bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered visual environment affects a tropical freshwater fish assemblage through impacts on predator–prey interactions
Authors: Ehlman Sean M. , Torresdal Jack D. , Fraser Douglas F.
Published: November 2019

Increased turbidity and siltation caused by rock quarrying, mining, and deforestation are pervasive disturbances in aquatic systems. Turbidity interferes with vision for aquatic organisms, potentially altering predator–prey interactions.

We studied the effects of these disturbances in Trinidadian streams by surveying predators and their shared prey both in streams with versus without quarries as well as in a focal stream before and after the establishment of a quarry. Then, to evaluate whether differential foraging success in turbid water might underlie abundance patterns of predators, we experimentally induced turbidity in mesocosms and measured predator foraging success.

Upstream quarry presence had a dramatic effect on the benthic structure of streams, greatly increasing siltation. A substantial decrease in the abundance of a diurnal cichlid predator (Crenicichla frenata) was associated with quarry presence, while a nocturnal erytherinid predator (Hoplias malabaricus) was equally as abundant in streams with or without quarries. The density of their shared prey, the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) remained unchanged.

In mesocosm trials, Crenicichla were less successful predators with turbidity, whereas Hoplias performed equally across turbidities. These foraging success results help explain differences in demographic shifts in response to turbidity for both predators.

By relating short‐term effects of an anthropogenically altered visual environment on species interactions to abundance patterns of predators and prey, this study helps to identify an important mechanism whereby changes to species’ visual ecology may have long‐term effects on population biology.
What is the maximum nitrogen in marandu palisadegrass fertilization?
Authors: Sales Kyron C. , Cabral Carlos E. A. , Abreu Joadil G. , Barros Lívia V. , Silva Felipe G. , Cabral Carla H. A. , Santos Alyce R. M. , Silva Junior Carlos A. , Campos Filho João B.
Published: November 2019

The absence of nutrient replacement, especially nitrogen (N), is one of the main causes of grazing system underutilization and tropical climate pasture degradation. Therefore, N is a very important nutrient in the pasture maintenance; however, it is necessary to know the maximum limit to be used of this nutrient, since fertilization increases production cost. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the N dose that provides the highest production of marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu), and the fertilization effect on pasture degradation process and forage nutritive value. Treatments consisted in the application of : 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg N ha−1 cycle−1 of regrowth. The evaluations were carried out during the summers (November to April) of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. The highest dry matter yield (DMY) and forage accumulation rate (FAR) occurred between doses of 50 and 75 kg ha−1 cycle−1, with no change in productive potential at higher doses. The reduction in mineral content and the increase in crude protein (CP) are the main changes in the nutritional value of marandu palisadegrass, with no pronounced effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and potentially digestible dry matter proportions of CP in the cell wall (CPCW) and in cellular content (CPCC).The productive effect of nitrogen fertilization under marandu palisadegrass is the increase in DMY and FAR. Thus, the use of nitrogen fertilizers in pasture systems with marandu palisadegrass has a greater impact on the area gain than the individual gain, assuming these systems, the use of nitrogen doses of 50 to 75 kg ha−1 cycle−1.
An international survey to inform priorities for new guidelines on von Willebrand disease
Authors: Kalot Mohamad A. , Al‐Khatib Mohammed , Connell Nathan T. , Flood Veronica , Brignardello‐Petersen Romina , James Paula , Mustafa Reem A. ,   For the VWD working group
Published: November 2019

Introduction

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a quantitative or qualitative dysfunction of von Willebrand factor. Clinicians, patients and other stakeholders have many questions about the diagnosis and management of the disease.

Aim

To identify topics of highest importance to stakeholders that could be addressed by guidelines to be developed by the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).

Methods

A survey to determine and prioritize topics to be addressed in the collaborative development of guidelines for VWD was distributed to international stakeholders including patients, caregivers and healthcare providers (HCPs). Representatives of the four organizations coordinated the distribution strategy. The survey focused on both diagnosis and management of VWD, soliciting 7‐point Likert‐scale responses and open‐ended comments, in English, French and Spanish. We conducted descriptive analysis with comparison of results by stakeholder type, gender and countries' income classification for the rating questions and qualitative conventional content data analysis for the open‐ended responses.

Results

A total of 601 participants responded to the survey (49% patients/caregivers and 51% healthcare providers). The highest priority topics identified were diagnostic criteria/classification, bleeding assessment tools and treatment options for women and surgical patients. In contrast, screening for anaemia and differentiating plasma‐derived therapy versus recombinant therapies received lower ratings.

Conclusion

This survey highlighted areas of importance to a diverse representation of stakeholders in the diagnosis and management of VWD, providing a framework for future guideline development and implementation.
The Day My Life Changed: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Patients With New Daily Persistent Headache
Authors: Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Talavera Blanca , Gómez‐Mayordomo Víctor , García‐Azorín David , Gallego‐Gallego María , Guerrero Ángel L. , Cuadrado María‐Luz
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of a group of Spanish patients suffering from new daily persistent headache (NDPH).

