bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of predatory caddisfly species may be facilitated by variations in the morphology of feeding apparatus and diet
Authors: Lancaster Jill 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

The hypothesis of community‐wide character displacement (CWCD) predicts that coexisting species in the same guild should differ in morphological traits associated with resource acquisition, such that interspecific competition is unlikely. Hypothesis tests often focus on trophic structures involved in food acquisition, because variations in the morphology of foraging apparatus and diet composition may be directly related. Empirical evidence of such associations among sympatric guild members is, however, uncommon.

The predatory larvae of caddisflies in the family Hydrobiosidae are ideal for studies of CWCD because the morphology of the prehensile foreleg, used to capture prey, varies markedly among genera. Further, hydrobiosids typically occur as species‐rich guilds, often with 10–20 species in a single community. Although the larvae are known to be predatory, detailed information on the diet of coexisting species is scarce. This study tested whether larval diet varied among multiple, sympatric species of hydrobiosid caddisflies that differed in foreleg morphology.

Larval specimens were collected in summer and primarily from one river in central Victoria, Australia. Gut contents of late instar larvae were examined to describe diet composition, and diet was compared among taxa using measures of diet breadth and overlap.

Seven sympatric species from six genera that differed in foreleg morphology were collected and late instar larvae were exclusively carnivorous. Diet composition and breadth varied markedly among some species, and diet was associated with morphology of the prehensile foreleg. Specialist predator species consumed predominantly chironomids and had high diet overlap. Generalists consumed primarily chironomids and mayflies, but overlap varied depending upon the preferred mayfly family and representation of other prey items, such as blackflies and insect eggs. All predator species consumed some caseless caddisflies and intraguild predation was strong in at least one species.

The marked differences in diet and foreleg morphology among hydrobiosid species are consistent with the notion that CWCD influences guild membership and may facilitate species coexistence within guilds that are typically species‐rich. Although rarely considered for freshwater communities, CWCD may help explain species membership within other guilds. The magnitude of diet variations among genera within this family are more usually found across multiple families or orders, demonstrating that assumptions about the diet of even closely related taxa may be erroneous.
A 571 million‐year‐old alkaline volcanic lake photosynthesizing microbial community, the Anti‐atlas, Morocco
Authors: Chraiki Ibtissam , Bouougri El Hafid , Chi Fru Ernest , Lazreq Nezha , Youbi Nasrrddine , Boumehdi Ahmed , Aubineau Jérémie , Fontaine Claude , El Albani Abderrazak 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Ediacaran period coincides with the emergence of ancestral animal lineages and cyanobacteria capable of thriving in nutrient deficient oceans which together with photosynthetic eukaryotic dominance, culminated in the rapid oxygenation of the Ediacaran atmosphere. However, ecological evidence for the colonization of the Ediacaran terrestrial biosphere by photosynthetic communities and their contribution to the oxygenation of the biosphere at this time is very sparse. Here, we expand the repertoire of Ediacaran habitable environments to a specific microbial community that thrived in an extreme alkaline volcanic lake 571 Myr ago in the Anti‐atlas of Morocco. The microbial fabrics preserve evidence of primary growth structures, comprised of two main microbialitic units, with the lower section consisting of irregular and patchy thrombolytic mesoclots associated with composite microbialitic domes. Calcirudite interbeds, dominated by wave‐rippled sandy calcarenites and stromatoclasts, fill the interdome troughs and seal the dome tops. A meter‐thick epiclastic stromatolite bed grading upwards from a dominantly flat to wavy laminated base, transitions into low convex laminae consisting of decimeter to meter‐thick dome‐shaped stromatolitic columns, overlies the thrombolitic and composite microbialitic facies. Microbialitic beds constructed during periods of limited clastic input, and underlain by coarse‐grained microbialite‐derived clasts and by the wave‐rippled calcarenites, suggest high‐energy events associated with lake expansion. High‐resolution microscopy revealed spherulitic aggregates and structures reminiscent of coccoidal microbial cell casts and mineralized extra‐polymeric substances (EPS). The primary fabrics and multistage diagenetic features, represented by active carbonate production, photosynthesizing microbial communities, photosynthetic gas bubbles, gas escape structures, and tufted mats, suggest specialized oxygenic photosynthesizers thriving in alkaline volcanic lakes, contributed toward oxygen variability in the Ediacaran terrestrial biosphere.
