bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A relativistic approach to moral judgment in individuals: Review and reinterpretation
Authors: Mudrack Peter E. , Mason E. Sharon
Published: January 2020

In Ethics Position Theory, relativism is the degree to which people believe that universal moral rules should not always be applied unwaveringly. Researchers often predict that highly relativistic individuals are characterized by questionable ethics given their ostensible self‐interested “anything goes” approach. Corroborating evidence for such predictions, however, remains elusive. This paper suggested that high relativists are perhaps not unethical, and reviewed four decades of relevant literature in order to clarify the meaning and implications of the relativism construct. The portrait of relativism that emerged is often contrary to prevalent expectations. Relativistic individuals seem tolerant of ambiguity, open to experience, non‐authoritarian, accepting of others with different backgrounds and lifestyles, and troubled by injustice. No persuasive evidence of questionable ethics is available. These findings have profound implications for managerial practice and suggest that highly relativistic employees may be among the most valuable. Future research grounded in an understanding of what relativism is rather than what it should be has the potential to allow a deeper understanding of this important construct to emerge. We also explore possible reasons why an inaccurate narrative about relativistic orientations may have emerged and persisted among both researchers and people generally.
Trust and Workplace Performance
Authors: Addison John T. , Teixeira Paulino
Published: January 2020

Using European Company Survey data, this article explores the relationship between trust and establishment performance under works councils, on the one hand, and union bodies on the other. Trust is initially measured using the individual survey respondent's assessment of the ‘contribution’ of the other side. Although the rating of the employee representative is favoured over that of management as less subject to feedback from performance, the potential endogeneity of employee trust in management is also modelled. Next, a preferred inverse measure of trust (or dissonance) is constructed from the discrepancy between the assessments of the two sides of the quality of workplace industrial relations. Employee trust is associated throughout with improved establishment performance, and conversely for the dissonance counterpart. In their presence, neither type of workplace representation is superior to the other.
A latent topic model with Markov transition for process data
Authors: Xu Haochen , Fang Guanhua , Ying Zhiliang
Published: January 2020

We propose a latent topic model with a Markov transition for process data, which consists of time‐stamped events recorded in a log file. Such data are becoming more widely available in computer‐based educational assessment with complex problem‐solving items. The proposed model can be viewed as an extension of the hierarchical Bayesian topic model with a hidden Markov structure to accommodate the underlying evolution of an examinee's latent state. Using topic transition probabilities along with response times enables us to capture examinees' learning trajectories, making clustering/classification more efficient. A forward‐backward variational expectation‐maximization (FB‐VEM) algorithm is developed to tackle the challenging computational problem. Useful theoretical properties are established under certain asymptotic regimes. The proposed method is applied to a complex problem‐solving item in the 2012 version of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
‘McDonald’s Is Good for My Social Life’. Developing Health Promotion Together with Adolescent Girls from Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
Authors: Lems Eva , Hilverda Femke , Sarti Asia , van der Voort Lisa , Kegel Amber , Pittens Carina , Broerse Jacqueline , Dedding Christine
Published: January 2020

There is limited knowledge about key factors that enable adolescent girls with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This paper aims to better understand the complexity of addressing health behaviour of adolescent girls with a low SEP by gaining insights into (i) the perspectives of adolescent girls with a low SEP (n = 26) on a healthy lifestyle, (ii) how to develop health promotion that fits these girls’ daily realities, by using participatory action research (PAR) in which girls developed health promotion materials. The study offers an understanding of girls’ daily lives and how health promotion could be improved.
“You Soak It up Like a Sponge”: Urban African American Teens’ Perceptions of the Determinants of Dating Abuse Perpetration and Victimization
Authors: Storer Heather L. , Madkour Aubrey Spriggs , Kendall Carl
Published: January 2020

Background:

African American (AA) teens endure disproportionately high rates of adolescent dating abuse (ADA). There is a limited understanding of the community–specific pathways that contribute to AA youth's higher risk. The purpose of this study is to investigate AA youths’ perspectives on the antecedents of ADA.

Methods:

Data were collected from interviews ( n = 38) with AA teens. Thematic content analysis was employed to identify primary themes across the interviews. Analysis involved multiple rounds of iterative coding and the clustering of thematic constructs.

Results:

Interview participants described individual–level and intergenerational explanations of ADA. The majority of participants could not identify community–level factors.

Discussion and Implications:

Dating abuse perpetration and victimization were positioned as the product of personal deficits and exposure to abuse in individuals’ family environments. These findings underscore how structural and systemic determinants of dating abuse have not been translated to youth's meaning–making processes regarding abuse. Implications for diversifying the public discourse on dating abuse will be discussed, and consciousness–raising on the influence of upstream determinants of abuse will be presented.
Esthetic evaluation of single implant restorations, adjacent single implant restorations, and implant‐supported fixed partial dentures: A 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Boon L. , De Mars G. , Favril C. , Duyck J. , Quirynen M. , Vandamme K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Peri‐implant soft tissues esthetics varies and depends on the restoration type such as implant‐supported single crowns, adjacent multiple single crowns, and fixed partial dentures (FPD).

