bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origins of regional divergence: economic growth in socialist Yugoslavia†
Authors: Kukić Leonard
Published: September 2020

Relative to western Europe, we know very little about the determinants of economic growth at the regional level within socialist Europe. This is somewhat unusual, given that socialist policy‐makers have put great emphasis on equitable regional development. This article analyses the regional patterns of growth and divergence in socialist Yugoslavia. New estimates of output and inputs are constructed, and an analysis of output growth, factor accumulation, structural modernization, and productivity is provided. Two novel empirical findings are uncovered. The first is that the sources of growth across the regions were fundamentally different. Total factor productivity was a much more important source of growth in the richer regions than it was in the poorer ones. The second finding is that the source of the regional income divergence lies in the failure of the less developed regions to converge towards the employment rates and total factor productivities of the more developed regions. These failures are interpreted, at least partially, as symptoms of the governing objective and the soft budget constraint of the labour‐managed firms that operated in Yugoslavia. It is argued that Yugoslavia's development model was less suited to the pre‐conditions that prevailed in the less developed parts of the country.
Concordance in survival among first‐degree relatives diagnosed with indolent lymphoid malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Baecklund Fredrik , Ekberg Sara , Rosenquist Richard , Askling Johan , Eloranta Sandra , Smedby Karin E.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate concordance in survival time among first‐degree relatives with lymphoid malignancies.

Methods

By linkage of national Swedish registers, we identified 66 430 patients diagnosed with a lymphoid malignancy 1958‐2016 with information on first‐degree relationships and follow‐up until 2017. Among these, we identified pairs of first‐degree relatives with any (N = 3326) or a similar (N = 690) lymphoid malignancy subtype. We defined survival in the first‐degree relative as good, expected, or poor based on tertiles of deviance residuals from a multivariable Cox regression model. Next, we used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of death with 95% confidence intervals (CI) among patients, using the survival of their first‐degree relative as exposure and adjusting for confounders.

Results

There was no concordance in survival among first‐degree relatives with any lymphoid malignancy (HRgood = 1.00 (reference), HRExpected = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.89‐1.17, HRPoor = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.98‐1.27, Ptrend = .08). Among first‐degree relatives with indolent lymphoma, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, those with a first‐degree relative to an expected or poor survival had worse outcome compared to those with a first‐degree relative with good survival (HRExpected = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.82‐2.53, HRPoor = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07‐3.00, Ptrend = .03).

Conclusion

Our results support a role of inherited factors in the outcome of indolent lymphoma, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Whole‐genome SNP markers reveal conservation status, signatures of selection, and introgression in Chinese Laiwu pigs
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Zhang Hui , Huang Min , Tang Jianhong , Yang Lijuan , Yu Zhiqiang , Li Desen , Li Guixin , Jiang Yongchuang , Sun Yanxiao , Wei Shudong , Xu Pan , Ren Jun
Published: September 2020

Laiwu pigs are a Chinese indigenous breed that is renowned for its exceptionally high intramuscular fat content (average greater than 6%), providing an excellent genetic resource for the genetic improvement of meat quality of modern commercial pigs. To uncover genetic diversity, population structure, signature of selection, and potential exotic introgression in this breed, we sampled 238 Laiwu pigs from a state‐supported conservation population and genotyped these individuals using GeneSeek 80K SNP BeadChip. We then conducted in‐depth population genetics analyses for the Laiwu pig in a context of 1,116 pigs from 42 Eurasian diverse breeds. First, we show that the current Laiwu population has more abundant genetic diversity than the population of 18 years ago likely due to gene flow from European commercial breeds. Both neighbor‐joining (NJ) and principal component analyses indicate the introgression of European haplotypes into Laiwu pigs. The admixture analysis reveals that an average 26.66% of Laiwu genetic components are of European origin. Then, we assigned the tested individuals to different families according to their clustering patterns in the NJ tree and proposed a family‐based conservation strategy to reduce the risk of inbreeding depression in Laiwu pigs. Next, we explored three statistics (ROH and iHS and EigenGWAS) to identify a list of candidate genes for fat deposition, reproduction, and growth in Laiwu pigs. Last, we detected a strong signature of introgression from European pigs into Laiwu pigs at the GPC6 locus that regulates the growth of developing long bones. Further association analyses indicate that the introgressed GPC6 haplotype likely contributed to the improvement of growth performance in Laiwu pigs. Altogether, this study not only benefits the better conservation of the Laiwu pig, but also advances our knowledge of the poorly understood effect of human‐mediated introgression on phenotypic traits in Chinese indigenous pigs.
Matrix metalloproteinases in keratinocyte carcinomas
Authors: Riihilä Pilvi , Nissinen Liisa , Kähäri Veli‐Matti
Published: September 2020

