bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomass limit reference points are sensitive to estimation method, time‐series length and stock development
Authors: van Deurs Mikael , Brooks Mollie E. , Lindegren Martin , Henriksen Ole , Rindorf Anna
Published: September 2020

Biomass limit reference points are widely used in fisheries management and define the biomass threshold (BT) below which stock productivity (i.e. recruitment) is likely to be impaired. Scientifically sound and transparent methods for estimating BTs are therefore needed together with ways of quantifying uncertainties. The main focus of the study was placed on two methods currently applied to several small‐bodied pelagic species in the Northeast Atlantic. These methods have not formerly been described in the scientific literature and are in the present study being compared with some already described methods, of which one is broadly applied outside the Northeast Atlantic. Using a combination of data simulations and data from 51 small‐bodied pelagic fish stocks, we analysed the sensitivity of estimated BTs to (a) the choice of method, (b) time‐series length and (c) stock development (e.g. rebuilding or declining). It was demonstrated that estimated BTs are associated with considerable uncertainty not previously quantified. Furthermore, the level of the estimated threshold and the amount of uncertainty depended on choice of method, time‐series length and stock development trends. Hence, this study contributes to improving the quality of future biomass limit reference points by providing guidance regarding choice of method and how to demonstrate stock‐specific uncertainties.
TADs enriched in histone H1.2 strongly overlap with the B compartment, inaccessible chromatin, and AT‐rich Giemsa bands
Authors: Serna‐Pujol Núria , Salinas‐Pena Mónica , Mugianesi Francesca , Lopez‐Anguita Natalia , Torrent‐Llagostera Francesc , Izquierdo‐Bouldstridge Andrea , Marti‐Renom Marc A. , Jordan Albert
Published: September 2020

Giemsa staining of metaphase chromosomes results in a characteristic banding useful for identification of chromosomes and its alterations. We have investigated in silico whether Giemsa bands (G bands) correlate with epigenetic and topological features of the interphase genome. Staining of G‐positive bands decreases with GC content; nonetheless, G‐negative bands are GC heterogeneous. High GC bands are enriched in active histone marks, RNA polymerase II, and SINEs and associate with gene richness, gene expression, and early replication. Low GC bands are enriched in repressive marks, lamina‐associated domains, and LINEs. Histone H1 variants distribute heterogeneously among G bands: H1X is enriched at high GC bands and H1.2 is abundant at low GC, compacted bands. According to epigenetic features and H1 content, G bands can be organized in clusters useful to compartmentalize the genome. Indeed, we have obtained Hi‐C chromosome interaction maps and compared topologically associating domains (TADs) and A/B compartments to G banding. TADs with high H1.2/H1X ratio strongly overlap with B compartment, late replicating, and inaccessible chromatin and low GC bands. We propose that GC content is a strong driver of chromatin compaction and 3D genome organization, that Giemsa staining recapitulates this organization denoted by high‐throughput techniques, and that H1 variants distribute at distinct chromatin domains.

Databases

Hi‐C data on T47D breast cancer cells have been deposited in NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus and are accessible through GEO Series accession number GSE147627.
Effects of thermal and mechanical cyclic loads on polyurethane pre‐insulated pipes
Authors: Doyle Lucía , Weidlich Ingo
Published: September 2020

District heating (DH) pre‐insulated pipes are a sandwich assembly composed by a steel heat service pipe, polyurethane (PU) foam and polyethylene casing. The foam acts as bond between the steel pipe and casing. The application has high constraints for the foam, as it is subjected to cyclic multiaxial stresses, high cyclic temperatures and long expected service life. In this study, we evaluate if and how cyclic loads affect the shear strength, shear modulus, toughness and failure behaviour of the PU foam in DH pipes sandwich assembly compared with unaged reference samples. We have found that the simultaneous application of mechanical and thermal loads weakens the strength and increases the stiffness of the foam and that this change is not caused by degradation of the molecular structure. Crack initiation and propagation along the pipe samples follow a very consistent pattern between samples, with cracks initiating in Mode II and propagating in Mode I. The consistent axial displacement of approximately 2 cm from each other suggests the formation of strain localizations.
An extended maximum tangential strain energy density criterion considering T‐stress for combined mode I–III brittle fracture
Authors: Hua Wen , Huang Jiuzhou , Pan Xin , Li Jianxiong , Dong Shiming
Published: September 2020

The maximum tangential strain energy density (MTSED) criterion was modified by taking the influences of stress intensity factors and T‐stress into consideration for combined mode I–III brittle fracture. Furthermore, the Poisson's ratio and T‐stress influencing the fracture characteristics of cracked components were discussed by using the extended MTSED criterion. Moreover, the predicted values of this extended MTSED criterion and some testing results were comparatively analysed. The results indicate that the Poisson's ratio and T‐stress have no impact on the out‐of‐plane initiation angle; however, their effects on fracture resistance ratios are significant especially for pure mode III. A positive T‐stress increases the fracture resistance ratio, and it is opposite for a negative T‐stress. The predicted values calculated by the extended MTSED criterion agree very well with the testing data obtained with edge‐notched disc bend samples especially for pure mode III case.
Ecological correlates of riverine diatom and macroinvertebrate alpha and beta diversity across Arctic Fennoscandia
Authors: Brittain John E. , Heino Jani , Friberg Nikolai , Aroviita Jukka , Kahlert Maria , Karjalainen Satu‐Maaria , Keck François , Lento Jennifer , Liljaniemi Petri , Mykrä Heikki , Schneider Susanne C. , Ylikörkkö Jukka
Published: September 2020

Arctic freshwaters support biota adapted to the harsh conditions at these latitudes, but the climate is changing rapidly and so are the underlying environmental filters. Currently, we have limited understanding of broad‐scale patterns of Arctic riverine biodiversity and the correlates of α‐ and β‐diversity.