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the esthetic outcome of the peri‐implant soft tissues of (NobelBiocare™) implant‐supported single crowns, adjacent multiple single crowns, and FPD. A potential association between the esthetic risk profile and the esthetic outcome was assessed.

Materials and methods

Between 03/11 and 03/17, 300 NobelActive implants were installed in 153 partially edentulous patients. Prior to the fabrication of the final restoration, the esthetic risk profile (ERP) of the patient was determined. The pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) were assessed by three investigators at 6 and 12 months post‐insertion of the final restoration. Patients' appreciation was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

The clinical acceptable limit for PES (≥6) was achieved in 56% to 68% of the single crowns at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Clinically unacceptable PES scores were recorded for 48% of the adjacent multiple single crowns and 63% of the FPDs at both time points. The association of a high ERP with WES and PESWES was noticed for single implant‐supported crowns. For the latter restoration type, a ≤5 mm distance between the crestal bone level and the proximal contact positively influenced the PES and combined PESWES scores. No correlation was found between PES or WES and patient satisfaction. Mesial papilla formation was more pronounced compared to the distal one for the single implant crowns and for implant‐supported FPD.

Conclusion

When high esthetic demands are expected, assessment of ERP prior to implant treatment is advised in order to estimate a realistic outcome.
HAVE VEHICLE REGISTRATION RESTRICTIONS IMPROVED URBAN AIR QUALITY IN JAPAN?
Authors: Nishitateno Shuhei , Burke Paul J.
Published: January 2020

About 2.6 million noncompliant vehicles were removed from designated metropolitan areas in Japan after the introduction of vehicle registration restrictions under the 1992 Automobile NOx Control Law. Based on a difference‐in‐differences framework and using a monitor‐level panel dataset for the period January 1981–December 2015, we find that the intervention led to a 3%–6% reduction in the monthly mean ambient concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the treated areas. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations identify benefits equal to about US$104 million as a result of reduced mortality from asthma. (JEL Q53, Q58)
Threshold‐automated CT measurements of muscle size and radiological attenuation in multiple lower‐extremity muscles of older individuals
Authors: Berg Hans E. , Truong Daniel , Skoglund Elisabeth , Gustafsson Thomas , Lundberg Tommy R.
Published: January 2020

Muscle atrophy and fat infiltration, two indicators of deconditioning and weakness in elderly frail patients, are typically assessed by means of manual image analysis from computed tomography (CT) scans. As this time‐consuming image analysis limits its wider use in clinical studies, the use of tissue thresholds to semi‐automatically assess muscle composition has been suggested. Here, we aimed to investigate the relationship between manual and semi‐automated analysis of both cross‐sectional area (CSA) and radiological attenuation (RA), in multiple muscles of the lower extremities in aged (77 ± 6 years) sedentary individuals (n = 40). The participants underwent CT scans of their lower limbs, including hip, thigh and calf muscles. The subsequent analysis of CSA and RA was conducted using both manual segmentation and semi‐automatic thresholds (−30 to +150 Hounsfield units). Automated measurements were generally strongly correlated with manually encircled CSA in all muscle groups (R = 0.79–0.99, p < .05) and shortened the analysis time by 70% (p < .05). In m. iliopsoas, however, the CSA became overestimated (15%, p < .05) with thresholded measurements, while the assessment of both CSA and RA was underestimated in muscles with high‐fat content (i.e., the gluteal muscles) and in individuals with high‐fat infiltration. In conclusion, using the semi‐automated technique with conventional thresholds is a time‐saving method that delivers accurate gross size of the muscle groups, particularly in the thigh. However, caution should be exercised when using semi‐automated techniques for assessing CSA and fat infiltration in muscles with high‐fat content.
Pulmonary involvement in selected lysosomal storage diseases and the impact of enzyme replacement therapy: A state‐of‐the art review
Authors: Jezela‐Stanek Aleksandra , Chorostowska‐Wynimko Joanna , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna
Published: January 2020

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are multisystemic, progressive and clinically very heterogeneous. Respiratory complications are not regarded as the principal problems of LSDs, but significantly impact morbidity. In this review, we focus on pulmonary complications observed in late‐onset LSDs, their milder forms that are recognised in adulthood. We also discuss the effects of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on the respiratory system in patients with particular LSDs. We searched the PubMed database, retrieving research papers on pulmonary complications of LSDs currently treated with ERT (the conditions are abbreviated GD3; NPDB; LOPD; MPS I, II, IVA, VI; and FD) and the effects of such treatment. Although some studies indicated that ERT was helpful in terms of reducing chest computed tomography abnormalities, infection frequency and organomegaly, the data are not conclusive, and the mechanism of action of ERT in the respiratory system remains unclear for some LSDs including late‐onset Pompe disease and Gaucher disease type III. The optimal timing of treatment for pre‐symptomatic or symptomatic patients, treatment duration and whether such treatment modulates inflammation (as has been suggested in patients with Fabry disease), remain to be explored.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration for diagnosing pancreatic mass in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy
Authors: Tanaka Kazunari , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Utsunomiya Ran , Takigawa Yukiko , Kobayashi Yousuke , Nagai Kazumasa , Kin Toshifumi , Yane Kei , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Shinohara Toshiya , Katanuma Akio
Published: January 2020

Background and aims

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has been established as a safe and accurate method for diagnosing a pancreatic mass; however, EUS‐FNA for patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal (UGI) anatomy has not yet been investigated sufficiently. Therefore, the feasibility and safety of EUS‐FNA in these patients were retrospectively investigated.

