bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Let’s makePulvigeragreat again: re-circumscription of a misunderstood group of Orthotrichaceae that diversified in North America
Authors: Lara Francisco , Draper Isabel , Flagmeier Maren , Calleja Juan Antonio , Mazimpaka Vicente , Garilleti Ricardo
Published: February 2020

Orthotrichum lyellii was described in 1878 based on the crisped leaves with plane margins on its elongated and branched stems, and on the presence of brood-bodies. In Europe, these characters remain constant, but in North America several similar forms lacking propagules have been described either at the specific or infraspecific level. These were all reduced to synonyms of O. lyellii. In 2015, Orthotrichum was divided, and O. lyellii was transferred to Pulvigera, a genus thus far considered to be monospecific. In this study, the variability of P. lyellii is analysed in an integrative taxonomic framework. Morphological studies on > 200 specimens, including the nomenclatural types of the taxa previously described, were combined with biogeographical and ecological evidence and with a phylogenetic reconstruction of 39 terminals based on five molecular loci. All the sources of evidence suggest the existence of four different taxa in North America, one also present on the Marquesas Islands. The study of type materials led to their identification as P. lyellii and three other taxa previously described from North America, Orthotrichum papillosum, O. lyellii var. howei and O. pringlei. These taxa differ from each other in taxonomically significant morphological characters of the gametophyte and sporophyte. The morphological diversity has led us to reinterpret Pulvigera, and to amend its description. Nomenclatural changes for the reinstated taxa are proposed, and full descriptions and an identification key for Pulvigera spp. in North America are provided.
Oat Bran Increased Fecal Butyrate and Prevented Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis—Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nyman Margareta , Nguyen Thao Duy , Wikman Ola , Hjortswang Henrik , Hallert Claes
Published: February 2020

Background

Oat bran specifically increases colon butyrate concentrations and could therefore affect the progress of the disease in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Patients with UC in remission were enrolled in a controlled multicenter study and randomized to eat oat bran or low-fiber wheat products.

Results

Ninety-four of the enrolled patients (n = 47 for both groups) completed the 24-week study. The oat bran group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher fecal butyrate concentrations and lower serum LDL levels, while deterioration of gastrointestinal symptoms was prevented, and subjective health maintained. The control diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased obstipation, reflux, and the symptom burden and had no effects on butyrate or LDL-cholesterol. The relapse rate was the same for both diets.

Conclusions

Oat bran was well tolerated when given to patients with quiescent UC.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for a left main bifurcation lesion without stenting using excimer laser with optical coherence tomography guidance: a case report
Authors: Hada Masahiro , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Kanaji Yoshihisa , Kakuta Tsunekazu
Published: February 2020

Background

Optimal strategy for treating bifurcation lesions or lesions with large thrombus in left main disease remains elusive. Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) is a therapeutic option for thrombotic lesions in acute coronary syndrome.

Case summary

A 68-year-old man with chest pain was transferred to our emergency department, and subsequently diagnosed as inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Emergent coronary angiography revealed a 75% stenosis in the left main trunk (LMT). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed massive thrombus at the distal LMT to the ostial left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCx). ELCA was performed in the three directions from LMT to proximal LAD, proximal LCx, and obtuse marginal branch. OCT after ELCA showed reduction of thrombus and no apparent plaque rupture or calcification, implying that coronary thrombosis was caused by OCT-defined plaque erosion. Intracoronary electrocardiogram of the LCx showed ST-segment elevation which corresponded to inferior ST-segment elevation, whereas no intracoronary electrocardiogram ST-segment elevation was detected for LAD. Taking all of the data including angiographic appearance, OCT-derived residual lumen size and residual thrombus volume, and strategic options into consideration, we completed percutaneous coronary intervention without stent deployment. He has been free from any cardiac events thereafter for 8 months.

Discussion

Optimal strategy of coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions, especially LMT bifurcations, remains elusive. ELCA may have a potential to safely reduce intracoronary thrombus in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome with OCT guidance.
A case report of recurrent spontaneous coronary artery dissection and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a treatment dilemma
Authors: Ghafoor Hafiz U , Bose Abhishek , El-Meligy Amr , Hannan Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome in younger females with no pre-existing history of coronary artery disease. Recurrent SCAD is common after a first episode and can involve the same coronary artery or present as a new dissection unrelated to the initial lesion. Current recommendations advise for a conservative approach in the absence of haemodynamic compromise and flow limitations. Conversely, there are no clear guidelines for the management of early recurrent SCAD.

Case summary

A 52-year-old woman with history of obesity, asthma, and prediabetes presented with chest pain and electrocardiogram (ECG) showing inferior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Coronary angiography revealed proximal right coronary artery (RCA) dissection and distal left anterior descending artery (LAD) dissection, while left ventriculogram showed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). Angiography revealed no flow limitations so conservative management was pursued. She returned within a couple of days with recurrent chest pain and ECG showing similar findings of inferior STEMI. Repeat angiography confirmed progression of the proximal RCA SCAD with resolution of distal LAD SCAD. Since flow through the distal RCA was still preserved, conservative medical management was continued. She presented a third time for palpitations only and another repeat coronary angiogram showed healing RCA SCAD.

