bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rib histology after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation in infants suffering sudden death from natural causes; implications for injury mechanism and timing
Authors: James Ryk
Published: October 2020

Aims

To describe whether haemorrhage into the fracture gap, bone marrow, or periosteum, and loss of osteocyte nuclei from infant rib fracture margins, are true markers of vitality or may be seen solely as a consequence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts.

Methods and results

A description is provided of histological findings in sampled rib fractures in a retrospective consecutive series of infants, aged 1 month to 1 year, who suffered sudden death. All had undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and were investigated by use of skeletal survey, whole body computed tomography (CT), and invasive postmortem (PM). There was no suspicion of child abuse. 15 infants were studied, 9 of whom had anterior/anterolateral rib fractures; slides were available with consent for use in seven. Skeletal survey identified no fractures. CT and PM showed 46 fractures, 27 of which were examined histologically. Marrow cavity haemorrhage> 2 mm in diameter was seen in 55% of fractures; easily identifiable red cells were seen in the fracture gap in 36%, and beneath the periosteum in 36%. Loss of intact osteocytes from lacunae in bone fragments at the fracture margins relative to distant areas was obvious in 50% of fractures.

Conclusions

Anterior rib fractures, visible on CT and histologically, are common after CPR in infants. Empty lacunae and bleeding into the fracture gap, into the marrow cavity and beneath the periosteum are all frequent in CPR‐related infant rib fractures, and should not be used to discriminate between true in‐vivo injury and perimortem injury.
The diversity of tumours with microsatellite instability: molecular mechanisms and impact upon microsatellite instability testing and mismatch repair protein immunohistochemistry
Authors: Shia Jinru
Published: October 2020

Microsatellite instability (MSI) as a distinct molecular phenotype in human neoplasms was first recognised in 1993. Since then there has been tremendous progress in our understanding of this phenotype, including its genomic drivers and functional consequences. Currently, the multiple lines of investigation on MSI seem to have converged upon one important facet: its diversity, both genotypically and phenotypically, and both within and across tumour types. This review article offers a pathologist’s perspective on our current understanding of this diversity, and highlights its potentially significant impact on the effective use of our current MSI detection tools: PCR‐ or sequencing‐based MSI testing and mismatch repair protein immunohistochemistry.
More than just refuelling: lengthy stopover and selection of departure weather by sandpipers prior to transoceanic and transcontinental flights
Authors: Roques Sébastien , Lank David B. , Cam Emmanuelle , Pradel Roger
Published: October 2020

The evolutionary and behavioural ecology of migratory birds has received much theoretical and empirical attention. We contribute to this field by contrasting the weather at departure and stopover durations of a long‐distance migratory sandpiper prior to initiating lengthy transoceanic vs. transcontinental flights of potentially variable duration. Transoceanic flights provide few if any stopover options. We predicted that transoceanic migrants should therefore be more selective of energetically favourable weather at departure and have longer stopover durations prior to departing, using time as a surrogate for cumulative fuel acquisition, compared with transcontinental migrants. We used recent advances in capture–recapture modelling to quantify how weather conditions, length of stay, including estimated residence time prior to capture, and age class correlated with daily departure probabilities of Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla at a coastal and an inland stopover site at comparable latitude. As expected, departure probabilities from both sites were higher with increasing strength of tailwinds, and the strength of this effect was larger for birds facing transoceanic vs. transcontinental flights. Cloud cover and temperature conditions at departure converged between sites at intermediate values from different background distributions. Stopover durations at both sites were substantially longer than needed if the birds were pursuing a simple tactic of arrive–fatten–leave at the stopover site. We infer that both sites provided high levels of both food and safety relative to other stages in the birds’ annual cycle, favouring lengthy stopovers and subsequent use of lengthy flights from both sites. Our study shows that recent advances of capture–recapture models can provide additional resolution to studies of the migration strategies of birds and refine our perspective on global patterns of migration routes and stopover decisions.
Long‐term trends in the survival rates of adult female Common EiderSomateria mollissimaat three colonies in Iceland
Authors: Wood Kevin A. , Thorstensen Sverrir , Lúðvíksson Smári J. , Brides Kane , Petersen Aevar
Published: October 2020

