bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First record of the mating behaviour of the spotted surubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans in the Uruguay River
Authors: Pachla Lucas A. , Hartmann Paula B. , Massaro Marthoni V. , Bastian Rodrigo , Pelicice Fernando M. , Reynalte‐Tataje David A.
Published: July 2020

The spotted surubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans is a large migratory catfish native to the La Plata and San Francisco basins. Nonetheless, its reproductive dynamics and behaviour remain poorly understood. This brief note provides the first record of the mating behaviour of P. corruscans in natural conditions. This behaviour was observed in the main channel of the Middle Uruguay River (Brazil). A school of approximately 25 fish, 5 females (with protruding abdomen and larger body size) and 20 males, were followed and videotaped. The largest female led the school, followed by other fish. Some males disputed repeatedly the posterior region of the females, whereas other males continuously repelled them. Eventually, some males, apparently exhausted, floated belly up. During this event, males were in a state of pronounced agitation, and some had abrasions in the head. Polygamy characterized the mating behaviour of P. corruscans.
Variation of Japanese eel eDNA in sequentially changing conditions and in different sample volumes
Authors: Ahn Hyojin
Published: July 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys have been conducted to evaluate the distribution and abundance of Japanese eels. However, various environmental and biological factors may influence eDNA concentrations. An experiment was conducted using three water sample replicates (50, 100 and 200 ml) of the same group of eels in a tank that were exposed to sequential nonfeeding/feeding and low/high temperature conditions. Slightly higher concentrations occurred at higher temperature (22–23°C) with nonfeeding, and the highest concentrations occurred when feeding started even though it was in the lower temperature (16–17°C) condition, but sample volume had no effect.
Evaluation of anaesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects after intramuscular administration of alfaxalone alone, alfaxalone‐ketamine and alfaxalone‐butorphanol‐medetomidine in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Miyabe‐Nishiwaki Takako , Miwa Miki , Konoike Naho , Kaneko Akihisa , Ishigami Akiyo , Natsume Takayoshi , MacIntosh Andrew J. J. , Nakamura Katsuki
Published: July 2020

Background

Anaesthesia is often required in common marmosets undergoing various procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate anaesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of alfaxalone, alfaxalone‐ketamine and alfaxalone‐butorphanol‐medetomidine in common marmosets.

Methods

The following treatments were repeatedly administered to seven female common marmosets: Treatment A, alfaxalone (12 mg kg‐1) alone; treatment AK, alfaxalone (1 mg animal−1) plus ketamine (2.5 mg animal−1); treatment AMB, alfaxalone (4 mg kg−1), medetomidine (50 µg kg−1) plus butorphanol (0.3 mg kg−1); and treatment AMB‐Ati, AMB with atipamezole at 45 minutes.

Results and Conclusions

Marmosets became laterally recumbent and unresponsive for approximately 30 minutes in A and AK and for approximately 60 minutes in AMB. The animals showed rapid recovery following atipamezole injection in AMB‐Ati. The decrease in heart rate and SpO2 was significantly greater in AMB compared to A and AK. Oxygen supplementation, anaesthetic monitors and atipamezole should be available especially when AMB is administered.
Pathogenic or protective? Neuropeptide Y in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Clark Courtney M. , Clark Rosemary M. , Hoyle Joshua A. , Dickson Tracey C.
Published: July 2020

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an endogenous peptide of the central and enteric nervous systems which has gained significant interest as a potential neuroprotective agent for treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an aggressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor deficits and motor neuron loss. In ALS, recent evidence from ALS patients and animal models has indicated that NPY may have a role in the disease pathogenesis. Increased NPY levels were found to correlate with disease progression in ALS patients. Similarly, NPY expression is increased in the motor cortex of ALS mice by end stages of the disease. Although the functional consequence of increased NPY levels in ALS is currently unknown, NPY has been shown to exert a diverse range of neuroprotective roles in other neurodegenerative diseases; through modulation of potassium channel activity, increased production of neurotrophins, inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy, reduction of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability. Several of these mechanisms and signalling pathways are heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS. Therefore, in this review, we discuss possible effects of NPY and NPY‐receptor signalling in the ALS disease context, as determining NPY’s contribution to, or impact on, ALS disease mechanisms will be essential for future studies investigating the NPY system as a therapeutic strategy in this devastating disease.

