bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X‐ray computed tomography of severed root wounds of Prunus serrulata and Zelkova serrata
Authors: Park Junhyung , Seo Dahye , Kim Ki Woo
Published: August 2020

The performance of laboratory X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) for the non‐destructive imaging of root wood was evaluated. Lateral roots of oriental cherry (Prunus serrulata var. spontanea) and Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata) were severed in spring and maintained in soil for 6 months. Without sectioning, XCT revealed the phloem, xylem and vascular cambium structures in the root wood. A virtual transverse section showed a ring of woundwood covering the severed, lateral root of the two trees. Different levels of X‐ray absorption were evident around the cut surfaces of P. serrulata; however, they were rarely detected in Z. serrata. More adventitious roots were observed on Z. serrata than on P. serrulata. Distinct white spots in the rays were only detected in Z. serrata. These results suggest that XCT has potential applications in forest pathology, providing virtual sections of wound closure, wood density distribution, organ redifferentiation, and mineral deposition in root wood.
What Hath the Coronavirus Brought to Assessment? Unprecedented Challenges in Educational Assessment in 2020 and Years to Come
Authors: Jiao Hong , Lissitz Robert W.
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the unprecedented challenges and possible directions in which the field of educational assessment is going after the outbreak of COVID‐19. Though the pandemic leads to a lot of pressure related to instruction, learning, and assessment, it also provides opportunities that are likely to require changes to the current theories and practices as well as the assumptions that are no longer justified. It is hoped that the challenges will motivate our field and the instructional experts to work closely together with the learning and instruction process so that assessment will be better integrated and can provide data‐driven insights related to the sequence and content of instruction based on the diagnosis of students' strengths and weaknesses from assessment data. We expect that the integration of assessment in learning and instruction will definitely exert significant positive impact on learning outcomes. We believe the field will become aware of the assessment issues that teaching at a distance presents and will come up with innovative solutions to the many emerging problems when the world of instruction and learning undergoes significant changes from social distancing. This paper provides comments, and predictions about what the challenges and directions in educational assessment will be.
Stressful life events are associated with the risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jiang X. , Olsson T. , Hillert J. , Kockum I. , Alfredsson L.
Published: August 2020

Background and purpose

Unexpected stressful life events may alter immune function and affect susceptibility to autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). Current results from epidemiological investigations examining the role of stress in MS remain inconsistent. The aim was to conduct the hitherto largest population‐based case–control study on this topic.

Methods

Extensive questionnaire information collected on lifestyle environmental factors available for 2930 incident MS cases and 6170 controls were used to assess the association of 10 major life events that had occurred before disease onset with the risk of MS by unconditional logistic regressions, adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified analyses were also performed by sex and time.

Results

Compelling evidence was found for a link between major life events and risk of MS – most events significantly increased disease risk by 17%–30%. It was further observed that women were affected to a greater extent than men under certain stressful scenarios, and that most events that happened recently (≤5 years prior to MS onset) had significant effects on MS, indicating a critical window in disease development.

Conclusion

Stressful life events may have an adverse effect on the risk of MS. Research into the mechanisms of this observation may give important clues to triggering pathogenetic events in MS.
Cytotoxicity of contemporary resin‐based dental materials in contact with dentin
Authors: Carrillo‐Cotto Ricardo , Etges Adriana , Jardim Patrícia S. , Torre Eliana , Kaizer Marina R. , Ferrúa Camila P. , Nedel Fernanda , Cuevas‐Suárez Carlos E. , Moraes Rafael R.
Published: August 2020

In this study, the cytotoxicity of different combinations of contemporary resin‐based restoratives (adhesives, composites, luting agents) against human keratinocytes (HaCaT) was evaluated under two conditions, whether materials were applied to dentin or not. Adhesives (3‐step etch‐and‐rinse/3ER: OptiBond FL; 2‐step self‐etch/2SE Clearfil SE Bond; Single Bond Universal/UNI), composites (conventional composite resin/CCR: Filtek Z350XT; flowable/FCR: Filtek Z350XT Flow; self‐adhesive composite resin/SACR: Dyad Flow), and luting agents (conventional luting agent/CLA: Variolink‐II; self‐adhesive luting agent/SLA: RelyXU200) were combined according to their clinical use. Eluates from polymerized specimens applied to dentin were placed in contact with cells grown for 1 and 7 d. The controls were defined by cells without material contact. Cell viability was determined using MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide)] assay. C=C conversion was investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. After 1 d of incubation, when dentin was not present, 2SE yielded the highest cell viability, whereas 3ER, UNI, and SACR showed higher cell viability in the presence of dentin. After 7 d, when dentin was absent, 2SE and CLA achieved significantly higher cell viability. The presence of dentin resulted in a drastically higher cell viability for all materials, except 2SE and CLA. UNI had the lowest C=C conversion. The presence of dentin was a significant factor, which resulted in higher cell viability than what was seen for the material specimens per se. All materials resulted in a lower viability of HaCaT than what was seen under the no‐material control conditions, with effects mainly limited to the first 24 h.
Rapid morphological change in multiple cichlid ecotypes following the damming of a major clearwater river in Brazil
Authors: Gilbert Michelle C. , Akama Alberto , Fernandes Cristina Cox , Albertson R. Craig
Published: August 2020

