bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservatism and stability of the symbiotic system of the invasive alien treehopper Stictocephala bisonia (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha, Membracidae)
Authors: Szklarzewicz Teresa , Świerczewski Dariusz , Stroiński Adam , Michalik Anna
Published: March 2020

1. Nutritional symbiosis between insects and microorganisms (bacteria and/or yeast‐like symbionts) that provide amino acids and vitamins which are lacking in the diet of host insects is widespread in nature. Auchenorrhyncha are usually host to two ancient bacterial symbionts – bacterium Sulcia (Bacteroidetes) and a betaproteobacterium – which, in some groups, were lost or replaced by other bacteria.

2. The aim of this research was to: (i) identify the symbiotic microorganisms associated with the invasive treehopper Stictocephala bisonia; (ii) describe their localisation as well as the mode of inheritance; and (iii) address the issue of whether individuals of S. bisonia, living in different areas and feeding on various plants, possess identical, similar or perhaps different symbiotic microbial systems.

3. Individuals of S. bisonia collected in their native range in North America (U.S.A.) and in 11 localities in Europe were investigated using molecular, histological and ultrastructural methods.

4. The results indicate that all the examined specimens are characterised by the same conservative symbiotic system. All of them are host to only two types of bacterial symbiont: Sulcia and the betaproteobacteria belonging to the Nasuia lineage. No other symbionts in any of 36 individuals examined were detected.

5. Both symbionts are localised in a common bacteriome and are transovarially transmitted between generations.
A randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, three‐arm, parallel group study to determine pharmacokinetic similarity of ABP 959 and eculizumab (Soliris®) in healthy male subjects
Authors: Chow Vincent , Pan Jean , Chien David , Mytych Daniel T. , Hanes Vladimir
Published: March 2020

Objectives

ABP 959 is a proposed biosimilar to eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the human C5 complement protein. The objective of this randomized, double‐blind, three‐arm, study was to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) similarity of ABP 959 relative to the eculizumab reference product (RP) in healthy adult male subjects.

Methods

Eligible subjects aged 18‐45 years were randomized to receive a 300‐mg IV infusion of ABP 959, or FDA‐licensed eculizumab (eculizumab US), or EU‐authorized eculizumab (eculizumab EU). Primary PK endpoint was area under the total serum concentration‐time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC0−∞); primary PD endpoint was area between the effect curve (ABEC) of CH50‐time data.

Results

The geometric mean of PK and PD parameters were similar between ABP 959 versus eculizumab US and eculizumab EU; PK and PD similarity was established based on 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratio being within prespecified equivalence margin of 0.8 and 1.25. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar across groups. The incidence of binding anti‐drug antibodies was similar across treatments; no subjects developed neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated PK and PD similarity of ABP 959 to eculizumab RP; safety and immunogenicity profiles were also similar.
Monogenic cerebral small‐vessel diseases: diagnosis and therapy. Consensus recommendations of the European Academy of Neurology
Authors: Mancuso M. , Arnold M. , Bersano A. , Burlina A. , Chabriat H. , Debette S. , Enzinger C. , Federico A. , Filla A. , Finsterer J. , Hunt D. , Lesnik Oberstein S. , Tournier‐Lasserve E. , Markus H. S.
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

Guidelines on monogenic cerebral small‐vessel disease (cSVD) diagnosis and management are lacking. Endorsed by the Stroke and Neurogenetics Panels of the European Academy of Neurology, a group of experts has provided recommendations on selected monogenic cSVDs, i.e. cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL), autosomal dominant High Temperature Requirement A Serine Peptidase 1 (HTRA1), cathepsin‐A‐related arteriopathy with strokes and leukoencephalopathy (CARASAL), pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL), Fabry disease, mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) and type IV collagen (COL4)A1/2.

Methods

We followed the Delphi methodology to provide recommendations on several unanswered questions related to monogenic cSVD, including genetic testing, clinical and neuroradiological diagnosis, and management.

Results

We have proposed ‘red‐flag’ features suggestive of a monogenic disease. General principles applying to the management of all cSVDs and specific recommendations for the individual forms of monogenic cSVD were agreed by consensus.

Conclusions

The results provide a framework for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of monogenic cSVD. Further multicentre observational and treatment studies are still needed to increase the level of evidence supporting our recommendations.
Age‐related differences in blood pressure, ultrasound‐derived arterial diameters and arterial wall stiffness parameters in horses
Authors: Vera Lisse , Van Steenkiste Glenn , Decloedt Annelies , Chiers Koen , van Loon Gunther
Published: March 2020

Background

Arterial rupture mainly affects older horses. The reason why older horses are more prone to arterial rupture and which underlying vascular changes predispose older horses to aortic rupture is still unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of ageing on the equine arterial wall and blood pressure.

Study design

Cohort study.