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Role of the locus coeruleus arousal system in cognitive control
Authors: Grueschow Marcus , Kleim Birgit , Ruff Christian C.
Published: July 2020

Cognitive control lies at the core of human adaptive behaviour. Humans vary substantially in their ability to execute cognitive control with respect to optimally facing environmental challenges, although the neural origins of this heterogeneity are currently not well understood. Recent theoretical frameworks implicate the locus coeruleus noradrenergic arousal system (LC‐NE) in that process. Invasive neurophysiological work in rodents has shown that the LC‐NE is an important homeostatic control centre of the body. LC‐NE innervates the entire neocortex and has particularly strong connections with the cingulate gyrus. In the present study, using a response conflict task, functional magnetic resonance imaging and concurrent pupil dilation measures (a proxy for LC‐NE firing), we provide empirical evidence for a decisive role of the LC‐NE in cognitive control in humans. We show that the level of individual behavioural adjustment in cognitive control relates to the level of functional coupling between LC‐NE and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, as well as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we show that the pupil is substantially more dilated during conflict trials requiring behavioural adjustment than during no conflict trials. In addition, we explore a potential relationship between pupil dilation and neural activity during choice conflict adjustments. Our data provide novel insight into arousal‐related influences on cognitive control and suggest pupil dilation as a potential external marker for endogenous neural processes involved in optimising behavioural control. Our results may also be clinically relevant for a variety of pathologies where cognitive control is compromised, such as anxiety, depression, addiction and post‐traumatic stress disorder.
Earlier onset of menstruation is related to increased body mass index in adulthood and altered functional correlations between visual, task control and somatosensory brain networks
Authors: Shearrer Grace E. , Sadler Jennifer R. , Papantoni Afroditi , Burger Kyle S.
Published: July 2020

Later onset of puberty has been associated with lower body mass index (BMI) in adulthood independent of childhood BMI. However, how the relationship between time of onset of puberty and BMI in adulthood is associated with neurocognitive outcomes is largely unstudied. In the present study, women were sampled from the Human Connectome Project 1200 parcellation, timeseries and netmats1 release (PTN) release. Inclusion criteria were: four (15 minutes) resting state fMRI scans, current measured BMI, self‐reported age at onset of menstruation (a proxy of age at onset of puberty) and no endocrine complications (eg, polycystic ovarian syndrome). The effect of age at onset of menstruation, measured BMI at scan date and the interaction of age at onset of menstruation by BMI on brain functional correlation was modelled using fslnets (https://fsl.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl/fslwiki/FSLNets) controlling for race and age at scan. Corrected significance was set at a family‐wise error probability (pFWE) < 0.05. A final sample of n = 510 (age 29.5 years ± 3.6, BMI at scan 25.9 ± 5.6 and age at onset of menstruation 12.7 ± 1.6 were included. Age at onset of menstruation was negatively associated with BMI at scan (r = − 0.19, P < 0.001). The interaction between age at onset of menstruation and BMI at scan was associated with stronger correlation between a somatosensory and visual network (t = 3.45, pFWE = 0.026) and a visual network and cingulo‐opercular task control network (t = 4.74, pFWE = 0.0002). Post‐hoc analyses of behavioural/cognitive measures showed no effect of the interaction between BMI and age at onset of menstruation on behavioural/cognitive measures. However, post‐hoc analyses of heritability showed adult BMI and the correlation between the visual and somatosensory networks have high heritability. In sum, we report increased correlation between visual, taste‐associated and self‐control brain regions in women at high BMI with later age at onset of menstruation.
Integrating the Social Determinants of Health into Nursing Practice: Nurses' Perspectives
Authors: Phillips Janice , Richard Angelique , Mayer Karen M. , Shilkaitis Mary , Fogg Louis F. , Vondracek Hugh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess nurses’ knowledge, perceived self‐efficacy, and intended behaviors relative to integrating the social determinants of health (SDoH) into clinical practice.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was completed with 768 nurses working in three hospitals within a large regional healthcare system located in the Midwest. Data were collected using an adapted 71‐item SDoH Survey, which measured nurses’ confidence in and frequency of discussing the SDoH with patients, general knowledge of the SDoH, familiarity with patients’ social and economic conditions, and awareness of their institution’s health equity strategic plan to achieve health equity. The institution’s health equity strategic plan reflects the organization’s commitment to improving the health of individuals and neighborhoods by addressing the SDoH known to influence health status and life expectancy. Finally, participants were asked to describe barriers to incorporating the SDoH into practice along with completing five demographic items. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings.

Findings

Of the 768 respondents, 63% had a baccalaureate degree in nursing and 33.1% reported more than 20 years in nursing. Fifty percent of respondents reported feeling more knowledgeable or confident in their ability to discuss access to care issues with patients compared to the other SDoH. Identified barriers to discussing the SDoH included insufficient time to address identified needs and unfamiliarity with internal and external resources. Respondents stressed the need for interdisciplinary education and collaboration along with more information on the role of social workers.

Conclusions

Nurses are more confident in discussing certain determinants of health and could benefit from more skill development in discussing SDoH issues and stronger collaborative partnerships to address identified needs.

