bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density dependence influences competition and hybridization at an invasion front
Authors: Wood Connor M. , Kryshak Nick , Gustafson Michaela , Hofstadter Daniel F. , Hobart Brendan K. , Whitmore Sheila A. , Dotters Brian P. , Roberts Kevin N. , Keane John J. , Sawyer Sarah C. , Gutiérrez Rocky J. , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: February 2021

Aim

Landscape and climatic change are promoting range shifts, potentially leading to competition and hybridization between formerly isolated species. However, density‐dependent interactions can impede the timely identification of associated conservation problems. The barred owl's expansion into the spotted owl's range provides a natural experiment to test for density dependence in niche overlap and hybridization in the early versus late stages of a biological invasion, thus illuminating an important biogeographical process.

Location

Pacific Northwest, USA to the northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA.

Methods

In the northern Sierra Nevada, where barred owl density was low, we quantified niche overlap between barred owls and spotted owls along three axes (landscape‐scale habitat selection based on passive acoustic survey data, foraging habitat selection measured with GPS tag data, and diet measured with stable isotopes) and assessed hybridization with phenotypic data. We then compared our findings to studies on these species from the Pacific Northwest, where barred owl density is high.

Results

In the Sierra Nevada, overlap in landscape‐scale habitat selection was low (spotted owl sites also occupied by barred owls: 21%), overlap in foraging habitat selection and diet was high (Pianka's niche overlap: 0.802; stable isotope ellipse overlap: 0.52), and hybridization was common (hybrid:barred owl ratio: 0.364). In the Pacific Northwest, niche overlap was high (barred owl occupancy of spotted owl territories: 40%–95%, Pianka's niche overlap of foraging habitat selection and diet: 0.809 and 0.429) and hybridization was rare (hybrid:barred ratio: 0.061).

Main conclusions

Foraging habitat selection and diet were density‐independent and therefore predictive of the competitive exclusion of spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest that has resulted from the barred owl invasion. Landscape‐scale monitoring programmes capable of yielding systematic data on multiple species can offer an early warning of biological invasions; however, individual‐level traits such as foraging habitat selection may influence the population processes that can determine the outcome of those invasions.
Simplified endoscopic pressure study integrated system for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Nishikawa Yohei , Inoue Haruhiro , Shimamura Yuto , Abad Mary Raina Angeli , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Owada Kaori , Toshimori Akiko , Tanabe Mayo , Ikeda Haruo , Onimaru Manabu
Published: February 2021

Endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is a novel tool for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It enables the evaluation of the function of the lower esophageal sphincter by monitoring intragastric pressure (IGP) while insufflating the stomach during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. EPSIS can predict abnormal acid reflux with high accuracy based on previous studies. IGP was measured by inserting through the working channel of the scope an intragastric catheter connected to a pressure measuring device. Herein, we assess the feasibility of an updated EPSIS system, which can be performed just by connecting a flush tube to the working channel. This method does not require inserting foreign objects in the stomach and spares catheter insertion in order to simplify the procedure and reduce costs. A single‐center pilot study was conducted to evaluate the association between catheter‐based EPSIS and the updated EPSIS. The results of EPSIS in 20 patients who underwent both methods were assessed. In all cases, the waveform pattern of IGP measured by catheter‐based EPSIS and updated EPSIS was consistent with 15 uphill pattern and five flat pattern. Intraobserver agreement of waveform pattern was perfect between two examiners with kappa value = 1. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for intraobserver reliability for maximum IGP was excellent with 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.77 < ICC < 0.96) and for pressure gradient was also good with 0.89 (95% CI of 0.71 < ICC < 0.95). In conclusion, our study suggests that the updated EPSIS can be performed without the use of a catheter.
Center of pressure responses to unpredictable external perturbations indicate low accuracy in predicting fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Moraca Gabriel Antonio Gazziero , Beretta Victor Spiandor , dos Santos Paulo Cezar Rocha , Nóbrega‐Sousa Priscila , Orcioli‐Silva Diego , Vitório Rodrigo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: February 2021

Falls are associated with impairment in postural control in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). We aimed to predict the fall risk through models combining postural responses with clinical and cognitive measures. Also, we compared the center of pressure (CoP) between PwPD fallers and non‐fallers after unpredictable external perturbations. We expected that CoP parameters combined with clinical and cognitive measures would predict fall risk. Seventy‐five individuals participated in the study. CoP parameters were measured during postural responses through five trials with unpredictable translations of the support‐surface in posterior direction. Range and peak of CoP were analyzed in two periods: early and late responses. Time to peak (negative peak) and recovery time were analyzed regardless of the periods. Models included the CoP parameters in early (model 1), late responses (model 2), and temporal parameters (model 3). Clinical and cognitive measures were entered into all models. Twenty‐nine participants fell at least once, and 46 PwPD did not fall during 12 months following the postural assessment. Range of CoP in late responses was associated with fall risk (p = .046). However, although statistically non‐significant, this parameter indicated low accuracy in predicting fall risk (area under the curve = 0.58). Fallers presented a higher range of CoP in early responses than non‐fallers (p = .033). In conclusion, although an association was observed between fall risk and range of CoP in late responses, this parameter indicated low accuracy in predicting fall risk in PwPD. Also, fallers demonstrate worse postural control during early responses after external perturbations than non‐fallers, measured by CoP parameters.
Mast cell activation ameliorates pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures in rats: The potential role for serotonin
Authors: Kilinc Erkan , Torun Ibrahim Ethem , Cetinkaya Ayhan , Tore Fatma
Published: February 2021

