bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wonderland and the rabbit hole: A commentary on university students’ alcohol use during first year and the early transition to university
Authors: Riordan Benjamin C. , Carey Kate B.
Published: November 2018

For new students, university can be a wonderland of opportunity. But the first few weeks of the university experience are also typified by change, stress and uncertainty. From a health promotion perspective, the first few weeks of the university experience present an important yet understudied opportunity for alcohol misuse prevention. In this narrative review, we distinguish students’ alcohol use during their first year at university from what is known about their use in the first few weeks on campus. First, we outline the developmental context of the first year experience and the descriptive epidemiology of alcohol use and consequences. Second, we highlight how distinctly different the first few weeks of the university experience are relative to the rest of the academic year and overview the limited research on alcohol use and consequences during the first few weeks. Third, we overview the limited number of strategies that have focused on reducing alcohol use during the transition to university. Finally, we offer a number of suggestions for future research. A better understanding of the nature and determinants of alcohol use and consequences during the transition to university is critical to designing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Patterns and drivers of long‐term changes in breeding bird communities in a global biodiversity hotspot in Mexico
Authors: Flesch Aaron D.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate changes in breeding bird communities and assess implications for conservation.

Location

Madrean Sky Islands and northern Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.

Methods

I compared observations from recent fieldwork (2009–2012) with an extensive historical data set (1887–1954) and used modelling and multivariate techniques to assess spatiotemporal changes in species occurrence, richness and assemblage composition, and associations with climate, land use and landscape factors.

Results

Breeding species richness peaked in larger ranges often in the south and east, and regional beta diversity was attributable much more to turnover (0.80) than nestedness (0.07). Although richness increased across time, spatial assemblage heterogeneity declined due only to changes in nestedness, with temporal shifts in beta diversity equally attributable to variation in nestedness and turnover. Community change was associated with variation in climate, land use and landscape factors in ways that depended on species’ traits. Major gains in Madrean and lowland Neotropical species from the south contrasted little change in Nearctic species, and there was some evidence lowland species expanded eastward into the higher‐elevation interior, suggesting poleward and up‐elevation shifts now occurring globally. Some such patterns were associated with increasing temperature and summer–fall precipitation typical of the south suggesting climate forcing. Despite regional gains in pine‐dependent species linked to post‐logging forest recovery, losses and turnover were greater in smaller more arid ranges due likely to climate‐mediated habitat loss. High regional losses of cavity‐nesting species in forest were greater in ranges subjected to past logging indicating effects of historical habitat degradation persist today.

Main conclusion

Despite ongoing forest recovery and potential for northward range expansion to offset climate‐mediated losses of montane species, further assemblage homogenization seems likely. Active forest restoration that promotes large old trees, snags and mature forest conditions combined with increasing the capacity of local communities to implement best management practices will enhance conservation.
Comparative study of electrical and rheological properties of different solutions used in endoscopic mucosal resection
Authors: Bon Ignacio , Bartolí Ramón , Cano‐Sarabia Mary , de la Ossa Napoleón , de Vega Vicente Moreno , Marín Ingrid , Boix Jaume , Lorenzo‐Zúñiga Vicente
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

The study of electrical and rheological properties of solutions to carry out endoscopic resection procedures could determinate the best candidate. An ex vivo study with porcine stomachs was conducted to analyze electrical resistivity (R) and rheological properties (temperature, viscosity, height and lasting of the cushion) of different substances used in these techniques.

Methods

Tested solutions were: 0.9% saline (S), platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), Gliceol (GC), hyaluronic acid 2% (HA), Pluronic‐F127 20% (PL), saline with 10% glucose (GS), Gelaspan (GP), Covergel‐BiBio (TB) and PRP with TB (PRP+TB). Measurements of electrical and rheological properties were done at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after submucosal injection.

Results

Solutions showed a wide variability of transepithelial R after submucosal injection. Substances able to maintain the highest R 60 min postinjection were TB (7 × 104 Ω), HA (7 × 104 Ω) and PL (7 × 104 Ω). Protective solutions against deep thermal injury (Tª lower than 60°C) were PL (47.6°C), TB (55°C) and HA (56.63°C). Shortest time to carry out resections were observed with GC (17.66″), PRP (20.3″) and GS (23.45″). Solutions with less cushion decrease (<25%) after 60 min were TB (11.74%), PL (18.63%) and PRP (22.12%).