Clinical Relevance

Findings from the study have implications for supporting the educational and resource needs of front‐line nurses employed in hospitals and health systems seeking to address broader societal issues influencing the health status and outcomes of patients and communities.
Morphological evolution of the carnivoran sacrum
Authors: Esteban Juan Miguel , Martín‐Serra Alberto , Varón‐González Ceferino , Pérez‐Ramos Alejandro , Velasco David , Pastor Francisco J. , Figueirido Borja
Published: July 2020

The sacrum is a key piece of the vertebrate skeleton, since it connects the caudal region with the presacral region of the vertebral column and the hind limbs through the pelvis. Therefore, understanding its form and function is of great relevance in vertebrate ecomorphology. However, it is striking that morphometric studies that quantify its morphological evolution in relation to function are scarce. The main goal of this study is to investigate the morphological evolution of the sacrum in relation to its function in the mammalian order Carnivora, using three‐dimensional (3D) geometric morphometrics. Principal component analysis under a phylogenetic background indicated that changes in sacrum morphology are mainly focused on the joint areas where it articulates with other parts of the skeleton allowing resistance to stress at these joints caused by increasing muscle loadings. In addition, we demonstrated that sacrum morphology is related to both the length of the tail relativised to the length of the body, and the length of the body relativised to body mass. We conclude that the sacrum in carnivores has evolved in response to the locomotor requirements of the species analysed, but in locomotion, each family has followed alternative morphological solutions to address the same functional demands.
Anatomical relationship between the morphology of the styloid process of the ulna and the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments
Authors: Horiuchi Saya , Nimura Akimoto , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Suzuki Shiro , Fujita Koji , Nozaki Taiki , Akita Keiichi
Published: July 2020

The radioulnar ligaments are the major stabilizers of the distal radioulnar joint under dynamic loading; however, anatomical detail regarding their attachment on the middle and distal thirds of the styloid process of the ulna remains unclear. Because previous anatomical studies included only old cadavers, their anatomical findings might not reflect the morphological features of younger and healthy specimens. This study investigated the anatomical features of the distal ulna, particularly the styloid process, to determine the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments to the styloid process and verified their direction and attachment to the styloid process in younger and healthy donors using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the morphological features of the distal ulna of 12 cadaveric wrists using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). We also visualized and measured the distribution of the cortical bone thickness. We histologically analyzed three specimens in the axial plane and macroscopically analyzed seven specimens to examine the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments to the styloid process. In addition, we evaluated five wrists from living volunteers using 3.0 Tesla MRI. The distal ulna has a ridge on the dorsoradial aspect of the styloid process that corresponds to the attachment of the radioulnar ligaments. Micro‐CT images after data processing revealed that the cortical thickness of the dorsoradial quadrant was thicker than that of the other quadrant at the proximal slice of the styloid process (p < 0.01), and that of the dorsoulnar (p = 0.021) and ulnopalmar (p < 0.01) quadrants at the middle slice. Histological analyses showed that the radioulnar ligaments were attached to the middle and distal thirds of the styloid process via chondral‐apophyseal entheses. The direction of the fiber was dorsal in the middle third of the styloid process and changed to palmar in the distal third of the styloid process. The direction and attachment of the radioulnar ligaments on the styloid process were confirmed using MRI for younger and healthy participants. The radioulnar ligaments were attached to the dorsoradial ridge of the styloid process, which was confirmed by cortical bone thickening, histology at the attachment sites, and in vivo MR imaging. The directions of the radioulnar ligaments sterically intersected, which would satisfy both slipping stability and rotational mobility. These anatomical findings may provide the basis for biomechanical consideration of distal radioulnar joint stabilization.
Long‐term stability of a novel platelet‐rich plasma–based topical serum for cutaneous applications
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Pino Ander , Zalduendo Mar
Published: July 2020

Background

Skin alterations are usually related to chronic diseases that demand sustained and long‐term dosages; hence, it is pivotal that the stability of treatments is preserved. A novel storable and endogenous topical serum (ES) based on the patient's own blood has been recently developed.

Aims

To investigate the long‐term stability of the formulation and to provide preliminary data of its biologic potential.

Methods

Samples from six donors were obtained and either used as fresh samples or cold‐stored for 6 months. Physicochemical, rheological, and biological stability of the formulation was determined.

Results

Endogenous topical serum maintained unaltered its organoleptic properties, viscosity, pH, spreadability index, and sterility. The growth factor content including TGFβ‐I, EGF, PDGF‐AB, HGF, and Ang‐I showed no decrease. In contrast, ES showed lower levels of IGF‐I once stored. Dermal fibroblasts showed no change in their proliferative activity.

Conclusion

Endogenous topical serum showed to maintain its physicochemical and biological properties after six months of storage. ES might reduce the frequency of blood extractions and would enable patients with chronic disorders to maintain a daily use of the product in a minimally invasive way.
Trajectory of extracellular fluid volume over time and subsequent risks of end‐stage kidney disease and mortality in chronic kidney disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Faucon A.‐L. , Leffondré K. , Flamant M. , Metzger M. , Boffa J.‐J. , Haymann J.‐P. , Houillier P. , Thervet E. , Vrtovsnik F. , Proust‐Lima C. , Stengel B. , Vidal‐Petiot E. , Geri G. ,   for the NephroTest study group
Published: July 2020

Background

Extracellular fluid volume (ECF) is independently associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and mortality in patients with CKD, but the prognostic value of the trajectory of ECF over time beyond that of baseline value is unknown.