Using information from a database set up within the scope of the Arctic Council's Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Plan, we analysed patterns and correlates of α‐ and β‐diversity in benthic diatom and macroinvertebrate communities across northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland. We analysed variation in total β‐diversity and its replacement and richness difference components in relation to location of the river reach and its drainage basin (Baltic Sea in the south, the Barents Sea in the east and the north, and the Norwegian Sea in the west), in addition to climate and environmental variables.

In both macroinvertebrates and diatoms, the replacement and richness difference components showed wide variation. For macroinvertebrates, the richness difference component was the more important, whereas for diatoms, the replacement component was the more important in contributing to variation in β‐diversity. There was no significant difference in β‐diversity between the three main drainage basins, but species composition differed among the drainage basins.

Based on the richness difference component of β‐diversity, climate variables were most strongly associated with community variation in macroinvertebrates. In diatoms, both environmental and climate variables were strongly correlated with community compositional variation. In both groups, there were also significant differences in α‐diversity among the three main drainage basins, and several taxa were significant indicators of one of these drainage basins. Alpha diversity was greater in areas with a continental climate, while the oceanic areas in the west harboured greatly reduced flora and fauna.

The correlates of biodiversity were relatively similar in macroinvertebrates and diatoms. Climate variables, in particular temperature, were the most strongly associated with biodiversity patterns in the Arctic rivers of Fennoscandia. Sedimentary geology may be associated with increased productivity and, to a lesser extent, with sensitivity to acidification. There was considerable variation in community composition across Arctic Fennoscandia, indicating the necessity of protecting several stream reaches or even whole catchments within each region to conserve total riverine biodiversity. Furthermore, it is likely that the predicted changes in temperature in Arctic areas will influence riverine diversity patterns across Fennoscandia.
Windstorm‐induced canopy openings accelerate temperate forest adaptation to global warming
Authors: Dietz Lucie , Collet Catherine , Dupouey Jean‐Luc , Lacombe Eric , Laurent Lisa , Gégout Jean‐Claude
Published: September 2020

Aim

Climate change is known to be a driver of changes in forest plant communities and to modify disturbance regimes. We investigated whether forest gaps favoured vegetation adaptation to warmer climates by accelerating the shift of plant communities to a warmer‐adapted composition independently of canopy closure linked to natural forest dynamics.

Location

Temperate and mountainous forests of France.

Time period

2002–2018.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

Using floristic surveys conducted in 2002 and 2018 in 139 permanent plots set up in unmanaged forest gaps created by windstorms in 1999, we assessed the plant communities’ changes in context of global warming. We also compared gap communities to closed communities inventoried in undisturbed forest. A community temperature index (CTI) and a community light index (CLI) were computed for each floristic survey with species temperature optima and Ellenberg light indicator values, respectively.

Results

CTI increased significantly in the gaps over the 16 years by 0.11°C/decade on average. During the same period, the CLI decreased, indicating that community thermophilization was not the direct result of an increase in solar radiation linked to gap creation. Models showed that, after canopy recovery, thermophilization was stronger in mountains (+0.54°C) than lowland sites (+0.12°C) compared to undisturbed forests. The difference between former gaps and undisturbed forests resulted from the colonization of warm adapted species and the decline of cold adapted species in gaps.

Main conclusions

For a given canopy closure, our results show that thermophilization of understorey communities is higher in areas with previous disturbances than in undisturbed forests. By increasing the speed of thermophilization, the disturbance regime plays a key role in the adaptation of forest communities to climate warming. The effects of large‐scale disturbances on forest plant composition should therefore not be overlooked, especially since disturbance regime tends to intensify with climate change.
Prognostic factors of 90‐day mortality in older people with healthcare‐associated pneumonia
Authors: Ebihara Takae , Miyamoto Takahide , Kozaki Koichi
Published: September 2020

Aim

The Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure and age (CURB‐65) scores have been used as prognostic factors of mortality related to healthcare‐associated pneumonia. However, aspiration pneumonia remains unclear.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, prospective cohort study was carried out with 130 inpatients aged ≥75 years at a Geriatric ward of Kyorin University Hospital, Japan. We investigated the utility of aspiration pneumonia‐related factors, latency of swallowing reflex and cough reflex sensitivity, serum albumin levels, the neutrophil‐to‐ lymphocyte ratio, and conventional scores of pneumonia severity, for predicting 30‐ and 90‐day healthcare‐associated pneumonia mortality. Patient demographics, cognition, physical activity (Barthel Index), eating ability (Food Intake Level Scale), dementia stage (Functional Assessment Staging Tool), performance status (Zubrod score), current medications and comorbidities were collected. Pneumonia severity was evaluated using the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, CURB‐65 and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria scores.

