bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensifying aeolian activity following the end‐Permian mass extinction: Evidence from the Late Permian–Early Triassic terrestrial sedimentary record of the Ordos Basin, North China
Authors: Zhu Zhicai , Kuang Hongwei , Liu Yongqing , Benton Michael J. , Newell Andrew J. , Xu Huan , An Wei , Ji Shu'an , Xu Shichao , Peng Nan , Zhai Qingguo
Published: February 2020

Sedimentary successions provide direct evidence of climate and tectonics, and these give clues about the causes of the mass extinction around the Permian–Triassic boundary. Terrestrial Permian–Triassic boundary strata in the eastern Ordos Basin, North China, include the Late Permian Sunjiagou, Early Triassic Liujiagou and late Early Triassic Heshanggou formations in ascending order. The Sunjiagou Formation comprises cross‐bedded sandstones overlaid by mudstones, indicating meandering rivers with channel, point bar and floodplain deposits. The Liujiagou Formation was formed in braided rivers of arid sand bars interacting with some aeolian dune deposits, distinguished by abundant sandstones where diverse trough and planar cross‐bedding and aeolian structures (for example, inverse climbing‐ripple, translatent‐ripple lamination, grainfall and grainflow laminations) interchange vertically and laterally. The Heshanggou Formation is a rhythmic succession of mudstones interbedded with thin medium‐grained sandstones mainly deposited in a shallow lacustrine environment. Overall, the sharp meandering to braided to shallow lake sedimentary transition documents palaeoenvironmental changes from semi‐arid to arid and then to semi‐humid conditions across the Permian–Triassic boundary. The die‐off of tetrapods and plants, decreased bioturbation levels in the uppermost Sunjiagou Formation, and the bloom of microbially‐induced sedimentary structures in the Liujiagou Formation marks the mass extinction around the Permian–Triassic boundary. The disappearance of microbially‐induced sedimentary structures, increasingly intense bioturbation from bottom to top and the reoccurrence of reptile footprints in the Heshanggou Formation reveal gradual recovery of the ecosystem after the Permian–Triassic boundary extinction. This study is the first to identify the intensification of aeolian activity following the end‐Permian mass extinction in North China. Moreover, while northern North China continued to be uplifted tectonically from the Late Palaeozoic to Late Mesozoic, the switch of sedimentary patterns across the Permian–Triassic boundary in Shanxi is largely linked to the development of an arid and subsequently semi‐humid climate condition, which probably directly affected the collapse and delayed recovery in palaeoecosystems.
The greater the economic inequality, the later people have children: The association between economic inequality and reproductive timing
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhou Xuan , Wang Fang , Hao Mingyang
Published: February 2020

Economic inequality is associated with a series of social outcomes, including health, social trust, and crime rates. However, little is known about the role of economic inequality as a characteristic of the socioecological environment in individuals’ reproductive behavior. According to embodied capital theory, this research explored how individuals calibrate their reproductive timing to maximize payoffs to investment in embodied capital in an environment of high economic inequality. Five studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that higher economic inequality leads people to delay reproduction. Across nations (Study 1), we found that the average reproductive age is higher in nations with greater economic inequality. Study 2 found that people living in more economically unequal U.S. states tend to marry later. In Study 3, individuals who perceived higher levels of inequality in a given society planned to have their children later. Finally, in Study 4, the priming of high inequality led to a greater preference for delaying reproduction, which represented a desire to pursue one’s development rather than to build a family (Study 4a and 4b). These results expand the literature regarding the effect of economic inequality on human behavior.
Anticipated Suicide Stigma, Secrecy, and Suicidality among Suicide Attempt Survivors
Authors: Mayer Lea , Rüsch Nicolas , Frey Laura M. , Nadorff Michael R. , Drapeau Chris W. , Sheehan Lindsay , Oexle Nathalie
Published: February 2020

Objective

Suicidal behavior is stigmatized, and suicide attempt survivors often keep their experiences secret. Although secrecy can protect from discrimination, research from related fields suggests that both the experience of stigma and secrecy can contribute to suicidality. Although suicide attempt survivors are at high risk for reattempt, research investigating the link between suicide stigma and suicidality among this group is rare.

Method

A community sample of 159 suicide attempt survivors participated in an online survey in the US. We used multiple linear regression models to test the association between anticipated suicide stigma and current suicidality, as well as a path model to test the mediating effect of secrecy.

Results

After controlling for age, sex, number of lifetime suicide attempts, and time since the most recent suicide attempt, anticipated suicide stigma was significantly associated with increased suicidality. In a controlled path model, this link was partially mediated by increased secrecy.