Objectives

To characterize ECF trajectory and evaluate its association with the risks of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and mortality.

Methods

From the prospective tricentric NephroTest cohort, we included 1588 patients with baseline measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) ≥15 mL min−1/1.73 m2 and ECF measurement. ECF and GFR were measured repeatedly using the distribution volume and clearance of 51Cr‐EDTA, respectively. ESKD and mortality were traced through record linkage with the national registries. Adjusted shared random‐effect joint models were used to analyse the association between the trajectory of ECF over time and the two competing outcomes.

Results

Patients were mean age 58.7 years, 66.7% men, mean mGFR of 43.6 ± 18.6 mL min−1/1.73 m2 and mean ECF of 16.1 ± 3.6 L. Over a median follow‐up of 5.3 [IQR: 3.0;7.4] years, ECF increased by 136 [95%CI 106;167] mL per year on average, whilst diuretic prescription and 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion remained stable. ESKD occurred in 324 (20.4%) patients, and 185 (11.6%) patients died before ESKD. A higher current value of ECF was associated with increased hazards of ESKD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.12 [95%CI 1.06;1.18]; P < 0.001 per 1 L increase in ECF), and death before ESKD (aHR: 1.10 [95%CI 1.04;1.17]; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The current value of ECF was associated with the risks of ESKD and mortality, independent of multiple potential confounders, including kidney function decline. This highlights the need for a close monitoring and adjustment of treatment to avoid fluid overload in CKD patients.
Toward a More Credible Understanding of Post‐Traumatic Growth
Authors: Jayawickreme Eranda , Infurna Frank J.
Published: July 2020

Traditional research on post‐traumatic growth has utilized methodologically flawed cross‐sectional designs that involve retrospective assessments of post‐traumatic growth. This has resulted in a majority of research in this field suffering from a lack of credibility and reliability. In this special issue, we present nine articles that seek to make innovative conceptual and methodological contributions with the goal of promoting better research practices on post‐traumatic growth. In the introduction to this special issue, we provide an overview of these contributions, and discuss the implications of these articles both to improving future scholarship and to encouraging personality scientists to examine this important phenomenon in the years and decades to come.
Big Five facets' associations with pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Soutter Alistair Raymond Bryce , Mõttus René
Published: July 2020

Climate change mandates us to understand why individuals do (not) behave pro‐environmentally and personality traits are well suited for this purpose. Past research has mostly focused on how broad domain‐level personality traits were associated with pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviors. In two datasets (N = 501 and 287), we examined whether personality facets provided a more detailed picture of how personality traits were associated with pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviors. It was found that some facets were the main drivers of domain‐level associations. Furthermore, it was found that facets, collectively, predicted pro‐environmental attitudes (r = .50 to .52) and behaviors (r = .29 to .42) in holdout datasets. This predictive ability was on par with the predictive ability of domains. Therefore, facets provided a greater understanding of how personality traits were associated with pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, facets provided a similar predictive ability of pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviors to that of domains.
The dark core of personality and socially aversive psychopathology
Authors: Hilbig Benjamin E. , Thielmann Isabel , Klein Sina A. , Moshagen Morten , Zettler Ingo
Published: July 2020

Objective

Although dark traits as studied in mainstream personality research and socially aversive psychopathology as studied in abnormal psychology intend to account for the same classes of behavior, their degree of conceptual and, consequently, empirical correspondence has remained limited at best. We aim to overcome this divide by demonstrating clear convergence between the common core of all dark traits (the Dark Factor of Personality, D) and the four prominent instances of socially aversive psychopathology: narcissistic, antisocial, paranoid, and borderline tendencies.

Method

In a large‐scale, eight‐month longitudinal study we assessed D, basic personality (the six HEXACO dimensions), and narcissistic, antisocial, paranoid, and borderline tendencies at time 1 (N = 2,329) and the latter aversive tendencies again at time 2 (N = 668) using different inventories.

Results

D predicted all instances of socially aversive psychopathology cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, with a large effect size on average, beyond the six HEXACO dimensions and even beyond the very same instances (measured through a different inventory).

Conclusions

Bridging mainstream personality and abnormal psychology, the findings reveal strong, theory‐consistent correspondence between dark traits and socially aversive psychopathology once dark traits are viewed through the lens of their common core, D.
Differential ability of network and natural language information on social media to predict interpersonal and mental health traits
Authors: Mori Kazuma , Haruno Masahiko
Published: July 2020

Objective

Previous studies have shown that digital footprints (mainly Social Networking Services, or SNS) can predict personality traits centered on the Big Five. The present study investigates to what extent different types of SNS information predicts wider traits and attributes.

Method

We collected an intensive set of 24 (52 subscales) personality traits and attributes (N = 239) and examined whether machine learning models trained on four different types of SNS (i.e., Twitter) information (network, time, word statistics, and bag of words) predict the traits and attributes.