Methods

Patients in whom EUS‐FNA was performed between March 2008 and April 2017 were retrospectively investigated in terms of EUS‐FNA technical success, procedure time, diagnostic accuracies of cytology and histology, and procedure‐related adverse events.

Results

Twenty‐five EUS‐FNAs were performed for 15 pancreatic body‐to‐tail and 10 head lesions. All patients underwent EUS‐FNA successfully; however, changing of the echoendoscope to a forward‐viewing echoendoscope and preplacement of a nasobiliary catheter by balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for guidance were needed in one and two cases, respectively. The median procedure time was 26 min (range, 16–70). The diagnostic accuracies were 76%, 84%, and 88% for cytology, histology, and combined use, respectively. Adverse events were not observed.

Conclusions

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNA is a safe and efficient method for diagnosing a pancreatic mass even in patients with surgically altered UGI anatomy. Nevertheless, some sophisticated techniques are required for pancreatic head lesions if reaching the duodenum after passing through the jejunal limb is required for visualization of the pancreatic mass.
Prediction and validation of exenatide risk marker effects on progression of renal disease: Insights from EXSCEL
Authors: Idzerda Nienke M. A. , Clegg Lindsay E. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Bakris George , Penland Robert C. , Boulton David W. , Bethel M. Angelyn , Holman Rury R. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To assess whether the previously developed multivariable risk prediction framework (PRE score) could predict the renal effects observed in the EXSCEL cardiovascular outcomes trial using short‐term changes in cardio‐renal risk markers.

Materials and Methods

Changes from baseline to 6 months in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), haemoglobin, total cholesterol, and new micro‐ or macroalbuminuria were evaluated. The renal outcomes were defined as a composite of a sustained 30% or 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Relationships between risk markers and long‐term renal outcomes were determined in patients with type 2 diabetes from the ALTITUDE study using multivariable Cox regression analysis, and then applied to short‐term changes in risk markers observed in EXSCEL to predict the exenatide‐induced impact on renal outcomes.

Results

Compared with placebo, mean HbA1c, BMI, SBP and total cholesterol were lower at 6 months with exenatide, as was the incidence of new microalbuminuria. The PRE score predicted a relative risk reduction for the 30% eGFR decline + ESRD endpoint of 11.3% (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.83–0.94), compared with 12.7% (HR 0.87; 0.77–0.99) observed risk reduction. For the 40% eGFR decline + ESRD endpoint, the predicted and observed risk reductions were 11.0% (HR 0.89; 0.82–0.97) and 13.7% (HR 0.86, 0.72–1.04), respectively.

Conclusions

Integrating short‐term risk marker changes into a multivariable risk score predicted the magnitude of renal risk reduction observed in EXSCEL.
A placebo‐controlled proof‐of‐concept study of alirocumab on postprandial lipids and vascular elasticity in insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Burggraaf Benjamin , Pouw Nadine M.C. , Arroyo Salvador Fernández , van Vark‐van der Zee Leonie C. , van de Geijn Gert‐Jan M. , Birnie Erwin , Huisbrink Jeannine , van der Zwan Ellen M. , Mulder Monique T. , Rensen Patrick C.N. , de Herder Wouter W. , Cabezas Manuel Castro
Published: January 2020

Aim

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) linked to atherogenic dyslipidaemia and postprandial hyperlipidaemia. Alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, improves CVD risk by reducing the concentration of low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C). However, effects of PCK9 inhibitors on other aspects of diabetic dyslipidaemia, particularly in the postprandial situation, are less clear.

Material and Methods

Twelve male patients with T2DM on an intensive insulin regimen completed a 6‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, proof‐of‐concept study. Participants received three biweekly dosages of subcutaneous alirocumab (150 mg) or placebo. Before and after the intervention, fasting and postprandial triglyceride (TG) plasma levels, apolipoprotein (apo) B48, lipoprotein composition isolated by ultracentrifugation, vascular function and markers of inflammation were evaluated.

Results

Alirocumab treatment reduced fasting plasma TG levels (between group median change −24.7%; P = 0.018) and fasting apoB48 serum levels (−35.9%; P = 0.039) compared with placebo. Alirocumab reduced the plasma TG area under the curve (AUC) (−26.4%; P = 0.006) and apoB48 AUC (−55.7%; P = 0.046), as well as plasma TG incremental AUC (−21.4%; P = 0.04) and apoB48 incremental AUC (−26.8%; P = 0.02). In addition, alirocumab reduced fasting and postprandial TG levels in very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL. Alirocumab improved fasting pulse wave velocity, but no changes in postprandial markers of inflammation were observed.

