bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Father–Daughter Relationships among Latina Adolescents Who Attempted Suicide: An Exploratory Dyadic Analysis
Authors: O’Gara Jaimie L. , Gulbas Lauren E. , Suarez Bonilla Gisel , Manzo Gabriela , Piña‐Watson Brandy , Zayas Luis H.
Published: June 2021

Among adolescents, Latinas are at an increased risk of experiencing suicidal ideation and attempts compared to non‐Hispanic, White youth. Previous research indicates that family dynamics are influential as both protective and risk factors. Although significant research has been conducted over the past several decades examining the mother–daughter relationship, few studies have examined the father–daughter relationship among Latina adolescent suicide attempters. The relationship dynamics between fathers and daughters of Latina descent are both similar and unique compared to mother–daughter relationships. Given this, an in‐depth analysis is warranted. To address this gap, the present study utilized dyadic thematic analysis to describe father–daughter relationships (N = 10 dyads, 20 individual interviews) and fathers' reactions to their Latina daughters' suicide attempt(s). Three themes emerged from the results (a) dynamic proximity, which describes the variation in emotional and physical closeness between fathers and daughters; (b) father as protector, which describes fathers’ roles in protecting or failing to protect their daughters; (c) responses to the suicide attempt, which describes the various ways fathers responded to daughters’ suicide attempts, ranging from helpful action to apathy. Themes gleaned from in‐depth interviews informed a deeper understanding of these complex, multifaceted relationships, and how they may be linked to fathers' responses to daughters' suicide attempts. Implications for future research and clinical practice with youth at risk for suicidal ideations and behaviors, along with the impact of such experiences on families, are discussed.
Approaching transglutaminase from Streptomyces bacteria over three decades
Authors: Fuchsbauer Hans‐Lothar
Published: June 2021

Transglutaminases are protein cross‐linking and protein‐modifying enzymes that have attracted considerable interest due to their causal involvement in various diseases and versatility in industrial applications. In particular, microbial transglutaminases (MTG) from Streptomyces bacteria have managed in recent years to evolve from simple food additives to specialized enzymes for the site‐directed modification of therapeutic proteins. The review summarizes relevant studies from the beginning dealing with the occurrence, production, structure, catalysis, and substrate molecules of MTG enzymes. It also addresses biotechnological procedures with MTG from S. mobaraensis (SmMTG) as the most prominent representative in focus. Reassessment of the available data revealed unexpected insights into catalysis of SmMTG and other transglutaminases, suggesting selection of glutamine donor proteins by subsites at the front vestibule and the existence of distinct lysine pockets. Flexibility of the SmMTG‐accessible glutamine donor substrate regions seems to be more important than the glutamine environment. Nevertheless, residues in close vicinity to glutamines also determine interaction with the SmMTG subsites. The apparent lack of subsites for lysine donor proteins suggests self‐assembly of the substrate proteins prior to enzymatic cross‐linking. The study of natural substrate proteins, especially their mutual interaction, is proposed to further illuminate catalysis of SmMTG. To this end, structure and function of the characterized substrate proteins from S. mobaraensis are discussed in conclusion.
Impact of climate change on Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and its autumn diet in the northern highlands of Pakistan
Authors: Zahoor Babar , Liu Xuehua , Ahmad Basharat , Kumar Lalit , Songer Melissa
Published: June 2021

Approximately 20%–30% of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction by the end of the 21st century owing to climate change. Range shifts and range contractions in plant species will dramatically affect the distribution of animals relying on them for food and shelter. The negative impacts of climate change on forested landscapes of the northern highlands of Pakistan (NHP) could change the species composition and distribution. The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), a forest‐dwelling species, primarily depends on plants for foraging, and is assumed to be affected by climate change in NHP. Scat analyses and indigenous knowledge from Machiara National Park revealed the maximum consumption of Quercus species (natural food) and Zea mays (human grown food) by the Asiatic black bear in autumn season. We collected the occurrence data of the Asiatic black bear and its commonly used food (three Quercus spp.) in the NHP. We used the MaxEnt model to simulate current and future (in 2050 and 2070) distribution of the species under RCP4.5 (medium carbon emission scenario) and RCP8.5 (extreme carbon emission scenario). The results predict range reduction and extreme fragmentation in the habitats of all the Quercus spp. Besides, a dramatic decrease in the suitable (SH) and very highly suitable (HSH) habitats was predicted in the future. Range shift and range reduction of Quercus spp. may interrupt the denning chronology of Asiatic black bears, escalate the human‐black bear conflicts and local extirpation of the species. Given the extent and magnitude of climate change, it will likely not be enough to focus solely on the conservation of the Asiatic black bear. We need more dynamic planning aiming at mitigating the effect of climate change in forested landscapes including the Quercus forests.
Validity and reliability of the self‐administered Visual Aura Rating Scale questionnaire for migraine with aura diagnosis: A prospective clinic‐based study
Authors: Kim Byung‐Kun , Cho Soohyun , Kim Ha Yan , Chu Min Kyung
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the validity and reliability of the self‐administered Visual Aura Rating Scale (VARS) questionnaire using a hospital‐based sample in a cross‐sectional setting.

