bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sand and filler materials on the hydration behavior of calcium aluminate cement
Authors: Engbert Alexander , Plank Johann
Published: September 2020

In earlier work, we have observed discrepancies relating to the early hydration of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) when comparing data from heat flow calorimetry of CAC paste with results from mortar strength tests using the crushing method. Here, we investigated on this phenomenon and found that the sand which is used as a filler exerts a major influence on CAC hydration resulting in acceleration. Furthermore, in particular fine filler materials such as, for example, microsilica, fine limestone powder, and especially α‐ and γ‐Al2O3 also produced a strong hydration accelerating effect which is dependent on their specific surface area. The mechanism underlying the acceleration is that under alkaline conditions their negative surface charge attracts calcium ions as was confirmed via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission measurements. Such a layer generates favourable conditions for the nucleation of CAC hydration products (C‐A‐H phases). The resulting crystalline hydrates which form on the surface of the filler particles submerged in CAC cement pore solution were visualized via SEM imaging. This way, specifically selected fillers can significantly accelerate CAC hydration and save precious lithium salts which are commonly used to boost the early strength of CAC.
Examining the UK Covid‐19 mortality paradox: Pandemic preparedness, healthcare expenditure, and the nursing workforce
Authors: Stribling Julian , Clifton Andrew , McGill George , de Vries Kay
Published: September 2020

Aim

To examine the UK pandemic preparedness in light of health expenditure, nursing workforce, and mortality rates in and relation to nursing leadership.

Background

The Global Health Security Index categorized the preparedness of 195 countries to face a biological threat on a variety of measures, producing an overall score. The United States of America and the United Kingdom were ranked 1st and 2nd most prepared in 2019.

Method

A cross‐nation comparison of the top 36 countries ranked by Global Health Security Index score using a variety of online sources, including key data about each nation's expenditure on health and the nursing workforce, and compared these with mortality data for COVID‐19.

Results

The extent of a country's pandemic preparedness, expenditure on healthcare and magnitude of the nursing workforce does not appear to impact mortality rates at this stage of the pandemic which is something of a paradox.

Conclusion

It is important that arrangements for dealing with future global pandemics involve a range of agencies and experts in the field, including nurse leaders.

Implications for Nursing

To achieve the best outcomes for patients, nurse leaders should be involved in policy forums at all levels of government to ensure nurses can influence health policy.
The interacting effect of habitat amount, habitat diversity and fragmentation on insect diversity along elevational gradients
Authors: Dianzinga Niry T. , Moutoussamy Marie‐Ludders , Sadeyen Joëlle , Ravaomanarivo Lala H. R. , Frago Enric
Published: September 2020

Aim

Elevational gradients are a useful approach to evaluate how environmental factors affect animal diversity. Decades of studies on the elevation‐diversity gradient have revealed that this gradient varies greatly with taxa and geographic regions. One potential explanation for this may be the dependence of the relationship on landscape features. We explore the impact of fragmentation, habitat diversity and habitat amount on insect diversity (alpha and beta) and abundance along elevational gradients. We hypothesize that insect diversity and abundance will relate negatively with elevation, but positively with these landscape features. We also hypothesize that landscape features will interact in a way that the positive effect of a given variable on insect diversity may be offset by the others.

Location

Reunion Island (Indian Ocean).

Taxon

The insect order thrips (Thysanoptera).

Methods

Insects were sampled along replicated elevational gradients, and at each sampling plot landscape features and abiotic variables were estimated within buffers surrounding the site. Insect alpha diversity was estimated using abundance‐based rarefaction methods, whereas beta diversity was estimated calculating the "Local contributions to beta diversity" metric. The effect of elevation, rainfall, landscape features and their interactions was assessed on insect alpha and beta diversity and abundance during two consecutive seasons using linear mixed effects models.

Results

We found that thrips alpha and beta diversity was negatively related with elevation, but the relationship varied between seasons and rainfall regimes. Among the different landscape features considered, we found that habitat amount had the strongest effect on diversity. The effect of habitat amount on diversity, however, was offset in areas of low habitat (or land cover) diversity.

Main conclusions

Generalizing the factors that underlie the elevation diversity gradient has become a cornerstone in ecological theory because it can help to understand the impact of human activities on diversity. Here we show that taking landscape information into account may help to fulfil this objective because landscape effects co‐vary with elevation with often intricate consequences for diversity.
Impedance decrement indexes for avoiding steam‐pop during bipolar radiofrequency ablation: An experimental study using a dual‐bath preparation
Authors: Saitoh Osamu , Oikawa Ayaka , Sugai Ayari , Chinushi Masaomi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

This experimental study was conducted to explore impedance monitoring for safely performing bipolar (BIP) radiofrequency (RF) ablation targeted to arrhythmia focus.