Delayed seroreversion of specifical antibody against HIV in HIV‐exposed infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu A , Zhang L , Zhang X , Zhang HW , Tian YM , Li JW , Li QY , Shao Y , Ye JZ , Li ZC , Wang H , Sun LJ 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the seroreversion time in HIV‐1‐exposed but uninfected infants from two tertiary hospitals in China.MethodsThis study retrospectively investigated the data of perinatal, HIV‐1‐exposed infants from hospitals in Beijing and Shenzhen. Maternal and infant medical records from both hospitals from January 2009 to December 2019 were reviewed, and the HIV antibody seroreversion times of infants were determined. From 2009 to 2019, a total of 485 HIV‐1‐exposed but uninfected infants were enrolled. The majority of infants were born at term with normal birth weight.ResultsThe seroreversion rates were 89.3%, 94.2% and 100% at 12, 18 and 24 months of age, respectively. There were no significant associations between seroreversion and several risk factors, such as gender, birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, postpartum prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment duration. The mean value of HIV‐specific immunoglobulin G concentration decreased from 15.4 at day 42 to 0.03 after 24 months in HIV‐exposed, uninfected infants.ConclusionsClearance of HIV antibodies could take more than 18 months in a small number of perinatally exposed infants. Caution should be used in excluding or diagnosing perinatal HIV infection in children with long persistence of HIV antibodies.
Onward Migration Aspirations and Transnational Practices of Migrant Construction Workers Amidst Economic Crisis: Exploring New Opportunities and Facing Barriers
Authors: Dimitriadis Iraklis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConsidering onward migration aspirations of Albanian migrants in Italy and Greece, this article investigates the reproduction of transnational practices in relation to preferred destinations before new settlements take place. Drawing on qualitative data, it introduces the concept of explorative transnational practices and sheds light on the interplay between aspirations and transnationalism, showing how the desire to leave the first country may be shaped by transnational ties, and how this may trigger occasional transnational physical activity to explore new destinations. On one hand, this version of transnational mobility may engender remigration, but, on the other, this may be transformed into income‐oriented work trips due to structural constraints (legal status, immigrant networks) and a lack of linguistic and economic capital, as well as other factors such as integration processes, intergenerational relationships and experiences in new destinations. This questions the very presumptions of the transnationalist approach that underscore agentic dimensions of transnational migrants.
Serum growth differentiation factor 15 is closely associated with metabolic abnormalities in Chinese pregnant women
Authors: Li Enhao , Chen Peihong , Lu Jun , Dai Jiarong , Yi Jufen , Zhang Shan , Jin Hua , Guo Meixiang , Wang Hongtao , Yu Xuemei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsTo explore the relationship between serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and metabolic abnormalities in Chinese pregnant women.Materials and MethodsWe recruited 200 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 211 matched normal control within 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum GDF15 levels of all participants. Then we grouped participants according to the number of metabolic abnormalities (including blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure), divided them into a normal metabolic group, one metabolic abnormality group, two or more metabolic abnormalities group. Finally, multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds radio (OR) and 95% CIs expressing the association between GDF15 and metabolic abnormalities in pregnant women.ResultsThrough bivariate correlation analysis, we found that serum GDF15 is linearly correlated with glucose metabolism indices, such as 1h‐PG, 2h‐PG, HbA1c (all P < 0.05). In addition, serum GDF15 and triglycerides were linearly correlated (P < 0.05). Grouping by the number of metabolic abnormalities, we found that as GDF15 levels increased, the risk of metabolic abnormalities also increased (OR > 1), and the risk of multiple metabolic abnormalities was higher. As the number of metabolic abnormalities increased, serum GDF15 levels also were elevated (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results suggest that serum GDF15 levels are closely associated with metabolic abnormalities in pregnant women and may be used as a predictor of metabolic abnormalities during pregnancy.
MiR‐153‐3p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells through KDM6A‐induced demethylation of H3K27me3
Authors: Jiang Hao , Jia Peizeng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivePeriodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have potential for osteogenic differentiation and show a great foreground in treating bone diseases. Histone three lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is a critical epigenetic modifier and plays an important role in regulating osteogenic differentiation. Multiple microRNAs have been found to play important roles in osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the roles of miR‐153‐3p and KDM6A in PDLSC osteogenesis.MethodsThe levels of the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by western blotting. Osteoblast activity and mineral deposition were detected by ALP and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining. The levels of miR‐153‐3p and KDM6A were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between KDM6A and miR‐153‐3p. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function assays were performed to identify the roles of miR‐153‐3p and KDM6A in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.ResultsIn osteogenic PDLSCs, the expression of KDM6A, ALP, Runx2, and OPN was upregulated, whereas that of miR‐153‐3p was downregulated. miR‐153‐3p downregulation or KDM6A overexpression promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, as demonstrated by increases in ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, Runx2, and OPN expression. KDM6A was confirmed to be a target of miR‐153‐3p, and KDM6A overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐153‐3p mimic on PDLSC osteogenesis. KDM6A promoted ALP, Runx2, and OPN expression through the demethylation of H3K27me3 on the promoter regions of these genes.ConclusionmiR‐153‐3p inhibited PDLSC osteogenesis by targeting KDM6A and inhibiting ALP, Runx2, and OPN transcription. These findings provide latent hope for PDLSCs application in periodontal therapy.
