bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher temperatures are associated with reduced nestling body condition in a range‐restricted mountain bird
Authors: Oswald Krista N. , Smit Ben , Lee Alan T. K. , Peng Ceili L. , Brock Cameryn , Cunningham Susan J.
Published: July 2021

Demonstrated negative effects of increased temperatures on avian reproductive success suggest a mechanism by which climate change may impact species persistence. High temperatures can result in reduced parental care and reduced nestling condition in passerines with dependent young, resulting in lowered fledging success and population recruitment. We examined provisioning rate and nestling condition in a South African mountain endemic, the Cape rockjumper Chaetops frenatus, whose population declines correlate with warming habitat. Our aim was to determine whether rockjumper reproductive success could be affected by high air temperatures. We set up video cameras on nests at three nestling age classes (≤ 7 days old; 8–12 days old; ≥ 13 days old) for 8 hours on 37 separate days. We successfully collected full‐day footage on 25 of the 37 days (four days with predation, eight with equipment failure). Nestlings were weighed at the beginning and end of each film day, barring the four days with mid‐day predation (n = 65 nestling measures from 33 of the 37 days). Average mass gain across all nestlings per nest was positively correlated with provisioning rate (0.78 g provisions−1 hr−1, CI: 0.26–1.30), and provisioning rate decreased at increasing temperatures (−0.08 provisions hr−1 °C−1, CI: −0.15 to −0.01). Daily change in mass of individual nestlings was negatively correlated with air temperatures above a significant temperature threshold (22.4°C; −0.30 g °C−1, CI: −0.40 to −0.19). This suggests nestling energy requirements were not being met on higher temperature days – perhaps because nestling energy and water demands for thermoregulation are elevated and provisioning rate is not correspondingly maintained or increased. These results suggest that higher temperatures negatively affect nestling mass gain. While in our study this did not directly affect fledging rates, it may affect post‐fledging survival.
Big, flightless, insular and dead: Characterising the extinct birds of the Quaternary
Authors: Fromm Amir , Meiri Shai
Published: July 2021

Aim

Birds have recently undergone a major extinction event which apparently is ongoing. According to some estimates, humans have caused the extinction of up to 20% of the entire avian species diversity since the latter part of the Pleistocene. Few attempts, however, were made to determine how many extinctions are actually known, rather than projected to have occurred. We aimed to quantify the known avian extinctions and assess the relevance of factors thought to have promoted their extinctions, that is, large size, flightlessness and insularity.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Aves.

Materials and Methods

We collected data on bird extinctions from the literature. We recorded the geographic range, flight ability and body size of each species. If mass data were unavailable, we estimated them from linear measurements using machine learning tools. We modelled masses of extinct birds on those of extant ones and estimated the effects of taxonomy, body mass, insularity and flight ability.

Results

We have identified 469 species of birds that humans, directly or indirectly, drove to extinction. These extinctions have predominantly occurred on islands. Extinct birds were often flightless. We estimated the body mass of 291 extinct species and found that overall, the median mass of extinct species was seven times larger than that of extant ones. Extinctions mostly occurred in families of large‐bodied birds, whilst lineages of small birds have fared better. Insular birds are overall larger than mainland birds, a trend that becomes even more evident when the extinct forms are analyzed. However, within lineages, sizes are only slightly larger on islands than on continents.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that extinct bird species differed from extant birds by being larger, mostly restricted to islands, and often flightless. These factors made them especially vulnerable to human prosecution and to other anthropogenically related declines. Our modern understanding of birds is skewed with respect to the nature of avian faunas that existed before the current wave of human‐induced extinctions changed our world forever.
Drivers of intraspecific lethal aggression in mammals
Authors: Andrade Mayane Alves , Oliveira Diene , Mazzochini Guilherme Gerhardt , Amado Talita Ferreira , Gouveia Sidney Feitosa , Martinez Pablo Ariel
Published: July 2021

Aim

To assess whether interspecific variation in lethal intraspecific aggressiveness in mammals exhibits a geographical gradient and, if so, to identify which ecological, social and evolutionary processes could explain such patterns.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Mammalia.

Methods

We mapped intraspecific lethal aggressivity for 952 terrestrial mammal species and, through an assemblage‐based and phylogenetic approach, tested at a global scale four hypotheses that may explain differences in lethal aggressivity: the seasonal effects of photoperiod seasonality, food resource availability, social organisation and evolutionary history.

Results

Photoperiod seasonality, which is linked to hormonal control, was the best predictor of lethal aggressivity. However, interactions between the environment and evolutionary factors explained the higher proportion of interspecific variation.

