bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the performance of targeted sequence capture, RNA‐Seq, and degenerate‐primer PCR cloning for sequencing the largest mammalian multigene family
Authors: Yohe Laurel R. , Davies Kalina T. J. , Simmons Nancy B. , Sears Karen E. , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Dávalos Liliana M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMultigene families evolve from single‐copy ancestral genes via duplication, and typically encode proteins critical to key biological processes. Molecular analyses of these gene families require high‐confidence sequences, but the high sequence similarity of the members can create challenges for sequencing and downstream analyses. Focusing on the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, we evaluated how different sequencing approaches performed in recovering the largest mammalian protein‐coding multigene family: olfactory receptors (OR). Using the genome as a reference, we determined the proportion of intact protein‐coding receptors recovered by: (a) amplicons from degenerate primers sequenced via Sanger technology, (b) RNA‐Seq of the main olfactory epithelium, and (c) those genes captured with probes designed from transcriptomes of closely‐related species. Our initial re‐annotation of the high‐quality vampire bat genome resulted in >400 intact OR genes, more than doubling the original estimate. Sanger‐sequenced amplicons performed the poorest among the three approaches, detecting <33% of receptors in the genome. In contrast, the transcriptome reliably recovered >50% of the annotated genomic ORs, and targeted sequence capture recovered nearly 75% of annotated genes. Each sequencing approach assembled high‐quality sequences, even if it did not recover all receptors in the genome. While some variation may be due to limitations of the study design (e.g., different individuals), variation among approaches was mostly caused by low coverage of some receptors rather than high rates of assembly error. Given this variability, we caution against using the counts of intact receptors per species to model the birth‐death process of multigene families. Instead, our results support the use of orthologous sequences to explore and model the evolutionary processes shaping these genes.
The benefit of collective reputation
Authors: Neeman Zvika , Öry Aniko , Yu Jungju 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe study a model of reputation with two long‐lived firms who operate under a collective brand or as two individual brands. Firms' investments in quality are unobserved and can only be sustained through reputational concerns. In a collective brand, consumers cannot distinguish between the two firms. In the long run, this generates incentives to free‐ride on the other firm's investment, but in the short run, it mitigates the temptation to milk a good reputation. The signal structure and consumers' prior beliefs determine which effect dominates. We interpret our findings in light of the type of industry in which the firms operate.
Catheter‐related infections: A Scandinavian observational study on the impact of a simple hygiene insertion bundle
Authors: Thorarinsdottir Hulda Rosa , Rockholt Mika , Klarin Bengt , Broman Marcus , Fraenkel Carl‐Johan , Kander Thomas 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundCatheter‐related infections (CRIs) and catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are among the most frequent hospital acquired infections. CRI/CRBSI studies in Scandinavian cohorts are scarce. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the CRI/CRBSI incidence and the association between potential risk factors, including the introduction of a simple hygiene insertion bundle and CRIs at a large university hospital in Sweden.MethodsWe retrospectively included all patients aged 12 and above who received a central venous catheter (CVC) or a central dialysis catheter during a 2‐year period, 1 year before and 1 year after the implementation of a simple hygiene insertion bundle. Microbiological data, including catheter tip cultures and blood cultures, were merged with CVC insertion data.ResultsA total of 1722 catheter insertions in 1428 patients were included. CRI and CRBSI incidence were 1.86/1000 and 0.62/1000 catheter days, respectively. In a multivariable regression model, the implementation of a simple hygiene insertion bundle was the independent factor most strongly associated with significantly lower CRI‐incidence (95% confidence interval [CI] of odds ratio [OR] 0.23‐0.92, P = .029). Choosing multiple lumen catheters was associated with increasing CRI‐incidence (95% CI of OR 1.11‐2.39, P = .013).ConclusionThe incidence of catheter‐related infections and catheter‐related bloodstream infections in this Scandinavian cohort was low. The implementation of a simple hygiene insertion bundle seems to be an effective intervention for reducing catheter‐related infections. The use of multiple‐lumen catheters is associated with increased risk of catheter‐related infections.
Size‐conditioned mandatory capital adequacy disclosure and bank intermediation
Authors: Zelenyuk Natalya , Faff Robert , Pathan Shams 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe add to the literature on the real effects of macroprudential regulation by investigating the novel link between a mandatory capital adequacy disclosure and bank intermediation. The mandatory disclosure stems from the Federal Reserve regulation change of 2013 and leads to identification of bank intermediation effects with treatment methods. A combined empirical strategy of difference‐in‐differences and regression discontinuity design point to economically significant evidence for the reduction of both lending and on‐balance sheet liquidity creation, for banks that disclose their capital adequacy as prescribed by the regulation.
