bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessibility and agglomeration: A theoretical framework for understanding the connection between transportation modes, agglomeration benefits, and types of businesses
Authors: Credit Kevin
Published: April 2019

While delineating the connection between transportation accessibility and economic activity has long been a topic of interest in geography and regional science, a better understanding of the agglomerative benefits of transportation systems is vital. This paper seeks to tie the concepts of accessibility and agglomeration together by arguing that accessibility benefits ultimately stem from the agglomerative potential created by various transportation investments. This line of reasoning provides an avenue to use the economic mechanisms described in agglomeration theory to analyze the effects of specific transportation modes. To do this, the paper traces the literature on the economic impacts of transportation systems and presents a theoretical framework for understanding the connection between specific transportation modes and specific agglomeration benefits. Ultimately, specific modes have unique features that are more or less conducive to specific agglomeration benefits, to which specific types of businesses also respond. These specific connections are particularly important to understand as the development of new urban transportation modes, for example, autonomous vehicles—and their potential economic impacts—increases rapidly.
A Simplified Solution Using Izbash's Equation for Non‐Darcian Flow in a Constant Rate Pumping Test
Authors: Xiao Liang , Ye Ming , Xu Yongxin , Gan Fuwan
Published: April 2019

This paper derives an equivalent of Darcian Theis solution for non‐Darcian flow induced by constant rate pumping of a well in a confined aquifer. The derivation, which is valid at later times only, is original. It utilizes Izbash's equation. This introduces an additional parameter to Darcian condition, namely, empirical exponent. The solution is a non‐Drcian equivalent of Jacob straight line method for analyzing pumping tests at late times. It can be used to determine aquifer parameters: storativity, analogous hydraulic conductivity, and empirical exponent. However, while the Jacob method requires a minimum of only one pumping test with one observation well, the additional parameter in the present solution means that a minimum of two observation wells in one test or two pumping tests at different rates with one observation well are required. The derived solution is applied to a case study at Plomeur in Brittany, France, and is shown to provide a practical and efficient method for analyzing pumping tests where non‐Darcian groundwater flow occurs.
Where have all the beetles gone? Long‐term study reveals carabid species decline in a nature reserve in Northern Germany
Authors: Homburg Katharina , Drees Claudia , Boutaud Estève , Nolte Dorothea , Schuett Wiebke , Zumstein Pascale , von Ruschkowski Eick , Assmann Thorsten
Published: April 2019

The drastic insect decline has received increasing attention in scientific as well as in public media. Long‐term studies of insect diversity trends are still rare, even though such studies are highly important to assess extent, drivers and potential consequences of insect loss in ecosystems.

To gain insights into carabid diversity trends of ancient and sustainably managed woodlands, we analysed data of carabid beetles from a trapping study that has been run for 24 years in an old nature reserve of Northern Germany, the Lüneburg Heath. We examined temporal changes in several diversity measures (e.g. biomass, species richness, functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity) and tested diverse species traits as predictor variables for species occurrence.

In contrast to recently published long‐term studies of insect diversity, we did not observe a decline in biomass, but in species richness and phylogenetic diversity in carabids at our study site. Additionally, hibernation stage predicted the occurrence probability of carabids: Species hibernating as imagines or both imagines and larvae and breeding in spring showed strongest declines.

We assume the detected trends to be the result of external effects such as climate change and the application of pesticides in the surrounding. Our results suggest that the drivers for the insect decline and the responses are multifaceted. This highlights the importance of long‐term studies with identification of the catches to, at best, species level to support the understanding of mechanisms driving changes in insect diversity and abundance.
Dementia nursing competency in acute care settings: A concept analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuko , Greiner Chieko , Ryuno Hirochika , Fukuda Atsuko
Published: April 2019

Aim

To critically analyse the concept of dementia nursing competency in acute care settings.

Backgrounds

The nursing care needs of patients with dementia are increasing in acute care settings. However, a framework for the dementia nursing competency has not been explicitly outlined.

Design

Rodgers' evolutionary method for concept analysis.

Data Sources

Competenc* AND dementia AND nurs* AND acute OR hospital OR clinical were selected from the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CiNii, and Google Scholar for publication from 2006 to 2017.

Review Methods

All 29 articles were identified. Data were analysed with a particular focus on the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the concept.

Results

Six attributes were identified: respecting patient individuality, applying ethical considerations, providing person‐centred care, possessing responsibility, coordinating external environments, and possessing care coordination and facilitation skills. Identified antecedents included building theoretical and clinical knowledge, developing an awareness of dementia and its risk behaviours, performing assessments of dementia nursing practice, developing relationships with patients with dementia, and applying a team approach. Applying the competency led to positive consequences for patients, nurses, and patient‐nurse and nursing team relationships.