Conclusion

These results provide initial support that anticipated suicide stigma, and secrecy can contribute to suicidality among suicide attempt survivors. Therefore, programs to support suicide attempt survivors in coping with suicide stigma and secrecy, as well as interventions to reduce harmful aspects of public suicide stigma, could contribute to suicide prevention.
High‐Stakes Accountability in Social and Political Context: Skill Gains and Losses in the No Child Left Behind Era
Authors: Saatcioglu Argun , Skrtic Thomas M. , Kingston Neal M.
Published: February 2020

Under the high‐stakes accountability regime, narrower curricula and/or teaching to narrower tests can restrict the range of skills students acquire. We develop a theory of skill range restriction at the state level. The analysis focuses on math and reading skills in fourth and eighth grade between 2003 and 2009. At both grade levels, the average student’s range of math and reading skills expanded, but there was considerable between‐state variation. In fourth grade, math and reading skills were affected in different ways by percentages of African American and Hispanic students in the state, average class size, and political conservatism. In eighth grade, math and reading skills were restricted, respectively, by lower per‐pupil revenue and lower average adult income. Skill range restriction was associated with greater proficiency gains, since students needed to demonstrate proficiency in fewer skills. An exception was in fourth‐grade reading, for which we observed the opposite pattern.
Dating late Quaternary events by the combined U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS and (U‐Th)/He dating of zircon: A case study on Omachi Tephra suite (central Japan)
Authors: Ito Hisatoshi , Danišík Martin
Published: February 2020

Dating of young (<1 Ma) geological events has long been a challenge for geochronologists. Combining (U‐Th)/He with U‐Pb or U‐Th‐disequilibrium dating methods offers a unique dating tool that can address this important period. We present a new methodology that combines U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS and (U‐Th)/He dating of zircon and use it to date two Pleistocene marker tephras (A1Pm and DPm) from the Omachi Tephra suite (Japan). A1Pm and DPm yield U‐Pb ages in the range of 350–850 and ~140–630 ka, respectively, documenting protracted periods of zircon crystallisation (100's of k.y.) prior to eruption. (U‐Th)/He ages constrain the eruption ages of the A1Pm and DPm tephras to 375 ± 13 and 97.1 ± 7.3 ka, respectively, and are in agreement with published estimates. This study demonstrates the potential of combined zircon U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS and (U‐Th)/He dating to constrain magmatic and eruption events in the critical ~100 ka–1 Ma interval.
The benefits of physical exercise for the health of the pancreatic β‐cell: a review of the evidence
Authors: Curran Michelle , Drayson Mark T. , Andrews Robert C. , Zoppi Claudio , Barlow Jonathan P. , Solomon Thomas P.J. , Narendran Parth
Published: February 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review discusses the evidence of the benefits of exercise training for β‐cell health through improvements in function, proliferation and survival which may have implications in the treatment of diabetes.

What advances does it highlight?

This review highlights how exercise may modulate β‐cell health in the context of diabetes and highlights the need for further exploration of whether β‐cell preserving effects of exercise translates to T1D.

Physical exercise is a core therapy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Whilst the benefits of exercise for different physiological systems are recognised, the effect of exercise specifically on the pancreatic β‐cell is not well described. Here we review the effects of physical exercise on β‐cell health. We show that exercise improves β‐cell mass and function. The improved function manifests primarily through the increased insulin content of the β‐cell and its increased ability to secrete insulin in response to a glucose stimulus. We review the evidence relating to glucose sensing, insulin signalling, β‐cell proliferation and β‐cell apoptosis in humans and animal models with acute exercise and following exercise training programmes. Some of the mechanisms through which these benefits manifest are discussed.
Cation–chloride cotransporters and the polarity of GABA signalling in mouse hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons
Authors: Otsu Yo , Donneger Florian , Schwartz Eric J , Poncer Jean Christophe
Published: February 2020

Key points

Cation–chloride cotransporters (CCCs) play a critical role in controlling the efficacy and polarity of GABAA receptor (GABAAR)‐mediated transmission in the brain, yet their expression and function in GABAergic interneurons has been overlooked.

We compared the polarity of GABA signalling and the function of CCCs in mouse hippocampal pyramidal neurons and parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons.

Under resting conditions, GABAAR activation was mostly depolarizing and yet inhibitory in both cell types. KCC2 blockade further depolarized the reversal potential of GABAAR‐mediated currents often above action potential threshold.

However, during repetitive GABAAR activation, the postsynaptic response declined independently of the ion flux direction or KCC2 function, suggesting intracellular chloride build‐up is not responsible for this form of plasticity.

Our data demonstrate similar mechanisms of chloride regulation in mouse hippocampal pyramidal neurons and parvalbumin interneurons.