Conclusions

Covergel‐BiBio, PL and HA were the best solutions with long‐term protective effects (transepithelial R, lower thermal injury and less cushion decrease). Solutions with quicker resection time were GC, PRP and GS.
Coupled land use and ecological models reveal emergence and feedbacks in socio‐ecological systems
Authors: Synes Nicholas W. , Brown Calum , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Bocedi Greta , Osborne Patrick E. , Watts Kevin , Franklin Janet , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: November 2018

Understanding the dynamics of socio‐ecological systems is crucial to the development of environmentally sustainable practices. Models of social or ecological sub‐systems have greatly enhanced such understanding, but at the risk of obscuring important feedbacks and emergent effects. Integrated modelling approaches have the potential to address this shortcoming by explicitly representing linked socio‐ecological dynamics. We developed a socio‐ecological system model by coupling an existing agent‐based model of land‐use dynamics and an individual‐based model of demography and dispersal. A hypothetical case‐study was established to simulate the interaction of crops and their pollinators in a changing agricultural landscape, initialised from a spatially random distribution of natural assets. The bi‐directional coupled model predicted larger changes in crop yield and pollinator populations than a unidirectional uncoupled version. The spatial properties of the system also differed, the coupled version revealing the emergence of spatial land‐use clusters that neither supported nor required pollinators. These findings suggest that important dynamics may be missed by uncoupled modelling approaches, but that these can be captured through the combination of currently‐available, compatible model frameworks. Such model integrations are required to further fundamental understanding of socio‐ecological dynamics and thus improve management of socio‐ecological systems.
Progressive muscle relaxation therapy to relieve dental anxiety: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Eun S. , Yim Hyeon W. , Lee Kang S.
Published: November 2018

Dental anxiety causes patients to refuse or delay treatment, which may exacerbate oral diseases. The aim of the current randomized controlled trial was to determine whether progressive muscle relaxation therapy could relieve dental anxiety. The trial included 68 periodontal patients with dental anxiety scores of ≥13 who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group (n = 34 per group). The intervention group was administered progressive muscle relaxation therapy for 20 min and oral health education for 15 min before periodontal treatment once per week for 4 wk. The control group was provided with oral health education only, for the same duration. Changes in dental anxiety, depression symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate, and salivary cortisol were evaluated 4 wk and 3 months after the intervention. The intervention group exhibited statistically significantly greater reductions in dental anxiety scores than did the control group at the 4‐wk (−3.82 vs. −0.89) and 3‐month (−4.22 vs. −0.28) assessments. They also exhibited significantly greater reductions in depression symptoms, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and salivary cortisol levels at both time‐points. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy relieves tension and anxiety in dental patients.
Crystal structures of VIM‐1 complexes explain active site heterogeneity in VIM‐class metallo‐β‐lactamases
Authors: Salimraj Ramya , Hinchliffe Philip , Kosmopoulou Magda , Tyrrell Jonathan M. , Brem Jürgen , van Berkel Sander S. , Verma Anil , Owens Raymond J. , McDonough Michael A. , Walsh Timothy R. , Schofield Christopher J. , Spencer James
Published: November 2018

Metallo‐β‐Lactamases (MBLs) protect bacteria from almost all β‐lactam antibiotics. Verona integron‐encoded MBL (VIM) enzymes are among the most clinically important MBLs, with VIM‐1 increasing in carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) that are among the hardest bacterial pathogens to treat. VIM enzymes display sequence variation at residues (224 and 228) that in related MBLs are conserved and participate in substrate binding. How they accommodate this variability, while retaining catalytic efficiency against a broad substrate range, has remained unclear. Here, we present crystal structures of VIM‐1 and its complexes with a substrate‐mimicking thioenolate inhibitor, ML302F, that restores meropenem activity against a range of VIM‐1 producing clinical strains, and the hydrolysed product of the carbapenem meropenem. Comparison of these two structures identifies a water‐mediated hydrogen bond, between the carboxylate group of substrate/inhibitor and the backbone carbonyl of the active site zinc ligand Cys221, that is common to both complexes. Structural comparisons show that the responsible Cys221‐bound water is observed in all known VIM structures, participates in carboxylate binding with other inhibitor classes, and thus effectively replicates the role of the conserved Lys224 in analogous complexes with other MBLs. These results provide a mechanism for substrate binding that permits the variation at positions 224 and 228 that is a hallmark of VIM MBLs.

Enzymes

EC 3.5.2.6

Databases

Co‐ordinates and structure factors for protein structures described in this manuscript have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (www.rcsb.org/pdb) with accession codes 5N5G (VIM‐1), 5N5H (VIM‐1:ML302F complex) and 5N5I (VIM‐1‐hydrolysed meropenem complex).
FANCD2 protects genome stability by recruiting RNA processing enzymes to resolve R‐loops during mild replication stress
Authors: Okamoto Yusuke , Abe Masako , Itaya Akiko , Tomida Junya , Ishiai Masamichi , Takaori‐Kondo Akifumi , Taoka Masato , Isobe Toshiaki , Takata Minoru
Published: November 2018