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Mast cells are multifunctional immune cells that are also activated by stress. The effects of activated mast cells on epileptogenesis are not yet known. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of compound 48/80‐stimulated mast cell activation on pentylenetetrazole‐induced epileptic seizures in rats. Male Wistar rats were separated into seven groups (n = 12). Group‐1(NS+PTZ) received intraperitoneal saline solution, while groups 2(C‐48/80+PTZ‐1), 3(C‐48/80+PTZ‐2), and 4(C‐48/80+PTZ‐3) received compound‐48/80 at doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg, respectively, 30 min before 45 mg/kg pentylenetetrazole administration. Similarly, Group‐5(Cr+C‐48/80+PTZ) received 10 mg/kg cromolyn plus 2 mg/kg compound‐48/80 before pentylenetetrazole, and Group‐6(MC Dep+C‐48/80+PTZ) was exposed to a mast cell‐depletion process, and then received 2 mg/kg compound‐48/80. Group‐7(5‐HT+PTZ) received 10 mg/kg serotonin. Seizure stages were evaluated using Racine's scale. Compound‐48/80 at 2 mg/kg induced anticonvulsive effects against pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures by extending onset‐times of both myoclonic‐jerk and generalized tonic–clonic seizures (p = 0.0001), and by shortening the duration of generalized tonic–clonic seizure (p = 0.008). These effects were reversed by cromolyn (p = 0.0001). These effects were not observed in mast cell‐depleted rats. Similarly to compound 48/80, serotonin also exhibited anticonvulsive effects against seizures (p < 0.05). Compound 48/80 acts as an anticonvulsant by activating mast cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The anticonvulsive effects of mast cell activation may be mediated by serotonin. Mast cell activation may therefore provide protective activity against seizures under appropriate circumstances.
Frightening times
Authors: Bordini Davide , Torrengo Giuliano
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we discuss the inherent temporal orientation of fear, a matter on which philosophers seem to have contrasting opinions. According to some, fear is inherentlypresent‐oriented; others instead maintain that it is inherentlyfuture‐oriented or that it hasnoinherent temporal orientation at all. Despite the differences, however, all these views seem to understand fear's temporal orientation asone‐dimensional—that is, as uniquely determined by the represented temporal location of the intentional object of fear. By contrast, we present a view that introduces atwo‐dimensional account of fear's temporal orientation. On such a view, we can say that fear is inherently future‐oriented, independently of its being about something in the present or the future.
Range dynamics mediated by compensatory life stage responses to experimental climate manipulations
Authors: Oldfather Meagan F. , Koontz Michael J. , Doak Daniel F. , Ackerly David D.
Published: February 2021

The expectations of polar or upslope distributional shifts of species ranges in response to warming climate conditions have been recently questioned. Diverse responses of different life stages to changing temperature and moisture regimes may alter these predicted range dynamics. Furthermore, the climate driver(s) influencing demographic rates, and the contribution of each demographic rate to population growth rate (λ), may shift across a species range. We investigated these demographic effects by experimentally manipulating climate and measuring responses of λ in nine populations spanning the elevation range of an alpine plant (Ivesia lycopodioides). Populations exhibited stable growth rates (λ ~ 1) under naturally wet conditions and declining rates (λ < 1) under naturally dry conditions. However, opposing vital rate responses to experimental heating and watering lead to negligible or negative effects on population stability. These findings indicate that life stage–specific responses to changing climate can disrupt the current relationships between population stability and climate across species ranges.
Antimicrobial resistance in clinical bacterial isolates from horses in the UK
Authors: Isgren Cajsa M. , Williams Nicola J. , Fletcher Owen D. , Timofte Dorina , Newton Richard J. , Maddox Thomas W. , Clegg Peter D. , Pinchbeck Gina L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horses is important to aid empirical treatment decisions and highlight emerging AMR threats.

Objective

To describe the AMR patterns of common groups of bacteria from clinical submissions from horses in the UK during 2018, and to determine how this varies by sample site and type of submitting veterinary practice.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

All data on bacterial culture and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) collected in 2018 from six large equine diagnostic laboratories were included. Resistance patterns were analysed including resistance to 1 or 2 antimicrobial classes, multidrug resistance (MDR), extensively drug resistant (XDR), resistance to highest priority critically important antimicrobials and isolates where there was no readily available treatment for adult horses in the UK. Submitting practices were classified according to whether they treated referral cases or not (first opinion). Comparisons between proportions and resistance for each bacterial group and sample site was performed using Chi‐squared (or Fisher's exact test).