While anthropogenic disturbances can have damaging effects on biodiversity, they also offer an opportunity to understand how species adapt to new environments and may even provide insights into the earliest stages of evolutionary diversification. With these topics in mind, we explored the morphological changes that have occurred across several cichlid species following the damming of the Tocantins River, Brazil. The Tocantins was once a large (2,450 km), contiguous river system; however, upon closure of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric Dam in 1984, a large (~2,850 km2), permanent reservoir was established. We used geometric morphometrics to evaluate changes in native cichlids, comparing historical museum specimens collected from the Tocantins to contemporary specimens collected from the Tucuruí reservoir. Six species across five genera were included to represent distinct ecomorphs, from large piscivores to relatively small opportunistic omnivores. Notably, statistically significant changes in shape and morphological disparity were observed in all species. Moreover, the documented changes tended to be associated with functionally relevant aspects of anatomy, including head, fin, and body shape. Our data offer insights into the ways cichlids have responded, morphologically, to a novel lake environment and provide a robust foundation for exploring the mechanisms through which these changes have occurred.
The consequences of size‐selective fishing mortality for larval production and sustainable yield in species with obligate male care
Authors: Kindsvater Holly K. , Halvorsen Kim Tallaksen , Sørdalen Tonje Knutsen , Alonzo Suzanne H.
Published: August 2020

Size‐based harvest limits or gear regulations are often used to manage fishing mortality and ensure the spawning biomass of females is sufficiently protected. Yet, management interactions with species’ mating systems that affect fishery sustainability and yield are rarely considered. For species with obligate male care, it is possible that size‐specific harvest of males will decrease larval production. In order to examine how size‐based management practices interact with mating systems, we modelled fisheries of two species with obligate care of nests, corkwing wrasse (Symphodus melops, Labridae) and lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus, Hexigrammidae) under two management scenarios, a minimum size limit and a harvest slot limit. We simulated the population dynamics, larval production and yield to the fishery under a range of fishing mortalities. We also modelled size‐dependent male care to determine its interaction with management. In both species, the slot limit decreased yield by <12% (relative to minimum size limits) at low fishing mortalities; at higher mortalities, individuals rarely survived to outgrow the slot and spawning potential decreased substantially relative to unfished levels, similar to minimum size limits. Spawning potential decreased less when managed with a slot limit if we included a positive feedback between male size, care and hatching success, but the benefit of implementing the slot depended both on the relative proportions of each sex selected by the fishery and on our assumptions regarding male size and care. This work highlights that the effects of size‐ and sex‐selective fisheries management can be nuanced and produce counter‐intuitive results.
Overview of French databases available for studying anticancer drugs in real‐life setting
Authors: Casarotto Emilie , Noize Pernelle , Gouverneur Amandine , Berdaï Driss , Bégaud Bernard , Levy‐Bachelot Laurie , Molimard Mathieu
Published: August 2020

Considering their novelty and cost, post‐marketing evaluation is highly relevant for new anticancer drugs. Identify and characterize available and potentially useful databases for post‐marketing evaluation of these specific drugs is necessary. A review was conducted to identify available and accessible databases to study the post‐marketing evaluation of drugs in real‐life care setting. Databases identified have been classified into medico‐administrative databases, medical record databases, and databases resulting from ad hoc collections. Taking as examples databases available in France, each type was described as well as its strengths and limits for a potential use in the oncology field. Record linkage of medico‐administrative databases could cover almost the whole population and is now used to evaluate anticancer drugs (e.g., Système National des Données de Santé). Large medical record databases are still lacking, but efforts are currently made to give access to hospital data warehouses for research purposes. Finally, databases resulting from ad hoc collections are also available for some cancer localizations and allow to obtain highly valuable clinical and biological data. A range of important and valuable databases exist but, individually, none is enough to answer to all questions from health authorities, healthcare professionals, and patients. In order to obtain a complete overview on utilization, associated health outcomes and costs of these drugs, it seems necessary to better interlink available databases.
Involvement of P2X2 receptor in the medial prefrontal cortex in ATP modulation of the passive coping response to behavioral challenge
Authors: Kong Ying , Wang Qian , Wu Ding‐yu , Hu Jian , Zang Wen‐si , Li Xiao‐wen , Yang Jian‐ming , Gao Tian‐ming
Published: August 2020