R‐loops, which consist of DNA : RNA hybrids and displaced single‐strand DNA, are a major threat to genome stability. We have previously reported that a key Fanconi anemia protein, FANCD2, accumulates on large fragile genes during mild replication stress in a manner depending on R‐loops. In this study, we found that FANCD2 suppresses R‐loop levels. Furthermore, we identified FANCD2 interactions with RNA processing factors, including hnRNP U and DDX47. Our data suggest that FANCD2, which accumulates with R‐loops in chromatin, recruits these factors and thereby promotes efficient processing of long RNA transcripts. This may lead to a reduction in transcription–replication collisions, as detected by PLA between PCNA and RNA Polymerase II, and hence, lowered R‐loop levels. We propose that this mechanism might contribute to maintenance of genome stability during mild replication stress.
Movement and thermal niche of the first satellite‐tagged Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone)
Authors: Arostegui Martin C. , Braun Camrin D. , Gaube Peter
Published: November 2018

The Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone) is one of the least‐studied istiophorid billfishes, with little known of its biology, ecology, and behavior. To assess the species’ movement and thermal niche, we analyzed telemetry data from, to our knowledge, the first and only Mediterranean spearfish ever outfitted with a pop‐up satellite archival transmitting tag. Throughout a 29‐day deployment during July and August 2015, the fish travelled in Italian waters of the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas, spending on average 93% of each 24‐hr period above 30 m and exhibiting a diel activity pattern comprised of daytime vertical movement and nighttime near‐surface residency. The preferred thermal niche was 26–28°C, but the spearfish experienced temperatures as low as 14.2°C during descents. Vertical distribution was limited throughout the deployment with more time spent at depth in areas where the thermocline was comparatively deeper and weaker, consistent with habitat compression experienced by other billfishes.
The Dual‐Domain Porosity Apparatus: Characterizing Dual Porosity at the Sediment/Water Interface
Authors: Scruggs Courtney R. , Briggs Martin , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Werkema Dale , Lane John W.
Published: November 2018

The characterization of pore‐space connectivity in porous media at the sediment/water interface is critical in understanding contaminant transport and reactive biogeochemical processes in zones of groundwater and surface‐water exchange. Previous in situ studies of dual‐domain (i.e., mobile/less‐mobile porosity) systems have been limited to solute tracer injections at scales of meters to hundreds of meters and subsequent numerical model parameterization using fluid concentration histories. Pairing fine‐scale (e.g., sub‐meter) geoelectrical measurements with fluid tracer data over time alleviates dependence on flowpath‐scale experiments, enabling spatially targeted characterization of shallow sediment/water interface media where biogeochemical reactivity is often high. The Dual‐Domain Porosity Apparatus is a field‐tested device capable of variable rate‐controlled downward flow experiments. The Dual‐Domain Porosity Apparatus facilitates inference of dual‐domain parameters, i.e., mobile/less‐mobile exchange rate coefficient and the ratio of less mobile to mobile porosity. The Dual‐Domain Porosity Apparatus experimental procedure uses water electrical conductivity as a conservative tracer of differential loading and flushing of pore spaces within the region of measurement. Variable injection rates permit the direct quantification of the flow‐dependence of dual‐domain parameters, which has been theorized for decades but remains challenging to assess using existing experimental methodologies.
Relative potency of proton‐pump inhibitors, Helicobacter pylori therapy cure rates, and meaning of double‐dose PPI
Authors: Graham David Y. , Lu Hong , Dore Maria Pina
Published: November 2018

Background

Helicobacter pylori treatment recommendations often recommend use of double‐dose PPI or greater. This is confusing because PPIs very markedly in relative potency such that a double dose of one may not even be equivalent to the single dose of another.

Objective

To relate the concept of double‐dose to specific amounts of the different PPIs

Methods

We used data standardizing PPI potency in terms of the duration of intragastric pH >4/24 hours (pH4‐time) to rank PPIs. Relative potency varies from 4.5 mg omeprazole equivalents (20 mg pantoprazole) to 72 mg omeprazole equivalents (40 mg rabeprazole).

Results

We defined PPI dosing for H. pylori therapy as low dose (eg, approximately 20 mg omeprazole equivalents, b.i.d.), high or double dose as approximately 40 mg omeprazole equivalents, b.i.d.) and high dose as approximately 60 mg omeprazole equivalents, b.i.d.). For example, standard double dose PPI would thus be 40 mg of omeprazole, 20 mg of esomeprazole or rabeprazole, 45 mg of lansoprazole, or 120 mg of pantoprazole each given b.i.d.

Conclusions

Simply doubling the dose of any PPI achieves markedly different effects on pH4‐time. However, PPIs can be used interchangeably and cost effectively based on their omeprazole equivalency.
Late diagnosis, delayed presentation and late presentation among persons enrolled in a clinical HIV cohort in Ontario, Canada (1999–2013)
Authors: Wilton J , Light L , Gardner S , Rachlis B , Conway T , Cooper C , Cupido P , Kendall CE , Loutfy M , McGee F , Murray J , Lush J , Rachlis A , Wobeser W , Bacon J , Kroch AE , Gilbert M , Rourke SB , Burchell AN ,   Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) Cohort Study Team
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Timely HIV diagnosis and presentation to medical care are important for treatment and prevention. Our objective was to measure late diagnosis, delayed presentation and late presentation among individuals in the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study (OCS) who were newly diagnosed in Ontario.