Background

Visual aura is the most common type of aura manifesting in 98%‒99% of migraine with aura (MA). The VARS is a diagnostic rating scale used to quantify the cardinal characteristics of MA and has shown high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of visual aura.

Methods

We translated the VARS into Korean and constructed a five‐item self‐administered questionnaire based on the VARS. We consecutively recruited first‐visit patients with migraine at the neurology clinics of two university hospitals. The scoring of the self‐administered VARS questionnaire was the same as that for the original VARS. We assessed criterion validity and internal consistency reliability. The diagnosis of migraine and aura was assigned by two headache neurologists based on a comprehensive clinical assessment using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition.

Results

A total of 240 participants with migraine were enrolled. Of these, 55 (22.9%) had MA. All participants with MA had visual aura. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a cutoff score of 3 provided the highest rate of correct identification of patients ([200/240], 83.3%), with a sensitivity of 96.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.5%–99.6%) and specificity of 79.5% (95% CI, 72.9%–85.0%). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.852.

Conclusion

The self‐administered VARS questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for the screening of visual aura in patients with migraine in neurology outpatient clinics.
Efficacy and safety of bismuth‐based quadruple therapy forHelicobacterpylorieradication in children
Authors: Kotilea Kallirroi , Cadranel Samy , Salame Assaad , Nguyen Julie , Mahler Tania , Miendje Deyi Véronique Yvette , Verset Laurine , Bontems Patrick
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 10‐day quadruple therapy containing colloidal bismuth sub‐citrate (CBS), esomeprazole (ESO), amoxicillin (AMO), and metronidazole (MET) forHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication in children.

Methods

Monocentric, open‐label, prospective, single‐arm clinical trial in children aged 6–17 years withH. pyloriinfection. The study was carried out on consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms andH. pyloriinfection confirmed by histology and culture of gastric biopsies. The outcome was evaluated using a13C‐urea breath test 8–10 weeks post‐therapy. Adverse events and compliance were evaluated by daily journal and pill counting.

Results

A total of 36 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Eight (22.2%) of them had a priorH. pylorieradication treatment. Thirteen (36.1%) patients were infected by a strain resistant to MET and 8 (22.2%) by a strain resistant to both MET and Clarithromycin (CLA). In the intention‐to‐treat population (ITT), eradication was achievedin35/36patients(95%CI:85%−99%). Twenty‐three children reported at least one adverse event (63.8%), mostly mild (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark stool, metallic taste, headache, and rash). The compliance rate was high, with 30 (83.3%) patients taking >90% of the treatment.

Conclusion

10‐day quadruple therapy containing CBS, ESO, AMO, and MET forH. pylorieradication in children is a safe and very effective solution, especially for previously treated patients and those infected with double resistant strains.
6. PROXIMATE CAUSATION IN LEGAL HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors: STERN SIMON
Published: June 2021

The variety of legal history published in general‐interest law journals tends to differ from the variety published in history journals. This study compares the two varieties by examining footnote references in five general‐interest law journals and footnote references in two journals of legal history. In the law journals, cases and statutes accounted for the single largest group of footnotes (approximately 35%), followed by references to other law journal articles (nearly 25%). In the legal history journals, these two categories accounted for less than 20% of all references; primary and secondary historical materials predominated in the footnotes. To be sure, legal decisions and law journal articles can also be historical sources: rather than being used as evidence of what the law is, they might be studied for what they reveal about legal reasoning or rhetoric in an earlier age. However, in most legal historical research that attends primarily to cases and statutes, these materials figure as evidence of the state of the law at that time. When the analysis relies on legal sources to trace the development of a certain doctrine and treats them as sufficient to account for that development, the result is the distinctive style of research that I seek to contrast against approaches that cast the net of historical inquiry more widely. To account for these different approaches, I suggest that law professors rely on a notion of proximate causation as a historiographic method. According to this approach, legal developments are proximately caused by other developments in the legal sphere, and other social and cultural developments play more attenuated roles, such that their influence is less significant. By proposing this explanation, I hope to draw more attention to assumptions about causation in legal historiography and to question their persuasive force.
Protein–protein interactions of a whey–pea protein co‐precipitate
Authors: Kristensen Heidi Thorgaard , Christensen Mette , Hansen Mikka Stenholdt , Hammershøj Marianne , Dalsgaard Trine Kastrup
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms behind protein–protein interactions in a co‐precipitate of whey protein isolate (WPI) and pea protein isolate (PPI). A co‐precipitate and blend, consisting of 80% WPI and 20% PPI, were compared. Covalent disulphide interactions were studied by blocking of free thiols with N‐Ethylmaleimide (NEM), while electrostatic interactions were studied in systems with 0.5 m NaCl and hydrophobic interactions with 0.2% SDS. Protein solubility, stability and secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures were analysed. Co‐precipitation did not introduce different protein–protein interactions than the direct blending of proteins. SDS affected solubility (P < 0.05), secondary and tertiary structure. However, the effects of NEM and NaCl were significant greater (P < 0.05) on the same parameters and thermal stability, especially when combined (P < 0.01). Thus, the protein–protein interactions in a whey–pea co‐precipitate and protein blend consisted of disulphide bonds and electrostatic interactions.
Sweet processed foods in Brazil: use of sugar and sweeteners, inclusion of sugar claims and impact on nutritional profile
Authors: Soares André F. , Honorio Alice R. , de Lima Diana C. Nunes , Tribst Alline A. L.
Published: June 2021