Discussion

Management of early recurrent SCAD continues to be a clinical dilemma. In addition, our patient had features of TC which shares a similar clinical risk factor profile with SCAD thus it may be prudent to further investigate for TC in patients presenting with SCAD and have suggestive features of TC on history and echocardiography.
Feasibility of novel transapical off pump beating heart mitral valve repair in a patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus
Authors: Bhatia Inderjeet , Chan Daniel Tai-Leung , Lam Simon Chi-Cheung , Au Timmy Wing-Kuk
Published: February 2020

We present a case to demonstrate the feasibility of transapical beating heart mitral valve repair in a patient with dextrocardia. This minimally invasive technique provides simple, safe and satisfactory mitral repair. The surgical technique, outcome and prognosis are not affected by the condition.
Food components and diet habits: chief factors of cancer development
Authors: Ksouri Rihab
Published: February 2020

Food is a vital need for everyone. Today, there is food for all, but the world still suffers from under- and over-nutrition and risk of cancer development and chronic diseases can follow both cases. Worldwide, cancer is a leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular disease; it is considered the second reason for death globally. Role of nutritional habits, the quality of food, the consumption of canned foods, genetically modified fruits and vegetables and exposed food to certain pesticides and carcinogens agents, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, and fast-foods consumption may be at risk to the development of some cancers. In recent decades, researchers have carried out attention in this field to improve the quality of life and to limit nutrition problems. Thus, this study aims to summarize current evidence on the relationship between nutritional factors and cancer expansion, how nutrition can be a heal and a source of fatal illness leading to death. In detail, this review will highlight the influence of specific foodstuffs on the threat of cancer incidence and recurrence by providing some examples of most carcinogenic compounds.
Finite element error analysis of wave equations with dynamic boundary conditions:L2 estimates
Authors: Hipp David , Kovács Balázs
Published: February 2020

$L^2$ norm error estimates of semi- and full discretizations of wave equations with dynamic boundary conditions, using bulk–surface finite elements and Runge–Kutta methods, are studied. The analysis rests on an abstract formulation and error estimates, via energy techniques, within this abstract setting. Four prototypical linear wave equations with dynamic boundary conditions are analysed, which fit into the abstract framework. For problems with velocity terms or with acoustic boundary conditions we prove surprising results: for such problems the spatial convergence order is shown to be less than 2. These can also be observed in the presented numerical experiments.
Determination of Naringin and Neohesperidin in Orange Juice by Liquid Chromatography with UV Detection to Detect the Presence of Grapefruit Juice: Collaborative Study
Authors: Widmer Wilbur ,   Collaborators:, Brause A , Coppola E , Daniels K , Feicht R , Hendricks S , Kirksey S T , Kline L L , Krueger D , Martin S F , Matos J , Metcalf L , Nolan S , Smith C , Smith R , Trama T
Published: February 2020

Fifteen collaborating laboratories were sent 9 samples of citrus juice mixtures as blind duplicates for determination of naringin and neohesperidin by liquid chromatography. Two sample pairs were 100% orange juice and did not contain any naringin or neohesperidin. The remaining 7 sample pairs contained naringin at levels ranging from 3.9 to 46.5 ppm and neohesperidin at levels ranging from 0.14 to 35.6 ppm. Five sample pairs consisted of orange juice mixtures containing 1, 3, and 5% grapefruit juice; 5% sour orange; and 5% K-Early citrus variety. Two sample pairs were orange juice spiked with naringin, neohesperidin, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate. Data were received from 13 laboratories. Data from 1 collaborator were eliminated because the method protocol was not followed. Neohesperidin values from another laboratory were also not used because of problems with a coeluting component. Repeatability relative standard deviations ranged from 2.95 to 15.23% for naringin and from 3.00 to 11.74% for neohesperidin. Reproducibility relative standard deviations ranged from 11.34 to 31.94% for naringin and from 10.45 to 26.17% for neohesperidin. The method is reliable for detecting the presence of grapefruit juice in orange juice as indicated by a finding of ≥10 ppm naringin and ≤2 ppm neohesperidin. The method was adopted First Action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Validation of the Microbiological Methods Hygicult Dipslide, Contact Plate, and Swabbing in Surface Hygiene Control: A Nordic Collaborative Study
Authors: Salo Satu , Laine Annikki , Alanko Timo , Sjöberg Anna-Maija , Writanen Gun ,   Collaborators:, Guðbjörnsdóttir B , Jessen B , Langsrud S , Lindquist K , Lundén J , Mäki M , Nerbrink E , Niclasen Ó , Tuominen P , Tuompo H , Vatunen E , Woivalin A
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study on total aerobic bacterial count was conducted to validate the Hygicult® TPC dipslide against contact plates and swabbing, using stainless-steel surfaces artificially contaminated with different microbes at various levels. Twelve laboratories took part in the validation procedure. The total number of collaborative samples was 108. The microbial level in each sample was assessed in triplicate using the 3 above-mentioned methods under 3 different incubation conditions (at 25 ± 1°C for 48 and 72 h and at 30 ± 1°C for 48 h). Surface sampling methods detached 25–30% at the lowest (theoretical yield, 1.4 cfu/cm2), 18–20% at the middle (theoretical yield, 10.7 cfu/cm2), and 16–21% at the highest (theoretical yield, 43.6 cfu/cm2) levels of microbes from the test surfaces. The percentage of acceptable results after removing outliers was 89%. Repeatability standard deviations ranged from 27.2 to 74.6% and reproducibility standard deviations ranged from 42.1 to 97.5%. There were no significant differences between results obtained at different incubation temperatures (25 and 30°C) or incubation times (48 and 72 h) for all 3 methods. The Hygicult TPC dipslide, contact plate, and swabbing methods gave similar results at all 3 microbial levels tested: 0.35–0.43 cfu/cm2 at the lowest level, 1.9–2.2 cfu/cm2 at the middle level, and 7.1–9.1 cfu/cm2 at the highest level.
Analysis of DDT Residues in Soil by ELISA: An International Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Maestroni Britt M , Skerritt John H , Ferris Ian G , Ambrus Arpad ,   Collaborators:, Amin R , Bajet N , Dagher S , Genhai Y , Ghanem I , Guo J , Hock B , Jebakumar S R D , Maestroni B , Maqbool U , Matthews W , Merino R , Montoya A , Mukherjee P K , Prapamontol T , Skerritt J , Stanker L , Takyi E , Yücel Ü
Published: February 2020