Main conclusions

The geography of behavioural traits, affecting multiple adaptive pathways, is an important emerging area of biogeographical research with high potential relevance for interpreting other macroecological patterns.
Range extension of the miniature pencil‐catfish Potamoglanis wapixana (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) into the Essequibo River basin, Guyana
Authors: Henschel Elisabeth , Lujan Nathan K.
Published: July 2021

Morphological examination of Potamoglanis specimens from three localities in the Essequibo River basin, Guyana, and one location in the Branco River basin, Brazil, confirmed their identification as Potamoglanis wapixana – a species originally described from only the Branco River basin. Morphological similarity of these miniature catfishes on opposite sides of the Rupununi savannah watershed divide and new records from lentic habitat suggest that either their modern populations predate the Pliocene division of the Branco and Essequibo rivers or the species is capable of living in and/or migrating across the Rupununi Portal – a seasonally flooded hydrological connection known to facilitate the movement of mostly much larger fishes between the Branco and Essequibo basins.
Genetic diversity and phenotypic characterization of Iodobacter limnosediminis associated with skin lesions in freshwater fish
Authors: Korkea‐aho Tiina Liisa , Viljamaa‐Dirks Satu , Heinikainen Sirpa , Kuronen Henry , Tiirola Marja
Published: July 2021

The relatively unknown genus Iodobacter sp. has been repeatedly isolated from skin ulcers and saprolegniosis on freshwater fish in Finland, especially farmed salmonids. Genetic characterization verified that all 23 bacterial isolates studied here belonged to the species Iodobacter limnosediminis, previously undescribed from the fish microbiota. Whole‐genome pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis revealed variability between the I. limnosediminis strains, suggesting that they were most likely of environmental origin. Two I. limnosediminis strains caused lesions in 27%–53% of brown trout (Salmo trutta) injected intramuscularly (p ≤ .05). The lesions represented moderate to severe tissue damage, but for most fish, the tissues had been repaired by the end of the experiment through the accumulation of fibrocytes and macrophages at the site of the lesion. I. limnosediminis was reisolated from some lesions and/or internal organs. Phenotypically and biochemically, I. limnosediminis resembles several common bacterial species found in the aquatic environment, as it grows well on several media as whitish medium‐sized colonies, is Gram negative and rod‐shaped. Here, we characterized I. limnosediminis strains with several methods, including MALDI‐TOF. This characterization will help in further investigations into the occurrence and possible involvement of I. limnosediminis in skin lesions of freshwater fish.
Distinct brain regional proteome changes in the rTg‐DI rat model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Schrader Joseph M. , Xu Feng , Van Nostrand William E.
Published: July 2021

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a prevalent cerebral small vessel disease in the elderly and a common comorbidity of Alzheimer's disease, is characterized by cerebral vascular amyloid accumulation, cerebral infarction, microbleeds, and intracerebral hemorrhages and is a prominent contributor to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Here, we investigate proteome changes associated with specific pathological features in several brain regions of rTg‐DI rats, a preclinical model of CAA. Whereas varying degrees of microvascular amyloid and associated neuroinflammation are found in several brain regions, the presence of microbleeds and occluded small vessels is largely restricted to the thalamic region of rTg‐DI rats, indicating different levels of CAA and associated pathologies occur in distinct brain regions in this model. Here, using SWATHLC‐MS/MS, we report specific proteomic analysis of isolated brain regions and employ pathway analysis to correlate regionally specific proteomic changes with uniquely implicated molecular pathways. Pathway analysis suggested common activation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), abnormal nervous system morphology, and neutrophil degranulation in all three regions. Activation of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was common to the hippocampus and thalamus, which share high CAA loads, while the thalamus, which uniquely exhibits thrombotic events, additionally displayed activation of thrombin and aggregation of blood cells. Thus, we present significant and new insight into the cerebral proteome changes found in distinct brain regions with differential CAA‐related pathologies of rTg‐DI rats and provide new information on potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with these regional disease processes.

image
Sample context effect in acceptability rating of beverages: Are hedonic ratings absolute in evaluative sets with outlier samples?
Authors: Albiol Tapia Marta , Baik Hwa‐Young , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: July 2021

The effect of large differences across samples served in the same evaluative set in a consumer acceptance test design has yet to be examined. In this study, tea and cola products were used to determine the effect of including a significantly different sample, namely an outlier, in a set of samples that are similar in liking. An additional consumer test with orange juice products was conducted to determine the effects of an outlier being more liked or less liked compared to the other samples, and the outlier being served randomly versus fixed at a given presentation position. Results showed that including a less‐liked outlier in an evaluative set did not create a context effect; thus, the liking ratings of other samples were not compressed toward the high end of the hedonic scale. However, including an outlier in the first serving position resulted in a higher discrimination of other samples. Fixing an outlier in the last serving position resulted in significantly lower scores for less‐liked outliers, but no difference for more‐liked outliers. In conclusion, contrast effect is minimal when created by the presence of an outlier in an evaluative set, where liking scores display a rather absolute behavior.