Structural holes and hedge fund return comovement: evidence from network‐connected stock hedge funds in China
Authors: Li Lu , Li Yang , Wang Xueding , Xiao Tusheng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUsing data from a new hedge fund database, we examine the impact of social networks on the return comovement of stock hedge funds in China. We use structural holes in the college alumni networks of managers to measure the managers’ social network positions. We perform an empirical analysis on a sample of 3,012 hedge fund products in China from 2010 to 2017. We find that greater structural holes are associated with higher return comovement. The positive impact of the structural holes on return comovement is not affected by market cycles, a manager's major in college, or his or her abilities.
Quadratus lumborum block for analgesia after caesarean section: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Irwin R. , Stanescu S. , Buzaianu C. , Rademan M. , Roddy J. , Gormley C. , Tan T. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryQuadratus lumborum block has been shown to provide satisfactory analgesia after caesarean section performed under neuraxial anaesthesia. However, its efficacy has not been demonstrated in patients who have received intrathecal morphine. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of quadratus lumborum block as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen including intrathecal morphine. This was a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive bilateral quadratus lumborum block (40 ml levobupivacaine 0.25%) or sham block (control) after undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. The primary outcome was 24‐h morphine consumption measured by patient‐controlled analgesia. Secondary outcomes included pain scores and quality of recovery. Data from 86 women were analysed. Median (IQR [range]) 24‐h morphine consumption was similar in patients receiving quadratus lumborum block and sham block (12 (8–29 [0–68]) mg vs. 14 (5–25 [0–90]) mg, respectively; p = 0.986). There was a reduction in median (IQR [range]) visual analogue scale pain scores at 6 h with quadratus lumborum block compared with sham block both at rest (6 (0–14 [0–98]) mm vs. 14 (3–23 [0–64]) mm (p = 0.019); and on movement: 23 (10–51 [0–99]) mm vs. 44 (27–61 [2–94]) mm; (p = 0.014)). There was no difference in pain scores at any other time‐point up to 48 h. When used in conjunction with intrathecal morphine and spinal anaesthesia, bilateral quadratus lumborum block does not reduce 24‐h morphine consumption after caesarean section.
Requirement of activating transcription factor 5 for murine fetal liver erythropoiesis
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Chen Jane‐Jane 
Published: September 2019

AbstractActivating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is necessary for the development of various tissues, particularly under stress. Dysfunctions of ATF5 have been shown to be involved in many diseases. The exact function of ATF5 is tissue‐specific, and its role in erythropoiesis is still unknown. We here employed the loss of function strategy to investigate the role of ATF5 in murine erythropoiesis. We found that knockdown of Atf5 impaired the proliferation of fetal liver erythroid progenitors. Furthermore, erythroid differentiation was inhibited by ATF5 deficiency. Our study suggests that ATF5 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating blood diseases with ineffective erythropoiesis.
New technique to reduce systemic side effects of timolol eye drops: The tissue press method—Cross‐over clinical trial
Authors: Müller Luzia , Jensen Berit P. , Bachmann Lucas M. , Wong Dickson , Wells Anthony P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractImportanceNasolacrimal occlusion (NLO) is effective in reducing systemic absorption of eye drop medication but it is difficult and often performed poorly. We propose an alternative easier and equally effective technique.BackgroundTo test the effectiveness of systemic absorption, we evaluated plasma concentration and ocular effects after topically administered timolol and compared to NLO.DesignCross‐over trial carried out in Capital Eye Specialist, Wellington.ParticipantsA total of 21 subjects over 18 years without contraindications for topical beta‐blocker medication and not using systemic beta‐blockers.MethodsDuring three clinic visits separated by at least one week, alternative approaches to reduce systemic eye drop absorption were tested. These were: (a) nasolacrimal (punctal) occlusion for 5 min, (b) tissue press method or (c) no intervention. Timolol plasma levels were measured 1 h after drop application. At each visit, baseline measurement of blood pressure, heart rate and intraocular pressure (IOP) were performed, and repeated 1 h after timolol 0.5% eye drop application.Main Outcome MeasuresComparison of timolol plasma concentration after each intervention. Secondary outcome measurements included effects on blood pressure, heart rate and IOP.ResultsPlasma timolol concentrations after tissue press method and NLO were significantly lower than those without intervention. Comparing tissue press method to NLO, there were no significant differences in plasma levels of timolol, blood pressure, heart rate or IOP.Conclusion and RelevanceThe tissue press method is equally effective as NLO in reducing systemic absorption of timolol. It is also easier and faster to administer.