Methods and Results

Using a newly designed dual‐bath experimental model, contact‐force‐controlled (20‐g) BIP ablation (50 W, 60 s) was attempted for porcine left ventricle (17.0 ± 2.7 mm thickness). BIP ablation was successfully accomplished for 60 s in 75 of the 89 RF applications (84.3%), whereas audible steam‐pop occurred in the other 14 RF applications (15.7%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the optimal predictive values regarding the occurrence of steam‐pop as follows; thinner myocardial wall (≤14.8 mm), low minimum impedance (≤89 ohm), greater total impedance decrement (TID) (≤ −25 ohm) and %TID (≤ −22.5%). Greater impedance decrement was not observed immediately preceding the occurrence of steam‐pop but appeared around 15 s before. Four steam‐pops happened before reaching the optimal predictive values of minimum impedance, whereas all 14 steam‐pops developed 11.5 ± 9.2 and 8.1 ± 8.1 s after reaching the optimal predictive values of TID and %TID, respectively. Total lesion depth (endocardial plus epicardial) was 10.7 ± 1.2 mm on average, and was well correlated with TID and %TID. Transmural lesion through the myocardial wall was created in 22 RF applications.

Conclusion

Relatively thinner areas of the myocardium are likely to be at greater risk for steam‐pop during BIP RF ablation. Lowering the RF application energy to reduce the impedance decrement may help to lessen this risk.
Prognostic value of daytime and nighttime blood pressure in treated hypertensive patients according to age and sex
Authors: Coccina Francesca , Pierdomenico Anna M. , Pizzicannella Jacopo , Ianni Umberto , Bufano Gabriella , Madonna Rosalinda , Trubiani Oriana , Cipollone Francesco , Pierdomenico Sante D.
Published: September 2020

The authors assessed the prognostic value of daytime and nighttime blood pressure (BP) in adult (≤65 years) or old (> 65 years) women or men with treated hypertension. Cardiovascular outcomes were evaluated in 2264 patients. During the follow‐up (mean 10 years), 523 cardiovascular events occurred. After adjustment for covariates, both daytime and nighttime systolic BP were always associated with outcomes, that is, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval per 10 mm Hg increment) 1.22 (1.04‐1.43) and 1.20 (1.04‐1.37), respectively, in adult women, 1.30 (1.18‐1.43) and 1.21 (1.10‐1.33), respectively, in adult men, 1.21 (1.10‐1.33) and 1.18 (1.07‐1.31), respectively, in old women, and 1.16 (1.01‐1.33) and 1.28 (1.14‐1.44), respectively, in old men. When daytime and nighttime systolic BP were further and mutually adjusted, daytime and nighttime BP had comparable prognostic value in adult and old women, daytime BP remained associated with outcomes in adult men (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.13‐1.74 per 10 mm Hg increment), and nighttime BP remained associated with outcomes in old men (hazard ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.11‐1.64 per 10 mm Hg increment). Daytime and nighttime systolic BP have similar prognostic impact in adult and old women with treated hypertension, whereas daytime BP is a stronger predictor of risk in adult men and nighttime BP is a stronger predictor of risk in old men.
Effect of intensive blood pressure control on the prevention of white matter hyperintensity: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Lai Yiwei , Jiang Chao , Du Xin , Sang Caihua , Guo Xueyuan , Bai Rong , Tang Ribo , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng
Published: September 2020

Hypertension is an important cause of cerebral small vessel disease, especially of white matter hyperintensity (WMH). The ability of intensive blood pressure (BP) control in preventing this pathological progression remains unclear. The authors systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library for publications until July 20, 2020. Studies included were clinical trials with random allocation to an antihypertensive medication against placebo, or different treatment targets. The primary outcome was intergroup differences in the change of WMH volume. A random‐effect model was applied for pooling effect measures. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were conducted to explore heterogeneity. Seven studies with 2693 patients were identified. Compared with the control group, patients in the intensive BP control group had a slower progression of WMH, with a pooled intergroup standard mean difference (SMD) for WMH change of −0.22 (95% CI: −0.35 ~ −0.09, I2 = 63%). For studies comparing intensive and standard BP target, the pooled SMD is −0.37 (95% CI:‐0.50~‐0.24, I2 = 0%), while the pooled SMD of studies comparing active antihypertensive medication and placebo was only −0.08 (95% CI: −0.17 ~ 0.01, I2 = 0%). Meta‐regression analysis showed that the reduction in WMH progression is proportional to the magnitude of intensive BP control (β = −0.028,P < .001). In conclusion, intensive BP control prevents WMH progression, and its effect is associated with the magnitude of intensive BP control.
Evidence for the existence of CD34+ angiogenic stem cells in human first‐trimester decidua and their therapeutic for ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Bai Long , Sun Lu , Chen Wei , Liu Kai‐Yu , Zhang Chun‐Feng , Wang Fei , Zhang Gui‐Huan , Huang Ye , Li Jing‐Xuan , Gao Ying , Sun Xin , Liu Wei , Du Guo‐Qing , Li Ren‐Ke , Huang Ming‐Li , Tian Hai
Published: September 2020