This study characterised the main sweet beverages and food products marketed in Brazil regarding (i) the addition of sugar/sweeteners, (ii) nutritional profile and (iii) sugar claims. Results revealed that most of the beverages had added sweeteners, while food products were mainly sweetened with sugar. Moreover, >90% of the powdered products had added sweeteners. ‘Zero sugar’ (46%) and ‘light’ (55%) were the most common sugar claims in sugar‐free and reduced‐sugar products, respectively. Powdered products, soya drinks and baked products included claims less frequently. Regarding the nutritional profile, beverages with sugar substitution had a proportionally greater reduction in the content of carbohydrates and calories (up to 99%, for both) in relation to food (<82% and <85%, respectively). The results suggest that reducing sugar in solid foods remains a greater challenge than in beverages and that this reduction has less impact on the final energy density of foods.
Structural changes of meat protein of chicken sausages with various levels of salt and phosphate and their effects on in vitro digestion
Authors: Choi Ji Seon , Chin Koo Bok
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this study were to evaluate protein oxidation and in vitro digestibility of chicken sausages with various salt/phosphate combinations. Hydrophobicity increased when protein was cooked and denatured (P < 0.05). Protein oxidation was increased based on levels of SH, S‐S and carbonyl groups during the cooking process (P < 0.05). Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) revealed that the intensity of myosin heavy chain band was decreased while biopolymer band was denser when sausages were cooked. Sausages with 1.8% salt and 0.3% phosphate (S1P1) showed the lowest digestibility and maintained a flat and compact structure, unlike other treatments during the gastrointestinal digestive stage. SDS‐PAGE of digested chicken sausages showed that protein bands were degraded into small bands followed by gradual disappearance. In conclusion, cooking process can lead to protein denaturation and oxidation, regardless of levels of salt and phosphate added. In addition, adding salt and phosphate can significantly affect the digestibility of meat products.
Distress in the context of cancer and chemotherapy: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Braga Mendonça Angelo , Ramos Pereira Eliane , Magnago Carinne , Andrade Silva Rose Mary Costa Rosa , das Graças Gazel de Souza Maria , de Lima Cury Cunha Maria Amália
Published: June 2021

Background

There are controversial results about the effects of cancer and chemotherapy on the perception of distress.

Aims

The purpose to the study is to explore the meaning of the distress experienced by patients with cancer and verify whether the cancer diagnosis, stage and receiving chemotherapy influence this experience.

Design

This is a mixed‐methods study with cancer patients.

Methods

Data were collected in 2018 using a phenomenological interview (n = 18) and one suffering inventory (n = 100). Qualitative analysis was performed using the empirical‐comprehensive model and quantitative using statistical tests. The results were triangulated.

Results

Distress originated from difficulties faced in health services, diagnosis confirmation, beginning treatment and interruption of life projects. Patients mobilized resources in the spiritual dimension that allowed them to redefine their distress positively. Chemotherapy brought hope back and promoted healing expectations. Higher average scores for distress were found in patients with advanced stage and receiving palliative chemotherapy. Not having begun chemotherapy and having head and neck cancer were associated with higher average scores for distress.

Conclusion

Distress was greater among patients who had not yet begun chemotherapy; nearness of death and difficulty talking about feelings caused distress; distress was redefined by mobilization of spiritual resources.
Degenerative outcomes of digital identity platforms for development
Authors: Masiero Silvia , Arvidsson Viktor
Published: June 2021

Digital identity platforms are widely regarded as important means to improve social protection systems. Yet these platforms have been implicated in the production of a range of unintended outcomes for development beneficiaries. To clarify how digital identity platforms enable the production of one such outcome that we call degenerative, because it causes target systems to deteriorate, we conduct a case study of the incorporation of Aadhaar, the world's largest digital identity platform, in India's primary food security scheme. Based on the data from two South Indian states, we show how the incorporation produced degenerative effects in the access, monitoring, and policy layers of the social protection system. These effects lead us to theorise how Aadhaar enabled the degenerative outcome via exclusion, distortion, and redirection, making public distribution of subsidised goods displaceable in favour of cash transfers.
Where are the women deans? The importance of gender bias and self‐selection processes for the deanship ambition of female and male professors
Authors: Henningsen Levke , Eagly Alice H. , Jonas Klaus
Published: June 2021