An international interlaboratory study was conducted to determine the performance of a group of laboratories from developing and developed countries. The study used a commercial microwell ELISA on unknown samples spiked with different levels of DDT. The study design was based on Youden pairs and balanced replicates. Two soils, differing in particle size distributions, organic matter content, and cation-exchange capacities and thought to be DDT-free, were spiked at 5 DDT levels between 0.025 and 2 mg/kg. Nineteen laboratories in 17 countries took part in the collaborative trial; of these, the majority were modestly equipped laboratories in developing countries. Samples were analyzed without filtration or cleanup and using standards of pure DDT in methanol. Data were analyzed for repeatability and reproducibility, and average recoveries at the spike levels were calculated. Mean real recoveries for both soils were similar (103% for soil A and 100% for soil B), with values between 0.1 and 2 mg/kg DDT. Precision estimates were best in the linear working range of the assay (0.1–0.5 mg/kg DDT), with reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) typically averaging about 38 and 46% near the upper and lower detection limits, respectively. Corresponding repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values were 20–36% and 36–57%. Thus, even though much of the trial was performed under developing country conditions, performance statistics were similar to other reported results obtained with ELISAs on small molecules of agricultural importance, such as mycotoxins and pesticide and antibiotic residues.
Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup with Liquid Chromatography for Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Liquid Milk: Collaborative Study
Authors: Dragacci Sylviane , Grosso Frederic , Gilbert John ,   Collaborators:, Agnedal M , Hyndrick L , Jamet G , Jorgensen K , Miller J , Oliveira Palavras L , Pittet A , Rousi V , Sharron P , Sizoo E A , Spott M , Strassmeier E
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an immunoaffinity column cleanup liquid chromatographic method for determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk at proposed European regulatory limits. The test portion of liquid milk was centrifuged, filtered, and applied to an immunoaffinity column. The column was washed with water, and aflatoxin was eluted with pure acetonitrile. Aflatoxin M1 was separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence detection. Frozen liquid milk samples both naturally contaminated with aflatoxin M1 and blank samples for spiking, were sent to 12 collaborators in 12 different European countries. Test portions of samples were spiked at 0.05 ng aflatoxin M1 per mL. After removal of 2 noncompliant sets of results, the mean recovery of aflatoxin M1 was 74%. Based on results for spiked samples (blind pairs at 1 level) and naturally contaminated samples (blind pairs at 3 levels) the relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 8 to 18%. The relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR) ranged from 21 to 31%. The method showed acceptable within- and between-laboratory precision data for liquid milk, as evidenced by HORRAT values at the low level of aflatoxin M1 contamination.
The relative controls of temperature and soil moisture on the start of carbon flux phenology and net ecosystem production in two alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chai Xi , Shi Peili , Song Minghua , Zong Ning , He Yongtao , Li Yingnian , Zhang Xianzhou , Liu Yanjiao
Published: February 2020

Aims

Variations in vegetation spring phenology are widely attributed to temperature in temperate and cold regions. However, temperature effect on phenology remains elusive in cold and arid/semiarid ecosystems because soil water condition also plays an important role in mediating phenology.