Methods

The OCS is a multi‐site clinical cohort study of people living with HIV in Ontario, Canada. We measured prevalence of late diagnosis [CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or an AIDS‐defining condition (ADC) within 3 months of HIV diagnosis], delayed presentation (≥ 3 months from HIV diagnosis to presentation to care), and late presentation (CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or ADC within 3 months of presentation). We identified characteristics associated with these outcomes and explored their overlap.

Results

A total of 1819 OCS participants were newly diagnosed in Ontario from 1999 to 2013. Late diagnosis (53.0%) and presentation (54.0%) were common, and a quarter (23.1%) of participants were delayed presenters. In multivariable models, the participants of delayed presentation decreased over calendar time, but that of late diagnosis/presentation did not. Late diagnosis contributed to the majority (> 87%) of late presentation, and the prevalence of delayed presentation was similar among those diagnosed late versus early (13.4 versus 13.4%, respectively; P = 0.99). Characteristics associated with higher odds of late diagnosis/presentation in multivariable analyses included older age at diagnosis/presentation; African, Caribbean and Black race/ethnicity; Indigenous race/ethnicity; female sex; and being a male who did not report sex with men. There were lower odds of late diagnosis/presentation among participants who had ever injected drugs. In contrast, delayed presentation risk factors included younger age at diagnosis and having ever injected drugs.

Conclusions

Late presentation is common in Ontario, as it is in other high‐income countries. Our findings suggest that efforts to reduce late presentation should focus on facilitating earlier diagnosis for the populations identified in this analysis.
Transient growth‐enhancing effects of elevated maternal thyroid hormones at no apparent oxidative cost during early postnatal period
Authors: Hsu Bin‐Yan , Doligez Blandine , Gustafsson Lars , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: November 2018

Maternal thyroid hormones (THs) have been proven crucial for embryonic development in humans, but their influence within the natural variation on wild animals remains unknown. So far the only two studies that experimentally investigated the potential fitness consequences of maternal THs in birds found inconsistent results. More studies are thus required to assess the general effects of maternal THs and their influences on more behavioral and physiological parameters. In this study, we experimentally elevated yolk TH content in a wild migratory passerine species, the collared flycatcherFicedula albicollis, to investigate the effects on hatching success, nestling growth and oxidative stress. We found that TH‐injected eggs had a higher hatching success, and the nestlings hatched from TH‐injected eggs were heavier and larger than control nestlings, but only during the early postnatal period. These differences vanished by fledging. Nestlings from TH‐injected eggs exhibited lower activity of the glutathione‐s‐transferase, a major antioxidant enzyme, than control nestlings at day 12, a few days before fledging, but they did not differ in oxidative damage and overall intracellular oxidative state. These results suggest that the early growth‐enhancing effects incurred no observable oxidative stress. We hypothesize that such a transient growth‐enhancing effect might be adaptive in advancing the development and maturation of the offspring so they are well‐prepared in time for the upcoming migration. Further studies investigating whether such advancing effects can influence long‐term fitness, will be more than valuable.
Greater early epinephrine rise with head‐up posture: A marker of increased syncope susceptibility in vasovagal fainters
Authors: Kohno Ritsuko , Detloff Barry L. S. , Chen Lin Yee , Norby Faye L. , Benditt David G.
Published: November 2018

Background

Head‐up tilt (HUT) is widely used for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected vasovagal syncope (VVS), but also offers an opportunity to study VVS pathophysiology. In this regard, it is known that plasma epinephrine (Epi) levels and Epi/norepinephrine (NE) ratio are markedly increased from baseline at the time of HUT‐induced VVS. However, whether these changes contribute to VVS susceptibility remains uncertain.

Objective

We hypothesized that if catecholamines contributed to VVS directly, then a greater increase of plasma Epi and Epi/NE ratio early during HUT would be associated with shorter time to syncope.

Methods

The patient population comprised 33 individuals (14 men, 43 ± 2 years) with suspected VVS in whom 70° HUT reproduced symptoms. Arterial Epi and NE concentrations were collected at baseline (supine) and 2 minutes of HUT. Linear, exponential, and multiple regression were used to access the association between changing catecholamine levels and time to syncope.

Results

Mean ± SD time to positive HUT was 11 (7.6) minutes. Higher plasma Epi levels (pg/mL) both at baseline and at 2 minutes upright correlated with shorter time to syncope (baseline, R = −0.35, P = 0.048; and 2 minutes, R = −0.58, P = 0.001). Similarly, a greater Epi/NE ratio at 2 minutes head‐up correlated with earlier time to syncope (R = −0.49, P = 0.007). These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.006 and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

Greater Epi levels and Epi/NE ratio early during HUT were associated with shorter time to VVS, suggesting a possible contribution to VVS susceptibility.
Maize Iranian mosaic virus infection promotes the energy sources of its insect vector, Laodelphax striatellus
Authors: Moeini Pedram , Tahmasebi Aminallah
Published: November 2018