Results

We found that four types of SNS information can predict 23 subscales collectively. Furthermore, we validated our hypothesis that the network and word statistics information, respectively, exhibit unique strengths for the prediction of inter‐personal traits such as autism and mental health traits such as schizophrenia and anxiety. We also found that intelligence is predicted by all four types of SNS information.

Conclusions

These results reveal that the different types of SNS information can collectivity predict wider human traits and attributes than previously recognized, and also that each information type has unique predictive strengths for specific traits and attributes, suggesting that personality prediction from SNS is a powerful tool for both personality psychology and information technology.
A low protein maternal diet during gestation has negative effects on male fertility markers in rats – A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Ajuogu Peter K. , Al‐Aqbi Mohammed A. K. , Hart Robert A. , McFarlane James R. , Smart Neil A.
Published: July 2020

Research indicates that some adult diseases including reproductive pathologies are programmed in utero during foetal development. In particular, maternal low dietary protein, during the most critical developmental periods of male foetal development, may have a detrimental impact on male fertility through direct and epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a gestational low protein diet on fertility markers in male offspring in rats through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A systematic search using PubMed, and EMBASE databases was performed and two investigators independently screened the 1,703 prospective articles. Eleven articles met the eligibility criteria. Outcome measures were pooled using random‐effects models and expressed as mean differences (MDs) at 95% CIs for each study. The results reveal significant reduction in testis weight (MD (mean difference) −0.08 g; −0.12, −0.42; p = .0001), epididymal sperm count (MD −35.34 × 106 cells; −52.15, −18.53; p = .0001), number of Sertoli cells (MD −7.27 × 106 (−13.92, −0.62; p = .03), testosterone (T) concentration (MD −0.29 ng/ml; −0.48, −0.09; p = .004) and luteinising hormone (LH) concentration (MD of −0.24 ng/ml; −0.45, 0.04; p = .02) in comparison with controls. In contrast, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration (MD of 0.07 ng/ml; −0.16, 0.29; p = .56) was not significantly different from controls. We conclude that low gestational dietary protein maternal intake potentially negatively impacts fertility in male progeny later in life. The mechanisms of action responsible for these phenomena remain unclear.
Expression of selected genes encoding mechanistic pathways, nutrient and amino acid transporters in jejunum and ileum of broiler chickens fed a reduced protein diet supplemented with arginine, glutamine and glycine under stress stimulated by dexamethasone
Authors: Barekatain Reza , Chrystal Peter V. , Gilani Saad , McLaughlan Clive J.
Published: July 2020

Reducing crude protein and supplementation with synthetic amino acids in poultry nutrition is a recent trend to avoid wastage of protein and ammonia in production systems. Stress has been shown to impair intestinal barrier and increase inflammatory response. This study was performed on intestinal tissues of broiler chickens to understand the mechanism of stress induced by a synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX) and the effect of supplementation of arginine, glutamine and glycine in reduced protein diets. Intestinal tissue samples from a previous study were utilized. Male Ross 308 chickens received a basal diet for the first seven days and then fed with crude protein that was reduced to 194 g/kg in grower experimental diets supplemented with glutamine, glycine and additional arginine at 10, 10 and 5 g/kg respectively. Half of the 96 individual birds were injected with DEX (0.5 mg/kg body weight) or saline on days 14, 16, 18 and 20 of age. mRNA expression for jejunum and ileum for amino acid transporters (y+LAT‐1, Bo,+AT, EAAT‐3 and CAT‐1), mechanistic genes (SGLT‐1, mTOR, IAP and FABP‐2) and pro‐inflammatory genes (MUC‐2, NF‐κB, iNOS, IL‐8 and IL‐1β) were analysed using real‐time PCR. The results showed that DEX decreased y+ LAT1 in jejunum, Bo,+AT and EAAT‐3 in ileum. Arginine increased CAT‐1 in the jejunum and ileum under DEX treatment. Through an interaction, DEX reduced IAP in jejunum of glycine and arginine supplemented group and reduced mTOR in jejunum independently. DEX reduced MUC‐2 and iNOS in jejunum and increased iNOS and IL8 in the ileum. Amino acid supplementation did not appear to ameliorate these effects; however, there were some positive effects of glycine on NF‐κB and arginine through increased CAT‐1. Mechanistic understanding of amino acid supplementation in broiler diets warrants further research particularly when dietary protein is reduced below the level tested in the present study.
Inorganic carbon concentrating mechanisms in free‐living and symbiotic dinoflagellates and chromerids
Authors: Raven John A. , Suggett David J. , Giordano Mario
Published: July 2020