Identifying temporal and spatial patterns in demography is critical to understanding long‐term fluctuations in population size. Common EiderSomateria mollissimanumbers have shown a long‐term decline, resulting in the species being uplisted in 2015 to ‘Endangered’ within European Union countries. Obtaining improved estimates of survival rates of Common Eiders (and other seaducks) has been identified as a priority to improve our understanding of the demographic causes of the observed global decreases in population size and to inform conservation efforts. In this study, we used long‐term (1982–2017) mark–recovery data on 3018 individuals from three breeding colonies in Iceland to quantify the spatial and temporal variation in the annual true survival rates of adult female Common Eider. Model comparison using an information‐theoretic approach indicated that true survival and recovery rates varied between years and colonies but showed no consistent temporal pattern across the three colonies. Geometric mean (± se) annual true survival across our three breeding colonies was 0.916 ± 0.017 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.819–0.961), with a mean life expectancy of 11.8 years (95% CI 5.4–25.2). Our survival estimates were relatively high compared with those reported previously for many other Common Eider populations, which may reflect their protected status, low predation pressure and high food availability on Iceland and its surrounding waters. Our findings provide spatially and temporally explicit demographic information needed to help conservationists understand the local and global declines in Common Eider populations.
A meta‐analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 patients identifies the combinatorial significance of D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, lymphocyte, and neutrophil values as a predictor of disease severity
Authors: Singh Kunwar , Mittal Sasha , Gollapudi Sumanth , Butzmann Alexandra , Kumar Jyoti , Ohgami Robert S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), known to be the causative agent of COVID‐19, has led to a worldwide pandemic. At presentation, individual clinical laboratory blood values, such as lymphocyte counts or C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, may be abnormal and associated with disease severity. However, combinatorial interpretation of these laboratory blood values, in the context of COVID‐19, remains a challenge.

Methods

To assess the significance of multiple laboratory blood values in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 and develop a COVID‐19 predictive equation, we conducted a literature search using PubMed to seek articles that included defined laboratory data points along with clinical disease progression. We identified 9846 papers, selecting primary studies with at least 20 patients for univariate analysis to identify clinical variables predicting nonsevere and severe COVID‐19 cases. Multiple regression analysis was performed on a training set of patient studies to generate severity predictor equations, and subsequently tested on a validation cohort of 151 patients who had a median duration of observation of 14 days.

Results

Two COVID‐19 predictive equations were generated: one using four variables (CRP, D‐dimer levels, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count), and another using three variables (CRP, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count). In adult and pediatric populations, the predictive equations exhibited high specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values.

Conclusion

Using the generated equations, the outcomes of COVID‐19 patients can be predicted using commonly obtained clinical laboratory data. These predictive equations may inform future studies evaluating the long‐term follow‐up of COVID‐19 patients.
Genetic transformation of mosquitoes by microparticle bombardment
Authors: Lule‐Chávez A. N. , Carballar‐Lejarazú R. , Cabrera‐Ponce J. L. , Lanz‐Mendoza H. , Ibarra J. E.
Published: October 2020

Mosquitoes constitute the major living beings causing human deaths in the world. They are vectors of malaria, yellow fever, dengue, zika, filariases, chikungunya, among other diseases. New strategies to control/eradicate mosquito populations are based on newly developed genetic manipulation techniques. However, genetic transformation of mosquitoes is a major technical bottleneck due to low efficiency, the need of sophisticated equipment, and highly trained personnel. The present report shows the transgenerational genetic transformation of Aedes aegypti, using the particle inflow gun (PIG), by integrating the ecfp gene in the AAEL000582 mosquito gene with the CRISPR‐Cas9 technique, achieving a mean efficiency of 44.5% of bombarded individuals (G0) that showed ECFP expression in their tissues, and a mean of 28.5% transformation efficiency measured on G1 individuals. The same transformation technique was used to integrate the egfp/scorpine genes cloned in the Minos transposon pMinHygeGFP into the Anopheles albimanus genome, achieving a mean efficiency of 43.25% of bombarded individuals (G0) that showed EGFP expression in their tissues. Once the technique was standardized, transformation of Ae. aegypti neonate larvae and An. albimanus eggs was achieved when exposed to gold microparticle bombardment. Integration of genes and heterologous protein expression were confirmed by PCR, sequencing, fluorescent microscopy, mass spectrometry, Western blot and dot blot analyses. Transgenerational inheritance of the transgenes was observed only on Ae. aegypti, as all transformed An. albimanus individuals died at the pupal stage of the G0 generation.
An effective two‐level solution approach for the prize‐collecting generalized minimum spanning tree problem by iterated local search
Authors: Contreras‐Bolton Carlos , Parada Víctor
Published: October 2020

The prize‐collecting generalized minimum spanning tree problem consists of finding a minimum cost spanning tree in an undirected graph, considering that the vertices are divided into clusters, that there is a nonnegative cost associated with each edge, that there is a prize to be collected on each vertex, and that only one vertex of each cluster belongs to the tree. Due to its NP‐hardness, this problem remains a computational challenge even for small instances, and the practical applications that arise in telecommunication networks can attain large dimensions. The state‐of‐the‐art algorithm finds good solutions for several instances; however, the quality of solutions and the computing time for large instances remain to be improved. We propose an iterated local search algorithm that works on a two‐level solution approach, taking advantage of the structure of the problem. The first‐level subproblem aims to select a vertex for each cluster, and the second‐level subproblem addresses the determination of the minimum spanning tree covering such vertices. The performance of the resulting algorithm is evaluated with the most challenging instances from the literature, comparing the results with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithm. The computational experiment conducted shows that, both in existing instances and in a new group of instances presented in this paper, the proposed algorithm outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art algorithm.
Assessing the prediction uncertainty in a route optimization model for autonomous maritime logistics
Authors: Maskooki Alaleh , Virjonen Petra , Kallio Markku
Published: October 2020