The incidence of cutaneous keratinocyte‐derived cancers is increasing globally. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy worldwide, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer. BCC can be classified into subtypes based on the histology, and these subtypes are classified further into low‐ and high‐risk tumors. There is an increasing need to identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of unresectable and metastatic cSCC, and for aggressive BCC variants such as infiltrating, basosquamous or morpheaform BCCs. The most important risk factor for BCC and cSCC is solar UV radiation, which causes genetic and epigenetic alterations in keratinocytes. Similar gene mutations are noted already in sun‐exposed normal skin emphasizing the role of the alterations in the tumor microenvironment in the progression of cSCC. Early events in cSCC progression are alterations in the composition of basement membrane and dermal extracellular matrix induced by influx of microbes, inflammatory cells and activated stromal fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts promote inflammation and produce growth factors and proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Transforming growth factor‐β produced by tumor cells and fibroblasts induces the expression of MMPs by cSCC cells and promotes their invasion. Fibroblast‐derived keratinocyte growth factor suppresses the malignant phenotype of cSCC cells by inhibiting the expression of several MMPs. These findings emphasize the importance of interplay of tumor and stromal cells in the progression of cSCC and BCC and suggest tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in cSCC and aggressive subtypes of BCC.
Microstrain measurements and damage analysis during tensile loading of intercritical austempered ductile iron
Authors: Fernandino Diego O. , Di Cocco Vittorio , Boeri Roberto E. , Iacoviello Francesco
Published: September 2020

The study focuses on the measurement of microstrain and the assessment of damage during tensile loading of intercritical austempered ductile iron by using digital image correlation technique and in situ observations. The results show that the first stages of damage involve the initiation and propagation of cracks along the matrix‐nodule interface. By comparing the strain maps retrieved from digital image correlation analysis with the microstructure, plastic deformations were observed to be located preferentially in the ferritic internodular areas. However, for a more advanced stage of damage, cracks are seen to initiate in the metallic matrix at the boundary between ausferrite sheaves and propagate preferentially following the direction of the ausferrite plates. The final fracture shows a mix of quasi‐cleavage and ductile morphology. The quasi‐cleavage is produced by the nucleation and growth of multiple quasi‐cleavage cracks formed on the ausferrite sheaves, while the overloaded ferritic zones are fractured by ductile tearing.
A comparative case study: Administrators' and students' perceptions of the Seal of Biliteracy
Authors: Hancock Charlotte R. , Davin Kristin J.
Published: September 2020

This comparative case study explores the perceived value of the Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) between two key stakeholders, administrators and students. Drawing on interviews and focus group data from one large, urban district in Minnesota that was instrumental in assisting the state in diversifying languages awarded with the SoBL, this study investigated areas in which administrators' perceived value of the SoBL converged or diverged with linguistically diverse students' perceived value. Findings revealed convergences along the two themes of college credit and promoting multilingualism as an asset and divergences along the three themes of racial equity, proof/validation, and future opportunities. Convergences between these two groups represent the maximal zone of policy implementation whereas divergences represent areas in which work could be done to enhance the policy's potential. Implications focus on how to increase the number of linguistically diverse students earning the SoBL and highlight critical areas in need of additional research.
Light grazing facilitates carbon accumulation in subsoil in Chinese grasslands: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhi‐Yun , Hu Zhong‐Min , Lai Derrick Y. F. , Han Dao‐Rui , Wang Mei , Liu Min , Zhang Meng , Guo Ming‐Yan
Published: September 2020

Grazing by livestock greatly affects the soil carbon (C) cycle in grassland ecosystems. However, the effects of grazing at different intensities and durations on the dynamics of soil C in its subsoil layers are not clearly understood. Here, we compiled data from 78 sites (in total 122 published studies) to examine the effects of varying grazing intensities and durations on soil C content at different depths for grasslands in China. Our meta‐analysis revealed that grazing led to an overall decrease in soil C content and productivity of above‐ground vegetation (e.g., above‐ground biomass and litter) but an increase in below‐ground biomass. Specifically, the effects of grazing on soil C content became less negative or even positive with increasing soil depths. An increase of soil C content was consequently found under light grazing (LG), although soil C content still decreased under moderate and heavy grazing. The increase in soil C content under LG could be largely attributed to the increase of soil C content in subsoil layers (>20 cm), despite that soil C content in surface soil layer (0–20 cm) decreased. Moreover, the magnitude of increase in soil C content under LG in subsoil layers increased with grazing duration. A possible reason of the increase in soil C content in the subsoil layers was due to the increases in below‐ground biomass. Our study highlights that LG may modify the allocation of C input and promote its accumulation in subsoil layers, thus offsetting the negative impact of grazing on surface soil C content, a finding that has significant implications for C sequestration in grasslands.
Diversity‐dependent soil acidification under nitrogen enrichment constrains biomass productivity
Authors: Kimmel Kaitlin , Furey George N. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Isbell Forest , Tilman David , Reich Peter B.
Published: September 2020