Results

A total of 6,018 bacterial isolates from 4,038 diagnostic submissions were included from respiratory (n = 1555), urogenital (n = 1,010), skin/hair/wound/abscess (n = 753), surgical site infection (SSI) /catheter‐related‐infection (CRI) /orthopaedic infections (n = 347) and unknown/‘other’ submissions (n = 373). There were 2,711 Gram‐negative isolates and 3,307 Gram‐positive isolates. Prevalence of MDR forE. coliwas 31.7%,Staphylococcusspp. 25.3% and > 25% for the majority of bacterial isolates from SSI/CRI/orthopaedic submissions. ForEnterococcusspp. there was no readily available treatment for adult horses in the UK in 30.2% of positive submissions. MDR was significantly higher from referral hospital than first opinion submissions for the majority of pathogens (exceptActinobacillusspp. andPasteurellaspp. and β‐haemolyticStreptococcusspp.).

Main limitations

Since culture and susceptibility results are not systematic analyses based on harmonised methods, selection bias could impact the findings.

Conclusions

Ongoing surveillance is essential to understand emerging patterns of resistance. MDR is high in SSI/CRI/orthopaedic infections, which is important for hospital biosecurity and guiding treatment decisions. Harmonisation of diagnostic procedures and interpretation of results amongst veterinary laboratories will improve AMR surveillance and data comparison among laboratories.
Emerging Ideas. Health Technology Use and Perceptions of Romantic Relationships by Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yorgason Jeremy B. , Saylor Jennifer , Ness Michelle , Millett Mallory , Floreen Anna
Published: February 2021

Objective

Explore perceptions of health technology use among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their interactions with romantic partners about their diabetes.

Background

Dating and the formation of romantic relationships are key features of emerging adulthood. However, emerging adults with T1D may experience dating relationships in a unique way due to managing T1D. Health technology use may play an important role in those dating relationships.

Method

Twelve emerging adults with T1D (average time since diagnosis = 9 years) participated in two focus groups during a weekend program with the College Diabetes Network in Boston, MA.

Findings

Qualitative analysis revealed an overarching context of health technology use in relation to dating relationships among emerging adults with T1D. Within this context, three descriptive themes emerged: sensitivity to the perceptions of others, an emphasis on boundaries and independence, and T1D partner support.

Conclusion

Technology plays a central role in the way that emerging adults with T1D interact with romantic partners. Insulin pumps, body sites, continuous glucose monitoring devices, and the sharing of technology all factor into decisions and methods of concealing and disclosing and the development of digitally supported intimacy.

Implications for Emerging Ideas

T1D may place individuals in unique circumstances within romantic relationships. Professionals could educate those with T1D about technological and social aspects of T1D management.
Surrogacy, Identity, Parentage and Childrenʼs Rights – Through the Eyes of a Child
Authors: Alexandra Harland Judge
Published: February 2021

In this article I will focus on two important aspects of children's rights which are impacted by artificial reproductive technology (particularly surrogacy); being the rights to identity and the rights to legal parentage. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child acknowledges the importance of a child's right to identity, to be protected from discrimination on the basis of the status or beliefs of the child's parents, legal guardians or family members. For many children born through surrogacy arrangements, they may have only one or no legally recognized parent. The adults caring for them may have parental responsibility orders but this falls well short of providing children with the benefits and protections that legal parentage does. The issue of identity can be complex. Increasingly, states have recognized the importance of children knowing the circumstances of their birth and being able to access biological and genetic information including medical information. From a child's perspective the issues of identity and parenthood are intertwined. Given the importance of identity, more needs to be done to ensure that identifying information about children born as a result of artificial reproductive technology is properly stored and readily accessible for these children. Denying a child legal parentage when there are no concerns about the care being provided by their parents cannot be justified when considered from a children's rights perspective.
Large‐scale importance of microbial carbon use efficiency and necromass to soil organic carbon
Authors: Wang Chao , Qu Lingrui , Yang Liuming , Liu Dongwei , Morrissey Ember , Miao Renhui , Liu Ziping , Wang Qingkui , Fang Yunting , Bai Edith
Published: February 2021

Optimal methods for incorporating soil microbial mechanisms of carbon (C) cycling into Earth system models (ESMs) are still under debate. Specifically, whether soil microbial physiology parameters and residual materials are important to soil organic C (SOC) content is still unclear. Here, we explored the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on SOC content based on a survey of soils from 16 locations along a ~4000 km forest transect in eastern China, spanning a wide range of climate, soil conditions, and microbial communities. We found that SOC was highly correlated with soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and amino sugar (AS) concentration, an index of microbial necromass. Microbial C use efficiency (CUE) was significantly related to the variations in SOC along this national‐scale transect. Furthermore, the effect of climatic and edaphic factors on SOC was mainly via their regulation on microbial physiological properties (CUE and MBC). We also found that regression models on explanation of SOC variations with microbial physiological parameters and AS performed better than the models without them. Our results provide the empirical linkages among climate, microbial characteristics, and SOC content at large scale and confirm the necessity of incorporating microbial biomass and necromass pools in ESMs under global change scenarios.
Purified Cannabidiol isolate does not inhibit active caspase‐1 release in NLRP inflammasome‐mediated UVB or ATP‐activated keratinocytes or appear to reduce key inflammatory cytokines in UVB‐irradiate keratinocytes
Authors: Gruber James V. , Holtz Robert
Published: February 2021