Stem cell transplantation is nearly available for clinical application in the treatment of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), where it may be joined traditional methods (intervention and surgery). The angiogenic ability of seed cells is essential for this applicability. The aim of this study was to reveal the presence of CD34+ angiogenic stem cells in human decidua at the first trimester and to use their strong angiogenic capacity in the treatment of IHD. In vitro, human decidual CD34+ (dCD34+) cells from the first trimester have strong proliferation and clonality abilities. After ruling out the possibility that they were vascular endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), dCD34+ cells were found to be able to form tube structures after differentiation. Their angiogenic capacity was obviously superior to that of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). At the same time, these cells had immunogenicity similar to that of BMSCs. Following induction of myocardial infarction (MI) in adult rats, infarct size decreased and cardiac function was significantly enhanced after dCD34+ cell transplantation. The survival rate of cells increased, and more neovasculature was found following dCD34+ cell transplantation. Therefore, this study confirms the existence of CD34+ stem cells with strong angiogenic ability in human decidua from the first trimester, which can provide a new option for cell‐based therapies for ischaemic diseases, especially IHD.
‘Occupational dermatoses from Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the tropics – A Review’
Authors: Lee H.C. , Goh C.L.
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has enveloped the world and there has been a high incidence of occupational dermatoses related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) during this period. Prevention and management of these conditions will not only improve staff morale and quality of life, but will also minimize the risk of breaching PPE protocol due to such symptoms. The tropical climate in Singapore predisposes HCWs to more skin damage and pruritus due to intense heat, high humidity and sun exposure. The effects of friction, occlusion, hyperhidrosis and overheating on the skin in the tropics should not be neglected. Preventive measures can be taken based on our recommendations, and the working environment can be made more conducive for frontline HCWs. We review the literature and discuss various preventive and management strategies for these occupational skin diseases for our frontline HCWs, especially those working in less controlled working environments beyond the hospital in Singapore. Shorter shifts and frequent breaks from PPE are recommended. Duration of continuous PPE‐usage should not exceed 6 h, with breaks in non‐contaminated areas every 2–3 h to hydrate and mitigate the risk of skin reactions. Other strategies, such as teledermatology, should be considered so that consultations can remain accessible, while ensuring the safety and well‐being of our clinical staff.
General practitioners' clinical practice on the management of cystitis in Normandy, France: A clinical vignettes‐based study
Authors: Beaurain Claire , Thibon Pascal , Fiaux Elise , Piednoir Emmanuel , Magnani Claude , Caron François , Verdon Renaud
Published: September 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The objective was to measure the quality of clinical practice for the management of cystitis in adult women in general practice by collaborating with quality circles and the regional centre for antibiotic counsel.

Method

This descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed in 2018 in Normandy, France. A questionnaire composed of clinical vignettes was used to evaluate practices of general practitioners (GPs) with regard to cystitis classified into four categories: simple, at risk of complication, recurrent, and caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. The 2017 French Infectious Diseases Society's guidelines were used as a reference.

Results

A total of 142 GPs participated in the study (45.5% of the solicited). Fosfomycin‐trometamol and pivmecillinam were cited as first‐line treatments for simple cystitis by 134 (94%) and 38 (27%) participants, respectively. For at risk of complication cystitis, the treatments cited were cefixime by 64 participants (45%), ofloxacin by 50 (35%), pivmecillinam by 49 (35%), fosfomycin‐trometamol by 38 (27%), nitrofurantoin by 36 (25%), and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid by 28 (20%). Mean compliance rates were 85% for simple cystitis, 39% for at risk of complication cystitis, 60% for recurrent cystitis and 14% for cystitis caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Two criteria had less than 10% of the compliant answers: comprehensive knowledge of cystitis complication risk factors (9%) and positivity thresholds of urine cultures (10%).

Conclusions

In this study, diagnostic means, follow‐up testing, and simple cystitis treatment (with fosfomycin predominantly mentioned) were broadly compliant. The use of critical antibiotics was too frequent for at risk of complication cystitis. There may be a need to improve the knowledge of professionals on antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use.
Gene expression of neuronal soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex components in the olfactory organ and brain during seaward and homeward migration by pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Authors: Abe Takashi , Koshino Yosuke , Watanabe Tomoharu , Miyakoshi Yasuyuki , Yoshida Yuji , Kudo Hideaki
Published: September 2020