Results

Age, Barthel Index, Zubrod, Functional Assessment Staging Tool and Food Intake Level Scale scores were significantly associated with mortality, whereas the conventional scores were not. The Kaplan–Meier method with the log–rank test using Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that serum albumin levels <2.75 and the comorbidity of atrial fibrillation were associated with a lower survival rate in deceased versus surviving individuals at 90 days. In addition, a deteriorated latency of swallowing reflex and a blunted cough reflex sensitivity were associated with 90‐day mortality.

Conclusions

Hypoalbuminemia, atrial fibrillation, deteriorated latency of swallowing reflex and blunted cough reflex sensitivity values were better predictors of 90‐day mortality than traditional scores in older individuals with healthcare‐associated pneumonia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1036–1043..
Understanding Felt Accountability
Authors: Schillemans Thomas , Overman Sjors , Fawcett Paul , Flinders Matthew , Fredriksson Magnus , Laegreid Per , Maggetti Martino , Papadopoulos Yannis , Rubecksen Kristin , Rykkja Lise Hellebø , Salomonsen Heidi Houlberg , Smullen Amanda , Wood Matt
Published: September 2020

The literature on autonomous public agencies often adopts a top‐down approach, focusing on the means with which those agencies can be steered and controlled. This article opens up the black box of the agencies and zooms in on their CEO's and their perceptions of hierarchical accountability. The article focuses on felt accountability, denoting the manager's (a) expectation to have to explain substantive decisions to a parent department perceived to be (b) legitimate and (c) to have the expertise to evaluate those decisions. We explore felt accountability of agency‐CEO's and its institutional antecedents with a survey in seven countries combining insights from public administration and psychology. Our bottom‐up perspective reveals close connections between de facto control practices rather than formal institutional characteristics and felt accountability of CEO's of agencies. We contend that felt accountability is a crucial cog aligning accountability holders' expectations and behaviors by CEO's.
Relationship of D‐dimer with severity and mortality in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients : A meta‐analysis
Authors: Nugroho Johanes , Wardhana Ardyan , Maghfirah Irma , Mulia Eka Prasetya Budi , Rachmi Dita Aulia , A'yun Maya Qurota , Septianda Imanita
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused a pandemic. Many studies have shown that several laboratory parameters are related to disease severity and mortality in SARS‐CoV‐2 cases. This meta‐analysis aimed to determine the relationship of a prognostic factor, D‐dimer, with disease severity, need for intensive care unit (ICU) care, and mortality in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients.

Methods

A systematic search for all observational studies and trials involving adult patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 that had any data related to D‐dimer on admission was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, ProQuest, and MedRxiv databases. We performed random‐effects inverse‐variance weighting analysis using mean difference (MD) of D‐dimer values for outcomes such as disease severity, mortality, and need for ICU care.

Results

A total of 29 studies (4,328 patients) were included in this meta‐analysis, which revealed a higher mean of D‐dimer levels on admission in severe patients than in nonsevere patients (MD = 0.95, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61‐1.28], P < .05; I2 = 90%). The nonsurvivor group had a higher pooled MD of D‐dimer values on admission (MD = 5.54 [95% CI: 3.40‐7.67], P < .05; I2 = 90%). Patients who needed ICU admission had insignificantly higher D‐dimer values than patients who did not need ICU admission (MD = 0.29, [95% CI: −0.05 to 0.63], P = .10; I2 = 71%).

Conclusion

Elevated D‐dimer levels on admission were associated with an increased risk of disease severity and mortality in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Outcomes of partial intussusception and endo‐to‐side vasoepididymostomy in men with epididymal obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Vasoepididymostomy is an ideal surgical approach for epididymal obstructive azoospermia. The aim of the present study was to compare reproductive outcomes of vasoepididymostomy with several anastomotic techniques, including end‐to‐side and longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy, and partial intussusception and endo‐to‐side vasoepididymostomy.

Methods

A case–control study including 110 infertile men with epididymal obstructive azoospermia with mean age of 35 years was carried out. Univariate and multivariate analyses using clinical factors were carried out to predict patency and non‐assisted reproductive technology pregnancy. Johnsen score count and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression were used as surrogates for spermatogenic function. Operative time, number of 10‐0 sutures and late failure rates were also compared.