The study addressed the underrepresentation of women in university leadership by focusing on the middle management role of dean. This research set forth two processes that may affect female and male professors' ambition to become a dean: (a) gender bias whereby stakeholders are more likely to recommend men than women for deanships, and (b) self‐selection bias whereby men may find deanships more appealing than women do. A multisource, time‐lagged study of 278 professors from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland found that both being recommended by stakeholders for a deanship and finding the position appealing related positively to deanship ambitions for female and male professors. In contrast to the gender bias perspective, female and male professors were equally likely to be recommended for deanships, with recommendations reflecting prior administrative leadership experience. Consistent with the self‐selection perspective, female professors' perception of more women among deans and their greater endorsement of communal career goals (e.g., serving the community) related to the appeal of the position, which in turn related to their own ambition to become a dean. In contrast, male professors' endorsement of agentic career goals (e.g., receiving recognition) related to the appeal of deanships, which in turn related to their own ambition to become a dean. Overall, these findings suggest that policies to increase the number of women in university deanships should make salient the presence of other women in these roles and also the potential of these roles to fulfill communal career goals.
The El Niño – Southern Oscillation dramatically influences the probability of reproduction and reproductive rate of a tropical forest bird
Authors: Smart Zachariah Fox , Smith Maria G. , Riehl Christina
Published: June 2021

Although climate change has been implicated in population declines of tropical forest birds, there is a critical lack of data on the mechanisms underlying these declines. Attempts to link climatic factors to variation in adult survival, fecundity or nest success have been largely inconclusive. Recent community‐scale analyses have suggested that tropical birds may be less likely to breed under adverse conditions, but long‐term data on individual reproduction are needed to test this hypothesis. Here we leverage 12 years of data on a lowland forest bird, the greater ani Crotophaga major, to investigate how demographic parameters vary with phase of the El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a major driver of climatic conditions in tropical wet forest. The likelihood of breeding and annual reproductive rate both decreased dramatically in El Niño‐like years, with only 37.5% of adults attempting breeding in 2015 (a strong El Niño year). For birds that did breed, however, clutch size and daily nest predation rate were unaffected by climate. Of the local climate variables investigated, dry season length and the frequency of high temperatures were most closely associated with reproductive failure. These results indicate that El Niño conditions alter the demography of greater anis by reducing the likelihood of reproduction, a response that may be more widespread than currently recognized. We suggest that reduced reproduction under adverse conditions represents an important and understudied aspect of the life histories of tropical forest birds.
Dispersal syndromes are poorly associated with climatic niche differences in the Azorean seed plants
Authors: Leo María , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Borges Paulo A.V. , de Azevedo Eduardo B. , Gabriel Rosalina , Schaefer Hanno , Santos Ana M.C.
Published: June 2021

Aim

Environmental niche tracking is linked to the species ability to disperse. While well investigated on large spatial scales, dispersal constraints also influence small‐scale processes and may explain the difference between the potential and the realized niche of species at small scales. Here we test whether niche size and niche fill differ systematically according to dispersal syndrome within isolated oceanic islands. We expect that species with higher dispersal abilities (anemochorous or endozoochorous) will have a higher niche fill, despite their environmental niche size.

Location

Azores archipelago.

Taxon

Native seed plants.

Methods

We combined a georeferenced database of the species distribution within the archipelago (Azorean Biodiversity Portal/GBIF) with an expert‐based dispersal syndrome categorization and a high‐resolution climatic grid (CIELO model). Using four climatic variables (Annual Mean Temperature, Mean Diurnal Range, Annual Precipitation, Precipitation Seasonality), we calculated a four‐dimensional hypervolume to estimate the niche size of each species. Niche fill was quantified as the suitable climatic space of the island that was occupied by the focal species.

Results

We found a significant relationship between dispersal syndromes and niche size, and also between dispersal syndromes and niche fill. Such relationships presented no phylogenetic signal. Endozoochorous species display higher niche fill compared to epizoochorous and hydrochorous species, and larger niches than anemochorous and epizoochorous. Differences among the remaining groups are not significant for either niche size or for niche fill.

Main conclusions

The ability of a species to track its niche at small scales is not tightly related to its dispersal syndrome, although endozoochorous species track their niche more efficiently than the rest of groups. Despite being intuitively appealing, dispersal syndrome classifications might not be the most appropriate tools for understanding dispersal processes at small scales.
The influence of climate and palaeoclimate on distributions of global conifer clades depends on geographical range size
Authors: Sundaram Mekala , Leslie Andrew B.
Published: June 2021

Aim

We investigate how plant distributions are shaped by current and palaeoclimate regimes. We specifically use global conifer biodiversity to test if palaeoclimatic signatures are stronger in range‐restricted taxa relative to widespread taxa.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Coniferales.