P2X2 and P2X3 receptors are widely expressed in both the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system and have been proven to participate in different peripheral sensory functions, but there are few studies on the involvement of P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in animal behaviors. Here we used P2X2 and P2X3 knockout mice to address this issue. P2X2 knockout mice showed normal motor function, exploratory behavior, anxiety‐like behaviors, learning and memory behaviors and passive coping response to behavioral challenge. Nevertheless, the effect of ATP infusion in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on the passive coping response was blocked by P2X2 but not P2X3 receptor deletion. Additionally, no deficits in a wide variety of behavioral tests were observed in P2X3 knockout mice. These findings demonstrate a role of P2X2 receptor in the mPFC in adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate modulation of the passive coping response to behavioral challenge and show that the P2X2/P2X3 receptor is dispensable for behaviors.
Wildfire and the ecological niche: Diminishing habitat suitability for an indicator species within semi‐arid ecosystems
Authors: O’Neil Shawn T. , Coates Peter S. , Brussee Brianne E. , Ricca Mark A. , Espinosa Shawn P. , Gardner Scott C. , Delehanty David J.
Published: August 2020

Globally accelerating frequency and extent of wildfire threatens the persistence of specialist wildlife species through direct loss of habitat and indirect facilitation of exotic invasive species. Habitat specialists may be especially prone to rapidly changing environmental conditions because their ability to adapt lags behind the rate of habitat alteration. As a result, these populations may become increasingly susceptible to ecological traps by returning to suboptimal breeding habitats that were dramatically altered by disturbance. We demonstrate a multistage modeling approach that integrates habitat selection and survival during the key nesting life‐stage of a bird species of high conservation concern, the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage‐grouse). We applied these spatially explicit models to a spatiotemporally robust dataset of sage‐grouse nest locations and fates across wildfire‐altered sagebrush ecosystems of the Great Basin ecoregion, western United States. Female sage‐grouse exhibited intricate habitat selection patterns that varied across regional gradients of ecological productivity among sagebrush communities, but often selected nest sites that disproportionately resulted in nest failure. For example, 23% of nests occurred in wildfire‐affected habitats characterized by reduced sagebrush cover and greater composition of invasive annual grasses. We found survival of nests was negatively associated with wildfire‐affected areas, but positively associated with higher elevations with increased ruggedness and overall shrub cover. Strong site fidelity likely drove sage‐grouse to continue nesting in habitats degraded by wildfire. Hence, increasing frequency and extent of wildfire may contribute disproportionately to reduced reproductive success by creating ecological traps that act as population sinks. Identifying such habitat mismatches between selection and survival facilitates deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving reduced geographic niche space and population decline at broad spatiotemporal scales, while guiding management actions to areas that would be most beneficial to the species.
Contentious welfare: The Kurdish conflict and social policy as counterinsurgency in Turkey
Authors: Yoltar Çağrı , Yörük Erdem
Published: August 2020

The period since the 1990s has witnessed the expanding political influence of the Kurdish movement across the country as well as a transformation in the welfare system, manifesting itself mainly in the emergence of extensive social assistance programs. While Turkish social assistance policy has been formally neutral regarding who is entitled to state aid, Kurds have been de facto singled out by these new welfare programs, as is shown by existing quantitative work. Based on a discourse analysis of legislation, parliamentary proceedings, and news media, this article examines the ways in which Turkish governments and policymakers consider the Kurdish question in designing welfare policies. We illustrate that Kurdish mobilization has become a central theme that informed the transformation of Turkish welfare system over the past three decades.
Is stopping secondary prophylaxis safe in HIV‐positive talaromycosis patients? Experience from Myanmar
Authors: Tun N , Mclean A , Deed X , Hlaing M , Aung Y , Wilkins E , Ashley E , Smithuis F
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine whether it is safe to stop secondary prophylaxis in patients with talaromycosis after immune reconstitution with a sustained increase in CD4 count to ≥ 100 cells/µL after antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed in HIV‐infected patients treated for talaromycosis between June 2009 and June 2017 in Medical Action Myanmar (MAM) clinics.

Results

Among a cohort of 5466 HIV‐infected patients, 41 patients were diagnosed with and treated for clinical talaromycosis. All the patients were on ART and had a CD4 count < 100 cells/µL. Of these 41 patients, 24 patients (71%) were skin smear positive for talaromycosis, while results were negative in 17 patients. Median CD4 count and haemoglobin concentration were 24 cells/µL and 7.7 g/dL, respectively. Seventy‐three per cent (30) were male. Among the 41 patients, 11 (27%) died and six (15%) were transferred to other centres. Twenty‐four patients (58% of the total diagnosed) stopped itraconazole secondary prophylaxis after starting active ART with CD4 counts > 100 cells/µL for at least 1 year. Throughout the duration of follow‐up post itraconazole cessation, the observed incidence of relapse was zero with a total follow‐up of 93.8 person‐years (95% confidence interval 0–4 per 100 person‐years). The median (25th, 75th percentile) duration of follow‐up post‐prophylaxis discontinuation was 2.8 (2.1, 6.3) years.