Methods

Non‐invasive blood pressure measurement using a tail cuff and vascular ultrasound from aorta, common carotid artery and external iliac artery was performed in 50 healthy young (3‐7 years) and 50 healthy old Warmblood horses (>18 years). Arterial diameters and cross‐sectional areas, and arterial wall thickness were measured offline. Regional arterial wall stiffness of the aorta and common carotid artery were assessed using pulse wave velocity, while lumen area/diameter change, strain, compliance and distensibility were calculated to assess local arterial wall stiffness.

Results

No difference in blood pressure was found between old and young horses. All arterial dimensions and intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery were significantly larger in old horses. A significantly higher local arterial wall stiffness was found for the aorta and the caudal common carotid artery in older horses. For the external iliac artery, no significant differences in arterial wall stiffness were found. Both aortic and carotid pulse wave velocities were higher in older horses compared with younger horses.

Main limitations

Blood pressure was measured non‐invasively.

Conclusions

In horses, arteries stiffen with age, in combination with luminal enlargement and arterial wall thickening. This might, at least partially, explain the increased incidence of arterial rupture in older horses.
The role of sand lances (Ammodytes sp.) in the Northwest Atlantic Ecosystem: A synthesis of current knowledge with implications for conservation and management
Authors: Staudinger Michelle D. , Goyert Holly , Suca Justin J. , Coleman Kaycee , Welch Linda , Llopiz Joel K. , Wiley David , Altman Irit , Applegate Andew , Auster Peter , Baumann Hannes , Beaty Julia , Boelke Deirdre , Kaufman Les , Loring Pam , Moxley Jerry , Paton Suzanne , Powers Kevin , Richardson David , Robbins Jooke , Runge Jeffrey , Smith Brian , Spiegel Caleb , Steinmetz Halley
Published: March 2020

The American sand lance (Ammodytes americanus, Ammodytidae) and the Northern sand lance (A. dubius, Ammodytidae) are small forage fishes that play an important functional role in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). The NWA is a highly dynamic ecosystem currently facing increased risks from climate change, fishing and energy development. We need a better understanding of the biology, population dynamics and ecosystem role of Ammodytes to inform relevant management, climate adaptation and conservation efforts. To meet this need, we synthesized available data on the (a) life history, behaviour and distribution; (b) trophic ecology; (c) threats and vulnerabilities; and (d) ecosystem services role of Ammodytes in the NWA. Overall, 72 regional predators including 45 species of fishes, two squids, 16 seabirds and nine marine mammals were found to consume Ammodytes. Priority research needs identified during this effort include basic information on the patterns and drivers in abundance and distribution of Ammodytes, improved assessments of reproductive biology schedules and investigations of regional sensitivity and resilience to climate change, fishing and habitat disturbance. Food web studies are also needed to evaluate trophic linkages and to assess the consequences of inconsistent zooplankton prey and predator fields on energy flow within the NWA ecosystem. Synthesis results represent the first comprehensive assessment of Ammodytes in the NWA and are intended to inform new research and support regional ecosystem‐based management approaches.
Erythropoietin induces miRNA‐210 by JAK2/STAT5 signaling in PBMCs of End‐stage Renal Disease patients
Authors: Felaco Paolo , Felaco Mario , Franceschelli Sara , Ferrone Alessio , Gatta Daniela M. P. , Speranza Lorenza , Patruno Antonia , De Lutiis Maria A. , Ballerini Patrizia , Sirolli Vittorio , Grilli Alfredo , Bonomini Mario , Pesce Mirko
Published: March 2020

Anemia of chronic kidney disease is associated with blunted response/resistance to erythropoietin‐stimulating agents (ESAs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Several molecules have been successfully associated with ESA responsiveness; however, none of them is now considered a valid therapeutic biomarker of erythropoietin resistance in these patients. We performed an evaluation of the level of specific plasma circulating miRNAs in blood samples of HD patients, in relation to ESA treatment, with a follow‐up of 1 year (T0–T3). We found significantly lower circulating levels of all miRNAs analyzed at baseline (T0) in HD patients vs. healthy control (HC). The plasmatic levels of miRNA‐210 resulted significantly and negatively associated with Erythropoietin Resistance Index (ERI), and the variance of ΔmiRNA‐210 (miRNA‐210T3 minus miRNA‐210T0) explained significant percentage of ΔERI (ERIT3 minus ERIT0) variance. The receiver operating characteristic analysis at T0 showed that the plasmatic level of miRNA‐210 could distinguish HD patients with positive or negative trend in ERI at T3. In vitro, recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) induced significant release of miRNA‐210 from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells, through the activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling, but not by the activation of the MAPK protein 38α and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase ½. Accordingly, HD patients with negative ΔERI showed higher level of phosphor‐Janus kinase 2 and nuclear translocation of phosphor‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 5. vs. patients with positive ΔERI or HC. Our data highlighted that chronic HD significantly reduces the circulating level of the miRNAs evaluated; within the targets analyzed, the miRNA‐210 could be considered as a prognostic indicator of ESA responsiveness and index for anemia management.
Multiple spawning events promote increased larval dispersal of a predatory fish in a western boundary current
Authors: Schilling Hayden T. , Everett Jason D. , Smith James A. , Stewart John , Hughes Julian M. , Roughan Moninya , Kerry Colette , Suthers Iain M.
Published: March 2020