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with patients diagnosed with NDPH. Purposeful sampling was performed among patients attending a specialized Headache Unit at 2 university hospitals between February 2017 and December 2018. In total, 18 patients (11 women, 7 men; mean age 45.3, standard deviation 10.6) with a median duration of illness of 70 months (interquartile range, 24‐219) were recruited to this study. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews, researchers’ field notes and patients’ drawings. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes.

Results

Three main themes were identified: (1) the origin of the illness and seeking answers; (2) characteristics of the pain; and (3) the impact of pain on patients’ lives. The patients precisely recalled the time of onset and the trigger of the pain. Pain was constantly present, although it varied in form. At the onset, pain was perceived as a sign of alarm while, over time, it became an invisible illness. The headache commonly had a major impact on everyday life and could cause lifestyle changes. In addition, pain could be emotionally disruptive and could also lead to family estrangement and a search for solitude.

Conclusions

Our results provide insight into how NDPH is experienced, which may be helpful in managing NDPH patients. In our cohort, patients identified precipitating events but sought answers regarding the origin of their illness and their pain. Pain was a continuous sensation that had a major impact on patients’ daily lives and emotions.
Clinicodermoscopic study of histoid leprosy: a case series
Authors: Acharya Prakash , Mathur Mahesh C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Histoid leprosy (HL) is a highly bacilliferous form of leprosy which requires early diagnosis and management. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic method for various malignant and nonmalignant disorders. The aim of this study was to describe the dermoscopic patterns of various types of HL lesions over different body parts.

Methods

This was a hospital‐based observational study which evaluated the clinical and dermoscopic features of a series of patients with the diagnosis of HL. The diagnosis was confirmed clinically, histologically, and through the demonstration of bacilli. A handheld dermatoscope at 10x magnification in polarized mode was employed to examine multiple lesions over various body sites.

Results

A total of four patients (three female, one male) were included. Papules were the most common type of lesion, and limbs were most frequently involved. Linear branching vessels and shiny white structures were present in all cases and in all lesion types. The linear branching vessels frequently presented in the form of crown vessels. Ulcerated lesions and umbilicated lesions also showed prominent vascularity. Follicular plugging was observed in the lesions over limbs.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy may aid in the diagnosis of HL by showing prominent dermoscopic features such as linear branching vessels and shiny white structures.
Structured active fiber fabrication and characterization of a chemically high‐purified Dy3+‐doped chalcogenide glass
Authors: Xiao Xusheng , Xu Yantao , Cui Jian , Liu Xiaogang , Cui Xiaoxia , Wang Xunsi , Dai Shixun , Guo Haitao
Published: November 2019

By conventional melt‐quenching techniques, a series of Dy3+‐doped (0.1 to 1.0 wt%) Ga5Ge20Sb15S60 bulk glasses were fabricated and their potential for developing mid‐infrared fiber laser beyond 4 μm were evaluated, in which the optimal Dy3+ doping concentration was found to be 0.3 wt% and the largest laser quality factor value (σe × τmea = 2.62 × 10−23 cm2 s) among all of the Dy3+‐doped chalcogenide glass was obtained. On this basis, through using the chemical purification methods with chlorine gas combined with the dynamic distillation process, the high‐purity GGSS glasses with low O–H and S–H absorptions were successfully fabricated, which was confirmed by the optimized mid‐infrared linear transmittance and improved fluorescent lifetimes of Dy3+: 6H13/2, 6H11/2 levels. Furthermore, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the Dy3+‐doped, single‐mode, and double‐cladding chalcogenide fibers with the core/cladding ratios of 125:60:11 and 125:66:11.5 were achieved by a multistage rod‐in‐tube fiber drawing process and extrusion methods, respectively. The GeS2‐based fiber exhibits excellent transmission performance at 1.0‐5.0 μm: 3.0 dB/m at 2.9 μm (O–H), 2.4 dB/m at 4.1 μm (S–H). Combining the advantages of high‐purity, high doping concentration and single‐mode double‐cladding structure, the optimized active fiber should be an ideal efficient and low‐threshold medium toward mid‐infrared fiber laser beyond 4 μm.
Informal Education: A New Lens on Socially Engaged Design Practices
Authors: Spencer Anna Louise
Published: November 2019

The disciplinary intersection between community work and design is under‐explored. Despite similarities in both the context and values of the work, there has not been a significant critical comparison of their respective approaches in either theory or practice. This article suggests that informal education offers an alternative lens to consider both disciplines and inform future practice. More specifically, it considers the relevance of informal education principles in design education and design practice that has an explicit social focus. This discussion is drawn from doctoral practitioner action research in Scotland during 2016–18. The fieldwork focused on the different outlooks and approaches to work in community settings from both design and community work perspectives.
Ethnocentrism and Higher Art Education: Lingering Legacies, Imperative Nondualities
Authors: Gall David
Published: November 2019

