bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the potential for assisted gene flow using past introduction of Norway spruce in southern Sweden: Local adaptation and genetic basis of quantitative traits in trees
Authors: Milesi Pascal , Berlin Mats , Chen Jun , Orsucci Marion , Li Lili , Jansson Gunnar , Karlsson Bo , Lascoux Martin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNorway spruce (Picea abies) is a dominant conifer species of major economic importance in northern Europe. Extensive breeding programs were established to improve phenotypic traits of economic interest. In southern Sweden, seeds used to create progeny tests were collected on about 3,000 trees of outstanding phenotype (‘plus’ trees) across the region. In a companion paper, we showed that some were of local origin but many were recent introductions from the rest of the natural range. The mixed origin of the trees together with partial sequencing of the exome of >1,500 of these trees and phenotypic data retrieved from the Swedish breeding program offered a unique opportunity to dissect the genetic basis of local adaptation of three quantitative traits (height, diameter and bud‐burst) and assess the potential of assisted gene flow. Through a combination of multivariate analyses and genome‐wide association studies, we showed that there was a very strong effect of geographical origin on growth (height and diameter) and phenology (bud‐burst) with trees from southern origins outperforming local provenances. Association studies revealed that growth traits were highly polygenic and bud‐burst somewhat less. Hence, our results suggest that assisted gene flow and genomic selection approaches could help to alleviate the effect of climate change on P. abies breeding programs in Sweden.
Bilateral ovariectomy as a treatment for chronic pyometra in four horses
Authors: Jones A. R. E. , Ragle C. A. , Huggons N. A. , Tibary A. A. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe objective of this retrospective study was to describe the use of bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy without hysterectomy for chronic pyometra in horses. Four client‐owned horses were included, each having chronic pyometra that was unresponsive to treatment. Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed on the horses under standing sedation. A final uterine lavage was performed either 24 hours before or after surgery, with no further treatment of the uterus. No complications were encountered during surgery or post‐operatively, and each horse had resolution of the pyometra without recurrence of clinical signs over at least 3 years. All owners were satisfied with the procedure. Following histopathology, one horse was found to be a true hermaphrodite, with one vestigial testis and one ovotestis. Ovariectomy alone was an effective treatment for four horses with chronic pyometra, without complications. Ovarian steroids and abnormal uterine or cervical conformation are important influences in the pathogenesis of pyometra, and removal of the hormone source via ovariectomy should be considered to avoid a more invasive surgery and the potential complications associated with ovariohysterectomy in horses.
Culture‐independent and dependent evaluation of the equine paranasal sinus microbiota in health and disease
Authors: Beste K. J. , Lawhon S. D. , Chamoun‐Emanuelli A. M. , Duff A. H. , Coleman M. C. , Griffin C. E. , Hardy J. , Whitfield‐Cargile C. M. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBackgroundHorses with bacterial sinusitis frequently undergo empirical treatment with antimicrobials, however, in some cases bacterial culture of the affected sinus is used to direct therapy. Data regarding which organisms are part of the commensal microbiota of the equine sinus are lacking making it difficult to interpret culture results and guide empiric antimicrobial selection.ObjectivesOur objectives were to describe the bacterial and fungal microbiota of the paranasal sinuses in clinically normal horses using culture‐dependent and independent approaches and to compare the bacterial culture and susceptibility patterns of normal horses with those from horses affected with primary and secondary sinusitis.Study designExperimental study and descriptive retrospective review of case records.MethodsSinus washes were collected from 23 healthy horses. Washes were submitted for routine culture and susceptibility testing and DNA was isolated for next generation sequencing of bacterial and fungal marker genes. For clinical cases of sinusitis, medical records from 2010 to 2017 were reviewed and horses diagnosed with primary and/or secondary sinusitis were included.ResultsThe paranasal sinus cavity hosts multiple bacterial and fungal organisms. The bacterial microbiota of healthy horses consists largely of uncultivable, aerobic bacteria. While few anaerobes were isolated from normal horses, the majority of clinical cases resulted in growth of anaerobic organisms with no difference in the proportion of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated from clinical cases.Main limitationsSmall sample size in both populations of horses and heterogeneity of the population prevent a more in‐depth analysis.ConclusionsThe microbiota of the paranasal sinuses of horses consists primarily of aerobic bacteria and fungal organisms, the majority of which are uncultivable via common clinical methods. Anaerobic bacteria are found in the majority of horses with clinical sinusitis. These findings suggest anaerobic bacteria are associated with sinusitis and their presence should be considered when treating horses with sinusitis.
Towards comparable assessment of the soil nutrient status across scales—Review and development of nutrient metrics
Authors: Van Sundert Kevin , Radujković Dajana , Cools Nathalie , De Vos Bruno , Etzold Sophia , Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Janssens Ivan A. , Merilä Päivi , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , Stendahl Johan , Terrer César , Vicca Sara 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNutrient availability influences virtually every aspect of an ecosystem, and is a critical modifier of ecosystem responses to global change. Although this crucial role of nutrient availability in regulating ecosystem structure and functioning has been widely acknowledged, nutrients are still often neglected in observational and experimental synthesis studies due to difficulties in comparing the nutrient status across sites. In the current study, we explain different nutrient‐related concepts and discuss the potential of soil‐, plant‐ and remote sensing‐based metrics to compare the nutrient status across space. Based on our review and additional analyses on a dataset of European, managed temperate and boreal forests (ICP [International Co‐operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests] Forests dataset), we conclude that the use of plant‐ and remote sensing‐based metrics that rely on tissue stoichiometry is limited due to their strong dependence on species identity. The potential use of other plant‐based metrics such as Ellenberg indicator values and plant‐functional traits is also discussed. We conclude from our analyses and review that soil‐based metrics have the highest potential for successful intersite comparison of the nutrient status. As an example, we used and adjusted a soil‐based metric, previously developed for conifer forests across Sweden, against the same ICP Forests data. We suggest that this adjusted and further adaptable metric, which included the organic carbon concentration in the upper 20 cm of the soil (including the organic fermentation‐humus [FH] layer), the C:N ratio and of the FH layer, can be used as a complementary tool along with other indicators of nutrient availability, to compare the background nutrient status across temperate and boreal forests dominated by spruce, pine or beech. Future collection and provision of harmonized soil data from observational and experimental sites is crucial for further testing and adjusting the metric.
Contrasting resistance and resilience to extreme drought and late spring frost in five major European tree species
Authors: Vitasse Yann , Bottero Alessandra , Cailleret Maxime , Bigler Christof , Fonti Patrick , Gessler Arthur , Lévesque Mathieu , Rohner Brigitte , Weber Pascale , Rigling Andreas , Wohlgemuth Thomas 
Published: August 2019