Methods

We used growing degree day (GDD) model and growing season index (GSI) model, coupling minimum temperature (Tmin) with soil moisture (SM) to explore the influence of heat requirement and hydroclimatic interaction on the start of carbon uptake period (SCUP) and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) in two alpine meadows with different precipitation regimes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). One is the water-limited alpine steppe-meadow, and the other is the temperature-limited alpine shrub-meadow.

Important Findings

We observed two clear patterns linking GDD and GSI to SCUP: SCUP was similarly sensitive to variations in preseason GDD and GSI in the humid alpine shrub-meadow, while SCUP was more sensitive to the variability in preseason GSI than GDD in the semiarid alpine steppe-meadow. The divergent patterns indicated a balance of the limiting climatic factors between temperature and water availability. In the humid meadow, higher temperature sensitivity of SCUP could maximize thermal benefit without drought stress, as evidenced by the stronger linear correlation coefficient (R2) and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) between observed SCUPs and those of simulated by GDD model. However, greater water sensitivity of SCUP could maximize the benefit of water in semiarid steppe-meadow, which is indicated by the stronger R2 and AIC between observed SCUPs and those of simulated by GSI model. Additionally, although SCUPs were determined by GDD in the alpine shrub-meadow ecosystem, NEP was both controlled by accumulative GSI in two alpine meadows. Our study highlights the impacts of hydroclimatic interaction on spring carbon flux phenology and vegetation productivity in the humid and semiarid alpine ecosystems. The results also suggest that water, together with temperature should be included in the models of phenology and carbon budget for alpine ecosystems in semiarid regions. These ﬁndings have important implications for improving vegetation phenology models, thus advancing our understanding of the interplay between vegetation phenology, productivity and climate change in future.
Isolation, quarantine, social distancing and community containment: pivotal role for old-style public health measures in the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak
Authors: Wilder-Smith A , Freedman D O
Published: February 2020

Public health measures were decisive in controlling the SARS epidemic in 2003. Isolation is the separation of ill persons from non-infected persons. Quarantine is movement restriction, often with fever surveillance, of contacts when it is not evident whether they have been infected but are not yet symptomatic or have not been infected. Community containment includes measures that range from increasing social distancing to community-wide quarantine. Whether these measures will be sufficient to control 2019-nCoV depends on addressing some unanswered questions.
Self-gravity in magnetized accretion discs as a result of a dynamo mechanism with outflows
Authors: Karimzadeh S , Khesali A R , Khosravi A
Published: February 2020

We investigate the stationary model of a geometrically thin, magnetized accretion disc, which has a dipole-symmetry magnetic field that is produced by an α−ω dynamo and can emanate winds from the disc’s surfaces. Although self-gravity has an important role in the evolution of astrophysical systems, it has been disregarded in many cases, because the equations become more complicated when the mass distribution of the disc is included in the total gravitational potential. In this paper, we consider the effects of self-gravity on the above-mentioned model. It is shown that in the presence of vertical self-gravity, while the magnetic diffusivity decreases, the magnetic field bends and the inflow speed increases. Also, in the inner parts of the disc, mass flux resulting from the wind has a positive value compared with the non-self-gravitating solution, in which all accreted materials are lost. These results can be used for the discs of active galactic nuclei, in which self-gravity is only important in the vertical direction. However, for other types, such as the discs surrounding young stellar objects, self-gravity can be considered in both vertical and radial directions. Here, our analysis of fully self-gravitating discs has revealed that, in this case, the inflow speed depends on the radius. In the model we study, it is also found that the outflows have no effective contribution to the removal of angular momentum for certain radii r ≥ 6R, as is > 60°. However, the system cannot be stabilized by viscous dissipation.
Long-term NIR variability in the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey: a new probe of AGN activity at high redshift
Authors: Elmer E , Almaini O , Merrifield M , Hartley W G , Maltby D T , Lawrence A , Botti I , Hirst P
Published: February 2020

We present the first attempt to select active galactic nuclei (AGN) using long-term near-infrared (NIR) variability. By analysing the K-band light curves of all the galaxies in the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) Ultra Deep Survey, the deepest NIR survey over ∼1 deg2, we have isolated 393 variable AGN candidates. A comparison to other selection techniques shows that only half of the variable sources are also selected using either deep Chandra X-ray imaging or Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) colour selection, suggesting that using NIR variability can locate AGN that are missed by more standard selection techniques. In particular, we find that long-term NIR variability identifies AGN at low luminosities and in host galaxies with low stellar masses, many of which appear relatively X-ray quiet.
Spectroscopy of hot γ Doradus and A–F hybrid Kepler candidates close to the hot border of the δ Scuti instability strip
Authors: Kahraman Aliçavuş F , Poretti E , Catanzaro G , Smalley B , Niemczura E , Rainer M , Handler G
Published: February 2020