Maize Iranian mosaic virus (MIMV, family Rhabdoviridae) causes an important disease in cereal crops in Iran. It is transmitted by the planthopper Laodelphax striatellus in a persistent, propagative manner. In the present study, the effect of MIMV on the energy reserves of L. striatellus was studied by comparing energy contents in viruliferous and non‐viruliferous insects. Results showed that MIMV‐infected male and female adults, and nymphs stored 1.82, 2.24 and 1.7‐fold more total energy reserves than non‐viruliferous individuals. This is consistent with a 2.55‐fold increase of the total energy (sum of energy sources in nymphs and adults) of viruliferous compared to non‐viruliferous specimens. A significant increase in glycogen (2.26‐fold), carbohydrate (2.13‐fold), lipid (1.63‐fold) and protein (1.96‐fold) was documented in viruliferous insects compared to non‐viruliferous insects. Based on these results, we conclude that MIMV enhances the energy reserves of its vector and therefore, may play a vital role in the ecology of L. striatellus.
A hybrid AHP‐TOPSIS method for prospectively modeling of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration of strawberry
Authors: Noshad Mohammad , Savari Moslem , Roueita Ghaniye
Published: November 2018

In this study, the AHP‐TOPSIS method was used to optimize the best condition of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration of strawberry under different process conditions of ultrasonic frequency levels (37 and 80 KHz) and ultrasonic time (20–40 min). For this purpose, two physical criteria (texture, taste, flavor, color, water loss, and solid gain) and a chemical measure (vitamin C content and total anthocyanin content) were to evaluate the optimum condition of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration of strawberry. Results showed WL and SG increased by an increase in ultrasonic duration. Firmness decreased by an increase in frequency level. The amount of vitamin C and total anthocyanin content decreases in the samples by increasing frequency and duration of ultrasonic waves. Finally, the calculation of relative proximity to ideal solution of this criterion indicated that products (time 30 min; frequency 37 KHz) and (time 20 min; frequency 37 KHz) dedicate ranks first and second among calculated options.

Practical applications

Considering several factors affecting ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration, choosing the optimal condition based on multi‐criteria decision making is complex and not easily possible. For this reason, multi‐criteria decision‐making methods have been developed that help to solve these problems. Among the multi‐criteria decision‐making methods, the AHP‐TOPSIS method is considered as an effective method considering the quantitative and qualitative conditions and variables simultaneously. In this study for the first time, aimed to use the AHP‐TOPSIS method to optimize the best condition of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration of strawberries. According to the AHP‐TOPSIS method based on physicochemical properties, the strawberries were dried in condition (time: 30 min; frequency: 37 KHz) was best quality compared to the other products. The results showed that AHP‐TOPSIS method can be used as a novel method for optimizing the condition process of food products.
Labor Force Status, Transitions, and Mothers' and Fathers' Parenting Stress: Direct and Cross‐Spousal Influences
Authors: Craig Lyn , Churchill Brendan
Published: November 2018

Objective: To investigate relationships between parenting stress and the labor force status and transitions of fathers and mothers, including cross‐spousal effects.

Background: Parenting is a demanding role, which can be stressful depending on access to resources and support. Relationships between employment and parenting stress vary by class and gender, but little is known about the effect of transitions—short‐term changes—in labor force status.

Method: Using nationally representative longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey (n = 4,387 mothers and 4,033 fathers with children younger than age 17) and fixed effects modeling of data over 15 waves, the study examined relationships between parenting stress and mothers and fathers labor force status and transitions between full‐time work, part‐time work, and being out of the labor force.

Results: Mothers report higher parenting stress when they are employed part‐time. For both mothers and fathers, having a nonemployed partner is associated with lower parenting stress, but a partner's transition to this status is associated with higher parenting stress.

Conclusion: Both mothers and fathers find parenting stressful, and this can be compounded by their employment situation, especially for mothers. Cross‐spousal linkages are also important, notably that having a partner not in the labor force is associated with lower parenting stress for employed parents of both genders and is likely because care can be delegated to the home‐based parent.
Technique to Confirm Occlusal Contact Using an Articulating Paper Holder Equipped with Tongue Depressor
Authors: Tanoue Naomi , Ayuse Terumi , Fujiwara Taku , Ayuse Takao
Published: November 2018

This technical report describes a simple procedure for verifying occlusal contact with the use of a new device that combines the functions of a tongue depressor and an articulating paper holder. Verifying occlusal contact and/or the maxillomandibular relationship record can be expected to be simpler and easier with this device compared to the conventional holder, especially for patients with tongue hypertrophy or obesity and those treated under general anesthesia, among others.
“It's Like Two Roles We're Playing”: Parent Perspectives on Navigating Self‐Directed Service Programs with Adult Children with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Brown Melissa , Harry Melissa , Mahoney Kevin
Published: November 2018

