bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The super repertoire of type IV effectors in the pangenome ofEhrlichiaspp. provides insights into host-specificity and pathogenesis
Authors: Noroy Christophe , Meyer Damien F.
Published: November 2020

The identification of bacterial effectors is essential to understand how obligatory intracellular bacteria such asEhrlichiaspp. manipulate the host cell for survival and replication. Infection of mammals – including humans – by the intracellular pathogenic bacteriaEhrlichiaspp. depends largely on the injection of virulence proteins that hijack host cell processes. Several hypothetical virulence proteins have been identified inEhrlichiaspp., but one so far has been experimentally shown to translocate into host cells via the type IV secretion system. However, the current challenge is to identify most of the type IV effectors (T4Es) to fully understand their role inEhrlichiaspp. virulence and host adaptation. Here, we predict the T4E repertoires of four sequencedEhrlichiaspp. and four otherAnaplasmataceaeas comparative models (pathogenicAnaplasmaspp. andWolbachiaendosymbiont) using previously developed S4TE 2.0 software. This analysis identified 579 predicted T4Es (228 pT4Es forEhrlichiaspp. only). The effector repertoiresof Ehrlichiaspp. overlapped, thereby defining a conserved core effectome of 92 effectors shared by all strains. In addition, 69 species-specific T4Es were predicted with non-canonical GC% mostly in gene sparse regions of the genomes and we observed a bias in pT4Es according to host-specificity. We also identified new protein domain combinations, suggesting novel effector functions. This work presenting the predicted effector collectionof Ehrlichiaspp. can serve as a guide for future functional characterisation of effectors and design of alternative control strategies against these bacteria.
Transarterial embolization modulates the immune response within target and non-target hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Tischfield David , Gurevich Alexey , Johnson Omar , Gayatman Isabela , Nadolski Gregory J. , Kaplan David E. , Furth Emma , Hunt Stephen J. , Gade Terence P. F.
Published: November 2020

Recent successes in the field of immuno-oncology have generated considerable interest in the investigation of approaches that combine standard of care treatments with immunotherapies. Transarterial embolization (TAE) represents an attractive candidate for this approach given the potential for immune system stimulation, however little is known about the influence of TAE on the tumor immunoenvironment. The purpose of this study was to perform a cellular analysis of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and PD-L1 expression following TAE in a translational rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify factors that influence this response. We show that TAE causes dynamic changes in immune cell populations, with variable increases in CD3, CD4, and CD8 cells within embolized tumors over time. We also show that TAE alters the immunobiology of distant, non-target tumors as demonstrated by an increased number of CD4, CD8, and Foxp3+ cells within the intratumoral compartment of non-target tumors. We demonstrate that, in response to TAE, tumor cells up-regulate expression of PD-L1. Finally, we demonstrate marked differences in terms of the foreign body reactions induced by two commonly used embolic particles, and show changes in lymphocyte and macrophage recruitment that depend on the type of embolic particles and their propensity to extravasate beyond the vasculature and into the tumor parenchyma. These findings hold important implications for the on-going development of novel therapeutic strategies combining locoregional therapy with immunomodulators, as well as for the development of techniques and materials that can further leverage the unique modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment.
Functional characterization of RebL1 highlights the evolutionary conservation of oncogenic activities of the RBBP4/7 orthologue inTetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Nabeel-Shah Syed , Garg Jyoti , Saettone Alejandro , Ashraf Kanwal , Lee Hyunmin , Wahab Suzanne , Ahmed Nujhat , Fine Jacob , Derynck Joanna , Ponce Marcelo , Pu Shuye , Marcon Edyta , Zhang Zhaolei , Greenblatt Jack F , Pearlman Ronald E , Lambert Jean-Philippe , Fillingham Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

Retinoblastoma-binding proteins 4 and 7 (RBBP4 and RBBP7) are two highly homologous human histone chaperones. They function in epigenetic regulation as subunits of multiple chromatin-related complexes and have been implicated in numerous cancers. Due to their overlapping functions, our understanding of RBBP4 and 7, particularly outside of Opisthokonts, has remained limited. Here, we report that in the ciliate protozoanTetrahymena thermophilaa single orthologue of human RBBP4 and 7 proteins, RebL1, physically interacts with histone H4 and functions in multiple epigenetic regulatory pathways. Functional proteomics identified conserved functional links associated withTetrahymenaRebL1 protein as well as human RBBP4 and 7. We found that putative subunits of multiple chromatin-related complexes including CAF1, Hat1, Rpd3, and MuvB, co-purified with RebL1 duringTetrahymenagrowth and conjugation. Iterative proteomics analyses revealed that the cell cycle regulatory MuvB-complex inTetrahymenais composed of at least five subunits including evolutionarily conserved Lin54, Lin9 and RebL1 proteins. Genome-wide analyses indicated that RebL1 and Lin54 (Anqa1) bind within genic and intergenic regions. Moreover, Anqa1 targets primarily promoter regions suggesting a role forTetrahymenaMuvB in transcription regulation. RebL1 depletion decreased cellular viability and altered the expression of selected targets. Consistent with observations in glioblastoma tumors, RebL1 depletion suppressed DNA repair protein Rad51 inTetrahymena, thus underscoring the evolutionarily conserved functions of RBBP4/7 proteins. Our results suggest the essentiality of RebL1 functions in multiple epigenetic regulatory complexes in which it impacts transcription regulation and cellular viability.
Surfaceome CRISPR Screen Identifies OLFML3 as a Rhinovirus-inducible IFN Antagonist
Authors: Mei Hong , Zha Zhao , Wang Wei , Xie Yusang , Huang Yuege , Li Wengping , Wei Dong , Zhang Xinxin , Xie Jia , Qu Jieming , Liu Jia
Published: November 2020