The expression of synaptic vesicle exocytosis‐regulator SNARE complex component genes (snap25, stx1 and vamp2) was examined in the olfactory nervous system during seaward and homeward migration by pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). The expression levels of snares in the olfactory organ were higher in seaward fry than in feeding and homeward adults, reflecting the development of the olfactory nervous system. The expression of snap25a, b and stx1a was upregulated or stable in the adult olfactory bulb and telencephalon. This upregulated expression suggested alterations in olfactory neuronal plasticity that may be related to the discrimination of natal rivers. The expression of stx1b was downregulated in the adult olfactory bulb, but remained stable in the adult telencephalon. The expression of vamp2 was initially strong in seaward fry, but was downregulated in adults in both the olfactory bulb and telencephalon. Pink salmon has the lowest diversity of maturation age, the largest population, and the most evolutional position in Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus). The expression of snares in the olfactory center of pink salmon reflected the timing of sexual maturation and homeward migration. The present results and our previous studies indicate that snares show distinct expression patterns between two salmon species that depend on physiological and ecological features of migration.
New species of glass knifefish genus Eigenmannia (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) with comments on the morphology and function of the enlarged cephalic lateral‐line canals of Sternopygidae
Authors: Peixoto Luiz A. W. , Pastana Murilo N. L. , Ballen Gustavo A.
Published: September 2020

A new species of Eigenmannia is described from the Rio Paraná (the Grande, Paranapanema and Tietê basins). This new species is distinguished from all congeners by colouration pattern, position of the mouth, relative depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1 + 2, number of teeth, osteological features, number of rows of scales above lateral line (LL) and morphometric data. Comments on the widened cephalic lateral‐line canals of Sternopygidae and a dichotomous key to the species of Eigenmannia from the Rio Paraná Basin are provided.
Energy and exergy analysis of freeze‐drying of mint leaves
Authors: Kovacı Tuğba , Dikmen Erkan , Şahin Arzu Şencan
Published: September 2020

In this study, the energy and exergy analysis of the drying process of mint leaves was carried out. Long drying times in freeze‐drying lead to high‐energy consumption. While the energy consumption of the freeze‐dryer was evaluated by the energy analysis, the freezing and drying conditions that allow maximizing the exergy efficiency and minimizing the exergy losses was specified by exergy analysis. The total energy consumption has decreased due to increasing temperature and decreasing pressure; thus, the exergy losses have decreased. The chamber surface temperature which minimizes the exergy losses was 30°C. Decreasing the temperature of the cooling source has increased the exergy losses. Obtained results from this study will ensure insight into the optimization of the drying system.

Practical Applications

Drying is one of the areas with high‐energy consumption in the industrial sector. The energy consumption of freeze‐drying is quite high. In this experimental work, the effect of some parameters on the energy and exergy analysis of the drying process of mint leaves was studied. This study is expected to provide insight into reducing energy consumption in the freeze‐drying system.
Development and Initial Psychometric Testing of the Midwifery Practice Climate Scale ‐ Part 2
Authors: Thumm E. Brie , Shaffer Jonathan , Meek Paula
Published: September 2020

Introduction

A supportive practice climate is demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, health care provider well‐being, and workforce stability. Midwives are an integral component to improving maternal health care; however, there has been limited research into the qualities and measurement of a supportive practice climate for midwives.

Methods

The Midwifery Practice Climate Scale is a self‐report instrument designed to measure midwives’ perceptions of their work environments. We tested the scale's validity and reliability in multiphase, national cross‐sectional survey of the full roster of certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives practicing in the United States. To test structural validity and reliability testing, 2 subsamples of 330 participants were randomly extracted from the sample of 2887 for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and internal consistency determination. Convergent validity was tested in the remaining sample of 1673 respondents.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed 2 5‐subscale structures consistent with the loading values and theoretical structure. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a mediocre fit of the models identified in the exploratory analysis. Consequently, items were systematically reviewed for redundancy, skew, and generalizability and 24 items were removed from the scale. The resulting structure is a 10‐item scale comprising 2 subscales: Practice Leadership and Participation and Support for the Midwifery Model of Care. The revised Midwifery Practice Climate Scale was a good fit with the data demonstrating adequate construct validity (χ2 = 60.397, df = 34, P < 0.001; comparative fit index, 0.987; root mean square of approximation, 0.049) and internal consistency (α = 0.89‐0.84).

Discussion

These findings indicate that the Midwifery Practice Climate Scale accurately and reliably measures the midwives’ perceptions of their practice environment. The next steps include determining the scale's sensitivity to change and assessing the relationship with maternal health outcomes.
Vertebral pneumaticity is correlated with serial variation in vertebral shape in storks
Authors: Moore Andrew J.
Published: September 2020