Practical application

These findings demonstrate that acceptance ratings of similar samples are not significantly influenced by the presence of a sample outlier. Liking scores of the beverages tested in this study therefore seem to be absolute. This contrasts with previous literature on intensity ratings, which are comparative in nature and prone to bias caused by context effect. When considering whether to include a sample outlier (such as a highly different competitor product) in a consumer test of similar samples (for example, different prototypes of the same product), researchers may do so randomized within the same evaluative set.
Intraspecific diversity and genetic structure in the widespread macroalga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum
Authors: Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Byers James E. , Bonthond Guido , Terada Ryuta , Weinberger Florian , Sotka Erik E.
Published: July 2021

Single‐gene markers, such as the mitochondrial cox1, microsatellites, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms are powerful methods to describe diversity within and among taxonomic groups and characterize phylogeographic patterns. Large repositories of publicly‐available, molecular data can be combined to generate and evaluate evolutionary hypotheses for many species, including algae. In the case of biological invasions, the combination of different molecular markers has enabled the description of the geographic distribution of invasive lineages. Here, we review the phylogeography of the widespread invasive red macroalga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum (synonym Gracilaria vermiculophylla). The cox1 barcoding provided the first description of the invasion history and hinted at a strong genetic bottleneck during the invasion. Yet, more recent microsatellite and SNP genotyping has not found evidence for bottlenecks and instead suggested that genetically diverse inocula arose from a highly diverse source population, multiple invasions, or some mix of these processes. The bottleneck evident from cox1 barcoding likely reflects the dominance of one mitochondrial lineage, and one haplotype in particular, in the northern source populations in Japan. Recent cox1 sequencing of A. vermiculophyllum has illuminated the complexity of phylogeographic structure in its native range of the northwest Pacific Ocean. For example, the western coast of Honshu in the Sea of Japan displays spatial patterns of haplotypic diversity with multiple lineages found together at the same geographic site. By consolidating the genetic data of this species, we clarify the phylogenetic relationships of a well‐studied macroalga introduced to virtually every temperate estuary of the Northern Hemisphere.
Finding needles in a haystack—Extensive diversity in the eustigmatophyceae revealed by community metabarcode analysis targeting the rbcL gene using lineage‐directed primers
Authors: Fawley Marvin W. , Fawley Karen P. , Cahoon Aubrey Bruce
Published: July 2021

Sequences from the Stramenopile class Eustigmatophyceae are rarely reported in metabarcoding studies, and when they have been reported, there are very few haplotypes. We hypothesized that the paucity of eustigmatophyte species detected in these studies may be a result of the metabarcoding techniques used, which have primarily employed universal ribosomal RNA gene regions. In this study, we examined environmental DNA samples from 22 sites in southwestern Virginia, some of which had previously been studied using ribosomal RNA analysis. We used metabarcoding techniques targeting the plastid rbcL gene with new primers designed to produce a 370 bp amplicon from all lineages of the Eustigmatophyceae in a reference collection. The amplicons were then analyzed with DADA2 to produce amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Our results revealed 184 rbcL haplotypes that can be tentatively assigned to the Eustigmatophyceae from these sites, representing much higher diversity than has been detected by ribosomal DNA‐based studies. The techniques employed can be used for future studies of population structure, ecology, distribution, and diversity of this class. With these techniques, it should be possible to make realistic estimates of the species‐level diversity of the Eustigmatophyceae on local, regional, and perhaps global scales.
External validation of hepatocellular carcinoma risk scores in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in China
Authors: Lou Tao , Li Bin , Xiong Pian , Jin Caiting , Chen Yagang
Published: July 2021

Several scores have been proposed in untreated or treated patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to predict risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence. However, it is still unclear which score suits all chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients well, regardless of whether they are chronic carriers or CHB patients. In this study, we validated and compared the predictability of CU‐HCC, REACH‐B, PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B in patients with chronic HBV infection in China. 1,786 patients with no history of HCC were recruited, with 978 carriers and 808 CHB patients on antiviral therapy. Patients were classified into low‐ and high‐risk groups according to the predefined cut‐off values of 5, 8, 10 and 9 for CU‐HCC, REACH‐B, PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B. The median follow‐up period was 43.7months, during which 18 (1.0%) patients developed HCC. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of CU‐HCC, REACH‐B, PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B scores to predict HCC risk at 36 months were 0.815, 0.703, 0.794 and 0.825, respectively (all p < 0.05). No significant difference among AUROCs of these scores was observed except those of mPAGE‐B and REACH‐B at 36 months. The cumulative incidence of HCC in low‐ and high‐ risk groups based on CU‐HCC, REACH‐B, PAGE‐B and mPAGE‐B were 0.4% vs. 3.2%, 0.7% vs. 1.5%, 0.2% vs. 1.3%, and 0.2% vs. 1.7% at 36 months, respectively (all p < 0.05, except PAGE‐B, log‐rant test). Both CU‐HCC and mPAGE‐B scores accurately predict HCC risk in Chinese chronic HBV‐infected patients. Patients with CU‐HCC <5 or mPAGE‐B <9 could be exempt from HCC surveillance within 36 months.
We eat meat: a review of carnivory in bats
Authors: Gual‐Suárez Fernando , Medellín Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2021

Some bat species in the families Phyllostomidae, Megadermatidae, and Nycteridae have long been known to consume terrestrial vertebrates and, more recently, reports of aerial‐hawking vespertilionid carnivores have surfaced.