Background

Rhinoviruses (RVs) cause more than half of common cold and, in some cases, more severe diseases. Functional genomics analyses of RVs using siRNA or genome-wide CRISPR screen uncovered a limited set of host factors, few of which has proven clinical relevance.

Results

Herein, we systematically compared genome-wide CRISPR screen and surface protein-focused CRISPR screen, referred to as surfaceome CRISPR screen, for their efficiencies in identifying RV host factors. It was found that surfaceome screen outperformed genome-wide screen in the success rate of hit identification. Importantly, using surfaceome screen we have identified olfactomedin like 3 (OLFML3) as a novel host factor of RV serotypes A and B including a clinical isolate. We found that OLFML3 was a RV-inducible suppressor of the innate immune response and that OLFML3 antagonized type I interferon (IFN) signaling in a SOCS3-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Our study has suggested that RV-induced OLFML3expression is an important mechanism for RV to hijack the immune system and underscored surfaceome CRISPR screen in identifying viral host factors.
Continuous attractors for dynamic memories
Authors: Spalla Davide , Cornacchia Isabel M. , Treves Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Episodic memory has a dynamic nature: when we recall past episodes, we retrieve not only their content, but also their temporal structure. The phenomenon of replay, in the hippocampus of mammals, offers a remarkable example of this temporal dynamics. However, most quantitative models of memory treat memories as static configurations, neglecting the temporal unfolding of the retrieval process. Here we introduce a continuous attractor network model with a memory-dependent asymmetric component in the synaptic connectivity, that spontaneously breaks the equilibrium of the memory configurations and produces dynamic retrieval. The detailed analysis of the model with analytical calculations and numerical simulations shows that it can robustly retrieve multiple dynamical memories, and that this feature is largely independent on the details of its implementation. By calculating the storage capacity we show that the dynamic component does not impair memory capacity, and can even enhance it in certain regimes.
Optimizing Consensus Generation Algorithms for Highly Variable Amino Acid Sequence Clusters
Authors: Mohabati Reyhaneh , Rezaei Reza , Mohajel Nasir , Ranjbar Mohammad Mehdi , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Roohvand Farzin
Published: November 2020

Producing a functional consensus sequence is a preliminary bioinformatics task, which is a necessity for many research purposes. However, the existence of hypervariable regions in the input multiple sequence alignment files causes complications in generating a useful consensus sequence. The current methods for consensus generation, Threshold, and majority algorithms, have several problems, which exclude them as applicable algorithms for such highly variable sequence clusters. Hence, we designed a novel alternative algorithm for the same purpose. The algorithm was explained both using a mathematical formula and a practical implementation in Python programming language. A sequence set from HCV genotype 1b E2 protein has been utilized as a practical example for evaluating the algorithm’s performance. A few in silico tests have been performed on the output sequence and the results have been compared to results from other algorithms. Epitope-mapping analysis indicates the functionality of this algorithm, by preserving the hotspot residues in the consensus sequence, and the antigenicity index shows significant antigenicity of the consensus sequence. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis shows no significant change in the placement of the new consensus sequence on the phylogenetic tree compared to other algorithms. This approach will have several implications in designing a new vaccine for highly variable viruses such as HIV-1, Influenza, and Hepatitis C Viruses (HCV).
Resting state brain signal complexity of young healthy adults reflects genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Kaur Yadwinder , Wilhelm Oliver , Reuter Martin , Montag Christian , Sommer Werner , Zhou Changsong , Hildebrandt Andrea
Published: November 2020

The e4 allele of the APOE gene is strongly associated with impaired brain functionality and cognitive decline in humans at older age. It is controversial whether and how the APOE e4 allele is affecting brain activity among young healthy individuals and how such effects may contribute to individual differences in cognitive performance. Signal complexity is a critical aspect of brain activity that has been shown to be associated with brain function. In this study, we analyzed multiscale entropy (MSE) of EEG signals among young healthy adults as an indicator of brain signal complexity and investigated how MSE is predicted by APOE genotype groups. Furthermore, by means of structural equation modeling, we investigated whether MSE predicts fluid intelligence. Results indicate larger MSE in young healthy e4 carriers across all time scales. Moreover, better fluid intelligence (gf) is associated with smaller MSE at low time scales and larger MSE at higher scales. However, MSE does not account for better cognitive performance among APOE e4 carriers by mediating the APOE genotype effect on fluid intelligence. The present results shed further light on the neural mechanisms underlying gene-behavior association relevant for Alzheimer’s Disease risk.
Relationship between serum trough levels and efficacy of brodalumab from a post hoc exploratory analysis of a Japanese study in patients with plaque psoriasis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yukie , Kanai Yasumasa , Kitabayashi Hiroki , Okada Hiroki , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: November 2020