Publicly funded self‐directed budgets for purchasing community‐based long‐term services and supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) have become a wide‐spread service model in the United States and internationally. The current study aims to understand parents' experiences in navigating self‐directed support programs with their adult child with IDD. We utilized qualitative content analysis of interviews with 26 parents of adult children with IDD enrolled in self‐directed budget programs in five U.S. states. Twenty‐four parents reported numerous programmatic barriers to person‐centered supports falling within three thematic areas: administrative issues, budgeting challenges, and inadequate supports. Parents of adult children with IDD value self‐directed supports, although programs cannot cover all possible independent living needs due to a number of factors, including unavailability of desired supports, program rules, or budget limitations. As practices vary by program, our research suggests approaches from different programs that families may find helpful.
Nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth in the presence or absence of gingival inflammation in rats
Authors: Morisaki I. , Kato K. , Loyola-Rodriguez J. P. , Nagata T. , Ishida H.
Published: November 2018

One adverse effect of nifedipine, a long‐acting vasodilator, is gingival overgrowth. Preexisting gingival inflammation and/or dental plaque has been suggested to be responsible for the progression of this side effect, but the precise mechanism is uncertain because of a lack of suitable animal models. A study was therefore done to establish an experimental model of gingival overgrowth in rats and to investigate the possible involvement of gingival inflammation and/or dental plaque in its development. Specific pathogen‐free Fischer rats (male, 14 days old) were used . Gingival inflammation and dental plaque accumulation were induced by infection with Streptococccus mutans MT8148R. The nifedipine‐treated rats (experimental group) were fed a caries‐inducing diet contai ning nifedipine either with or without infection, while the nifedipine‐untreated rats (control group) were fed the same diet, similarly with or with out the infection. Marked gingival overgrowth was induced in the mandibular molar region of nifedipine‐treated rats regardless of S. mutans infection, although the infection resulted in a further increase in the degree of gingival overgrowth. Histological examination of the gingival overgrowth revealed the presence of redundant subepithelial connective tissue in the treated rats, and inflammatory cell infiltration was apparent only in the tissue of the S. mutans‐infected rats regardless of the nifedipine administration. These findings suggest that nifedipine induces gingival overgrowth in rats either in the presence or absence of gingival inflammatio n and/or dental plaque, although these factors can augment the effect of the drug. Our experimental system seems to be a useful model for studying the mechanism of this side effect.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against bacterial lectin of Eikenella corrodens
Authors: Nakae Hideaki , Ebisu Shigeyuki , Okada Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

A lectin‐like substance (EcLS) was purified from the Eikenella corrodens 1073 cell and monoclonal antibodies were produced against it to confirm the role of EcLS in adhesive properties of E. corrodens such as hemagglutination and coaggregation with oral bacteria. Four hybridoma clones were selected. Two of the antibodies were of the IgGI isotype and the others were of the IgG2b isotype. These monoclonal antibodies inhibited both the hemagglutination of E. corrodens and the coaggregation with Actinomyces viscosus or Streptococcus sanguis. The reactivity of the monoclonal antibody to E. corrodens 1073 was significantly higher than that to E. corrodens 1080 of which adhesive activity was weaker than that of E. corrodens 1073. These findings suggest the difference in adhesive properties is due to the difference in the amount of EcLS expressed on the cell surface. The immunoelectron microscopic study revealed that EcLS of E. corrodens 1073 was localized in the outer space of outer membrane, not in cell surface appendages such as fimbriae where bacteria possessed adhesin. These results suggest that coaggregation of E. corrodens with A. viscosus or S. sanguis was mediated by EcLS.
Should Measures of Health Care Availability Be Based on the Providers or the Procedures? A Case Study with Implications for Rural Colorectal Cancer Disparities
Authors: Josey Michele J. , Eberth Jan M. , Mobley Lee R. , Schootman Mario , Probst Janice C. , Strayer Scott M. , Sercy Erica
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) living in rural areas have lower survival rates than those in urban areas, potentially because of lack of access to quality CRC screening and treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional physician density (ie, colonoscopy provider availability per capita) against a new physician density measure using an example case of colonoscopy volume and quality. The latter is particularly relevant for rural providers, who may have fewer patients and are more frequently nongastroenterologists.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2014 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database and the National Cancer Institute State Cancer Profile Database. Volume‐weighted physician density scores at the state and county levels were created, accounting for (1) the physician's annual colonoscopy volume and (2) whether the physician performs ≥100 procedures per year. We compared volume‐weighted versus traditional density, overall and by rurality, and examined their correlation with CRC screening, incidence, and mortality rates.

Findings

The difference between volume‐weighted and traditional density scores was particularly large in rural parts of the West and Midwest, and it was most similar in the Northeast. Although weak, correlations with CRC outcomes were stronger for volume‐weighted density, and they did not differ by rurality.