We review the diets, hunting behaviour and roosting ecology of 17 bat species that are known to consume terrestrial vertebrates: Vampyrum spectrum, Chrotopterus auritus, Trachops cirrhosus, Macroderma gigas, Megaderma (Lyroderma) lyra, Nycteris grandis, Nyctalus lasiopterus, Nyctalus aviator, Ia io, Antrozous pallidus, Cardioderma cor, Phyllostomus hastatus, Mimon (Gardnerycteris) crenulatum, Mimon cozumelae, Tonatia saurophila, Tonatia bidens, and Lophostoma silvicolum.

Data on their diet and roosts were obtained from 241 original works, with considerable differences in the amount of research and information available among species.

Carnivorous bats were found to belong to an ecologically diverse group and share little but their diet. Therefore, we define a carnivorous bat as a bat that, either year‐round or seasonally, uses terrestrial vertebrates as the main component of its diet, at least in part of its geographic range.

We conclude from available data that Mimon crenulatum, Lophostoma silvicolum, Mimon cozumelae, Phyllostomus hastatus, Tonatia bidens, Tonatia saurophila, Cardioderma cor, and Antrozous pallidus use vertebrates as a minor part of their diet and should not be considered carnivorous.

The nine other species we reviewed do fit into the definition of carnivorous bats, and can be further subdivided based on their ecology and the seasonality of their habits into three categories: year‐round predominantly gleaning carnivores (Chrotopterus auritus, Trachops cirrhosus, and Vampyrum spectrum), seasonal predominantly gleaning carnivores (Megaderma lyra, Macroderma gigas, and Nycteris grandis) and seasonal aerial‐hawking bird‐eating carnivores (Ia io, Nyctalus aviator, and Nyctalus lasiopterus).
On the fixation or nonfixation of inversions under epistatic selection
Authors: Charlesworth Brian , Flatt Thomas
Published: July 2021

Several recent publications have stated that epistatic fitness interactions cause the fixation of inversions that suppress recombination among the loci involved. Under this type of selection, however, the suppression of recombination in an inversion heterozygote can create a form of heterozygote advantage, which prevents the inversion from becoming fixed by selection. This process has been explicitly modelled by previous workers.
Killing two enemies with one stone? Genomics of resistance to two sympatric pathogens in Norway spruce
Authors: Capador‐Barreto Hernán D. , Bernhardsson Carolina , Milesi Pascal , Vos Ingrid , Lundén Karl , Wu Harry X. , Karlsson Bo , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Stenlid Jan , Elfstrand Malin
Published: July 2021

Trees must cope with the attack of multiple pathogens, often simultaneously during their long lifespan. Ironically, the genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling this process are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to compare the genetic component of resistance in Norway spruce to Heterobasidion annosum s.s. and its sympatric congener Heterobasidion parviporum. Heterobasidion root‐ and stem‐rot is a major disease of Norway spruce caused by members of the Heterobasidion annosum species complex. Resistance to both pathogens was measured using artificial inoculations in half‐sib families of Norway spruce trees originating from central to northern Europe. The genetic component of resistance was analysed using 63,760 genome‐wide exome‐capture sequenced SNPs and multitrait genome‐wide associations. No correlation was found for resistance to the two pathogens; however, associations were found between genomic variants and resistance traits with synergic or antagonist pleiotropic effects to both pathogens. Additionally, a latitudinal cline in resistance in the bark to H. annosum s.s. was found; trees from southern latitudes, with a later bud‐set and thicker stem diameter, allowed longer lesions, but this was not the case for H. parviporum. In summary, this study detects genomic variants with pleiotropic effects which explain multiple disease resistance from a genic level and could be useful for selection of resistant trees to both pathogens. Furthermore, it highlights the need for additional research to understand the evolution of resistance traits to multiple pathogens in trees.
Muscle power and physical dysfunction: A model for tailoring rehabilitation in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wilkinson Thomas J. , Gore Eleanor F. , Baker Luke A. , Watson Emma L. , Smith Alice C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by adverse physical function. Mechanical muscle power describes the product of muscular force and velocity of contraction. In CKD, the role of mechanical muscle power is poorly understood and often overlooked as a target in rehabilitation. The aims of this study were to investigate the association of mechanical power with the ability to complete activities of daily living and physical performance.

Method

Mechanical muscle power was estimated using the sit‐to‐stand‐5 test. Legs lean mass was derived using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical performance was assessed using gait speed and ‘timed‐up‐and‐go’ (TUAG) tests. Self‐reported activities of daily living (ADLs) were assessed via the Duke Activity Status Index. Balance and postural stability (postural sway and velocity) was assessed using a FysioMeter. Sex‐specific tertiles were used to determine low levels of power.