Previous clinical studies have shown that efficacy and serum brodalumab levels are dose dependent in patients with psoriasis receiving the same dose of brodalumab during the study. This study aimed to investigate the association between dosage, serum levels, and efficacy of brodalumab in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis with dosage variations during the study. This was a post hoc exploratory analysis of a 108‐week, multicenter, open‐label extension study, which changed into a post‐marketing surveillance study following brodalumab approval in Japan. Eligible patients with plaque psoriasis (n = 129) received brodalumab 140 mg every 4 weeks on Day 1; dosage change at physician’s discretion from 140 mg every 8 weeks to 210 mg every 2 weeks was permitted; patients switched to 210 mg every 2 weeks during the post‐marketing surveillance study. Exploratory endpoints included serum brodalumab levels at Weeks 28 and 108, its association with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score in patients receiving brodalumab 210 mg every 2 weeks at end of study. Median brodalumab trough levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at higher vs. lower dosages at Weeks 28 (n = 126) and 108 (n = 111) except for 140 mg every 2 weeks vs. 210 mg every 2 weeks at Week 108 and higher in patients with lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores—significantly different only for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score 0 vs. >2 at Week 28 (P = 0.0153). Of 100 patients receiving 210 mg every 2 weeks at end of study, 89% had a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score ≤2. In patients with plaque psoriasis, brodalumab efficacy may depend upon sustained serum trough levels and can be restored by using the approved dose.
Changes in delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Freeman Tom P. , Craft Sam , Wilson Jack , Stylianou Stephan , ElSohly Mahmoud , Di Forti Marta , Lynskey Michael T.
Published: November 2020

Background and aims

Cannabis products with high delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations carry an increased risk of addiction and mental health disorders, while it has been suggested that cannabidiol (CBD) may moderate the effects of THC. This study aimed to systematically review and meta‐analyse changes in THC and CBD concentrations in cannabis over time (PROSPERO registration: CRD42019130055).

Design

Embase, MEDLINE® and Epub Ahead of Print, In‐Process and Other Non‐Indexed Citations and Daily, Global Health, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched from inception to 27/03/2019 for observational studies reporting changes in mean THC and/or CBD concentration in cannabis over at least three annual time points. Searches and extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Random effects meta‐regression models estimated annual changes in THC and CBD for each product within each study; these estimates were pooled across studies in random effects models.

Results

We identified 12 eligible studies from the USA, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Italy and New Zealand. For all herbal cannabis, THC concentrations increased by 0.29% each year (95% CI: 0.11, 0.47), P < 0.001 based on 66 747 cannabis samples from eight studies, 1970–2017. For cannabis resin, THC concentrations increased by 0.57% each year (95% CI: 0.10, 1.03), P = 0.017 based on 17 371 samples from eight studies, 1975–2017. There was no evidence for changes in CBD in herbal cannabis [−0.01% (95% CI: −0.02, 0.01), P = 0.280; 49 434 samples from five studies, 1995–2017] or cannabis resin [0.03% (95% CI: −0.11, 0.18), P = 0.651; 11 382 samples from six studies, 1992–2017]. Risk of bias was low apart from non‐random sampling in most studies. There was evidence of moderate to substantial heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Concentrations of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in international cannabis markets increased from 1970 to 2017 while cannabidiol (CBD) remained stable. Increases in THC were greater in cannabis resin than herbal cannabis. Rising THC in herbal cannabis was attributable to an increased market share of high‐THC sinsemilla relative to low‐THC traditional herbal cannabis.
Effects of grazing adaptation on intake, ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and body weight change in dairy cows after turning out to pasture in early spring
Authors: Mitani Tomohiro , Kubota Tomoyo , Mizuguchi Hitoshi , Kushibiki Shiro , Ueda Koichiro
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the effect of adaptation to grazing in early spring on herbage intake, ruminal fermentation parameters, blood metabolite concentrations, and body weight change in dairy cows. The experiment was conducted on eight rumen‐cannulated non‐lactating cows in the early spring period. Four cows were adapted to grazing by stocking for 4 hr for 1 week (ADP group). The other cows were kept in a barn during the period (CON group). Then, both groups of cows were stocked together throughout a day on a 1 ha pasture for 3 weeks (experimental period). In the first week of the experimental period, compared to the CON group, the ADP group had a higher herbage intake, ruminal NH3‐N and total VFA concentration, and blood urea concentration, but the NEFA concentration was lower in the ADP group (p < .01). During the subsequent weeks, there were little differences in ruminal fermentation parameters and blood metabolites. Cows in the ADP group maintained their body weight, but cows in the CON group lost 60 kg of body weight in the first week of the experimental period.
The spectrum of splenic complications in patients with sickle cell disease in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Ladu Adama I. , Aiyenigba Abiola O. , Adekile Adekunle , Bates Imelda
Published: November 2020