Conclusion

Developing the dementia nursing competency results in stronger emotional interventions and adds a human‐to‐human connection.
Innovative pain management solutions in animals may provide improved wound pain reduction during debridement in humans: An opinion informed by veterinary literature
Authors: Roberts Christopher D. , Windsor Peter A
Published: April 2019

Painful animal husbandry procedures are routinely performed in a range of livestock species without analgesia. Recently, innovative strategies have been developed to address wound pain in these animals. In particular, a farmer‐applied “spray and stay” approach that is administered directly to open wounds was developed (Tri‐Solfen® Medical Ethics Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). This strategy anaesthetises the wounds immediately upon their formation, with long‐lasting effect. This development, described as a “pain management revolution,” has become firmly established in the Australian livestock industries and has global potential. The positive outcomes of this approach provide insights and highlight potential benefits that may be accrued from its use in human wound care, providing rapid‐onset wound analgesia and/or anaesthetising wounds prior to cleansing and debridement procedures. If these benefits are realised from a clinician and patient perspective for wound debridement as an initial indication, it could provide new horizons in pain management for a spectrum of wound‐related procedures. Evidence from use in animal husbandry does support the concept that multimodal anaesthesia holds great potential in the field of wound management across many procedures.
Small amount TiB2addition into B4C through sputter deposition and hot pressing
Authors: Hwang Chawon , DiPietro Stephen , Xie Kelvin Y. , Yang Qirong , Celik Azmi M. , Khan Atta U. , Domnich Vladislav , Walck Scott , Hemker Kevin J. , Haber Richard A.
Published: April 2019

Small amount of TiB2(<5 wt%) was added into B4C through a novel method that combines the use of sputter deposition and hot pressing. Sputter deposition provided more uniform dispersion of TiB2grains with smaller grain sizes as compared to the conventional particulate mixing. Small amount TiB2addition demonstrated to be an effective way for improving the fracture behavior and toughness of B4C while not sacrificing its outstanding lightweight property to a large extent: 2.3 wt% TiB2addition brought 15% improvement in indentation fracture toughness while resulting in less than 2% increase in density. The improvement can be attributed to the combination of crack impeding by TiB2grains and crack deflection at the B4C–TiB2interfaces. TiB2also played as grain growth inhibitor resulting in a slight increase (2%) in Vickers hardness. Another intention of employing sputter deposition was to modify the grain boundary of B4C; however, neither formation of Ti‐containing phase nor Ti segregation has been observed at grain boundaries likely due to the poor wettability of B4C.
Second‐generation cryoballoon ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation after an index procedure with radiofrequency versus cryo: Different pulmonary vein reconnection patterns but similar long‐term outcome—Results of a multicenter analysis
Authors: Glowniak Andrzej , Tarkowski Adam , Fic Piotr , Wojewoda Katarzyna , Wojcik Jaroslaw , Wysokinski Andrzej
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Repeated procedures are often needed for long‐term success of atrial fibrillation ablation. There are scarce data regarding cryoballoon use for such procedure.

Methods and Results

We analyzed acute effect and long‐term follow‐up of second‐generation cryoballoon ablation, performed as a repeat procedure after an index radiofrequency vs cryoballoon ablation. Sixty‐one patients from three centers were included. In 36 cases radiofrequency (RF‐I) and in 25 cryoballoon ablation (CB‐I) was the index procedure. During redo procedure, pulmonary vein reconnection was less frequent in CB‐I vs RF‐I (51.5% vs 66.9%; P = 0.017). After cryoballoon, left inferior (P =  0.027) and right superior (P = 0.06) pulmonary veins were less likely to exhibit reconnection. Moreover, patients after initial RF ablation frequently presented multiple‐vein reconnection (P = 0.018), while patients after cryoablation more often had only one vein reconnected (P = 0.008).

During reablation procedures, all 149 reconnected veins in both groups were isolated, with no differences in procedural parameters, except for procedure time, shorter in CB‐I group (65.5 vs 71.1 minutes; P = 0.04). Transient phrenic nerve palsy was the only complication in both groups (5.6% and 8.0%; ns). After mean follow‐up of 15 ± 9 months, 70.3% of patients were free from atrial fibrillation (AF), with no differences between the groups (P = 0.71). In multivariate Cox‐regression analysis, the persistent form of arrhythmia (P = 0.009) and relapse in the blanking period (P = 0.0004) were the only independent predictors of AF recurrence.

Conclusions

The use of second‐generation cryoballoon is associated with less frequent pulmonary vein reconnection compared with RF ablation. Cryoballoon is safe and effective for repeated AF ablation, regardless of the technique used for the initial procedure.
The mechanical effects of CRT promoting autophagy via mitochondrial calcium uniporter down‐regulation and mitochondrial dynamics alteration
Authors: Yu Ziqing , Gong Xue , Yu Yong , Li Minghui , Liang Yixiu , Qin Shengmei , Fulati Zibire , Zhou Nianwei , Shu Xianhong , Nie Zhenning , Dai Shimo , Chen Xueying , Wang Jingfeng , Chen Ruizhen , Su Yangang , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2019