Conclusions

In addition to the well‐known LDL‐C‐reducing effects, 6 weeks of alirocumab treatment lowered both fasting and postprandial plasma TG levels by reducing the TG levels in VLDL and LDL and the concentration of intestinal remnants.
Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function recovery post percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions in patients with low and mid‐range left ventricular ejection fractions
Authors: Samy Mohamed , El Awady Waleed Salem , Al‐Daydamony Mohammad Mustafa , Abd El Samei Magdy Mohammad , Shokry Khaled Abd El Azim
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a frequent condition encountered in cardiac catheterization laboratory with a prevalence of about 20%. Through literature, data are scarcely reported regarding the left ventricular (LV) function recovery post CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with low (<40%) and mid‐range (40%‐49%) LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to assess the echocardiographic outcomes of CTO patients with low and mid‐range LVEF successfully revascularized at 6‐month follow‐up.

Methods

This prospective study included 75 patients with at least one CTO of an epicardial coronary artery proved by previous diagnostic coronary angiography with PCI attempt indication, and successfully revascularized. They were equally divided according to LVEF into three groups, and echocardiographic remodeling indices were assessed at baseline and 6 months post PCI.

Results

Our study showed significant improvement of LVEF, S‐wave velocity by tissue doppler imaging (TDI), LV wall‐motion score (LVWMS), and LV systolic sphericity index (LVSIS) 6 months post CTO PCI in low LVEF group, and a significant improvement in LVEF, S‐wave velocity, and LVWMS in mid‐range LVEF group (P < .05). The delta change in LVEF was significantly more in low LVEF group, compared to the other two groups (F = 4.739, P < .05).

Conclusion

Successful CTO PCI in patients with low and mid‐range LVEF is associated with significant improvement of LVEF and other indices of myocardial remodeling after 6 months of follow‐up.
A chemically triggered transition from conflict to cooperation in burying beetles
Authors: Chen Bo‐Fei , Liu Mark , Rubenstein Dustin R. , Sun Syuan‐Jyun , Liu Jian‐Nan , Lin Yu‐Heng , Shen Sheng‐Feng
Published: January 2020

Although interspecific competition has long been recognised as a major driver of trait divergence and adaptive evolution, relatively little effort has focused on how it influences the evolution of intraspecific cooperation. Here we identify the mechanism by which the perceived pressure of interspecific competition influences the transition from intraspecific conflict to cooperation in a facultative cooperatively breeding species, the Asian burying beetle Nicrophorus nepalensis. We not only found that beetles are more cooperative at carcasses when blowfly maggots have begun to digest the tissue, but that this social cooperation appears to be triggered by a single chemical cue – dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) – emitted from carcasses consumed by blowflies, but not from control carcasses lacking blowflies. Our results provide experimental evidence that interspecific competition promotes the transition from intraspecific conflict to cooperation in N. nepalensis via a surprisingly simple social chemical cue that is a reliable indicator of resource competition between species.
Hyperlipidemia in patients newly treated with anticonvulsants: A population study
Authors: Mintzer Scott , Yi Misung , Hegarty Sarah , Maio Vittorio , Keith Scott
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine the incidence of hyperlipidemia after first anticonvulsant treatment for seizures, using a large US administrative claims database.

Methods

We obtained data from the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare databases for 2005‐2009 for all adult patients newly treated with an anticonvulsant for seizures who had no previous history of hyperlipidemia or treatment with a lipid‐lowering agent. We divided the population based upon whether they were treated with an enzyme‐inducing anticonvulsant (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone) or a noninducing anticonvulsant (all others). The primary outcome measure was a new diagnosis of hyperlipidemia during subsequent follow‐up. We accounted for a large number of demographic and clinical covariates.

Results

Of 11 374 subjects, 8778 (77%) were prescribed noninducers and 2596 (23%) were prescribed inducers. New hyperlipidemia diagnoses were seen in 14.6% of the patients started on inducing anticonvulsants and 10.7% of the patients started on noninducing anticonvulsants (P < .001). Both hyperlipidemia and the use of inducers were significantly associated with older age and male gender. After accounting for covariates, inducer prescription was still associated with 23% higher odds of a subsequent diagnosis of hyperlipidemia (odds ratio = 1.225, 95% confidence interval = 1.066‐1.408, P < .001).