Results

The overall patency and non‐assisted reproductive technology pregnancy rates were 70% and 32%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that the presence of motile sperm in the epididymis and a higher spermatogenic function (P < 0.05) were independent predictors for patency, and that a higher spermatogenic function and anastomosis at the caput/corpus (P < 0.001) were predictors for non‐assisted reproductive technology pregnancy. The operative time was significantly shorter with partial intussusception and endo‐to‐side than with the other techniques (P < 0.001), and the number of 10‐0 sutures was significantly less with partial intussusception and endo‐to‐side than with longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Partial intussusception and endo‐to‐side as well as end‐to‐side and longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy are feasible vasoepididymostomy techniques for epididymal obstruction. Spermatogenic function plays important roles in patency and non‐assisted reproductive technology pregnancy after vasoepididymostomy. Depending on the surgeon’s expertise, partial intussusception and endo‐to‐side provides similar functional outcomes to those of more established vasoepididymostomy techniques, such as end‐to‐side and longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy, and it could therefore be considered an effective technique for seminal reconstruction in patients with epididymal obstructive azoospermia.
Vagal‐α7nAChR signaling attenuates allergic asthma responses and facilitates asthma tolerance by regulating inflammatory group 2 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Feng Xintong , Li Ling , Feng Jingjing , He Wei , Li Na , Shi Tianyun , Jie Zhijun , Su Xiao
Published: September 2020

Disorders of immune tolerance may lead to allergic asthma. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and inflammatory ILC2s (iILC2s) are key players in asthma. The vagus nerve innervating the airways releases acetylcholine or neuropeptides (i.e. calcitonin gene‐related peptide) via pulmonary C‐fibers (PCFs), which could regulate ILC2 activity upon binding the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR, coded by Chrna7) or neuropeptide receptors. Whether and how α7nAChR and PCFs regulate asthma and the formation of asthma tolerance via ILC2s or iILC2s are poorly understood. We used vagotomized, PCF degeneration and Chrna7 knockout mice to investigate ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma and oral OVA feeding‐induced asthma tolerance. Our results revealed that vagotomy could generally suppress lung ILC2s and iILC2s, which mitigated allergic asthma responses but disrupted asthmatic tolerance. Removal of neuropeptides by PCF degeneration also reduced lung ILC2s and iILC2s, attenuating asthma responses, but did not affect asthma tolerance. In comparison, deletion of Chrna7 increased resident ILC2s and trafficking iILC2s in the lung, worsened allergic inflammation and disrupted oral tolerance. Mechanistically, deletion of Chrna7 in asthma‐tolerant conditions upregulated T helper 2 cytokine‐ (Il4, Il13 and Il25) and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P)‐related genes (S1pr1 and Sphk1). Blockade of S1P reduced iILC2 recruitment into asthmatic lungs. Our work is the first to demonstrate that vagal‐α7nAChR signaling engaging with iILC2s and S1P not only alleviates asthma but also facilitates asthma tolerance. These findings may provide a novel therapeutic target for attenuating asthma by enhancing asthmatic tolerance.
Health‐seeking behaviors of patients with acute respiratory infections during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Yang Juan , Gong Hui , Chen Xinhua , Chen Zhiyuan , Deng Xiaowei , Qian Mengcen , Hou Zhiyuan , Ajelli Marco , Viboud Cecile , Yu Hongjie
Published: September 2020

We conducted two surveys to evaluate the health‐seeking behaviors of individuals with acute respiratory infections (ARI) during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. Among 351 participants reporting ARI (10.3%, 351/3,411), 36.5% sought medical assistance. Children were more likely to seek medical assistance than other age‐groups (66.1% vs. 28.0%‐35.1%). This population‐based study demonstrates that the majority of patients with ARI symptoms did not seek medical assistance during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Wuhan. These findings may be used to refine the estimates of disease burden and clinical severity of COVID‐19 and to plan for health resources allocation.
Latitudinal patterns of alien plant invasions
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Cade Brian S. , Dawson Wayne , Essl Franz , Kreft Holger , Pergl Jan , van Kleunen Mark , Weigelt Patrick , Winter Marten , Pyšek Petr
Published: September 2020

Latitudinal patterns of biodiversity have long been a central topic in ecology and evolutionary biology. However, while most previous studies have focused on native species, little effort has been devoted to latitudinal patterns of plant invasions (with a few exceptions based on data from sparse locations). Using the most up‐to‐date worldwide native and alien plant distribution data from 801 regions (including islands), we compared invasion levels (i.e. alien richness/total richness) in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and across continental regions and islands around the globe. Results from quantile regressions using B‐splines to model nonlinearity showed (1) declining richness with increasing latitude, although the highest alien richness occurs at around 40 degrees in both hemispheres, (2) decreasing invasion levels towards higher latitudes on islands but a unimodal pattern in invasion level in continental regions in each hemisphere, (3) significantly higher invasion levels on islands than in continental regions and (4) a greater variability in invasion levels on islands at low latitudes than on high‐latitude islands. In continental regions, only the mid‐latitudes had high variability with both low and high invasion levels. Our findings identified latitudes with invasion hotspots where management is urgently needed, and latitudes with many areas of low invasions but high conservation potential where prevention of future invasions should be the priority.
Who Gives Birth (First) in Female Same‐Sex Couples in Sweden?
Authors: Boye Katarina , Evertsson Marie
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to analyze factors predicting (a) the transition to parenthood for female same‐sex couples in Sweden and (b) which partner is the birth mother for the first and (any) second child.