Transport of larvae by ocean currents is an important dispersal mechanism for many species. The timing and location of spawning can have a large influence on settlement location. Shifts in the known spawning habitat of fish, whether due to climate or the discovery of new spawning stock, can influence the distribution of juveniles and our understanding of connectivity. The globally distributed species; Pomatomus saltatrix, is one such example where a previously unrecognised summer spawning event and a more southern latitudinal extent was recently reported for the southwest Pacific population. Although restrictions are in place to protect the traditional spawning event, the importance of the newly recognised summer spawning event is uncertain. Here, we investigate larval dispersal of P. saltatrix using particle tracking simulations to identify the contributions of the different spawning events to settlement. By modelling dispersal of larvae released in northern and mid‐latitude regions over the Austral spring and summer, we show that the newly recognised mid‐latitude summer spawning event contributes over 50% of the larvae reaching southern latitudes. This is due to a reduced (1–2 days) pelagic larval duration (associated with temperature), resulting in reduced larval mortality, and the seasonal (summer) strengthening of the East Australian Current (EAC) transporting particles ~50 km further south. These findings demonstrate that in dynamic boundary current systems such as the EAC, the final settlement location of larvae that are transported by ocean currents can vary considerably depending on the timing and location of spawning and that multiple spawning events are important for maximum dispersal.
Reptile responses to anthropogenic habitat modification: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Doherty Tim S. , Balouch Sara , Bell Kristian , Burns Thomas J. , Feldman Anat , Fist Charles , Garvey Timothy F. , Jessop Tim S. , Meiri Shai , Driscoll Don A.
Published: March 2020

Aim

The aim was to determine how reptile populations respond to anthropogenic habitat modification and determine whether species traits and environmental factors influence such responses.

Location

Global.

Time period

1981–2018.

Major taxa studied

Squamata.

Methods

We compiled a database of 56 studies reporting how habitat modification affects reptile abundance and calculated standardized mean differences in abundance (Hedges’ g). We used Bayesian meta‐analytical models to test whether responses to habitat modification depended on body size, clutch size, reproductive mode, habitat specialization, range size, disturbance type, vegetation type, temperature and precipitation.

Results

Based on 815 effect sizes from 376 species, we found an overall negative effect of habitat modification on reptile abundance (mean Hedges’ g = −0.43, 95% credible intervals = −0.61 to −0.26). Reptile abundance was, on average, one‐third lower in modified compared with unmodified habitats. Small range sizes and small clutch sizes were associated with more negative responses to habitat modification, although the responses were weak and the credible intervals overlapped zero. We detected no effects of body size, habitat specialization, reproductive mode (egg‐laying or live‐bearing), temperature or precipitation. Some families exhibited more negative responses than others, although overall there was no phylogenetic signal in the data. Mining had the most negative impacts on reptile abundance, followed by agriculture, grazing, plantations and patch size reduction, whereas the mean effect of logging was neutral.

Main conclusions

Habitat modification is a key cause of reptile population declines, although there is variability in responses both within and between species, families and vegetation types. The effect of disturbance type appeared to be related to the intensity of habitat modification. Ongoing development of environmentally sustainable practices that ameliorate anthropogenic impacts is urgently needed to prevent declines in reptile populations.
The association between Antonovsky's sense of coherence and job stress among dental hygienists in Korea
Authors: Lim Hee-Jung , Im Ae-Jung , Cho Han‐A , Choi Eun‐Sil
Published: March 2020

Objective

High stress levels experienced by medical professionals are a well‐established phenomenon in current literature. However, there are few studies focusing on stress experienced in the field of oral health or on the sense of coherence (SOC) that helps to actively respond to job stress. The purpose of this study was to analyse if there is an association between SOC and job stress among dental hygienists in Korea.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 441 dental hygienists in the Seoul Gyeonggi province, Korea. The independent variable was SOC which had three dimensions: comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. The dependent variable was job stress, which was evaluated using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form. Confounding factors were age, marital status, educational background, type of hospital, and work experience. The chi‐square test and t test measures were used for bivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the association between SOC and job stress. The collected data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results

The SOC score showed a significant difference in relation to the job stress score. The SOC score was high when the job stress was low (P < .001). Overall SOC scores showed an inverse correlation with job stress.