Results

One hundred and two non‐dialysis CKD participants were included (age: 62.0 (±14.1) years, n = 49 males (48%), eGFR: 38.0 (±21.5) ml/min/1.73m2). The mean relative power was 3.1 (±1.5) W/kg in females and 3.3 (±1.3) W/kg in males. Low relative power was found in 34% of patients. Relative power was an independent predictor of ADLs (β = .413, p = .004), and TUAG (β = −.719, p < .001) and gait speed (β = .404, p = .003) performance. Skeletal muscle mass was not associated with any outcomes.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the factors that mediate physical function impairment is crucial for developing effective interventions. Incorporation of power‐based training focusing primarily on movement velocity may present the best strategy for improving physical function in CKD, above those that focus on increasing muscle mass.
Dissecting multiple accountabilities: A problem of multiple forums or of conflicting demands?
Authors: Aleksovska Marija , Schillemans Thomas
Published: July 2021

The necessity for public sector actors to manage multiple accountabilities in their work has been linked to a number of problems and failures, yet we lack an understanding of how multiple accountabilities affect the decision‐making behavior of civil servants. Here we argue that the main issue is not only the existence of multiple forums as such but the presence of conflicting demands between multiple forums or within a single forum. Drawing on sociopsychological research, we develop hypotheses regarding two types of behavioral strategies (high‐effort and low‐effort) to cope with accountability pressures. We test this using a realistic vignette experiment on a sample of 270 Dutch regulators. Results show that both the multiplicity of forums and the conflict of demands affect the likelihood that regulators seek help and procrastinate. The main issue is the conflicting demands that have a stronger effect on behavior than forum multiplicity.
Midlatency auditory evoked potentials during anesthesia in children: A narrative review
Authors: Cheung Yuen M. , de Heer Iris J. , Stolker Robert Jan , Weber Frank
Published: July 2021

The brain is considered as the major target organ of anesthetic agents. Despite that, a reliable means to monitor its function during anesthesia is lacking. Mid latency auditory evoked potentials are known to be sensitive to anesthetic agents and might therefore be a measure of hypnotic state in pediatric patients. This review investigates the available literature describing various aspects of mid latency auditory evoked potential monitoring in pediatric anesthesia.
Wittgenstein’s Dreams of Meaning
Authors: Gert Heather J.
Published: July 2021

Sprinkled through Wittgenstein’s later writings is an analogy designed to appeal to his interlocutors:experiences of meaningare likedreams. But Wittgenstein gives the analogy a twist. He agrees with his interlocutor that the meaning‐blind man’s talk might be said to be always dreamless. In contrast with his interlocutor, however, he holds that our own talk is ordinarily dreamless. To see why this is, we must understand that the use of the word “dream” contains, or encourages, an error. This paper examines that error and how understanding it helps us understand Wittgenstein’s thoughts about meaning, experiences of meaning, and meaning‐blindness.
Crossover between the control of fungal pathogens in medicine and the wider environment, and the threat of antifungal resistance
Authors: Gisi Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Fungal propagules existing in the natural environment can easily be transmitted to the human body, mostly by inhalation of contaminated air or direct contact onto the skin, nails, and mucosa. Fungal infections in humans are, as compared to viral and bacterial infections, rarely serious (life‐threatening) unless the immune system is weakened. Because azole fungicides (demethylation inhibitors, DMIs) are among the most important antifungal compounds used broadly in human and animal medicine as well as in agriculture and material protection, fungal propagules may come into contact with azoles almost everywhere, presenting a potential “crossover‐use‐pattern” and “cross‐contamination‐risk” for resistant propagules in all areas. A “hot‐spot” in terms of the emergence of azole resistance in a fungal species is defined as a habitat in which the species is actively propagating and exposed to a fungicidally effective azole at available concentrations high enough to select for resistant individuals, potentially multiplying and spreading to other habitats. Intrinsic antifungal resistance may exist in less sensitive or insensitive species independent of previous exposure to antifungal compounds, whereas acquired antifungal resistance can evolve if triggered by the exposure of an originally sensitive species (or population) to agricultural or medical antifungal agents, resulting in the selection of resistant individuals. The origin and risks of these developments in medical settings and the wider environment are elucidated for the most relevant life‐threatening fungal human pathogens, including several species of Cryptococcus, Candida, Pneumocystis, Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Coccidioides, Rhizopus, Mucor, Fusarium, and Scedosporium.
Management of dysnatremias with continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Yessayan Lenar T. , Szamosfalvi Balazs , Rosner Mitchell H.
Published: July 2021

Disorders of serum sodium concentration are common in critically ill patients who may have concomitant acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or end‐stage kidney disease. Many of these patients may require customized serum sodium level management with dialysis which, if not strictly controlled, can lead to significant complications. Thus, controlled correction of the serum sodium level is necessary to avoid the development of osmotic demyelination syndrome in hyponatremic patients and dialysis disequilibrium syndrome in hypernatremic patients. Continuous renal replacement therapy offers unique benefits through the ability to slowly and safely correct dysnatremias that can be tailored to specific patient needs and should be considered in select patients.
Acute kidney injury and continuous renal replacement therapy: A nursing perspective for my shift today in the intensive care unit
Authors: Baldwin Ian , Mottes Theresa
Published: July 2021

Handover, clinical discussion, and care for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) require visual cues to a verbal “story” in an attempt to quickly understand the patient status. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is often associated with sepsis or a toxic cause and “kidney attack” not apparent to the patient; “silent” with no pain, discomfort, or vital sign changes initially. Language, terminology, and definitions for this acute kidney injury (AKI) are a graded classification with guidelines.