Methods

We combine global geographical occurrences for 606 conifer species and 69 conifer genera with climate information (modern day and palaeoclimate) to examine the predictors of current conifer distribution. We test how climate predicts the richness of range‐restricted taxa and influences turnover of widespread taxa using generalized dissimilarity models and a zeta diversity framework. We also construct ensemble distribution models to test if palaeoclimates differentially influence the current distribution of range‐restricted versus widespread taxa.

Results

Generalized dissimilarity models suggest that palaeoclimatic variation is associated with richness differences among small‐range species and genera; specifically, most occur in areas with little temporal climatic variation. Turnover among more widespread taxa, in contrast, is more strongly related to broad modern and palaeoclimatic temperature gradients. Ensemble distribution models also suggest that palaeoclimatic variation contributes more to the current range of genera with restricted ranges.

Main conclusions

The most widespread conifers broadly follow past and current temperature gradients, leading to latitudinal sorting of genera based on their physiological adaptations. Range‐restricted species and genera, however, preferentially occur in climatically stable regions where they contribute to richness hotspots. History, rather than current climate patterns, likely exerts a disproportionate influence on global richness patterns in the group.
Establishment and experimental validation of an immune miRNA signature for assessing prognosis and immune landscape of patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Zaoqu , Lu Taoyuan , Wang Yanli , Jiao Dechao , Li Zhaonan , Wang Libo , Liu Long , Guo Chunguang , Zhao Yanan , Han Xinwei
Published: June 2021

As essential regulators of gene expression, miRNAs are engaged in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), including antitumour immune response. In this study, we proposed an integrated algorithm, ImmuMiRNA, for identifying miRNA modulators of immune‐associated pathways. Based on these immune‐associated miRNAs, we applied the LASSO algorithm to develop a reliable and individualized signature for evaluating overall survival (OS) and inflammatory landscape of CRC patients. An external public data set and qRT‐PCR data from 40 samples were further utilized to validate this signature. As a result, an immune‐associated miRNA prognostic signature (IAMIPS) consisting of three miRNAs (miR‐194‐3P, miR‐216a‐5p and miR‐3677‐3p) was established and validated. Patients in the high‐risk group possessed worse OS. After stratification for clinical factors, the signature remained a powerful independent predictor for OS. IAMIPS displayed much better accuracy than the traditional clinical stage in assessing the prognosis of CRC. Further analysis revealed that patients in the high‐risk group were characterized by inflammatory response, abundance immune cell infiltration, and higher immune checkpoint profiles and tumour mutation burden (TMB). In conclusion, the IAMIPS is highly predictive of OS in patients with CRC, which may serve as a powerful prognostic tool to further optimize immunotherapies for cancer.
Fractalkine aggravates LPS‐induced macrophage activation and acute kidney injury via Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Gong Qiming , Jiang Yan , Pan Xiuhong , You Yanwu
Published: June 2021

Fractalkine (CX3CL1, FKN), a CX3C gene sequence inflammatory chemokine, has been found to have pro‐inflammatory and pro‐adhesion effects. Macrophages are immune cells with a critical role in regulating the inflammatory response. The imbalance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization can lead to aggravated inflammation. This study attempts to investigate the mechanisms through which FKN regulates macrophage activation and the acute kidney injury (AKI) involved in inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by using FKN knockout (FKN‐KO) mice and cultured macrophages. It was found that FKN and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling have a positive interaction in macrophages. FKN overexpression inhibited LPS‐induced macrophage apoptosis. However, it enhanced their cell viability and transformed them into the M2 type. The effects of FKN overexpression were accelerated by activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. In the in vivo experiments, FKN deficiency suppressed macrophage activation and reduced AKI induced by LPS. Inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and FKN deficiency further mitigated the pathologic process of AKI. In summary, we provide a novel mechanism underlying activation of macrophages in LPS‐induced AKI. Although LPS‐induced murine AKI was unable to completely recapitulate human AKI, the positive interactions between FKN and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of kidney injury.
Local adaptation, geographical distance and phylogenetic relatedness: Assessing the drivers of siderophore‐mediated social interactions in natural bacterial communities
Authors: Butaitė Elena , Kramer Jos , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: June 2021