Background

Cannabidiol is a plant‐derived cannabinoid that has been suggested to have several human health benefits including potential anti‐inflammatory effects. It is now common to find various forms of Cannabidiol, most often referred to as CBD, in nutritional supplements and topical treatments. The mechanisms by which CBD can influence inflammatory pathways in the body, and more particularly in the skin, are presently still unclear. It is known that CBD will bind to cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in the body and recent work has shown that in keratinocytes, CBD can regulate inflammation through transcriptional regulation involving the NFƙβ nuclear pathways. The fact that CBD operates through the NFƙβ pathways suggests that, perhaps, the molecule may influence the expression of active caspase‐1 through NLRP inflammasome‐mediated pathways.

Methods

Recently, work has published demonstrating that Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEKs) can be activated by UVB and ATP to express active caspase‐1 via NLRP inflammasome‐mediated pathways. There was a strong interest to see whether highly purified Cannabidiol Isolate (>99% purity) might function to control release of active caspase‐1 by testing of NHEKs using the previously described models. In addition, NHEKs expression of non‐NLRP inflammasome‐induced inflammation markers including IL‐6, IL‐8 and PGE2 was examined in UVB‐activated NHEKs.

Results

It was found that purified Cannabidiol Isolate did not influence active caspase‐1 release in either UVB or ATP‐activated NHEKs suggesting the molecule does not influence the NLRP inflammasome pathways. In addition, it was surprisingly found that the Cannabidiol Isolate did not impact the expression of additional UVB‐activated non‐NLRP inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

Data presented suggest that if Cannabidiol functions as an anti‐inflammatory, it does so through pathways not associated with either the NLRP inflammasome‐mediated expression of caspase‐1 or through the more commonly known expression of interleukin or prostaglandin inflammatory pathways.
Surface etching and silane heating using Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers in dental ceramic luted to human dentin
Authors: Feitosa Fernanda A. , Tribst João P. M. , Araújo Rodrigo M. , Pucci César R.
Published: February 2021

Investigate the tensile bond strength, surface morphology, and wettability of reinforced glass‐ceramic etched with high power laser at different protocols and luted to human dentin. Fifty carious‐free human molars were used in this study and distributed in five groups according to surface etching: (Control [HF10% + Silane]; Er [Er:YAG + Silane]; Sil + Er [Silane + Er:YAG]; Nd [Nd:YAG + Silane]; and Nd + Sil [Silane + Nd:YAG]). After, the tensile bond strength test was performed. Three specimens per group were used to perform the surface morphologies by using scanning electron microscopy analysis and wettability by using the sessile drop technique. Failure modes were determined. Data were analyzed with two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey tests, with α = .05. The bond strength data showed statistically significant differences among tested groups for the laser and silanization technique type (p < .001). The highest calculated bond strength values were obtained with Er (19.25 ± 3.70 MPa) followed by Sil + Er (14.11 ± 4.11 MPa), Control (9.42 ± 2.27 MPa), Nd (9.66 ± 2.02 MPa), and Nd + Sil (6.71 ± 1.88 MPa), respectively. The silane application prior to the laser irradiation showed an inferior bond strength compared to the conventional silanization technique. The surface etching using Er:YAG laser showed promissor results for the lithium disilicate.
Efficacy of topical cadexomer iodine treatment in chronic wounds: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative clinical trials
Authors: Woo Kevin , Dowsett Caroline , Costa Ben , Ebohon Stephen , Woodmansey Emma J. , Malone Matthew
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to summarise the clinical evidence supporting almost 40 years of topical cadexomer iodine (CIOD) use in wound bed preparation by removing barriers to healing such as exudate, slough, bioburden, and infection and allowing chronic wound progression. A systematic review was conducted (Embase/PubMed, November 2020) to identify relevant comparative studies meeting inclusion criteria. Meta‐analyses were performed using a fixed‐effects (I2 < 50%) or random‐effects model (I2 ≥ 50%) depending on statistical heterogeneity. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as relative risk (RR) and continuous outcomes as mean difference (MD), with 95% confidence intervals. In total, 436 publications were identified of which 13 were comparative trials including outcomes of interest. Significant reductions in exudate, pus/debris, slough, bioburden, and infection were reported in chronic wounds treated with CIOD, compared with standard of care (SOC). Meta‐analyses highlighted the positive impact of CIOD on mean wound area reduction (MD = 2.35 cm2, 95% CI = 0.34–4.36, P = .0219) after eight weeks treatment and overall wound healing events compared to SOC; wounds including venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers treated with CIOD were more than twice as likely to heal than those receiving SOC (RR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.54–3.45, P < .0001). This meta‐analysis demonstrates the efficacy of CIOD on chronic wounds through removal of barriers to healing. CIOD should be considered in wound bed preparation and treatment protocols.
Attention‐driven read‐aloud technology increases reading comprehension in children with reading disabilities
Authors: Schiavo Gianluca , Mana Nadia , Mich Ornella , Zancanaro Massimo , Job Remo
Published: February 2021