CRRT and dialysis techniques use the physiological principles of diffusion and or convection for solute removal providing a replacement for the basic kidney functions to sustain life until function returns. When to stop CRRT is based on clinical assessment of the patient overall status and urine production re‐starting.

The medical treatment is focused on the key interventions of resuscitation, remove the cause, support with CRRT or dialysis and monitor for recovery of function. CRRT requires a multidisciplinary team and quality process, local policies, education, and competency pathways to promote best outcomes and efficacy.
How Historical Data Complement Fieldwork: New Diachronic Perspectives on Zamucoan Verb Inflection*
Authors: Ciucci Luca
Published: July 2021

This article shows how the unearthing of new historical data on a language can contribute to diachronic studies and language reconstruction. †Old Zamuco is an extinct Zamucoan language, for which the only extant dictionary was recently rediscovered. This dictionary is the main source on the language and is very rich in morphological information. In particular, it contains many new verb paradigms with previously undescribed or only conjectured characteristics. These features were analyzed in order to compare them with the present‐day Zamucoan languages, Ayoreo and Chamacoco. This gave us the opportunity to formulate hypotheses on the historical development of Zamucoan verb morphology and to improve the already available reconstruction of Proto‐Zamucoan verb inflection.
Do different agronomic soil tests identify similar nutrient deficiencies?
Authors: Mattila Tuomas J. , Rajala Jukka
Published: July 2021

Traditionally, locally calibrated soil tests were used for fertilizer and lime recommendations. Farmers and advisors are increasingly using new ‘universal’ soil tests without local calibration. The objective of this study was to compare five commercially available soil tests and to determine whether they would provide similar recommendations. In total, 24 fields in Western Finland were sampled for 4 years while being treated with fertilizers, lime and manure. The soil samples were analysed with Mehlich‐3, ammonium acetate, H3A, hydrochloric acid and mild acetic acid (Spurway) extractants. In addition, Soil Health Tool (CO2 burst, water‐soluble C and N) and tissue testing were conducted. The different tests extracted different orders of magnitude of nutrients (especially P and Mg), but the results from the different extractions were correlated. Mehlich‐3 degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) presented a threshold, below which soluble phosphorus was not detected. Similar thresholds were found for P, S and Mg. Mehlich‐3 and ammonium acetate provided similar results for Ca, Mg and K and can be used interchangeably for liming recommendations. Mehlich‐3 identified more fields with Zn, Cu, B and S deficiencies and less fields with Mn deficiencies compared with ammonium acetate + EDTA and tissue testing. The tests had strong correlation, but the determination of nutrient deficiencies needs local calibration of deficiency limits.
Control of antimicrobial resistance in Cameroon: Feasibility of implementing the National Action Plan
Authors: Amin Elvis Tajoache , Omeichu Amadeus Agwenam , Shu Divine Mamboneh , Ekome Serge Raoul Ekukole , Njumkeng Charles , van der Sande Marianne Antonia Bernarda
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Rising antimicrobial resistance is a major threat worldwide. WHO has developed a Global Action Plan and has urged all countries to develop and implement a National Action Plan. We analysed the implementation of the Cameroon National Action Plan by identifying the prioritised activities and assessing possible challenges which could limit implementation.

Methods

We conducted a review of national documents on the control of antimicrobial resistance, including regulations, policies and guidelines and assessed the health system structure. Publications and other supporting documents were obtained by a systematic literature search. We applied the policy analysis triangle framework and the theory of change to analyse the National Action Plan, actors involved and the process of implementation.

Results

The National Action Plan consisted of six strategic objectives, with the first five being a direct translation of the five pillars of the Global Action Plan. The related activities were to be implemented using a phased approach with allocated targets for each year. Several gaps were identified. There was no timeline of activities set per year, the chronology of activities was not consistent, there were no activities or objectives to ensure the sustainability of the National Action Plan like creating awareness on antimicrobial resistance and the indicators for impact evaluation were not included. Among the actors involved, the Ministry of Public Health had the highest interest in the implementation as the lead stakeholder to oversee the overall implementation. However, there was no clear source of funding, and stakeholders at the primary level of the various sectors responsible for implementation were not clearly defined.

