bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial analyses of multi‐trophic terrestrial vertebrate assemblages in Europe
Authors: Braga João , Pollock Laura J. , Barros Ceres , Galiana Núria , Montoya José M. , Gravel Dominique , Maiorano Luigi , Montemaggiori Alessandro , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Dray Stéphane , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: August 2019

Aim

Although much has been said on the spatial distribution of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of vertebrates, how this diversity interacts in food webs and how these interactions change across space are largely unknown. Here, we analysed the spatial distribution of tetrapod food webs and asked whether the variation in local food web structure is driven by random processes or by natural and anthropogenic factors.

Location

Europe.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Tetrapods.

Methods

We combined an expert‐based food web (1,140 species and 70,601 links) of all European tetrapods with their respective spatial distributions. We mapped 17 different food web metrics representing complexity, chain length, vertical diversity and diet strategy across Europe and tested whether their distribution reflects the spatial structure of species richness using a null model of food web structure. To avoid multicollinearity issues, we defined composite descriptors of food web structure that we related to a set of environmental layers summarizing both natural and anthropogenic influences and tested their relative importance in explaining the spatial distribution of European terrestrial vertebrate food webs.

Results

Of the 17 metrics, 10 showed a non‐random spatial distribution across Europe and could be summarized along two major axes of variation in food web structure. The first was related to species richness, mean trophic level and the proportion of intermediate species, whereas the second was related to the connectance and proximity of species within the web. Both descriptors varied with latitudinal gradient. The best descriptors of food web structure were mean annual temperature and seasonality (negatively correlated with the first axis), and human footprint (positively correlated with the second axis).

Main conclusions

We demonstrate the importance of climate and anthropogenic pressure in shaping the spatial structure of European tetrapod food webs.
Effect of vitamin D on Helicobacter pylori infection and eradication: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Liping , He Xinjue , Li Lan , Lu Chao
Published: August 2019

Background

Various studies reported the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and vitamin D, but there is some controversy around that. This study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to clarify the relationship between vitamin D and H pylori infection, and vitamin D and H pylori eradication.

Methods

Articles published until June 1, 2019, in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases with English‐language medical studies were searched. According to the inclusion criteria, relevant statistical data were extracted to Microsoft Excel and analyzed by STATA15.1.

Results

Ten articles were finally included. It was demonstrated that average 25(OH)D level in H pylori‐positive patients was lower than H pylori‐negative (SMD = −0.53 ng/mL, 95% CI = (−0.91, −0.16 ng/mL)). For H pylori eradication individuals, the result showed that average 25(OH)D level in H pylori successful eradication individuals was higher than unsuccessful (SMD = 1.31 ng/mL, 95% CI = [0.60, 2.02 ng/mL]). In addition, individuals with vitamin D deficiency had lower H pylori eradicate rate (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.41]). Sensitivity analysis showed that the meta‐analysis results were stable and reliable.

Conclusions

Vitamin D was a protective factor to H pylori infection. Moreover, vitamin D can improve the success rate of H pylori eradication.
Multiple host use and the dynamics of host switching in host–parasite systems
Authors: Hovestadt Thomas , Thomas Jeremy A. , Mitesser Oliver , Schönrogge Karsten
Published: August 2019

The link between multi‐host use and host switching in host–parasite interactions is a continuing area of debate. Lycaenid butterflies in the genus Maculinea, for example, exploit societies of different Myrmica ant species across their ranges, but there is only rare evidence that they simultaneously utilise multiple hosts at a local site, even where alternative hosts are present.

We present a simple population‐genetic model accounting for the proportion of two alternative hosts and the fitness of parasite genotypes on each host. In agreement with standard models, we conclude that simultaneous host use is possible whenever fitness of heterozygotes on alternative hosts is not too low.

We specifically focus on host‐shifting dynamics when the frequency of hosts changes. We find that (i) host shifting may proceed so rapidly that multiple host use is unlikely to be observed, (ii) back and forth transition in host use can exhibit a hysteresis loop, (iii) the parasites' host use may not be proportional to local host frequencies and be restricted to the rarer host under some conditions, and (iv) that a substantial decline in parasite abundance may typically precede a shift in host use.