The mechanism of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains unclear. In this study, mitochondria calcium uniporter (MCU), dynamin‐related protein‐1 (DNM1L/Drp1) and their relationship with autophagy in heart failure (HF) and CRT are investigated. Thirteen male beagle's dogs were divided into three groups (sham, HF, CRT). Animals received left bundle branch (LBB) ablation followed by either 8‐week rapid atrial pacing or 4‐week rapid atrial pacing and 4‐week biventricular pacing. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected by microarray analysis. General morphological changes, mitochondrial ultrastructure, autophagosomes and mitophagosomes were investigated. The cardiomyocyte stretching was adopted to imitate the mechanical effect of CRT. Cells were divided into three groups (control, angiotensin‐II and angiotensin‐II + stretching). MCU, DNM1L/Drp1 and autophagy markers were detected by western blots or immunofluorescence. In the present study, CRT could correct cardiac dysfunction, decrease cardiomyocyte's size, alleviate cardiac fibrosis, promote the formation of autophagosome and mitigate mitochondrial injury. CRT significantly influenced gene expression profile, especially down‐regulating MCU and up‐regulating DNM1L/Drp1. Cell stretching reversed the angiotensin‐II induced changes of MCU and DNM1L/Drp1 and partly restored autophagy. CRT's mechanical effects down‐regulated MCU, up‐regulated DNM1L/Drp1 and subsequently enhanced autophagy. Besides, the mechanical stretching prevented the angiotensin‐II‐induced cellular enlargement.
Attitude, source of knowledge, and supporting factors on evidence‐based nursing among cardiovascular nurses: A cross‐sectional descriptive study in Turkey
Authors: Kilicli Arnel Boke , Kelber Sheryl Talcott , Akyar Imatullah , Litwack Kim
Published: April 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Cardiovascular nursing has been a rapidly growing specialty since the 1960s. Assessing cardiovascular nurses' EBN (evidence‐based nursing) attitudes and beliefs and the factors supporting EBN is important to assist the training programmes in fostering EBN practice in a clinical environment. Few investigations have been conducted on EBN knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and implementation among cardiovascular nurses. The present study aims to investigate cardiovascular nurses' attitudes towards EBN, sources of knowledge, and the factors supporting EBN in Turkey.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey with a descriptive and comparative design was conducted with 62 cardiovascular nurses working at two hospitals in Turkey. Data were collected by using the Evidence‐Based Nursing Attitude Questionnaire, a sociodemographic questionnaire concerning demographic information and including questions about nurses' sources of knowledge, supporting factors to implement EBN, research experience, use of clinical guidelines, and barriers to applying EBN. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The research revealed that cardiovascular nurses have positive attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and intention of conduct towards EBN. Cardiac surgery nurses reported significantly higher positive feelings, beliefs, intention of conduct, and attitude towards EBN than cardiology nurses. Nursing experience and information acquired through nursing school were the most frequently used sources of knowledge rather than research results (35.5%) in their clinical practice. Half of the respondents (47%) were familiar with EBN. Cardiovascular nurses who had graduate degrees, reviewed nursing research and were familiar with EBN had significant positive attitudes towards EBN. Nurses needed enough time and resources, a background in clinical practice, and support from the hospital administration to implement EBN.

Conclusions

An education intervention should be provided about EBN knowledge and skills for cardiovascular nurses. Mentor nurses should be trained and assigned in cardiovascular clinics to implement EBN.
The development of adaptation pathways for the long‐term planning of urban drainage systems
Authors: Babovic Filip , Mijic Ana
Published: April 2019

Cities must adapt their drainage systems to cope with the effects of land use and climate change on growing flood risk. However, the development of robust adaptation strategies remains a challenge due to the deep uncertainty surrounding future conditions. To address this problem, an Adaptation Tipping Points (ATP) approach was utilised to investigate the impacts of future rainfall with respect to increases in both depth and intensity on an urban drainage system. A set of adaptation pathways was generated to assess how the drainage system could be adapted using a range of infrastructure solutions. The most effective combination of adaptations to increase the system's ATP was an increase in system storage followed by green infrastructure solutions to add additional capacity to the system. The methodology enabled no‐regret adaptation by proposing a set of selected interventions that can be incrementally implemented to achieve maximal combined effect. The resulting pathways effectively communicate to decision makers how short‐term solutions allow for long‐term adaptation and sustainable development. The ATP approach proved to be an effective tool for decision‐making that provided a structured approach for the long‐term planning of urban drainage systems.
Does Gender Matter in Septic Patient Outcomes?
Authors: Failla Kim Reina , Connelly Cynthia D. , Ecoff Laurie , Macauley Karen , Bush Ruth
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine potential gender disparities in relation to factors associated with sepsis management among a cohort of patients admitted through an emergency department with a discharge diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death globally, with significant associated costs. Predictors of survival for those with sepsis‐related diagnoses are complex.

Design and Methods

The study had a retrospective, descriptive cross‐sectional design. The sample (N = 482) included patients 18 years of age or older who presented to the emergency department of a nonprofit, Magnet‐recognized, acute care hospital located in southern California. Subjects included those who subsequently met the criteria for a discharge diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock as defined by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Patient characteristics, clinical variables, care management processes, and outcomes were extracted from the electronic health record. A multivariate model was analyzed.