The majority of the global population of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients resides in Africa. Individuals with this condition are at great risk of serious infections and early mortality secondary to splenic dysfunction without preventative measures. This review investigated the spectrum of splenic complications encountered in SCD among populations in Africa. We systematically searched several databases for all articles published through March 3, 2020. We included 55 studies from 14 African countries. This review reveals the difference in frequency of splenic complications in SCD in Africa when compared with their counterparts in the United State and Europe. While several studies (n = 45) described splenomegaly with a prevalence of 12% to 73% among children, and 4% to 50% among adults with HbSS, the reported prevalence for acute splenic sequestration crisis (n = 6 studies) and hypersplenism (n = 4 studies) was <10% and <5% respectively. A total of 30 surgical splenectomy was reported across eight studies. Only two (3.7%) studies provided data on spleen function. A conflicting pattern was observed amongst studies that evaluated the relationship between splenomegaly and the presence of bacterial and malaria infections. This review reveals the paucity of studies describing the role of SCD‐induced splenic dysfunction in morbidity and infection related mortality in Africa.
Standardised immunophenotypic analysis of myeloperoxidase in acute leukaemia
Authors: Bras Anne E. , Osmani Zgjim , de Haas Valerie , Jongen‐Lavrencic Mojca , te Marvelde Jeroen G. , Zwaan C. Michel , Mejstrikova Ester , Fernandez Paula , Szczepanski Tomasz , Orfao Alberto , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , van der Velden Vincent H. J.
Published: November 2020

Given its myeloid‐restricted expression, myeloperoxidase (MPO) is typically used for lineage assignment (myeloid vs. lymphoid) during acute leukaemia (AL) diagnostics. In the present study, a robust flow cytometric definition for MPO positivity was established based on the standardised EuroFlow protocols, the standardised Acute Leukaemia Orientation Tube and 1734 multicentre AL cases (with confirmed assay stability). The best diagnostic performance was achieved by defining MPO positivity as ≥20% of the AL cells exceeding a lymphocyte‐based threshold. The methodology employed should be applicable to any form of standardised flow cytometry.
Implementation case study: Multifamily group intervention in first‐episode psychosis programs
Authors: Browne Julia , Sanders A. Simone , Friedman‐Yakoobian Michelle , Guyer Margaret , Keshavan Matcheri , Kim Bo , Kline Emily
Published: November 2020

Aim

Family interventions are a core component of first‐episode psychosis (FEP) treatment; however, low implementation rates are consistently reported. As such, work is needed to understand the factors impacting real‐world treatment delivery. The present paper describes the implementation of the McFarlane‐model multifamily psychoeducational groups (MFG) in established FEP early intervention programs within a single state. The aims were to examine (a) training participation and implementation of MFG, (b) barriers and facilitators to implementation, and (c) modifications made to MFG.

Methods

Practitioners from six established FEP early intervention programs received in‐person training and ongoing consultation in MFG. Training participation data were obtained via attendance and implementation outcomes were obtained from practitioner reports. Fifteen months following the initial training, practitioners reported on clinic‐specific barriers, facilitators, and modifications across four categories (context, intervention, practitioner, and recipient).

Results

Twenty‐three practitioners across six clinics received in‐person training and were offered ongoing consultation to support implementation. Difficulties in starting MFG were salient as the earliest group was run 7 months after the initial training, thereby resulting in low overall frequency of groups. A number of barriers spanning context, intervention, practitioner, and recipient domains were noted, the majority of which were clinic‐specific. Despite challenges, practitioners identified several facilitators and made modifications to the intervention and its delivery in service of implementation.

Conclusions

Results from this implementation case study highlighted the challenges of delivering MFG in real‐world FEP early intervention programs. Further, this paper emphasizes the value in identifying and addressing clinic‐specific factors when implementing MFG.
Reconciling sustainability, economic efficiency and equity in marine fisheries: Has there been progress in the last 20 years?
Authors: Cochrane Kevern L.
Published: November 2020