Conclusions

Secondary prophylaxis can be safely stopped in patients with talaromycosis after immune reconstitution with a sustained increase in CD4 count to ≥ 100 cells/µL after highly active antiretroviral therapy.
Two fatty acid synthase genes from the integument contribute to cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis and cuticle permeability in Locusta migratoria
Authors: Yang Y. , Zhao X. , Niu N. , Zhao Y. , Liu W. , Moussian B. , Zhang J.
Published: August 2020

Lipids of the insect cuticle have important roles in resistance against the arid environment and invasion of foreign substances. Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is an important enzyme of the insect lipid synthesis pathway. In the present study, we identified three FAS genes from transcriptome data of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, based on bioinformatics analyses. Among them, two FAS genes (LmFAS1 and LmFAS3) are highly expressed in the integument of fifth instar nymphs. Suppression of LmFAS1 and LmFAS3 by RNA interference caused lethality during ecdysis or shortly after moulting. The weight of the locusts and the content of lipid droplets were reduced compared with those of the control. The results of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that knockdown of LmFAS3 led to a decrease of both cuticular hydrocarbons and inner hydrocarbons (CHCs and IHCs) contents, especially the content of methyl branched hydrocarbons. By contrast, knockdown of LmFAS1 only resulted in a decrease in the IHC content, but not that of CHCs. By consequence, in LmFAS1‐ and LmFAS3‐suppressed locusts, hydrocarbon deficiency reduced desiccation resistance and enhanced cuticle permeability and sensitivity to insecticides. These results indicate that LmFAS1 and LmFAS3 are essential for hydrocarbon production and cuticle permeability, which play influential roles in waterproofing the insect cuticle.
Migratory cues controlling B‐lymphocyte trafficking in human lymph nodes
Authors: Park Saem Mul , Brooks Anna ES , Chen Chun‐Jen J , Sheppard Hilary M , Loef Evert Jan , McIntosh Julie D , Angel Catherine E , Mansell Claudia J , Bartlett Adam , Cebon Jonathan , Birch Nigel P , Dunbar P Rod
Published: August 2020

B‐cell migration within lymph nodes (LNs) is crucial to adaptive immune responses. Chemotactic gradients are proposed to drive migration of B cells into follicles, followed by their relocation to specific zones of the follicle during activation, and ultimately egress. However, the molecular drivers of these processes and the cells generating chemotactic signals that affect B cells in human LNs are not well understood. We used immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and functional assays to study molecular mechanisms of B‐cell migration within human LNs, and found subtle but important differences to previous murine models. In human LNs we find CXCL13 is prominently expressed at the follicular edge, often associated with fibroblastic reticular cells located in these areas, whereas follicular dendritic cells show minimal contribution to CXCL13 expression. Human B cells rapidly downregulate CXCR5 on encountering CXCL13, but recover CXCR5 expression in the CXCL13‐low environment. These data suggest that the CXCL13 gradient in human LNs is likely to be different from that proposed in mice. We also identify CD68+CD11c+PU.1+ tingible body macrophages within both primary and secondary follicles as likely drivers of the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) gradient that mediates B‐cell egress from LNs, through their expression of the S1P‐degrading enzyme, S1P lyase. Based on our findings, we present a model of B‐cell migration within human LNs, which has both similarities and interesting differences to that proposed for mice.
Effect of the pyrolysis atmosphere on the mechanical properties of polymer‐derived SiOC and SiCN
Authors: Sorarù Gian Domenico , Tavonatti Consuelo , Kundanati Lakshminath , Pugno Nicola , Biesuz Mattia
Published: August 2020

Mechanical properties of polymer‐derived ceramics are usually measured on samples pyrolyzed in inert atmosphere. Here, we report the hardness and elastic modulus of SiOC and SiCN pyrolyzed in both inert (Ar) and reactive (CO2) atmosphere. The external surface of the specimens exposed to the pyrolysis gas was characterized by Vickers microhardness measurements and infrared spectroscopy. The elastic modulus was evaluated by three‐point bending tests on thin (150‐200 µm) and dense specimens. Polished sections of the SiOC samples were prepared to study, by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and nanoindentation, how the elemental composition, hardness, and elastic modulus vary from the surface toward the bulk. For both compositions, pyrolysis in CO2leads to a strong decrease in the hardness and elastic modulus. The hardness of both the samples pyrolyzed in CO2approaches the typical value for fused silica, suggesting that CO2selectively breaks the Si–C and Si–N bonds and leads to the formation of a silica‐like network. EDXS and nanoindentation reveal that the modification induced by the CO2flow extends below the surface at least for a thickness of about 30 µm.
Inversion of quartz solid solutions at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Zandona Alessio , Helsch Gundula , Deubener Joachim
Published: August 2020