Conclusion

This study reports that a higher SOC is associated with lower job stress in Korean dental hygienists. Since a higher SOC in dental hygienists indicated that they could cope with job stress more positively, it is important to increase their SOC.
DECENTRALIZED ONE‐TO‐MANY BARGAINING
Authors: Ko Chiu Yu , Li Duozhe
Published: March 2020

We study a one‐to‐many bargaining model in which one active player bargains with every passive player on how to share the surplus of a joint project. The order of bargaining is not fixed and the active player decides whom to bargain with in each period. Our model admits a rich set of equilibria and we identify the upper and lower bounds of equilibrium payoffs. We also examine whether two natural ordering protocols often assumed in existing studies can sustain endogenously. Although the queuing protocol may indeed arise in an equilibrium, the rotating protocol is in general not self‐enforcing.
Synthesis of Sr‐ and Ba titanate particles coated on Al2O3substrates forming a core‐shell structure
Authors: Lehmann Sebastian , Bauer Johann , Ensinger Wolfgang
Published: March 2020

Sr‐ and Ba titanate particles doped with Nb, Mn, and Ce were produced via a wet‐chemical precipitation process based on salt solutions and metal chlorides around Al2O3flake‐like particles. In a calcination process at high temperatures, a shell of doped oxides is formed that is responsible for the unusual electrical properties. The particles were investigated via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope which showed homogeneously covered Al2O3particles. X‐ray diffraction exposed secondary phases besides BaTiO3and SrTiO3because of the high solubility of Ba(OH)2and Sr(OH)2in water and a resulting shortfall of earth alkaline metal. The oxidation states of the doping elements were determined via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Composite materials prepared from this filler and silicone rubber showed typical nonlinear voltage‐current (U‐I) characteristics, which are of special interest for high voltage engineering. The filler was evenly distributed within the matrix without settling while cross‐linking of the polymer, which was shown in an SEM‐backscattered electron image. The nonlinearity coefficientα, which is an important factor for field grading applications, was determined for different materials and reached a value of up to 7.
Evaluation of different solvents on flavonoids extraction efficiency from sweet oranges and ripe and immature Seville oranges
Authors: Feng Chao‐Hui , García‐Martín Juan Francisco , Broncano Lavado María , López‐Barrera María del Carmen , Álvarez‐Mateos Paloma
Published: March 2020

The effects of different ethanol (50%, 80% and 100%) and methanol (50%, 80% and 100%) aqueous solutions on extraction efficiency of flavonoids from sweet orange (SO) peels, ripe bitter orange (RBO) and immature bitter orange (IBO) were investigated. The highest amount of naringin was found in SO peels, compared to RBO and IBO. UHPLC‐HRMS/MS results confirmed the presence of p‐coumaric acid and quinic acid in all the three types of oranges while there were 90.91% and 20% possibilities for detecting caffeic acid in RBO and SO, respectively. The probabilities of detecting naringenin from IBO, RBO and SO were 100%, 63.64% and 40%, respectively. The highest neohesperidin and naringin amounts were obtained in RBO. Using 80% methanol was recommended for extracting flavonoids from SO to obtain the highest Soxhlet and precipitation yields whereas 100% ethanol was the most suitable solvent to extract flavonoids from RBO and IBO.
The associations between sugar‐sweetened beverage intake and cardiometabolic risks in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Zhu Zhenni , He Yuna , Wang Zhengyuan , He Xin , Zang Jiajie , Guo Changyi , Jia Xiaodong , Ren Yaping , Shan Chengdi , Sun Jing , Huang Jian , Ding Gangqiang , Wu Fan
Published: March 2020

Background

The intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases.

Objectives

This study aims to examine associations between SSB intake and cardiometabolic risks among Chinese children and adolescences.

Methods

Data from 3958 participants aged 6‐17 years old were obtained in Shanghai, China, from September to October 2015. A 3‐day dietary record and a food‐frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were applied to assess SSB consumption and frequency. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were conducted to measure cardiometabolic indicators.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, daily energy intake, pubertal stage, sedentary time, maternal education, and household income, SSB consumption was positively associated with serum total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), while it was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure (P < .05). The participants in the highest intake category (≥201.7 mL/day) of SSB consumption had 0.10 (95%CI, 0.02‐0.18) mmol/L higher total cholesterol and 0.09 (95%CI, 0.03‐0.16) mmol/L higher LDL‐C levels than the nonconsumption group (0 mL/day). There was a quasi‐U‐shaped trend in LDL‐C across the categories of >0 mL/day SSB consumption. SSB frequency was positively associated with BMI (P = .04).

Conclusions

SSB intake was positively associated with serum cholesterol and was weakly associated with BMI in Chinese children and adolescents, independent of energy intake.
Foreign Labour Migration in Sarawak, East Malaysia
Authors: Lumayag Linda Alfarero
Published: March 2020

Foreign labour force participation in Sarawak is thirteen per cent (about 138,027) workers from Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, China and India, among others. This article attempts to describe the management of foreign labour employment in Sarawak. It also attempts to identify challenges and issues that current migration regulations have generated and which have impacted the society. Using the Filipino migrant workers as informants, a two‐year period of fieldwork observation was conducted, using personal interviews and observations following the ‘mobile ethnography approach’. While Sarawak maintains its immigration control as part of the State safety net, the interplay between state and federal laws engenders contradictions that may be detrimental to the people and to society. This article argues that the claimed autonomous position of Sarawak in regard to immigration is not equated to better labour migration management in relation to the federal government’s approach to labour migration in Malaysia.
Genetic parameters estimates for ewes’ behavioural reactivity towards their litter after lambing
Authors: Hazard Dominique , Macé Tiphaine , Kempeneers Amandine , Delval Eric , Foulquié Didier , Bouix Jacques , Boissy Alain
Published: March 2020