This paper reviews the progress made over the last 20 years in achieving sustainable, economically efficient and socially just marine fisheries, referred to here as reconciled fisheries. It examines the substantial changes that have occurred in policies, practices and the challenges to fisheries. These include greater awareness of the impacts of climate change, implementation of ecosystem approaches, recognition of the needs and role of small‐scale fisheries, greater demands for fish and seafood and greater pressure from other sectors. Progress has been made in some countries and fisheries in improving sustainability and economic efficiency but much less in many others. Globally, substantial problems remain in the status of stocks, threats to biodiversity, incidence of undesirable ecological impacts, economic inefficiencies, and poverty, food insecurity and marginalization of fishers and other dependents on fisheries, particularly small‐scale fishers. Effectiveness of management and governance is linked to the development status of countries, so the challenges are most marked in developing countries but developed countries are also failing, particularly in achievement of socially equitable fisheries, while also transferring some of their problems to developing countries. The paper argues that reconciled fisheries will only be attainable in conjunction with meeting human development needs as a whole, which are reflected in the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). This requires that the global commitment to address the SDGs as being “integrated and indivisible” and in “a spirit of global solidarity” needs to be taken much more seriously than it currently appears to be.
Parental care and reproductive strategies in notothenioid fishes
Authors: La Mesa Mario , Llompart Facundo , Riginella Emilio , Eastman Joseph T.
Published: November 2020

The adoption of parental care behaviours is the distinctive reproductive characteristic associated with the diversification and divergence of notothenioid fishes into an array of habitats in the subzero shelf and upper slope waters around Antarctica and sub‐Antarctic environments. These include a variety of pre‐ and post‐fertilization activities, including courtship behaviour and mate choice, linked to the development of sexually dimorphic traits, nest construction and egg guarding until hatch. Using published literature and new data, this review synthesizes and evaluates, in a phylogenetic context, information related to parental care, specifically sex‐specific morphological adaptations, nest location and structure, sexual differences in egg guarding and post‐spawning mortality, duration of egg incubation times and larval size at hatch. The existence of parental care in phylogenetically basal notothenioids is not documented and unlikely; however, the derived lineages of the Antarctic clade (cryonotothenioids), especially bathydraconids and channichthyids, clearly exhibit a trend towards larger egg size and reduced fecundity that are considered proxies for parental care behaviours. In addition, the reproductive strategies of cryonotothenioids exhibiting parental care show latitudinal patterns at intra‐ and inter‐specific levels. Antarctic species spawn in spring‐summer and have low fecundity, large egg size at spawning and large larvae at hatching. Sub‐Antarctic species spawn in autumn‐winter and have moderate to high fecundity, moderate egg size and larval size at hatching, whereas non‐Antarctic species spawn in winter and possess high fecundity, small egg size at spawning and small larvae at hatching.
Association between temperament related traits and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the serotonin and oxytocin systems in Merino sheep
Authors: Ding Luoyang , Maloney Shane K. , Wang Mengzhi , Rodger Jennifer , Chen Lianmin , Blache Dominique
Published: November 2020

Animal temperament is defined as the consistent behavioral and physiological differences that are seen between individuals in response to the same stressor. Neurotransmitter systems, like serotonin and oxytocin in the central nervous system, underlie variation in behavioral traits in humans and other animals. Variations like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes for tryptophan 5‐hydroxylase (TPH2), the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), the serotonin receptor (HTR2A), and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) are associated with behavioral phenotype in humans. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify SNPs in those genes and to test if those variations are associated with the temperament in Merino sheep. Using ewes from the University of Western Australia temperament flock, which has been selected on emotional reactivity for more than 20 generations, eight SNPs (rs107856757, rs107856818, rs107856856 and rs107857156 in TPH2, rs20917091 in SLC6A4, rs17196799 and rs17193181 in HTR2A, and rs17664565 in OXTR) were found to be distributed differently between calm and nervous sheep. These eight SNPs were then genotyped in 260 sheep from a flock that has never been selected on emotional reactivity, followed by the estimation of the behavioral traits of those 260 sheep using an arena test and an isolation box test. We found that several SNPs in TPH2 (rs107856757, rs107856818, rs107856856 and rs107857156) were in strong linkage disequilibrium, and all were associated with behavioral phenotype in the nonselected sheep. Similarly, rs17196799 in HTR2A was also associated with the behavioral phenotype.
Development and psychometric testing of the career success in Nursing Scale
Authors: Asghari Elnaz , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Valizadeh Leila , Ghahramanian Akram , Rassouli Maryam , Praskova Anna
Published: November 2020

Aim

To develop and test the psychometric properties of an instrument assessing career success in nurses.

Background

Despite the importance of achieving success in nursing, to date, this construct has been measured using unidimensional or generic scales not fully reflecting career success as perceived by nurses.

Methods

This scale development study used a large sample of nurses across 10 hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Items were generated based on existing literature and previous, research team‐led, qualitative study, followed by testing content and face validity of the items. Exploratory factor analysis (N = 530 nurses) then assessed the underlying structure of the scale, and reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha and a 2‐week test–retest correlation.

Findings

From the initial 73 items, fourteen rated by experts as ‘not relevant’ and seven with poor face validity were deleted. Exploratory factor analysis further identified 13 poor items. The final 39‐item solution extracted four robust career success factors: expected career progress, providing quality care, effective self‐regulation, and person‐organization fit. Cronbach's alpha and test–retest correlation showed excellent reliability.