Conclusions

Our new method is an improvement over traditional methods because it considers the variation of physician procedure volume, and it has a stronger correlation with population health outcomes. Weighted density scores portray a more realistic picture of physician supply, particularly in rural areas.
Chromosomal inversions associated with environmental adaptation in honeybees
Authors: Christmas Matthew J. , Wallberg Andreas , Bunikis Ignas , Olsson Anna , Wallerman Ola , Webster Matthew T.
Published: November 2018

Chromosomal inversions can facilitate local adaptation in the presence of gene flow by suppressing recombination between well‐adapted native haplotypes and poorly adapted migrant haplotypes. East African mountain populations of the honeybee Apis mellifera are highly divergent from neighbouring lowland populations at two extended regions in the genome, despite high similarity in the rest of the genome, suggesting that these genomic regions harbour inversions governing local adaptation. Here, we utilize a new highly contiguous assembly of the honeybee genome to characterize these regions. Using whole‐genome sequencing data from 55 highland and lowland bees, we find that the highland haplotypes at both regions are present at high frequencies in three independent highland populations but extremely rare elsewhere. The boundaries of both divergent regions are characterized by regions of high homology with each other positioned in opposite orientations and contain highly repetitive, long inverted repeats with homology to transposable elements. These regions are likely to represent inversion breakpoints that participate in nonallelic homologous recombination. Using long‐read data, we confirm that the lowland samples are contiguous across breakpoint regions. We do not find evidence for disruption of functional sequence by these breakpoints, which suggests that the inversions are likely maintained due to their allelic content conferring local adaptation in highland environments. Finally, we identify a third divergent genomic region, which contains highly divergent segregating haplotypes that also may contain inversion variants under selection. The results add to a growing body of evidence indicating the importance of chromosomal inversions in local adaptation.
Direct observation in postgraduate training: making it happen and making it work
Authors: Renting Nienke
Published: November 2018

How does one successfully implement direct observation of residents’ competencies in postgraduate training programs? Renting offers insights into how to make it work.
Effects of tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced exosomes on the endothelial cellular behavior, metabolism and bioenergetics
Authors: Li Bingwei , Li Luhan , Zhang Qiuju , Zhang Honggang , Xiu Ruijuan
Published: November 2018

Objective

To investigate the effects of TNF‐α‐induced exosomes release on the biological behavior, metabolism, and bioenergetics of HUVECs.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from conditioned media of HUVECs by ultracentrifugation after treatment with or without TNF‐α. HUVECs were treated with or without TNF‐α, or different concentrations of exosomes isolated from conditioned media with or without TNF‐α induction (TExo and CExo, respectively).

Results

The results showed that TNF‐α significantly inhibited migration, tube formation, and increased apoptosis rate of HUVECs compared with controls. Furthermore, TNF‐α‐induced exosomes (TExo) rather than CExo, indicated similar effects to inhibit migration, tube formation and promote endothelial apoptosis. Although TNF‐α treatment did not show a statistical difference, TExo significantly inhibited extracellular OCR compared with controls. TExo could significantly inhibited intracellular OCR in a hypoxia condition. TNF‐α significantly increased L‐ECA compared with control cells, and TExo showed similar stimulative effect on L‐ECA.

Conclusions

TNF‐α‐induced exosomes could significantly (a) change migration, tube formation, and apoptosis; (b) inhibit endothelial extracellular OCR and intracellular OCR (hypoxia); (c) increase glycolysis rate of the endothelial cells. These data provide new evidence for exploring endothelial behavior regulation using exosomes and their effects on endothelial metabolism and bioenergetics.
Nationalist cosmopolitanism: the psychology of cosmopolitanism, national identity, and going to war for the country
Authors: Bayram A. Burcu
Published: November 2018

A frequently expressed criticism of cosmopolitanism by liberal nationalist theorists is that its moral universalism is incompatible with national identity and patriotic obligations, defined as obligations to the nation and to fellow nationals. While some scholars of cosmopolitanism agree with this incompatibility argument, others contend that nationalism, cosmopolitanism, and patriotic duties are not rivals. However, few efforts have been made to examine the relationship between cosmopolitanism, nationalism, and patriotic obligations at the level of individual people. Drawing fresh insights from psychological approaches to social identity, I argue that cosmopolitan individuals have an integrated dual identity that embodies both nationalism and world citizenship, and this dual identity is compatible with patriotic obligations. Using data from the 2010–2014, round of the Word Values Survey, I show that cosmopolitans who identify as world citizens also identify with the nation and are willing to perform the ultimate patriotic sacrifice of going to war to defend their country. Upending certain convention wisdoms, this result indicates that cosmopolitan and national identities are compatible and cosmopolitan identity does not hinder patriotic obligations.
Intracranial vascular calcification with extensive white matter changes in an autopsy case of pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism
Authors: Iwase Tamaki , Yoshida Mari , Hashizume Yoshio , Yazawa Ikuru , Takahashi Seishiro , Ando Takashi , Ikeda Toshimasa , Nokura Kazuya
Published: November 2018