Art education in the USA has made great progress toward greater inclusiveness and is generally a force against resurgent fascism. Nevertheless, higher art education theory is dominated by Euro‐Western philosophical legacies, encumbered by dualism, which impede art education’s emancipative democratising potential. Recent debate about the uselessness of aesthetics illustrate this ethnocentrism. This article analyses the ethnocentrism that lingers in the postmodern legacies that undergird the debate; then shows how engagement with nondualist philosophies, predominantly non‐Euro‐Western, can make a profound difference to art education theory and practice. They are imperative to comprehending hybridity promoting global citizenship, resisting fascism and advancing global equity.
In pursuit of meaningful occupation: Employment and occupational outcomes for older Irish adults with an intellectual disability
Authors: McCausland Darren , McCallion Philip , Brennan Damien , McCarron Mary
Published: November 2019

Background

Adults with an intellectual disability (ID) have much lower rates of employment than their counterparts without intellectual disability, which increases their risk of poverty and social exclusion. Differential treatment of people with intellectual disability in welfare and training policies suggests an expectation they will be passive welfare recipients rather than productive employees.

Methods

This paper aims to examine occupational activities by older people with intellectual disability in Ireland, exploring factors influencing outcomes using data from the IDS‐TILDA study (n = 708).

Results

Most people were unemployed but engaged in regular occupational activity. Occupational activity was associated with better emotional/mental health. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) functioning was associated with an active occupational status, while social supports most strongly predicted high occupational engagement across a range of activities.

Conclusions

A focus on the individual meaning derived from a broad range of engagement may better support people with intellectual disabilities to benefit from regular occupational activity.
Elevation of the renal threshold for glucose is associated with insulin resistance and higher glycated hemoglobin levels
Authors: Hieshima Kunio , Sugiyama Seigo , Yoshida Akira , Kurinami Noboru , Suzuki Tomoko , Ijima Hiroko , Miyamoto Fumio , Kajiwara Keizo , Jinnouchi Katsunori , Jinnouchi Tomio , Jinnouchi Hideaki
Published: November 2019

Aims/Introduction

The renal threshold for glucose (RTg) corresponds to a blood glucose level of ~180 mg/dL; however, in hospitals, patients are often encountered who are hyperglycemic, but urine glucose test strip‐negative, who remain negative for urine glucose even at blood glucose concentrations >180 mg/dL, implying a high RTg value. In this study, we aimed to identify factors determining high RTg in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We estimated RTg (eRTg) using urinalysis data from 67 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients for whom the glucose infusion rate (GIR) was determined by hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp. After allocating patients to two groups according to their baseline eRTg (<180 mg/dL or ≥180 mg/dL), we identified the factors affecting eRTg using simple and multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

GIR, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin use and dyslipidemia differed significantly between the groups. In simple regression analysis, GIR, HbA1c, body muscle‐to‐fat ratio and insulin use were significantly correlated with eRTg; and in multiple regression analysis, GIR and HbA1c remained independent negative and positive determinants, respectively, with the contribution of GIR being substantial. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, when GIR <5.7 was used as the insulin resistance threshold, the cut‐off value of eRTg was 189 mg/dL (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, in receiver operating characteristic analysis using eRTg ≥189 mg/dL, the cut‐off value for HbA1c was 8.0% (P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

High eRTg is associated with low GIR and high HbA1c, with GIR making a substantial contribution.
Empirical model of clinical learning environment and mentoring of culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students
Authors: Mikkonen Kristina , Merilainen Merja , Tomietto Marco
Published: November 2019

Aims and objectives

To develop and test an empirical model of clinical learning environment and mentoring of culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students.

Background

Clinical learning is an essential part of nursing education; nursing students are required to master clinical competences and build a professional identity during their education. The global mobility of nurses requires high proficiency in cultural adaptability as well as the successful integration of cultural diversity into the healthcare system on a national level.

Design

The research design was a quantitative cross‐sectional study. STROBE statement was used to enhance the quality and transparency of research.

Methods

Data were collected from eight universities during the 2015–2016. The analysis included data from 187 participants, collected using the CLES+T scale and CALDs. Instrument validity was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, while the hypotheses were tested with a structural equation model.

Results

Pedagogical atmosphere was shown to be positively related to cultural diversity (0.66), orientation into the clinical placement (0.54) and the role of the student (0.25), and all of these relationships were statistically significant. These dimensions—with the exception of the role of the student—also showed a significantly positive influence on the mentoring relationship (respectively, 0.32, 0.71, 0.18). Fit indexes demonstrate an adequate model's fit.

Conclusions

The model needs to be further piloted and tested in organisational structures of clinical practice of culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students. The dimensions that explain mentoring in clinical learning needed to be further addressed in a theoretically consistent and empirically driven approach, according to these findings.