Conclusion

This multidimensional nursing‐specific scale with very good psychometric properties is suitable for individual/group‐based decisions.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

This instrument can assess current perceptions of career success in nurses, so work resources can be allocated to improve policies, services and training programmes to meet career aspirations of nurses and objectives of the organization. Having a robust scale of career success will enable future research in the field of career success as specific to nursing in a clinical setting.
May the odds be ever in your favor: The Hunger Games and the fight for a more equal society. (Negative) Media vicarious contact and collective action
Authors: Vezzali Loris , McKeown Shelley , McCauley Patrick , Stathi Sofia , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Cadamuro Alessia , Cozzolino Valeria , Trifiletti Elena
Published: November 2020

Various studies have found that reading books about positive interactions between ingroup and outgroup characters, known as media vicarious contact, can reduce prejudice. Focusing on the fantasy saga of The Hunger Games, we examined the effects of negative vicarious contact on collective action across two studies. Specifically, we tested whether reading about fantasy characters living in a postapocalyptic conflictual society with large social disparities between advantaged and disadvantaged groups leads advantaged group members to display greater willingness to engage in collective action on behalf of the disadvantaged group. Results from Study 1 (correlational survey in the United Kingdom and United States) and Study 2 (experimental intervention in Italy) revealed that reading The Hunger Games is indirectly associated with greater collective action intentions via increased anger toward injustice. In both studies social dominance orientation (SDO) acted as a moderator, but in opposite directions: mediation was significant for low‐SDOs in Study 1, and for high‐SDOs in Study 2. Results are discussed in relation to the importance of media vicarious contact via book reading for social change, and to the need to identify the contextual conditions allowing to anticipate the specific moderation pattern that is more likely to emerge.
Slow demography and limited dispersal constrain the expansion of north‐eastern temperate forests under climate change
Authors: Vissault Steve , Talluto Matthew V. , Boulangeat Isabelle , Gravel Dominique
Published: November 2020

Aim

Tree species may be vulnerable to migration lags because they are sessile, long‐lived, have a small intrinsic growth rate and relatively short dispersal. Our study assesses if those ecological mechanisms will mitigate the progression of the north‐eastern American temperate forest leading edge into the boreal forest.

Location

The North‐eastern boreal‐temperate forest ecotone (from 43° to 51° North and 80° to 60° West).

Taxon

Our approach involved 15 forest species classified into four representative forest communities of the eastern boreal‐temperate forest.

Methods

We performed simulations on the boreal‐temperate ecotone using a state and transition model (STM), wherein forest communities are classified in four states: boreal, temperate, mixed and stands in regeneration. We propose a new modelling approach based on metapopulation theory to account for dispersal limitations and the demography of the temperate and boreal forests. We calibrated the STM model with an extensive dataset of 48,940 forest inventory plots. We projected the boreal‐temperate forest landscape over 23 General Circulation models (GCMs) from the RCP 8.5 emission scenario to study the forest communities dynamics at the landscape scale under climate change.

Results

Simulations of climate changes predict a significant increase of temperate forest dominance within the ecotone, mainly due to the conversion of mixed stands into temperate stands. The leading edge of the temperate forest will however move only 304 m in latitude (95% CI: 0.18–0.56) into the boreal forest by the end of this century. In comparison, the average expansion rate was 2,555 m/year (95% CI: 1,969–2,932) when we released the dispersal constraint and even higher with an average rate of 7,197 m/year (95% CI: 5,722–9,776) when we released the dispersal and demography constraints.

Main conclusions

The northern edge of the temperate forest distribution does not change with almost no movement toward the north for either temperate or mixed communities by the end of this century. Slow demographic and dispersal rates prevent any substantial movement in temperate forests, with much faster migration rates when these constraints are removed.
Paleotemperatures and recurrent habitat shifts drive diversification of treefrogs across distinct biodiversity hotspots in sub‐Amazonian South America
Authors: Vasconcellos Mariana M. , Colli Guarino R. , Cannatella David C.
Published: November 2020

Aim

We investigate the biogeographical history and diversification in a treefrog lineage distributed in contrasting (open and forested) ecoregions of South America, including three biodiversity hotspots. We evaluate the role of dispersal and whether other factors such as diversity‐dependence or paleotemperatures could explain the diversification pattern for this group. Especially focusing on the savanna endemics, we illuminate the processes governing the species assembly and evolution of the Cerrado savanna.

Location

South American ecoregions south of the Amazon (i.e. Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Araucaria Forest, Pampas, Central and Southern Andes).

Taxon

Boana pulchella group.

Methods

We built the most complete time‐calibrated phylogeny for the group to date. We then reconstructed ancestral ranges using the dispersal‐extinction‐cladogenesis (DEC) model comparing different dispersal scenarios considering distance, adjacency and ecological similarity among regions. Centre‐of‐origin hypotheses in forest and open ecoregions were also tested. Using biogeographical stochastic mapping, we additionally estimated the contribution of range shifts across different biomes. Lastly, we evaluated several diversification models, including the effect of time, diversity‐dependence and temperature‐dependence on speciation and extinction rates.