Significance

The use of enzyme‐inducing anticonvulsants in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy was associated with a significant increase in subsequent diagnoses of hyperlipidemia, suggesting that the lipid‐elevating properties of these agents are of genuine clinical importance. This adds to the body of data demonstrating that these agents are likely associated with additional hassle, cost, and morbidity.
Phase‐dependent modulation of cortical and thalamic sensory responses during spike‐and‐wave discharges
Authors: Williams Mark S. , Lecas Sarah , Charpier Stéphane , Mahon Séverine
Published: January 2020

Objective

The neuronal underpinnings of impaired consciousness during absence seizures remain largely unknown. Spike‐and‐wave (SW) activity associated with absences imposes two extremely different states in cortical neurons, which transition from suprathreshold synaptic depolarizations during spike phases to membrane hyperpolarization and electrical silence during wave phases. To investigate whether this rhythmic alternation of neuronal states affects the processing of sensory information during seizures, we examined cortical and thalamic responsiveness to brief sensory stimuli in the different phases of the epileptic cycle.

Methods

Electrocorticographic (ECoG) monitoring from the primary somatosensory cortex combined with intracellular recordings of subjacent pyramidal neurons, or extracellular recordings of somatosensory thalamic neurons, were performed in the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rat From Strasbourg. Sensory stimuli consisted of pulses of compressed air applied to the contralateral whiskers.

Results

Whisker stimuli delivered during spike phases evoked smaller depolarizing synaptic potentials and fewer action potentials in cortical neurons compared to stimuli occurring during wave phases. This spike‐related attenuation of cortical responsiveness was accompanied by a reduced neuronal membrane resistance, likely due to the large increase in synaptic conductance. Sensory‐evoked firing in thalamocortical neurons was also decreased during ECoG spikes as compared to wave phases, indicating that time‐to‐time changes in the thalamocortical volley may also contribute to the variability of cortical responses during seizures.

Significance

These findings demonstrate that thalamocortical sensory processing during absence seizures is nonstationary and strongly suggest that the cortical impact of a given environmental stimulus is conditioned by its exact timing relative to the SW cycle. The lack of stability of thalamic and cortical responses along seizures may contribute to impaired conscious sensory perception during absences.
A new system for automatic analysis and quality adjustment in audiovisual subtitled‐based contents by means of genetic algorithms
Authors: Souto‐Rico Monica , González‐Carrasco Israel , López‐Cuadrado José‐Luis , Ruíz‐Mezcua Belén
Published: January 2020

In Spain, the subtitling service on television for the deaf has been improving in quantity since the General Law on Audiovisual Communication was enacted in 2010. This law establishes a series of quality standards that must be followed in the subtitling process. One of the most relevant aspects of subtitle quality is the speed at which they are shown on the screen, due to the fact that a too high speed (less time on screen) will make them difficult to read and the information hard to understand. In order to determine whether the speed at which the subtitles are being shown is adequate, first, it is necessary to process all the information associated with the broadcast of the digital TV channels including data from different sources. In this research, the authors have worked with the data obtained within the time period between July 2012 and December 2017, that is, with more than 950 million records. This article presents a framework for integration and processing of heterogeneous information associated with the subtitling of audiovisual content from different sources. Moreover, the framework will provide an automatic adjustment of subtitles in broadcasting regarding quality indicators by means of a genetic algorithm approach. The results show that the system is able to estimate the best relationship between the time and size of the subtitles and maintaining the quality levels established for this research. These results have been validated by experts and users of this domain.
Poor old pores—The challenge of making and maintaining nuclear pore complexes in aging
Authors: Rempel Irina L. , Steen Anton , Veenhoff Liesbeth M.
Published: January 2020

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the sole gateway to the nuclear interior, and its function is essential to all eukaryotic life. Controlling the functionality of NPCs is a tremendous challenge for cells. Firstly, NPCs are large structures, and their complex assembly does occasionally go awry. Secondly, once assembled, some components of the NPC persist for an extremely long time and, as a result, are susceptible to accumulate damage. Lastly, a significant proportion of the NPC is composed of intrinsically disordered proteins that are prone to aggregation. In this review, we summarize how the quality of NPCs is guarded in young cells and discuss the current knowledge on the fate of NPCs during normal aging in different tissues and organisms. We discuss the extent to which current data supports a hypothesis that NPCs are poorly maintained during aging of nondividing cells, while in dividing cells the main challenge is related to the assembly of new NPCs. Our survey of current knowledge points toward NPC quality control as an important node in aging of both dividing and nondividing cells. Here, the loss of protein homeostasis during aging is central and the NPC appears to both be impacted by, and to drive, this process.
Food web pathways for fish communities in small tropical streams
Authors: Reis Andressa da Silva , Albrecht Míriam Pilz , Bunn Stuart E.
Published: January 2020

It is often assumed that invertebrate consumers in small tropical streams are dependent on allochthonous sources, although recent studies indicate that algae can form the base of food webs in tropical streams. Fish in tropical streams can feed across several trophic levels and the origin and path of energy and nutrient flow is uncertain for many species.

We collected fish, insects, periphyton, and leaf litter from 20 streams across four Atlantic Forest catchments. We analysed stomach contents of fish to define trophic guild and fish dietary trophic position. We also analysed stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen of fish and their resources to identify the main basal resources of the food web and to estimate trophic positions and identify the path of energy flow.