Findings

The sample included 234 women (48.5%) and 248 men (51.5%). Logistic regression with eight independent variables (discharge diagnosis, age, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, source of infection, first serum lactate level measured, recommended fluids administered, and gender) reliably predicted odds for patient survival, ϰ2 (12) = 118.38, p < .001, and correctly classified 77.3% of cases. All eight independent variables significantly contributed to the model. Men had a higher likelihood of hospital survival than women (odds ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.79; p = .045).

Conclusions

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has provided a clear pathway for care of patients with sepsis‐related diagnoses. Therapeutic strategies should be developed to address differences in outcome by gender. The adoption of more aggressive applications of evidence‐based interventions for these patients may result in better patient outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Providers should understand the importance of adhering to sepsis protocols, minimizing treatment disparities, and recognizing gender differences.
Practice‐based nursing research: Evaluation of clinical and professional impacts from a research training programme
Authors: Black Agnes T. , Ali Shazbeen , Baumbusch Jennifer , McNamee Kate , Mackay Martha
Published: April 2019

Aims and Objectives

To determine the clinical and professional impacts of nurses’ and other clinicians’ involvement in a research training programme.

Background

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) can be supported by nurses’ involvement in research. Registered nurses report common barriers to EBP and research, but training programmes have been shown to overcome some of those barriers and lead to successful research engagement and EBP enhancement.

Design

This mixed‐methods evaluation study used a survey and interviews to explore the clinical and professional impacts of research training programme participation on nurses’ and other clinicians’ clinical practice, appreciation for EBP, interest in advanced education, future research involvement and dissemination activities.

Methods

The study adhered to the SQUIRE guidelines for quality improvement studies as part of the EQUATOR network (Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research). Survey invitations were sent to 126 clinicians who had participated in a research training programme. All were invited to complete the questionnaire and participate in an interview.

Results

Survey results and interview responses showed a positive impact. Participants reported examples of sustained practice changes, enhanced EBP, heightened interest in graduate studies, strong interest in future research engagement and a large number of dissemination activities, including publications and conference presentations.

Conclusions

The evaluation found that participation in a research training programme can have a positive clinical and professional impact on participants, including enhancing their appreciation for EBP and research, their interest in advanced education and meaningful dissemination of findings to improve patient care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

As healthcare leaders seek to increase EBP to improve patient care, successful models for nurses’ engagement in research and EBP are critically important. This research training programme is one promising model for supporting nurses’ and other clinicians’ engagement in EBP and research.
Influencing factors when living with Parkinson’s disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ambrosio Leire , Portillo Mari Carmen , Rodriguez‐Blazquez Carmen , Rojo Jose Manuel , Martinez‐Martin Pablo ,   EC‐PC Validation Group
Published: April 2019

Aims and objectives

To identify the personal‐ and disease‐related factors that are associated with living with Parkinson's disease.

Background

Living with Parkinson's disease affects the physical, psychological, social and spiritual areas of the person. Health professionals need to know which factors influence the daily living with Parkinson's disease, in order to facilitate a positive living.

Design

A multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 324 patients with Parkinson's disease diagnoses were included in the study through a consecutive case sampling. Data were collected from January–June 2015, in specialised units of movement disorders of public and private and community centres, from Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador and Cuba. Nine measures were applied to evaluate personal‐related factors (age, gender, psychosocial function, satisfaction with life, social support, home economical situation) and Parkinson's disease‐related factors (duration of disease, motor symptoms and non‐motor symptoms). The STROBE checklist was used to ensure quality reporting during the study (see File S1). Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out.

Results

Results indicated that social support, followed by satisfaction with life and home economical situation are the only three factors that significantly influence in living with Parkinson’s disease. The rest of the factors analysed did not present significant influence in the daily living with this neurodegenerative disease.

Conclusion

This study highlights the necessity to put more emphasis on the person and his/her daily living with the condition and less on symptoms and treatment. Health professionals need to develop person‐centred interventions that also deal with other elements of the experience of living with a long‐term condition like Parkinson's disease.

Relevance to clinical practice

Interventions to foster positive living with Parkinson's disease in clinical practice should integrate strategies to tackle and prevent loneliness and interagency elements to increase community resources and systems of support.
Pre‐ and post evaluations of the effects of the Connect, Ask, Respond and Empathise (CARE) protocol on nursing handover: A case study of a bilingual hospital in Hong Kong
Authors: Pun Jack , Chan Engle Angela , Man Manbo , Eggins Suanne , Slade Diana
Published: April 2019

Aims and objectives

To evaluate (a) the perceived effects of the training provided to nurses under a standardised Connect, Ask, Respond and Empathise (CARE) protocol; (b) the ability to enhance the effectiveness of the ISBAR checklist; (c) any increase in nurses’ spoken interactions and/or improved comprehension of the patient conditions upon the transfer of responsibility.