Quartz solid solution crystals of six different compositions were obtained from crystallization of glass powders belonging to the Li2O–Al2O3‐SiO2 (LAS) system. They were analyzed in situ by laboratory‐based X‐ray diffraction down to cryogenic temperatures (−190°C). Temperature‐resolved analysis of their lattice parameters allowed determination of the critical inversion temperature Tc in these materials, marking the displacive phase transition from a high‐quartz‐ to a low‐quartz‐like lattice. Integrating available data from other literature sources, an updated phase diagram for the occurrence of high and low quartz solid solution phases is provided for the LAS system; these data are expected to support future development of functional materials relying on these crystalline phases.
The associations between noise annoyance and psychological distress with blood pressure in children and adolescents: The CASPIAN‐V Study
Authors: Badihian Negin , Riahi Roya , Qorbani Mostafa , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Heshmat Ramin , Kelishadi Roya
Published: August 2020

Although blood pressure (BP) tracks from childhood to adulthood, and the prevalence of pediatric primary hypertension is increasing, related determinants are not well understood. The role of noise pollution and psychological distress in increasing BP is well documented in adults, but it remains elusive in children. This study aims to investigate the association of noise annoyance and psychological distress with BP in a pediatric population. This national cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2015 on a sample of 14400 Iranian students, aged 7‐18 years. Information regarding noise annoyance and psychological distress were assessed using questionnaires, and BP values were measured. Levels of noise annoyance and psychological distress were classified based on tertiles to no/low, moderate, and high. Data of 14274 students were completed. The mean age of participants was 12.28 (0.05), with 51% boys and 71.4% urban inhabitant. Diastolic BP and mean arterial BP (MAP) had positive correlations with noise annoyance (regression coefficient: 0.028, 95 % CI: 0.005 ‐ 0.05 and 0.025, 95 % CI: 0.002 – 0.04, respectively). Participants with higher psychological distress were 15 % more likely to experience abnormally high BP compared to those with normal psychological status or mild distresses (OR: 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.003 – 1.34). Here, we found significant positive relationships between the level of noise annoyance and values of diastolic BP and MAP. Moreover, high psychological distress showed to increase the chance of abnormally high BP. The clinical impact of these findings should be assessed in further longitudinal studies.
Poor sleep quality is associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction in treated hypertensive men
Authors: Oliveira‐Silva Laura , Peçanha Tiago , Fecchio Rafael Y. , Rezende Rafael A. , Abreu Andrea , Silva Giovânio , Mion‐Junior Décio , Cipolla‐Neto José , Forjaz Claudia L. M. , Brito Leandro C.
Published: August 2020

Hypertensives present cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Reduction in sleep quality increases blood pressure (BP) and favors hypertension development. Previous studies suggested a relationship between cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and sleep quality, but it is unclear whether this association is present in hypertensives. Thus, this study evaluated the relationship between sleep quality and cardiac autonomic modulation in hypertensives. Forty‐seven middle‐aged hypertensive men under consistent anti‐hypertensive treatment were assessed for sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI—higher score means worse sleep quality). Additionally, their beat‐by‐beat BP and heart rate (HR) were recorded, and cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed by their variabilities. Mann‐Whitney and t tests were used to compare different sleep quality groups: poor (PSQI > 5, n = 24) vs good (PSQI ≤ 5, n = 23), and Spearman’s correlations to investigate associations between sleep quality and autonomic markers. Patients with poor sleep quality presented lower cardiac parasympathetic modulation (HR high‐frequency band = 26 ± 13 vs 36 ± 15 nu, P = .03; HR total variance = 951 ± 1373 vs 1608 ± 2272 ms2, P = .05) and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (4.5 ± 2.3 vs 7.1 ± 3.7 ms/mm Hg, P = .01). Additionally, sleep quality score presented significant positive correlation with HR (r = +0.34, P = .02) and negative correlations with HR high‐frequency band (r = −0.34, P = .03), HR total variance (r = −0.35, P = .02), and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (r = −0.42, P = .01), showing that poor sleep quality is associated with higher HR and lower cardiac parasympathetic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity. In conclusion, in treated hypertensive men, poor sleep quality is associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction.
First steps towards biological control of the pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora) with the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum
Authors: Steinwender Bernhardt M. , Sigsgaard Lene , Jacobsen Stine K. , Eilenberg Jørgen
Published: August 2020

Gall midges are important pests in many crops. In fruit, they are difficult to control due to their life cycle, which takes place partially within the fruit. Here, we provide the first successful laboratory experiment to infect pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora) with the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum. We developed a procedure for sampling larvae, maintaining them in the laboratory and subjecting them to the fungus. We demonstrated that dipping larvae in a fungus suspension or adding a fungus suspension to the soil result in significant fungus induced mortality of the pear gall midge. An immune response in treated larvae was recorded proving that there was a real pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss next steps and a strategy for field experiments.
Use of Onion (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum) Wastes for the Prevention of Fungal Disease (Saprolegnia parasitica) on Eggs of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Özçelik Halil , Taştan Yiğit , Terzi Ertugrul , Sönmez Adem Yavuz
Published: August 2020