Birds and their ornithodiran ancestors are unique among vertebrates in exhibiting air‐filled sinuses in their postcranial bones, a phenomenon called postcranial skeletal pneumaticity. The factors that account for serial and interspecific variation in postcranial skeletal pneumaticity are poorly understood, although body size, ecology, and bone biomechanics have all been implicated as influencing the extent to which pneumatizing epithelia invade the skeleton and induce bone resorption. Here, I use high‐resolution computed‐tomography to holistically quantify vertebral pneumaticity in members of the neognath family Ciconiidae (storks), with pneumaticity measured as the relative volume of internal air space. These data are used to describe serial variation in extent of pneumaticity and to assess whether and how pneumaticity varies with the size and shape of a vertebra. Pneumaticity increases dramatically from the middle of the neck onwards, contrary to previous predictions that cervical pneumaticity should decrease toward the thorax to maintain structural integrity as the mass and bending moments of the neck increase. Although the largest vertebrae sampled are also the most pneumatic, vertebral size cannot on its own account for serial or interspecific variation in extent of pneumaticity. Vertebral shape, as quantified by three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics, is found to be significantly correlated with extent of pneumaticity, with elongate vertebrae being less pneumatic than craniocaudally short and dorsoventrally tall vertebrae. Considered together, the results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that shape‐ and position‐specific biomechanics influence the amount of bone loss that can be safely tolerated. These results have potentially important implications for the evolution of vertebral morphology in birds and their extinct relatives.
Revisiting Americanist Arguments and Rethinking Scale in Linguistic Anthropology
Authors: O’Connor Brendan H.
Published: September 2020

The concept of “scales of space and time” (Lemke 2000) has been tremendously influential in linguistic anthropology and related fields, and scalar approaches have proved useful for illuminating connections between what used to be called “micro” and “macro” phenomena. This paper disrupts “rhetorics of discontinuity” (Darnell 2001) in present‐day work, arguing that many of the ideas in contemporary work on scales were already implicit in early Americanist anthropology. Through renewed engagement with the debate among the Boasians A.L. Kroeber, Edward Sapir, and Ruth Benedict on questions of individuality, culture, and social action, we can rethink “scale” and bring forth both the useful and problematic aspects of scale as a heuristic. I argue that linguistic anthropologists’ reliance on scalar metaphors should be examined carefully, since the apparent scalability or nonscalability of talk and social action is, itself, a cultural phenomenon that emerges from decisions to scale our analytic vision in particular ways. Revisiting Americanist arguments about the nature of culture reveals some of the limitations of “scale,” as currently conceived, but also suggests that scalar analysis might be fruitfully integrated with linguistic anthropological understandings of agency, vis‐à‐vis voice, and temporality.
Varying clinical presentations of umbilical venous catheter extravasation: A case series
Authors: Edison Priyantha , Arunachalam Sridhar , Baral Vijayendra , Bharadwaj Srabani
Published: September 2020

Umbilical venous catheter insertion is a common procedure in the neonatal units performed for rapid vascular access. Though relatively safe and easy to perform, suboptimal position of the catheter tip is frequently encountered and can lead to wide range of complications from venous thrombosis, catheter extravasation with extravasation of infusate to intraperitoneal or intrapericardial space, liver injury and cardiac arrhythmias. Identification of catheter extravasation may be difficult and often confused with catheter related infection or necrotising enterocolitis. We present a series of three cases of intraperitoneal extravasation of umbilical venous catheter in the premature neonate with widely varying presentation from subtle biochemical changes to critical clinical signs with rapid and progressive deterioration.
Factors influencing dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Kateeb Elham T.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To identify factors influencing dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington state.

Data sources

Primary data were collected by a survey instrument administered in 2017 to general and pediatric dentists who were Medicaid providers (N= 512).

Methods

We administered a 40‐item survey, which included 20 hypothetical scenarios involving a 12‐year‐old Medicaid‐enrolled adolescent. Based on the characteristics of the potential patient, dentists were asked to rate their willingness to treat (1 = very likely; 5 = very unlikely). We used conjoint analytic techniques to examine the relative importance of six adolescent‐ and family‐level factors (e.g., severity of intellectual and/or developmental disability [IDD], sugar intake, toothbrushing, caregiver beliefs about fluoride, restorative needs, appointment keeping) and state Medicaid reimbursement level (35 percent, 55 percent, 85 percent of usual, customary, and reasonable amount). Analyses focused on data from 178 dentists with complete and varied responses to the scenarios.

Results

The mean age of participants was 53.8 ± 10.5 years and 10.7 percent were pediatric dentists. The holdouts correlation statistics indicated excellent fit for the conjoint model (Pearson's R = 0.99,P < 0.0001; Kendall's tau = 0.89,P < 0.0001). Reimbursement level and appointment keeping were the most important factors in dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents (importance scores of 26.7 and 25.7, respectively). Restorative needs, caregiver beliefs about fluoride, and IDD severity were the next most important (importance scores of 15.4, 10.6, and 8.1, respectively). Sugar intake and toothbrushing behaviors were the least important.

Conclusions

Reimbursement and appointment keeping were the most important determinants of dentists' willingness to treat Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents with IDD.
Increasing value, reducing waste: tailoring the application of dental sealants according to individual caries risk
Authors: Yansane Alfa , Listl Stefan , Dawda Dyutee , Brandon Ryan , White Joel , Spallek Heiko , Walji Muhammad F. , Kalenderian Elsbeth
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Despite a significant national investment in oral health, there is little understanding of the return in terms of quality. Value‐based payments aim to refocus provider reimbursement based on the value created to the patient. Our objectives were to apply a set of dental quality measures to help determine the value of preventive dental care provided to children at two academic dental school clinics.