Relevance to clinical practice

In our study, we found that environmental and relational aspects are the most important for building an effective clinical learning environment. Universities and healthcare organisations can jointly leverage the model to foster clinical learning environments in clinical practice.
The experience of cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence among women breast cancer survivors: Insights from focus group interviews
Authors: Kim Sue , Han Jeehee , Lee Min Young , Jang Min Kyeong
Published: November 2019

Aims and objectives

To identify the experience of breast cancer survivors regarding cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence.

Background

Cancer‐related fatigue is a common symptom among cancer survivors that limits quality of life. Despite exercise being recommended as a viable solution to manage cancer‐related fatigue, relatively few research studies on the experience of cancer‐related fatigue and exercise adherence have been conducted.

Design

This was a qualitative study to identify breast cancer survivors’ experience of cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence. This paper adhered to the COREQ checklist in reporting.

Methods

Four focus group interviews were conducted with 16 breast cancer survivors who had fatigue score of 4 out of 10 (moderate fatigue) or greater. Ethical approval was obtained and participants met for focus group interview discussion. The interview guide included questions on cancer‐related fatigue, barriers and facilitators of exercising, strategies for exercise adherence and suggestions for a supportive programme.

Results

Four themes were identified through thematic analysis: (a) The insidious and overpowering nature of cancer‐related fatigue; (b) exercising when experiencing fatigue surrounded by prevailing myths; (c) multiple barriers to exercise; and (d) facilitative factors to continue exercising despite fatigue.

Conclusions

Participants’ experience of moderate or greater cancer‐related fatigue prevented them from exercising, despite knowing its importance, and limited them to passive activities. Misconceptions that exercise is associated with lymphedema and risk of recurrence, poor psychosocial self‐image and lack of clear knowledge and exercise programmes for cancer survivors further limited adherence to exercise. In contrast, finding comfort and strength through exercising and interacting with other breast cancer survivors were facilitative factors.

Relevance to clinical practice

The insights shared by breast cancer survivors experiencing cancer‐related fatigue can contribute to developing an exercise adherence programme as a way to manage and alleviate fatigue and establish healthy survivorship care.
The effects of job demands on nurses' burnout and presenteeism through sleep quality and relaxation
Authors: Gillet Nicolas , Huyghebaert-Zouaghi Tiphaine , Réveillère Christian , Colombat Philippe , Fouquereau Evelyne
Published: November 2019

Aims and objectives

The main aim of this study was to investigate the indirect effects of emotional dissonance and workload on presenteeism and emotional exhaustion through sleep quality and relaxation.

Background

Numerous investigations have found that job demands are related to employees' health and behaviours, but additional studies are needed among nurse samples. Specifically, little is known about the relationships between nurses' emotional dissonance and workload on one hand, and presenteeism and emotional exhaustion on the other hand. Moreover, research is needed to further explore the psychological mechanisms underlying these relationships.

Design

We used a cross‐sectional design. Our study was carried out between October 2015–February 2016. Precisely, we asked nurses from various French healthcare centres to fill out a questionnaire survey. We ensured to meticulously follow the STROBE guidelines for cross‐sectional research in designing and reporting this study.

Method

An empirical study with a sample of 378 nurses was conducted.

Results

In line with our hypotheses, our findings revealed that emotional dissonance and workload were negatively linked to sleep quality and relaxation, which were, in turn, related to lower levels of presenteeism and emotional exhaustion. Workload and emotional dissonance were also directly and positively related to emotional exhaustion, while emotional dissonance was associated with higher levels of presenteeism. Finally, the indirect effects of emotional dissonance and workload on emotional exhaustion through sleep quality as well as the indirect effects of emotional dissonance on emotional exhaustion through relaxation were significant and positive.

Conclusions

Overall, our results provide insight into the effects of emotional dissonance and workload on presenteeism and emotional exhaustion through recovery processes.

Relevance to clinical practice

The present findings have some practical implications for reducing nurses' emotional exhaustion and presenteeism. Specifically, managers and organisations should try to design and craft jobs to decrease the presence of negative work characteristics (i.e., workload and emotional dissonance). Our results also suggest that recovery processes may be important factors to focus on.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome in Golden Retrievers is associated with a novelCOLQmutation
Authors: Tsai Kate L. , Vernau Karen M. , Winger Kathryn , Zwueste Danielle M. , Sturges Beverly K. , Knipe Marguerite , Williams D. Colette , Anderson Kendall J. , Evans Jacquelyn M. , Guo Ling T. , Clark Leigh Anne , Shelton G. Diane
Published: November 2019

Background

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a group of inherited disorders of neuromuscular transmission that may be presynaptic, synaptic, or postsynaptic. Causative mutations have been identified in 4 breeds including the Labrador Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Heideterrier, and Danish Pointing Dog.