Conclusion

Despite adequate multisectoral collaboration within the prioritised activities relevant to Cameroon, more is needed for effective implementation of the National Action Plan. The timeline of the different activities, as well as the involvement of key stakeholders at the primary level, needs to be improved. The government's overall commitment to healthcare should be increased and implementation of an action plan should commence at the district or regional level, while challenges in mobilising the necessary funds need to be overcome.
LPA2 protein is involved in photosystem II assembly in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Cecchin Michela , Jeong Jooyeon , Son Woojae , Kim Minjae , Park Seunghye , Zuliani Luca , Cazzaniga Stefano , Pompa Andrea , Young Kang Chan , Bae Sangsu , Ballottari Matteo , Jin EonSeon
Published: July 2021

Photosynthetic eukaryotes require the proper assembly of photosystem II (PSII) in order to strip electrons from water and fuel carbon fixation reactions. In Arabidopsis thaliana, one of the PSII subunits (CP43/PsbC) was suggested to be assembled into the PSII complex via its interaction with an auxiliary protein called Low PSII Accumulation 2 (LPA2). However, the original articles describing the role of LPA2 in PSII assembly have been retracted. To investigate the function of LPA2 in the model organism for green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we generated knockout lpa2 mutants by using the CRISPR‐Cas9 target‐specific genome editing system. Biochemical analyses revealed the thylakoidal localization of LPA2 protein in the wild type (WT), whereas lpa2 mutants were characterized by a drastic reduction in the levels of D1, D2, CP47 and CP43 proteins. Consequently, reduced PSII supercomplex accumulation, chlorophyll content per cell, PSII quantum yield and photosynthetic oxygen evolution were measured in the lpa2 mutants, leading to the almost complete impairment of photoautotrophic growth. Pulse‐chase experiments demonstrated that the absence of LPA2 protein caused reduced PSII assembly and reduced PSII turnover. Taken together, our data indicate that, in C. reinhardtii, LPA2 is required for PSII assembly and proper function.
An HD‐ZIP transcription factor, MxHB13, integrates auxin‐regulated and juvenility‐determined control of adventitious rooting in Malus xiaojinensis
Authors: Li Xu , Shen Fei , Xu Xiaozhao , Zheng Qingbo , Wang Yi , Wu Ting , Li Wei , Qiu Changpeng , Xu Xuefeng , Han Zhenhai , Zhang Xinzhong
Published: July 2021

Adventitious root (AR) formation is a critical factor in the vegetative propagation of forestry and horticultural plants. Competence for AR formation declines in many species during the miR156/SPL‐mediated vegetative phase change. Auxin also plays a regulatory role in AR formation. In apple rootstock, both high miR156 expression and exogenous auxin application are prerequisites for AR formation. However, the mechanism by which the miR156/SPL module interacts with auxin in controlling AR formation is unclear. In this paper, leafy cuttings of juvenile (Mx‐J) and adult (Mx‐A) phase Malus xiaojinensis were used in an RNA‐sequencing experiment. The results revealed that numerous genes involved in phytohormone signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, cell dedifferentiation, and reactivation were downregulated in Mx‐A cuttings in response to indole butyric acid treatment. Among the differentially expressed genes, an HD‐ZIP transcription factor gene, MxHB13, was found to be under negative regulation of MdSPL26 by directly binding to MxHB13 promoter. MxTIFY9 interacts with MxSPL26 and may play a role in co‐repressing the expression of MxHB13. The expression of MxTIFY9 was induced by exogenous indole butyric acid. MxHB13 binds to the promoter of MxABCB19‐2 and positively affects the expression. A model is proposed in which MxHB13 links juvenility‐limited and auxin‐limited AR recalcitrance mechanisms in Mx‐A.
A SNP‐based genetic dissection of versatile traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Arif Mian Abdur Rehman , Shokat Sajid , Plieske Jörg , Ganal Martin , Lohwasser Ulrike , Chesnokov Yuriy V. , Kocherina Nataliya V. , Kulwal Pawan , Kumar Neeraj , McGuire Patrick E. , Sorrells Mark E. , Qualset Calvin O. , Börner Andreas
Published: July 2021

The continuous increase in global population prompts increased wheat production. Future wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding will heavily rely on dissecting molecular and genetic bases of wheat yield and related traits which is possible through the discovery of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in constructed populations, such as recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Here, we present an evaluation of 92 RILs in a bi‐parental RIL mapping population (the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative Mapping Population [ITMI/MP]) using newly generated phenotypic data in 3‐year experiments (2015), older phenotypic data (1997–2009), and newly created single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker data based on 92 of the original RILs to search for novel and stable QTLs. Our analyses of more than 15 unique traits observed in multiple experiments included analyses of 46 traits in three environments in the USA, 69 traits in eight environments in Germany, 149 traits in 10 environments in Russia, and 28 traits in four environments in India (292 traits in 25 environments) with 7584 SNPs (292 × 7584 = 2 214 528 data points). A total of 874 QTLs were detected with limit of detection (LOD) scores of 2.01–3.0 and 432 QTLs were detected with LOD > 3.0. Moreover, 769 QTLs could be assigned to 183 clusters based on the common markers and relative proximity of related QTLs, indicating gene‐rich regions throughout the A, B, and D genomes of common wheat. This upgraded genotype–phenotype information of ITMI/MP can assist breeders and geneticists who can make crosses with suitable RILs to improve or investigate traits of interest.
Semi‐automated digital quantification of cellular infiltrates for in vivo evaluation of transplanted islets of Langerhans encapsulated with bioactive materials
Authors: Ramirez Matias , Courtoy Guillaume , Kharrat Oumaima , de Beukelaer Michele , Mourad Nizar , Guiot Yves , Bouzin Caroline , Gianello Pierre
Published: July 2021

Background

In the field of xenotransplantation, digital image analysis (DIA) is an asset to quantify heterogeneous cell infiltrates around transplanted encapsulated islets.