Background

Longitudinal studies in which couples become parents are rare for same‐sex couples in any context, even though these families are increasing. Childbearing in lesbian couples is an interesting case for testing theories linked to family utility maximization and household bargaining, as these couples can often choose who will carry a child.

Method

Discrete‐time event history and linear probability models are estimated on Swedish population register data (1995–2016) to analyze couples' transitions to first and second birth and the choice of birth mother.

Results

The higher the household income and partners' educational levels, the more likely couples are to become parents. However, within‐couple income gaps are small, and income and education are unrelated to the choice of first‐birth mother. Couples are more likely to have a second child and to switch birth mothers if both are highly educated or the first social mother is highly educated.

Conclusion

Factors predicting which couples become parents are similar in same‐sex and different‐sex couples. In same‐sex couples, short‐term within‐couple specialization is of little relevance for who becomes the birth mother. Analyses of the transition to a second birth suggest that long‐term planning matters for who becomes the first‐ and second‐birth mother.
Impact of clear aligner therapy on tooth pain and masticatory muscle soreness
Authors: Tran Johnny , Lou Tiantong , Nebiolo Bianca , Castroflorio Tommaso , Tassi Ali , Cioffi Iacopo
Published: September 2020

Background

Clinical findings suggest that orthodontic treatment with clear aligners (clear aligner therapy/CAT) may cause masticatory muscle soreness in some patients.

Objective

This multi‐site prospective study investigated tooth pain and masticatory muscle soreness and tenderness in patients undergoing CAT and explored whether psychological traits affected these outcomes.

Methods

Twenty‐seven adults (22F, 5M; mean age ± SD=35.3 ± 17.6 years) about to start CAT were recruited at three clinics. During CAT, they reported on 100‐mm visual analogue scales their tooth pain, masticatory muscle soreness and stress three times per day over 4 weeks (week 1 = baseline; week 2 = dummy aligner; week 3 = first active aligner; week 4 = second active aligner). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured at the masseter and temporalis at baseline and after week 4. Mixed models were used to evaluate the outcome measures over time.

Results

Clear aligner therapy caused mild tooth pain, which was greater with the passive than the first and second active aligners (both P < .001). Mild and clinically not relevant masticatory muscle soreness was produced by all aligners (all P < .05), with the first active aligner producing less soreness than the dummy aligner (P < .001). PPTs did not change significantly after 4 weeks. Both tooth pain and masticatory muscle soreness were affected by stress and trait anxiety, whilst muscle soreness was affected also by oral behaviours.

Conclusions

In the short term, CAT produces tooth pain and masticatory muscle soreness of limited significance. Frequent oral behaviours are related to increased masticatory muscle soreness during CAT. The medium‐ and long‐term effects of CAT should be further explored.
Fatty acid profiles of crop contents of free‐living psittacine nestlings and of commercial hand‐feeding formulas
Authors: Cornejo Juan , Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Renton Katherine , Brightsmith Donald J.
Published: September 2020

Research on psittacine nutrition is limited, and nestling requirements are poorly understood. This study analysed fatty acid (FA) profiles of crop contents of free‐living scarlet macaws (Ara macao, n = 18), red‐and‐green macaws (Ara chloropterus, n = 5), Cuban parrots (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis, n = 27), lilac‐crowned Amazons (Amazona finschi, n = 33) and thick‐billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, n = 32). The same analysis was carried out on 15 commercial parrot hand‐feeding formulas. The mean FA concentration of the crop samples of each species ranged from 15% to 53% DM for crop samples and ranged from 6% to 22% for hand‐feeding formulas. Long‐chain FA represented over 92% of all FA in the crop samples and over 81% of all FA in the commercial formulas. Parrot species shared similarities in saturation profiles of crop samples, ranging between 13%–29% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 12%–40% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 39%–58% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). All studied psittacines, except for the red‐and‐green macaw, were within the range of values for hand‐rearing formulas. Palmitic acid was the most common SFA in scarlet macaws, red‐and‐green macaws, Cuban parrot, thick‐billed parrot and in all but one commercial formula. Palmitic and stearic acids dominated the SFA in the samples of the Lilac‐crowned Amazon. Oleic acid was the most common MUFA in all hand‐feeding formulas as well as in the crop samples, except for the lilac‐crowned amazon and the thick‐billed parrot where vaccenic acid dominated. Linoleic acid was by far the most common PUFA found in the crop samples as well as in the hand‐feeding formulas. PUFA were largely dominated by the n6 family, both in the crop samples and the formulas. The data presented on nestling diets of free‐living parrot species provide a foundation for future researchers to test whether increasing FA concentration in hand‐feeding formulas improves nestling development or if species‐specific formulas will be advantageous.
A Rise in ROS and EPS Production: New Insights into the Trichodesmium erythraeum Response to Ocean Acidification
Authors: Wu Shijie , Mi Tiezhu , Zhen Yu , Yu Kaiqiang , Wang Fuwen , Yu Zhigang
Published: September 2020

The diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium is thought to be a major contributor to the new N in parts of the oligotrophic, subtropical, and tropical oceans. In this study, physiological and biochemical methods and transcriptome sequencing were used to investigate the influences of ocean acidification (OA) on Trichodesmium erythraeum (T. erythraeum). We presented evidence that OA caused by CO2 slowed the growth rate and physiological activity of T. erythraeum. OA led to reduced development of proportion of the vegetative cells into diazocytes which included up‐regulated genes of nitrogen fixation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was increased due to the disruption of photosynthetic electron transport and decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities under acidified conditions. This study showed that OA increased the amounts of (exopolysaccharides) EPS in T. erythraeum, and the key genes of ribose‐5‐phosphate (R5P) and glycosyltransferases (Tery_3818) were up‐regulated. These results provide new insight into how ROS and EPS of T. erythraeum increase in an acidified future ocean to cope with OA‐imposed stress.
Effect of resveratrol on the progression of experimental periodontitis in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis: Morphometric, immune‐enzymatic, and gene expression analysis
Authors: Molez Andréia Manetta , do Nascimento Eduarda Helena Leandro , Haiter Neto Francisco , Cirano Fabiano Ribeiro , Pimentel Suzana Peres , Ribeiro Fernanda Vieira , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Corrêa Mônica Grazieli
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine the role of resveratrol (RESV) on the progression of experimental periodontitis (EP) in ovariectomy rats (OVT).

Background

Estrogen deficiency is the main cause of osteoporosis and is related to higher periodontal attachment loss and reduction of alveolar bone. Zoledronate (ZLD) is an antiresorptive drug used to control osteoporosis but can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw. RESV, a natural product, can reduce bone loss and control and prevent osteoporosis. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the effect of RESV on the progression of EP in estrogen‐deficient rats.

Material and Methods

The animals were subjected to the OVT or sham surgery to induce estrogen‐deficiency and then were divided into the groups: OVT + RESV (n: 10); OVT + PLAC (n: 10): OVT + placebo; OVT + ZLD +PLA (n: 10); OVT + RESV +ZLD (n: 10): OVT + RESV and ZLD; SHAM (n: 10): non‐ovariectomized animals + placebo. To induce estrogen deficiency, the rats were subjected to ovariectomy. Experimental periodontitis was induced by the placement of a ligature at the second maxillary molars. Daily administration of the placebo solution, resveratrol (10 mg/kg), and ZLD (0.1 mg/kg) was carried out for a period 42 days prior to initiation of EP, and then for another 28 days following ligature placement. After euthanasia, the specimens were processed for micro‐CT and morphometric analysis of bone loss (linear measurement), and the gingival tissue surrounding the maxillary second molar was collected for the quantification of inflammatory markers using Luminex/MAGPix, of oxidative stress markers using ELISA assay, and gene expression analysis of bone markers, by real‐time PCR.

Results

Morphometric and micro‐CT analysis showed higher bone loss and lower bone density, respectively, in OVT + PLAC when compared to the other groups (P < .05). ZLD treated groups had lower alveolar bone loss, as well as, higher density and percentage of bone volume, when compared to OVT + RESV and SHAM + PLAC groups (P < .05). IL‐4 levels were significantly lower in the OVT + PLAC group versus OVT + ZLD +RESV and SHAM + PLAC (P < .05). NADPH oxidase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase) levels were significantly lower OVT + RESV group when compared to OVT + PLAC (P < .05). OPG mRNA levels were lower in OVT + PLAC compared with the SHAM + PLAC group (P < .05).

Conclusion

It can be concluded that resveratrol modulated alveolar bone loss during experimental periodontitis progression in estrogen‐deficient rats by downregulating NADPH oxidase levels.
Aortopulmonary fistula in a Warmblood mare associated with an aortic aneurysm and supravalvular aortic stenosis
Authors: Saey Veronique , Decloedt Annelies , Van Poucke Mario , Peelman Luc , van Loon Gunther , Vanderperren Katrien , Ducatelle Richard , Chiers Koen
Published: September 2020

This case report describes the clinical presentation, the necropsy findings, and genetic results of a 13‐year‐old Warmblood mare presented with colic and a bilaterally loud, holosystolic murmur. Echocardiographic examination revealed the presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, an aortic pseudoaneurysm, a periaortic hematoma (circumferential cuffing by perivascular hemorrhage), and aortopulmonary fistulation. A supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) was visible during echocardiography. Necropsy confirmed that the thoracic aortic aneurysm had ruptured and connected to the pseudoaneurysm, which fistulated into the pulmonary artery. Histologically, the aneurysm wall revealed chronic lesions such as fibrosis, mucin depositions, mineralizations, and elastin fragmentation. The mid abdominal aorta showed lesions suggestive of a systemic elastin arteriopathy. Molecular analysis, however, could not attribute this disease to a variant in the elastin gene, the most common causative gene for SVAS. To the authors' knowledge, this case report describes a case of aortopulmonary fistulation in a Warmblood horse associated with the presence of SVAS and an aortic aneurysm.
Sulfide‐dominated partial melting pathways in brachinites
Authors: Crossley Samuel D. , Ash Richard D. , Sunshine Jessica M. , Corrigan Catherine M. , McCoy Timothy J. , Mittlefehldt David W. , Puchtel Igor S.
Published: September 2020