Methods

We queried the institutional electronic health records (EHRs) for patients between the ages of 6–14 years with sealable first or second permanent molars, determined caries risk status, identified if dental sealants were placed, and finally if the teeth showed evidence of new caries experience. In order to determine the cost‐effectiveness of EHR‐based triage of applying dental sealants, we calculated the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the dental quality measures supported sealing program.

Results

Between the two academic sites, there were 6,155 unique children for a total of 12,302 eligible teeth without a sealant and 32,811 eligible teeth with a sealant. Teeth without a sealant were more likely to have decay (4.8 percent) than those with a sealant (1.7 percent). At both sites, patients with high caries risk were more likely to benefit from sealants compared to those patients with low risk.

Conclusion

Implementation of caries risk stratified fissure sealant quality measures demonstrates the potential for extracting better value in oral health care.
Variation in dental services by rurality among privately insured adults in the United States
Authors: Simon Lisa , Ahern John , Fox Kathe , Barrow Jane , Palmer Nathan
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Rurality is associated with reduced dental access and worse oral health outcomes. It is unknown whether there is variation in dental services received by rural adults who visit a dentist.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of claims data from a large private insurer. All individuals who had at least one dental visit in 2018 were included. Patient demographics, whether or not a patient's ZIP code was rural as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, as well as ZIP code demographics were collected. Differences in the frequency of dental services received were evaluated using χ2 tests. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to evaluate the individual and ZIP code‐level correlates of receiving a preventive dental procedure, a tooth extraction, or a denture‐related dental procedure.

Results

Rates of preventive, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and denture‐related procedures were higher among rural adults. Accounting for individual age and gender, and ZIP code average income and dentist density, rural dwellers were more likely to receive a preventive procedure [odds ratio (OR) 1.15, P < 0.0001] or tooth extraction (OR 1.08, P < 0.0001), and less likely to have a denture‐related procedure (OR 0.94, P = 0.015) compared to nonrural dwellers. Female gender was the strongest predictor of receiving a preventive procedure (OR 1.30, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Even among privately insured individuals with known access to dental care, rurality was associated with significant differences in the frequency of various dental procedures. Rural dental patients may have higher needs for oral surgical procedures, even when they have access to preventive care.
Effect of genistein on the gene and protein expressions of CXCL–12 and EGR–1 in the rat ovary
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chi Xiao‐Xing , Kong Fan‐Xiu , Chu Xiao‐Li
Published: September 2020

The effect of genistein (GEN) on the gene expression level of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1/CXCL‐12 and early growth response gene‐1 was studied in ovarian tissue of young and initially ageing (early stages in the ageing process) female rats. Forty, young female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of 2–3 months old (200 ±20 g) and forty, initially ageing femaleSDrats of 10–12 months (490 ± 20 g) old were selected. According to the weight, rats were divided into control group, low‐dose group (L), medium‐dose group (M) and a high‐dose group (H) and were given 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg GEN respectively. The positive control (Oestrogen) group was given 0.5 mg/kg diethylstilbestrol. The treatment lasted for 30 days. The mRNA expression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL‐12) and early growth response factor‐1 (EGR‐1) was measured by real‐time PCR, and protein expression of EGR‐1 was detected by Western blot. When compared to the negative control group (NC), the ovary/body weight ratio in the young rats decreased in the GEN group, but the difference was not significant. Similarly, compared with NC, the ovary/body weight ratio in the initially ageing rats also decreased with the increase in GEN concentration, but the decrease was significant in M and H groups (p < .01). The administration of GEN enhanced both the gene and protein expression levels of CXCL‐12 and EGR‐1 in the ovary. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a synergistic effect between CXCL‐12 and EGR‐1. Thus, we conclude that the effect of GEN on CXCL‐12 and EGR‐1 in the initially ageing group was obvious than that in the younger group.
Tree‐base microsites contribute to physical heterogeneity and herb community structure in a temperate deciduous forest
Authors: Glick Morgan D. , Matlack Glenn R.
Published: September 2020

Question

Fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity supports floristic diversity in forest ecosystems by increasing the variety of niches available for specialist species. Although recognized in concept, the niche function of microsites has not been well documented. This study tests whether microsites at the base of large trees are physically or edaphically distinct from the forest floor in general, and whether forest herb composition responds to this form of heterogeneity.

Location

Long‐established deciduous forest in the unglaciated section of southeastern Ohio, USA.

Methods

We measured fourteen herb‐relevant environmental variables and censused the herb flora at the bases of large trees and in control plots away from trees.