Transmembrane chloride gradients govern the efficacy and polarity of GABA signalling in neurons and are usually maintained by the activity of cation–chloride cotransporters, such as KCC2 and NKCC1. Whereas their role is well established in cortical principal neurons, it remains poorly documented in GABAergic interneurons. We used complementary electrophysiological approaches to compare the effects of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) activation in adult mouse hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons (PV‐INs) and pyramidal cells (PCs). Loose cell‐attached, tight‐seal and gramicidin‐perforated patch recordings all show GABAAR‐mediated transmission is slightly depolarizing and yet inhibitory in both PV‐INs and PCs. Focal GABA uncaging in whole‐cell recordings reveal that KCC2 and NKCC1 are functional in both PV‐INs and PCs but differentially contribute to transmembrane chloride gradients in their soma and dendrites. Blocking KCC2 function depolarizes the reversal potential of GABAAR‐mediated currents in PV‐INs and PCs, often beyond firing threshold, showing KCC2 is essential to maintain the inhibitory effect of GABAARs. Finally, we show that repetitive 10 Hz activation of GABAARs in both PV‐INs and PCs leads to a progressive decline of the postsynaptic response independently of the ion flux direction or KCC2 function. This suggests intraneuronal chloride build‐up may not predominantly contribute to activity‐dependent plasticity of GABAergic synapses in this frequency range. Altogether our data demonstrate similar mechanisms of chloride regulation in mouse hippocampal PV‐INs and PCs and suggest KCC2 downregulation in the pathology may affect the valence of GABA signalling in both cell types.
Intoxicación por acetaminofén en pediatría: aproximación y manejo
Authors: Roldán Tatiana , López Ángelo
Published: February 2020

El paracetamol (acetaminofén) es uno de los medicamentos más usados en niños gracias a su eficaz efecto analgésico y antipirético. Tiene un buen perfil de seguridad, pero la administración a dosis elevadas puede producir importante toxicidad con riesgo de desarrollar falla hepática aguda, cuyo pronóstico depende de forma importante del reconocimiento oportuno y del inicio temprano de medidas terapéuticas específicas.El paracetamol (acetaminofén), es uno de los medicamentos más usados en niños, gracias a su eficaz efecto analgésico y antipirético. Tiene buen perfil de seguridad aunque en administración de altas dosis puede producir toxicidad con riesgo de desarrollar una falla hepática aguda. El pronóstico depende en gran manera del reconocimiento oportuno y pronta puesta en marcha de medidas terapéuticas específicas.
Procesamiento de las biopsias en cono de cuello uterino en Colombia
Authors: Olaya Mercedes , Uribe Ana María
Published: February 2020

Introducción. En Colombia, el cáncer de cuello uterino sigue siendo preponderante, el éxito en el programa de control del mismo, involucra la técnica de extirpación en cono, como medio diagnóstico y terapéutico.Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo de tipo ensayo de una pruebadiagnóstica, con procesamiento aleatorio de las muestras por dos técnicas diferentes y la lectura histológica ciega por parte de dos patólogos.Se procesaron 20 especímenes de biopsias en cono de cuello uterino con diagnóstico de lesión premaligna o maligna, y se evaluaron las técnicas y la concordancia entre observadores.Resultados. De los 20 especímenes consecutivos, la técnica 1 pudo aplicarse solamente a un caso ya que la mayoría de las muestras estaban fragmentadas o ya fijadas. La concordancia entre observadores fue de 0,7. Conclusiones. La prueba de referencia de la citología está migrando de la biopsia de cuello uterino al cono. El adecuado manejo de estos especímenes en los servicios de patología es parte esencial en el engranaje del diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer de cuello uterino. Se discuten dos diferentes maneras de procesamiento de estos especímenes.
Carcinoma de células de Merkel: revisión de la literatura y relato de un caso
Authors: Martínez Torrado Carolina , Vega Eljaiek Hernando
Published: February 2020

Historia: El carcinoma de células de Merkel es una neoplasia cutánea primaria rara pero muy agresiva. Se considera el cáncer cutáneo de peor pronóstico. Macroscópicamente puede resultar difícil diferenciarla de otras neoplasias de células pequeñas, por lo cual el pilar de su diagnóstico incluye el uso de la inmunohistoquímica. Caso clínico: Se trata de una mujer de 89 años de edad con un cuadro clínico de seis meses de evolución consistente en tumoración cutánea única, de crecimiento progresivo, nodular y no dolorosa, en el codo izquierdo. Había consultado varias veces a su servicio de salud y recibió tratamiento con antibióticos tópicos, sin obtener mejoría; posteriormente, se le diagnosticó carcinoma de células de Merkel en estadio II.Conclusión: Se muestra cómo, por medio del análisis histopatológico y la ayuda de marcadores inmunohistoquímicos, se logra un diagnóstico más certero de una clínica sugestiva y así se puede llevar a cabo el tratamiento de manera temprana y adecuada.
Familia y práctica médica
Authors: Alba Luz Helena
Published: February 2020

La familia tiene un papel determinante en el proceso salud-enfermedad. No obstante, esta área del conocimiento no se ha estudiado suficientemente y su consideración en la práctica médica es variable. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura con el propósito de analizar la conceptualización del término familia, las interrelaciones entre familia y proceso salud-enfermedad, la clasificación de la tipología familiar y su caracterización en Colombia y el abordaje del contexto familiar en los pacientes que así lo requieran. Diversas circunstancias clínicas ameritan incluir este enfoque, particularmente las enfermedades crónicas que representan una carga creciente en nuestro medio, por lo que se requiere la adquisición de conocimientos y el desarrollo de habilidades para la obtención y uso de información familiar, lo cual puede realizarse con distintos grados de profundidad. Es recomendable fortalecer los currículos de la carrera de medicina, incluyendo la perspectiva familiar.
Intoxicación por plomo: diagnóstico diferencial de dolor abdominal crónico. Reporte de caso y revisión de tema
Authors: Moreno Atilio , Granda Juliana
Published: February 2020