We found that autochthonous sources were the primary resource base for fish communities. Trophic positions estimated from diet and isotopes were similar and correlated for insectivore and algivore–insectivore fish, but not for algivore–detritivore or omnivore fish. Using path analysis, fish classified as algivore–detritivores appear to have derived their biomass through a diet of primary consumer insects and periphytic algae and thus, are more likely to play a trophic role as algivore–insectivores in these streams. However, omnivores probably derived much of their biomass from aquatic insects.

Our findings support other studies of tropical systems in which the main basal resource is autochthonous, even in small streams. We also show that the assignment to a specific trophic guild for some fish species, based on gut contents, does not reflect what they assimilate into their bodies. In some species, food sources that are uncommon can make a disproportionately important contribution to their biomass.

This study affirms the important role of inconspicuous algal resources in aquatic food webs, even in small forested streams, and demonstrates the effectiveness of taking a combined approach of diet analysis, isotopic tracing, and modelling to resolve food web pathways where the level of omnivory is high.
Do leaf‐litter decomposers control biofilm primary production and benthic algal community structure in forest streams? Insights from an outdoor mesocosm experiment
Authors: Allen Joey , Laviale Martin , Cellamare Maria , Bachelet Quentin , Felten Vincent , Danger Michael
Published: January 2020

1. Forested headwater streams are generally considered to be light‐limited ecosystems where primary production is reduced, and the main source of energy and nutrients is composed of allochthonous detritus. We hypothesised that in these ecosystems, the development of primary producers might also be limited by (1) competition for nutrients with leaf‐litter decomposers (e.g. bacteria and fungi), and (2) leaf‐litter leachates or allelopathic compounds produced by aquatic fungi.

2. To test these hypotheses, a 48‐day mesocosm experiment was performed in 12 artificial streams containing stream water inoculated with epilithic biofilm suspensions collected from a forested headwater stream. Three different treatments were applied: control without leaf litter (C), microbially conditioned leaf litter added at the beginning of the experiment and left to decompose throughout the experiment (L), or leaf litter renewed three times during the experiment (RL).

3. We predicted that (1) the presence of litter, through microbial nutrient immobilisation and allelopathy, would reduce primary production and that (2) this effect would be amplified by litter renewal. We also predicted that nutrient competition would mean that (3) leaf‐litter decomposers will alter primary producer community composition and physiology. These predictions were tested by analysing biofilm development, physiology, stoichiometry, and benthic algal community structure. To distinguish between the effects of nutrient immobilisation and allelopathy, the biofilm responses to leaf‐litter leachates collected after different microbial conditioning durations were also measured in a parallel laboratory experiment.

4. Contrary to our expectations, by day 28, primary producer growth was higher in the mesocosms containing leaf litter (L and RL) despite the rapid decrease in dissolved nutrients when leaf litter was present. After 48 days, the lowest phototrophic biofilm development was observed when leaf litter was renewed (RL), whereas phototrophic biofilm development was similar in the C and L treatments. Biofilm stoichiometry indicated that this effect was most probably related to greater nitrogen limitation in the RL treatment. The presence of leaf litter also affected primary producers' photophysiology, which could be attributed to changes in taxonomic composition and to physiological adjustments of primary producers.

5. Laboratory measurements showed that despite a strong inhibition of primary producer growth by unconditioned leaf‐litter leachates, microbially conditioned leaf litter had either low or no effects on the development of primary producers.

6. These results reveal that leaf‐litter decomposers can have both positive and negative effects on primary producers underlining the need to consider microbial interactions when investigating the functioning of forested headwater streams.
Does size really matter in biogeography? Patterns and drivers of global distribution of marine micro‐ and meiofauna
Authors: Azovsky Andrey I. , Chertoprud Elena S. , Garlitska Lesya A. , Mazei Yuri A. , Tikhonenkov Denis V.
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the role of various factors in structuring biogeographical distribution of small‐sized organisms. More specifically, we analysed the distribution of three groups of marine benthic organisms differing in body size, both unicellular and metazoans, to assess the relevance of geographical and environmental factors on their taxonomic composition.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Heterotrophic flagellates, Ciliophora, Harpacticoida (Copepoda).

Methods

The set of predictors included species richness (a proxy for sampling effort), geographical distance, isolation by geographical or hydrological barriers and three environmental variables (sea surface temperature, its annual variation and salinity). Multiple regression on the distance matrices and null modelling were used to quantify the relative effects of these variables in taxonomic similarity among 21 regions of the Ocean.

Results

Each group showed a unique biogeographical pattern. The smallest‐sized organisms, the flagellates, had high regional but low global diversity and low endemicity and demonstrated worldwide, environmentally driven distribution without any dispersal limitation (only the effects of climatic variables, but neither distance nor isolation effects, were significant). Thus, flagellates basically meet the ‘ubiquity model’ of global distribution. The ciliates showed a moderate level of endemicity, and their distribution depended on both spatial distance and the climatic variables, in accord with the ‘moderate endemicity model’. In contrast, harpacticoids demonstrated high endemicity level, and their distribution was mostly geographically driven, indicating the considerable role of dispersal limitation—the pattern typical of other multicellular taxa with ‘classical biogeography’. Species richness significantly influenced the interregional similarity of each group and explained 26%–65% of the total variance, indicating the strong impact of undersampling on faunistic similarity estimations.