AbstractExtreme climate events (ECEs) such as severe droughts, heat waves, and late spring frosts are rare but exert a paramount role in shaping tree species distributions. The frequency of such ECEs is expected to increase with climate warming, threatening the sustainability of temperate forests. Here, we analyzed 2,844 tree‐ring width series of five dominant European tree species from 104 Swiss sites ranging from 400 to 2,200 m a.s.l. for the period 1930–2016. We found that (a) the broadleaved oak and beech are sensitive to late frosts that strongly reduce current year growth; however, tree growth is highly resilient and fully recovers within 2 years; (b) radial growth of the conifers larch and spruce is strongly and enduringly reduced by spring droughts—these species are the least resistant and resilient to droughts; (c) oak, silver fir, and to a lower extent beech, show higher resistance and resilience to spring droughts and seem therefore better adapted to the future climate. Our results allow a robust comparison of the tree growth responses to drought and spring frost across large climatic gradients and provide striking evidence that the growth of some of the most abundant and economically important European tree species will be increasingly limited by climate warming. These results could serve for supporting species selection to maintain the sustainability of forest ecosystem services under the expected increase in ECEs.
Vicariant events in the montane hummingbird genera Augastes and Schistes in South America
Authors: Chaves Anderson V. , Vasconcelos Marcelo F. , Freitas Guilherme H. S. , Santos Fabrício R. 
Published: August 2019

