change in plant species composition in a shielded salt marsh following variation in precipitation and temperature
Authors: Andersen Line Holm , Skærbæk Anna Sofie Krag , Sørensen Thomas Bo , Knudsen Jeppe Storgaard , Pertoldi Cino , Bahrndorff Simon , Bruhn Dan
Published: January 2020

Questions

Temperature and precipitation variation between years may affect plant species composition directly or indirectly. We wish to investigate whether salt marsh edaphic conditions and plant species composition change as a result of climatic variation. Further, whether areas with the largest edaphic variations also experience the largest change in species composition and turnover. Finally, do temperature and precipitation variations change the way the plant community is able to respond to natural edaphic gradients?

Location

Bygholmengen, a shielded salt marsh in Vejlerne, Denmark, Northern Europe.

Methods

Botanical surveys were conducted and soil samples collected from 40 plots during a wet and dry summer to register changes in vegetation cover, species richness composition and edaphic factors (moisture, nutrients, salinity). These data were used to calculate dissimilarities in species composition, temporal turnover and environmental dissimilarity between years. A linear mixed‐effects model was used to link species richness with the measured edaphic factors.

Results

We found that the precipitation and temperature variations altered the edaphic conditions; furthermore, the vegetation cover and species richness decreased when conditions were dry whereas the number of salt marsh species increased. Further, species composition changed significantly between years, and sampling plots that experienced the least edaphic change also retained more species between years. Species richness responded more to changes in nutrient availability during wet than dry conditions.

Conclusion

Our results pointed toward the climatic variations, and subsequent change in edaphic conditions, being responsible for the significant change in species composition as areas with the least change in edaphic factors retained most species between years. Dry conditions favored salt marsh‐adapted species and the extent to which increased nutrient levels led to a higher species richness decreased in dry compared to wet conditions.
Jailing Immigrant Detainees: A National Study of County Participation in Immigration Detention, 1983–2013
Authors: Ryo Emily , Peacock Ian
Published: January 2020

Hundreds of county jails detain immigrants facing removal proceedings, a civil process. In exchange, local jails receive per diem payments from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration detention thus presents a striking case of commodification of penal institutions for civil confinement purposes. Yet we know very little about the counties participating in this arrangement and the predictors of their participation over time. Our study offers the first systematic analysis of immigration detention in county jails using new and comprehensive panel data on jails across the United States. First, we find that the number of counties confining immigrant detainees steadily increased between 1983 and 2013, with the largest growth concentrated in small- to medium-sized, rural, and Republican counties located in the South. Second, our regression analyses point to a number of significant predictors of county participation in immigration detention: (a) worsening labor market conditions, combined with growing excess bed space for the criminal inmate population; (b) an increasing Latino population up to a certain threshold level; and (c) increasing Republican Party strength. These findings have important implications for current debates raging across the United States about the proper role of local communities in detaining immigrants.
On the Radar: System Embeddedness and Latin American Immigrants' Perceived Risk of Deportation
Authors: Asad Asad L.
Published: January 2020

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 50 Latin American immigrants in Dallas, Texas, this article uncovers systematic distinctions in how immigrants holding different legal statuses perceive the threat of deportation. Undocumented immigrants recognize the precarity of their legal status, but they sometimes feel that their existence off the radar of the US immigration regime promotes their long-term presence in the country. Meanwhile, documented immigrants perceive stability in their legal status, but they sometimes view their existence on the radar of the US immigration regime as disadvantageous to their long-term presence in the country. The article offers the concept of system embeddedness—individuals' perceived legibility to institutions that maintain formal records—as a mechanism through which perceived visibility to the US immigration regime entails feelings of risk, and perceived invisibility feelings of safety. In this way, the punitive character of the US immigration regime can overwhelm its integrative functions, chilling immigrants out of opportunities for material and social well-being through legalization and legal status. More broadly, system embeddedness illuminates how perceived visibility to a record-keeping body that combines punitive and integrative goals represents a mechanism of legal stratification for subordinated populations—even absent prior punitive experiences with other social control institutions that might otherwise be thought to trigger their system avoidance.
The Role of Military Law and Systemic Issues in the Military's Handling of Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Warner Carolyn M. , Armstrong Mia A.
Published: January 2020

Allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment by prominent entertainment and media figures and politicians in the United States have brought renewed attention to a political debate that earlier had been focused on universities and the military: the apparent failure of institutions to address and punish cases of sexual assault by their members. In light of this debate, we consider how cases fare in an institution that is perennially accused of gender bias and of tolerating rape: the US military. Through the analysis of 585 sexual assault report summaries from the US military bases in Japan, we find that the military often tries to punish cases of sexual assault. However, many cases do not have sufficient evidence for prosecution as sexual assault cases. Low conviction rates at court-martial for reported sexual assaults may indicate systemic problems with the nature of the cases themselves and the circumstances in which the cases arise. Low conviction rates may also reflect the military's legal mandate to prioritize mission, and its legal system's multiple options for addressing crime outside of trial procedures. Case characteristics interact with the primary concerns of command authority and complainants, within a highly institutionalized, closed context, to affect the military's handling and disposition of reported sexual assault cases.
Does early introduction of solid feeding lead to early cessation of breastfeeding?
Authors: Lessa Angelina , Garcia Ada L. , Emmett Pauline , Crozier Sarah , Robinson Sian , Godfrey Keith M. , Wright Charlotte M.
Published: January 2020

Mixed milk feeding increases the likelihood of breastfeeding cessation, but it is not known if solid feeding (SF) has the same effect. We have identified 10,407 infants breastfed for at least 8–10 weeks from three large U.K. studies (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [ALSPAC; born 1990–1991], Southampton Woman's Survey [SWS; 1998–2008], and Infant Feeding Survey 2010 [IFS 2010]) to investigate the associations between early SF and breastfeeding cessation. In the earliest study (ALSPAC), 67% had started SF before the age of 4 months, but in the latest (IFS), only 23% had started before 4 months. Solid food introduction before 4 months was associated with stopping breastfeeding before 6 months in all three cohorts, with little effect of adjustment for maternal sociodemographic characteristics (Poisson regression, adjusted prevalence ratios: ALSPAC 1.55, [95% confidence interval 1.4, 1.8], SWS 1.13 [1.0, 1.3], IFS 1.10 [1.1, 1.3]). Using Cox regression, adjusted hazard ratios for breastfeeding cessation compared with SF after 5 months were 2.07 (1.8, 2.4) for SF before 4 and 1.51 (1.3, 1.8) at 4–5 months for ALSPAC and 1.25 (1.1, 1.5) and 1.15 (1.0, 1.3) for SWS. Earlier introduction of solids was associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding, particularly in cohorts where earlier introduction of solids was the norm, with a dose–response relationship, which was not explained by background social characteristics. As mothers most commonly introduced solids in the month prior to the then recommended age, continuing to recommend deferring solids to the age of 6 months is important to support sustained breastfeeding.
Genomic patterns in the widespread Eurasian lynx shaped by Late Quaternary climatic fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Lucena‐Perez Maria , Marmesat Elena , Kleinman‐Ruiz Daniel , Martínez‐Cruz Begoña , Węcek Karolina , Saveljev Alexander P. , Seryodkin Ivan V. , Okhlopkov Innokentiy , Dvornikov Mikhail G. , Ozolins Janis , Galsandorj Naranbaatar , Paunovic Milan , Ratkiewicz Mirosław , Schmidt Krzysztof , Godoy José A.
Published: January 2020

Disentangling the contribution of long‐term evolutionary processes and recent anthropogenic impacts to current genetic patterns of wildlife species is key to assessing genetic risks and designing conservation strategies. Here, we used 80 whole nuclear genomes and 96 mitogenomes from populations of the Eurasian lynx covering a range of conservation statuses, climatic zones and subspecies across Eurasia to infer the demographic history, reconstruct genetic patterns, and discuss the influence of long‐term isolation and/or more recent human‐driven changes. Our results show that Eurasian lynx populations shared a common history until 100,000 years ago, when Asian and European populations started to diverge and both entered a period of continuous and widespread decline, with western populations, except Kirov, maintaining lower effective sizes than eastern populations. Population declines and increased isolation in more recent times probably drove the genetic differentiation between geographically and ecologically close westernmost European populations. By contrast, and despite the wide range of habitats covered, populations are quite homogeneous genetically across the Asian range, showing a pattern of isolation by distance and providing little genetic support for the several proposed subspecies. Mitogenomic and nuclear divergences and population declines starting during the Late Pleistocene can be mostly attributed to climatic fluctuations and early human influence, but the widespread and sustained decline since the Holocene is more probably the consequence of anthropogenic impacts which intensified in recent centuries, especially in western Europe. Genetic erosion in isolated European populations and lack of evidence for long‐term isolation argue for the restoration of lost population connectivity.
Aging alters spontaneous and neurotransmitter‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in smooth muscle cells of mouse mesenteric arteries
Authors: Boerman Erika M. , Segal Steven S.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Aging impairs MA dilation by reducing the ability of sensory nerves to counteract sympathetic vasoconstriction. This study tested whether altered SMC Ca2+ signals to sympathetic (NE) and sensory (CGRP) neurotransmitters underlie aging‐related deficits in vasodilation.