In livestock, improving maternal reactivity towards the litter is an important issue in breeding strategies to promote production and animal welfare. As of yet, no studies have investigated the within‐breed genetic variation of maternal reactivity in sheep. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of maternal reactivity traits. A total of 1,095 primiparous and 1,441 multiparous Romane ewes were phenotyped 24 hr postlambing using a behavioural test (arena test, AT) over a 10‐year experimental period. The test consisted of three successive phases evaluating the ewe's attraction to her litter, reactivity to separation from her litter, and reactivity to a conflict between attraction to her litter and avoidance of a motionless human. The ewes were reared exclusively on rangelands (South of France) and lambed outdoors in the spring. High‐pitched bleating and low‐pitched bleating in the AT were mostly highly heritable (0.39‒0.46). Heritabilities were moderate for proximity to the litter in the presence of a human (0.27) and low for locomotion and vigilance in the AT (0.09‒0.15). The measurements of a given behaviour in the three phases of the AT were highly genetically correlated. Few genetic correlations were found between the different behavioural traits in the AT, the highest correlations being between high‐pitched bleating and low‐pitched bleating (−0.43 to −0.77). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate moderate‐to‐high heritability for maternal reactivity traits. These traits could be included in genetic selection schemes to enhance maternal attachment provided there is no unfavourable link with other production traits.
Genetic structures across a biogeographical barrier reflect dispersal potential of four Southeast Asian mangrove plant species
Authors: Wee Alison K. S. , Noreen Annika M. E. , Ono Junya , Takayama Koji , Kumar Prakash P. , Tan Hugh T. W. , Saleh Mohd N. , Kajita Tadashi , Webb Edward L.
Published: March 2020

Aim

Biogeographical barriers restrict the movement of individuals, resulting in population divergence, genetic differentiation, endemism and speciation. Yet, some barriers demonstrate unequal effect across species depending on species dispersal, which manifests in varying genetic structure. We test the hypotheses that the genetic structure of four coastal mangrove species would reflect differences in dispersal potential across the Malay Peninsula, a major biogeographical barrier in the Indo‐West Pacific region.

Location

East and west coasts of the Malay Peninsula.

Taxon

Mangrove trees Avicennia alba, Sonneratia alba, Bruguiera gymnorhiza and Rhizophora mucronata.

Methods

For each species, we characterized genetic structure and gene flow using 7–12 species‐specific nuclear microsatellite markers. We tested for east–west genetic differentiation across the peninsula, a stepping‐stone migration pattern, and assessed the proportion of recent dispersal and direction of historical migration along the Malacca Strait.

Results

Significant east–west genetic differentiation across the peninsula was observed in A. alba, S. alba and B. gymnorhiza, and the effect was most pronounced for the two species with lower dispersal potential (A. alba, S. alba). In contrast, the two species with higher dispersal potential (B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata) exhibited much higher proportion of recent inter‐population migration along the Malacca Strait. The signature of historical colonization from refugia in the Andaman Sea (north‐to‐south migration along the Malacca Strait) predominated for A. alba and S. alba. Historical south–north migration predominated for R. mucronata and B. gymnorhiza.

Main conclusions

This study implicated dispersal potential as a cause of varying mangrove species genetic structure across a biogeographical barrier. The Malay Peninsula functions as a filter to gene flow rather than a barrier. The genetic structure in mangrove species with a higher dispersal potential is more congruent with contemporary gene flow while that of species with a lower dispersal potential reflects historical processes. Our findings hint at the role of dispersal potential as a predictor of gene flow in mangroves.
A longitudinal study of cognitive predictors of (complex) post‐traumatic stress in young people in out‐of‐home care
Authors: Hiller Rachel M. , Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Elliott Elizabeth , Banting Rosie , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Young people in out‐of‐home care are substantially more likely to meet criteria for PTSD than their peers, while their early maltreatment exposure may also place them at greater risk of developing the newly proposed complex PTSD. Yet, there remains limited empirical evidence for the mechanisms that might drive either PTSD or complex features in this group, and ongoing debate about the suitability of existing cognitive behavioural models and their related NICE‐recommended treatments. In a prospective study of young people in out‐of‐home care, we sought to identify demographic and cognitive processes that may contribute to the maintenance of both PTSD symptom and complex features.

Methods

We assessed 120 10‐ to 18‐year‐olds in out‐of‐home care and their primary carer at two assessments: an initial assessment and 12‐month follow‐up. Participants completed questionnaires on trauma history, PTSD symptoms and complex features, while young people only also self‐reported on trauma‐related (a) maladaptive appraisals, (b) memory quality and (c) coping. Social workers reported on maltreatment severity.