In most plant communities, the net effect of nitrogen enrichment is an increase in plant productivity. However, nitrogen enrichment also has been shown to decrease species richness and to acidify soils, each of which may diminish the long‐term impact of nutrient enrichment on productivity. Here we use a long‐term (20 year) grassland plant diversity by nitrogen enrichment experiment in Minnesota, United States (a subexperiment within the BioCON experiment) to quantify the net impacts of nitrogen enrichment on productivity, including its potential indirect effects on productivity via changes in species richness and soil pH over an experimental diversity gradient. Overall, we found that nitrogen enrichment led to an immediate positive increment in productivity, but that this effect became nonsignificant over later years of the experiment, with the difference in productivity between fertilized and unfertilized plots decreasing in proportion to nitrogen addition‐dependent declines in soil pH and losses of plant diversity. The net effect of nitrogen enrichment on productivity could have been 14.5% more on average over 20 years in monocultures if not for nitrogen‐induced decreases in pH and about 28.5% more on average over 20 years in 16 species communities if not for nitrogen‐induced species richness losses. Together, these results suggest that the positive effects of nutrient enrichment on biomass production can diminish in their magnitude over time, especially because of soil acidification in low diversity communities and especially because of plant diversity loss in initially high diversity communities.
Corporate reputation and the timeliness of external audit and earnings announcement
Authors: Khoo Eunice S. , Lim Youngdeok , Monroe Gary S.
Published: September 2020

We examine the association between corporate reputation and the timeliness of external audit and earnings announcement. Changes in financial reporting regulation have resulted in longer audit delay, leading to an increase in the number of firms that announce earnings prior to audit completion, both of which have implications for the quality and usefulness of financial information. We find that corporate reputation is negatively associated with audit report lag, earnings announcement lag, and the likelihood of firms announcing earnings after audit completion. Our results are robust to a variety of sensitivity tests. We document important benefits in the form of timelier audits and earnings announcements derived from developing and maintaining a good corporate reputation. Our findings have implications for client firms and auditors, particularly given the challenges faced by auditors in terms of more onerous audit requirements and shorter filing deadlines, as well as demands for timelier information faced by firms.
Diagnostic test accuracy of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jeong Eunhye , Park Jinkyung , Lee Juneyoung
Published: September 2020

Aims

To evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Design

A systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Data sources

Articles were searched systematically in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases up to April 2019.

Review methods

Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using the Quality Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool. Pooled sensitivities, specificities, likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio for the tool were estimated and its hierarchical summary receiver‐operating characteristic curve was derived through a bivariate model meta‐analysis.

Results

Eleven studies with a total of 2,245 patients were included in this review. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale were 68.6% (95% confidence interval; 55.3%, 79.5%) and 89.4% (83.3%, 93.5%), respectively. The pooled estimate of the area under the hierarchical summary receiver‐operating characteristic curve was 0.88.

Conclusion

Use of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale provides moderate to high sensitivity and high specificity. This review supports the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale as a validate tool of screening for delirium.

Impact

With the best evidence of the accuracy of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale, we recommend nursing leaders to use this easy‐to‐use and validated tool for daily screening of delirium in any hospital setting, which possibly contribute to an early detection of delirium and, ultimately, assist to obtain an accurate estimation of prevalence of delirium.
The effects of digital storytelling games on high school students' critical thinking skills
Authors: Chen Hsiu‐Ling , Chuang Yun‐Chi
Published: September 2020

The present study introduced Ren'py software as a digital storytelling (DST) tool to explore the effective use of digital game design learning in promoting critical thinking among high school students. A sample of 46 high school students enrolled in “Thinking Utopia,” an elective course in critical thinking for civics education, was put into groups of 3 to 4 for learning activities towards their collaborative designs of DST games. The course stretched across 9 weeks. Students' performance in critical thinking tests was also closely examined using paired‐sample t‐test analysis, which found no significant improvements; however, their interview responses were carefully studied using qualitative analysis and revealed that many of them agreed that the proposed collaborative activities for game script writing and for their collaborative designs of original hurdle questions have stimulated their critical thinking ability and contributed to the development of their other skills such as communication, problem‐solving and media literacy.
Altered m6A modification is involved in up‐regulated expression of FOXO3 in luteinized granulosa cells of non‐obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients
Authors: Zhang Shen , Deng Wenli , Liu Qiongyou , Wang Peiyu , Yang Wei , Ni Wuhua
Published: September 2020

The pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by granulosa cell (GC) dysfunction. m6A modification affects GC function in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), but the role of m6A modification in PCOS is unknown. The purpose of the prospective comparative study was to analyse the m6A profile of the luteinized GCs from normovulatory women and non‐obese PCOS patients following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. RNA m6A methylation levels were measured by m6A quantification assay in the luteinized GCs of the controls and PCOS patients. Then, m6A profiles were analysed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐seq). We reported that the m6A level was increased in the luteinized GCs of PCOS patients. Comparative analysis revealed differences between the m6A profiles from the luteinized GC of the controls and PCOS patients. We identified FOXO3 mRNA with reduced m6A modification in the luteinized GCs of PCOS patients. Selectively knocking down m6A methyltransferases or demethylases altered expression of FOXO3 in the luteinized GCs from the controls, but did not in PCOS patients. These suggested an absence of m6A‐mediated transcription of FOXO3 in the luteinized GCs of PCOS patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the involvement of m6A in the stability of the FOXO3 mRNA that is regulated via a putative methylation site in the 3’‐UTR only in the luteinized GCs of the controls. In summary, our findings showed that altered m6A modification was involved in up‐regulated expression of FOXO3 mRNA in the luteinized GCs from non‐obese PCOS patients following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
Hydrochemistry of Avène thermal waters (Avène‐les‐Bains, France)
Authors: Lions J.
Published: September 2020

Avène Thermal Spring Water (Avène TSW) has been used since 1743 in the treatment of various pathologies. The hydrothermal system is delimited by a reservoir mainly composed by dolomite and quartz in which meteoric waters infiltrate allowing rock–water interactions that control the water's chemical composition. Water analysis and geochemical calculations highlight that water composition is stable and low mineral salt content are controlled by natural geochemical equilibrium and the solubility of the minerals calcite, dolomite and quartz according to temperature and CO2 pressure within the reservoir. In addition, the annual monitoring of surface waters sampled on the impluvium surface area confirms the absence of anthropic impact on water quality. The forest and the low human activity of the watershed contribute to preserve the natural groundwater quality. This confirms that nowadays, the recharge water is still of great quality for the future generation.
Broad spectrum repairing properties of an extract of Aquaphilus dolomiae on in vitro and ex vivo models of injured skin
Authors: Noizet M. , Bianchi P. , Galliano M.F. , Caruana A. , Brandner J.M. , Bessou‐Touya S. , Duplan H.
Published: September 2020

Background

A biological concentrate was produced from cultures of an Avène aquatic microflora isolate, namely Aquaphilus dolomiae. Some of the beneficial effects on diseased and damaged skin are thought to be due to the presence of this microorganism.

Aims

An extract of A. dolomiae (A. dolomiae extract‐G2, ADE‐G2) was evaluated for its wound‐healing effects using in vitro and ex vivo models of injured skin.

Methods

The effect of ADE‐G2 on the proliferation of fibroblasts, migration of keratinocytes and re‐epithelialization of ex vivo wounded skin explants was measured. Antimicrobial protection by ADE‐G2 was measured by analysing the gene expression of a panel of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) in keratinocytes (RNASE7, S100A7, DEFB4A/B and DEFb103B), as well as the protein encoded by DEFB4A‐B (hBD2) in the medium.

Results

ADE‐G2 increased fibroblast proliferation and keratinocyte migration, as well as re‐epithelialization of wounded ex vivo skin. ADE‐G2 induced the expression of all AMP genes analysed in keratinocytes, as well as stimulated the release in to the medium of hBD2 peptide, encoded by DEFB4A/B.

Conclusions

We have shown the broad spectrum of the repairing properties of the A. dolomiae extract, ADE‐G2. These results support the use of ADE‐G2 as a promising component for use in formulations aimed at repairing skin, limiting wound superinfection and preventing complicated wounds.
Commentary on ‘Autophagy promotes phagocytosis and clearance of Treponema pallidumvia the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages’
Authors: Brockmeyer N.H.
Published: September 2020

Linked article: S.‐L. Xu et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 2111–2119. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16463
Health habits of nursing students: A longitudinal study of health perceptions and health habits
Authors: Bulfone Giampiera , Maurici Massimo , Vellone Ercole , Macale Loreana , Alvaro Rosaria
Published: September 2020

Aims and objectives

To examine nursing students’ health habits. More specifically, the objectives were to determine whether there were any changes in their health habits during their course of study, and to understand whether the students’ perceptions about good health conditions cohered with their health‐related behaviour.

Background

The transition from high school to university has an undesirable effect on students’ health habits, and nursing students’ unhealthy behaviours may prevent them from helping patients improve their poor health habits.

Design

A longitudinal design was used. The study followed the recommendations of STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology).

Methods

All students were recruited from a nursing science degree course in an Italian university. The sample consisted of 351 nursing students. Data were collected at the baseline during their entrance into the university (T0) and at the end of their third year of coursework (T3). We developed the Nursing Student Health Habits Scale, which was administered by a trained researcher. The McNemar test and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test to evaluate the differences in health habits between T0 and T3, and a logistics model to assess the factors influencing students’ good health perceptions were used.

Results

From T0 to T3, there were decreases in the number of students who requested physician consultations (p = .01) and increases in those who exercised daily (p = .003). There was also a change in the nutrition model (p = .018). In the multivariate model, physician consultations for medical problems and performing physical exercise were factors influencing good health perceptions.