This study was designed to prevent fungal disease (Saprolegnia parasitica) that occurs on rainbow trout eggs (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by using wastes of onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) plants. For this purpose, fertilized rainbow trout eggs were exposed to garlic skin, garlic stem and onion skin aqueous methanolic extracts by bathing in concentrations of 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 g/L, whereas the control group was left untreated. The larvae in all groups were monitored until they become free‐swimming larvae, the number of eggs died due to fungus was recorded, and the data obtained from experimental groups and control group were compared. As a result, it was determined that onion skin had no effect on the number of eggs that died due to fungus (p > .05), while garlic skin and garlic stem extracts significantly reduced the number of fungal infestations without affecting the number of live larvae or the embryological development of the eggs (p < .05). In light of these data, we conclude that garlic skin (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/L) and garlic stem (0.8 and 1.6 g/L) aqueous methanolic extracts are effective at preventing Saprolegnia parasitica infestation on rainbow trout eggs and may be used in aquaculture.
The Lebanese Heart Failure Snapshot: A National Presentation of Acute Heart Failure Admissions
Authors: Deek Hiba , Newton Phillip J. , Kabbani Samer , Hassouna Bassel , Macdonald Peter S. , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this prospective evaluation is to document in‐hospital management and discharge trends of patients presented for acute heart failure.

Design

A prospective evaluation of the patients presented for heart failure exacerbation at eight sites over 1 month using the method of the New South Wales Heart Failure Snapshot.

Methods

Trained personnel situated at each of the study sites recruited eligible patients to the study and collected data on their sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, self‐care, frailty, and depression.

Findings

Eight sites, out of the 27 contacted, agreed to participate in this study. A total of 137 admissions were reported in the 1‐month time window. Mean age was 72 (SD = 13) years and the majority were female (52%). More than half (n = 60%) had heart failure reduced ejection fraction with a mean ejection fraction of 41%. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was four with hypertension (80%) and diabetes (56%) being the most frequent. The majority were frail (86%), self‐care mean scores were low; self‐care maintenance (29), self‐care management (48) and self‐care confidence (42). The mean depression score was 14 indicating major depression. In reference to international guidelines recommendations, hospital administered medications and discharge medications were suboptimal. Some items of the discharge education recommended by the international guidelines were provided to 84% of the patients but none of the patients received the complete items of the discharge education.

Conclusions

The snapshot revealed that patients admitted for acute heart failure were frail with high levels of illiteracy and low self‐care scores. Despite these findings, these patients were not provided with complete discharge education in reference to the international guidelines. Additionally, when provided, discharge education was inconsistent across the study sites. This study highlights the need for enlisting complete education as part of the discharge process, in addition to abidance to the guidelines in prescribing medication. The study draws major implications for nursing practice, research and policy.

Clinical Relevance

Literacy among patients with heart failure is low and should be addressed in educational intervention to improve outcomes.

Discharge education is under practiced across the country and should be implemented in accordance with the international guidelines.
Assisting clients experiencing family violence: Clinician and client survey responses in a child and family health service
Authors: Withiel Toni D. , Allen Beverley , Evans Kirsty , Rudkin Nadine , Willis Karen , Hooker Leesa , Fisher Caroline
Published: August 2020

Aims and Objectives

To determine the baseline levels of training, knowledge and confidence working in the area of family violence in staff at a public child and maternal health service in Melbourne, Australia, as well as perceived staff barriers to working effectively in this area. This study also aimed to explore the client perception of existing screening practices.

Background

Family violence is a global concern with pregnancy and the postnatal period times of particularly high risk. Child and maternal health services are well placed to screen for violence, yet clinician and client perceptions of screening remain poorly characterised.

Design

Thirty‐five staff and 15 mothers participated in this cross‐sectional, mixed‐method study, via an online survey. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) cross‐sectional guidelines were used.

Results

The majority of staff screened clients for family violence, at least some of the time, with over 50% often or always screening. However, only half of staff respondents indicated that they believed they knew how to screen appropriately. Screening occurred most often over the phone or at the first service visit. The most commonly reported barriers to screening were suspected perpetrators being present during consultations and language barriers. Most clients reported being screened for physical violence and safety in the home with few being asking about financial and sexual abuse, or psychological violence and coercive control. Clients who disclosed violence reported being well supported.