In heterogenous, spatially structured habitats, individuals within populations can become adapted to the prevailing conditions in their local environment. Such local adaptation has been reported for animals and plants, and for pathogens adapting to hosts. There is increasing interest in applying the concept of local adaptation to microbial populations, especially in the context of microbe–microbe interactions. Here, we tested whether cooperation and cheating on cooperation can spur patterns of local adaptation in soil and pond communities of Pseudomonas bacteria, collected across a geographical scale of 0.5 to 50 m. We focussed on the production of pyoverdines, a group of secreted iron‐scavenging siderophores that often differ among pseudomonads in their chemical structure and the receptor required for their uptake. A combination of supernatant‐feeding and competition assays between isolates from four distance categories revealed tremendous variation in the extent to which pyoverdine non‐ and low‐producers can benefit from pyoverdines secreted by producers. However, this variation was not explained by geographical distance, but primarily depended on the phylogenetic relatedness between interacting isolates. A notable exception occurred in local pond communities, where the effect of phylogenetic relatedness was eroded in supernatant assays, probably due to the horizontal transfer of receptor genes. While the latter result could be a signature of local adaptation, our results overall indicate that common ancestry and not geographical distance is the main predictor of siderophore‐mediated social interactions among pseudomonads.
Animal chromosome counts reveal a similar range of chromosome numbers but with less polyploidy in animals compared to flowering plants
Authors: Román‐Palacios Cristian , Medina Cesar A. , Zhan Shing H. , Barker Michael S.
Published: June 2021

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie chromosome evolution could provide insights into the processes underpinning the origin, persistence and evolutionary tempo of lineages. Here, we present the first database of chromosome counts for animals (the Animal Chromosome Count database, ACC) summarizing chromosome numbers for ~15,000 species. We found remarkable a similarity in the distribution of chromosome counts between animals and flowering plants. Nevertheless, the similarity in the distribution of chromosome numbers between animals and plants is likely to be explained by different drivers. For instance, we found that while animals and flowering plants exhibit similar frequencies of speciation‐related changes in chromosome number, plant speciation is more often related to changes in ploidy. By leveraging the largest data set of chromosome counts for animals, we describe a previously undocumented pattern across the Tree of Life—animals and flowering plants show remarkably similar distributions of haploid chromosome numbers.
Sex‐specific genetic (co)variances of standard metabolic rate, body mass and locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Videlier Mathieu , Rundle Howard D. , Careau Vincent
Published: June 2021

A longstanding focus in evolutionary physiology concerns the causes and consequences of variation in maintenance metabolism. Insight into this can be gained by estimating the sex‐specific genetic architecture of maintenance metabolism alongside other, potentially correlated traits on which selection may also act, such as body mass and locomotor activity. This may reveal potential genetic constraints affecting the evolution of maintenance metabolism. Here, we used a half‐sibling breeding design to quantify the sex‐specific patterns of genetic (co)variance in standard metabolic rate (SMR), body mass and daily locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster. There was detectable additive genetic variance for all traits in both sexes. As expected, SMR and body mass were strongly and positively correlated, with genetic allometry exponents (bA ± SE) that were close to 2/3 in females (0.66 ± 0.16) and males (0.58 ± 0.32). There was a significant and positive genetic correlation between SMR and locomotor activity in males, suggesting that alleles that increase locomotion have pleiotropic effects on SMR. Sexual differences in the genetic architecture were largely driven by a difference in genetic variance in locomotor activity between the sexes. Overall, genetic variation was mostly shared between males and females, setting the stage for a potential intralocus sexual conflict in the face of sexually antagonistic selection.
Effect of different surface treatments on optical, colorimetric, and surface characteristics of a lithium disilicate glass–ceramic
Authors: Brescansin Felipe Nascimento , Prochnow Catina , Guilardi Luís Felipe , Kleverlaan Cornelis Johannes , Bacchi Ataís , Valandro Luiz Felipe , Pereira Gabriel Kalil Rocha
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of surface treatments on optical, colorimetric, and surface characteristics of lithium disilicate glass–ceramic.

Materials and Methods

Specimens (n = 5, IPS e.max CAD) were randomly allocated to the following treatments: mirror‐polished: SiC papers; as‐cut: mimicking CAD‐CAM milling; ground: 90‐120 μm‐grit diamond bur; ground polished: ground, finished (46‐30 μm‐grit diamond bur), polished (diamond cups, brush and diamond paste); ground glazed: ground, glazed; ground polished glazed: association of methods. CIELAB color coordinates were obtained by a spectrophotometer. CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00) and the translucency parameter (TP00) were calculated. Light transmittance was assessed with a colorimeter. Surface characteristics (topography and roughness) were analyzed. Statistical differences for each condition and outcome were detected using one‐way ANOVA with Tukey's post‐hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results

TP00 data show statistical reduction after grinding (p < 0.05), which was only restored with polishing (solely or with glazing). ΔE00 shows that grinding results in perceptible variations in color (above 0.81), which were restored after all post‐processing protocols (exception to only glaze application in contact with a black background). Light transmittance data corroborated such performance. Polishing and glazing reduced roughness and improved surface topography.