Main conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that body size is the ‘master trait’ that shapes global biogeographical patterns towards higher predictability and increasing role of dispersal limitation for larger organisms.
Hypertension prevalence and control in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Potts Harry , Baatarsuren Uurtsaikh , Myanganbayar Maral , Purevdorj Baigal , Lkhagvadorj Burtu‐Ujin , Ganbat Namuun , Dorjpalam Alimaa , Boldbaatar Delgerbat , Tuvdendarjaa Khulan , Sampilnorov Dulmaa , Boldbaatar Khatantuul , Dashtseren Myagmartseren , Batsukh Batbold , Tserengombo Namkhaidorj , Unurjargal Tsolmon , Palam Enkhtuya , Bosurgi Roberta , So Geoffrey , Campbell Norm R. C. , Bungert Andreas , Dashdorj Naranbaatar , Dashdorj Naranjargal
Published: January 2020

This study examines the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, using both the American Heart Association and conventional thresholds (130/80 and 140/90 mm Hg, respectively). In this randomized cross‐sectional study, two‐stage cluster sampling was used to obtain a sample of 4515 individuals aged ≥20 years. Hypertension was defined by the use of antihypertensives in the last 2 weeks or a blood pressure at or above the thresholds of 140/90 and 130/80 mm Hg. The mean age of the participants was 41.1 ± 14.0 years and 54.5% were women. Hypertension prevalence was 25.6% (using 140/90 mm Hg) and 46.5% (using 130/80 mm Hg). Prevalence increased with age and below 50 years men were consistently more likely to be hypertensive. Among hypertensive participants, the rates of awareness, treatment, and control were 69.7%, 46.8%, and 24.0% (using 140/90 mm Hg) and 49.1%, 25.8%, and 6.4% (using 130/80 mm Hg, respectively). Men had lower rates of awareness, treatment, and control compared with women, with the most pronounced differences at younger ages. This study shows that awareness, treatment, and control rates in Ulaanbaatar are better than in most low‐ and middle‐income countries but are still suboptimal. The largest “care gap” was in young men where a regulatory requirement for annual workplace blood pressure screening has the potential to enhance care. A major hypertension control program has just been initiated in Ulaanbaatar.
Promoting behavioural changes to improve oral hygiene in patients with periodontal diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Carra Maria Clotilde , Detzen Laurent , Kitzmann Julia , Woelber Johan P. , Ramseier Christoph A. , Bouchard Philippe
Published: January 2020

Aim

This systematic review investigates the impact of specific interventions aiming at promoting behavioural changes to improve oral hygiene (OH) in patients with periodontal diseases.

Methods

A literature search was performed on different databases up to March 2019. Randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of behavioural interventions on plaque and bleeding scores in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis were considered. Pooled data analysis was conducted by estimating standardized mean difference between groups.

Results

Of 288 articles screened, 14 were included as follows: 4 studies evaluated the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) associated with OH instructions, 7 the impact of oral health educational programmes based on cognitive behavioural therapies, and 3 the use of self‐inspections/videotapes. Studies were heterogeneous and reported contrasting results. Meta‐analyses for psychological interventions showed no significant group difference for both plaque and bleeding scores. No effect was observed in studies applying self‐inspection/videotapes.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the current evidence, OH may be reinforced in patients with periodontal diseases by psychological interventions based on cognitive constructs and MI principles provided by oral health professionals. However, no conclusion can be drawn on their specific clinical efficacy as measured by reduction of plaque and bleeding scores over time.
Adherence to long‐term supportive periodontal therapy in groups with different periodontal risk profiles
Authors: Sonnenschein Sarah K. , Kohnen Rebecca , Ruetters Maurice , Krisam Johannes , Kim Ti‐Sun
Published: January 2020

Aim

To examine changes of the periodontal risk assessment (PRA) of patients during long‐term supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to examine the adherence to recommended visit intervals.

Material and Methods

Retrospective data from 372 SPT patients were evaluated before and after active periodontal therapy (APT) and at least 5 years later. After APT and regularly during SPT, PRA was performed for all included patients (low‐risk/moderate‐risk/high‐risk profile) and they were advised to adhere to 3/6‐/or 12‐month intervals accordingly. The adherence (fully/partially/insufficiently/non‐adherent) to SPT intervals was assessed retrospectively.

Results

Initially, 38 patients had a low‐risk, 217 a moderate‐risk and 94 a high‐risk profile. Five years after APT, 55.3% of the low‐risk, 71.9% of the moderate‐risk and 54.3% of the high‐risk patients had not changed their initial risk. 19.5% of the moderate‐risk group shifted to “high‐risk” and 8.6% to “low‐risk”. 66% of low‐risk, 34% of moderate‐risk and 13% of high‐risk patients fully adhered to SPT. The portion of non‐adherent patients was the highest within the high‐risk group (18%–43%). The level of adherence was associated with number of lost teeth and mean PPD (p < .05).