Methods

MAs from young and old mice were pressurized and loaded with Fluo‐4 dye for confocal measurement of SMC Ca2+ sparks and waves. Endothelial denudation resolved the influence of ECs. SMCs were immunolabeled for RyR isoforms and compared with transcript levels for RyRs and CGRP receptor components.

Results

SMCs from young vs old mice exhibited more spontaneous Ca2+ spark sites with no difference in Ca2+ waves. NE reduced spark sites and increased waves for both groups; addition of CGRP restored sparks and reduced waves only for young mice. Endothelial denudation attenuated Ca2+ responses to CGRP for young but not old mice, which were already attenuated, suggesting a diminished role for ECs with aging. CGRP receptor expression was similar between ages with increased serum CGRP in old mice, where RyR1 expression was replaced by RyR3.

Conclusion

With aging, we suggest that altered RyR expression in SMCs contributes to impaired ability of sensory neurotransmission to restore Ca2+ signaling underlying vasomotor control during sympathetic activation.
High‐dose nitroglycerin administered during rewarming preserves erythrocyte deformability in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Tai Ying‐Hsuan , Chu You‐Hsiang , Wu Hsiang‐Ling , Lin Su‐Man , Tsou Mei‐Yung , Huang Cheng‐Hsiung , Chang Hsiao‐Huang , Lu Chih‐Cherng
Published: January 2020

Objective

We aimed to determine whether high‐dose nitroglycerin, a nitric oxide donor, preserves erythrocyte deformability during cardiopulmonary bypass and examines the signaling pathway of nitric oxide in erythrocytes.

Methods

In a randomized and controlled fashion, forty‐two patients undergoing cardiac surgery with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass were allocated to high‐dose (N = 21) and low‐dose groups (N = 21). During rewarming period, patients were given intravenous nitroglycerin with an infusion rate 5 and 1 µg·kg−1·min−1in high‐dose and low‐dose groups, respectively. Tyrosine phosphorylation level of non‐muscle myosin IIA in erythrocyte membrane was used as an index of erythrocyte deformability and analyzed using immunoblotting.

Results

Tyrosine phosphorylation of non‐muscle myosin IIA was significantly enhanced after bypass in high‐dose group (3.729 ± 1.700 folds,P = .011) but not low‐dose group (1.545 ± 0.595 folds,P = .076). Phosphorylation of aquaporin 1, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, and focal adhesion kinase in erythrocyte membrane was also upregulated in high‐dose group after bypass. Besides, plasma nitric oxide level was highly correlated with fold change of non‐muscle myosin IIA phosphorylation (Pearson's correlation coefficient .871).

Conclusions

High‐dose nitroglycerin administered during cardiopulmonary bypass improves erythrocyte deformability through activating phosphorylation of aquaporin 1, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, and focal adhesion kinase in erythrocytes.
Diabetes mellitus and oral cancer/oral potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramos‐Garcia Pablo , Roca‐Rodriguez Maria del Mar , Aguilar‐Diosdado Manuel , Gonzalez‐Moles Miguel Angel
Published: January 2020

The objective was to evaluate current evidence on the prevalence and risk of oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders among patients with diabetes mellitus. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies published before November 2019. We evaluated the study quality using GRADE, QUIPS, and a specific method for systematic reviews addressing prevalence questions. Meta‐analyses were conducted, and heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. A total of 1,489 studies were found, 116 analyzed in full text, 52 included in qualitative synthesis and 49 meta‐analyzed. Pooled prevalence (PP) of oral cancer in patients with diabetic was 0.25% (95% CI = 0.15–0.39)—250 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus —with a greater chance of oral cancer among patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.41 [95% CI = 1.10–1.81], p = .007). Patients with oral cancer and diabetes mellitus had a higher mortality than controls (HR = 2.09 [95%CI = 1.36–3.22], p = .001). Leukoplakia had a PP = 2.49% (95% CI = 1.14–4.29)—2,490 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus —(OR = 4.34 [95% CI = 1.14–16.55], p = .03). A PP of 2.72 (95% CI = 1.64–4.02) was obtained for oral lichen planus among patients with diabetic —2,720 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.87 [95% CI = 1.37–2.57], p < .001). A low PP was estimated for erythroplakia (0.02%[95%CI = 0.00–0.12]—20 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher prevalence and greater chance of oral cancer and OPMD development in comparison with non‐diabetic patients. In addition, patients with oral cancer suffering from diabetes mellitus have a higher mortality compared to non‐diabetic patients with oral cancer.
CRISPR‐Cas systems in oral microbiome: From immune defense to physiological regulation
Authors: Gong Tao , Zeng Jumei , Tang Boyu , Zhou Xuedong , Li Yuqing
Published: January 2020