We conclude that focusing not just on possible equilibrium conditions but also considering the dynamics of host shifting in non‐equilibrium situations may provide added insights into host–parasite systems.
Influence of stabilising agents on the properties of liposomal encapsulated ethanolic coconut husk extract
Authors: Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Benjakul Soottawat , Vongkamjan Kitiya , Amnuaikit Thanaporn
Published: August 2019

Characteristics of liposomal encapsulated ethanolic coconut husk extract (LE‐ECHE) as influenced by different stabilising agents (SA) were investigated. LE‐ECHE was prepared using four liposome formulations including soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) alone and SPC mixed with cholesterol (CHL), tween 80 (TWE) or glycerol (GLY) at a ratio of 4 : 1 as lipid phase (LP) at a concentration of 60 µmol mL−1. Particle size, zeta potential, poly‐dispersity index, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and suspension stability (SS) of LE‐ECHE samples were markedly influenced by SA (P < 0.05). Antioxidant activity of ECHE was retained after entrapment in liposome, regardless of SA used. However, SA affected the antioxidant activities of LE‐ECHE differently. Antibacterial properties of ECHE were enhanced after encapsulation in liposome, irrespective of SA. Therefore, liposome with glycerol or cholesterol could serve as a delivery based system for improving the antibacterial properties with high stability, while lowering the undesirable colour of ECHE.
The relationship between comorbidities in dementia patients and burden on adult–child primary caregivers: Does having a secondary caregiver matter?
Authors: Liu Huiying , Fang Boye , Chan Jieling , Chen Gengzhen
Published: August 2019

Primary family caregivers of patients with dementia often experience high caregiver burden and significant decline in a range of health outcomes. The current study examined the relationship between medical comorbidities of inpatients with dementia and caregiver burden in adult–child primary caregivers, and the buffering effect of having a secondary caregiver on the relationship between patients’ comorbidities and caregiver burden. The study is a secondary analysis of data from a cross‐sectional observational study design. The sample comprised 477 dyads of inpatients with dementia and adult–child primary caregivers attending the neurological department of two grade A hospitals. All the inpatients were assessed with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). All the adult–child primary caregivers were assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and completed the questionnaires on socio‐demographic data, caring hours, presence of secondary caregiver, and the level of impairment of the patient. Higher burden was associated with higher scores on the CCI and having a spouse of the patient as the secondary caregiver. A significant interaction occurred between the CCI and caregiver burden when having a spouse as the secondary caregiver, indicating the negative effect of the CCI on caregiver burden was greater when the spouse of the patient served as the secondary caregiver. In summary, the negative impact of patients’ comorbidities on caregiver burden in adult–child primary caregivers was heightened when the secondary caregiver role was undertaken by the spouse of the patient with dementia. These results may inform programmes targeted to improve care arrangements for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Effectiveness of a community‐based nurse‐led lifestyle‐modification intervention for people with serious mental illness and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Fernández Guijarro Sara , Pomarol‐Clotet Edith , Rubio Muñoz Mª Carmen , Miguel García Carolina , Egea López Elena , Fernández Guijarro Rebeca , Castán Pérez Lidia , Rigol Cuadra Mª Assumpta
Published: August 2019

The development of metabolic syndrome negatively affects the quality of life of people with serious mental illness. Experts agree on the need to evaluate the physical health of patients and intervene in modifiable risk factors, with emphasis on the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Interventions should include nutritional counselling and physical activity. This 24‐week randomized trial evaluated the effects of a community‐based nurse‐led lifestyle‐modification intervention in people with serious mental illness meeting metabolic syndrome criteria, and its impact on health‐related quality of life and physical activity. Sixty‐one participants from two community mental health centres were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention consisted of weekly group sessions, with 20 min of theoretical content and 60 min of nurse‐led physical activity. Postintervention results between groups showed no differences in weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and systolic blood pressure. Differences in body mass index, triglyceride concentrations, and diastolic blood pressure were found to be significant (P = 0.010, P = 0.038, and P = 0.017). Participants who performed the intervention reported an increase in physical activity, which did not occur in the control group (P = 0.035), and also reported better health status (P < 0.001). Our intervention showed positive effects reducing participants’ cardiovascular and metabolic risks and improving their physical activity and quality of life. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial led and carried out by mental health nurses in community mental health centres which takes into account the effects of a lifestyle intervention on every metabolic syndrome criterion, health‐related quality of life, and physical activity.
Characteristics of circular RNA expression of pulmonary macrophages in mice with sepsis‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Bao Xiaowei , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Na , Zhuang Shougang , Li Zhe , Meng Qingshu , Sun Hong , Bai Jianwen , Zhou Xiaohui , Tang Lunxian
Published: August 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) make up a large class of non‐coding RNAs and play important roles in the pathology of a variety of diseases. However, their roles in pulmonary macrophage polarization after sepsisinduced lung injury is unknown. In this study, mice were divided into two groups: Sham control group and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced ALI group. Macrophages were isolated from lung homogenates 24 hours after SCLP/CLP. We started with RNA‐seq of circRNA changes in macrophages and validated by RT‐PCR in the following experiments. A total of 4318 circRNAs were detected in the two groups. Of these, 11 and 126 circRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, compared to the control (p≤0.05, Fold Change ≥2). Differentially expressed circRNAs with a high foldchange (fold‐change >4, P<0.05) were selected for validation by qRT‐PCR, 10 of which were verified. Furthermore, the most differentially expressed circRNAs within all the comparisons were annotated in detail with circRNA/miRNA interaction information using miRNA target prediction software. The network of circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA was illustrated by cytoscape software. Gene ontology analyses indicated the upregulated circRNAs were involved in the multiple biological functions such as regulation of mitochondrion distribution and Notch binding, while the down‐regulated circRNAs mainly involved in the biological process as histone H3K27 methylation. KEGG pathway analysis revealed TGF‐beta signaling pathway was related to the upregulated circRNAs. The present study provides a novel insight into the roles of circRNAs in pulmonary macrophage differentiation and polarization post septic lung injury.
Deregulated lncRNA expression profile in the mouse lung adenocarcinomas with KRAS‐G12D mutation and P53 knockout
Authors: Zhang Meiqin , Jiang Nan , Cui Renjie , Du Sichen , Ou Huayuan , Chen Tinglan , Ge Runsheng , Ma Duan , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2019

Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression are suggested to be closely associated with multiple human diseases, lung cancer included. However, the roles of lncRNAs in lung cancer are not well understood. In this study, we used microarrays to investigate the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in the mouse lung adenocarcinoma with P53 knockout and the KrasG12D mutation. Results revealed that 6424 lncRNAs were differentially expressed (≥ 2‐fold change, P < .05). Two hundred and ten lncRNAs showed more than 8‐fold change and conserved across human and were further analysed in the primary mouse lung adenocarcinoma KP cells, which were isolated from the p53 knockout and the KrasG12D mutation mice. Among all the 210 lncRNAs, 11 lncRNAs' expression was regulated by P53, 33 lncRNAs by KRAS and 13 lncRNAs by hypoxia in the primary KP cells, respectively. NONMMUT015812, which was remarkably up‐regulated in the mouse lung adenocarcinoma and negatively regulated by the P53 re‐expression, was detected to analyse its cellular function. Results showed that knockdown of NONMMUT015812 by shRNAs decreased proliferation and migration abilities of KP cells. Among those aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in the mouse lung adenocarcinoma, NONMMUT015812 was a potential oncogene.
Distribution patterns of saprolegniosis cutaneous lesions in wild and farmed brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) obtained using a geographic information system (GIS)
Authors: Aller‐Gancedo José‐Miguel , Fregeneda‐Grandes Juan‐Miguel
Published: August 2019

A retrospective study was conducted using 250 clinical records of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) with saprolegniosis by Saprolegnia parasitica, which had been collected from 8 rivers and 1 fish farm in the province of León (Spain). A geographic information system (GIS) was used to obtain skin lesion distribution patterns in males and females. Lesions in wild brown trout affected 15.31 ± 13.33% of the body surface, with a mean of 12.76 ± 6.56 lesions per fish. In addition, 51.23% of wild trout presented lesions with necrosis of the skin or fins. The pattern obtained when not distinguishing between sexes indicated that saprolegniosis lesions are mainly located above the lateral line and most frequently affect the dorsal cephalic region, the adipose fin, the peduncle and the caudal fin. However, differences were observed between males and females. Farmed trout presented a lower percentage of affected body surface (2.06 ± 4.36) and a lower number of lesions with and without necrosis because they received preventive treatment for saprolegniosis.
Ultrasound assisted hydration improves the quality of the malt barley
Authors: Borsato Viviani M. , Jorge Luiz M. M. , Mathias Alvaro L. , Jorge Regina M. M.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this work was to describe the effect of thermal hydration sonication, and non‐sonication, of ANAG 01 barley grains at 35 and 40°C, to evaluate the malt quality parameters and the water incorporation capacity. The sonication caused an increase in the size of starch granules over time and improved the water incorporation rate. No fragmentation was identified by the application or absence of the ultrasound. The malt quality parameters were compared, and the best characteristics were obtained by the thermal treatments, sonication and non‐sonication, at 35°C, producing malt with most of the quality specifications required by the industry and suitable to be used in the formulation of malting blends. The process was accelerated with the increase in temperature and the application of ultrasound, comparing the moisture gain in 480 and 720 min of hydration. The Peleg model was suitable to describe the hydration kinetics.

Practical Applications

Using temperatures of 35 and 40°C higher than tipical values in the industrial hydration operation requires less time. The association with the ultrasound is even faster, but can influence the quality of the malt. Therefore, sonication at 35°C temperature was a good alternative to produce malt from barley (ANAG 01).
Artificial Nutrition Belongs on POLST
Authors: Hickman Susan E. , Vandenbroucke Amy , Carney John , Sandler Victor , Lum Hillary D. , Hammes Bernard J.
Published: August 2019

See the Reply by Tolle et al.
Life cycle assessment of 3D printing geo‐polymer concrete: An ex‐ante study
Authors: Yao Yue , Hu Mingming , Di Maio Francesco , Cucurachi Stefano
Published: August 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing and geo‐polymers are two environmentally oriented innovations in concrete manufacturing. The 3D printing of concrete components aims to reduce raw material consumption and waste generation. Geo‐polymer is being developed to replace ordinary Portland cement and reduce the carbon footprint of the binder in the concrete. The environmental performance of the combined use of the two innovations is evaluated through an ex‐ante life cycle assessment (LCA). First, an attributional LCA was implemented, using data collected from the manufacturer to identify the hotspots for environmental improvements. Then, scaled‐up scenarios were built in collaboration with the company stakeholder. These scenarios were compared with the existing production system to understand the potential advantages/disadvantages of the innovative system and to identify the potential directions for improvement.