Conclusions

Future research is needed to illuminate other aspects of students’ health habits.

Relevance to clinical practice

Universities are advised to address these problems by reflecting on undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum content concerning health management and disease prevention.
Could sleep paralysis be pleasant?
Authors: Kliková Monika , Sharpless Brian A. , Bušková Jitka
Published: September 2020

Sleep paralysis is an inability to move at sleep onset or upon awakening. It is often a distressing experience that can be associated with significant clinical consequences. Few studies have focussed onpleasantsleep paralysis episodes. The present study aimed to determine the relative prevalence of pleasant episodes of sleep paralysis as well as variables that may make them more likely to occur. Participants (N = 172) with recurrent episodes of sleep paralysis completed a battery of questionnaires investigating sleep paralysis episodes, trauma symptoms, life satisfaction, and Big Five personality traits. Pleasant sleep paralysis was found to be a fairly common experience (i.e. 23%). Episodes were emotionally complex, with pleasant episodes often involving some admixture of fear. In terms of hallucinations, pleasant episodes were more likely to involve vestibular‐motor sensations (i.e. illusory body movements) and some individuals reported an ability to induce these hallucinations. Contrary to expectation, neither lower trauma symptomatology nor higher levels of reported life satisfaction predicted pleasant sleep paralysis. However, the ability to lucid dream and higher levels of trait openness to new experiences appeared to make pleasant episodes more likely. Clinical implications are discussed.
Influence of age and gender on sleep bruxism and snoring in non‐apneic snoring patients: A polysomnographic study
Authors: Smardz Joanna , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Gac Pawel , Poreba Rafal , Wojakowska Anna , Mazur Grzegorz , Martynowicz Helena
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to assess the influence of gender and age on snoring and sleep bruxism in non‐apneic snoring patients. Adult participants with clinical suspicion of snoring and with no other significant medical history were recruited. Single‐night video polysomnography was performed to detect snoring and sleep bruxism. Finally, 137 snoring non‐apneic participants were included. Statistical analysis of gender groups showed that the total snore index and snore train were significantly higher in men than in women. Men also presented severe bruxism, with significantly more frequent episodes and higher bruxism episodes index scores. The correlation analysis showed the presence of significant linear relationships in the supine sleep position between age and snore index, snore index in non‐rapid eye movement 2 (N2) sleep stage, and snore train. The analysis of groups separated according to the criterion of third age quartile showed that the average, maximum and minimum audio volume in the non‐supine sleep position was significantly higher in the older group. The analysis of groups separated according to the criterion of median age showed that the bruxism episode index and bruxism phasic episodes were significantly higher in the younger group. Thus, it can be concluded that both age and gender influence snoring and sleep bruxism. Snoring and sleep bruxism seem to be more intensive in men. Older patients seem to snore more in N2 sleep and the supine sleep position and present lower bruxism episodes, especially the phasic type. The results of the present study indicate the need for further research on this topic to establish the possible relationship between snoring and sleep bruxism.
Differential effect of natural and pigment‐supplemented diets on larval development and phenotype of anurans
Authors: Cabrera‐Guzmán E. , Díaz‐Paniagua C. , Gomez‐Mestre I.
Published: September 2020

Diet has major effects on development, growth, health, and performance of animals. Photosynthetic pigments, in particular, are key components of the diet of many organisms that can play important roles in their development and performance. Compared to other taxa, we know relatively little about how these pigments impact amphibian larval development. We conducted diet supplementation experiments on tadpoles of two amphibian species, in which we offered various naturally co‐occurring aquatic macrophytes or diet enriched or not with supplement pigments. We evaluated the effect of these diets on developmental period, size, mass, color, and jumping performance of metamorphs exposed or not to risk of simulated pond drying during the larval period. Diet based on Myriophyllum alterniflorum resulted in high mortality rates of Mediterranean tree frog larvae (Hyla meridionalis), this macrophyte did not affect survival of Western spadefoot toads (Pelobates cultripes), but individuals took longer to reach metamorphosis. Regardless of the macrophyte consumed, spadefoot toad tadpoles speeded up metamorphosis when exposed to reduced water volume, whereas tree frog tadpoles did not show significant responses to simulated pond drying. The three supplemented diets tested—β‐carotene, lutein, and chlorophyll—had positive effects on size and mass of tree frogs; supplemented diet based on β‐carotene improved dorsal coloration of tree frogs and had positive effects on size and mass at metamorphosis of spadefoot toads. Tadpoles fed with supplements did not exhibit significant response to water reduction. Our study highlights the importance of larval diet on phenotypically plastic responses and post‐metamorphic traits in anurans.
Species identification of dermatophytes isolated in China by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Shao Jin , Wan Zhe , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is a novel technique for identifying dermatophytes. This study aimed to detect the limitation of MALDI‐TOF MS applied to dermatophytes.