Responses of photosynthesis and antioxidants to simulated acid rain in mulberry seedlings
Authors: Zhang Zihui , Teng Zhiyuan , Wang Nan , Zhang Meng , Sun Guangyu , Hu Yanbo , Zhang Xiuli 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAcid rain, which has negative impacts on the vegetation of ecological systems, is widespread in Northern and Southern China. However, relatively little is known about the effects of acid rain on the growth and yield of economically important tree species in China. To address this issue, we studied the responses of mulberry seedlings to simulated acid rain (SAR) at different pH values. At pH 4.5, SAR induced increased antioxidant activities, total antioxidant capacity, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (OFR) relative to controls. However, the growth of the seedlings under SAR treatments at pH 4.5 and pH 5.6 was greater than controls. No significant differences in photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence quenching parameters were observed between the SAR treatments at pH 4.5 and pH 5.6 and controls. However, the SAR treatment at pH 3.5 resulted in altered leaf surface characteristics and changes to chloroplast ultrastructure, together with an increase in membrane electrical conductivity and an accumulation of OFR and malondialdehyde. In contrast, leaf antioxidant enzyme activities were decreased, together with electron transport parameters and photosynthesis. Taken together, these results show that the effects of acid rain on the growth and leaf physiology of mulberry seedling are dependent on pH. Moreover, mulberry seedlings had a high tolerance to acid rain at pH 4.5.
Mortality Benefits and Control Costs of Improving Air Quality in Mexico City: The Case of Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles
Authors: Evans John S. , Rojas‐Bracho Leonora , Hammitt James K. , Dockery Douglas W. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDiesel vehicles are significant contributors to air pollution in Mexico City. We estimate the costs and mortality benefits of retrofitting heavy‐duty vehicles with particulate filters and oxidation catalysts. The feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of controls differ by vehicle model‐year and type. We evaluate 1985 to 2014 model‐year vehicles from 10 vehicle classes and five model‐year groups. Our analysis shows that retrofitting all vehicles with the control that maximizes expected net benefits for that vehicle type and model‐year group has the potential to reduce emissions of primary fine particles (PM2.5) by 950 metric tons/year; cut the population‐weighted annual mean concentration of PM2.5 in Mexico City by 0.90 µg/m3; reduce the annual number of deaths attributable to air pollution by over 80; and generate expected annual health benefits of close to 250 million US$. These benefits outweigh expected costs of 92 million US$ per year. Diesel retrofits are but one step that should viewed in the context of other efforts––such as development of an integrated public transportation system, promotion of the rational use of cars, reduction of emissions from industrial sources and fires, and redesign of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area to reduce urban sprawl––that must be analyzed and implemented to substantially control air pollution and protect public health. Even if considering other potential public health interventions, which would offer greater benefits at the same or lower costs, only by conducting, promoting, and publishing this sort of analyses, we can make strides to improve public health cost‐effectively.
Development and psychometric testing of a dementia care competence scale for nurses working in acute care setting
Authors: Yang Yueh‐Ying , Yang Ya‐Ping , Hsiao Chun‐Hui , Kuo Hsin‐Yi , Wang Jing‐Jy 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNurses often have difficulty to deal with dementia‐related problematic behaviours, resulting in the prolonged hospitalisation of patients, which further waste medical resources and affect care quality, patient safety and nurses’ job satisfaction. It is imperative to improve the dementia care competence of nurses working in acute care. Prior to educational interventions to promote dementia care, using an instrument to evaluate dementia care competence of nurses is needed.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a scale suitable for the investigation of dementia care competence of nurses working in acute care setting.MethodsThe instrumental development design adapted Iceberg Theory as the theoretical foundation was used to develop a scale through three stages: Item development, Content validity and Psychometric testing of the scale. Stratified random sampling was used to enrol subjects from two medical centres in southern Taiwan. The Content Validity Index (CVI), categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA), Cronbach’s α coefficient test and the intra‐class correlation coefficient test were used to analyse the data.ResultsThis study enrolled a total of 308 subjects. The CVI of the entire scale reached .97. Through the CATPCA, resulting 33 items in total with the Knowledge subscale consists of 13 items (range = 0–13), the Attitude subscale consists of 11 items (range = 11–55) and the Skills subscale consists of 9 items (range = 0–9). The final Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Knowledge subscale was .88; for the Attitude subscale was .94; and for the Skills subscale was .85. The test–retest reliability after 2 weeks reached .818.Conclusions/Implications for PracticeThis scale has good reliability, validity and theoretical support. It can be used to understand the current status and predicaments of dementia care faced by healthcare personnel working in acute care setting, as well as the educational training intervention required to be implemented. Hopefully, nurses’ ability to deal with problematic behaviours of dementia can be improved.