Unmanned operations and automation in modern industry create complex everyday problems, which require algorithmic thinking and creativity. Development of risk assessment methods is critical for the future of this business segment. To provide decision support for the management of an autonomous emission control boat, we begin by proposing a k‐Nearest‐Neighbours (k‐NN)‐based trajectory prediction method. This is employed in a bi‐objective routing problem of finding a Hamiltonian circuit in a dynamic network defined by predicted locations of ships over time. The objectives are maximizing the number of measurement tasks to be done and minimizing the corresponding total travel distance of the emission control boat. To evaluate the impact of trajectory prediction uncertainty on Pareto‐optimal itineraries, we propose a risk measure in a mean‐risk framework. The risk is defined based on an expected shortfall when implementation of an efficient itinerary under the predicted trajectories needs rescheduling based on realized trajectories. The risk measure helps the decision maker to evaluate choice alternatives among efficient itineraries under predicted trajectories and to make a balanced risk‐adjusted decision. We show how historical data is employed in integer linear programming for the estimation of such risk measure. Empirical results demonstrate such estimation.
Crowdsourcing contests with entry cost
Authors: Tian Xu , Bi Gongbing , Shen Xiaobei , Liu Lindong
Published: October 2020

Today, companies can seek solutions to business problems by sponsoring cocreation activities such as crowdsourcing contests. This paper studies a crowdsourcing contest in which a sponsor seeks solutions from a number of independent contestants. Specifically, we reveal how the number of contestants affects the expected effort and maximum quality in a crowdsourcing contest. First, we show that an effort‐decreasing effect exists for any number of winners when there are a number of contestants, while an effort‐increasing effect may occur when there are relatively few contestants. Second, we find that the expected maximum quality at most concavely increases with the number of contestants. Finally, we extend the analysis to the case with a flexible number of contributors. Our results imply that a restricted‐entry policy should be adopted if the entry cost is considered, which is not observed in the prior literature.
Nursing students’ resilience, depression, well‐being, and academic distress: Testing a moderated mediation model
Authors: Mcdermott Ryon C. , Fruh Sharon M. , Williams Susan , Hauff Caitlyn , Graves Rebecca J. , Melnyk Bernadette M. , Hall Heather R.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Academic distress is a leading cause of attrition among nursing students. The present study tested a positive psychology‐oriented model detailing the potential links between nursing students’: (a) psychological resilience; (b) depressive symptoms; (c) intrapersonal well‐being; (d) interpersonal well‐being; and (e) academic distress. Additionally, we tested whether the academic benefits of resilience were conditional upon nursing students’ perceptions of their campus climate as supportive of mental health and well‐being.

Design

A correlational, cross‐sectional design was employed.

Method

Nursing students (N = 933) were selected from the national 2017–2018 Healthy Minds Study (HMS). Students completed measures of resilience, depressive symptoms, intrapersonal well‐being (flourishing), interpersonal well‐being (belonging), and academic distress.

Results

Conditional process modelling tested depression, belonging, and flourishing as mediators of the associations between resilience and academic distress variables. Furthermore, perceptions of campus climate were included as potential moderators of these mediation effects. Results indicated that the protective academic benefits of resilience were primarily explained by decreases in depression but that this effect was strongest for nursing students with negative perceptions of their campus climate.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the psychological and academic benefits of greater resilience and the moderated mediation results suggest that such benefits were conditional on the broader campus climate.

Impact

Nurse educators and policymakers should consider addressing contextual factors, such as campus climate, in addition to resilience training in their efforts to reduce the negative academic impacts of mental health problems and stress in nursing school.
Peer support among parents of children with congenital heart defects: A qualitative analysis of written responses submitted via an online survey
Authors: Carlsson Tommy , Klarare Anna , Mattsson Elisabet
Published: October 2020

Aim

To explore experiences of peer support among parents of children with congenital heart defects.

Design

A study analysing written responses to open‐ended questions about peer support, collected via an online survey distributed in Sweden.

Methods

Respondents were recruited during 3 months in 2018 by means of convenience sampling, through ads via the Swedish foundation for families with children who have heart defects and two closed Facebook groups for peer support. An online survey containing open‐ended questions was distributed and responses were analysed with systematic text condensation.

Results

Peer support was grounded in a mutual understanding among parents and involved highly appreciated emotional support. Listening to the stories of peers meant an opportunity to gain useful insights about what life is like for parents of children with heart defects. Receiving and providing peer support was described as rewarding on a personal level. Negative aspects of peer support were also described, which sometimes led to psychological distress and withdrawal from peer support activities.