The results indicate that 3D printing can potentially lead to waste reduction. However, depending on its recipe, geo‐polymer likely has higher environmental impacts than ordinary concrete. The ex‐ante LCA suggests that after step‐by‐step improvements in the production and transportation of raw materials, 3D printing geo‐polymer concrete is able to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete components, while it does still perform worse on impact categories, such as depletion of abiotic resources and stratospheric ozone depletion. We found that the most effective way to lower the environmental impacts of 3D concrete is to reduce silicate in the recipe of the geo‐polymer. This approach is, however, challenging to realize by the company due to the locked‐in effect of the previous innovation investment. The case study shows that to support technological innovation ex‐ante LCA has to be implemented as early as possible in innovation to allow for maintaining technical flexibility and improving on the identified hotspots.
Regional material flow accounts for China: Examining China's natural resource use at the provincial and national level
Authors: Wang Heming , Schandl Heinz , Wang Guoqiang , Ma Lin , Wang Yao
Published: August 2019

Over the last three decades, China has experienced the most dynamic economic development lifting living standards and resulting in fast‐growing use of natural resources. In the past, the focus has been on national MFA accounts which do not do justice to the second largest economy, home to 19% of the world population and having 30% of global material use. In this research, we calculate material extraction for China at the regional level during 1995–2015 using the most recent available statistical data and applying the most up‐to‐date international calculation methods. In particular, we combine a bottom‐up and top‐down approach for constructing the dataset of China's economically used Domestic Extraction (DEU) in an integrated way. This approach also improves the Chinese national material flow accounts and allows us to present a reliable database of DE of materials for China to date. Our new dataset provides the basis for calculating material footprints and environmental impacts of China's regions. The dataset enables us to evaluate regional resource efficiency trends in China. We find that during the past two decades, China's material use has grown strongly from 11.7 billion tonnes in 1995 to 35.4 billion tonnes in 2015. Material use has accelerated between 2000 and 2010 but slowed down between 2010 and 2015 reflecting the economic contraction caused by the Global Financial Crisis which reduced the global demand for China's manufacturing and a reorientation of China's economic policy settings toward quality of growth. Unsurprisingly, different regions play different roles in the supply chain of materials, achieving different economic performances resulting in very diverse material efficiency outcomes. This information is important to allow for a targeted policy approach to increase resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts of resource use, and grow wellbeing in China with large positive implications for global sustainability. This study provides the basis for the development of relevant resource management policies for different regions in the future.
Evidence of an Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Preterm Birth and Preeclampsia: A Critical Review
Authors: Woo Jennifer , Giurgescu Carmen , Wagner Carol L.
Published: August 2019

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes such as increased risk for preterm birth and preeclampsia. This state of the science review analyzed recently published meta‐analyses and relevant studies that have evaluated the association between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia or preterm birth. The results suggest that a positive association between vitamin D deficiency and preterm birth exists. However, the findings of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia were inconclusive, possibly because of the need for supplementation to occur prior to placentation. This may be because of a lack of studies with ethnic minority populations, who are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency, and inadequate supplementation doses used for treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Health care providers should screen pregnant women at risk for vitamin D deficiency and supplement women accordingly based on their vitamin D status. Lastly, well‐designed and standardized clinical trials need to include large cohorts of minority pregnant women to establish the impact of vitamin D supplementation on improving preterm birth and preeclampsia risk in pregnancy.
Clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia between 2009 and 2017
Authors: Millán Sonia , Díaz Cindy , David Pardo David G. , Castro Guzmán Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common acute peripheral polyneuropathy in the world. The estimated incidence in Colombia is 1.2‐1.7 cases per 100 000 inhabitants, although during 2016 an increase in the incidence of the disease was documented, apparently associated with an epidemiological peak of the Zika virus. We conducted to describe the clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of adult patients with GBS treated at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia, between 2009 and 2017. An observational, descriptive, cross‐sectional study was designed.
Psychopathology among individuals seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures
Authors: Özkur Ezgi , Kıvanç Altunay İlknur , Aydın Çiğdem
Published: August 2019

Objectives

In recent years, so many people want to alter their physical appearance with the purpose of raising their social and psychological well‐being and the demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (MICPs) has continued to rise. Our study aims to investigate the psychological profile of people seeking cosmetic procedures.