Photosynthetic dinoflagellates are ecologically and biogeochemically important in marine and freshwater environments. However, surprisingly little is known of how this group acquires inorganic carbon or how these diverse processes evolved. Consequently, how CO2 availability ultimately influences the success of dinoflagellates over space and time remains poorly resolved compared to other microalgal groups. Here we review the evidence. Photosynthetic core dinoflagellates have a Form II RuBisCO (replaced by Form IB or Form ID in derived dinoflagellates). The in vitro kinetics of the Form II RuBisCO from dinoflagellates are largely unknown, but dinoflagellates with Form II (and other) RuBisCOs have inorganic carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs), as indicated by in vivo internal inorganic C accumulation and affinity for external inorganic C. However, the location of the membrane(s) at which the essential active transport component(s) of the CCM occur(s) is (are) unresolved; isolation and characterization of functionally competent chloroplasts would help in this respect. Endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae (in Foraminifera, Acantharia, Radiolaria, Ciliata, Porifera, Acoela, Cnidaria, and Mollusca) obtain inorganic C by transport from seawater through host tissue. In corals this transport apparently provides an inorganic C concentration around the photobiont that obviates the need for photobiont CCM. This is not the case for tridacnid bivalves, medusae, or, possibly, Foraminifera. Overcoming these long‐standing knowledge gaps relies on technical advances (e.g., the in vitro kinetics of Form II RuBisCO) that can functionally track the fate of inorganic C forms.
Can we understand food oral processing using Kano model? Case study with confectionery products
Authors: Djekic Ilija , Ilic Jovan , Guiné Raquel P. F. , Tomasevic Igor
Published: July 2020

This study had two objectives, to determine oral processing parameters and its correlation with mechanical properties of selected confectionery products and to categorize oral processing and sensory attributes based on a Kano model. Thirteen panelists analyzed five confectionery products in the oral processing part of the study. In parallel, 327 interviews participated in a field survey to enable analyzing responses to food quality and oral processing attributes. It has been confirmed that oral processing parameters are interrelated with most of the mechanical properties of confectionery products. Average number of bites is correlated with consumption time per bite, chewing rate, and bite size. Consumption time and chewing rate were negatively correlated for Brownie cake. Satiation was associated with eating rate and calorie intake rate for Jelly Candy and Waffle. All food quality requirements were categorized as “attractive” and “one‐dimensional.” Oral processing parameters—food breakdown and eating rate are aligned to “attractive” category, bite size was identified as a “must‐be” category, and number of chews is outlined as a “reverse” category. The Kano model results show that oral processing parameters have a strong influence on consumer satisfaction in parallel with well‐known sensorial characteristics associated with food quality.
The association of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiac structure and function—Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Chiu Laura S. , Pedley Alison , Massaro Joseph M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Mitchell Gary F. , McManus David D. , Aragam Jayashri , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Cheng Susan , Long Michelle T.
Published: July 2020

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease confers increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart failure (HF), for reasons that remain unclear. Possible pathways could involve an association of liver fat with cardiac structural or functional abnormalities even after accounting for body size.

Methods

We analysed N = 2356 Framingham Heart Study participants (age 52 ± 12 years, 52% women) who underwent echocardiography and standardized computed tomography measures of liver fat.

Results

In cross‐sectional multivariable regression models adjusted for age, gender, cohort and cardiovascular risk factors, liver fat was positively associated with left ventricular (LV) mass (β = 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 2.88), LV wall thickness (β = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.02), mass volume ratio (β = 0.02; 95% CI 0.01, 0.03), mitral peak velocity (E) (β = 0.83; 95% CI 0.31, 1.36) and LV filling pressure (E/e′ ratio) (β = 0.16; 95% CI 0.09, 0.23); and inversely associated with global systolic longitudinal strain (β = 0.20, 95% CI 0.07, 0.33), diastolic annular velocity (e′) (β = −0.12; 95% CI − 0.22, −0.03), and E/A ratio (β = −0.01; 95% CI − 0.02, −0.00). After additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI), statistical significance was attenuated for all associations except for that of greater liver fat with increased LV filling pressure, a possible precursor to HF (β = 0.11; 95% CI 0.03, 0.18).

Conclusion

Increased liver fat was associated with multiple subclinical cardiac dysfunction measures, with most of associations mediated by obesity. Interestingly, the association of liver fat and LV filling pressure was only partially mediated by BMI, suggesting a possible direct effect of liver fat on LV filling pressure. Further confirmatory studies are needed.
Liver histopathology in severe COVID 19 respiratory failure is suggestive of vascular alterations
Authors: Sonzogni Aurelio , Previtali Giulia , Seghezzi Michela , Grazia Alessio Maria , Gianatti Andrea , Licini Lisa , Morotti Denise , Zerbi Pietro , Carsana Luca , Rossi Roberta , Lauri Eleonora , Pellegrinelli Alessandro , Nebuloni Manuela
Published: July 2020