Hypothesis/Objective

Clinical and genetic characterization of a neuromuscular disorder in Golden Retriever (GR) puppies.

Animals

Four GR puppies from California were evaluated for generalized muscle weakness beginning at weaning. Biological specimens were collected from the affected puppies, and familial information was obtained. Blood or buccal swabs were obtained from 63 unaffected GRs.

Methods

Complete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histological evaluations and biochemical quantification of muscle acetylcholine receptors were performed. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the 17 exons ofCOLQ, and sequences were obtained by Sanger sequencing. Variant frequency was assessed in unrelated GRs and a public database.

Results

Clinical, neurological, and electrodiagnostic evaluations confirmed a disorder of neuromuscular transmission in a GR family. Sequencing of all exons and splice sites of a primary candidate gene,COLQ, identified a point mutation that predicts an amino acid substitution (G294R). The primaryCOLQtranscript was absent from affected muscle samples. All affected puppies were homozygous for the mutation, which was not detected outside this GR family or in other breeds.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We confirmed the diagnosis of a CMS in GR puppies and identified a novelCOLQmutation. TheCOLQgene encodes the collagenous tail of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for termination of skeletal muscle contraction by clearing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Clinicians and breeders should be aware of this CMS in GR puppies with an early onset of weakness.
Influence of penicillin treatment of horses with strangles on seropositivity toStreptococcus equissp.equi‐specific antibodies
Authors: Pringle John , Storm Emma , Waller Andrew , Riihimäki Miia
Published: November 2019

Background

Antibiotic treatment of horses with strangles is reported to impair the development of immunity to subsequent exposure toStreptococcus equisspequi(S. equi). However, apart from a single clinical report, evidence‐based studies for this hypothesis are lacking.

Hypothesis/Objective

To determine whether penicillin treatment during clinical strangles influences the development or persistence of seropositivity toS. equi‐specific antibodies.

Animals

A natural outbreak of strangles with 100% morbidity in 41 unvaccinated mature Icelandic horses.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study of acute clinical strangles from onset through full recovery approximately 10 months after the index case. Horses were monitored clinically 6 times forS. equi, as well as serologically for antibodies to antigens A and C ofS. equiusing an enhanced indirect ELISA. Seven horses received penicillin within 11 days of onset of fever (Group 1), 5 between 16 and 22 days after onset of fever (Group 2), and the remainder (Group 3, n = 29) received no antibiotics during clinical disease. The proportions of seropositive horses in each group were compared using an extension of Fisher's exact test withP < .05 as the level of significance.

Results

Although all horses were seropositive toS. equiwithin 2 months of the index case, significantly fewer horses treated early (Group 1) remained seropositive by 4 to 6 months (P= .04 and .02, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Findings support earlier suggestions that penicillin administered during acute strangles can interfere with persistence of humoral immunity toS. equi.
Percutaneous absorption between frog species: Variability in skin may influence delivery of therapeutics
Authors: Llewelyn Victoria K. , Berger Lee , Glass Beverley D.
Published: November 2019

Frogs have permeable skin, so transdermal delivery provides a practical alternative to traditional dosing routes. However, little is known about how frog skin permeability differs interspecifically, and there are different reported clinical outcomes following topical application of the same chemical in different frog species. This study collated in vitro absorption kinetic data previously reported for two frog species: the green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) and the cane toad (Rhinella marina), and used linear mixed‐effects modelling to produce a model of absorption. Histology of skin samples from each species was performed to observe morphological differences that may affect absorption. Absorption kinetics differed significantly between species, with the logP of the applied chemical a better predictor of permeability than molecular weight. Application site also influenced permeability, with dorsal permeability consistently higher in cane toads. Ventral permeability was more consistent between species. Skin thickness differed between species and skin regions, and this may explain the differences in absorption kinetics. Guidelines for selecting chemicals and dosing site when treating frogs are presented. The permeability differences identified may explain the poor reproducibility reported in the treatment of disease across frog species, and reinforces the importance of considering interspecies differences when designing therapeutic treatments for frogs.
LmjMAPK10 offers protection against Leishmania donovani infection
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Zutshi Shubhranshu , Patidar Ashok , Bodhale Neelam , Roy Somenath , Sarkar Arup , Saha Bhaskar
Published: November 2019

Aims

This study aimed at evaluating the DNA vaccination efficacy of Leishmania major‐derived MAPK10 against Leishmania donovani infection.

Methods and Results

MAPK10 is one of the 15 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) of Leishmania major. Herein, we expressed the gene through a mammalian vector and tested whether priming with this gene would offer protection against L donovani infection. We report that LmjMAPK10 DNA vaccination using a mammalian expression vector significantly reduces the parasite burden. The protection is accompanied by host‐protective T‐cell functions, TH1‐type cytokines and elevated leishmanial antigen‐specific IgG2a isotype response. T‐cell response to the L donovani/challenge infection is associated with increase in IL‐12 and IFN‐γ, but reduced IL‐10 and IL‐4 production.