Conclusion

Peer support is emotionally relieving and appreciated among parents of children with congenital heart defects, who consider providing the support a rewarding responsibility. While peer support activities may have considerable benefits for individuals, it may also lead to psychological distress for some.

Impact

This study addressed peer support among parents of children with congenital heart defects. The main findings illustrate the potential impact peer support can have on individuals and calls attention to the experienced benefits related to peer support activities, while also providing some insights regarding potential negative aspects. The findings have relevance for nurses, midwives, and other health professionals working in settings providing care for these families.
The relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes among individuals with prediabetes compared with individuals with normoglycaemia: Meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Xu Xin Yi , Leung Angela Yee Man , Smith Robert , Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Chau Pui Hing , Fong Daniel Yee Tak
Published: October 2020

Aims

To assess the overall relative risk of diabetes in individuals with prediabetes based on updated diagnostic criteria, as compared with individuals with normoglycaemia; and to identify the study characteristics associated with the heterogeneity between studies.

Design

Meta‐analysis, meta‐regression.

Data sources

PubMed, CINAHL, British Nursing Index. Search time frame: December 1998–December 2018.

Review Methods

The pooled relative risk of developing diabetes among individuals with prediabetes compared with those with normoglycaemia was calculated under a random effects model. Studies reported the natural progression from prediabetes to diabetes were included in this review. Sources of study heterogeneity were examined by a meta‐regression.

Results

Fifty‐nine eligible studies were systematically identified. The pooled relative risk for diabetes among individuals with prediabetes as compared with normoglycaemia was 5.88 (95% CI: 5.02‐6.89). The annualized incidence rate (per 1,000 person‐year) for diabetes among individuals with prediabetes defined by different criteria varied from 2.20–212.15, with high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 96.64%, Q test: p < .001). In the multivariable meta‐regression analysis, Asian population significantly increased RR compare to Caucasians. Besides, people with ‘elevated glycated haemoglobin A1c or impaired fasting glucose’ had highest relative risk compare to people with other types of prediabetes.

Conclusion

Individuals with prediabetes had higher risk of developing diabetes than those with normoglycaemia. Races and diagnostic criteria of prediabetes were associated with the magnitude of the estimated risk.

Impact

Prediabetes is a precursor of diabetes. To screen people with prediabetes as early as possible, practitioners could consider haemoglobin A1c test as an alternative to fasting plasma glucose test. Nurses should educate people especially Asians with prediabetes for the prevention of progression to diabetes.
Effectiveness of a Diabetes Education Program based on Tailored interventions and Theory of Planned Behaviour: Cluster randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Caro‐Bautista Jorge , Villa‐Estrada Francisca , Gómez‐González Alberto , Lupiáñez‐Pérez Inmaculada , Morilla‐Herrera Juan Carlos , Kaknani‐Uttumchandani Shakira , García‐Mayor Silvia , Morales‐Asencio José Miguel
Published: October 2020

Aim

To measure the Effectiveness of a Diabetes Education Program for people with T2DM, based on Tailored interventions and the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Design

Cluster randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods

This multicentre study will be carried out at 30 primary healthcare centres, where 436 persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), aged between 18–75 years, will be recruited. The experimental educational program to be applied is modelled using components obtained from a systematic review and prior qualitative analysis. In addition, a taxonomy of nursing practice is used to standardize the program, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a conceptual model. The intervention will be carried out by community nurses, using ADAPP‐Ti®, an application developed with FileMaker Pro v.18. The control group will receive usual care and data will be collected at 6, 12, and 18 months, for both groups. The primary outcome considered will be glycosylated haemoglobin and cardiovascular factors, while the secondary ones will be tobacco consumption, body mass index, barriers to self‐care, health‐related quality of life, and lifestyle modification. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Province of Malaga (Spain) in November 2014.

Discussion

The degree of metabolic control in T2DM is not always associated with healthy lifestyles and significant levels of medication are often prescribed to achieve clinical objectives. An intervention focused on needs, based on the best available evidence and a solid conceptual framework, might successfully consolidate appropriate self‐care behaviour in this population.

Impact

The study will result in the publication of an educational program featuring well‐defined interventions and activities that will enable clinicians to tailor health care to the individual's needs and to combat treatment inertia in attending this population.
Relationship‐based care model in paediatrics: A randomized controlled trial to implement the parents’ perception of the quality of nursing care
Authors: De Barbieri Ilaria , Sisti Davide , Di Falco Achille , Galeazzo Marilena , Amatori Stefano , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Perilongo Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Aim

To evaluate whether the application of the Relationship‐based care model as a new treatment, called "Take 5 min", affects the level of anxiety, depression, and perceived quality of nursing care of parents of paediatric patients and the work satisfaction of the nursing staff.