SARS2‐CoV‐2 breakout in Italy caused a huge number of severely ill patients with a serious increase in mortality. Although lungs seem to be the main target of the infection, very few information are available about liver involvement, possibly evocating a systemic disease. Post‐mortem wedge liver biopsies from 48 patients died from severe pulmonary COVID‐19 disease with respiratory failure were collected from two main hospitals in northern Italy. No patient had clinical symptoms of liver disease or signs of liver failure before and during hospitalization; for each of them liver function tests were available. All liver samples showed minimal inflammation features. Histological pictures compatible with vascular alterations were observed, characterized by increase in number of portal vein branches associated with lumen massive dilatation, partial or complete luminal thrombosis of portal and sinusoidal vessels, fibrosis of portal tract, focally markedly enlarged and fibrotic. SARS‐CoV‐2 was found in 15 of 22 samples tested by in situ hybridization method. Our preliminary results confirm the clinical impression that liver failure is not a main concern and this organ is not the target of significant inflammatory damage. Histopathological findings are highly suggestive for marked derangement of intrahepatic blood vessel network secondary to systemic changes induced by virus that could target not only lung parenchyma but also cardiovascular system, coagulation cascade and endothelial layer of blood vessels. It still remains unclear if the mentioned changes are directly related to virus infection or if SARS‐CoV‐2 triggers a series of reactions leading to striking vascular alterations.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide: Potential roles in the pathophysiology and complications of cirrhosis
Authors: Barloese Mads , Chitgar Mohammadnavid , Hannibal Jens , Møller Søren
Published: July 2020

Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) is a ubiquitous neuropeptide with diverse functions throughout the organism. Most abundantly investigated for its role in several neurological disorders as well as in circadian rhythms, other fields of medicine, including cardiology, have recently shown interest in the role of PACAP and its potential as a biomarker. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cirrhosis and its complications is a considerable challenge for health services world‐wide and development of new areas of research is warranted. Direct and indirect evidence exists of PACAP involvement in the cascade of pathological events and processes ultimately leading to cirrhosis and its complications, but its exact role remains to be determined. Studies have documented PACAP involvement in immune function, metabolism, local vasoconstriction and dilatation and systemic vascular decompensation and there is ongoing research of a possible role in liver reperfusion injury. Considering these reports, PACAP could theoretically exude influence on the disease course of cirrhosis through the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, chronic inflammation, fibrogenesis, vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance. The paucity of literature on the specific topic of PACAP and cirrhosis reflects complex mechanisms and difficulty in accurate measurements and sample taking. This does not detract from the need to further characterize and elucidate the role PACAP plays in the underdiagnosed and undertreated condition of cirrhosis.
Botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain with hypertonic pelvic floor in women: Treatment techniques and results
Authors: Chuang Fei‐Chi , Yang Tsai‐Hwa , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: July 2020

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is an extremely bothersome condition which leads to major effects in women's everyday life. In addition to visceral sources of pain, pelvic floor dysfunction including myofascial pain and spasm on the pelvic floor muscles causing hypertonicity are causes often overlooked. Injecting botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) into hypertonic pelvic floor muscles may aid the relaxation of pelvic floor musculature. The muscles that are injected in CPP treatment include the obturator internus, levator ani (pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, and puborectalis), and coccygeus. Generally, injections can be performed tolerably with safety under conscious sedation combined with local anesthesia. Most practitioners perform BoNT‐A injection of pelvic floor muscles using anatomical landmarks identified by manual palpation only. For the precise location of injection sites, some needle guidance techniques were proposed, including electromyography, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and/or computed tomography. Side effects of BoNT‐A injection in CPP are rare and self‐limiting. Because of the reversible nature of BoNT‐A, reinjection appears to be necessary. Increasing proof points out that BoNT‐A is a promising treatment option for CPP in women. We conducted a review of published literature in Pubmed, using chronic pelvic pain in women, hypertonic pelvic floor, and botulinum toxin as the keywords. This article aims to summarize the treatment techniques and results of BoNT‐A injection for hypertonic pelvic floor in women with chronic pelvic pain.
Ecological specialization and niche overlap of subterranean rodents inferred from DNA metabarcoding diet analysis
Authors: Lopes Carla Martins , De Barba Marta , Boyer Frédéric , Mercier Céline , Galiano Daniel , Kubiak Bruno Busnello , Maestri Renan , da Silva Filho Pedro Joel Silva , Gielly Ludovic , Coissac Eric , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena , Taberlet Pierre
Published: July 2020

Knowledge of how animal species use food resources available in the environment can increase our understanding of many ecological processes. However, obtaining this information using traditional methods is difficult for species feeding on a large variety of food items in highly diverse environments. We amplified the DNA of plants for 306 scat and 40 soil samples, and applied an environmental DNA metabarcoding approach to investigate food preferences, degree of diet specialization and diet overlap of seven herbivore rodent species of the genus Ctenomys distributed in southern and midwestern Brazil. The metabarcoding approach revealed that these species consume more than 60% of the plant families recovered in soil samples, indicating generalist feeding habits of ctenomyids. The family Poaceae was the most common food resource retrieved in scats of all species as well in soil samples. Niche overlap analysis indicated high overlap in the plant families and molecular operational taxonomic units consumed, mainly among the southern species. Interspecific differences in diet composition were influenced, among other factors, by the availability of resources in the environment. In addition, our results provide support for the hypothesis that the allopatric distributions of ctenomyids allow them to exploit the same range of resources when available, possibly because of the absence of interspecific competition.
Genetic monitoring of translocated plant populations in practice
Authors: Van Rossum Fabienne , Hardy Olivier J. , Le Pajolec Sarah , Raspé Olivier
Published: July 2020