If γ Dor-type pulsations are driven by the convective blocking mechanism, a convective envelope at a sufficient depth is essential. There are several hot γ Dor and hybrid star candidates in which there should not be an adequate convective envelope to excite the γ Dor-type oscillations. The existence of these hot objects needs an explanation. Therefore, we selected, observed, and studied 24 hot γ Dor and hybrid candidates to investigate their properties. The atmospheric parameters, chemical abundances, and vsin i values of the candidates were obtained using medium-resolution (R  =  46 000) spectra taken with the Fibre-fed Échelle Spectrograph instrument mounted at the Nordic Optical Telescope. We also carried out frequency analyses of the Kepler long- and short-cadence data to determine the exact pulsation contents. We found only five bona fide hot γ Dor and three bona fide hot hybrid stars in our sample. The other 16 stars were found to be normal γ Dor, δ Sct, or hybrid variables. No chemical peculiarity was detected in the spectra of the bona fide hot γ Dor and hybrid stars. We investigated the interplay between rotation and pulsational modes. We also found that the hot γ Dor stars have higher Gaia luminosities and larger radii compared to main-sequence A–F stars.
On the wave optics effect on primordial black hole constraints from optical microlensing search
Authors: Sugiyama Sunao , Kurita Toshiki , Takada Masahiro
Published: February 2020

Microlensing of stars, e.g. in the Galactic bulge and Andromeda galaxy (M31), is among the most robust, powerful method to constrain primordial black holes (PBHs) that are a viable candidate of dark matter. If PBHs are in the mass range $M_{\rm PBH} {\,\,\lesssim \,\,}10^{-10}\mathrm{ M}_\odot$, its Schwarzschild radius (rSch) becomes comparable with or shorter than optical wavelength (λ) used in a microlensing search, and in this regime the wave optics effect on microlensing needs to be taken into account. For a lensing PBH with mass satisfying rSch ∼ λ, it causes a characteristic oscillatory feature in the microlensing light curve, and it will give a smoking gun evidence of PBH if detected, because any astrophysical object cannot have such a tiny Schwarzschild radius. Even in a statistical study, e.g. constraining the abundance of PBHs from a systematic search of microlensing events for a sample of many source stars, the wave effect needs to be taken into account. We examine the impact of wave effect on the PBH constraints obtained from the r-band (6210 Å) monitoring observation of M31 stars in Niikura et al., and find that a finite source size effect is dominant over the wave effect for PBHs in the mass range MPBH ≃ [10−11, 10−10]M⊙. We also discuss that, if a denser cadence (10 s), g-band monitoring observation for a sample of white dwarfs over a year time-scale is available, it would allow one to explore the wave optics effect on microlensing light curve, if it occurs, or improve the PBH constraints in $M_{\rm PBH} {\,\,\lesssim \,\,}10^{-11}\mathrm{ M}_\odot$ even from a null detection.
Smoking in Young Adults: A Study of 4-Year Smoking Behavior Patterns and Residential Presence of Features Facilitating Smoking Using Data From the Interdisciplinary Study of Inequalities in Smoking Cohort
Authors: Ghenadenik Adrian E , Gauvin Lise , Frohlich Katherine L
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Young adults have the highest prevalence of smoking among all age groups in most industrialized countries and exhibit great variability in smoking behavior. Differences in associations between features in residential environments and smoking initiation, prevalence, and cessation have been extensively examined in the literature. Nonetheless, in many cases, findings remain inconsistent. This paper proposes that a potential driver of these inconsistencies is an almost exclusive focus on point-specific smoking outcomes, without consideration for the different behavior patterns that this age group may experience over time.

Aims and Methods

Based on data from the Interdisciplinary Study of Inequalities in Smoking cohort of 18- to 25-year-old Montreal residents (n = 1025), we examined associations between 4-year smoking patterns measured at three timepoints and proximal presence/density of tobacco retail outlets and presence of smoker accommodation facilities in Montreal, Canada. Associations were tested using two-level multinomial and logistic models.

Results

In fully adjusted models, compared to never-smokers, residents of areas with a higher density of tobacco retail were more likely to (1) be characterized as established smokers, (2) have experienced repeated changes in smoking status (being “switchers”) during the 4-year study period, and (3) be former smokers.

Conclusions

From a conceptual standpoint, these findings highlight the importance of acknowledging and examining smoking behavior patterns among young adults. Furthermore, specific pattern–feature associations may point to unique mechanisms by which features could influence smoking behavior patterns. These findings require replication and extension, including testing hypotheses regarding tobacco retail density’s role in sustaining smoking and in influencing changes in smoking status.