Conclusions

LmjMAPK10 is cross‐protective against L donovani infection.
The what, how, and why of moralization: A review of current definitions, methods, and evidence in moralization research
Authors: Rhee Joshua J. , Schein Chelsea , Bastian Brock
Published: November 2019

Moralization has major social and political implications. Although there is a depth of research on the nature and implications of moral attitudes and moral convictions, there has been less of a focus on the psychological processes by which actions, attitudes, or entities become moralized, or move from lesser to greater moral significance, and the research that does exist is highly fragmented. In the present paper, we provide a two‐factor structure for understanding the current state of research on moralization, categorizing extant moralization research by (1) whether it examines judgments of actions, attitudes, or entities and (2) whether it captures moral recognition (the shift from neutral to moral), or moral amplification. Using this framework, we then consider the various routes through which moralization may occur, discuss emerging research on the influence that social norms can have on this process, and address future areas of research. Overall, we hope to provide some initial steps toward developing a more integrated framework for understanding moralization.
Supporting disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge development and design thinking in an informal, pre‐engineering program: A Workplace Simulation Project
Authors: Cross Francis Dionne , Tan Verily , Nicholas Celeste
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we examined students’ engagement in an implementation of a Workplace Simulation Project (WSP). The WSP was designed to actively engage students in learning disciplinary content by inviting engineers from industry to have a physical presence within the school building to collaborate with teachers and students to complete projects which simulate the tasks authentic to their work. We focus on the first year implementation of the program that partnered a high school in the rural Midwest with an engineering unit of a government organization. Using a multiple methods study design, we analyzed disciplinary and interdisciplinary pre and posts test along with students’ interviews to determine learning gains as well as students’ interpretations of creative and critical thinking as experienced in the project and their knowledge of the engineering design process. Effect sizes showed that students in the WSP group had notable gains over the control group participants. Additionally, students’ knowledge of core elements of the design process were identified in inductive analyses of the interviews. Findings from this study will provide usable knowledge about effective ways to support systems and design thinking and ways to support expert‐novice collaboration to ensure success.
A Cultural Theory of Partisanship and Policy Attitudes
Authors: Nowlin Matthew C. , Rabovsky Thomas M.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Political parties provide an important function for a public that is generally seen as not consistently ideological by guiding its thinking about policy issues. In this article, we examine whether the four cultural worldviews derived from grid‐group cultural theory—hierarch, egalitarian, individualist, and fatalist—are predictive of partisan attachments and perceptions of climate change risk among the public.

Methods

Data come from an original survey of the U.S. public conducted in 2011 and 2012. We use regression analysis to examine partisanship and perceived climate change risk; ordered logit to examine party attachment; and mediation analysis to examine the mediating effect of partisanship on cultural worldviews and climate change risk.

Results

We find that the group‐oriented cultural types (egalitarians and hierarchs) are more likely to have stronger party attachments than the nongroup‐oriented cultural types (individualists and fatalists). In addition, we find that the mediation effect of party is more pronounced among the group‐oriented types than the nongroup oriented.

Conclusion

Grid‐group cultural theory is predictive of both partisanship and policy attitudes and partisanship mediates the influence of cultural worldviews on climate change risk, particularly for those types with group orientations.
Aberrantly expressed snoRNA, snRNA, piRNA and tRFs in canine melanoma
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahfuzur , Lai Yu‐Chang , Husna Al Asmaul , Chen Hui‐Wen , Tanaka Yuiko , Kawaguchi Hiroaki , Hatai Hitoshi , Miyoshi Noriaki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Fukushima Ryuji , Miura Naoki
Published: November 2019

Among small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs/sRNAs), the functional regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been studied in canine oral melanoma (COM). However, the expression level of other sncRNAs, like small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), transfer RNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) and PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs), in COM is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate sncRNAs other than miRNAs in COM from our small RNA sequencing project (PRJNA516252). We found that several snRNAs and piRNAs were upregulated, whereas tRFs and snoRNAs were downregulated in COM. Upregulation of U1 snRNA and piR‐972, and downregulation of tRNA‐ser (1) and snoRA24 was confirmed in dog melanoma tissue and cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Consistently, the expression of tRNA‐ser (1) and snoRA24 in plasma of COM cases was also decreased. Finally, we found a similar expression trend of U1 and snoRA24 in the human cutaneous melanoma cell line, MEWO, compared with human epidermal melanocyte cells (HEMa‐Lp). In our study, snRNA, snoRNA, tRFs and piRNA were dysregulated during melanoma progression. Moreover, the melanoma‐associated expression of U1 and snoRA24 was similar in human and dog melanoma.
A pharmacokinetic study of oclacitinib maleate in six cats
Authors: Ferrer Lluís , Carrasco Isaac , Cristòfol Carles , Puigdemont Anna
Published: November 2019

Background

Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase (JK)1 inhibitor that has been shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of allergic dermatitis in dogs. Its use in cats has been limited by the absence of pharmacokinetic data.