The paper presents the design of an assistive reading tool that integrates read‐aloud technology with eye tracking to regulate the speed of reading and support struggling readers in following the text while listening to it. The paper describes the design rationale of this approach, following the theory of auditory–visual integration, in terms of an automatic self‐adaptable technique based on the reader's gaze that provides an individualized interaction experience. This tool has been assessed in a controlled experiment with 20 children (aged 8–10 years) with a diagnosis of dyslexia and a control group of 20 children with typical reading abilities. The results show that children with reading difficulties improved their comprehension scores by 24% measured on a standardized instrument for the assessment of reading comprehension and that children with more inaccurate reading (N = 9) tended to benefit more. The findings are discussed in terms of a better integration between audio and visual text information, paving the way to improve standard read‐aloud technology with gaze‐contingency and self‐adaptable techniques to personalize the reading experience.
CircCSNK1G3 up‐regulates miR‐181b to promote growth and metastasis via TIMP3‐mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transitions in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Wen , Song Yang‐Yi‐Yan , Rao Ting , Yu Wei‐Min , Ruan Yuan , Ning Jin‐Zhuo , Yao Xiao‐Bing , Yang Song‐Yi‐Sha , Cheng Fan
Published: February 2021

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, with a high recurrence rate and metastasis capacity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been suggested to act as the critical regulator in several diseases. This study is designed to investigate the role of circCSNK1G3 on RCC progression. We observed a highly expression of circCSNK1G3 in RCC tissues compared with normal tissues. The aberrantly circCSNK1G3 promoted the tumour growth and metastasis in RCC. In the subsequent mechanism investigation, we discovered that the tumour‐promoting effects of circCSNK1G3 were, at least partly, achieved by up‐regulating miR‐181b. Increased miR‐181b inhibits several tumour suppressor gene, including CYLD, LATS2, NDRG2 and TIMP3. Furthermore, the decreased TIMP3 leads to the enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, thus promoting the cancer metastasis. In conclusion, we identified the oncogenic role of circCSNK1G3 in RCC progression and demonstrated the regulatory role of circCSNK1G3 induced miR‐181b expression, which leads to TIMP3‐mediated EMT process, thus resulting in tumour growth and metastasis in RCC. This study reveals the promise of circCSNK1G3 to be developed as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the clinic. And the roles of circCSNK1G3 in cancer research deserve further investigation.
Offspring performance and female preference of Pagiophloeus tsushimanus (coleoptera: curculionidae) on three Lauraceae tree species: A potential risk of host shift caused by larval experience
Authors: Li Shou‐Yin , Chen Cong , Jia Zhi‐Yi , Li Qing , Tang Zhi‐Zhen , Zhong Man‐Fang , Zhu Han , Hao De‐Jun
Published: February 2021

The weevil Pagiophloeus tsushimanus Morimoto (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), native to Eastern Asia, is a wood‐boring pest that causes severe damage to camphor trees (Cinnamomum sp.) in Shanghai, China. Other Lauraceae tree species that grew sympatrically with this pest in close proximity could face a potential threat. To assess the potential risks of host shift, we explored the phenotypic associations between preference and performance in P. tsushimanus reared on three Lauraceae tree species. In a no‐choice experiment offering branches of each plant as diet material and oviposition sites, we found that individuals reared on Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl (Laurales: Lauraceae) exhibited the strongest performance with shorter development time, higher survival and growth rate in the immature stage, longer longevity and greater fecundity in adults. In contrast, those on novel Lauraceae tree species (Cinnamomum chekiangensis Nakai and Phoebe chekiangensis Shang) had difficulty completing their whole life cycle due to significantly lower survival and reproduction. In a multiple‐choice experiment, C. camphora was established as the preferred host. However, we found that the larval experiences on the non‐preferred host plants contributed to an increased preference for that plant species. These results indicated that both the preference‐performance hypothesis and the Hopkins’ host selection principle are applicable in this weevil under experimental conditions. It is possible that although the weevil performed poorly on two novel Lauraceae tree species, under favourable conditions their surviving offspring could evolve into a new host‐specific population. Consequently, this weevil pest needs to be monitored on these novel Lauraceae tree species.
Mitochondrial DNA genome evidence for the existence of a third divergent lineage in the western Atlantic Ocean for the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Authors: Laurrabaquio‐Alvarado Nadia Sandoval , Díaz‐Jaimes Píndaro , Hinojosa‐Álvarez Silvia , Blanco‐Parra Maria del Pilar , Adams Douglas H. , Pérez‐Jiménez Juan Carlos , Castillo‐Géniz J. Leonardo
Published: February 2021