Bias in the detection of negative density dependence in plant communities
Authors: Detto Matteo , Visser Marco D. , Wright S. Joseph , Pacala Stephen W. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRegression dilution is a statistical inference bias that causes underestimation of the strength of dependency between two variables when the predictors are error‐prone proxies (EPPs). EPPs are widely used in plant community studies focused on negative density‐dependence (NDD) to quantify competitive interactions. Because of the nature of the bias, conspecific NDD is often overestimated in recruitment analyses, and in some cases, can be erroneously detected when absent. In contrast, for survival analyses, EPPs typically cause NDD to be underestimated, but underestimation is more severe for abundant species and for heterospecific effects, thereby generating spurious negative relationships between the strength of NDD and the abundances of con‐ and heterospecifics. This can explain why many studies observed rare species to suffer more severely from conspecific NDD, and heterospecific effects to be disproportionally smaller than conspecific effects. In general, such species‐dependent bias is often related to traits associated with likely mechanisms of NDD, which creates false patterns and complicates the ecological interpretation of the analyses. Classic examples taken from literature and simulations demonstrate that this bias has been pervasive, which calls into question the emerging paradigm that intraspecific competition has been demonstrated by direct field measurements to be generally stronger than interspecific competition.
Catch‐up growth in the rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): Smaller neonates gain relatively more body mass during larval development
Authors: Hoshizaki Sugihiko 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBody size often varies among conspecific neonates. As larger adults generally have higher fitness than smaller conspecifics, it is adaptive for smaller neonates to subsequently gain relatively more size increments during larval development (catch‐up growth). Although catch‐up growth has been suggested in insects, inappropriate methods have been used to examine the size dependence of growth increments. Therefore, it remains unclear to what extent catch‐up growth is common among insects. The present study examined the size dependence of growth increments among larvae of Trypoxylus dichotomus using reduced major axis regression of final to initial body masses. Catch‐up growth was found consistently for larval instars. Furthermore, simulations of the size increments revealed that not only sexual divergence of the mean size, but also catch‐up growth within sexes plays a role in the development of sexual divergence in the body size distribution of T. dichotomus. The significance of catch‐up growth in body size evolution was discussed.
Effect of allele combinations at Ppd‐1 loci on durum wheat grain filling at contrasting latitudes
Authors: Arjona Jose M. , Royo Conxita , Dreisigacker Susanne , Ammar Karim , Subirà Joan , Villegas Dolors 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFlowering time is the most critical developmental stage in wheat, as it determines environmental conditions during grain filling. Thirty‐five spring durum genotypes carrying all known allele variants at Ppd‐1 loci were evaluated in fully irrigated field experiments for three years at latitudes of 41°N (Spain), 27°N (northern Mexico) and 19°N (southern Mexico). Relationships between weight of central grains of main spikes (W) and thermal time from flowering to maturity were described by a logistic equation. Differences in flowering time between the allele combination causing the earliest (GS100/Ppd‐B1a) and the latest (Ppd‐A1b/Ppd‐B1a) flowering were 7, 20 and 18 days in Spain, northern Mexico and southern Mexico, respectively. Flowering delay drastically reduced the mean grain filling rate (R) and W at all sites. At autumn‐sowing sites, an increase of 1°C in mean temperature during the first half of the grain filling period decreased W by 5.2 mg per grain. At these sites, W was strongly dependent on R. At the spring‐sowing site (southern Mexico), W depended on both R and grain filling duration. Our results suggest that incorporating the allele combinations GS100/Ppd‐B1a and GS105/Ppd‐B1a (alleles conferring photoperiod insensitivity) in newly released varieties can reduce the negative effects of climate change on grain filling at the studied latitudes.
Management of mental health conditions in refugee youth: An overview for the psychiatric‐mental health nurse practitioner
Authors: Kameg Brayden N. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTopicIn 2017, there were a total of 70 million forcibly displaced individuals or refugees, worldwide. Unfortunately, over 50% of refugees are under the age of 18 years. Refugee youth are at‐risk for a variety of mental health conditions.PurposeThe purpose of this report is to provide psychiatric‐mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) with an understanding of unique cultural implications in refugee youth, risk factors towards the development of psychiatric illness, and means to identify those at‐risk for sequelae or those meeting diagnostic criteria. Also presented are foundational treatment and management implications to ensure the provision of culturally sensitive and efficacious care to this unique population.Sources usedUtilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications pertaining to mental health issues in refugee youth spanning from 2013 to present. Reference lists of identified articles were also searched.ConclusionsA variety of risk and protective factors are discussed, spanning from premigration, during flight, and postsettling periods. PMHNPs must be proficient in screening and diagnosis of mental health conditions in refugee youth and implementation of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. PMHNPs must also be well versed in community‐based resources that can be utilized to promote optimal outcomes.