Assessing the impact of an automated Web‐based motivational interview on the intention and return behavior of Australian O‐negative donors
Authors: Jensen Kyle S. , Masser Barbara M. , Davison Tanya E. , Van Dyke Nina , France Janis L. , France Christopher R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundO‐negative donors are a critical resource for blood collection agencies, and their recruitment and retention provides an ongoing challenge. Motivational interviewing shows promise as a tool to promote donor retention, although concerns about scalability remain. The current study examined the effect of an automated Web‐based interview drawing on motivational interviewing and self‐determination theory on O‐negative donors' motivation, intention, and behavior.Study Design and MethodsWithin 13 days of donating, 2820 O‐negative donors completed baseline measures of motivation and intention before being randomly assigned to complete either a motivational interview (MI) or active control interview (ACI). Motivation and intention were assessed at 2 days and at 7 weeks after participation in the MI or ACI, with return behavior tracked for 6 months following trial completion.ResultsChanges in donor motivation and intention, rate, and time to return did not vary by participation in the MI or ACI. When compared with O‐negative donors who experienced business‐as‐usual practices, donors completing the MI or ACI returned to donate more, and they returned more quickly. However, subsequent exploratory analyses considering the behavior of those who did not accept the invitation to participate and those who completed only baseline measures showed that the improved return behavior of donors in the MI or ACI conditions was likely not due to any specific properties of the MI or ACI activities.ConclusionsAustralian O‐negative donors were highly internally motivated and committed to donating. An automated Web‐based motivational interview appears to be of limited effectiveness in promoting the return of such donors.
Variation in platelet‐rich plasma compositions used for wound healing indications
Authors: van der Bijl Ivo , de Korte Dirk , Middelkoop Esther 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAt present, the role of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in burn and wound management is undefined. We present some of the evidence for PRP in wound healing and other medical fields. Currently, the high variation in product composition, mode and timing of application prevent a clear definition of the position of PRP in wound healing. Perspectives on solving these issues are described.
The scope and nature of prolonged social withdrawal in Israel: An initial quantitative and qualitative investigation
Authors: Hareven Or , Kron Tamar , Roe David , Koren Danny 
Published: December 2020

Objective: Over the past few decades, prolonged social withdrawal (PSW) among young people has been recognized in several countries. Most research has been quantitative and focused on the characteristics of PSW individuals and their families. Little attention has been given to the valuable perspective of professionals providing service to this population. The purpose of the present study is to identify the characteristics of PSW in Israel, where this phenomenon has not been researched yet. For this initial investigation, the study will utilize a combination of quantitative self-report data from parents of PSW individuals, as well as qualitative data gathered from interviews with mental health professionals who work with this population. Methods: Quantitative data were derived from records of referrals by parents of 121 PSW individuals, and later categorized into apparent characteristics of PSW. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 19 professionals experienced in treating PSW, and later analyzed in a thematic analysis process. Results: Findings from the quantitative data revealed a majority of males (70%) with an average age of 24.2, with previously diagnosed psychiatric conditions (64%). Findings from the qualitative data exposed frequently reported characteristics of PSW individuals and their families, out of which five themes emerged: Family Dynamics, Psychological Characteristics, Typical Behaviors, Past Difficulties, and Present Challenges. Conclusion: This study is the first to identify and report characteristics of PSW in Israel, which are consistent with previous research reported in other countries. The study is highlighting familial characteristics as well as individual ones, while also considering the broader socio-cultural context. These findings draw attention to the importance of notifying the general public, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in Israel and beyond to the concerning problem of PSW, while contributing to the efforts to develop a map of this barely explored territory.