Petrogenetic relationships among members of the brachinite family were established by analyzing major and trace element concentrations of minerals for 9 representative specimens: Al Huwaysah 010, Eagles Nest, Northwest Africa (NWA) 4882, NWA 5363, NWA 7297, NWA 7299, NWA 11756, Ramlat as Sahmah (RaS) 309, and Reid 013. The brachinite family, which includes brachinites and ungrouped achondrites with compositional and isotopic similarities to brachinites, comprises FeO‐rich, olivine‐dominated achondrites whose compositional and mineralogic variability is correlated with oxidation state. Most classical brachinites are derived from precursors that were more oxidized and sulfur‐rich than those of ungrouped “brachinite‐like” achondrites. This is manifest in the distinct Fe‐Ni‐S systems among brachinite family precursors, which were sulfide‐dominated for the most oxidized brachinites and metal‐dominated for the least oxidized brachinite‐like achondrites. Consequently, highly siderophile element behavior was controlled through melting and removal of their dominant host phase in the precursor, which was likely pentlandite in sulfide‐dominated systems and kamacite/taenite in metal‐dominated systems. Anomalous Ir/Os and Pt/Os ratios of oxidized brachinites may be attributed to selective complexing during melting of As‐rich pentlandite, consistent with our observations of impact‐melted sulfides in R chondrite NWA 11304, although further experimental work is needed to model this process. The apparent redox trend among the brachinite family is consistent with silicate FeO content and Fe/Mn ratios, which may be used as a proxy for determining the relative oxidation state of brachinite family members. Based on our analyses, we make several recommendations for reclassification of samples into a continuum of oxidized to reduced endmembers for the brachinite family. Along with a common range of Δ17O, this evidence is consistent with either formation on a common heterogeneous parent body, or at least from the same nebular reservoir, with variable O and S fugacities, resulting in mineralogically distinct igneous products for oxidized and reduced endmembers. Sulfur‐bearing, oxidized differentiation may extend to other bodies that formed at or beyond the snow line in the early solar system, and should be considered when interpreting observational data for asteroids in upcoming missions.
A 6.5‐kb intergenic structural variation enhances P450‐mediated resistance to pyrethroids in malaria vectors lowering bed net efficacy
Authors: Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Menze Benjamin D. , Tchouakui Magellan , Wondji Murielle J. , Irving Helen , Tchoupo Micareme , Hearn Jack , Weedall Gareth D. , Riveron Jacob M. , Cho‐Ngwa Fidelis , Wondji Charles S.
Published: September 2020

Elucidating the complex evolutionary armory that mosquitoes deploy against insecticides is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of insecticide‐based interventions. Here, we deciphered the role of a 6.5‐kb structural variation (SV) in driving cytochrome P450‐mediated pyrethroid resistance in the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus. Whole‐genome pooled sequencing detected an intergenic 6.5‐kb SV between duplicated CYP6P9a/b P450s in pyrethroid‐resistant mosquitoes through a translocation event. Promoter analysis revealed a 17.5‐fold higher activity (p < .0001) for the SV− carrying fragment than the SV− free one. Quantitative real‐time PCR expression profiling of CYP6P9a/b for each SV genotype supported its role as an enhancer because SV+/SV+ homozygote mosquitoes had a significantly greater expression for both genes than heterozygotes SV+/SV− (1.7‐ to 2‐fold) and homozygotes SV−/SV− (4‐to 5‐fold). Designing a PCR assay revealed a strong association between this SV and pyrethroid resistance (SV+/SV+ vs. SV−/SV−; odds ratio [OR] = 2,079.4, p < .001). The 6.5‐kb SV is present at high frequency in southern Africa (80%–100%) but absent in East/Central/West Africa. Experimental hut trials revealed that homozygote SV mosquitoes had a significantly greater chance to survive exposure to pyrethroid‐treated nets (OR 27.7; p < .0001) and to blood feed than susceptible mosquitoes. Furthermore, mosquitoes homozygote‐resistant at the three loci (SV+/CYP6P9a_R/CYP6P9b_R) exhibited a higher resistance level, leading to a far superior ability to survive exposure to nets than those homozygotes susceptible at the three loci, revealing a strong additive effect. This study highlights the important role of structural variations in the development of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and their detrimental impact on the effectiveness of pyrethroid‐based nets.
Asphalt pavement modulus backcalculation using surface deflections under moving loads
Authors: Wu Chaoyang , Wang Hao , Zhao Jingnan , Jiang Xin , Qiu Yanjun
Published: September 2020

The measurement of pavement surface deflections under moving loads can be used for evaluation of pavement structural condition. The objective of this paper is to develop an innovative backcalculation method to calculate pavement layer moduli based on traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) measurements and analyze factors influencing backcalculation results. The backcalculation method is based on 2.5D finite element method (FEM) and constrained extended Kalman filter (CEKF). Field measurements at different pavement sections were used to verify the accuracy of backcalculation results. Parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the influences of traffic loading and pavement structure variations in the field. It was found that the backcalculation results were considerably affected by the variation of asphalt layer thickness and dynamic loading due to pavement surface roughness. A heavy truck passing the adjacent lane during TSD testing could also cause variation of backcalculation results.
Automatic railroad track components inspection using real‐time instance segmentation
Authors: Guo Feng , Qian Yu , Wu Yunpeng , Leng Zhen , Yu Huayang
Published: September 2020