We report for the first time a highly divergent lineage in the Caribbean Sea for the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) based on the analysis of 51 mitochondrial DNA genomes of individuals collected in the western North Atlantic. When comparing the mtDNA control region obtained from the mitogenomes to sequences reported previously for Brazil, the Caribbean lineage remained highly divergent. These results support the existence of a discrete population in Central America due to a phylogeographic break separating the Caribbean Sea from the western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and South America.
Autonomous motivation and support flourishes for individuals higher in collaborative personality factors: Agreeableness, assisted autonomy striving, and secure attachment
Authors: Levine S. L. , Milyavskaya M. , Powers T. A. , Holding A. C. , Koestner R.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Individuals who strive autonomously for their goals, and who perceive autonomy supportive environments are more successful during goal pursuit. What dispositional factors predict autonomy flourishing during goal pursuit?

Methods

Four longitudinal studies were conducted over an 8‐month academic year, and university students (Ntotal = 1,544) completed surveys on motivation, support, and personality. Structural equation models were created using Mplus software to test whether collaborative personality factors were related to growth in autonomous motivation and autonomy support.

Results

All three distinct collaborative personality factors, trait Agreeableness, assisted autonomy striving, and secure parental attachment, were related to increases in autonomous motivation over the academic year. Conscientiousness, assisted autonomy, and secure attachment were related to increases in perceived autonomy support. A higher order latent collaborative traits factor, composed of Agreeableness, assisted autonomy, and secure attachment was found to be related to increased autonomous motivation and support over the academic year and resulted in increased goal progress.

Conclusion

These results suggest that individuals higher in collaborative personality factors experience growth in personal autonomy during goal pursuit. Future research is needed to determine how to promote collaboration in goal pursuit to further help individuals successfully strive for their goals.
Molecular and morphological analyses reveal new taxa additions to the tribe Streblocladieae (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Bustamante Danilo E. , Yeon Won Boo , Wynne Michael J. , Cho Tae Oh
Published: February 2021

The recent segregation of 12 genera in the tribe Streblocladieae suggests that the taxonomy of some species belonging to Polysiphonia sensu lato is updated with the transfer and the proposal of new combinations. Accordingly, six new additions to the tribe Streblocladieae on the basis of morphological and molecular analyses are presented as a consequence of this new segregation. These additions include the description of the new species Carradoriella platensis sp. nov., the proposal of the following new combinations Eutrichosiphonia paniculata comb. nov., E. tapinocarpa comb. nov., and the reinstatement of Vertebrata curta, V. decipiens, and V. patersonis. Additionally, our morphological observations identified additional diagnostic features for two genera of the Streblocladieae. Carradoriella has branches with sexual reproductive structures arranged adaxially on branchlets, and the recently described Eutrichosiphonia has rhizoids with multicellular digitate haptera. Our study gives insights in regards to the distribution, the diagnostic features for delimiting genera morphologically, and the molecular evolutionary relationships in the Streblocladieae.
Pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid in goats after different administration routes
Authors: Turk Erdinc , Tekeli Ibrahim Ozan , Durna Corum Duygu , Corum Orhan , Altinok Yipel Fulya , Ilhan Aysun , Emiroglu Sara Busra , Uguz Halis , Uney Kamil
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of tolfenamic acid in goats after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and oral (PO) administrations at 2 mg/kg dose. In this study, eight clinically healthy goats were used. The study comprised four periods, according to a crossover design with at least a 15‐day washout period between treatments. Plasma concentrations of tolfenamic acid were determined by HPLC‐UV, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a non‐compartmental method. Following IV administration, terminal elimination half‐life, volume of distribution at steady state, and total clearance were 1.60 h, 0.37 L/kg, and 0.27 L/h/kg, respectively. The mean peak plasma concentration following IM, SC, and PO administrations was 1.77, 1.22, and 0.30 μg/ml, respectively. The mean bioavailability following IM, SC, and PO administrations was 64.46, 55.43, and 19.46%, respectively. The PO route, which exhibits both the low plasma concentration and bioavailability, is not recommended in goats. The IV, IM, and SC routes, which show comparable pharmacokinetic profiles, may be proposed for use in goats. However, the multi‐dose and pharmacodynamic studies are necessary to establish more accurately its safety and efficacy in the goat.
Atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination compared with sorafenib as the first‐line systemic treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A cost‐effectiveness analysis in China and the United states
Authors: Wen Feng , Zheng Hanrui , Zhang Pengfei , Liao Weiting , Zhou Kexun , Li Qiu
Published: February 2021

Background & Aims

In patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab improved progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival compared with sorafenib in the IMbrave150 trial. However, whether the price of the combination could be affordable is unknown. The current study assessed the cost‐effectiveness of the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab as first‐line systemic therapy for patients with unresectable HCC from the Chinese and American payers' perspective.