Objective

To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of oclacitinib in cats after oral and intravenous administration.

Animals

Six adult domestic short hair cats.

Methods and materials

A two period, two treatment design was used in which cats received oclacitinib maleate i.v. and p.o., at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively. There was a one‐week interval of washout between the two treatments. Cats received each treatment only once. The plasma concentration of oclacitinib was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography at 0 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, 6 h, 10 h and 24 h after intravenous.v administration, at 0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 10 h and 24 h after p.o. administration.

Results

After p.o. administration, oclacitinib was absorbed rapidly and almost completely, as shown by an absolute bioavailability of 87% and a Tmax of 35 min. The elimination of the drug also was very rapid as shown by a half‐life of 2.3 h and a clearance calculated as 4.45 mL/min/kg (after i.v. administration).

Conclusions and clinical importance

The pharmacokinetic parameters of oclacitinib in the cat are similar to those described for the dog, although absorption and elimination are somewhat faster and variability between individuals is somewhat greater. Larger doses and/or shorter dosing intervals would be recommended in cats to achieve similar blood concentrations to those in dogs.
Outcome after surgical and conservative treatments of canine peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: A multi‐institutional study of 128 dogs
Authors: Morgan Keaton R. S. , Singh Ameet , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Balsa Ingrid M. , Hayes Galina , Chu Margaret L. , Thomson Christopher B. , Arai Shiori , Smeak Daniel D. , Monnet Eric , Selmic Laura E. , Cray Megan , Grimes Janet A. , Morris Taylor , Case J. Brad , Biskup Jeffrey J. , Haas Jason , Thieman‐Mankin Kelley , Milovancev Milan , Gatineau Mathieu
Published: November 2019

Objective

To compare demographics and disease characteristics in dogs in which peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) had been diagnosed and report outcomes after surgical treatment (ST) or conservative treatment (CT).

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

One hundred twenty‐eight dogs (91 ST, 37 CT) in which PPDH had been diagnosed.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for demographics, perioperative findings, and outcomes. Follow‐up was obtained via telephone interview and email correspondence with owners and referring veterinarians. Baseline variables were compared between treatment groups.

Results

Dogs treated surgically were younger (P < .001), more likely to be sexually intact (P = .002), more likely to have clinical signs from PPDH vs an incidental diagnosis (P < .001), and more likely to have other congenital abnormalities (P = .003) compared with dogs treated conservatively. Ninety‐seven percent of ST dogs were discharged from hospitals. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported in 22% and 41% of dogs, respectively, although most complications were classified as low grade (75% and 83%, respectively). Follow‐up was available in 87 dogs, at a median of 1062 days. Hernia recurrence was not reported in any surgically treated dog. The deaths of nine dogs (five ST, four CT) could be attributed to PPDH, and long median survival times were observed in both the ST and CT groups (8.2 and 5 years, respectively).

Conclusion

Preoperative characteristics differed between dogs treated conservatively vs surgically. Surgical treatment was associated with low operative mortality, and both ST and CT dogs had good long‐term survival.

Clinical significance

A diagnosis of PPDH can confer a good long‐term prognosis for both ST and CT dogs.
The State of the Art in Music Education Research in Brazil
Authors: Wolffenbüttel Cristina Rolim , Riffatti Romeu , Ramos Guilherme Da Silva
Published: November 2019

This article presents the results of research that aimed to map the scientific production in Music Education in the last twelve years. The reason for this dating lies on the fact that in 2006 a process was started for the insertion of music in schools, through Bill No. 330, culminating in Law No. 11.769/2008, which provides for the obligation of music teaching in basic education. Subsequently, Resolution No. 2 consolidated this obligation. From then on, there was an increase in scientific production in Music Education in Brazil. Thus, this research came from the questions: What subjects have been investigated in Music Education in Brazil in the last twelve years? What methodologies were used in these surveys? What are the theoretical references that underlie these investigations? What is the impact of these research studies on the Brazilian scientific scenario? Based on these questions, this research aimed to investigate the state of the art of musical education in Brazil in the last twelve years. The methodological design of the research was developed from data collection via the Internet, and data analysis was based on the use of content analysis. Among the results, it was observed that the themes of research in Music Education have been diversified, presenting a strong relationship with the political and educational issues involved and which underlie the pedagogical-musical work.
A neural circadian signal essential for ovulation is generated in the suprachiasmatic nucleus during each stage of the oestrous cycle
Authors: Silva Carlos‐Camilo , Cortés Georgina Daniela , Javier Cintia Yolanda , Flores Angélica , Domínguez Roberto
Published: November 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is the suprachiasmatic nucleus the structure that generates the neural circadian signals that occur during every stage of the oestrous cycle, not only pro‐oestrus, and are these signals essential for proper regulation of ovulation?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Transient inhibition of Na+‐dependent action potentials in the suprachiasmatic nucleus by tetrodotoxin microinjection at 14.00 h inhibits ovulation irrespective of the stage of the oestrous cycle at which the procedure is performed. Microinjection of saline solution into the suprachiasmatic nucleus has a disruptive effect on ovulation that depends on the stage of the cycle at which it is administered.