Conclusion

Grinding statistically increased roughness, reduced translucency, light transmittance through the ceramic, and resulted on color differences. On contrary, polishing (followed or not by glazing) reduced roughness and enhanced ceramic translucency and light transmittance. Glaze also reduced roughness, but it still presented reduced translucency. The positioning (facing up or down) of the ceramic treated surface influenced the considered outcomes.

Clinical Significance

Grinding with diamond burs results in a deleterious impact to the optical, colorimetric and surface characteristics of lithium disilicate ceramic. Thus, polishing (followed or not by glazing) is recommended for optical and topographical enhancements when lithium disilicate monolithic restorations require occlusal adjustments.
Natural infection of covert mortality nodavirus affects Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Wang Chong , Liu Shuang , Tang Kathy F. J. , Zhang Qingli
Published: June 2021

Covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV), a novel aquatic pathogen, causes viral covert mortality disease (VCMD) in shrimps and also known to infect farmed marine fish. To date, there has no report regarding the ability of this virus to infect freshwater fish. In this study, we screened and discovered CMNV‐positive freshwater zebrafish individuals by reverse transcription‐nested PCR (RT‐nPCR). The sequence of CMNV amplicons from zebrafish was found to share 99% identity with RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of the original CMNV isolate. Histopathological examination of the CMNV‐positive zebrafish samples revealed extensive vacuolation and karyopyknosis lesions in the retina of the eye and the midbrain mesencephalon. CMNV‐like virus particles were visualized in these tissues under transmission electron microscope. Different degrees of pathological damages were also found in muscle, gills, thymus and ovarian tissues. Strong positive signals of CMNV probe were observed in these infected tissues by in situ hybridization. Overall, all results indicated that zebrafish, an acknowledged model organism, could be infected naturally by CMNV. Thus, it is needed to pay close attention to the possible interference of CMNV whether in assessment of toxic substances, or in studying the developmental characterization and the nerval function, when zebrafish was used as model animal.
Rapid genotyping of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) using Nanopore sequencing
Authors: Delamare‐Deboutteville Jerome , Taengphu Suwimon , Gan Han Ming , Kayansamruaj Pattanapon , Debnath Partho Pratim , Barnes Andrew , Wilkinson Shaun , Kawasaki Minami , Vishnumurthy Mohan Chadag , Senapin Saengchan , Dong Ha Thanh
Published: June 2021

Infectious diseases represent one of the major challenges to sustainable aquaculture production. Rapid, accurate diagnosis and genotyping of emerging pathogens during early‐suspected disease cases is critical to facilitate timely response to deploy adequate control measures and prevent or reduce spread. Currently, most laboratories use PCR to amplify partial pathogen genomic regions, occasionally combined with sequencing of PCR amplicon(s) using conventional Sanger sequencing services for confirmatory diagnosis. The main limitation of this approach is the lengthy turnaround time. Here, we report an innovative approach using a previously developed specific PCR assay for pathogen diagnosis combined with a new Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)‐based amplicon sequencing method for pathogen genotyping. Using fish clinical samples, we applied this approach for the rapid confirmation of PCR amplicon sequences identity and genotyping of tilapia lake virus (TiLV), a disease‐causing virus affecting tilapia aquaculture globally. The consensus sequences obtained after polishing exhibit strikingly high identity to references derived by Illumina and Sanger methods (99.83%–100%). This study suggests that ONT‐based amplicon sequencing is a promising platform to deploy in regional aquatic animal health diagnostic laboratories in low‐ and medium‐income countries, for fast identification and genotyping of emerging infectious pathogens from field samples within a single day.
Are psychological interventions effective in treating functional dyspepsia? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rodrigues David M , Motomura Douglas I , Tripp Dean A , Beyak Michael J
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, characterized primarily by postprandial fullness or early satiety and/or pain in the epigastrium with no endoscopic evidence of disease. Psychological therapies have been adapted to the treatment of disordered gut–brain interaction such as FD. We sought to determine if psychological interventions were efficacious in providing symptom management and improving health‐related quality of life in patients suffering from FD.

Methods

Data were sorted that belonged to Embase (1947 to January 2020), PsychINFO (1806 to January 2020), and Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to January 2020). Randomized controlled trials using a psychological intervention in adults meeting relevant diagnostic criteria for FD were included. Data including symptom scores and quality of life measures were extracted. A random‐effect model meta‐analysis with standardized mean differences was used.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials were identified that met our inclusion criteria. These were small, single‐centered studies and used varying psychological therapies. Three studies had a sham treatment arm, leading to a high risk of bias in the remaining studies. All the studies reported beneficial effects of psychological treatment on patient's symptoms, some of which persisted up to 1 year. Psychological intervention was associated with an improvement in global FD symptom scores (standardized differences in means −1.33, 95% confidence interval −1.97 to −0.68).