We assessed the evolutionary histories of two hummingbirds, Augastes scutatus and Augastes lumachella, endemic to the highlands of the Espinhaço Range in Brazil. These hummingbirds are considered relictual taxa with phylogenetic affinities to members of the genus Schistes from the Andean region. We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of Augastes through the use of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear sequences within the Polytminae hummingbird clade, and found that the inferred phylogenetic reconstructions placed A. scutatus as the sister species of A. lumachella and Augastes as sister to Schistes geoffroyi from the northern Andes, as previously suggested by similarities found in plumage and morphology. Our results are consistent with an initial divergence of Augastes and Schistes lineages in the Late Miocene, associated with geological and climatic changes across the South American landscape. A Late Pliocene vicariant event between A. scutatus and A. lumachella may be associated with climatically distinct environmental conditions influencing the local differentiation and adaptation of ancestral Augastes populations. Our findings represent additional important evidence of vicariant events between east and west in southern South America, and between north and south within the Espinhaço Range of Brazil.
Exploring health and wellness among Native American adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their family caregivers
Authors: Williamson Heather J. , Brennan Alissa C. , Tress Samantha F. , Joseph Darold H. , Baldwin Julie A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundAdults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) experience health inequities, and those who also identify as a member of an ethnic minority group face additional health inequities. In the United States, a majority of adults with IDD continue to be supported by family caregivers making their health equity also important. The purpose of this study was to explore how Native American adults with IDD and their family caregivers experience health and wellness.MethodThis community‐engaged research was guided by a Community Advisory Board (CAB) with study participants completing a Photovoice project.ResultsParticipants identified individual, family and community level influences on health and wellness including the importance of participation in meaningful activities and connection to culture.ConclusionsIn order to address health inequities, more research is needed to understand health and wellness from the unique perspectives of individuals with IDD and those from racial and ethnic minority groups.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF CALIBRATION, SHARPNESS, AND UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Wan Shui Ki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractI evaluate the out‐of‐sample predictability of several major indicators for bull and bear markets in monthly S&P 500 series with three quadratic probability score components: calibration, sharpness, and uncertainty. I find that uncertainty limits the trend characterization and thus provides a new perspective from which to identify bull and bear markets. I also find that sharpness plays a key role in determining portfolio returns. Trading strategies that capitalize on sharpness generate higher Sharpe ratios and portfolio returns. The Aruoba–Diebold–Scotti business conditions index is the most profitable indicator for both medium‐ and long‐term trends.
INSIDER DEMAND AND INDUSTRY TRENDS
Authors: Gilstrap Collin , Petkevich Alex , Wang Kainan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe investigate the time‐series patterns in industry return predictability conditioned on insider demand from 1996 to 2016. Current insider demand within an industry is positively associated with higher future industry returns. This relation is primarily driven by the buy side of insider trades and is more pronounced during periods of economic recession and high market volatility where uncertainty and information asymmetry are relatively high. Our results are consistent with the notion that corporate insiders have an informational advantage that can be used as an indicator for industry portfolio selection.
Improving the quality of hospital care for Indigenous adolescents: Experiences from the Top End
Authors: Buckley Rachel L 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA recent Lancet publication reported the substantial and largely unmet health needs of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) adolescents; needs that we have been working tirelessly to address in the Northern Territory. In order to improve health outcomes for Indigenous adolescents, we must create health systems responsive to their needs. This paper focuses on changes made at Royal Darwin Hospital, which continue to improve the quality of care for this group. We describe these changes here, to celebrate the gains made and ultimately, we hope, to help address the health of Indigenous adolescents more broadly.
Long‐term outcomes of endoscopic treatment for duct‐to‐duct anastomotic strictures after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Sato Tatsuya , Kogure Hirofumi , Nakai Yousuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Takahara Naminatsu , Mizuno Suguru , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Tada Minoru , Tsujino Takeshi , Isayama Hiroyuki , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsThe anastomotic biliary stricture is a clinically important complication after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with a duct‐to‐duct anastomosis. Although endoscopic management of post‐LDLT biliary strictures using balloon dilation (BD) and plastic stents (PSs) has provided acceptable short‐term outcomes, long‐term outcomes and prognostic factors for treatment success remain unclear.MethodsWe included 96 patients with post‐LDLT biliary strictures who were endoscopically managed between 2003 and 2016. BD was utilized as a first‐line treatment strategy, and PS placement was carried out for refractory cases. Potential prognostic factors for biliary stricture resolution were analysed using logistic regression analyses.ResultsEndoscopic treatment was technically successful in 84 patients (87.5%). The overall rate of biliary stricture resolution was 44.8% (43 of 96 patients) with a median follow‐up duration of 90.9 months (interquartile range, 30.9‐122.3 months). Bile duct kinking was associated with a lower rate of biliary stricture resolution (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.13‐0.87). After successful endoscopic treatment, biliary strictures recurred in 22 patients (57.9%) after BD, and in one patient (4%) after PS treatment.ConclusionsDespite a high technical success rate, endoscopic treatment only provided a low rate of resolution of anastomotic biliary strictures among LDLT patients and required prolonged treatment duration. Alternative strategies including the use of a covered metal stent should be evaluated to further improve the treatment outcomes of post‐LDLT biliary strictures, particularly in those accompanied by the bile duct kinking.
The complexity of intercellular localisation of alkaloids revealed by single‐cell metabolomics
Authors: Yamamoto Kotaro , Takahashi Katsutoshi , Caputi Lorenzo , Mizuno Hajime , Rodriguez‐Lopez Carlos E. , Iwasaki Tetsushi , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Fukaki Hidehiro , Ohnishi Miwa , Yamazaki Mami , Masujima Tsutomu , O'Connor Sarah E. , Mimura Tetsuro 
Published: August 2019

Summary

Catharanthus roseus is a medicinal plant well known for producing bioactive compounds such as vinblastine and vincristine, which are classified as terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs). Although the leaves of this plant are the main source of these antitumour drugs, much remains unknown on how TIAs are biosynthesised from a central precursor, strictosidine, to various TIAs in planta.