Implications

Results from this study highlight the importance of describing and examining different young adult smoking behavior patterns and how they may be influenced by residential environment features such as the density of tobacco retail. Findings suggest that young adults residing in areas with a higher density of tobacco retailers are more likely to have experienced repeated changes in smoking status and to be established smokers. Further research in this area is needed to advance knowledge of the putative mechanisms by which residential features may influence smoking behavior patterns and to ultimately orient policy and interventions seeking to curb smoking at the local level.
Reliable Phylogenetic Regressions for Multivariate Comparative Data: Illustration with the MANOVA and Application to the Effect of Diet on Mandible Morphology in Phyllostomid Bats
Authors: Clavel Julien , Morlon Hélène
Published: February 2020

Understanding what shapes species phenotypes over macroevolutionary timescales from comparative data often requires studying the relationship between phenotypes and putative explanatory factors or testing for differences in phenotypes across species groups. In phyllostomid bats for example, is mandible morphology associated to diet preferences? Performing such analyses depends upon reliable phylogenetic regression techniques and associated tests (e.g., phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares, pGLS, and phylogenetic analyses of variance and covariance, pANOVA, pANCOVA). While these tools are well established for univariate data, their multivariate counterparts are lagging behind. This is particularly true for high-dimensional phenotypic data, such as morphometric data. Here, we implement much-needed likelihood-based multivariate pGLS, pMANOVA, and pMANCOVA, and use a recently developed penalized-likelihood framework to extend their application to the difficult case when the number of traits $p$ approaches or exceeds the number of species $n$. We then focus on the pMANOVA and use intensive simulations to assess the performance of the approach as $p$ increases, under various levels of phylogenetic signal and correlations between the traits, phylogenetic structure in the predictors, and under various types of phenotypic differences across species groups. We show that our approach outperforms available alternatives under all circumstances, with greater power to detect phenotypic differences across species group when they exist, and a lower risk of improperly detecting nonexistent differences. Finally, we provide an empirical illustration of our pMANOVA on a geometric-morphometric data set describing mandible morphology in phyllostomid bats along with data on their diet preferences. Overall our results show significant differences between ecological groups. Our approach, implemented in the R package mvMORPH and illustrated in a tutorial for end-users, provides efficient multivariate phylogenetic regression tools for understanding what shapes phenotypic differences across species. [Generalized least squares; high-dimensional data sets; multivariate phylogenetic comparative methods; penalized likelihood; phenomics; phyllostomid bats; phylogenetic MANOVA; phylogenetic regression.]
Global Diversification Dynamics Since the Jurassic: Low Dispersal and Habitat-Dependent Evolution Explain Hotspots of Diversity and Shell Disparity in River Snails (Viviparidae)
Authors: Stelbrink Björn , Richter Romy , Köhler Frank , Riedel Frank , Strong Ellen E , Van Bocxlaer Bert , Albrecht Christian , Hauffe Torsten , Page Timothy J , Aldridge David C , Bogan Arthur E , Du Li-Na , Manuel-Santos Marivene R , Marwoto Ristiyanti M , Shirokaya Alena A , Von Rintelen Thomas
Published: February 2020

The Viviparidae, commonly known as River Snails, is a dominant group of freshwater snails with a nearly worldwide distribution that reaches its highest taxonomic and morphological diversity in Southeast Asia. The rich fossil record is indicative of a probable Middle Jurassic origin on the Laurasian supercontinent where the group started to diversify during the Cretaceous. However, it remains uncertain when and how the biodiversity hotspot in Southeast Asia was formed. Here, we used a comprehensive genetic data set containing both mitochondrial and nuclear markers and comprising species representing 24 out of 28 genera from throughout the range of the family. To reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of viviparids on a global scale, we reconstructed a fossil-calibrated phylogeny. We further assessed the roles of cladogenetic and anagenetic events in range evolution. Finally, we reconstructed the evolution of shell features by estimating ancestral character states to assess whether the appearance of sculptured shell morphologies was driven by major habitat shifts. The molecular phylogeny supports the monophyly of the three subfamilies, the Bellamyinae, Lioplacinae, and Viviparinae, but challenges the currently accepted genus-level classification in several cases. The almost global distribution of River Snails has been influenced both by comparatively ancient vicariance and more recent founder events. In Southeast Asia, Miocene dispersal was a main factor in shaping the modern species distributions. A recurrent theme across different viviparid taxa is that many species living in lentic waters exhibit sculptured shells, whereas only one strongly sculptured species is known from lotic environments. We show that such shell sculpture is habitat-dependent and indeed evolved several times independently in lentic River Snails. Considerably high transition rates between shell types in lentic habitats probably caused the co-occurrence of morphologically distinct shell types in several lakes. In contrast, directional evolution toward smooth shells in lotic habitats, as identified in the present analyses, explains why sculptured shells are rarely found in these habitats. However, the specific factors that promoted changes in shell morphology require further work. [biogeographical analyses; fossil-calibrated phylogeny; fossil-constrained analyses; Southeast Asia; stochastic character mapping.]
Direct Consumer Influence—The Missing Strategy to Integrate Data Privacy Preferences into the Market
Authors: Kuenzler Adrian
Published: February 2020