Study Design

The present observational cross‐sectional study was conducted with a sample of 54 participants seeking cosmetic procedures (botulinum toxin injections, soft tissue filler injection, mesotherapy, platelet‐rich plasma, and dermaroller treatments). Those patients were compared to the control group, who did not have any kind of cosmetic procedure (including cosmetic surgery) before and who did not want to have any of these procedures.

Methods

The research volunteers were invited to complete the demographic questionnaire (e.g., age, gender and history of procedures) as well as psychological scales. Psychological scales includes the validated and reliable The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Automatic Thoughts Scale (ATS), and Social Adaptation Self‐Evaluation Scale (SASS).

Results

Users of MICP were mostly female (n = 46, 85%) and had some high school education or higher and showed higher scores on General Severity Index (P = .013), anxiety (P = .018), depression (P = .004), interpersonal sensitivity (P = .008) of BSI and also higher on ATS (P = .022) and lower on SASS (P = .001) scores that mean less social adaptation. There was a statistically positive correlation between age and GSI, anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, somatization scores of BSI, and negative correlations between SASS scores and age and number of past procedures.

Conclusion

Our study findings highlight the importance of understanding individuals’ psychological symptoms who are seeking cosmetic procedures.
From organisational justice to turnover intention among community nurses: A mediating model
Authors: Huang Xiuxiu , Li Zhaoyang , Wan Qiaoqin
Published: August 2019

Aims and objectives

To identify the situation of organisational justice, organisational support, work engagement and turnover intention among community nurses and clarify the relationship among them.

Background

Nurse shortage has become a worldwide issue, and the shortage of community nurses is more serious. Nurse turnover is one important factor for this situation. While previous studies about turnover intention mostly focused on hospital nurses, few involved community nurses.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was adopted.

Methods

Questionnaire investigation was implemented among 410 community nurses to collect data about organisational justice, organisational support, work engagement and turnover intention. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the hypothesised model. The STROBE statement for observational studies was followed.

Results

Results showed the average score of turnover intention was 2.50 ± 0.75. The final model indicated: (a) work engagement had a direct negative effect on turnover intention; (b) organisational support had both direct and indirect effects on turnover intention, and the indirect effect was mediated by work engagement; and (c) organisational justice had an indirect effect on turnover intention mediated by organisational support.

Conclusion

Turnover intention could be reduced directly or indirectly by improving work engagement, organisational support and organisational justice.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides evidence for community health centre managers and policymakers to improve the level of nurses' engagement and to retain more nurses in primary healthcare service.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of coccoid green algae Coelastrella sensu lato (Scenedesmaceae, Sphaeropeales), including the description of three new species and two new varieties
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Song Huiyin , Liu Xudong , Liu Benwen , Hu Zhengyu , Liu Guoxiang
Published: August 2019

The genus Coelastrella was established by Chodat (Bull. Soc. Bot. Geneve, 13 [1922] 66), and was characterized as being unicellular or in few‐celled aggregations with many longitudinal ribs on the cell wall. Many species of this genus showed strong ability to accumulate carotenoids and oils, so they have recently attracted much attention from researchers due to its potential applicability in the energy and food industries. In this study, a total of 23 strains of Coelastrella were sampled from China, and three new species and two new varieties were described: C. thermophila sp. nov., C. yingshanensis sp. nov., C. tenuitheca sp. nov., C. thermophila var. globulina var. nov., C. rubescens var. oocystiformis var. nov. Besides 18S rDNA and ITS2 sequences, we have newly sequenced the tufA gene marker for this taxon. Phylogenetic analysis combined with morphological studies revealed four morphotypes within the Coelastrella sensu lato clade, which contained the morphotype of original Coelastrella, original Scotiellopsis, Asterarcys, and morphotype of C. vacuolata and C. tenuitheca sp. nov. The relationships between morphological differences and phylogenic diversity based on different markers were discussed. Our results support that 18S rDNA was too conserved to be used a species‐specific or even a genus‐specific marker in this clade. The topology of tufA gene‐based phylogenetic tree had a better match with the morphological findings.
Expression and clinical value of gastrin‐releasing peptide precursor in nephropathy and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dai Zhang , Zhu Jianhui , Huang Huibin , Fang Lili , Lin Yongzhi , Huang Songjie , Xie Fang , Sheng Nan , Liang Xianming
Published: August 2019

Aim

To explore whether serum pro‐gastric releasing peptide (proGRP) is elevated in nephropathy patients and evaluate the diagnostic value of proGRP in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods

A total of 498 nephropathy patients and 170 healthy were selected in Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, from February 2016 to September 2017. The clinical data of the different groups including serum proGRP, CKD grading, and other serum and urine renal function biomarkers were analyzed by group comparison, correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Serum proGRP levels were significantly higher in the acute kidney injury and CKD groups compared with the other groups of kidney disease patients (P < 0.01), and increased with CKD grading (P < 0.01). Serum proGRP was substantially correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.637, P < 0.01) and cystain C (0.837, P < 0.01). Serum proGRP had moderate correlations with urine β2‐macroglobulin (β2‐m; r = 0.587, P < 0.01) and α1‐macroglobulin (α1‐m; r = 0.557, P < 0.01). There were fair associations of serum proGRP with albumin (r = 0.10, P = 0.067), 24 h proteinuria (24 h‐TPU; r = 0.092, P = 0.099), urinary albumin/urocreatinine (uAlb/Cr; r = 0.29, P < 0.01) and urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosidase (r = −0.142, P < 0.01). The sensitivity of proGRP was superior to that of simplified modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula in diagnosing CKD I + II (81.25% vs 66.67%), CKD III (86.42% vs 74.36%) and CKD IV (71.19% vs 69.64%), while its specificity was inferior to that of simplified MDRD formula in diagnosing CKD I + II (37.65% vs 66.97%), CKD III (56.25% vs 86.67%) and CKD IV (75.31% vs 88.46%).

Conclusion

Serum proGRP is elevated in acute renal injury and CKD patients and increases with CKD grading. Serum proGRP is mainly affected by glomerular filtration rate and could be used for CKD staging, although the overall diagnostic sufficiency is inferior to simplified MDRD formula.
Thermal imaging as a noninvasive technique for analyzing circadian rhythms in plants
Authors: Dakhiya Yuri , Green Rachel M.
Published: August 2019

Endogenous (˜24 circadian) rhythms control an enormously diverse range of processes in plants and are, increasingly, the target of studies aimed at understanding plant performance. Although in the previous few decades most plant circadian research has focused on Arabidopsis, there is a pressing need for low‐cost, high‐throughput tools for analyzing rhythms in a wider variety of species. The present contribution investigates using circadian temperature oscillations as a novel marker for assaying plant circadian rhythms.

A thermal imaging platform was set up to measure diel and circadian rhythms in different plant species, in wild‐type and circadian mutant plants, and in leaves and flowers. Results from the thermal imaging technique were compared with those from other established circadian assay techniques.

All of the dicot and monocot species examined showed robust circadian rhythms of leaf surface temperature; the effects of circadian mutations on thermocycles were similar to those reported using other techniques. In Petunia × atkinsiana plants circadian oscillations were observed in both leaves and flowers.

Thermal imaging is an extremely useful technique for analyzing circadian rhythms in plants. It is predicted that the ability to make very high temporal resolution measurements may facilitate the discovery of novel aspects of circadian control.
A decade of Tropical Legumes projects: Development and adoption of improved varieties, creation of market‐demand to benefit smallholder farmers and empowerment of national programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia
Authors: Varshney Rajeev K. , Ojiewo Chris , Monyo Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

This article highlights 12 years (2007–2019) of research, achievements, lessons learned, challenges and gaps in discovery‐to‐delivery research in legumes emanating from three projects, collectively called Tropical Legumes (TL) with a total investment of about US$ 67 million funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These projects were implemented by three CGIAR centres (ICRISAT, CIAT and IITA) together with 15 national agricultural research system partners in sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia. The TL projects together with some of their precursors and complementary projects from other agencies, facilitated the development of 266 improved legume varieties and the production of about 497,901 tons of certified seeds of the target legume crops in the focus countries. The certified seeds have been planted on about 5.0 million ha by more than 25 million smallholder farmers in the 15 countries and beyond, producing about 6.1 million tons of grain worth US$ 3.2 billion. Furthermore, the projects also trained 52 next generation scientists that included 10 women, by supporting 34 Masters degrees and 18 PhD degrees.
Fighting on two fronts: Elevated insect resistance in flooded maize
Authors: Block Anna K. , Hunter Charles T. , Sattler Scott E. , Rering Caitlin , McDonald Samantha , Basset Gilles J. , Christensen Shawn A.
Published: August 2019

To grow and thrive plants must be able to adapt to both adverse environmental conditions and attack by a variety of pests. Elucidating the sophisticated mechanisms plants have developed to achieve this has been the focus of many studies. What is less well understood is how plants respond when faced with multiple stressors simultaneously. In this study, we assess the response of Zea mays (maize) to the combinatorial stress of flooding and infestation with the insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). This combined stress leads to elevated production of the defence hormone salicylic acid, which does not occur in the individual stresses, and the resultant salicylic acid‐dependent increase in S. frugiperda resistance. Remodelling of phenylpropanoid pathways also occurs in response to this combinatorial stress leading to increased production of the anti‐insect C‐glycosyl flavones (maysins) and the herbivore‐induced volatile phenolics, benzyl acetate, and phenethyl acetate. Furthermore, changes in cellular redox status also occur, as indicated by reductions in peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity. These data suggest that metabolite changes important for flooding tolerance and anti‐insect defence may act both additively and synergistically to provide extra protection to the plant.
Non‐invasive discrimination of acute focal bacterial nephritis with pyelonephritis
Authors: Oka Hideharu , Nagamori Tsunehisa , Yamamoto Shiho , Manabe Hiromi , Taketazu Genya , Mukai Tokuo , Sakata Hiroshi , Oki Junichi
Published: August 2019