Background

Nursing handover is a pivotal act of communication with effects on both patient safety and risk management. Previous studies of critical incidents have highlighted ineffective communication, including a lack of interaction and incomplete and unstructured handovers, as a major contributor to patient harm.

Design

A pre‐ and post evaluation study involving a questionnaire survey before and after the 3‐hours training.

Methods

Forty‐nine randomly selected bilingual nurses with no previous professional development experience in handover communication were trained according to the CARE protocol, and their perceptions of nursing handovers were assessed before and after training using questionnaire. The STROBE checklist is used (See File S1).

Results

Training of the CARE protocol improved key areas of the handover process. All participating nurses exhibited significant improvements in their perceptions of effective handover from before to after training. Particularly, improvements were observed in the interactive frequency and quality and completeness of the presented patient information per handover.

Conclusions

The nurses reported a deeper understanding of their perceptions of handover after a patient‐centred intervention, a better quality of interactions (e.g., querying and checking by incoming nurses), a greater focus when managing handovers and a more complete and comprehensive transfer of information between nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

CARE protocol‐based training yielded significant improvements in nursing handover practice.
Construct validity and reliability of the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score in spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by aneurysm rupture
Authors: Oh HyunSoo , Shin SeonYoung , Kim SooHyun , Seo WhaSook
Published: April 2019

Aims and objectives

This study aimed at examining the construct validity and reliability of the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by aneurysm rupture.

Background

The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score is known to be a valid and reliable consciousness assessment tool and provides comprehensive information not given by the Glasgow Coma Scale. However, the validity and reliability of this tool have not been tested in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Design

A nonexperimental, descriptive, correlational study design was adopted.

Methods

The STROBE statement was used for reporting this study. The study participants were 72 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by aneurysm rupture, admitted to an intensive care unit in a university hospital between August 2016–July 2017. Data on demographic characteristics, Hunt–Hess clinical stage scores, Fisher CT stage scores, disease‐related characteristics, Full Outline of UnResponsiveness scores and 1‐month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were subjected to analysis.

Results

Full Outline of UnResponsiveness scores were found to have significant correlations with scores on Hunt–Hess clinical or Fisher CT stage tool and adequately predict 1‐month recovery. This tool also exhibited excellent inter‐rater agreement and internal consistency.

Conclusions

The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score is valid and reliable for consciousness evaluation in spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage. It has been believed that use of this tool may help prevent negative consequences arising from impaired consciousness and improve the outcomes of patients with spontaneous aneurysmatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score is a consciousness assessment tool that provides more neurological detail because it includes consideration of brainstem reflexes, visual tracking, breathing patterns and respiratory drive, and can be applied in cases of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage and other types of brain injury, especially in patients with severe consciousness impairment.
Stepfamily Processes and Youth Adjustment: The Role of Perceived Neighborhood Collective Efficacy
Authors: Jensen Todd M.
Published: April 2019

Using a representative sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and a recently developed stepfamily‐process typology, this study explores three plausible functions of perceived neighborhood collective efficacy with respect to stepfamily life and youth adjustment: an ability to (1) prevent maladaptive patterns of stepfamily processes, (2) promote stepchildren's adjustment beyond the influence of stepfamily processes, and (3) protect stepchildren's adjustment when faced with maladaptive patterns of stepfamily processes. The results indicate that higher levels of perceived neighborhood collective efficacy are associated with more adaptive stepfamily processes and higher levels of youth self‐esteem over time, net the influence of stepfamily processes.
Polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement: Benchmarking performance of a lymphoid clonality assay in diverse canine sample types
Authors: Ehrhart E. J. , Wong Shukmei , Richter Keith , Zismann Victoria , Grimes Carolyn , Hendricks William , Khanna Chand
Published: April 2019

Background

Polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) is a molecular diagnostic tool used for discrimination of lymphoid malignancies in dogs from benign processes. Assay variations have been described and are commercially available, but performance metrics are not uniformly reported.

Objectives

To describe performance (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity) and rigorous benchmarking of a PARR protocol (ePARR) in clinically relevant samples.

Animals

One hundred eighty‐one client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Lymphoma and benign tissues representative of the clinical spectrum with gold standard histopathologic and immunohistochemical diagnoses were collected. Assay development and benchmarking were performed on fresh frozen (FF) tissue, formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue, flow cytometry pellets, and air‐dried fine‐needle aspirates (FNA). Assay performance was determined for FFPE from 56 dogs (18 B‐cell lymphoma, 24 T‐cell lymphoma, and 14 non‐lymphoma), 80 frozen flow cytometry pellets (66 B‐cell lymphoma, 14 T‐cell lymphoma, 0 non‐lymphoma), and 41 air‐dried FNA slides (23 lymphoma, 18 non‐lymphoma).