Synergistic interaction of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia on chronic kidney disease: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999‐2006
Authors: Shi Wenrui , Zhou Yaping , Wang Haoyu , Sun Yingxian , Chen Yihan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia are two independent risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study aimed to evaluate whether hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia act synergistically toward renal injury. Our analysis included 13 693 subjects from the National Health and Nutritional Survey (NHANES) 1999‐2006. Association was assessed by multivariate logistic regressions. The interaction was investigated on both additive and multiplicative scales. CKD had a prevalence of 17.62% in the NHANES population. After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, physical activity, drinking frequency, current smoking status, poverty‐to‐income ratio, Total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum folate, vitamin B12, body mass index, waist circumference, and diabetes mellitus, patients with both hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia had a 5.072 (3.967‐6.486) times risk of CKD than their healthy compartments, higher than that in patients with only hypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia. Moreover, additive interaction of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia was significant (relative excess risk due to interaction: 2.107, 95% CI: 1.071‐3.143; the attributable proportion due to interaction: 0.415, 95% CI: 0.270‐0.561; synergy index: 2.072, 95% CI: 1.449‐2.962). Finally, subgroup analyses elucidated the interaction was robust in those with only reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or albuminuria, and stratification analyses based on gender showed consistency with the main results. Hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia may act synergistically toward a greater renal injury than the sum of their independent effects. Our findings suggest the coexistence itself also correlates with a deteriorative impact on renal function in addition to the effects of hypertension and diabetes themselves. The results may support the rationality and value of simultaneous tight control of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia to prevent CKD.
Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of fractional carbon dioxide laser in management of keratosis pilaris in Egyptian type skin
Authors: Ismail Shaimaa , Omar Salma Samir 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundNumerous treatment modalities for keratosis pilaris have been tried with limited success.AimTo determine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of KP.Patients and methodsThis prospective, single‐blinded split‐body placebo‐controlled comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with bilateral KP of arms (group A) and thighs (group B). One side randomly received fractional CO2 laser treatment (power 12 W, time on 3 ms, PPI 5) in the form of two sessions four weeks apart. The contralateral control side was treated with a topical keratolytic (10% urea). Standardized digital clinical and dermoscopic photographs were obtained at each visit.ResultsSignificant improvement has been demonstrated clinically and dermoscopically in both arm and thigh lesions after fractional CO2 laser. In group A, excellent improvement was noted in 10 patients (33.3%), good improvement in 18 patients (60%), and moderate improvement in 2 patients (6.7%) at the second visit. In group B, minimal improvement was noted in 2 (6.7%) patients, moderate improvement in 16 patients (53.3%), and good improvement in 12 patients (40%) at the second. Control sides showed minimal improvement on the arm lesions only. No side effects were reported in both groups. The mean pain score in group A was not significantly different from that group B (P = .057). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the laser‐treated side arm lesions (P < .001).ConclusionFractional CO2 laser was associated with significant clinical and dermoscopic improvement of keratosis pilaris lesions in Egyptian patients.
Difference in Z scores of placental weight and fetal/placental weight ratio by mode of delivery
Authors: Matsuda Yoshio , Itoh Toshiya , Okada Eisaku , Sasaki Kemal , Itoh Hiroaki , Kanayama Naohiro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimThe difference of placental weight (PW) and fetal/placental weight ratio (F/P) Z scores by mode of delivery is unclear. To investigate such differences and the actual conditions underlying the imbalance between fetal and placental growth.MethodsThe data from Japanese database 2013 were assessed. Light‐for‐dates (LFD, n = 12 884), appropriate‐for‐dates (n = 114 464) and heavy‐for‐dates (n = 13 164) from 140 512 placentas/infants of mothers delivered a singleton infant. Using Z scores of PW and F/P based on the standard curves of a sex‐, parity‐ and gestational‐age‐specific PW and F/P, the rate of inappropriately heavy placenta according to the mode of delivery (vaginal [VD] vs cesarean [CS]) was investigated.Results(i) The PW and F/P were heavier and bigger in VD than in CS, in each subgroup. In the LFD groups, the PW Z score in VD was higher than that in CS, whereas the F/P Z score was lower than in VD than that in CS. (ii) Data of single regression analyses between the PW Z score and F/P Z score in VD groups were different from those in CS, especially in LFD infants. (iii) In the LFD subgroups, the rates of inappropriately heavy placenta in VD (n = 7781) and CS (n = 5103) were 0.54% and 0.86%, respectively.ConclusionDifference in the mode of delivery influenced the PW and F/P, and the rate of inappropriately heavy placenta is associated with mode of delivery among LFD infants. This methodology might give us a clue to search a useful way for identifying the high‐risk groups requiring postnatal counseling.