Results

Moss cover, exposed root cover, and canopy openness were significantly greater at large‐tree bases than in control plots, while leaf litter cover was significantly lower at tree bases. Species richness and stem density were higher in tree‐base plots, and multivariate species composition differed significantly between tree bases and controls. Two species, Eurybia divaricata and Cardamine douglassii, were significantly more abundant at tree bases. Gradients of litter cover and root exposure accounted for the compositional difference between tree bases and controls. Coarse woody debris, moss cover, and soil root fraction accounted for differences orthogonal to the tree‐base/control axis indicating heterogeneity within tree‐base microsites.

Conclusions

Tree bases are physically distinct microsites which support diversity by providing niches to some forest herb species. Because availability of such microsites is linked to tree size, this aspect of community diversity appears to be controlled by stand development.
Comparison of markers for the monitoring of freshwater benthic biodiversity through DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Boyer Frédéric , Valentini Alice , Bonin Aurélie , Meyer Albin , Dejean Tony , Gaboriaud Coline , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe , Taberlet Pierre
Published: September 2020

Metabarcoding of bulk or environmental DNA has great potential for biomonitoring of freshwater environments. However, successful application of metabarcoding to biodiversity monitoring requires universal primers with high taxonomic coverage that amplify highly variable, short metabarcodes with high taxonomic resolution. Moreover, reliable and extensive reference databases are essential to match the outcome of metabarcoding analyses with available taxonomy and biomonitoring indices. Benthic invertebrates, particularly insects, are key taxa for freshwater bioassessment. Nevertheless, few studies have so far assessed markers for metabarcoding of freshwater macrobenthos. Here we combined in silico and laboratory analyses to test the performance of different markers amplifying regions in the 18S rDNA (Euka02), 16S rDNA (Inse01) and COI (BF1_BR2‐COI) genes, and developed an extensive database of benthic macroinvertebrates of France and Europe, with a particular focus on key insect orders (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera). Analyses on 1,514 individuals representing different taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates showed very different amplification success across primer combinations. The Euka02 marker showed the highest universality, while the Inse01 marker showed excellent performance for the amplification of insects. BF1_BR2‐COI showed the highest resolution, while the resolution of Euka02 was often limited. By combining our data with GenBank information, we developed a curated database including sequences representing 822 genera. The heterogeneous performance of the different primers highlights the complexity in identifying the best markers, and advocates for the integration of multiple metabarcodes for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of ecological impacts on freshwater biodiversity.
Latitudinal variation in climate‐associated genes imperils range edge populations
Authors: Smith Steve , Brauer Chris J. , Sasaki Minami , Unmack Peter J. , Guillot Gilles , Laporte Martin , Bernatchez Louis , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: September 2020

The ecological impacts of increasing global temperatures are evident in most ecosystems on Earth, but our understanding of how climatic variation influences natural selection and adaptive resilience across latitudes remains largely unknown. Latitudinal gradients allow testing general ecosystem‐level theories relevant to climatic adaptation. We assessed differences in adaptive diversity of populations along a latitudinal region spanning highly variable temperate to subtropical climates. We generated and integrated information from environmental mapping, phenotypic variation and genome‐wide data from across the geographical range of the rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi, an emerging aquatic system for studies of climate change. We detected, after controlling for spatial population structure, strong interactions between genotypes and environment associated with variation in stream flow and temperature. Some of these hydroclimate‐associated genes were found to interact within functional protein networks that contain genes of adaptive significance for projected future climates in rainbowfish. Hydroclimatic selection was also associated with variation in phenotypic traits, including traits known to affect fitness of rainbowfish exposed to different flow environments. Consistent with predictions from the “climatic variability hypothesis,” populations exposed to extremes of important environmental variables showed stronger adaptive divergence and less variation in climate‐associated genes compared to populations at the centre of the environmental gradient. Our findings suggest that populations that evolved at environmental range margins and at geographical range edges may be more vulnerable to changing climates, a finding with implications for predicting adaptive resilience and managing biodiversity under climate change.
Population‐level impacts of natural and anthropogenic causes‐of‐death for Hawaiian monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Harting Albert L. , Barbieri Michelle M. , Baker Jason D. , Mercer Tracy A. , Johanos Thea C. , Robinson Stacie J. , Littnan Charles L. , Colegrove Katie M. , Rotstein Dave S.
Published: September 2020