Methods

A total of 113 DNA‐sequenced dermatophyte isolates preserved at the Research Center for Medical Mycology of Peking University were selected for this study. Forty‐two isolates were selected as reference strains used to create a supplementary database. Seventy‐one isolates (Trichophyton rubrum series, T benhamiae series, T mentagrophytes series species and T schoenleinii) were used to evaluate the suitability of the MALDI‐TOF MS Biotyper system. MALDI Biotyper 4.0 software was employed to construct the main spectrum profile (MSP) dendrograms.

Results

Correct identification rates at the species and genus levels were 90.1% and 91.5%, respectively, using Bruker Filamentous Fungi Library 1.0 combined with the novel database. The MSP dendrogram of the T rubrum series showed unambiguous separation of T rubrum and T violaceum and that of the T benhamiae series distinguished T verrucosum, T benhamiae and T erinacei. Conversely, the MSP dendrogram of the T mentagrophytes series did not successfully distinguish T mentagrophytes, T interdigitale and T tonsurans.

Conclusion

MALDI‐TOF MS showed good performance in the identification and delineation of the T rubrum series and T benhamiae series, but showed poor performance in T mentagrophytes series.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor is elevated in the blood serum of Crohn's disease patients, but is not influenced by anti‐TNF‐α treatment—A pilot study
Authors: Sochal Marcin , Małecka‐Panas Ewa , Gabryelska Agata , Fichna Jakub , Talar‐Wojnarowska Renata , Szmyd Bartosz , Białasiewicz Piotr
Published: September 2020

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with depression, pain, or sleep disorders, factors that are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD). Therefore, the study aimed at assessing the BDNF serum level in patients with CD and evaluates the effect of anti‐TNF‐α therapy on the BDNF level and its impact on sleep, mood, and pain parameters.

Methods

Fifty‐eight CD patients and 26 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. The severity of insomnia symptoms was assessed by the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Subjective pain intensity was estimated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Laitinen Pain Scale. Mood level was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Seventeen patients were treated with anti‐TNF‐α therapy for 14 weeks and were re‐examined after treatment.

Key Results

CD patients had a higher serum BDNF level than HC (P = .010). No correlation between clinical severity and BDNF was found. There were positive correlations between the BDNF level and the results of AIS (r = 0.253, P = .020), the severity of pain measured using the VAS (r = 0.251, P = .021) and the Laitinen Pain Scale (r = 0.218, P = .047), but not BDI. No differences were observed in the BDNF level before and after 14 weeks of anti‐TNF‐α therapy.

Conclusions and Inferences

Increased BDNF level in CD patients suggests that it may be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical course of the disease. Further research into BDNF might contribute to a better understanding of the effects of sleep and pain on the course of CD.
An expressivist interpretation of Kant's “I think”1
Authors: Freitag Wolfgang , Kraus Katharina
Published: September 2020

Kant's theory of cognition centrally builds on his conception of self‐consciousness and the transcendental use of the phrase “I think”: the ability to add the phrase “I think” to a representation is a necessary condition of the ability to cognize objects. The paper argues that “I think”, rather than denoting the content of a predicative judgement, is typically an expression of the subject's thinking. It expresses a kind of self‐consciousness that, without assertively representing the subject itself, indicates that representational contents are unified in a single consciousness of a single subject. Our aim is thus to develop and defend an expressivist interpretation of Kant's “I think”.
Overexpression of MMPs, cytokines, and RANKL/OPG in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and their association with joint pain, mouth opening, and bone degeneration: A preliminary report
Authors: Cafferata Emilio A. , Monasterio Gustavo , Castillo Francisca , Carvajal Paola , Flores Guillermo , Díaz Walter , Fuentes Aler D. , Vernal Rolando
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine the expression of distinct matrix metalloproteinases, cytokines, and bone resorptive factors in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ‐OA) patients and their association with joint pain, mouth opening, and subchondral bone degeneration.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients affected with TMJ‐OA (n = 5), disk displacement without reduction (DDWoR) (n = 3), or disk displacement with reduction (DDWR) (n = 4) were selected. Joint pain was quantified by using visual analog scale, mouth opening was quantified at the maximum pain‐free aperture, and bone degeneration was quantified using joint imaging. Synovial fluid samples were collected and immediately processed for cell and synovial fluid recovering. From cells, the MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐8, MMP‐13, IL‐6, IL‐23, and TNF‐α expression was quantified by qPCR. From synovial fluid, the RANKL and OPG levels were quantified by ELISA.

Results

Higher levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, MMP‐13, IL‐6, IL‐23, TNF‐α, and RANKL/OPG ratio were detected in TMJ‐OA compared with DDWoR and DDWR patients (p < .05). Joint pain significantly correlated with TNF‐α levels (r = .975, p = .029). Besides, imaging signs of bone degeneration significantly correlated with RANKL/OPG ratio (r = .949, p = .042). Conversely, mouth opening did not correlate with any of the analyzed mediators.