En este artículo se presenta el caso de un paciente con intoxicación crónica por plomo, cuya principal manifestación clínica fue dolor abdominal. Esta es una intoxicación que generalmente se presenta en pacientes que están en contacto laboral con este metal. En este artículo se revisan las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes y el manejo de esta patología, ya que de no identificarse y tratarse de forma oportuna, cursa con una alta morbimortalidad.
Medidas generales en el servicio de urgencias para el paciente pediátrico intoxicado
Authors: Ávila Álvarez Albert Alejandro , Moreno Carrillo Atilio
Published: February 2020

Introducción: La exposición a sustancias tóxicas es frecuente en pediatría. En Colombia, entre 2006 y 2008 se presentaron 40061 casos de intoxicaciones, de las cuales 19 723 correspondieron a menores de 14 años de edad. En 2009 se presentaron 187 muertes, lo que corresponde a una tasa de mortalidad de 0,6 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes y una tasa de letalidad de 9,48 por cada 100 000 casos de pacientes intoxicados.Objetivo: Evaluar en la literatura el papel de las medidas generales como tratamiento en el paciente pediátrico intoxicado y determinar cuáles han demostrado ser seguras y eficaces.Método: Selección de artículos (búsqueda en inglés y español en Medline, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct y SciELO) y extracción de datos, según la aplicación de las medidas generales en el manejo de los pacientes intoxicados en el servicio de urgencias. Conclusiones: Es importante conocer el mecanismo de acción de las técnicas para disminuir la absorción o aumentar la eliminación de sustancias tóxicas y las indicaciones y contraindicaciones para su aplicación, y brindar un adecuado y efectivo tratamiento en los servicios de urgencias.
Neuralgia en el sitio de implantación de un marcapasos tratada con parches de lidocaína: reporte de caso
Authors: Espinosa Jairo , Rueda Juan David , Rosseli Diego
Published: February 2020

La neuralgia luego de la implantación de un marcapasos es una complicación rara que, muchas veces, requiere manejo quirúrgico. La etiología es desconocida; sin embargo, se han postulado diferentes teorías. Este artículo describe un caso exitoso de manejo médico con parche de lidocaína, y se hace una revisión del tema.
Lactante menor con malformación de la vena de Galeno y malformaciones cardiacas asociadas
Authors: Ávlia-Guerra Mauricio , Amaya Paola , Álvarez Guevara Angélica
Published: February 2020

La malformación aneurismática de la vena de Galeno (MAVG) es poco frecuente, pues tiene una prevalencia calculada en menos de uno en 25 000 nacidos vivos. Puede causar una alta morbilidad y mortalidad en neonatos y, con menor frecuencia, en niños mayores. Está ubicada en el plexo coroideo, en el techo del tercer ventrículo, en la región del velum interpositum. Se presentacomo una fístula arteriovenosa, usualmente entre las arterias coroidales y el saco aneurismático, lo que lleva a una dilatación de la vena de Galeno. Cuando los neonatos son sintomáticos, la presentación clínica usual de la MAVG es una falla cardiaca de alto gasto, que se ha reportado hasta en el 94% de los neonatos a quienes se les diagnostica una MAVG. En el pasado, dicha falla progresaba rápidamente a falla multiorgánica y muerte; sin embargo, actualmente las técnicas endovasculares y las unidades de cuidado intensivo han mejorado el mal pronóstico de la MAVG. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido con diagnóstico antenatal de MAVG con malformaciones cardiacas, que en el momento vive, a pesar del pronóstico reportado en la literatura.
Manejo perioperatorio de la anticoagulación en pacientes tratados crónicamente con warfarina (con énfasis en la sustitución ambulatoria con heparinas de bajo peso molecular)
Authors: Alvarado Arteaga Iván Mauricio
Published: February 2020