Identifying, assessing, and ranking the impact of individual threats is fundamental to the conservation and recovery of rare and endangered species. In this analysis, we quantify not only the frequency of specific causes‐of‐death (CODs) among Main Hawaiian Island (MHI) monk seals, but also assess the impact of individual CODs on the intrinsic growth rate, λ, of the MHI population. We used gross necropsy results, histopathology, and other evidence to assign probabilities of 11 COD types to each mortality and then used Monte Carlo sampling to evaluate the influence of each COD on λ. By right censoring realizations involving specific CODs, we were able to estimate λ (and its associated uncertainty) when CODs were selectively removed from influencing survival. Applying the analysis to all known and inferred deaths believed to have occurred 2004–2019, the CODs with the largest influence on λ were anthropogenic trauma, anthropogenic drowning, and protozoal disease. In aggregate, anthropogenic CODs had a larger effect on the growth rate than either natural or disease CODs. Possible bias associated with differential carcass detection, recovery, and COD classification are discussed.
A case of desmoplastic myxoid tumor, SMARCB1 mutant, in the pineal region
Authors: Wang Yue‐E. , Chen Jing‐Jing , Wang Wei , Zhang An‐Li , Zhou Wenchao , Wu Hai‐Bo
Published: September 2020

Desmoplastic myxoid tumor (DMT), SMARCB1 mutant is a recently proposed new entity that mainly occurs in the pineal region and has epigenetic features similar to those of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT)‐MYC and poorly differentiated chordomas. Herein, we present a new case of a 33‐year‐old man with headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision, who was initially found to have a suspicious germinoma on imaging. After surgical removal of the lesion, the postoperative pathological diagnosis was DMT, SMARCB1 mutant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in China. Our findings also extend the range of the immunohistochemical phenotype of this rare tumor.
The emergent macrophyte Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Alismatales: Araceae), a rekindled old friend from the Pacific Slope of lower Central America and western Colombia
Authors: Ortiz Orlando O. , Ibáñez Alicia , Trujillo‐Trujillo Edwin , Croat Thomas B.
Published: September 2020

The genus Montrichardia are among the most remarkable emergent macrophytes in tropical wetlands. It occurs exclusively in the Neotropics and contains two living species, M. linifera (Arruda) Schott and M. arborescens (L.) Schott. Montrichardia linifera has been reported mainly in the Amazon basin (southern Venezuela to Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru), whereas M. arborescens occurs in Central America (Mexico to Panama), the Lesser Antilles and northern South America. Based on our review of herbarium specimens from Central America and Colombia, as well as field documentation in Panama, we hereby provide the first report of the occurrence of M. linifera in Panama, Central America and western Colombia. Furthermore, this finding represents the first record on the Pacific Slope for this species in the Neotropics. The habitat, ecology, life‐form, taxonomic remarks and morphological characteristics of the species are presented, discussed and illustrated. Additionally, a key for the species of the genus Montrichardia is included; we also provide a discussion about the helophyte concept for the genus Montrichardia.
Fight hard or die trying: when plants face pathogens under heat stress
Authors: Desaint Henri , Aoun Nathalie , Deslandes Laurent , Vailleau Fabienne , Roux Fabrice , Berthomé Richard
Published: September 2020

In their natural environment, plants are exposed to biotic or abiotic stresses that occur sequentially or simultaneously. Plant responses to these stresses have been studied widely and have been well characterised in simplified systems involving single plant species facing individual stress. Temperature elevation is a major abiotic driver of climate change and scenarios have predicted an increase in the number and severity of epidemics. In this context, here we review the available data on the effect of heat stress on plant–pathogen interactions. Considering 45 studies performed on model or crop species, we discuss the possible implications of the optimum growth temperature of plant hosts and pathogens, mode of stress application and temperature variation on resistance modulations. Alarmingly, most identified resistances are altered under temperature elevation, regardless of the plant and pathogen species. Therefore, we have listed current knowledge on heat‐dependent plant immune mechanisms and pathogen thermosensory processes, mainly studied in animals and human pathogens, that could help to understand the outcome of plant–pathogen interactions under elevated temperatures. Based on a general overview of the mechanisms involved in plant responses to pathogens, and integrating multiple interactions with the biotic environment, we provide recommendations to optimise plant disease resistance under heat stress and to identify thermotolerant resistance mechanisms.
Ecological convergence of secondary phytochemicals along elevational gradients
Authors: Bakhtiari Moe , Glauser Gaétan , Defossez Emmanuel , Rasmann Sergio
Published: September 2020

Biologists still strive to identify the ecological and evolutionary drivers of phytochemical variation that mediate biotic interactions. We hypothesized that plant species growing at sites characterized by high herbivore pressure would converge to produce highly toxic blends of secondary metabolites, independent of phylogenetic constraints.

To address the role of shared evolutionary history and ecological niches in driving variation in plant phytochemistry, we combined targeted metabolomics with insect herbivore bioassays and with a set of growth‐related traits of several Cardamine species growing along the entire elevational gradient of the Alps.

We observed that Cardamine phytochemical profiles grouped according to previously established growth form categorizations within specific abiotic conditions, independently of phylogenetic relationship. We also showed that novel indices summarizing functional phytochemical diversity better explain plant resistance against chewing and sap‐feeding herbivores than classic diversity indices.

We conclude that multiple functional axes of phytochemical diversity should be integrated with the functional axis of plant growth forms to study phenotypic convergence along large‐scale ecological gradients.