Results

Young people's maltreatment severity was not a robust predictor of either PTSD symptoms or complex features. All three cognitive processes were moderately‐to‐strongly correlated with baseline and 12‐month PTSD symptoms and complex features, with maladaptive appraisals the most robust unique driver of both, even when controlling for initial PTSD symptom severity.

Conclusions

Existing cognitive models of PTSD are applicable in this more complex sample of young people. The model was also found to be applicable to the additional features of complex PTSD, with the same processes driving both outcomes at both time points. Clinical implications are discussed.
Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with serum galectin‐3 level
Authors: Ma Shizhan , Li Shangbin , Lv Renjun , Hou Xunyao , Nie Shanjing , Yin Qingqing
Published: March 2020

Aims/Introduction

Galectin‐3 (Gal3) contributes to insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity, the three risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 134 hospitalized type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment method, and divided into 65 MCI and 69 controls. Levels of variables, Gal3 and Aβ42, were investigated in relation with cognitive function in both type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with MCI and high‐fat diet/streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

Results

Significantly higher levels of serum Gal3 and lower levels of plasma Aβ42 (all P < 0.05) were found in the MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus group as compared with the non‐MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus control. Partial correlation analysis showed that Gal3 is negatively correlated with both MMSE score (r = −0.51, P < 0.01) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (r = −0.47, P < 0.001) after adjustment for glycated hemoglobin, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and Aβ42 in all type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, with a stronger effect seen in the MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus group after further analysis with MCI strata. A simple logistic regression model showed that Gal3 and Aβ42 are significantly associated with MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus patients after adjustment with the covariates sex, age, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and antidiabetic drugs. Serum and brain Gal3 levels were significantly increased in high‐fat diet/streptozotocin diabetic rats, which correlate to the impairment of learning and memory ability. Gal3 inhibitor modified citrus pectin decreased serum and brain Gal3 levels in diabetic rats, accompanied by the amelioration of learning and memory impairment.

Conclusions

Gal3 might be associated with cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and serum Gal3 level might be a new risk factor of MCI in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Characterization of Aeromonas salmonicida and A. sobria isolated from cultured salmonid fish in Korea and development of a vaccine against furunculosis
Authors: Lim Jongwon , Hong Suhee
Published: March 2020

Previously, Aeromonas sobria and A. salmonicida were identified to be the most prevalent species in salmonid farms in Korea. In this study, we evaluated the biochemical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibility and pathogenicity of A. salmonicida (3 isolates) and A. sobria (8 isolates) isolated from salmonids, and further investigated efficacy of A. salmonicida vaccine. In antibiotic susceptibility test, all of A. sobria isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and ampicillin. Six A. sobria and two A. salmonicida isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline. In challenge test, A. sobria isolates exhibited low pathogenicity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) while one A. salmonicida isolate showed high pathogenicity with LD50 of 6.4 × 103 CFU/fish in rainbow trout and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Among virulence factors, secretion apparatus (ascV and ascC) and transcription regulatory protein (exsA) of type 3 secretion system and A‐layer protein genes were differentially detected in DNA or cDNA of A. salmonicida isolates, indicating their contribution to the pathogenicity. A formalin‐killed vaccine of highly pathogenic A. salmonicida isolate exhibited a protective effect with relative survival rate of 81.8% and 82.9% at 8 weeks and 16 weeks post‐vaccination, respectively, in challenge test.
Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Frailty Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Xuxi , Tan Siok Swan , Franse Carmen Betsy , Bilajac Lovorka , Alhambra‐Borrás Tamara , Garcés‐Ferrer Jorge , Verma Arpana , Williams Greg , Clough Gary , Koppelaar Elin , Rentoumis Tasos , van Staveren Rob , Voorham Antonius J. J. , Mattace‐Raso Francesco , van Grieken Amy , Raat Hein
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

To examine the longitudinal association between frequency of moderate physical activity (PA) and overall, physical, psychological, and social frailty among community‐dwelling older adults older than 70 years. Second, we assessed the association between a 12‐month change in frequency of moderate PA and frailty.

DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Community settings in Spain, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1735 participants (61.1% female; mean age = 79.6 years; SD = 5.5 years).

MEASUREMENTS

The frequency of self‐reported moderate PA was measured and classified into two categories: “regular frequency” and “low frequency.” The 12‐month change in frequency of moderate PA between baseline and follow‐up was classified into four categories: “continued regular frequency,” “decreased frequency,” “continued low frequency,” and “increased frequency.” The 15‐item Tilburg Frailty Indicator assessed overall, physical, psychological, and social frailty.