In view of a growing number of competition law investigations into the gathering and use of personal data by digital platforms, this article discusses the extent to which consumer sovereignty can be given greater weight in concentrated marketplaces where firms employ multi-sided business models and compete along quality dimensions such as privacy rather than price. The article explores the concept of direct consumer influence as a novel approach vis-à-vis switching or choosing differently in the public enforcement of competition law. Direct consumer influence constitutes a distinct avenue for embedding consumers’ choices into the market when consumers have few possibilities to act and holds the potential to shape digital markets in unanticipated ways. Using the example of the German Federal Cartel Office’s investigation into Facebook’s data-gathering practices, the article illustrates how direct consumer influence may clarify the relationship between data protection, consumer rights, and competition law.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Boyd Brenton , Solh Tia
Published: February 2020

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, apical ballooning syndrome, or stress cardiomyopathy, occurs when a stressful emotional or physical event causes the left ventricle of the heart to dilate, leading to acute heart failure. The syndrome was first described in Japan in 1990. Signs and symptoms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are similar to acute myocardial infarction. The syndrome presents with similar ECG and biomarker indications, so it often goes undiagnosed until coronary angiography is performed and reveals no blockage. Treatment is largely supportive. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may reduce the likelihood of recurrent episodes. Overall, the prognosis is very good, with about 95% of patients making a full recovery.
Opioid-Related Disparities in Sexual Minority Youth, 2017
Authors: Wilson Jacqueline D. , Sumetsky Natalie M. , Coulter Robert W.S. , Liebschutz Jane , Miller Elizabeth , Mair Christina F.
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

In light of the opioid epidemic, it is essential to understand which subgroups of youth are at elevated risk for opioid use. Sexual minority groups have increased rates of substance use compared to heterosexual youth. Our study aims to examine the prevalence of both prescription opioid misuse and heroin use in adolescents. We then examine odds of prescription opioid misuse and heroin use adjusting for common covariates.

Methods:

Using 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data, we examined lifetime odds of prescription opioid misuse and heroin use among sexual minority youth as defined by sexual identity and sexual behavior. We used logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, and race.

Results:

28.5% of gay/lesbian and 25.1% of bisexual youth reported misuse compared to 12.5% of heterosexual youth. Nearly 1 in 10 gay/lesbian youth reported a history of heroin use compared to 4.1% of bisexual and 1.1% of heterosexual young people. Among those who reported having a history of sexual contact, those with same sex contact and sexual contact with both sexes had elevated odds of lifetime heroin use compared to those with a history of opposite sex contact only (aOR: 3.77; 95% CI: 1.68, 8.44 and aOR: 7.44; 95% CI: 4.59, 12.06, respectively).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated preliminary evidence sexual minority youth have significant opioid-related health disparities with greater odds of lifetime prescription opioid misuse and heroin use. As early exposure to opioids is associated with greater risk for developing an opioid use disorder and increased opioid-morbidity and mortality, it is critical that providers recognize and incorporate the unique needs for sexual minority youth into traditional treatment and prevention models.
The Association of Loneliness and Non-prescribed Opioid Use in Patients With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: McDonagh John , Williams Cory B. , Oldfield Benjamin J. , Cruz-Jose Dabely , Olson Douglas P.
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between loneliness and non-prescribed opioid use in patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods:

This was a cohort study conducted at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in New Haven, CT. Patients who were treated for OUD by health center providers and prescribed buprenorphine were eligible. Participants were asked to complete the UCLA-Loneliness Scale Version 3. From the electronic medical record, we collected patient demographic and clinical characteristics as well as the results of biological fluid testing obtained throughout their treatment course since entry into care. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of the detection of non-prescribed opioids within biological fluid.

Results:

Of the 82 patients enrolled in the study, 33 (40.3%) of the participants had at least 1 biological fluid test positive for non-prescribed opioids after maintenance onto buprenorphine treatment. A higher loneliness score was associated with increased odds of non-prescribed opioids (adjusted odds ratio 1.16; 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.27). Patient age, the number of problems on the problems list, and cocaine use were also positively associated with the presence of non-prescribed opioids whereas having diabetes was negatively associated.

Conclusions:

Among the individuals being treated with buprenorphine for OUD, loneliness may be a risk factor for the use of non-prescribed opioids or treatment failure.
Dietary nutrient patterns and the risk of colorectal cancer and colorectal adenomas: a case-control study
Authors: Jafari Nasab Saeede , Ghanavati Matin , Bahrami Alireza , Rafiee Pegah , Sadeghi Amir , Clark Cain C.T. , Sohrab Golbon , Hoshyarrad Anahita , Hejazi Ehsan
Published: February 2020