We herein report an autopsy case of a 69‐year‐old man with pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. The patient suffered from mental retardation and spastic tetraparesis and had all the features of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy with a normal response to parathyroid hormone in the Ellsworth–Howard test. Computed tomography demonstrated symmetrical massive brain calcification involving the bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, dentate nuclei and cerebral gray/white matter junctions, which was consistent with Fahr's syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive white matter changes sparing the corpus callosum. Severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine was also demonstrated. A neuropathological examination revealed massive intracranial calcification within the walls of the blood vessels and capillaries with numerous calcium deposits. The calcium deposits aligned along the capillaries, and deposits in the vessel wall at the initial stage were confined to the border between the tunica media and adventitia. The vascular calcification in the basal ganglia continuously spread over the surrounding white matter into the cortex. The area of vascular calcification in the white matter was very well correlated with the area of the attenuated myelin staining. Axonal loss, myelin sheath loss and gliosis were observed in the white matter with severe vascular calcification. We should recognize the continuous area of vascular calcification and its correlation with extensive white matter changes as possible causes of neuropsychiatric symptoms in pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism with Fahr's syndrome.
Negative feedback, political attention, and public policy
Authors: Baekgaard Martin , Larsen Søren K. , Mortensen Peter B.
Published: November 2018

More than 50 years of policy research has provided evidence of negative feedback where self‐correcting mechanisms reinforce stability in public policies over time. While such mechanisms are at the heart of understanding change and stability in public policies, little attention has been given to the responses of individual policy‐makers to public policies as a potential driver of negative feedback. Based on a unique survey dataset of spending preferences of local government politicians covering more than 90 Danish municipalities, three years, seven policy issues, and around 3,000 entries, we find that the expressed spending preferences of politicians are indeed negatively affected by previous spending levels. Moreover, such negative feedback effects are stronger, the less the political attention to the issue and even disappear at high levels of attention. Our analysis thus provides important evidence on the micro foundations and conditions of negative feedback in public policy.
Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in early life on the cumulative prevalence of allergic disease to 11 years
Authors: Wickens Kristin , Barthow Christine , Mitchell Edwin A. , Kang Janice , van Zyl Noleen , Purdie Gordon , Stanley Thorsten , Fitzharris Penny , Murphy Rinki , Crane Julian
Published: November 2018

Background

In a two‐centre randomized placebo‐controlled trial of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) (6 × 109 colony‐forming units [cfu]) or Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (HN019) (9 × 109 cfu) taken daily from 35‐week gestation to 6 months’ post‐partum in mothers while breastfeeding and from birth to age 2 years in infants, we showed that HN001 significantly protected against eczema development at 2, 4 and 6 years and atopic sensitization at 6 years. There was no effect of HN019. We report here the findings for 11 year outcomes.

Methods

At age 11 years, eczema was defined as previously using the UK Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria. Asthma, wheeze, hay fever and rhinitis were defined based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questions. Atopic sensitization was defined as one or more positive responses (mean wheal diameter ≥3 mm) to a panel of food and aeroallergens. Analysis was intention‐to‐treat using hazard ratios to assess probiotic effects on the 11‐year lifetime prevalence and relative risks for point or 12‐month prevalence at 11 years.

Results

Early childhood HN001 supplementation was associated with significant reductions in the 12‐month prevalence of eczema at age 11 years (relative risk [RR] = 0.46, 95% CI 0.25‐0.86, P = 0.015) and hay fever (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.53‐1.00, P = 0.047). For the lifetime prevalence, HN001 was associated with a significant reduction in atopic sensitization (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71, 95% CI 0.51‐1.00, P = 0.048), eczema (HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.41‐0.82, P = 0.002) and wheeze (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.57‐0.99, P = 0.046). HN019 had no significant effect on these outcomes.

Conclusion

This is the first early probiotic intervention to show positive outcomes for at least the first decade of life across the spectrum of allergic disease.
Variation of flower opening and closing times in hybrids of evening flowering species Iris dichotoma and daytime flowering species Iris domestica
Authors: Liu Rong , Gao Yike , Ruan Lili , Fan Zhuping , Li Congcong
Published: November 2018

Different flowering and closing times within a diurnal period play a significant role in reproductive isolation. However, few studies focused on the genetics of flower opening and closing times within a day for the lack of suitable plant materials. Iris dichotoma opens in the afternoon and closes in the evening, while I. domestica opens in the early morning and closes at dusk. Moreover, they have overlapping flowering phenology and produce fertile hybrids, providing an extraordinary opportunity to study the genetics of flower opening and closing times within a day. To illuminate the genetic mechanism regulating flower opening and closing times, the flowering processes of I. dichotoma (Y), I. domestica (S), and their hybrids: F1, F2, F1 × S, Y × F1, (F1 × S) × F1 and F1 × (F1 × S) were observed. The results indicated that flower opening and closing times are controlled by different polygenes. For flower opening time, opening in the early morning as I. domestica is partial dominant to opening in the afternoon as I. dichotoma. For flower closing time, flower closure at dusk is dominant to closure in the evening.