Conclusion

While some baseline staff knowledge and skills have been identified, further support for clinicians is needed to ensure best practice and improve services and outcomes, particularly in regard to screening for different types of violence across the spectrum.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study helps to inform clinical screening practices in maternal health services through an exploration of facilitators and barriers in the screening process.
CD147 promotes proliferation and migration of oral cancer cells by inhibiting junctions between E‐cadherin and β‐catenin
Authors: Min Anjie , Xiong Haofeng , Wang Weiming , Hu Xin , Wang Can , Mao Ting , Yang Liudi , Huang Danni , Xia Kun , Su Tong
Published: August 2020

Background

Although association between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been demonstrated, we found CD147, one transmembrane protein we previously studied in oral submucous fibrosis, was correlated with E‐cadherin, one marker of EMT. Here, we investigated CD147 expression in the different stages of OSCC and assessed its association with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Materials and methods

CD147 and E‐cadherin expression in tissue microarrays containing 48 OSCC specimens and matched adjacent tissues was analysed using immunohistochemistry. CD147 was overexpressed or knocked down using exogenous cloning vector and RNA interference, respectively, in OSCC cell lines. Cell proliferation and migration were measured using the CCK8 assay and scratch test, respectively. The expression and localization of EMT‐associated proteins was analysed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

Results

CD147 expression in OSCC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues and was markedly higher in cancer tissues with metastasis (P < .05). CD147 expression showed significant negative correlation with E‐cadherin expression. CD147 overexpression downregulated E‐cadherin and inhibited its complex with β‐catenin and then upregulated N‐cadherin and vimentin. Additionally, alterations in CD147 protein expression affected proliferation and migration ability in OSCC cells and were related to β‐catenin nuclear translocation.

Conclusion

CD147 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis by promoting EMT progression in OSCC. It may be considered as a novel potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for OSCC.
DNA methyltransferase expression is associated with cell proliferation in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Magno Guimarães Douglas , deLucas da Silva Almeida Fabio , Moraes Castilho Rogerio , Eduardo Nor Jaques , Daumas Nunes Fabio
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The present study investigated the correlation between the expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B and the proliferation of mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) using the molecular markers Ki‐67 and cyclin D1. This study also demonstrates the effects of 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine (5AC) on the MEC tumor cell lines in relation to DNMT1 and DNMT3A expression, and cell‐cycle arrest.

Materials and Methods

The immunohistochemistry of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, Ki‐67, and cyclin D1 was analyzed in 40 samples of MEC and 15 samples of healthy minor salivary glands. The effects of 5AC on DNMT1 and DNMT3B expression in MEC cell lines were analyzed by Western blot, and the effects of 5AC on the cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results

The expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3B was more intense in MECs than in healthy salivary glands. A strong correlation was found between the expression of the DNMTs and the proliferation markers. This correlation was validated In Vitro, where treatment with 5AC reduced the expression of the DNMTs and the percentage of cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle.

Conclusion

The expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B is correlated significantly with the expression of Ki‐67 and cyclin D1. The treatment with 5AC reduces DNMT expression and decreases the percentage of cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, while increasing the cells at the G0/G1 phase.
Pharmacokinetic comparison of six anthelmintics in sheep, goats, and cattle
Authors: Myers Michael J. , Howard Karyn D. , Kawalek Joseph C.
Published: August 2020

This study was initiated to determine whether a comparative pharmacokinetic (PK) approach could be used to expand the pool of approved anthelmintics for minor ruminant species. Accordingly, the PK profiles of six anthelmintics (levamisole, albendazole, fenbendazole, moxidectin, doramectin, and ivermectin) in sheep, goats, and cattle were determined. The PK values determined for each anthelmintic includedTmax,Tlast,Cmax, AUC, AUC/dose, andCmax/dose. The results of this study demonstrate that a comparative PK approach does not show commonality in the way these six anthelmintics are individually processed by these three ruminants. While some drugs demonstrated identical PK profiles between sheep and goats, none of these drugs demonstrated PK profiles in sheep and goats comparable to the PK profiles found in cattle. The results from this study suggest drug approval across these three ruminants is not a viable concept. However, the resulting PK profiles for each combination of drug and ruminant species represents a new dataset that can be used to support the US FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine's Minor Use/Minor Species indexing process for drug approvals in minor species such as sheep and goats.
Geographical ecology of the symbiotic crabs Libinia ferreirae and Libinia spinosa: Distributional patterns in south and south‐eastern coast of Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Geslaine Rafaela Lemos , Palomares Luana Ferraz da Silveira , Sousa Aline Nonato , Stanski Gilson , Sancinetti Gustavo , Costa Rogerio Caetano da , Castilho Antonio Leão
Published: August 2020