Design

Single‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The trial was performed from February–July 2016. The trial was conducted with one intervention (N = 101) and one control group (N = 90). Nurses applied the treatment named “Take 5 Minutes”, which consisted of dedicating some short time (from 5 to 10 min) to the relationship with the parents using specifically designed communication strategies. The primary outcome was the evaluation of anxiety and depression of parents; the secondary was the parent perceived quality of nursing care.

Results

In the experimental group, participants had a lower level of anxiety and depression and highlighted that the effect of the “Take 5 Minutes” was proportional to the initial seriousness of parents’ anxiety and depression. Higher scores for the perception of the quality of care were given from the parents of the experimental group.

Conclusion

The “Take 5 Minutes” treatment offered to parents of paediatric patients demonstrated significant improvements in terms of their anxiety, depression, and perceived quality of nursing care.

Impact

Caregivers of paediatric patients are subject to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The communication by the nursing community is of fundamental importance in the management of anxiety and depression in the caregivers of hospitalized patients. Caregivers who received the “Take 5 Minutes” treatment demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety and depression compared with the control group caregivers. The perceived level of quality of nursing care showed a significant increase in the group of caregivers who received the T5M treatment. The RBC model does not require extra costs for health organizations and can be applied during the usual practice of care. Practices such as T5M could become part of paediatric patient care guidelines and nurses should be trained to apply them.

Trial Registration Number

Padua Research: ID No. 10,034; ClinicalTrials.gov: ID No. NCT04199429.
A Critique of the Neurodiversity View
Authors: Nelson Ryan H.
Published: October 2020

The neurodiversity view makes both a conceptual and a political claim. Conceptually, the neurodiversity view holds that certain neurocognitive differences currently classified as disorders—autism, most notably—are best understood as forms of diversity. Politically, it holds that, rather than being medicalized and ‘treated’, neurodiversity ought to be respected in the way other human differences—such as differences in race and sexual orientation—are respected. In this article, I challenge the arguments given in support of neurodiversity’s conceptual claim, while defending its political aims of respect, inclusion, and accommodation. Although neurodiversity provides a compelling challenge to the status quo, I conclude that its most prominent arguments fall short of establishing that autism is not a disorder. As I go on to argue, however, the fact that autism is a disorder does not entail that medicalization is the only course. My view is ultimately that social change and medical intervention need not be considered mutually exclusive.
Genetic parameters of morphometric measurements in Criollo horses
Authors: Müller Vitória , Moraes Bruna dos Santos Suñé , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Wendt Camila Gervini , Patten Ruth Dunford , Nogueira Carlos Edurado Wayne
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters for the morphometric measurements of withers height (WH), thoracic circumference (TC) and cannon bone circumference (CBC) of Criollo horses, stratified for maternal and paternal effects. Statistical genetic design of factor crossings was used to evaluate the offspring of full siblings and half‐siblings. Fifty stallions were selected (n = 50) who had been crossed with six mares each (n = 6), to provide 300 parental pairings in which two offspring were born per mare (n = 600). WH in females and TC in males were highly influenced by additive genetic effects, while the other morphometric measures were found to be closely related to the general effects of the environment. WH had the greatest additive genetic influence on female offspring (47.06%), while TC presented the greatest additive genetic influence on male offspring (58.73%). When comparing the parental influence on the morphometric characteristics evaluated, TC and CBC had greater additive genetic influence from maternal effects, regardless of offspring sex. However, the WH in female offspring showed greater maternal additive genetic contribution, while in males this characteristic presented greater paternal additive genetic influence. For WH in male offspring, narrow sense heritability (: 0.26) was more influenced by paternal effects, while for WH in females (: 0.47), TC in females (: 0.08) and males (: 0.59), and CBC in females (: 0.07) and males (: 0.05) the maternal effects were the most important. Therefore, the phenotypic expression of WH in males and females and TC in males is influenced by the additive genetic effect of the genes. On the other hand, the TC in female progenies and CBC in progenies of both sexes are closely related to the effects of the environment. The results obtained in this study could be useful in the selection process of Criollo horses.
Assessing the potential of improving growth and survival to the eyed stage in selectively bred Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Palaiokostas Christos , Jeuthe Henrik , De Koning Dirk‐Jan
Published: October 2020