Results

The Boana pulchella group originated during the Early Miocene (~17.5 MYA) and underwent high speciation rates during the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum, with a decreasing trend following the Miocene Climatic Transition. We found no support for a single ecoregion acting as a centre of origin and diversification; instead, we inferred recurrent range shifts with dispersal among dissimilar adjacent ecoregions. Speciation linearly dependent on paleotemperatures, with either no or very low constant extinction rates, best explained the slowdown diversification pattern.

Main conclusions

Our results support a species assembly of Cerrado savanna in South America during the Miocene with intermittent interchange with rain forest habitats. Past climate changes impacted the rate new species originated with apparently no impact on extinction. Finally, the repeated habitat shifts among open/dry and forested/humid ecoregions, rather than long‐term in‐situ diversification in single areas, highlights the very dynamic historical interchange between contrasting habitats in South America, possibly contributing to its high species diversity.
High thematic resolution land use change models refine biodiversity scenarios: A case study with Belgian bumblebees
Authors: Marshall Leon , Beckers Veronique , Vray Sarah , Rasmont Pierre , Vereecken Nicolas J. , Dendoncker Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Aim

Projections of biodiversity scenarios often rely solely on climate change to inform species distribution shifts in the future. Land use projections are rarely used due to their unavailability and, when available, are often at coarse spatial and thematic resolutions, making them unsuitable to capture fine scale habitat suitability. This study aims to (a) show how coupled land use change (LUC) models of high thematic resolution (HTR) can be used in species distribution models (SDM), (b) compare the impacts of HTR and low thematic resolution (LTR) explanatory predictors on biodiversity scenarios and (c) assess the impact of species' present area of occupancy on the effect of thematic resolution in SDMs.

Location

Belgium

Taxon

Bumblebees (Bombus)

Methods

We compared species distribution models with 17 land use predictors (HTR) against models with 5 land use predictors (LTR). We modelled the distribution of 17 bumblebee species in Belgium projected until 2035. We examined how model performance, variable importance and projections of distribution change differed depending on the thematic resolution of the land use predictors.

Results

Overall, HTR models performed better than LTR models. LTR models predicted greater extent per species. HTR projected a greater percentage of range gains, and both models projected similar losses of suitable habitat. However, the percentage loss and connectivity of suitable habitats varied differently for HTR and LTR models along a gradient of rare to common species. The HTR models projected greater loss of suitable areas for rare species and less loss for common species compared to LTR models.

Main conclusions

These results illustrate the importance of using ecologically relevant explanatory variables in SDMs, particularly for rare and localized species with specific habitat requirements. The results also indicate the need for large‐scale LUC projections to improve future biodiversity scenarios under climate change and to improve the ability of conservationists and policymakers to use SDM projections.
Predation by invasive rainbow trout on the critically endangered Pehuenche spiny‐chest frog
Authors: Zarco Agustín , Corbalán Valeria , Debandi Guillermo
Published: November 2020

The Pehuenche spiny‐chest frog Alsodes pehuenche is an endemic species from the Andes of Argentina and Chile and is considered to be critically endangered. Its population has been declining over the past 10 years, principally as a consequence of the paving of a road that crosses the streams the frog inhabits. Until recently, exotic fish species had not been recorded in these streams. This study documents the presence of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mikyss) in one of these streams and predation on the endangered frog species.
Donsol: an important reproductive habitat for the world's largest fish Rhincodon typus?
Authors: Miranda Joni A. , Yates Natasha , Agustines Ariana , Enolva Nonie P. , Labaja Jessica , Legaspi Christine , McCoy Emer , Ponzo Alessandro , Snow Sally , Araujo Gonzalo
Published: November 2020

Little is known about the reproductive ecology of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. On 15 March 2020, a free‐swimming neonate whale shark was found in the shallow, coastal waters of Donsol, Philippines. The total length of the male shark was 60 cm, falling within the species known size‐at‐birth. This is the third occurrence of neonatal whale sharks reported in the area, and coupled with the occurrence of juveniles and adults, and anecdotal mating and precopulatory behaviour reported herein, the importance of the site for this endangered species is highlighted.
Advances in understanding the impacts of global warming on marine fishes farmed offshore: Sparus aurata as a case study
Authors: Feidantsis Konstantinos , Pörtner Hans O. , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Michaelidis Basile
Published: November 2020