Conclusions

Risk profiles can change during SPT. A high level of adherence to SPT intervals based on PRA positively influences the periodontal status.
Commentary: Do we need new parenting programmes for different cultural groups or should we adapt those that already exist: a commentary on Ward et al. (2019)
Authors: Thompson Margaret , Thompson Catherine
Published: January 2020

This paper By Ward et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2019) in the issue of the JCPP, is an excellent example of preparing a new programme for parents with children at high risk of present and future behaviour problems. It was to be delivered in a very deprived population in a township in South Africa. We discuss the paper but also raise questions about developing new programmes when they are already successful programmes available and discuss whether it is time for programme developers to meet to discuss what works best and for whom.
Association between Pro12Ala polymorphism and albuminuria in type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Chen Yung‐Nien , Wang Pei‐Wen , Tung Shih‐Chen , Kuo Ming‐Chun , Weng Shao‐Wen , Chou Chen‐Kai , Chang Chih‐Min , Tsa Chia‐Jen , Taso Cheng‐Feng , Shen Feng‐Chih , Chen Jung‐Fu
Published: January 2020

Aims/Introduction

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function, which results in increased levels of albumin in the urine. The Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ2 gene has been confirmed to improve insulin sensitivity, but its association with susceptibility to DN in patients with type 2 diabetes remains inconclusive.

Materials and Methods

To examine whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism leads to the development of DN, a case‐control study was carried out in 554 patients with type 2 diabetes. The genotypes of Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma 2 gene were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan® probe genotyping assay in all patients.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 57.7 ± 8.8 years, with average diabetes duration of 12.8 ± 6.9 years. The prevalence of albuminuria was 43.5%. The frequency of genotype Pro12Pro, Pro12Ala and Ala12Ala genotype were 92.6%, 7.0%, 0.4% in our study population, and 90.4%, 8.9% and 0.7% in normal urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio group, respectively. The Ala carriers (Pro12Ala + Ala12Ala) had significantly lower urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (15.0 vs 20.5 mg/g, P = 0.001) and better renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate 81.8 [69.8–97.6] vs 78.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 [61.6–96.2]; P = 0.05) compared with those with the genotype Pro12Pro. After adjustment for age, sex and other confounders, the odds ratio of albuminuria for the Ala12 allele was 0.428 (95% confidence interval 0.195–0.940, P = 0.034]).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma 2 Ala12 variant has significant protective effects against albuminuria and DN.
Long‐term maternal cardiometabolic outcomes 22 years after gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tutino Greg E , Tam Claudia HT , Ozaki Riza , Yuen Lai Yuk , So Wing Yee , Chan Michael HM , Ko Gary TC , Yang Xilin , Chan Juliana CN , Tam Wing Hung , Ma Ronald CW
Published: January 2020

Aims/Introduction

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. We characterized the association between maternal glycemia during pregnancy with long‐term outcomes.

Methods and Methods

In this prospective nested case–cohort study, participants were recalled for follow up with detailed evaluation including oral glucose tolerance test at 8, 15 and 22 years. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome at follow up. The association between maternal glycemia at pregnancy and follow up was evaluated by linear regression. We also charted trajectory of β‐cell function during follow up.

Results

The analysis included 121 women with a mean follow‐up period of 22.5 years, and a mean age of 50.3 years. Gestational diabetes was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.48 (95% confidence interval 1.03–5.99) for combined diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance at follow up (P = 0.04). Women with a pre‐pregnancy body mass index ≥23 had an odds ratio of 5.43 (95% confidence interval 1.87–15.72) for metabolic syndrome at follow up, compared with those with body mass index <23 (P = 0.002). Both fasting and 2‐h glucose during pregnancy were strongly associated with glycemic indices at follow up (P‐value <0.001–0.016). Gestational diabetes was associated with impaired β‐cell function that remained relatively stable after the index pregnancy.

Conclusions

Chinese women with a history of gestational diabetes have a high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes at 22‐year follow up. Glucose levels during mid‐pregnancy are strongly associated with those of middle age.
Intra‐individual association between C‐reactive protein and insulin administration in postoperative lumbar spinal canal stenosis patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kurisu Ken , Tsurutani Yuya , Inoue Kosuke , Hoshino Yoshitomo , Saiki Fumiko , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: January 2020

The association of intra‐individual variability in insulin requirements with C‐reactive protein levels among acute phase patients remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate this association. Patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis were included in the study. We analyzed 286 records of 49 patients using the linear mixed effects model. The model showed C‐reactive protein levels to be significantly associated with insulin requirements, with an effect size of 0.60 U/day for an elevation of 1 mg/dL. The effect size was increased in patients with higher hemoglobin A1c levels. Our findings imply that C‐reactive protein levels could be a useful clinical biomarker when blood glucose levels are controlled in acute phase patients.