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats with CRISPR‐associated proteins (CRISPR‐Cas) system, found in bacteria and archaea, provides sequence‐based adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements, including phages and plasmids. The oral cavity contains approximately 700 prokaryote species harboring known CRISPR‐Cas systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI, and unidentified CRISPR‐Cas systems. There is increasing evidence to suggest that different CRISPR‐Cas systems in the human oral microbiome can affect bacterial physiology through different mechanisms. Here, we review the canonical and novel functions of the CRISPR‐Cas system, including defense against the invasion of foreign mobile elements, biofilm formation, acquisition of resistance genes, DNA repair, regulation of interspecific competition and intraspecific diversification, stress responses, and gene expression regulation. Overall, the mechanisms involved in CRISPR‐Cas systems and their effects on bacterial physiology provide new insights into our understanding of the function and application of methods (including gene editing, modulation of CRISPR‐Cas by anti‐CRISPR, antimicrobials) on the oral microbiome.
Identification of functional domains of the minor fimbrial antigen involved in the interaction of Porphyromonas gingivalis with oral streptococci
Authors: Roky Mohammad , Trent John O. , Demuth Donald R.
Published: January 2020

Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with chronic periodontitis and may initially colonize the oral cavity by adhering to streptococci. Adhesion to streptococci is driven by interaction of the minor fimbrial antigen (Mfa1) with streptococcal antigen I/II. We identified the region of antigen I/II required for this interaction and developed small molecule mimetics that inhibited P. gingivalis adherence. However, the functional motifs of Mfa1 involved in the interaction with antigen I/II remain uncharacterized. A series of N‐ and C‐terminal peptide fragments of Mfa1 were expressed and tested for inhibition of P. gingivalis adherence to S. gordonii. This approach identified residues 225–400 of Mfa1 as essential for P. gingivalis adherence. Using the three‐dimensional structure of Mfa1, a putative binding cleft was identified using SiteMap and five small molecule mimetics could dock in this site. Site‐specific mutation of residues in the predicted cleft, including R240A, W275A, D321A and A357P inhibited the interaction of Mfa1 with streptococci, whereas mutation of residues not in the predicted cleft (V238A, I252F and ΔK253) had no effect. Complementation of an Mfa1‐deficient P. gingivalis strain with wild‐type mfa1 restored adherence to streptococci, whereas complementation with full‐length mfa1 containing the R240A or A357P mutations did not restore adherence. The mutations did not affect polymerization of Mfa1, suggesting that the complemented strains produced intact minor fimbriae. These results identified specific residues and structural motifs required for the Mfa1‐antigen I/II interaction and will facilitate the design of small molecule therapeutics to prevent P. gingivalis colonization of the oral cavity.
Plasma levels of dopamine metabolite correlate with mismatch negativity in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Shiga Tetsuya , Horikoshi Sho , Kanno Kazuko , Kanno‐Nozaki Keiko , Hikita Masayuki , Itagaki Shuntaro , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki
Published: January 2020

Aim

Mismatch negativity (MMN) deficit is one of the most robust and replicable findings in schizophrenia, and primarily reflects deficient functioning of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor system. Although the dopamine receptor is known not to modulate MMN over the short term, it is unclear whether the dopamine system affects MMN in the long term.

Methods

We explored correlations between MMN and levels of plasma dopamine and serotonin metabolites in 18 patients with schizophrenia psychiatrically evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

A significant negative correlation exists between MMN amplitude and plasma levels of dopamine metabolites. Plasma serotonin metabolite levels were not correlated with MMN. The PANSS total score and Negative score also showed negative correlations with MMN amplitude.