Conclusion

During TMJ‐OA, a pathological response characterized by the overexpression of TNF‐α and RANKL/OPG could be involved in joint pain and subchondral bone degeneration.
When the Interest Rate on the National Debt Is a Policy Variable (and “Printing Money” Does Not Apply)
Authors: Fullwiler Scott
Published: September 2020

Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) argues that the interest rate on the national debt for a monetary sovereign is a policy variable, not subject to whether bond markets “accept” or “reject” it. This paper defines measures of the components of the standard analysis of fiscal sustainability. It then methodically describes the Federal Reserve's operations relevant for understanding why interest rates on government debt in the United States have been and continue to be driven by monetary policy. A corollary that emerges—“printing money,” as economists usually understand it—is not applicable and has never been advocated by MMT.
Characterizing online searches in pediatric dermatology
Authors: Schlarbaum Jamie P. , Hook Kristen P.
Published: September 2020

The use of online medical information is a common trend but little is known about these searches and implications in pediatric dermatology. Through a convenience sample of 95 parents/guardians and patients in pediatric dermatology at the University of Minnesota, 38.9% of participants reported that they had used an online search tool prior to their appointment. Google was the most common tool used (91.4%), and eczematous conditions were the most common patient‐suspected diagnosis (32.4%). Of interest, 13.9% of individuals became more concerned and 16.7% made an appointment earlier because of their online findings.
Transforming learning: Applying community and systems level interventions through a poster project
Authors: Rohlik Lindsay , Krumwiede Kelly
Published: September 2020

Background

Public health nursing practice is population‐focused with a goal of improving health outcomes. Nurse educators are challenged to identify teaching–learning strategies to transform students’ perspectives and knowledge of public health concepts.

Purpose

The purpose of the poster project was to evaluate students’ ability to meet Quad Council Coalition Competency Review Task Force competencies for public health nursing.

Methods

Teams of students identified an issue, investigated epidemiological data, searched literature, linked the issue to a Healthy People 2020 objective, defined the societal health construct, identified evidence‐based interdisciplinary actions, and drew a conclusion based on the synthesis of evidence. The Quad Council Public Health Nursing domains and competencies provided a crosswalk design for faculty to evaluate teams’ ability to plan and implement population‐focused actions within the poster project.

Results

Teams met one or more competencies in six out of eight domains. Domains I–IV, VI, and VIII were met by 100%, domain V was met by 60%, and domain VII was met by 25% of the teams.

Discussion

Ownership of the poster translated into teams demonstrating creative approaches and expertise in identifying actions to address societal health outcomes.

Conclusion

 The societal health construct poster is an effective pedagogical approach that encourages teams to become change agents at the community and systems level.
Startle during backward evaluative conditioning is not modulated by instructions
Authors: Green Luke J.S. , Luck Camilla C. , Lipp Ottmar V.
Published: September 2020

Instructions highlighting that backward conditional stimuli (CSs) stop unconditional stimuli (USs) result in their acquiring valence opposite to that of the US on explicit measures of valence. We assessed whether such instructions would influence startle blink modulation in the same way. Two groups were presented with concurrent forward and backward evaluative conditioning (CS‐US‐CS) using cartoon aliens as CSs, and pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant sounds as USs. Startle magnitude was measured during conditioning and valence ratings were assessed after conditioning. Participants in the “start‐stop” instructions group (n = 41) were instructed to learn whether CSs started or stopped US presentations, while participants in the “observe” instructions group (n = 41) were told to pay attention to the stimuli as they would be asked questions about them after the experiment. In the start‐stop instructions group backward CSs paired with positive USs were rated as less pleasant than backward CSs paired with neutral and negative USs (contrast effect), whereas ratings of backward CSs did not differ in the observe instructions group. Startle magnitude was larger during backward CSs paired with positive USs in comparison to CSs paired with neutral or negative USs in both instruction groups. Startle blink modulation was unaffected by instructions, suggesting that startle indexes the emotional state at the time of probe presentation rather than CS valence based on propositional information about the function of the CS.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha and nitric oxide synthases in bovine follicles close to ovulation and early luteal angiogenesis
Authors: Berisha Bajram , Schams Dieter , Sinowatz Fred , Rodler Daniela , Pfaffl Michael W.
Published: September 2020