El manejo de la anticoagulación perioperatoria en pacientes tratados crónicamente con warfarina es un problema clínico frecuente y de difícil manejo. La suspensión de la anticoagulación durante un procedimiento podría poner en riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos y continuarla podría generar sangrado excesivo. La evidencia al respecto es limitada y las guías por consenso de expertos son inconsistentes. La ausencia de esquemas de manejo claros y el uso indiscriminado de reemplazo transitorio con heparina no fraccionada genera demoras, sobrecostos y días de hospitalización innecesarios. En el presente texto se discuten las posibles variables y riesgos a considerar en la toma de decisiones y se revisa la evidencia concerniente al uso de heparinas de bajo peso molecular para la sustitución transitoria y ambulatoria de la anticoagulación en el perioperatorio; además, se proponen una guía de recomendaciones y un algoritmo novedoso y sencillo, que facilite su implementación.
The Effect of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinsing on Multiple Choice Reaction Time During Amateur Boxing
Authors: Peart Daniel J. , Graham Michael , Blades Callum , Walshe Ian H.
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To examine whether the use of a carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) can improve multiple choice reaction time in amateur boxers during sparring. Methods: A total of 8 male amateur boxers (age 22 [3] y, stature 1.78 [0.07] m, mass 73.6 [14.2] kg) with at least 18 months of experience in the sport volunteered to participate in the study. All participants attended a familiarization session, followed by an experimental (CMR; 6% dextrose) and placebo trials in a randomized order. Participants undertook 3 × 2 minutes of sparring against an ability- and size-matched (stature and mass) opponent. Multiple choice reaction time and perceived exertion were measured before round 1 and then after each round. The respective mouth rinse was administered in a 25-mL solution for 10 seconds before each round. Magnitude-based inferences were used to compare the results of each round (mean difference; ±90% confidence limits). Results: The CMR was unlikely to have a beneficial effect on multiple choice reaction time compared with placebo (mean ± 90% confidence limits: 5 ± 9.5, 4 ± 3.4, −1 ± 8.5 lights for rounds 1 to 3, respectively) and had a possibly harmful effect on perceived exertion in round 1 (10 ± 20). There was an unlikely harmful effect on perceived exertion in rounds 2 (1 ± 12) and 3 (9 ± 23). Conclusion: There is no evidence to support the use of CMR during sparring in amateur boxers.
Physical Activity Monitor Accuracy for Overground Walking and Free-Living Conditions Among Pregnant Women
Authors: Connolly Christopher P. , Dahmen Jordana , Catena Robert D. , Campbell Nigel , Montoye Alexander H.K.
Published: February 2020

Purpose: We aimed to determine the step-count validity of commonly used physical activity monitors for pregnancy overground walking and during free-living conditions. Methods: Participants (n = 39, 12–38 weeks gestational age) completed six 100-step overground walking trials (three self-selected “normal pace”, three “brisk pace”) while wearing five physical activity monitors: Omron HJ-720 (OM), New Lifestyles 2000 (NL), Fitbit Flex (FF), ActiGraph Link (AG), and Modus StepWatch (SW). For each walking trial, monitor-recorded steps and criterion-measured steps were assessed. Participants also wore all activity monitors for an extended free-living period (72 hours), with the SW used as the criterion device. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was calculated for overground walking and free-living protocols and compared across monitors. Results: For overground walking, the OM, NL, and SW performed well (<5% MAPE) for normal and brisk pace walking trials, and also when trials were analyzed by actual speeds. The AG and FF had significantly greater MAPE for overground walking trials (11.9–14.7%). Trimester did affect device accuracy to some degree for the AG, FF, and SW, with error being lower in the third trimester compared to the second. For the free-living period, the OM, NL, AG, and FF significantly underestimated (>32% MAPE) actual steps taken per day as measured by the criterion SW (M [SD] = 9,350 [3,910]). MAPE for the OM was particularly high (45.3%). Conclusion: The OM, NL, and SW monitors are valid measures for overground step-counting during pregnancy walking. However, the OM and NL significantly underestimate steps by second and third trimester pregnant women in free-living conditions.
Recent Advances in Prevention of Primary and Secondary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: What Does the Future Hold for Optimizing Knee-Joint Function?
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Schmitz Randy J.
Published: February 2020

Despite considerable advances in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury-risk identification and prevention over the past 20 years, the annual incidence of ACL injury has continued to rise, and females remain at greater risk of both primary and secondary ACL injury. Important questions remain regarding ancillary risk factors we should target, the most effective training and rehabilitation approaches to ensure retention and transfer of learned skills from the rehabilitation setting to real-world sporting environment, and the development of more evidence-based criteria for return to sport that consider the whole athlete. As we look to the future, the optimization of primary and secondary ACL-injury prevention represents a complex, multidisciplinary problem with many unique and exciting opportunities to engage the various subdisciplines of kinesiology to address these emerging questions.
To help the ‘disadvantaged,’ NIH refines its definition
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Agency aims to help economically stressed groups.
Rude reviews are pervasive and sometimes harmful, study finds
Authors: Wilcox Christie
Published: February 2020

Survey finds that "unprofessional" comments abound.
Biotechnologies nibbling at the legal “human”
Authors: Knoppers Bartha Maria , Greely Henry T.
Published: February 2020

Recent advances in the biosciences invite reconsideration of fundamental legal concepts such as the definition of “human”
Analogous and Diverse Functions of APSES-Type Transcription Factors in the Morphogenesis of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium rileyi
Authors: Xin Caiyan , Zhang Jinping , Nian Siji , Wang Guangxi , Wang Zhongkang , Song Zhangyong , Ren Guangwei
Published: February 2020