In the United States, to ensure railroad safety and keep its efficient operation, regular track inspections on track component defects are required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Various types of inspection equipment are applied, such as ground penetrating radar, laser, and LiDAR, but they are usually very expensive and require extensive training and rich experience to operate. To date, track inspections still rely heavily on manual inspections which are low‐efficiency, subjective, and not as accurate as desired, especially for missing and broken track components, such as spikes, clips, and tie plates. To address this issue, a real‐time pixel‐level rail components detection framework to inspect tracks timely and accurately is proposed in this study. The first public rail components image database, including rails, spikes, and clips, is built and released online. A real‐time pixel‐level detection framework with improved real‐time instance segmentation models is developed. The improved models leverage fast object detection and highly accurate instance segmentation. Backbones with more granular levels and receptive fields are implemented in the proposed models. Compared with the original YOLACT and Mask R‐CNN models, the proposed models are able to: (1) achieve 59.9 bbox mAP, and 63.6 mask mAP with the customized dataset, which are higher than the other models and (2) achieve a real‐time speed which is over 30 FPS processing a high‐resolution video (1,080 × 1,092) with a single GPU. The fast processing speed can quickly turn inspection videos into useful information to assist track maintenance. The railroad track components image dataset can be accessed at https://github.com/jonguo111/Rail_components_image_data
Prevalence and distribution of pathogen infection and permethrin resistance in tropical and temperate populations of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. collected worldwide
Authors: Tucker N. S. G. , Weeks E. N. I. , Beati L. , Kaufman P. E.
Published: September 2020

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) Latreille (Acari: Ixodidae), is a peridomestic, cosmopolitan parasite of dogs known to vector numerous pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Recent phylogenetic analyses separate this tick into temperate and tropical lineages. Populations of Rh. sanguineus s.l. have been reported to exhibit sodium channel target site insensitivity to permethrin and etofenprox, which is likely due to the prolonged use of pyrethroids against many pests in and around the home. In this study, populations collected in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, were tested to identify the distribution of a known resistance mechanism, pathogen–vector interactions and phylogeny in relation to latitude. Using molecular assays, populations from 29 distinct locations were simultaneously geographically typed and screened for bacterial infection by Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Babesia and Hepatozoon species, and for the presence of a sodium channel single nucleotide polymorphism known to confer permethrin resistance. Implications of these results on Rh. sanguineus s.l. management in association with geographical distribution will be discussed.
Impact of difficult sedation on the management and outcome of critically ill patients
Authors: Gil Castillejos Diana , Rubio María Lourdes , Ferre Carmen , de Gracia Mª de los Ángeles , Bodí María , Sandiumenge Alberto
Published: September 2020

Background

The term “difficult sedation” (DS) refers to situations of therapeutic failure, tolerance, or deprivation of the sedatives administered.

Aims

To characterize the profile of patients who developed DS and to assess its impact on the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and intensive care unit length of stay (ICU‐LOS), as well as other complications related to their stay.

Design

A prospective descriptive analysis was conducted of the practices of analgesia/sedation in a medical‐surgical intensive care unit (ICU) over a 2‐year period.

Methods

All critically ill patients undergoing MV and sedation for more than 24 hours were prospectively followed until death or discharge. Demographic data, type, duration, complications of analgesia/sedation, and clinical outcome during ICU stay were recorded. Patients who developed DS were compared with those who were not difficult to sedate (not‐DS).

Results

A total of 327 patients were included, 24.1% of whom were difficult to sedate (DS). Patients in the DS group were younger (P = .001); less severely ill (P = .003); and were more likely to have a history of smoking (P = .045), alcohol (P < .001), and psychotropic use (P = .001) than the not‐DS group. Patients included in the DS group were sedated for longer periods (P < .001) and required higher doses of midazolam (P < .036), propofol (P = .023), and remifentanyl (P = .026) than those in the not‐DS group. Difficult‐to‐sedate patients were twice as likely to require more than one sedative simultaneously (P < .001), presented more periods of over‐sedation (P = .031)/under‐sedation (P = .024), and suffered more pain (P < .001) than patients in the not‐DS group. Patients in the DS group had prolonged MV times (P < .001), developed more pressure ulcers (P > .001) and ventilator‐associated pneumonias (P = .025), and were more likely to require tracheotomy (P = .001) than those in the not‐DS group.

Conclusion

DS develops in one of four critically ill patients and has a negative impact on their outcomes.Early identification of the clinical profile of this group and active prevention and treatment are essential strategies in order to minimize its impact.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

A quarter of mechanically ventilated patients may develop situations of DS, which negatively affects their outcome. Early detection and prevention of DS are essential to minimize its impact.