RESULTS

Participants who undertook moderate PA with a regular frequency at baseline were less frail at 12‐month follow‐up than participants with a low frequency. Participants who undertook moderate PA with a continued regular frequency were least frail at baseline and at 12‐month follow‐up. After controlling for baseline frailty and covariates, compared with participants with a continued regular frequency, participants with a decreased frequency were significantly more overall (B = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99‐1.63), physically (B = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.58‐1.03), psychologically (B = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.30‐0.56), and socially frail (B = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.04‐0.23) at 12‐month follow‐up; participants with a continued low frequency were significantly more overall (B = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.84‐1.49), physically (B = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.51‐0.96), psychologically (B = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.29‐0.55), and socially frail (B = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.04‐0.23) at 12‐month follow‐up; the 12‐month follow‐up frailty level of participants who undertook moderate PA with an increased frequency was similar to those with a continued regular frequency.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining a regular frequency of PA as well as increasing to a regular frequency of PA are associated with maintaining or improving overall, physical, psychological, and social frailty among European community‐dwelling older adults older than 70 years. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1484‐1493, 2020.
Conformational change and GTPase activity of human tubulin: A comparative study on Alzheimer’s disease and healthy brain
Authors: Rajaei Shima , Karima Saeed , Sepasi Tehrani Hessam , Shateri Somayeh , Mahmoodi Baram Somayeh , Mahdavi Meisam , Mokhtari Farzad , Alimohammadi Alimohammad , Tafakhori Abbas , Amiri Abolfazl , Aghamollaii Vajiheh , Fatemi Hamid , Rajabibazl Masoumeh , Kobarfard Farzad , Gorji Ali
Published: March 2020

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, microtubules (MTs) play a pivotal role through their highly dynamic structure and instability. They mediate axonal transport that is crucial to synaptic viability. MT assembly, dynamic instability and stabilization are modulated by tau proteins, whose detachment initiates MT disintegration. Albeit extensive research, the role of GTPase activity in molecular mechanism of stability remains controversial. We hypothesized that GTPase activity is altered in AD leading to microtubule dynamic dysfunction and ultimately to neuronal death. In this paper, fresh tubulin was purified by chromatography from normal young adult, normal aged, and Alzheimer's brain tissues. Polymerization pattern, assembly kinetics and dynamics, critical concentration, GTPase activity, interaction with tau, intermolecular geometry, and conformational changes were explored via Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and various spectroscopy methods. Results showed slower MT assembly process in samples from the brains of people with AD compared with normal young and aged brains. This observation was characterized by prolonged lag phase and increased critical and inactive concentration of tubulin. In addition, the GTPase activity in samples from AD brains was significantly higher than in both normal young and normal aged samples, concurrent with profound conformational changes and contracted intermolecular MT‐tau distances as revealed by FRET. These alterations were partially restored in the presence of a microtubule stabilizer, paclitaxel. We proposed that alterations of both tubulin function and GTPase activity may be involved in the molecular neuropathogenesis of AD, thus providing new avenues for therapeutic approaches.

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Political Connections and the Informativeness of Insider Trades
Authors: JAGOLINZER ALAN D. , LARCKER DAVID F. , ORMAZABAL GAIZKA , TAYLOR DANIEL J.
Published: March 2020

We analyze the trading of corporate insiders at leading financial institutions during the 2007 to 2009 financial crisis. We find strong evidence of a relation between political connections and informed trading during the period in which Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds were disbursed, and that the relation is most pronounced among corporate insiders with recent direct connections. Notably, we find evidence of abnormal trading by politically connected insiders 30 days in advance of TARP infusions, and that these trades anticipate the market reaction to the infusion. Our results suggest that political connections can facilitate opportunistic behavior by corporate insiders.
Food intake and oral health status of inpatients with dysphagia in acute care settings
Authors: Furuya Junichi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Tamada Yasushi , Onodera Shohei , Nomura Taro , Hidaka Rena , Minakuchi Shunsuke , Kondo Hisatomo
Published: March 2020

Adequate oral status and functional assessments are important for dysphagia rehabilitation in acute care inpatient settings, especially to establish individualised oral intake. However, the association between food intake levels and oral function has not been elucidated in acute care inpatients. This cross‐sectional study clarified the association between oral intake levels and the oral status/function of patients with dysphagia admitted to acute care settings. Admitted patients aged ≥40 years (n = 459; men: 288; mean age: 70.8 ± 12.0) examined at the Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation at the Iwate Medical University Hospital from April 2007 to March 2014 were included. The oral health status was evaluated by the tongue coating, oral dryness severity, plaque control, posterior occlusal support and a repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST). Dysphagia severity was determined from the Dysphagia Severity Scale. Oral intake levels were evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) at the time of the initial dental examination (FOIS‐I), and they were re‐evaluated after the revision of levels according to the participants’ general condition and oral health status (FOIS‐R). Divergence between FOIS‐I and FOIS‐R was noted in >40% patients. Multiple regression analysis showed significant associations between FOIS‐R and consciousness level, activities of daily living, tongue coating, RSST and posterior occlusal support. Patients with dysphagia in acute care settings require detailed assessments of their oral status and function, including swallowing, to determine the most suitable feeding methods and dental interventions to improve oral intake levels.
The impact of oro‐facial appearance on oral health‐related quality of life: A systematic review
Authors: Larsson Pernilla , Bondemark Lars , Häggman‐Henrikson Birgitta
Published: March 2020