Materials and Methods

RGD‐alginate was used to produce empty capsules or to encapsulate neonatal porcine islets (NPI) with different combinations of human pancreatic extracellular matrix (hpECM), porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pMSC) and a chitosan anti‐fouling coating. Capsules were transplanted subcutaneously in rats for one month and then processed for immunohistochemistry. Immunostainings for macrophages (CD68) and lymphocytes (CD3) were quantified by DIA in two concentric regions of interest (ROI) around the capsules. DIA replicability and reproducibility were assessed by two blind operators. Repeatability was evaluated by processing the same biopsies at different time points. DIA was also compared with quantification by point counting (PC).

Results

Methodology validation: different sizes of ROIs were highly correlated. Intraclass correlation coefficients confirmed replicability and reproducibility. Repeatability showed a very strong correlation with CD3 stains and moderate/strong for CD68 stains. Group comparisons for CD68 IHC at each time point proved internal consistency. Point counting and DIA were strongly correlated with both CD3 and CD68. Capsule biocompatibility: Macrophage infiltration was higher around capsules containing biomaterials than around empty and RGD‐alginate‐NPI capsules. Lymphocytic infiltration was comparable among groups containing cells and higher than in empty capsules.

Conclusion

We validated a semi‐automated quantification methodology to assess cellular infiltrates and successfully applied it to investigate graft biocompatibility, showing that neonatal porcine islets encapsulated in alginate alone triggered less infiltration than capsules containing islets and bioactive materials.
Cost-effectiveness of an internet-based perioperative care programme to enhance postoperative recovery in gynaecological patients: economic evaluation alongside a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Bouwsma Esther V A , Bosmans Judith E , van Dongen Johanna M , Brölmann Hans A M , Anema Johannes R , Huirne Judith A F
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of an internet-based perioperative care programme compared with usual care for gynaecological patients.

Design

Economic evaluation from a societal perspective alongside a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up.

Setting

Secondary care, nine hospitals in the Netherlands, 2011–2014.

Participants

433 employed women aged 18–65 years scheduled for a hysterectomy and/or laparoscopic adnexal surgery.

Intervention

The intervention comprised an internet-based care programme aimed at improving convalescence and preventing delayed return to work (RTW) following gynaecological surgery and was sequentially rolled out. Depending on the implementation phase of their hospital, patients were allocated to usual care (n=206) or to the intervention (n=227).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was duration until full sustainable RTW. Secondary outcomes were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), health-related quality of life and recovery.

Results

At 12 months, there were no statistically significant differences in total societal costs (€−647; 95% CI €−2116 to €753) and duration until RTW (−4.1; 95% CI −10.8 to 2.6) between groups. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for RTW was 56; each day earlier RTW in the intervention group was associated with cost savings of €56 compared with usual care. The probability of the intervention being cost-effective was 0.79 at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of €0 per day earlier RTW, which increased to 0.97 at a WTP of €76 per day earlier RTW. The difference in QALYs gained over 12 months between the groups was clinically irrelevant resulting in a low probability of cost-effectiveness for QALYs.

Conclusions

Considering that on average the costs of a day of sickness absence are €230, the care programme is considered cost-effective in comparison with usual care for duration until sustainable RTW after gynaecological surgery for benign disease. Future research should indicate whether widespread implementation of this care programme has the potential to reduce societal costs associated with gynaecological surgery.

Trial registration number

NTR2933; Results.
Isovitexin attenuates tumor growth in human colon cancer cells through the modulation of apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Hao , Zhao Na , Jiang Maozhu
Published: July 2021

Isovitexin, a biologically active flavone C-glycosylated derivative, has a variety of biological activities. We aimed to identify the effect of isovitexin (Isov) on colon cancer. Human colonic epithelial cells (HCECs) and cancer cells were treated with Isov and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect cell proliferation and calculate the half-inhibitory concentration (IC50). The biological activity of cancer cells was assessed. The tumor size and volume were recorded. Protein expression levels were analyzed by western blotting. Isov inhibited cancer cell proliferation but had little cytotoxicity on HCECs. Isov significantly attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced cell apoptosis., This trend was blocked by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) treatment. The expression levels of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinasep (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) decreased when treated with Isov, while the levels of Bcl2-associated X (Bax) and caspase-3 significantly increased. After Isov treatment, the tumor volume and weight were decreased, and the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and Bcl-2 significantly decreased in tumor tissues. Our findings demonstrated that Isov inhibited cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT. Isov may be a new potential treatment for colon cancer.