Monitoring variations in proteins involved in metabolic processes, oxidative stress responses, cell signalling and protein homeostasis is a powerful tool for developing hypotheses of how environmental variations affect marine organisms' physiology and biology. According to the oxygen‐ and capacity‐limited thermal tolerance hypothesis, thermal acclimation mechanisms such as adjusting the activities of enzymes of intermediary metabolism and of antioxidant defence mechanisms, inducing heat shock proteins (Hsps) or activating mitogen‐activated protein kinases may all shift tolerance windows. Few studies have, however, investigated the molecular, biochemical and organismal responses by fishes to seasonal temperature variations in the field to link these to laboratory findings. Investigation of the impacts of global warming on fishes farmed offsore, in the open sea, can provide a stepping stone towards understanding effects on wild populations because they experience similar environmental fluctuations. Over the last 30 years, farming of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus 1758) has become widespread along the Mediterranean coastline, rendering this species a useful case study. Based on available information, the prevailing seasonal temperature variations expose the species to the upper and lower limits of its thermal range. Evidence for this includes oxygen restriction, reduced feeding, reduced responsiveness to environmental stimuli, plus a range of molecular and biochemical indicators that change across the thermal range. Additionally, close relationships between biochemical pathways and seasonal patterns of metabolism indicate a connection between energy demand and metabolic processes on the one hand, and cellular stress responses such as oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy on the other. Understanding physiological responses to temperature fluctuations in fishes farmed offshore can provide crucial background information for the conservation and successful management of aquaculture resources in the face of global change.
Variation of body condition and plasma energy substrates with life stage, sex, and season in wild‐sampled nurse sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum
Authors: Moorhead Shannon G. , Gallagher Austin J. , Merly Liza , Hammerschlag Neil
Published: November 2020

Reported here are the relationships among morphological (i.e., body condition) and biochemical (i.e., plasma concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ketone bodies and ketone body ratios) parameters related to energy storage and use, as well as the variation of such parameters, for 107 free‐ranging nurse sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum sampled off South Florida. Immature G. cirratum exhibited a higher variance in body condition, plasma free fatty acid concentrations and ketone body ratios compared to adults. Mature female G. cirratum had significantly higher body condition than mature males, driven by a seasonal increase in mature female body condition during the wet season. Mature male G. cirratum showed a decrease in the ketone body β‐hydroxybutyric acid during the dry season. Taken together, this study provides a baseline assessment of body condition and internal physiological state for a data‐poor marine species and demonstrates significant ontogenetic, sexual and seasonal variation in G. cirratum energetic state. As concluded by other studies of energy metabolism in free‐ranging sharks, this research highlights the importance of considering intraspecific patterns and sampling context for inferring the drivers of variation.
Way of being and the therapeutic pyramid: Expanding the application of a common factors meta‐model
Authors: Davis Sean D. , Fife Stephen T. , Whiting Jason B. , Bradford Kay P.
Published: November 2020

Common factors proponents have suggested the need for principle‐based meta‐models to explain how various factors interact with each other to produce change. The therapeutic pyramid is a common factors meta‐model that outlines how therapeutic skills and techniques, the therapeutic alliance, and a therapist's way of being interactive to produce therapeutic change. Skills and techniques occupy the smallest top portion of the pyramid, with the therapeutic alliance in the middle and a therapist's way of being forming the foundation of the pyramid. The success of any layer rests on the quality of the immediately underlying layer. This study illustrates the broad applicability of common factors meta‐models by applying the therapeutic pyramid to couples therapy, family therapy, training and supervision, and professional ethics.
“Is it us or is it me?”: Family experiences of connectedness following a reflecting team intervention
Authors: Browne Dillon T. , Norona Jerika , Busch Amy , Armstrong Keith , Crouch Sarah , Ernst Teo , Darrow Sabrina , Smith Jackson A. , Ihle Eva C.
Published: November 2020

The present study examined family‐wide versus individual perceptions of, and changes in, family connectedness in response to a one‐time reflecting team (RT) intervention. Seventy‐six families (N = 208 individuals), recruited during family therapy, completed family connectedness measures before and after the RT intervention. A subset of adults (n = 26) completed 1‐week follow‐up measures. Three‐level (family, individual, time) multilevel models were used to partition sources of variance in connectedness while permitting different fixed and random effects for adults and minors. Results indicate that family connectedness is a characteristic of whole‐families (34% of the variance), individuals (43%), and change over time (23%), including measurement error. Additionally, participants reported higher family connectedness after the RT. This study demonstrates the importance of considering family connectedness as a multilevel relationship construct that potentially changes in response to RT.
Plantation Politics, Paranoia, and Public Health on the Frontlines of America's COVID‐19 Response
Authors: Oyarzun Yesmar
Published: November 2020

“Plantation politics” pervade multiple institutions in the United States, including public health. Drawing from my experience working as a volunteer at drive‐thru COVID testing sites in the United States, I critically examine the relationship between public health, the military, and capitalism when racial slavery serves as the sociopolitical backdrop of everyday life. I ponder what it means for Black people to toil for a country, in the midst of an emergent communicable disease outbreak, that would weeks later launch into protests for and debates about their entitlements to freedom, safety, and security. Starting from experiences of Black women on the frontlines, I reveal complexities that underlie and undermine notions of care as altruistic, natural, or ethical “in the wake” of chattel slavery and in the midst of racial capitalism.