Esthetics in the oro‐facial region are important for perceived oral health and a common reason for treatment of discoloured, missing or crowded teeth. As one of the fundamental bricks of a patient's oral health, changes in the domain of oro‐facial esthetics resides within the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of an individual. Four main dimensions, oral function, oro‐facial pain, oro‐facial appearance and psychosocial impact, are suggested to cover the concept of OHRQoL. The aim of this systematic review was to map the impact from oral conditions with principal impact on the oro‐facial appearance dimension of OHRQoL (PROSPERO: CRD42017064033). Publications were included if they reported Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) mean or median domain scores for patients with esthetic treatment need relating to tooth wear, orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, frontal tooth loss or tooth whitening. A search in PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL and PsycINFO 8 June 2017 and updated 14 January 2019, identified 2,104 abstracts. After screening of abstracts, 1607 articles were reviewed in full text and 33 articles included. These 33 articles reported OHIP‐data for 9409 patients grouped in 63 patient populations. Median oro‐facial appearance impact scores on a standardised 0‐8 scale, for populations with treatment need relating to tooth wear, orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, frontal tooth loss and tooth whitening, ranged from 0.13 for tooth wear to 3.04 for tooth whitening populations. In conclusion, a moderate impact for the oro‐facial appearance dimension of OHRQoL was found in patients with different conditions with esthetically related treatment need.
Beyond black dots and nutritious things: A solution to the indeterminacy problem
Authors: Artiga Marc
Published: March 2020

The indeterminacy problem is one of the most prominent objections against naturalistic theories of content. In this essay, I present this difficulty and argue that extant accounts are unable to solve it. Then, I develop a particular version of teleosemantics, which I call “explanation‐based teleosemantics,” and show how this outstanding problem can be addressed within the framework of a powerful naturalistic theory.
Reduction of Phakopsora pachyrhizi infection on soybean through host‐ and spray‐induced gene silencing
Authors: Hu Dongfang , Chen Zhi‐Yuan , Zhang Chunquan , Ganiger Mala
Published: March 2020

Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by the obligate fungal pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, often leads to significant yield losses and can only be managed through fungicide applications currently. In the present study, eight urediniospore germination or appressorium formation induced P. pachyrhizi genes were investigated for their feasibility to suppress ASR through a bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)‐based host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) strategy. Soybean plants expressing three of these modified BPMV vectors suppressed the expression of their corresponding target gene by 45%–80%, fungal biomass accumulation by 58%–80%, and significantly reduced ASR symptom development in soybean leaves after the plants were inoculated with P. pachyrhizi, demonstrating that HIGS can be used to manage ASR. In addition, when the in vitro synthesized double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for three of the genes encoding an acetyl‐CoA acyltransferase, a 40S ribosomal protein S16, and glycine cleavage system H protein were sprayed directly onto detached soybean leaves prior to P. pachyrhizi inoculation, they also resulted in an average of over 73% reduction of pustule numbers and 75% reduction in P. pachyrhizi biomass accumulation on the detached leaves compared to the controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of suppressing P. pachyrhizi infection in soybean through both HIGS and spray‐induced gene silencing. It was demonstrated that either HIGS constructs targeting P. pachyrhizi genes or direct dsRNA spray application could be an effective strategy for reducing ASR development on soybean.
Plasmid composition and the chpG gene determine the virulence level of Clavibacter capsici natural isolates in pepper
Authors: Hwang In Sun , Lee Hyo Min , Oh Eom‐Ji , Lee Seungdon , Heu Sunggi , Oh Chang‐Sik
Published: March 2020

The gram‐positive bacterial species Clavibacter capsici causes necrosis and canker in pepper plants. Genomic and functional analyses of C. capsici type strain PF008 have shown that multiple virulence genes exist in its two plasmids. We aimed to identify the key determinants that control the virulence of C. capsici. Pepper leaves inoculated with 54 natural isolates exhibited significant variation in the necrosis. Six isolates showed very low virulence, but their population titres in plants were not significantly different from those of the highly virulent isolates. All six isolates lacked the pCM1Cc plasmid that carries chpG, which has been shown to be required for virulence and encodes a putative serine protease, but two of them, isolates 1,106 and 1,207, had the intact chpG elsewhere in the genome. Genomic analysis of these two isolates revealed that chpG was located in the pCM2Cc plasmid, and two highly homologous regions were present next to the chpG locus. The chpG expression in isolate 1,106 was not induced in plants. Introduction of chpG of the PF008 strain into the six low‐virulence isolates restored their virulence to that of PF008. Our findings indicate that there are at least three different variant groups of C. capsici and that the plasmid composition and the chpG gene are critical for determining the virulence level. Moreover, our findings also indicate that the virulence level of C. capsici does not directly correlate with bacterial titres in plants.