Background

The appropriate antimicrobial treatment period for febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) can be changed, depending on whether the patient has acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN). The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of AFBN compared with those of acute pyelonephritis (APN) and establish a strategy to detect AFBN.

Methods

A total of 77 patients diagnosed with febrile UTI were enrolled. They were divided into APN (n = 64) and AFBN groups (n = 13). The clinical data and other laboratory biomarkers were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The time required for fever resolution after antimicrobial treatment was significantly longer in the AFBN group than in the APN group (2.77 days vs 1.11 days, respectively, P < 0.001). Also, the time to disappearance of pyuria after antimicrobial treatment was longer in the AFBN group than in the APN group (6.22 days vs 2.32 days, respectively, P = 0.001). Fever lasting >1.75 days after antimicrobial treatment had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 79% for the detection of AFBN, while pyuria disappearance after 4 days had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 85%. When patients fulfilled both cut‐offs, the sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 97%.

Conclusion

Acute focal bacterial nephritis was associated with fever of significantly longer duration after antimicrobial treatment, and it took a longer time for pyuria to disappear. Children with febrile UTI should be evaluated for AFBN if the fever persists ≥48 h after the initiation of antimicrobial treatment and if pyuria lasts for 4 days.
Be nimble with threat mitigation: lessons learned from the reintroduction of an endangered species
Authors: Robinson Natasha M. , Dexter Nick , Brewster Rob , Maple Dion , MacGregor Chris , Rose Karrie , Hall Jane , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: August 2019

Reintroductions are increasingly being used to restore species and ecosystems. However, chances of successful establishment are often low. Key to improving success is careful consideration of threats, threat mitigation, monitoring, and subsequent improvement to management. We demonstrate this planning, implementation, and review process using the reintroduction of an endangered mesopredator, the eastern quoll Dasyurus viverrinus, in the first attempt to reestablish it in the wild on mainland Australia. In March 2018, 20 captive‐bred quolls (10 male, 10 female) were released into Booderee National Park and monitored via telemetry, camera, and cage trapping. There were many unknowns and, despite thorough consideration of threats, there were surprising outcomes. Within 3 months, 80% of animals had died; half due to predation, an expected threat. Other threats were unexpected yet, due to good monitoring and responsive management, were quickly detected and effective mitigation implemented. These learnings have been incorporated into revised translocation procedures. One year later, four founder quolls remained and had successfully bred. We highlight lessons applicable to other reintroductions. These are, the importance of: (1) conducting a thorough review of threats and implementing appropriate mitigation; (2) targeted monitoring and responsive management; (3) effective communication, education, and engagement with the local community and stakeholders; and (4) ensuring learnings are disseminated and incorporated into future translocation plans. Threat assessment is an important step in identifying potential reasons for failure. However, actual threats can be realized only via experimentation and monitoring. Applying this knowledge to future reintroduction attempts can increase their chance of success.
God Bless You? The Association of Religion and Spirituality with Reduction of Suicide Ideation and Length of Hospital Stay among Psychiatric Patients at Risk for Suicide
Authors: Plöderl Martin , Kunrath Sabine , Fartacek Clemens
Published: August 2019

Objective

Religion and spirituality (R&S) were protective against suicidal behavior in the majority of studies. In prospective studies, R&S were associated with improved outcome for patients with depression, a main risk factor for suicide. Thus, R&S may also improve recovery from suicidal crisis, but related data is lacking.

Method

We explored how aspects of R&S were associated with reduction of suicide ideation and length of hospital stay among 351 patients admitted to a psychiatric crisis intervention ward specialized in suicide prevention. We analyzed the results separately by gender and sexual orientation due to the known specific effects of R&S in these groups.

Results

Overall, there were only small and non‐significant associations between R&S and reduction of suicide ideation and length of hospital stay. For heterosexual men, some R&S variables were associated with less optimal outcome. Contrary to our hypothesis, R&S were not less or even more beneficial for sexual minority than heterosexual patients.