Transcription factors (TFs) are core components of the signaling pathway and play an important role in transcriptional regulation of gene expression during fungal morphogenesis processes. A prevailing theory suggests an interplay between different TFs regulating microsclerotial differentiation; however, the persisting issue remains that these interplay mechanisms are not clear. Here, we analyzed two members of the APSES-type TFs in
Metarhizium rileyi
using a gene deletion strategy and transcriptome analysis. Mutants were significantly impaired in microsclerotium formation and dimorphic transition. Transcriptome analysis provided evidence for interacting regulatory mechanisms by the two TFs in microsclerotium formation and dimorphic transition. Furthermore, we investigated their overlapping roles in mediating the expression of genes required for different fungal morphogenesis processes. Characterization of TFs in this study will aid in dissecting the interplay between regulatory mechanisms in fungal morphogenesis processes.
Influence of Plant Fraction, Soil, and Plant Species on Microbiota: a Multikingdom Comparison
Authors: Tkacz Andrzej , Bestion Eloïne , Bo Zhiyan , Hortala Marion , Poole Philip S.
Published: February 2020

Global microbial kingdom analysis conducted simultaneously on multiple plants shows that cereals, legumes, and Brassicaceae establish similar prokaryotic and similar eukaryotic communities inside and on the root surface. While the bacterial microbiota is recruited from the surrounding soil, its profile is influenced by the root fraction more so than by soil or plant species. However, in contrast, the fungal microbiota is most strongly influenced by soil. This was observed in two different soils and for all plant species examined, indicating conserved adaptation of microbial communities to plants. Microbiota structure is established within 2 weeks of plant growth in soil and remains stable thereafter. We observed a remarkable similarity in the structure of a plant’s phyllosphere and root microbiotas and show by reciprocal soil swap experiments that both fractions are colonized from the soil in which the plant is grown. Thus, the phyllosphere is continuously colonized by the soil microbiota.
Environmental Viscosity Modulates Interbacterial Killing during Habitat Transition
Authors: Speare Lauren , Smith Stephanie , Salvato Fernanda , Kleiner Manuel , Septer Alecia N.
Published: February 2020

Bacteria often engage in interference competition to gain access to an ecological niche, such as a host. However, little is known about how the physical environment experienced by free-living or host-associated bacteria influences such competition. We used the bioluminescent squid symbiont
Vibrio fischeri
to study how environmental viscosity impacts bacterial competition. Our results suggest that upon transition from a planktonic environment to a host-like environment,
V. fischeri
cells activate their type VI secretion system, a contact-dependent interbacterial nanoweapon, to eliminate natural competitors. This work shows that competitor cells form aggregates under host-like conditions, thereby facilitating the contact required for killing, and reveals how
V. fischeri
regulates a key competitive mechanism in response to the physical environment.
The HopQ-CEACAM Interaction Controls CagA Translocation, Phosphorylation, and Phagocytosis of
Helicobacter pylori
in Neutrophils
Authors: Behrens Ina-Kristin , Busch Benjamin , Ishikawa-Ankerhold Hellen , Palamides Pia , Shively John E. , Stanners Cliff , Chan Carlos , Leung Nelly , Gray-Owen Scott , Haas Rainer
Published: February 2020

Helicobacter pylori
is highly adapted to humans and evades host immunity to allow its lifelong colonization. However, the
H. pylori
mouse model is artificial for
H. pylori
, and few adapted strains allow gastric colonization. Here, we show that human or CEACAM-humanized, but not mouse neutrophils are manipulated by the
H. pylori
HopQ-CEACAM interaction. Human CEACAMs are responsible for CagA phosphorylation, activation, and processing in neutrophils, whereas CagA translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation in DCs and macrophages is independent of the HopQ-CEACAM interaction.
H. pylori
affects the secretion of distinct chemokines in CEACAM-humanized neutrophils and macrophages. Most importantly, human CEACAMs on neutrophils enhance binding, oxidative burst, and phagocytosis of
H. pylori
and enhance bacterial survival in the phagosome. The
H. pylori
-CEACAM interaction modulates PMNs to reduce the
H. pylori
CagA translocation efficiency
in vivo
and to fine-tune the expression of CEACAM receptors on neutrophils to limit translocation of CagA and gastric pathology.
Melanization in Cryptococcus neoformans Requires Complex Regulation
Authors: Cordero Radames J. B. , Camacho Emma , Casadevall Arturo
Published: February 2020

The fungal human pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
undergoes melanization in response to nutrient starvation and exposure to exogenous melanin precursors. Melanization protects the fungus against host defense mechanisms such as oxidative damage and other environmental stressors (e.g., heat/cold stress, antimicrobial compounds, ionizing radiation).
From Modules to Networks: a Systems-Level Analysis of the Bacitracin Stress Response in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Piepenbreier Hannah , Sim Andre , Kobras Carolin M. , Radeck Jara , Mascher Thorsten , Gebhard Susanne , Fritz Georg
Published: February 2020

Antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to global health, and systematic studies to understand the underlying resistance mechanisms are urgently needed. Although significant progress has been made in deciphering the mechanistic basis of individual resistance determinants, many bacterial species rely on the induction of a whole battery of resistance modules, and the complex regulatory networks controlling these modules in response to antibiotic stress are often poorly understood. In this work we combined experiments and theoretical modeling to decipher the resistance network of
Bacillus subtilis
against bacitracin, which inhibits cell wall biosynthesis in Gram-positive bacteria. We found a high level of cross-regulation between the two major resistance modules in response to bacitracin stress and quantified their effects on bacterial resistance. To rationalize our experimental data, we expanded a previously established computational model for the lipid II cycle through incorporating the quantitative action of the resistance modules. This led us to a systems-level description of the bacitracin stress response network that captures the complex interplay between resistance modules and the essential lipid II cycle of cell wall biosynthesis and accurately predicts the minimal inhibitory bacitracin concentration in all the studied mutants. With this, our study highlights how bacterial resistance emerges from an interlaced network of redundant homeostasis and stress response modules.
Geochemical, biostratigraphic, and high-resolution geochronological constraints on the waning stage of Emeishan Large Igneous Province
Authors: Zhong Yuting , Mundil Roland , Chen Jun , Yuan Dongxun , Denyszyn Steven W. , Jost Adam B. , Payne Jonathan L. , He Bin , Shen Shuzhong , Xu Yigang
Published: February 2020

The initiation and peak magmatic periods of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (LIP) are well constrained by both biostratigraphic and radioisotopic dating methods; however, the age of cessation of volcanism is poorly constrained and continues to be debated. Marine carbonates interbedded with volcanic ashes across the Guadalupian–Lopingian boundary (GLB) are widespread in south China, and these ashes provide an opportunity to study its timing, origin, and potential relationship with the Emeishan LIP. Here we present biostratigraphic constraints, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, and high-resolution geochronology of ash layers from the Maoershan and Chaotian sections. Stratigraphic correlation, especially conodont biostratigraphy, confines these ashes to the early Wuchiapingian. Those altered ashes are geochemically akin to alkali tonsteins from the coal seams of the lower Xuanwei/Lungtan Formation in southwest China. The ashes postdating the GLB yield a coherent cluster of zircon U-Pb ages with weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 258.82 ± 0.61 Ma to 257.39 ± 0.68 Ma, in agreement with the ages of intrusive rocks (259.6 ± 0.5 Ma to 257.6 ± 0.5 Ma) in the central Emeishan LIP. Moreover, the ɛHf(t) values of zircons from the ashes vary from +2.5 to +10.6, a range consistent with that of the Emeishan LIP. The results collectively suggest that the early Wuchiapingian volcanic ashes are a product of extrusive alkaline magmatism and most likely mark the waning stage of the Emeishan volcanism, which may have continued until ca. 257.4 Ma in the early Wuchiapingian.
Teaching strategies and outcome assessments targeting critical thinking in bachelor nursing students: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Westerdahl Frida , Carlson Elisabeth , Wennick Anne , Borglin Gunilla
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Applying critical thinking is essential for nursing students both in an academic and clinical context. Particularly, as critical thinking is a vital part of nurses’ everyday problem-solving and decision-making processes. Therefore, regardless of the topic taught or the setting in which it is taught, it requires teaching strategies especially targeting students’ critical thinking skills and abilities. One challenge with the latter is the difficulties to assess and evaluate the impact of such teaching strategies on the students’ critical thinking disposition. Hence, our objective will be to review published literature on; existing teaching strategies and outcomes assessments targeting nursing students’ critical thinking skills and abilities.

Methods and analysis

Our scoping review will be conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping studies. Search strategies will be developed in cooperation with an experienced librarian, and adjusted to each individual database for example, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC and ERC. A preliminary search in CINAHL was conducted on the 17thof July 2019. Peer-reviewed published studies conducted with a qualitative, quantitative or mixed method design and focussing our objectives, will be eligible for inclusion. Included studies will be quality assessed in accordance with their study design. Data will be charted using a standardised extraction form. The qualitative data will be presented through a thematic analyses, and the quantitative data by descriptive numerical analysis. Lastly, nurse educators and nursing students will be consulted for validation of the findings from the scoping review.

Ethics and dissemination

Under the Swedish Ethical Review Act (2003:460) this study does not need ethical clearance by a Regional Ethical Review Authority as it not includes any primary empirical data on biological material or sensitive information. The findings will be used to inform the design of a future study aiming to develop an, and subsequently evaluate it, educational intervention targeting teaching strategies focussing on nursing students’ critical thinking skills and abilities.
Balloon anchoring technique forthrombectomyin hostile craniocervical arterial anatomy
Authors: Sharashidze Vera , Nogueira Raul G , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Grossberg Jonathan A , Haussen Diogo C
Published: February 2020

Background

Craniocervical catheter access in large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes can be challenging in cases of unfavorable aortic arch/cervical vascular anatomy, leading to lower recanalization rates, increased procedural time and worse clinical outcomes. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of the balloon-anchoring technique (BAT) that can be attempted before switching to alternative access sites.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected information on 11 patients in which two variants of the BAT (proximal anchoring: balloon guide catheter (BGC) is inflated to provide support for distal access; distal anchoring: compliant balloon is inflated in an intracranial artery to allow advancement of the support system) were utilized to facilitate craniocervical access due to failure of conventional maneuvers.