The Arctic charr breeding programme has been a main driving force for developing the aquaculture industry in Sweden. Selection has been performed for almost 40 years using animals from a closed breeding nucleus. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential of further improving growth‐related traits taking into account the existence of genotype‐by‐environment interaction. Furthermore, we investigated the magnitude of the genetic component associated with survival to the eyed stage and potential associations with inbreeding coefficients. A preliminary heritability estimate of 0.23 (SE0.20) was obtained for survival to the eyed stage using records spanning from 2000 to 2017 (n = 230). Moreover, moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates (0.27–0.49) were obtained for growth‐related traits (body weight and length), using animals from the latest generation of selection (year class 2017). Those animals (n = 2,776), originating from 55 full‐sib families, were split into two groups and reared in separate land‐based facilities of commercial fish farms in Sweden. The growth‐related traits were recorded twice in both sites when animals were of >1 and >2 years of age. Existence of sexual growth dimorphism was indicated with the males having on average 6%–8% higher total length and 22%–34% higher body weight. Furthermore, high genetic correlations regarding growth traits were obtained amongst animals reared at the two different sites (0.82–0.95). In addition, we assessed the accuracy of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)‐derived estimated breeding values (EBVs) when phenotypes from each rearing site were subsequently masked and used as a validation set. A mean prediction accuracy of 0.60 (length) and 0.64 (weight) were derived for both rearing sites. Overall, our results suggest that further growth improvements should be possible in the subsequent generations of selection. Finally, even though indications for the existence of an underlying genetic component(s) involved in survival to the eyed stage were obtained additional data will be required for elucidating its magnitude.
Towards an extended framework for the general dynamic theory of biogeography
Authors: Carey Mark , Boland John , Weigelt Patrick , Keppel Gunnar
Published: October 2020

Aim

The General Dynamic Model of island biogeography (GDM) explains patterns of species richness on volcanic hotspot archipelagos with respect to island age (T) and area (A), most commonly employing what we here call semi‐log ATT2 and LogATT2 models. These can be considered direct extensions of semi‐log and power law species‐area relationships (SARs), with a hump‐shaped function of T modelling drivers of biodiversity over and above area per se. We compare these and related models and investigate their conceptual and mathematical connections.

Location

The Azores, Galapagos, Hawaii, Marquesas, Society Islands, Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands and Aeolian archipelagos.

Taxa

Vascular plants, birds, bryophytes, arthropods and molluscs.

Methods

We gathered species richness data from databases and published sources, resulting in 34 datasets for various taxa. We used the Akaike information criterion corrected for small sample size (AICc) to compare the relative performance of models. We analysed the data at archipelago level and across archipelagos by using mixed effect models. We also calculated the relative time of expected peak diversity (Tpeak) from parameter estimates.

Results

In almost three‐fourth of the cases the best model overall was one that contained only A or T rather than both predictors. There was greater variance between taxa than between archipelagos. Better dispersed taxa tended to reach peak diversity earlier. The most generally applicable of the models including T were the LogATT2 and LogTT2 models. These have important, previously unrecognized mathematical properties.

Main Conclusions

SARs and species–time relationships should always be considered as potentially more parsimonious options. Considering the LogATT2 model as a modification of the power law S = cAz, where a lognormal function in T replaces the constant, c allows the construction of an extended framework for the GDM with incorporation of additional predictors such as measures of environmental heterogeneity and application beyond hotspot archipelagos.
Upper and lower treeline biogeographic patterns in semi‐arid pinyon‐juniper woodlands
Authors: Garbarino Matteo , Malandra Francesco , Dilts Thomas , Flake Sam , Montalto Luigi , Spinsante Susanna , Weisberg Peter J.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Upper and lower treelines are particularly exposed to a changing climate. It has been hypothesized that upper treelines are constrained by growing season temperature, whereas lower tree lines are water limited. We expect different causal mechanisms of upper versus lower tree line formation to generate distinct patterns of spatial heterogeneity. Here, we compare dynamics, spatial patterns and shape complexity of upper and lower tree lines of semi‐arid pinyon‐juniper woodlands.

Location

Toiyabe Range of the Nevada Great Basin (western US).

Taxon

Pinus monophylla Torr. & Frém. and Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.)

Methods

Within 20 sample plots (10 along the upper and 10 along the lower tree line), we mapped tree canopies through photointerpretation of high‐resolution imagery. We performed point pattern analyses to compare the spatial arrangement of trees and used LANDSAT 30‐year time series and NDVI to understand the vegetation dynamics of these ecotones. We adopted the surface roughness method to measure tree line shape complexity.

Results

Lower tree lines were denser and showed a stronger trend of increasing NDVI change over the 1984–2015 period. Trees at the lower tree line were more strongly aggregated than at the upper tree line at spatial scales ranging from 15 to 65 meters. Shape complexity was higher at upper tree lines, expressed by a higher mean surface roughness; however, the spatial structures of upper and lower tree lines were similar.

Main conclusions

Upper tree line expansion of pinyon‐juniper woodlands in the study area has been limited and highly variable, but lower tree line downslope expansion into adjacent shrub steppe vegetation was evident. The expected difference between energy‐ and water‐limited tree lines did not manifest in the observed spatial structures. Differences in tree line shape complexity were not significant, although lower tree lines exhibited less complex shapes, likely because they have been more strongly influenced by anthropogenic factors.
The role of island physiography and oceanographic factors in shaping species richness and turnover of nesting seabird assemblages on islands across the south‐eastern Pacific
Authors: Gusmao Joao B. , Luna‐Jorquera Guillermo , Fernández Claudia , Luna Nicolás , Plaza Paula , Portflitt‐Toro Matías , Serratosa Juan , Nuñez Pamela , Varela Andrea I. , Rivadeneira Marcelo M.
Published: October 2020

Aim

For seabirds, food supplies and nest sites are largely driven by oceanographic gradients and island habitats, respectively. Research into seabirds’ ecological roles in insular ecosystems is crucial to understanding processes that structure seabird nesting assemblages. We examined the influence of island physiography and oceanographic factors on the spatial variation in α‐ and β‐diversity of nesting seabird assemblages.