The objective of the study was to characterize expression patterns of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF1A), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial (eNOS) isoforms in time‐defined follicle classes before and after GnRH application in the cow. Ovaries containing pre‐ovulatory follicles or corpora lutea were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy (n = 5 cows/group) as follow: (I) before GnRH administration; (II) 4h after GnRH; (III) 10h after GnRH; (IV) 20h after GnRH; (V) 25h after GnRH; and (VI) 60h after GnRH (early corpus luteum). The mRNA abundance of HIF1A in the follicle group before GnRH was high, followed by a significant down regulation afterwards with a minimum level 25h after GnRH (close to ovulation) and significant increase only after ovulation. The mRNA abundance of iNOS before GnRH was high, decreased significantly during LH surge, with minimum levels afterwards. In contrast, the mRNA of eNOS decreased in the follicle group 20h after GnRH, followed by a rapid and significant upregulation just after ovulation. Immunohistochemically, the granulosa cells of antral follicles and the eosinophils of the theca tissue as well of the early corpus luteum showed a strong staining for HIF1A. The location of the eosinophils could be clearly demonstrated by immunostaining with an eosinophil‐specific antibody (EMBP) and transmission electron microscopy. In conclusion, the parallel and acute regulated expression patterns of HIF1A and NOS isoforms, specifically during the interval between the LH surge and ovulation, indicate that these paracrine factors are involved in the local mechanisms, regulating final follicle maturation, ovulation and early luteal angiogenesis.
Eagle Owl presence and diet at mining sites: implications for restoration and management for cliff‐nesting birds
Authors: Rohrer Zoë , Rebollo Salvador , Monteagudo Navila , Talabante Carlos
Published: September 2020

The possible consequences of top predators for the success of restoration actions for animals is still poorly understood. Our main objective was to analyze whether there could be a risk of creating habitats with an excess of predation by top predators when carrying out actions to improve cliff habitats for cliff‐nesting birds at mining sites. We surveyed 28 mining sites in Spain to obtain information regarding the Eagle Owl's (Bubo bubo) presence and diet, and analyzed its relationship with the density of cliff‐nesting birds and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, its main prey) at the mining sites. We detected Eagle Owls in 18 mining sites (64%) and collected enough prey remains in 11 mining sites. A total of 732 minimum number of prey were identified. The diet of the Eagle Owl consisted mainly of mammals (83%) and the proportion of birds in the diet was low (13%). There was no relationship between the presence of Eagle Owls and the density of rabbits in the mining sites, but there was a positive relationship with the density of cliff‐nesting birds. We conclude that the Eagle Owl does not seem to exert significant pressure on the cliff‐nesting birds, even on wild pigeons, the most abundant cliff‐nesting birds in its diet. Restoration projects which promote cliff‐nesting birds would not entail a significant risk of generating ecological traps by excess of predation by the Eagle Owl. Furthermore, this species could be favored in restoration plans, as it is a threatened species in some areas in Europe.
Remains To Be Seen: Constance Garnett and the English Afterlife of Dostoevsky's Corpses
Authors: GEBALLE ELIZABETH F.
Published: September 2020

In the field of translation studies, an original text awaiting translation is commonly likened to a corpse awaiting resurrection. In this study of Constance Garnett's translations of Dostoevsky, I propose that the translation‐as‐reanimation trope be taken literally. Dostoevsky's unburied corpses–Netochka Nezvanova's victimized mother, the narrator's dead wife in A Gentle Creature, Nastasya Filippovna in The Idiot, and Father Zosima in The Brothers Karamazov–are designed to provoke religious and hermeneutic crises as they lie exposed to spectators and readers. Intent on solving these crises, Garnett's translation strategies redeem, resurrect, and provide miracles for the foreign bodies of and in literature. Approaching Dostoevsky from the perspective of translation studies ultimately offers a range of insights about new methods of evaluating translations, the connections between bodily remains and literary transmission, and Dostoevsky's own texts as metafictional works that anticipate future translators. Taken together, these insights illustrate one manner in which the Anglophone world in the early twentieth century encountered the remains of Russian realism.
Maladaptive personality traits and the course of suicidal ideation in young adults with bipolar disorder: Cross‐sectional and prospective approaches
Authors: Kudinova Anastacia Y. , MacPherson Heather A. , Musella Katharine , Schettini Elana , Gilbert Anna C. , Jenkins Gracie A. , Clark Lee Anna , Dickstein Daniel P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Childhood‐onset bipolar disorder (BD) has considerable morbidity and mortality, including suicide. Many risk factors have been identified for suicidality, but the potential role of personality traits as assessed by a computer‐assisted self‐report measure remains unclear.

Aims

To address this gap in knowledge, we tested relations between pathological‐range personality traits and suicidal ideation among young adults whose childhood‐onset BD was prospectively confirmed by enrollment in the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth study (COBY) as children (n = 45) and a newly enrolled group of typically developing controls (TDCs; n = 52) both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally after 1.5 years of follow up.

Materials & Methods

Personality traits were assessed with the computerized Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality‐2 (SNAP‐2).

Results

Cross‐sectionally, we found that participants with BD had elevated Suicide Proneness and Low Self‐esteem versus TDCs at baseline. Furthermore, longitudinal analyses in the BD participants for whom we had 1.5 years of prospectively collected illness‐course data showed that greater Suicide Proneness and Low Self‐esteem prospectively predicted greater levels, shorter time until occurrence, and greater frequency of suicidal ideation during the follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the role of specific personality‐related vulnerabilities in the course of BD that, pending replication, could contribute to development of interventions focused on personality traits among individuals with BD.