Methods

A Markov model was built based on a global, multicentre, open‐label, phase III randomized trial (IMbrave150, NCT03434379) that included three states of the patient's health: stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD) and death. Data for all medical costs were acquired from the Red Book, published literature and West China Hospital. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were the primary outcomes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the model uncertainty.

Results

The treatment consisting of a combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab yielded an additional 0.53 QALYs compared with sorafenib alone, leading to an ICER of $145,546.21 per QALY in China and $168,030.21 per QALY in the USA, both beyond the willing‐to‐pay threshold ($28,527.00/QALY in China and $150,000.00 /QALY in the USA). The utility of the PD state was the most influential factor in the Chinese model, and the American model was the most sensitive to the price of sorafenib. The results of the models were robust across sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was not a cost‐effective strategy for the first‐line systemic treatment of unresectable HCC from the Chinese and American payers' perspective.
VviNAC33 promotes organ de‐greening and represses vegetative growth during the vegetative‐to‐mature phase transition in grapevine
Authors: D’Incà Erica , Cazzaniga Stefano , Foresti Chiara , Vitulo Nicola , Bertini Edoardo , Galli Mary , Gallavotti Andrea , Pezzotti Mario , Battista Tornielli Giovanni , Zenoni Sara
Published: February 2021

Plants undergo several developmental transitions during their life cycle. In grapevine, a perennial woody fruit crop, the transition from vegetative/green‐to‐mature/woody growth involves transcriptomic reprogramming orchestrated by a small group of genes encoding regulators, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood.

We investigated the function of the transcriptional regulator VviNAC33 by generating and characterizing transgenic overexpressing grapevine lines and a chimeric repressor, and by exploring its putative targets through a DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP‐seq) approach combined with transcriptomic data.

We demonstrated that VviNAC33 induces leaf de‐greening, inhibits organ growth and directly activates the expression of STAY‐GREEN PROTEIN 1 (SGR1), which is involved in Chl and photosystem degradation, and AUTOPHAGY 8f (ATG8f), which is involved in the maturation of autophagosomes. Furthermore, we show that VviNAC33 directly inhibits AUXIN EFFLUX FACILITATOR PIN1, RopGEF1 and ATP SYNTHASE GAMMA CHAIN 1T (ATPC1), which are involved in photosystem II integrity and activity.

Our results show that VviNAC33 plays a major role in terminating photosynthetic activity and organ growth as part of a regulatory network governing the vegetative‐to‐mature phase transition.
Transesophageal three‐dimensional echocardiographic guidance for pacemaker lead extraction
Authors: Burkett Dale A. , Runciman Martin , Jone Pei‐Ni , Collins Kathryn K.
Published: February 2021

Background

The ability of transesophageal three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to aid in pacemaker lead extraction has not yet been evaluated. 3DE provides real‐time evaluation of intracardiac anatomy and the location of pacemaker leads in greater detail than either fluoroscopy or –two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE), aiding in the extraction of such leads, which can be potentially dangerous. We sought to investigate the feasibility and utility of 3DE to visualize intracardiac anatomy and pacemaker leads, and to assist in lead extraction procedures.

Methods

We utilized 3DE in nine encounters for eight different patients, to visualize intracardiac anatomy and leads before, during, and after extraction to evaluate the feasibility and utility to aid in the procedure and evaluate for potential sequelae.

Results

3DE was able to identify pertinent intracardiac anatomy and leads in all cases. 3DE detected procedural complications or altered management in five of nine encounters (five of eight patients); this included detection of an avulsed papillary muscle, tricuspid valve leaflet damage, and cast/thrombus after lead removal, as well as adjustment of excess lead slack to avoid future valve damage, or risk stratification of lead removal.

Conclusion

3DE is feasible and adds utility to lead extraction cases by visualizing intracardiac anatomy and leads beyond fluoroscopy or 2DE, providing real‐time information during extraction, and identifying potential complications.
On the nonpathological nature of ST‐segment elevation in lateral leads in patients with CRBBB
Authors: Madias John E.
Published: February 2021

Stable ST‐segment elevation (STSE) in the lateral electrocardiogram (ECG) leads (i.e., I, II, aVL, V5, and V6) are frequently encountered in association with stable and transient complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB). These STSE in the lateral ECG leads in patients with CRBBB, represent parallel changes to the ST‐segment depression seen in the V1‐V3 leads, and both represent secondary ECG changes expected in patients with intraventricular conduction delays, and they are opposite in polarity to the latter part of the QRS complexes. Proprietary automated ECG interpretation algorithms provided by the different electrocardiographs associate such ECG changes in the lateral leads in the presence of CBBB to “lateral myocardial infarction, ischemia, or injury,” “pericarditis,” or “early repolarization,” which results in inappropriate concern among clinicians, and leads to costly unnecessary diagnostic testing. This piece strives to reassure clinicians about the nonpathological nature of lateral STSE in ECGs with CRBBB.
Integrated associations of nasopharyngeal and serum metabolome with bronchiolitis severity and asthma: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Fujiogi Michimasa , Camargo Carlos A. , Raita Yoshihiko , Zhu Zhaozhong , Celedón Juan C. , Mansbach Jonathan M. , Spergel Jonathan M. , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: February 2021

Background

While infant bronchiolitis contributes to substantial acute (eg, severity) and chronic (eg, asthma development) morbidities, its pathobiology remains uncertain. We examined the integrated relationships of local (nasopharyngeal) and systemic (serum) responses with bronchiolitis morbidities.