Location

South‐eastern Pacific Ocean.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

We compiled data from 53 seabirds breeding on 41 coastal and oceanic islands using different sources: our field records, online databases, environmental reports and literature. We used generalized linear models (GLM) to describe the effect of island physiography (area, elevation and isolation) and oceanographic factors (surface temperature, salinity and primary productivity) on seabird species richness (α‐diversity). We applied multivariate GLM to test the effects of physiographic and oceanographic predictors on species composition (β‐diversity). We used Jaccard dissimilarities on species occurrences per island to calculate β‐diversity partitioned into turnover and nestedness. Polynomial models allowed us to model these metrics against geographical and environmental gradients and so analyse patterns in seabird β‐diversity across spatial scales.

Results

Species richness was highest in Galápagos, Pitcairn and Rapa Nui. Changes in seabird α‐diversity across islands were determined by island area and distance to South America but not by oceanographic variables. Physiographic and oceanographic factors were significant in determining β‐diversity. Changes in β‐diversity were mostly due to species replacement (β‐turnover) across three major island Systems (Galápagos Archipelago, Chilean coastal islands and oceanic islands of the south‐eastern Pacific). The contribution of β‐nestedness was restricted to small scales (within archipelagos).

Main conclusions

Physiographic and oceanographic factors explain species diversity of seabird assemblages on islands of the south‐eastern Pacific. Oceanographic variables did not affect species richness but significantly influenced species composition. Change in species composition reflects gradients across three marine biogeographical realms: Temperate South, Eastern Indo‐Pacific and Tropical Eastern Pacific. The low degree of species nestedness may reflect multiple evolutionary origins.
What drives diversification in a pantropical plant lineage with extraordinary capacity for long‐distance dispersal and colonization?
Authors: Larridon Isabel , Galán Díaz Javier , Bauters Kenneth , Escudero Marcial
Published: October 2020

Aim

Colonization of new areas may entail shifts in diversification rates linked to biogeographical movement (dispersification), which may involve niche evolution if species were not exapted to new environments. Scleria (Cyperaceae) includes c. 250 species and has a pantropical distribution suggesting an extraordinary capacity for long‐distance dispersal and colonization. We investigate patterns of diversification in Scleria, and whether they are coupled with colonization events, climate niche shifts or both.

Location

Tropics and subtropics.

Taxon

Nutrushes Scleria (Cyperaceae).

Methods

We used molecular data from three DNA regions sequenced for 278 accessions representing 140 Scleria taxa (53% of species) to develop a chronogram, model ancestral ranges and measure rates of diversification. Integrating data from 12,978 digitized and georeferenced herbarium records, we investigated niche evolution.

Results

High dispersal rates in Scleria, a genus with multiple dispersal syndromes, make reconstruction of ancestral ranges at deep nodes in the phylogeny highly equivocal. Main dispersal and colonization events involve movements from South to Central America (c. 19), from Africa to Madagascar (c. 12), from Asia to Oceania (c. 7), from Africa to South America (c. 7) and Central America to South America (c. 6). The two main shifts in diversification rates happened during the warm period of the Miocene.

Main conclusions

Dispersification from South America to Africa without climate niche shift seems to explain the diversification shift in section Hypoporum implying that species were exapted. Shifts in climate niche evolution predate the second shift in diversification rates suggesting lineages were exapted prior to biogeographical movements. Within subgenus Scleria, colonizations of Asia and Madagascar by sections Elatae and Abortivae, respectively, are coupled with niche shifts suggesting that these colonizations involved climate niche adaptation.
Differences between cardiac implantable electronic device envelopes evaluated in an animal model
Authors: Ip James E. , Xu Linna , Lerman Bruce B.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) pocket related problems such as infection, hematoma, and device erosion cause significant morbidity and the clinical consequences are substantial. Bioabsorbable materials have been developed to assist in the prevention of these complications but there has not been any direct comparison of these adjunctive devices to reduce these complications. We sought to directly compare the TYRX absorbable antibacterial and CanGaroo extracellular matrix (ECM) envelopes in an animal model susceptible to these specific CIED‐related complications (i.e., skin erosion and infection).