The Brazilian coast is home to two species of Majoid crabs: Libinia ferreirae and Libinia spinosa, with similar habits, as they live in symbiosis with the jellyfish Lychnorhiza lucerna during their juvenile stage and dwell on the bottom of the ocean near the coast when adults. This study investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of L. ferreirae and L. spinosa during different ontogenic phases on the south and south‐eastern coast of Brazil, between latitudes 22º and 27ºS. Our results showed that both species have different distributions during their development in the three studied regions. Libinia ferreirae were more abundant associated with jellyfish, and L. spinosa were more abundant in the free‐living phase. Environmental factors, especially temperature and salinity, for associated and free‐living crabs, respectively, are the main factors that need to be supported for the establishment of these specimens. We were able to identify that the presence or absence of hosts (given the ecological interactions between the species) is determinant in finding the associated crabs. Geographical variations (morphology of the regions, marine currents and the strength of the tide) are linked directly to the movement of the jellyfish hosts to the coast, influencing the abundance of L. fereirae and L. spinosa populations and affecting their distribution patterns. We can infer that both species are connected with other populations because of the association with the jellyfish, crabs could be passively transported along the south and south‐eastern coast of Brazil, maintaining the connection between metapopulations.
Complex Gait in Preschool Children in a Dual‐Task Paradigm Is Related to Sex and Cognitive Functioning: A Cross‐Sectional Study Providing an Innovative Test and Reference Values
Authors: Latorre‐Román Pedro Ángel , Consuegra González Pedro José , Martínez‐Redondo Melchor , Cardona Linares Antonio José , Salas‐Sánchez J , Lucena Zurita Manuel , Manjón Pozas D. , Pérez Jiménez Inmaculada , Aragón‐Vela J. , García‐Pinillos Felipe , Robles‐Fuentes Alejandro , Párraga‐Montilla JA
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to design and validate a complex gait test (CGT) in preschool children and to examine the relationship between CGT performance and age, sex, and cognitive functioning. A total of 1,040 preschool children, aged 3 to 6 years, participated in this study. In all children, standardized dynamic balance test, and several cognitive functioning measures were used. The results indicate that the CGT has adequate reliability and validity. In the test–retest analysis (n = 90), the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.901 (p < .001). A significant correlation between the initial test and retest (r = 0.821, p < .001) and between the CGT and dynamic balance test (r = −0.432, p < .001), Porteus Maze Test (PMT) (r = −0.416, p = .011), and Goodenough‐Harris Drawing Test (GHDT) (r = −0.386, p < .001) was found. Boys showed a better performance than girls at 3–6 years old. The CGT showed excellent reliability and validity in preschool children and may serve as a potential biomarker in cognitive development.
A layover in Europe: Reconstructing the invasion route of asexual lineages of a New Zealand snail to North America
Authors: Donne Carina , Neiman Maurine , Woodell James D. , Haase Martin , Verhaegen Gerlien
Published: August 2020

Non‐native invasive species are threatening ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. High genetic variation is thought to be a critical factor for invasion success. Accordingly, the global invasion of a few clonal lineages of the gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum is thus both puzzling and has the potential to help illuminate why some invasions succeed while others fail. Here, we used SNP markers and a geographically broad sampling scheme (N = 1617) including native New Zealand populations and invasive North American and European populations to provide the first widescale population genetic assessment of the relationships between and among native and invasive P. antipodarum. We used a combination of traditional and Bayesian molecular analyses to demonstrate that New Zealand populations harbour very high diversity relative to the invasive populations and are the source of the two main European genetic lineages. One of these two European lineages was in turn the source of at least one of the two main North American genetic clusters of invasive P. antipodarum, located in Lake Ontario. The other widespread North American group had a more complex origin that included the other European lineage and two New Zealand clusters. Altogether, our analyses suggest that just a small handful of clonal lineages of P. antipodarum were responsible for invasion across continents. Our findings provide critical information for prevention of additional invasions and control of existing invasive populations and are of broader relevance towards understanding the establishment and evolution of asexual populations and the forces driving biological invasion.
Expanding host specificity and pathogen sharing beyond viruses
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Albery Gregory F.
Published: August 2020

Most emerging pathogens of humans can infect multiple host species (Woolhouse & Gowtage‐Sequeria, 2005). This simple fact has motivated multiple large‐scale, comparative analyses of the drivers of pathogen sharing and zoonotic pathogen richness among hosts as well as the factors determining the zoonotic potential of pathogens themselves. However, most of this work focuses on viruses, limiting a broader understanding of how host range varies within and between pathogen groups. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Shaw et al. (2020) compile a comprehensive data set of host–pathogen associations across viruses and bacteria and test whether previous patterns observed in the former occur in the latter. They find most viruses and bacteria are specialists, and viruses are more likely to be generalists; however, generalist bacteria encompass multiple host orders, whereas viral sharing occurs more within host orders. Lastly, the authors demonstrate that many factors previously identified as predictors of zoonotic richness for viruses occur for bacteria and that host phylogenetic similarity is a primary determinant of cross‐species transmission. However, pathogen sharing with humans was more common and more weakly related to phylogenetic distance to Homo sapiens for bacteria compared to viruses, suggesting the former could pose greater spillover risks across host orders. This work represents a key advance in our understanding of host specificity and pathogen sharing beyond viruses.