Conclusions

Religion and spirituality were not or only weakly associated with improvement of suicide ideation and shorter hospital stay. Further studies are needed to account for selection biases and other limitations in our study. Based on our findings, R&S may not be major sources to recover from suicidal crisis in a psychiatric setting.
A before‐school physical activity intervention to improve cognitive parameters in children: The Active‐Start study
Authors: García‐Hermoso Antonio , Hormazábal‐Aguayo Ignacio , Fernández‐Vergara Omar , González‐Calderón Nicole , Russell‐Guzmán Javier , Vicencio‐Rojas Francisca , Chacana‐Cañas Cesar , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson
Published: August 2019

The aim of the study was threefold: (a) to test a before‐school physical activity intervention (Active‐Start) on academic performance, selective attention, and concentration capacity; (b) to test the effect of the Active‐Start intervention on anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness parameters; and (c) whether the physical fitness components are moderators of the effect of the Active‐Start program on academic performance, selective attention, and concentration capacity in Chilean children. The Active‐Start intervention was a RCT which comprised 170 children (8‐10 years old) from three public schools with low socioeconomic status from the city of Santiago (Chile). The exercise intervention was delivered daily, before starting the first school‐class (8:00‐8:30 am) for 8 weeks. Changes in academic performance, selective attention and concentration capacity, anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness parameters were measured. The analyses used were mixed regression models for repeated measures over time. No statistically significant changes in attention and concentration capacity were found. However, significant changes were seen in language (0.63; 95% CI 0.49‐0.77) and mathematics (0.49; 95% CI 0.32‐0.66) performance (P < .001). Also, improvements were seen in fat mass, fat‐free mass, muscular, and cardiorespiratory fitness (all P < .05). The Johnson‐Neyman technique revealed a significant relationship between the effect of intervention and attention and concentration when change in cardiorespiratory fitness was above, but not below, 3.05 and 0.70 mL/kg/min, respectively. Implementing before‐school physical activity programs such as the Active‐Start to enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness may benefit attention capacity and academic success among schoolchildren.
InfinitiveWh‐Relatives in Romance: Consequences for the Truncation‐versus‐Intervention Debate
Authors: Villalba Xavier
Published: August 2019

Romance clitic left dislocation is widespread across all kinds of nonroot contexts, but it is forbidden in infinitivewh‐relatives. This article investigates the extent and nature of this restriction and the consequences it raises for the truncation and intervention analyses of the left periphery of embedded sentences. We will show that current proposals cannot account for the whole gamut of data. In consequence, we will propose that infinitivewh‐relatives display a maximally syncretic left periphery, whereas infinitivewh‐interrogatives have a full‐fledged left periphery, crucially involving ForceP, because they are selected by a higher predicate. This crucial difference between infinitive relatives and interrogatives will also be shown to be consistent with the existence of specialized complementizers for the former but not the latter.
Walking city streets: Spatial qualities, spatial justice, and democratising impulses
Authors: Stratford Elaine , Waitt Gordon , Harada Theresa
Published: August 2019

Walking fosters self‐efficacy, empathy, and connection, and large and small democratic actions. Such capacity seems especially the case when walking is attended by certain spatial qualities that engender, for instance, physical accessibility, a capacity to socialise, a sense of safety, or a pleasing aesthetic. Sometimes, adverse spatial alternatives dominate and then – at very least – indifference seems to loom large and spatial injustices prevail. And in the worst conditions, indifference and injustice tip over into fear and danger. This paper's orientation is towards optimism, however. Our conceptual focus is on the relationship of walking to geography and philosophical pragmatism, and on small and effective antidotes to indifference and injustice. Our empirical contributions come from a qualitative research project in Wollongong, Australia, and specifically from conversations with 25 adult residents who shared with us their experiences of regular walks in the city centre. We interpret those experiences in pragmatic terms as transactions – or experiments in what to do and how – in relation to self, others, and environs. We show how participants are affected by walks and the transactional spaces created by them, and consider how they come to care for things that might not directly concern or affect them. In the process, we discern that they experience how their actions shape and can enrich life in the city – findings that have wider salience for those interested in spatial qualities, spatial justice, and democratising impulses.
Exchange rate fluctuations and quality composition of exports: Evidence from Swiss product‐level data
Authors: Fauceglia Dario
Published: August 2019

This paper studies the relationship between exchange rate movements and the average export quality using disaggregated Swiss product‐level data between 1996 and 2015. We find evidence at different levels of aggregation that the average export quality increases in response to a currency appreciation through compositional effects: currency appreciations shift market shares towards goods that are more expensive and of higher quality. This exchange rate effect on quality is more pronounced for differentiated goods and in sectors with a greater scope for quality differentiation. From a policy perspective, this reallocation effect points to the importance of facilitating structural changes in the export composition to increase the resilience of the export sector to exchange rate shocks. Our results also suggest a positive relationship between the average export quality and aggregate export sales. From a methodological point of view, the findings imply that exchange rate pass‐through estimations without quality controls tend to be biased regardless of aggregation level or type of data.