Results

For discrimination of lymphoma versus non‐lymphoma, ePARR had 92% and 92% sensitivity and specificity on FFPE with 92% accuracy, 85% sensitivity from flow cytometry pellets (non‐lymphoma was not evaluated to calculate specificity) with 85% accuracy, and 100% and 100% sensitivity and specificity for FNA with 100% accuracy. Stringent quality control criteria decreased assay success rate without significant performance improvement. Performance metrics were lower in most cases for discrimination of B‐ or T‐cell versus non‐B‐ or non‐T‐cell samples than for lymphoma versus non‐lymphoma.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These benchmarking data facilitate effective interpretation and application of PARR assays in multiple sample types.
Activation of the oncogenic miR‐21‐5p promotes HCV replication and steatosis induced by the viral core 3a protein
Authors: Clément Sophie , Sobolewski Cyril , Gomes Diana , Rojas Angela , Goossens Nicolas , Conzelmann Stéphanie , Calo Nicolas , Negro Francesco , Foti Michelangelo
Published: April 2019

Background & aims

miR‐21‐5p is a potent oncogenic microRNA targeting many key tumour suppressors including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). We recently identified PTEN as a key factor modulated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) to promote virion egress. In hepatocytes, expression of HCV‐3a core protein was sufficient to downregulate PTEN and to trigger lipid droplet accumulation. Here, we investigated whether HCV controls PTEN expression through miR‐21‐5p‐dependent mechanisms to trigger steatosis in hepatocytes and to promote HCV life cycle.

Methods

MiR‐21‐5p expression in HCV‐infected patients was evaluated by transcriptome meta‐analysis. HCV replication and viral particle production were investigated in Jc1‐infected Huh‐7 cells after miR‐21‐5p inhibition. PTEN expression and steatosis were assessed in HCV‐3a core protein‐expressing Huh‐7 cells and in mouse primary hepatocytes having miR‐21‐5p inhibited or genetically deleted respectively. HCV‐3a core‐induced steatosis was assessed in vivo in Mir21a knockout mice.

Results

MiR‐21‐5p expression was significantly increased in hepatic tissues from HCV‐infected patients. Infection by HCV‐Jc1, or transduction with HCV‐3a core, upregulated miR‐21‐5p expression and/or activity in Huh‐7 cells. miR‐21‐5p inhibition decreased HCV replication and release of infectious virions by Huh‐7 cells. HCV‐3a core‐induced PTEN downregulation and steatosis were further prevented in Huh‐7 cells following miR‐21‐5p inhibition or in Mir21a knockout mouse primary hepatocytes. Finally, steatosis induction by AAV8‐mediated HCV‐3a core expression was reduced in vivo in Mir21a knockout mice.

Conclusion

MiR‐21‐5p activation by HCV is a key molecular step, promoting both HCV life cycle and HCV‐3a core‐induced steatosis and may be among the molecular changes induced by HCV‐3a to promote carcinogenesis.
Oxygen and Al‐Mg isotopic compositions of grossite‐bearing refractory inclusions from CO3 chondrites
Authors: Simon Steven B. , Krot Alexander N. , Nagashima Kazuhide
Published: April 2019

The distribution of the short‐lived radionuclide 26Al in the early solar system remains a major topic of investigation in planetary science. Thousands of analyses are now available but grossite‐bearing Ca‐, Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) are underrepresented in the database. Recently found grossite‐bearing inclusions in CO3 chondrites provide an opportunity to address this matter. We determined the oxygen and magnesium isotopic compositions of individual phases of 10 grossite‐bearing CAIs in the Dominion Range (DOM) 08006 (CO3.0) and DOM 08004 (CO3.1) chondrites. All minerals in DOM 08006 CAIs as well as hibonite, spinel, and pyroxene in DOM 08004 are uniformly 16O‐rich (Δ17O = −25 to −20‰) but grossite and melilite in DOM 08004 CAIs are not; Δ17O of grossite and melilite range from ~ −11 to ~0‰ and from ~ −23 up to ~0‰, respectively. Even within this small suite, in the two chondrites a bimodal distribution of the inferred initial 26Al/27Al ratios (26Al/27Al)0 is seen, with four having (26Al/27Al)0 ≤1.1 × 10−5 and six having (26Al/27Al)0 ≥3.7 × 10−5. Five of the 26Al‐rich CAIs have (26Al/27Al)0 within error of 4.5 × 10−5; these values can probably be considered indistinguishable from the “canonical” value of 5.2 × 10−5 given the uncertainty in the relative sensitivity factor for grossite measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. We infer that the 26Al‐poor CAIs probably formed before the radionuclide was fully mixed into the solar nebula. All minerals in the DOM 08006 CAIs, as well as spinel, hibonite, and Al‐diopside in the DOM 08004 CAIs retained their initial oxygen isotopic compositions, indicating homogeneity of oxygen isotopic compositions in the nebular region where the CO grossite‐bearing CAIs originated. Oxygen isotopic heterogeneity in CAIs from DOM 08004 resulted from exchange between the initially 16O‐rich (Δ17O ~−24‰) melilite and grossite and 16O‐poor (Δ17O ~0‰) fluid during hydrothermal alteration on the CO chondrite parent body; hibonite, spinel, and Al‐diopside avoided oxygen isotopic exchange during the alteration. Grossite and melilite that underwent oxygen isotopic exchange avoided redistribution of radiogenic 26Mg and preserved undisturbed internal Al‐Mg isochrons. The Δ17O of the fluid can be inferred from O‐isotopic compositions of aqueously formed fayalite and magnetite that precipitated from the fluid on the CO parent asteroid. This and previous studies suggest that O‐isotope exchange during fluid–rock interaction affected most CAIs in CO ≥3.1 chondrites.
Time series are critical to understand microbial plankton diversity and ecology
Authors: Moreira David , López‐García Purificación
Published: April 2019