Conclusion

The usual strong therapeutic blockade of dopamine receptors applied in cases of schizophrenia may reduce MMN over the long term.
The ability to understand emotions is associated with interoception‐related insular activation and white matter integrity during aging
Authors: Dobrushina Olga R. , Arina Galina A. , Dobrynina Larisa A. , Suslina Anastasia D. , Solodchik Polina O. , Belopasova Anastasia V. , Gubanova Mariia V. , Sergeeva Anastasia N. , Kremneva Elena I. , Krotenkova Marina V.
Published: January 2020

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a major cause of cognitive impairment in elderly people. While most research focuses on the role of the classical vascular risk factors in SVD, a description of the psychophysiological mechanisms leading to the age‐related brain damage may open new possibilities for prophylaxis. In the current study, we evaluated the associations between emotional abilities, interoception, and age‐related vascular white matter degeneration. The work was influenced, first, by multiple studies recognizing alexithymia as a cardiovascular risk factor; second, by theories of emotions linking body's allostasis and emotional regulation; and third, by neuroimaging data highlighting the shared role of the insular cortex in interoceptive and emotional processing. In a sample of older female adults (N = 30), we performed the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, functional MRI using the heartbeat detection task, and evaluation of white matter microstructural integrity using diffusion weighted imaging. The ability to understand and analyze emotions—one of the four components of emotional intelligence—was found to be associated with higher interoception‐related activation of the right anterior insula and preserved white matter microstructure. We interpret these results in light of the concept of Embodied Predictive Interoception Coding, which proposes that emotional processing, interoception, and allostasis (antecedent top‐down regulation of the body's internal milieu) may rely on the shared neural mechanisms of predictive coding. The study demonstrates feasibility of the investigation of cerebrovascular diseases form a psychophysiological perspective and calls for future research.
Export quality differentiation under credit constraints
Authors: Ciani Andrea , Bartoli Francesca
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the effect of credit constraints on the choice by small and medium‐sized enterprises to export goods of higher quality relative to their domestically sold output (quality differentiation). The empirical analysis employs detailed firm‐level data on product characteristics and credit scores. Credit constraints are found to be negatively associated with export quality differentiation. Firms reporting a deterioration of the credit score by a standard deviation are 36% less likely to pursue quality differentiation. The negative relation between credit constraints and quality differentiation is stronger for firms exporting to distant markets.
Canine nasal septum deviation can be a normal variation and correlates with increasing skull indices
Authors: Miles Samantha , Schwarz Tobias
Published: January 2020

Nasal septal deviation has been studied in relation to nasal pathology and mass effect in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to compare the prevalence of nasal septal deviation in dogs with rhinitis, neoplasia, and those without nasal pathology based on the facial index, skull index, and cranial index. Computed tomographic studies of the nasal cavities of dogs performed over a 5‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. This study had 233 dogs meeting the inclusion criteria with 135 dogs with no nasal pathology, 63 dogs with nasal neoplasia, and 35 dogs with rhinitis. The prevalence of nasal septal deviation, the angle, maximum distance, and longitudinal extent of deviation were recorded, as well as measurements to calculate the facial index, cranial index, and skull index. The results showed no difference in the prevalence of nasal septal deviation between dogs with nasal pathology and those without. The mean longitudinal extent of deviation and maximum distance of deviation was statistically greater for those with neoplasia compared to those with rhinitis and without nasal pathology. The longitudinal extent of deviation was inversely proportional to the cranial index, facial index, and skull index. The angle of deviation was directly proportional to the facial index and skull index. In conclusion, nasal septal deviation is an anatomic variant in different breeds of dogs with no predilection based on nasal pathology. Nasal septal deviation should be interpreted cautiously in the assessment of canine nasal disease.
Modeling and Design of a Solar-Powered Refrigerator for Vaccines Transportation in Remote Regions
Authors: Doubabi Hajar , Salhi Issam , Chennani Mohammed , Essounbouli Najib
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a portable photovoltaic (PV)-powered vaccine carrier intended for “hard to reach” areas that suffer luck of electricity and transportation has been proposed. The design of the proposed system has been analyzed and each of its elements (PV panel, battery, converter, and refrigerator) has been deeply studied, modeled, and validated through simulation as well as experimentally. These elements are carefully selected to form a robust, light system and at a reasonable cost. To maximize energy production, the PV panel control using a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller has been examined. Moreover, to ensure an appropriate battery charging and thereby prolonging battery life, state of charge (SOC) estimation using the Luenberger observer has been studied. The proposed system has been investigated under different climatic conditions. It was subjected to different daily profiles of irradiance and temperature measured in three seasons, namely, winter, spring, and summer in Marrakesh, Morocco. As expected, for all studied cases, the proposed PV-powered vaccine carrier works adequately and maintains continuously a low temperature of 4 °C (as required by the World Health Organization (WHO) for vaccine preservation) for a journey of 15 h. These results making it a very suitable option to transport vaccines safely in remote areas.