Conclusions

Despite the limited data, the available evidence suggests that psychological therapy is beneficial in treating patients with FD and should be considered by treating physicians if available and patients are willing. Large well‐designed, sham controlled trials are needed for this extremely common disorder.
Lower impact of vonoprazan–amoxicillin dual therapy on gut microbiota forHelicobacter pylorieradication
Authors: Horii Toshiki , Suzuki Sho , Takano Chika , Shibuya Hitoshi , Ichijima Ryoji , Kusano Chika , Ikehara Hisatomo , Gotoda Takuji
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Helicobacter pylorieradication can disrupt the gut microbiome. Here, we investigated the short‐term impact of minimum antibiotic treatment—a 7‐day vonoprazan and low‐dose amoxicillin regimen (VA‐dual therapy)—on gut microbiota and compared it with that of vonoprazan‐based triple therapy (VAC‐triple therapy).

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients withH. pyloriinfection were recruited (UMIN000034140) from March to May 2019 and randomly assigned to the VAC‐triple therapy or VA‐dual therapy groups, according to the first‐lineH. pyloritreatment received. Fecal samples were collected before treatment initiation and 1 and 8 weeks after eradication therapy completion. The composition ratios of the bacterial taxa and the alpha and beta diversities were evaluated in both groups via polymerase chain reaction amplification of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing using the MiSeq system.

Results

Nineteen patients were assigned to the VA‐dual group and 24 to the VAC‐triple group. Compared with baseline, the alpha diversity reduced significantly 1 and 8 weeks after VAC‐triple therapy. However, for VA‐dual therapy, the alpha diversities at 1 and 8 weeks after the treatment did not change significantly compared with those at baseline. Additionally, the beta diversity differed significantly between baseline and 1 and 8 weeks after VAC‐triple therapy. VAC‐triple therapy led to significant alteration in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria at the phylum level andCollinsella,Blautia, andStreptococcusat the genus level.

Conclusions

Compared with VAC‐triple therapy, VA‐dual therapy induced minimal changes in the diversity and relative abundance of gut microbiota.
Clinical outcomes of older adults listed for heart transplantation in the United States
Authors: Jaiswal Abhishek , Gadela Naga Vaishnavi , Baran David , Balakumaran Kathir , Scatola Andrew , Radojevic Joseph , Gluck Jason , Arora Sabeena , Hammond Jonathan , Ali Ayyaz , Jennings Douglas L. , Baker William L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine if older age (>70 years) should be a relative contraindication for heart transplantation, we evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of patients with age ≥70 years listed for heart transplantation; and whether post‐transplantation survival was inferior to younger counterparts.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

The scientific registry of transplant recipients (SRTR).

Participants

Adults (≥18 years) listed for heart transplantation in the SRTR between 2000 and 2018.

Interventions

Heart transplantation.

Measurements

Characteristics and outcomes were compared for adults ≥70 years and <70 years. We evaluated waitlist mortality and post‐transplant 1‐year and 5‐year survivals.

Results

The study included 57,285 patients (age range 18–79 years) listed for heart transplantation; 1203 (2.1%) age ≥70 years. Of these, 37,135 patients underwent heart transplantation; 806 (2.2%) were age ≥70 years. Yearly listing of those age ≥70 years has consistently increased from 2.5% (n = 30) in 2000 to 11% (n = 132) in 2017 (p < 0.01). As compared with the age <70 years group, those ≥70 years had a similar risk of death while waiting (sub‐hazard ratio [SHR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [HR] 0.68–1.08; p = 0.19) but were more likely to be transplanted (SHR 1.36, 95% CI 1.26–1.48; p < 0.01). Among the older patients, the overall post‐transplant 1‐ and 5‐year mortality rate was 10.4% and 19.2%, respectively. Older recipients had lower unadjusted survival compared with younger recipients (log‐rank p = 0.03). However, after adjustment for relevant covariates, there was no significant difference in 5‐year mortality between both groups (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.91–1.254; p = 0.43).

Conclusions

Post‐transplant survival up to 5 years among patients of age ≥70 years was similar to that of younger recipients. Older patients who received heart transplantation appear to have lower risk features but receive hearts from higher risk donors. Chronologic age alone should not constitute a contraindication for heart transplantation, although careful patient selection criteria should be applied.
Search with Wage Posting under Sticky Prices
Authors: FOERSTER ANDREW T. , MUSTRE‐DEL‐RíO JOSÉ
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the implications of interacting pricing frictions, labor market frictions, and consumption risk by comparing variants of a New Keynesian model. The model variants make alternative assumptions about whether hiring and pricing decisions occur within the same firm or across different firms, and whether workers pool income. Each model implies the same contract is offered to workers, making model comparisons transparent. The economy's response to changes in unemployment benefits or persistently below‐target inflation depends on whether hiring and pricing decisions are integrated. The dynamics following technology or monetary shocks are shaped both by firm‐ and worker‐level assumptions.