Reproduction is a highly timed process that depends on both the reproductive and circadian systems. The core oscillator of the latter resides at the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and it is pivotal for the regulation of the pro‐oestrus pre‐ovulatory surge of gonadotropins in females. There is evidence to suggest that this system may be involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine events that are essential for ovulation and that occur prior to pro‐oestrus. We explored this possibility by transiently inactivating the SCN. Female rats were implanted with guide cannulas aimed at the SCN. After recovery of the oestrous cycle, animals were injected with tetrodotoxin (TTX), artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) or saline solution while freely moving. Injections were performed at 14.00 h of each stage of the oestrous cycle. Animals were killed on the next predicted oestrus day, the number of ova shed was counted and intact rats at oestrus stage were used as absolute control. ACSF did not modify ovulation. Saline solution blocked ovulation in oestrus‐ and dioestrus‐injected rats. Irrespectively of the stage of the oestrous cycle, TTX blocked ovulation. These results lead us to suggest that a neural circadian signal, pivotal for triggering the gonadotropin pre‐ovulatory surge, arises from the SCN during the critical window of pro‐oestrus. We also suggest that a similar signal, needed for the regulation of other events that are indispensable for proper regulation of ovulation, is also generated in this nucleus during the other stages of the cycle at a similar time.
Intracranial pressure modulates aqueous humour dynamics of the eye
Authors: Ficarrotta Kayla R. , Passaglia Christopher L.
Published: November 2019

Key points

An elevation in intracranial pressure (ICP) lowers conventional outflow facility (increases aqueous outflow resistance) of rat eyes.

The reduction in outflow facility correlates with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).

The effect of ICP elevation on outflow facility and IOP is blocked by TTX.

The results indicate that aqueous humour dynamics is modulated by ICP‐driven neural feedback from the brain.

This feedback mechanism may act to stabilize translaminar pressure across the optic nerve head and may provide a new avenue for glaucoma therapy.

While intraocular pressure (IOP) is a well‐known risk factor for glaucoma, intracranial pressure (ICP) is attracting heightened interest because of its influence on optic nerve head biomechanics. Studies have shown that ICP can have marked impacts on posterior eye health by modifying the translaminar pressure gradient across the optic nerve. There is also growing evidence that IOP and ICP may be interconnected, although the mechanism of their putative interaction is unknown. We sought to test the hypothesis that ICP modulates IOP by altering aqueous humour dynamics. The anterior chamber and lateral ventricle of anaesthetized Brown‐Norway rats were cannulated with fine‐gauge needles connected to a programmable pump and saline reservoir, respectively. ICP was manipulated by varying reservoir height, and eye outflow facility (C) was determined from the pump flow rate required to hold IOP at different levels.Cwas 22 ± 4 nl/min/mmHg at resting ICP and 13 ± 3 nl/min/mmHg when ICP was raised 15 mmHg, a reduction of 41 ± 13% (n = 18). The decrease in outflow facility was independent of blood pressure, reversible, scaled with ICP elevation and correlated with increases in resting IOP. It was physiological in origin becauseCreturned to baseline values after the rats were killed and corneal application of TTX though ICP remained elevated. These results indicate that a neural feedback mechanism driven by ICP regulates conventional outflow facility in rats. The mechanism may protect the eye from translaminar pressure swings and may offer a new target for glaucoma treatment.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Measurements in a High Aspect Ratio Channel With Circular Pins and Strip Fins
Authors: Nuntakulamarat Metapun , Shiau Chao-Cheng , Han Je-Chin
Published: November 2019

This paper focuses on the measurements of heat transfer enhancement and pressure drop of different pin or fin configurations in a high aspect ratio (AR = 9.57/1.2) channel. Two different pin-fin shapes including circular pins and strip fins were studied. Different pin-fin spacings for circular pins (S/D = 2, 4) and strip fins (S/W = 8, 16) were investigated, respectively. In addition, the thickness effect of the strip fin was included in this study. The regionally averaged heat transfer measurement method was used to acquire the heat transfer coefficients on two opposite featured surfaces within the test channel. For each configuration, the tested Reynolds number was ranging from 20,000 to 80,000. The results indicate that the channel with circular pins has better heat transfer enhancement and higher pressure loss than their strip fins counterparts. However, the strip fins are considered better designs in terms of thermal performance. For the gas turbine designers aim at developing an improved internal cooling feature, this work demonstrates the great potential of the strip fins as a novel and effective cooling design compared with the conventional circular pins.