Plant translocations allow the restoration of genetic diversity in inbred and depauperate populations and help to prevent the extinction of critically endangered species. However, the successes of plant translocations in restoring genetically viable populations and the possible associated key factors are still insufficiently evaluated. To fill this gap, we carried out a thorough genetic monitoring of three populations of Arnica montana that were created or reinforced by the translocation of plants obtained from seeds of two large natural source populations from southern Belgium. We genotyped nine microsatellite markers and measured fitness quantitative traits over two generations (transplants, F1 seed progeny and newly established F1 juveniles). Two years after translocation, the genetic restoration had been effective, with high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation across generations, extensive contemporary pollen flow, admixture between seed sources in the F1 generation and recruitment of new individuals from seeds. We detected site, seed source and maternal plant effects on plant fitness. The results also suggest that phenotypic plasticity may favour short‐term individual survival and long‐term adaptive capacity and enhance the evolutionary resilience of the populations to changing environmental conditions. We found no sign of heterosis or outbreeding depression at early life stages in the F1 generation. Our findings emphasize the importance of the translocation design (700 transplants of mixed sources, planted at high density) as well as the preparatory site management for the successful outcome of the translocations, which maximized flowering, random mating, and recruitment from seeds in the first years after translocation.
Sex and hatching order modulate the association between MHC‐II diversity and fitness in early‐life stages of a wild seabird
Authors: Pineaux Maxime , Merkling Thomas , Danchin Etienne , Hatch Scott , Duneau David , Blanchard Pierrick , Leclaire Sarah
Published: July 2020

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a pivotal role in parasite resistance, and their allelic diversity has been associated with fitness variations in several taxa. However, studies report inconsistencies in the direction of this association, with either positive, quadratic or no association being described. These discrepancies may arise because the fitness costs and benefits of MHC diversity differ among individuals depending on their exposure and immune responses to parasites. Here, we investigated in black‐legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks whether associations between MHC class‐II diversity and fitness vary with sex and hatching order. MHC‐II diversity was positively associated with growth and tick clearance in female chicks, but not in male chicks. Our data also revealed a positive association between MHC‐II diversity and survival in second‐hatched female chicks (two eggs being the typical clutch size). These findings may result from condition‐dependent parasite infections differentially impacting sexes in relation to hatching order. We thus suggest that it may be important to account for individual heterogeneities in traits that potentially exert selective pressures on MHC diversity in order to properly predict MHC–fitness associations.
Functional income distribution, capacity utilization, capital accumulation and productivity growth in Turkey: A post‐Kaleckian analysis
Authors: Kurt Ozan Ekin
Published: July 2020

The aim of this article is to examine the relation between functional income distribution, capacity utilization, capital accumulation and productivity in Turkey by identifying demand and overall regimes prevalent in the economy. For this purpose, we conducted an empirical analysis using different specifications of the post‐Kaleckian model of Hein and Tarassow. This model defines and characterizes an overall regime by endogenizing productivity growth and integrating it into the models in this tradition. Empirical findings show that while the demand regime is wage‐led, the overall regime turns out to be unstable in Turkey due to the destabilizing impact of productivity growth. This article contributes to the literature by being the first study that simultaneously identifies the demand and the overall regimes of an economy.
LapG mediates biofilm dispersal in Vibrio fischeri by controlling maintenance of the VCBS‐containing adhesin LapV
Authors: Christensen David G. , Marsden Anne E. , Hodge‐Hanson Kelsey , Essock‐Burns Tara , Visick Karen L.
Published: July 2020

Efficient symbiotic colonization of the squid Euprymna scolopes by the bacterium Vibrio fischeri depends on bacterial biofilm formation on the surface of the squid’s light organ. Subsequently, the bacteria disperse from the biofilm via an unknown mechanism and enter through pores to reach the interior colonization sites. Here, we identify a homolog of Pseudomonas fluorescens LapG as a dispersal factor that promotes cleavage of a biofilm‐promoting adhesin, LapV. Overproduction of LapG inhibited biofilm formation and, unlike the wild‐type parent, a ΔlapG mutant formed biofilms in vitro. Although V. fischeri encodes two putative large adhesins, LapI (near lapG on chromosome II) and LapV (on chromosome I), only the latter contributed to biofilm formation. Consistent with the Pseudomonas Lap system model, our data support a role for the predicted c‐di‐GMP‐binding protein LapD in inhibiting LapG‐dependent dispersal. Furthermore, we identified a phosphodiesterase, PdeV, whose loss promotes biofilm formation similar to that of the ΔlapG mutant and dependent on both LapD and LapV. Finally, we found a minor defect for a ΔlapD mutant in initiating squid colonization, indicating a role for the Lap system in a relevant environmental niche. Together, these data reveal new factors and provide important insights into biofilm dispersal by V. fischeri.