Although the association between food patterns and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal adenomas (CRA) has been explored previously, a distinct paucity of studies has evaluated the association of nutrient pattern and the risk of CRC and CRA as precursors of CRC. Thus, the purpose of this case-control study was to investigate nutrient patterns and their relationship with CRC and CRA in Iran. Two hundred forty hospital control, 129 newly diagnosed CRC and 130 newly diagnosed CRA patients were asked about their dietary intakes using validated questionnaires. To define the major nutrient patterns, principal component analysis was applied based on preselected nutrients, and four explainable nutrient patterns were obtained: Factor 1 (mixed), factor 2 (the antioxidant), factor 3 (dairy) and factor 4 (the high fat). Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of CRC and CRA according to categories of nutrient patterns. After adjusting for confounders, factor 2 was significantly associated with lower risk for the CRC and CRA in the second category compared with the first, respectively (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12–0.34, OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21–0.56). Participants in the highest category of factor 4 showed an increase in the risk of CRC and CRA, respectively, than those in the low category, in both crude and multivariate analysis (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.57–2.95, OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.13–3.02). Among derived nutrient patterns, ‘the antioxidant pattern’ was inversely associated with CRC/CRA, whilst ‘high fat pattern’ showed a direct association with these diseases.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians' Diagnosis and Coding of Overweight and Obesity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Walls Morgan , Curtin Carol , Phillips Sarah , Eliasziw Misha , Jackel Carissa , Must Aviva , Bandini Linda , Broder-Fingert Sarabeth
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The prevalence of obesity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is high, and managing obesity in children with ASD can be challenging. The study's objective was to examine developmental-behavioral pediatricians' (DBPs) coding practices for overweight/obesity in children with ASD and patient characteristics associated with coding.

Methods:

We analyzed the clinical data on children with ASD with at least 1 visit at one of 3 developmental-behavioral pediatrics network sites between January 2010 and December 2011. Weight status was calculated using body mass index z-scores. For children meeting the criteria for overweight/obesity, we assessed the frequency of weight-related ICD-9 diagnosis codes at DBP visits, used multivariable logistic regression to determine characteristics associated with the presence of these codes, and examined the prevalence of weight-related codes relative to other diagnosis codes.

Results:

The sample included 4542 children, ages 2 to 19 years. 15.5% of children met the criteria for overweight, 14.7% for obesity, and 6.3% for severe obesity. Of children meeting the criteria for overweight/obesity/severe obesity, 7.5% had a weight-related code documented at their visits. Children with obesity or severe obesity and older children had higher odds of having a weight-related code. Compared with not being on medications, atypical antipsychotics use was significantly associated with increased odds of having a weight-related code. Of 3802 unique ICD-9 diagnosis codes documented at any visit during the study period, only 4% were related to weight.

Conclusion:

Few children meeting the criteria for overweight/obesity had documented weight-related codes. Weight-related coding was more likely for children with obesity, who were older, and those taking atypical antipsychotics.
Real-Time Therapeutic Drug Monitoring-Based Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Optimization of Complex Antimicrobial Therapy in a Critically Ill Morbidly Obese Patient. Grand Round/A Case Study
Authors: Cojutti Pier Giorgio , Carnelutti Alessia , Mattelig Silvia , Sartor Assunta , Pea Federico
Published: February 2020

The authors present the case of a critically ill morbidly obese patient (body mass index, 51.2 kg/m2) who suffered from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans bloodstream infections. Initial treatment with caspofungin and daptomycin was deemed inappropriate, because blood cultures remained positive for both isolates after 14 days. The clinical pharmacological consultant suggested adding fluconazole and ceftobiprole to the ongoing antimicrobial therapy, and starting a real-time therapeutic drug monitoring program of daptomycin, ceftobiprole, and fluconazole, aimed at optimizing plasma exposures. Punctual minimum inhibitory concentration knowledge on the clinical isolates allowed attainment of the desired pharmacodynamic efficacy targets. Within few days, the patient greatly improved, as blood cultures became negative, and the inflammatory markers decreased to near normal values. This is a proof-of-concept of the importance of a therapeutic drug monitoring-based multidisciplinary approach in the proper management of complex antimicrobial therapy in special populations.
Genetic counseling for fetal gastrointestinal anomalies
Authors: Schindewolf Erica , Moldenhauer Julie S.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Congenital gastrointestinal anomalies are common findings with relatively established methods of treatment. However, the genetic cause of how these defects occur and how that may impact a child's lifelong care is less established. Genetic testing has improved significantly in recent years, yet reviews documenting prenatal genetic counseling and testing guidelines have not been comprehensively updated.

Recent findings

Congenital anomalies of the foregut, such as tracheoesophageal fistula carry a high association with genetic disorders, both in isolation and syndromic forms. Duodenal atresia remains highly associated with Trisomy 21 but is not enriched in other genetic conditions. Disorders of the midgut, such as omphalocele often have a genetic cause and may require both cytogenetic and panel testing to obtain a diagnosis. The etiologic basis of hindgut malformations remain largely unknown, though imperforate anus as well as Hirschprung's disease have been associated with many micro deletion syndromes as well as in association with other birth defects as part of larger syndromes.

Prenatal diagnostic genetic testing through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can be offered to every patient who wants to learn genetic information about their fetus. Cytogenetic testing, such as microarray is a first tier test to assess cause for these conditions and can provide meaningful answers. When a gastrointestinal anomaly is identified in association with an additionally affected organ system next-generation sequencing and defect-specific genetic testing panels can be necessary to understand cause as well as prognosis to best prepare families for the medical management that lies ahead.