How diverse are marine planktonic protist communities? How much seasonality do they exhibit? For a very long time, these two old and challenging questions in the field of plankton ecology could be addressed only for large‐size protist species, based on cell counting under the microscope. The recent application of molecular techniques, notably massive marker‐gene amplicon sequencing approaches (metabarcoding), has allowed investigating with unprecedented level of resolution the small‐sized (<20 µm) planktonic eukaryotes too. An amazing diversity of these tiny organisms has been unveiled but details about their temporal dynamics remain much more elusive. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Giner et al. (2019) introduce a new Recurrence Index (RI) to specifically look for seasonality in time‐series metabarcoding data. They inspected the temporal dynamics of all operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in a rich sequence data set of pico‐ and nanoplanktonic eukaryotes in samples collected monthly during 10 years. Although most OTUs did not show seasonality, some abundant ones did, which explains why some averaging methods can find seasonality at the less detailed level of whole planktonic communities. Not surprisingly, the very complex small‐sized eukaryotic plankton communities are composed of organisms with miscellaneous temporal dynamics.
Spatiotemporally explicit demographic modelling supports a joint effect of historical barriers to dispersal and contemporary landscape composition on structuring genomic variation in a red‐listed grasshopper
Authors: González‐Serna María José , Cordero Pedro J. , Ortego Joaquín
Published: April 2019

Inferring the processes underlying spatial patterns of genomic variation is fundamental to understand how organisms interact with landscape heterogeneity and to identify the factors determining species distributional shifts. Here, we use genomic data (restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing) to test biologically informed models representing historical and contemporary demographic scenarios of population connectivity for the Iberian cross‐backed grasshopper Dociostaurus hispanicus, a species with a narrow distribution that currently forms highly fragmented populations. All models incorporated biological aspects of the focal taxon that could hypothetically impact its geographical patterns of genomic variation, including (a) spatial configuration of impassable barriers to dispersal defined by topographic landscapes not occupied by the species; (b) distributional shifts resulting from the interaction between the species bioclimatic envelope and Pleistocene glacial cycles; and (c) contemporary distribution of suitable habitats after extensive land clearing for agriculture. Spatiotemporally explicit simulations under different scenarios considering these aspects and statistical evaluation of competing models within an Approximate Bayesian Computation framework supported spatial configuration of topographic barriers to dispersal and human‐driven habitat fragmentation as the main factors explaining the geographical distribution of genomic variation in the species, with no apparent impact of hypothetical distributional shifts linked to Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Collectively, this study supports that both historical (i.e., topographic barriers) and contemporary (i.e., anthropogenic habitat fragmentation) aspects of landscape composition have shaped major axes of genomic variation in the studied species and emphasizes the potential of model‐based approaches to gain insights into the temporal scale at which different processes impact the demography of natural populations.
Cell‐cell communication, chemotaxis and recruitment in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Lamb Evan , Trimble Michael J. , McCarter Linda L.
Published: April 2019

Motile bacteria are proficient at finding optimal environments for colonization. Often, they use chemotaxis to sense nutrient availability and dangerous concentrations of toxic chemicals. For many bacteria, the repertoire of chemoreceptors is large, suggesting they possess a broad palate with respect to sensing. However, knowledge of the molecules detected by chemotaxis signal transduction systems is limited. Some bacteria, like Vibrio parahaemolyticus, are social and swarm in groups on surfaces. This marine bacterium and human pathogen secretes the S signal autoinducer, which cues degradation of intracellular c‐di‐GMP leading to transcription of the swarming program. Here, we report that the S signal also directs motility at a behavioral level by serving as a chemoattractant. The data demonstrate that V. parahaemolyticus senses the S signal using SscL and SscS, homologous methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins. SscL is required by planktonic bacteria for S signal chemotaxis. SscS plays a role during swarming, and mutants lacking this chemoreceptor swarm faster and produce colonies with more deeply branched swarming fronts than the wild type or the sscL mutant. Other Vibrio species can swim toward the S signal, suggesting a recruitment role for this cell‐cell communication molecule in the context of polymicrobial marine communities.
Nicotiana species as surrogate host for studying the pathogenicity of Acidovorax citrulli, the causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits
Authors: Traore Sy M. , Eckshtain‐Levi Noam , Miao Jiamin , Castro Sparks Anita , Wang Zhibo , Wang Kunru , Li Qi , Burdman Saul , Walcott Ron , Welbaum Gregory E. , Zhao Bingyu
Published: April 2019

Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) caused by Acidovorax citrulli is one of the most important bacterial diseases of cucurbits worldwide. However, the mechanisms associated with A. citrulli pathogenicity and genetics of host resistance have not been extensively investigated. We idenitfied Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum as surrogate hosts for studying A. citrulli pathogenicity and non‐host resistance triggered by type III secreted (T3S) effectors. Two A. citrulli strains, M6 and AAC00‐1, that represent the two major groups amongst A. citrulli populations, induced disease symptoms on N. benthamiana, but triggered a hypersensitive response (HR) on N. tabacum plants. Transient expression of 19 T3S effectors from A. citrulli in N. benthamiana leaves revealed that three effectors, Aave_1548, Aave_2708, and Aave_2166, trigger water‐soaking‐like cell death in N. benthamiana. Aave_1548 knockout mutants of M6 and AAC00‐1 displayed reduced virulence on N. benthamiana and melon (Cucumis melo L.). Transient expression of Aave_1548 and Aave_2166 effectors triggered a non‐host HR in N. tabacum, which was dependent on the functionality of the immune signalling component, NtSGT1. Hence, employing Nicotiana species as surrogate hosts for studying A. citrulli pathogenicity may help characterize the function of A. citrulli T3S effectors and facilitate the development of new strategies for BFB management.
The secessionist spectre: the influence of authoritarianism, nativism and populism on support for Quebec independence
Authors: Blanchet Alexandre , Medeiros Mike
Published: April 2019

In recent years, Quebec has been undergoing a re‐evaluation of immigration and integration policies. The secessionist Parti Québécois had become the leader of this debate, which also coincided with a rise of right‐wing nativist, populist and sometimes authoritarian movements in other Western societies. This paper aims to evaluate the similarity or dissimilarity of Quebec's nationalism to these other nationalisms. We use the 2015 Canadian Election Study data to explore the influence of authoritarianism, nativism and populism directly on support for secession and also, indirectly, on voting intentions. We find that authoritarianism has a negative influence on support for Quebec independence and independentist parties, while the pattern is the opposite, and the effects somewhat weaker, for nativism and populism. Hence, we argue that Quebec nationalism does not seem to correlate with the right‐wing populist movement extending throughout many Western societies. Thus, Quebec nationalism was shown to be a distinct form of nationalism.
Arrhythmogenic calmodulin E105A mutation alters cardiac RyR2 regulation leading to cardiac dysfunction in zebrafish
Authors: Da'as Sahar I. , Thanassoulas Angelos , Calver Brian L. , Beck Konrad , Salem Rola , Saleh Alaaeldin , Kontogianni Iris , Al‐Maraghi Ali , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Safieh‐Garabedian Bared , Toft Egon , Nounesis George , Lai F. Anthony , Nomikos Michail
Published: April 2019

Calmodulin (CaM) is a universal calcium (Ca2+)‐binding messenger that regulates many vital cellular events. In cardiac muscle, CaM associates with ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) and regulates excitation–contraction coupling. Mutations in human genes CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3 have been associated with life‐threatening heart disorders, such as long QT syndrome (LQTS) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. A novel de novo LQTS‐associated missense CaM mutation (E105A) was recently identified in a 6‐year‐old boy, who experienced an aborted first episode of cardiac arrest. Herein, we report the first molecular characterization of the CaM E105A mutation. Expression of the CaM E105A mutant in zebrafish embryos resulted in cardiac arrhythmia and increased heart rate, suggestive of ventricular tachycardia. In vitro biophysical and biochemical analysis revealed that E105A confers a deleterious effect on protein stability and a reduced Ca2+‐binding affinity due to loss of cooperativity. Finally, the CaM E105A mutation resulted in reduced CaM–RyR2 interaction and defective modulation of ryanodine binding. Our findings suggest that the CaM E105A mutation dysregulates normal cardiac function by a complex mechanism involving alterations in both CaM–Ca2+ and CaM–RyR2 interactions.
Connecting pancreatic islet lipid metabolism with insulin secretion and the development of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Imai Yumi , Cousins Ryan S. , Liu Siming , Phelps Brian M. , Promes Joseph A.
Published: April 2019

Obesity is the major contributing factor for the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in recent years. Sustained positive influx of lipids is considered to be a precipitating factor for beta cell dysfunction and serves as a connection between obesity and T2D. Importantly, fatty acids (FA), a key building block of lipids, are a double‐edged sword for beta cells. FA acutely increase glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion through cell‐surface receptor and intracellular pathways. However, chronic exposure to FA, combined with elevated glucose, impair the viability and function of beta cells in vitro and in animal models of obesity (glucolipotoxicity), providing an experimental basis for the propensity of beta cell demise under obesity in humans. To better understand the two‐sided relationship between lipids and beta cells, we present a current view of acute and chronic handling of lipids by beta cells and implications for beta cell function and health. We also discuss an emerging role for lipid droplets (LD) in the dynamic regulation of lipid metabolism in beta cells and insulin secretion, along with a potential role for LD under nutritional stress in beta cells, and incorporate recent advancement in the field of lipid droplet biology.