Here, we have succeeded in showing, for the first time in leaf tissue of C. roseus, cell‐specific TIAs localisation and accumulation with 10 μm spatial resolution Imaging mass spectrometry (Imaging MS) and live single‐cell mass spectrometry (single‐cell MS).

These metabolomic studies revealed that most TIA precursors (iridoids) are localised in the epidermal cells, but major TIAs including serpentine and vindoline are localised instead in idioblast cells. Interestingly, the central TIA intermediate strictosidine also accumulates in both epidermal and idioblast cells of C. roseus. Moreover, we also found that vindoline accumulation increases in laticifer cells as the leaf expands.

These discoveries highlight the complexity of intercellular localisation in plant specialised metabolism.
Evaluation of prevention and disruption of biofilm in contact lens cases
Authors: Cho Pauline , Boost Maureen V 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPurposeThe presence of biofilm in the lens case has been shown to be a risk factor for contamination of lenses and consequently microbial keratitis. This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of solutions for rigid contact lenses in prevention and disruption of biofilm in lens cases and methods for biofilm detection.MethodThis study adopted a stepwise approach to evaluate effectiveness of four rigid lens disinfecting solutions against biofilm. These included two polyhexamethylene bigiuanide (PHMB) solutions and a chlorhexidine/PHMB‐based solution, as well as a novel povidone‐iodine formulation. The presence of biofilm following exposure to the solutions was assessed using both crystal violet (CV) staining and MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) viability assay, taking into account the effect of lens case design. Three lens case designs, conventional flat, large bucket type, and cylindrical cases, were investigated for the ability to trap stain and allow biofilm formation.ResultsConsiderable differences were noted between solutions in their ability to prevent and disrupt biofilm (p < 0.001). Lens case design greatly influenced optical density (OD) measurements even in negative controls, as cylindrical cases trapped more stain, increasing OD readings. Correcting for this factor reduced variations, but could not differentiate between residues and biofilm. MTT assay revealed that both povidone‐iodine and chlorhexidine‐containing solutions could effectively kill > 95% of organisms, whilst PHMB‐based solutions were less effective with up to 55% of staphylococci and 41% of Pseudomonas surviving at 24 h.ConclusionBiofilm can rapidly form in lens cases and may not be killed by disinfecting solutions. Of the solutions tested, none were able to prevent biofilm formation or disrupt established biofilm, but those containing chlorhexidine or povidone iodine were able to penetrate the biofilm and kill organisms. Assessment of biofilm by CV assay may be confounded by lens case design. Whilst CV assay can demonstrate presence of biofilm, this technique should be accompanied by viability assay to determine bactericidal activity.
From limb to fin: an Eocene protocetid forelimb from Senegal sheds new light on the early locomotor evolution of cetaceans
Authors: Vautrin Quentin , Lihoreau Fabrice , Sambou Bernard , Thiam Moustapha , Martin Jeremy E. , Tabuce Rodolphe , Adnet Sylvain , Lebrun Renaud , Charruault Anne‐Lise , Sarr Raphaël , Hautier Lionel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCetaceans constitute a textbook example of the secondary adaptation of tetrapods to aquatic life. This major event in the evolutionary history of mammals is often linked in the literature to the limb‐to‐fin transition. Paradoxically, limb bones are scarce in the fossil record of early cetaceans, and the transition from a limb‐adapted morphology for an amphibious life in shallow water to a fin‐adapted morphology for a pelagic lifestyle remains poorly documented. Here, we describe new protocetid remains from the upper Lutetian of Senegal, including a nearly complete articulated forelimb. A cladistic analysis including 24 taxa and 137 morphological characters recovers the new African specimen close to Carolinacetus. It also confirms that cetacean dispersal to the New World was not the result of a single colonization event. A 3D model of the forelimb was reconstructed. Anatomical comparisons suggest that it is unlikely that the Senegalese forelimb was used as a rigid pectoral flipper for steering as in basilosaurids and modern cetaceans. Instead, we suggest that the hand was actively used during swimming. This challenges previous reconstructions of protocetids as mainly foot‐powered swimmers, and suggests that swimming specializations of early cetaceans were probably more diverse than previously considered.