Methods

In a multicenter prospective cohort study of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, we applied a network analysis approach to identify distinct networks (modules)—clusters of densely interconnected metabolites—of the nasopharyngeal and serum metabolome. We examined their individual and integrated relationships with acute severity (defined by positive pressure ventilation [PPV] use) and asthma development by age 5 years.

Results

In 140 infants, we identified 285 nasopharyngeal and 639 serum metabolites. Network analysis revealed 7 nasopharyngeal and 8 serum modules. At the individual module level, nasopharyngeal‐amino acid, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and carnitine modules were associated with higher risk of PPV use (r > .20; P < .001), while serum‐carnitine, amino acid, and glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC)/glycerophosphorylethanolamine (GPE) modules were associated with lower risk (all r < −.20; P < .05). The integrated analysis for PPV use revealed consistent findings—for example, nasopharyngeal‐TCA (adjOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.68‐12.2) and serum‐GPC/GPE (adjOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.80) modules—and an additional module—serum‐glucose‐alanine cycle module (adjOR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56‐0.86). With asthma risk, there were no individual associations, but there were integrated associations (eg, nasopharyngeal‐carnitine module; adjOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.99).

Conclusion

In infants with bronchiolitis, we found integrated relationships of local and systemic metabolome networks with acute and chronic morbidity. Our findings advance research into the complex interplay among respiratory viruses, local and systemic response, and disease pathobiology in infants with bronchiolitis.
Variation of PHT families adapts salt cress to phosphate limitation under salinity
Authors: Lv Sulian , Wang Duoliya , Jiang Ping , Jia Weitao , Li Yinxin
Published: February 2021

Salt cress (Eutrema salsugineum) presents relatively high phosphate (Pi) use efficiency cy in its natural habitat. Phosphate Transporters (PHTs) play critical roles in Pi acquisition and homeostasis. Here, a comparative study of PHT families between salt cress and Arabidopsis was performed. A total of 27 putative PHT genes were identified in E. salsugineum genome. Notably, seven tandem genes encoding PHT1;3 were found, and function analysis in Arabidopsis indicated at least six EsPHT1;3s participated in Pi uptake. Meanwhile, different expression profiles of PHT genes between the two species under Pi limitation and salt stress were documented. Most PHT1 genes were down‐regulated in Arabidopsis while up‐regulated in salt cress under salinity, among which EsPHT1;9 was further characterized. EsPHT1;9 was involved in root‐to‐shoot Pi translocation. Particularly, the promoter of EsPHT1;9 outperformed that of AtPHT1;9 in promoting Pi translocation, K+/Na+ ratio, thereby salt tolerance. Through cis‐element analysis, we identified a bZIP transcription factor EsABF5 negatively regulating EsPHT1;9 and plant tolerance to low‐Pi and salt stress. Altogether, more copies and divergent transcriptional regulation of PHT genes contribute to salt cress adaptation to the co‐occurrence of salinity and Pi limitation, which add our knowledge on the evolutionary and molecular component of multistress‐ tolerance of this species.
Fine‐Feature Modifications to Strained Ruthenium Complexes Radically Alter Their Hypoxic Anticancer Activity†
Authors: Cole Houston D. , Roque John A. , Lifshits Liubov M. , Hodges Rachel , Barrett Patrick C. , Havrylyuk Dmytro , Heidary David , Ramasamy Elamparuthi , Cameron Colin G. , Glazer Edith C. , McFarland Sherri A.
Published: February 2021

In an earlier study of π‐expansive ruthenium complexes for photodynamic and photochemo‐therapies, it was shown that a pair of structural isomers differing only in the connection point of a naphthalene residue exhibited vastly different biological activity. These isomers are further explored in this paper through the activity of their functionalized derivatives. In normoxia, the inactive 2‐NIP isomer (5) can be made as photocytotoxic as the active 1‐NIP isomer (1) by functionalizing with methyl or methoxy groups, while methoxy variants of the 1‐NIP isomer became inactive. In all cases, the singlet oxygen sensitization quantum yield was below 1%. Hypoxic photocytotoxicity was attenuated, with only three of the series showing any activity, notwithstanding the photodissociative ligands. The results here are consistent with the earlier findings in that seemingly minor structural modifications on the non‐strained ligand can dramatically modulate the normoxic and hypoxic activity of these strained compounds and that these changes appear to exert a greater influence on photocytotoxicity than singlet oxygen sensitization or rates of photosubstitution in cell‐free conditions would suggest.