Results

Ten patients had anterior and one patient had posterior circulation large vessel occlusions. Mean age was 81 years and 81% were females. Type 3 arches were found in 82% and a 9 French balloon guide catheter was used in 82%. Proximal anchoring with BGC was used in four cases while distal anchoring was used in seven patients to allow access to the target vessel, avoiding the need to puncture alternative access sites. Successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral ischemia 2b-3) was achieved in all cases and no complications were observed.

Conclusion

BAT is safe and feasible. It can be considered as a rescue maneuver in order to avoid switching to a different access during thrombectomy in individuals with unfavorable aortic arch/craniocervical anatomy.
Discriminating transudates and exudates in dogs with pleural effusion: diagnostic utility of simplified Light's criteria compared with traditional veterinary classification
Authors: Zoia Andrea , Petini Matteo , Righetti Danila , Caldin Marco , Drigo Michele
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To determine whether the simplified Light's criteria (ie, pleural effusion lactate dehydrogenase concentration and serum total protein) can identify the pathophysiology of pleural effusion formation in dogs, and to assess whether these criteria were more accurate than the traditional veterinary classification based on pleural effusion total protein (TPp) and nucleated cell count (TNCCp).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study including 100 dogs with pleural effusion. The aetiology of effusion was used to classify the pathophysiology of its formation. Parameters measured included the simplified Light's criteria, TPp and TNCCp. The diagnostic utility of the two methods in classifying pleural effusion formation was evaluated.

Results

Seven transudates due to decreased colloid osmotic pressure, 18 transudates due to increased hydrostatic pressure gradient and 75 exudates were included in the study. The simplified Light's criteria misclassified 2 of 75 exudates (98 per cent overall accuracy). The traditional veterinary classification scheme misclassified 31 of 75 exudates and 12 of 18 increased hydrostatic pressure gradient transudates (57 per cent overall accuracy). The frequency of agreement between the simplified Light's criteria and the traditional veterinary classification with the true nature of the pleural effusion was significantly different (P<0.001).

Clinical significance

The simplified Light's criteria were highly accurate in discriminating exudates from transudates, while TPp and TNCCp had no diagnostic value in doing so.
Incorporating harvest–population diversity trade-offs into harvest policy analyses of salmon management in large river basins
Authors: Connors Brendan M. , Staton Benjamin , Coggins Lewis , Walters Carl , Jones Mike , Gwinn Daniel , Catalano Matt , Fleischman Steve
Published: February 2020

Accounting for population diversity can be critical to the sustainable management of mixed-stock fisheries because harvest rates that can be sustained by productive populations may come at the cost of overfishing less productive ones. While these harvest–diversity trade-offs are well-recognized, their consequences for harvest policy performance are not often explicitly evaluated in contemporary fisheries management. We use closed-loop simulations to evaluate the ability of alternative harvest policies to meet population diversity and fishery objectives for one of the largest subsistence Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fisheries in the world (Kuskokwim River Basin in western Alaska). We found clear evidence of population diversity that resulted in asymmetric trade-offs among fishery and conservation objectives whereby policies that forgo relatively small amounts of harvest result in relatively large increases in equitable access to Chinook and elimination of risk of weak stock extirpation. The performance of alternative harvest policies, and the magnitude of trade-offs, were sensitive to regime shifts and uncertainty in the drivers of recruitment variation. However, we found that harvest policies that prioritized meeting minimum subsistence needs were unlikely to jeopardize long-term sustainability.
An analysis of threats and factors that predict trends in Canadian vertebrates designated as at-risk
Authors: Currie Jessica , Marconi Valentina
Published: February 2020

The identification of factors that predict trends in population abundance is critical to formulate successful conservation strategies. Here, we explore population trends of Canadian vertebrates assessed as “at-risk” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and the threats affecting these trends using data from the Canadian Living Planet Index. We investigate how threat profiles—the combination of threats for a given species—vary among species and taxonomic groups. We then investigate threat profile as a predictor of temporal trends—both exclusively and in combination with additional biotic and abiotic factors. Species had 5.06 (±2.77) threats listed on average, and biological resource use (BRU) was the most frequently cited. Our analysis also revealed an association between taxonomic group and population trends, as measured by the proportion of annual increases (years with a positive interannual change). By contrast, the predictive power of threat profile was poor. This analysis yielded some useful insight for conservation action, particularly the prioritization of abating BRU. However, the predictive models were not as meaningful as originally anticipated. We provide recommendations on methodological improvements to advance the understanding of factors that predict trends in population abundance for prioritizing conservation action.
Supergravity as the Dark Side of the Universe
Authors: Ketov Sergei V.
Published: February 2020

The Dark Side of the Universe, which includes the cosmological inflation in the early Universe, the current dark energy and dark matter, can be theoretically described by supergravity, though it is non-trivial. We recall the arguments pro and contra supersymmetry and supergravity, and define the viable supergravity models describing the Dark Side of the Universe in agreement with all current observations. Our approach to inflation is based on the Starobinsky model, the dark energy is identified with the positive cosmological constant (de Sitter vacuum), and the dark matter particle is given by the lightest superparticle identified with the supermassive gravitino. The key role is played by spontaneous supersymmetry breaking.