Methods and Results

Sixteen mice undergoing implantation with biopotential transmitters were divided into three groups (no envelope = 4, TYRX = 5, and CanGaroo = 7) and monitored for device‐related complications. Following 12 weeks of implantation, gross and histological analysis of the remaining capsules was performed. Three animals in the CanGaroo group (43%) had device erosion compared to none in the TYRX group. The remaining capsules excised at 12 weeks were qualitatively thicker following CanGaroo compared to TYRX and no envelope and histological evaluation demonstrated increased connective tissue with CanGaroo.

Conclusion

CanGaroo ECM envelopes did not reduce the incidence of device erosion and were associated with qualitatively thicker capsules and connective tissue staining at 12 weeks compared to no envelope or TYRX. Further studies regarding the use of these envelopes to prevent device erosion and their subsequent impact on capsule formation are warranted.
Prognostic value and immune cell infiltration of hypoxic phenotype‐related gene signatures in glioblastoma microenvironment
Authors: Xiao Kai , Tan Jun , Yuan Jian , Peng Gang , Long Wenyong , Su Jun , Xiao Yao , Xiao Qun , Wu Changwu , Qin Chaoying , Hu Lili , Liu Kaili , Liu Shunlian , Zhou Hao , Ning Yichong , Ding Xiaofeng , Liu Qing
Published: October 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant intracranial tumour with the highest proportion and lethality. It is characterized by invasiveness and heterogeneity. However, the currently available therapies are not curative. As an essential environmental cue that maintains glioma stem cells, hypoxia is considered the cause of tumour resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Growing evidence shows that immunotherapy focusing on the tumour microenvironment is an effective treatment for GBM; however, the current clinicopathological features cannot predict the response to immunotherapy and provide accurate guidance for immunotherapy. Based on the ESTIMATE algorithm, GBM cases of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set were classified into high‐ and low‐immune/stromal score groups, and a four‐gene tumour environment‐related model was constructed. This model exhibited good efficiency at forecasting short‐ and long‐term prognosis and could also act as an independent prognostic biomarker. Additionally, this model and four of its genes (CLECL5A, SERPING1, CHI3L1 and C1R) were found to be associated with immune cell infiltration, and further study demonstrated that these four genes might drive the hypoxic phenotype of perinecrotic GBM, which affects hypoxia‐induced glioma stemness. Therefore, these might be important candidates for immunotherapy of GBM and deserve further exploration.
Obesity as a risk factor for tooth loss over 5 years: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Vallim Ana Carolina , Gaio Eduardo José , Oppermann Rui Vicente , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Albandar Jasim M. , Susin Cristiano , Haas Alex Nogueira
Published: October 2020

Aim

To assess obesity as a risk factor for tooth loss over 5 years in an urban sample of Brazilian adults.

Materials and methods

A total of 1586 individuals were surveyed using a multistage probabilistic approach. Five years later, 635 individuals 14‐64 years old were re‐examined. An incident case of tooth loss was determined for a participant that had lost at least one tooth over time. Obesity was evaluated by calculating body mass index at baseline and by the change in obesity status over time.

Results

Incident cases of tooth loss were significantly more frequent among obese (47.1%) than normal‐weight individuals (32.4%) (p = .004). Obese individuals had 31% higher risk [relative risk (RR) =1.31; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.04‐1.65] for tooth loss than normal‐weight individuals adjusting for age, socio‐economic status, smoking, dental care and periodontitis. This association was significant for females (RR=1.47, 95%CI 1.08‐2.01), but not for males. The risk for tooth loss was also modified by presence of periodontitis at baseline and lifetime smoking exposure. There was an increased risk for tooth loss for those that remained obese than those that remained normal weight.

Conclusion

Obesity is associated with higher risk for tooth loss. This association was modified by sex, periodontal status and smoking.
Adjunctive local treatments for patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Chen‐Ying , Yang Yu‐Hao , Li Hua , Lin Ping‐Yi , Su Yu‐Ting , Kuo Mark Yen‐Ping , Tu Yu‐Kang
Published: October 2020

Aim

This systematic review and network meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials, compared to subgingival instrumentation alone or plus a placebo, on changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), in patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care.

Materials and methods

Literature search was performed with electronic databases and by hand until 31 May 2020. Primary outcome was the changes in PPD. The treatment effects between groups were estimated with weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals (PI) by using random‐effects network meta‐analysis.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included. Significantly greater PPD reduction was achieved in chlorhexidine chip group (WMD: 0.65 mm, 95% CI: 0.21–1.10) and tetracycline fibre group (WMD: 0.64 mm, 95% CI: 0.20–1.08) over 6‐month follow‐up. Other adjunctive antimicrobial agents achieved non‐significant improvements compared to scaling and root planing alone. All differences between adjunctive therapies were statistically non‐significant. Similar findings were observed for CAL gain.

Conclusion

Adjunctive local antimicrobial agents achieved small additional PPD reduction and CAL gain in residual pockets for a follow‐up of up to 6 months. Tetracycline fibre and chlorhexidine chip achieved better results than other antimicrobials.