bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global analysis reveals that cryptic diversity is linked with habitat but not mode of life
Authors: Poulin R. , Pérez‐Ponce de León G. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe ubiquity of genetically distinct, cryptic species is limiting any attempt to estimate local or global biodiversity as well as impeding efforts to conserve species or control pests and diseases. Environmental factors or biological traits promoting rapid diversification into morphologically similar species remain unclear. Here, using a meta‐analysis of 1230 studies using DNA sequences to search for cryptic diversity in metazoan taxa, we test two hypotheses regarding the frequency of cryptic taxa based on mode of life and habitat. First, after correcting for study effort and accounting for higher taxonomic affinities and biogeographical region of origins, our results do not support the hypothesis that cryptic taxa are more frequent among parasitic than free‐living taxa. Second, in contrast, the results support the hypothesis that cryptic taxa are more common in certain habitats than others: for a given study effort, more cryptic taxa are found in freshwater than in terrestrial or marine taxa. These findings suggest that the greater heterogeneity and fragmentation of freshwater habitats may promote higher rates of genetic differentiation among its inhabitants, a general pattern with serious implications for freshwater conservation biology.
Ethical issues with colorectal cancer screening—a systematic review
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesColorectal cancer (CRC) screening is widely recommended and implemented. However, sometimes CRC screening is not implemented despite good evidence, and some types of CRC screening are implemented despite lack of evidence. The objective of this article is to expose and elucidate relevant ethical issues in the literature on CRC screening that are important for open and transparent deliberation on CRC screening.MethodsAn axiological question‐based method is used for exposing and elucidating ethical issues relevant in HTA. A literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed Bioethics subset, ISI Web of Knowledge, Bioethics Literature Database (BELIT), Ethics in Medicine (ETHMED), SIBIL Base dati di bioetica, LEWI Bibliographic Database on Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities, and EUROETHICS identified 870 references of which 114 were found relevant according to title and abstract. The content of the included papers were subject to ethical analysis to highlight the ethical issues, concerns, and arguments.ResultsA wide range of important ethical issues were identified. The main benefits are reduced relative CRC mortality rate, and potentially incidence rate, but there is no evidence of reduced absolute mortality rate. Potential harms are bleeding, perforation, false test results, overdetection, overdiagnosis, overtreatment (including unnecessary removal of polyps), and (rarely) death. Other important issues are related to autonomy and informed choice equity, justice, medicalization, and expanding disease.ConclusionA series of important ethical issues have been identified and need to be addressed in open and transparent deliberation on CRC screening.
Growth characteristics of the intracellular pathogen, Piscirickettsia salmonis, in tissue culture and cell‐free media
Authors: Makrinos D L , Bowden T J 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPiscirickettsia salmonis is an intracellular bacterium that was first isolated and identified in fish cells. Several types of cell lines have been explored for their ability to provide the bacterium with a host cell to replicate in. Tissue culture has been used for growth and cultivation for nearly two decades, until the facultative nature of P. salmonis was confirmed upon the development of blood‐ and cysteine‐based agar. Since then, research has continued to drive the creation of novel agar and broth formulations in order to improve the efficacy of cultivation of P. salmonis. Until now, the techniques and components used for growth have not been thoroughly discussed. In this review, the methods and formulations for growth of P. salmonis in tissue culture and cell‐free media will be examined.
Elevated intracellular Na+ concentrations in developing spinal neurons
Authors: Lindsly Casie , Gonzalez‐Islas Carlos , Wenner Peter 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOver 25 years ago it was first reported that intracellular chloride levels (Cl−in) were higher in developing neurons than in maturity. This finding has had significant implications for understanding the excitability of developing networks and recognizing the underlying causes of hyperexcitability associated with disease and neural injury. While there is some evidence that intracellular sodium levels (Na+in) change during the development of non‐neural cells, it has largely been assumed that Na+in is the same in developing and mature neurons. Here, using the sodium indicator SBFI, we test this idea and find that Na+in is significantly higher in embryonic spinal motoneurons and interneurons than in maturity. We find that Na+in reaches ~ 60 mM in mid‐embryonic development and is then reduced to ~ 30 mM in late embryonic development. By retrogradely labeling motoneurons with SBFI we can reliably follow Na+in levels in vitro for hours. Bursts of spiking activity, and blocking voltage‐gated sodium channels did not influence observed motoneuron sodium levels. On the other hand, Na+in was reduced by blocking the Na+‐K+‐2Cl− cotransporter NKCC1, and was highly sensitive to changes in external Na+ and a blocker of the Na+/K+ ATPase. Our findings suggest that the Na+ gradient is weaker in embryonic neuronal development and strengthens in maturity in a manner similar to that of Cl−.image
RETURNS TO COLLEGE MAJORS ACROSS LARGE METROPOLITAN AREAS
Authors: Phelan Brian J. , Sander William 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we provide new evidence that earnings for various college majors differ across large metropolitan areas in the United States. We then set out to explain, at least in part, why these differences exist. We find that the intrinsic elements of geographic areas, such as common agglomeration effects and spatial differences in demand, are an important explanation for all majors. Further, we find that the endogenous sorting of individuals plays less of a role, particularly for domestic‐born college graduates. The sorting of lower‐paid, foreign‐born college graduates, however, increases the estimated dispersion in returns across geographic areas.
The Hispanic and Latino dentist workforce in the United States
Authors: Mertz Elizabeth , Wides Cynthia , Calvo Jean , Gates Paul 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is to describe the Hispanic/Latino (H/L) dentist workforce, their general practice patterns, and their contributions to oral health care for H/L and underserved patients.MethodsA national sample survey of underrepresented minority dentists was conducted in 2012 and received a 35.4 percent response rate for self‐reported H/L dentists. Data were weighted for selection and response bias to be nationally representative. A workforce profile of H/L dentists was created using descriptive and multivariable statistics and published data.ResultsAmong all H/L dentists (weighted n = 5,748), 31.9 percent self‐identify their origin as Mexican, 13.4 percent as Puerto Rican, 13.0 percent as Cuban, and 41.7 percent as another H/L group. The largest share of H/L dentists are male, married, and have children under age 18. Fifty percent of H/L dentists are foreign‐born and 25 percent are foreign‐trained. H/L dentists report higher than average educational debt, with those completing International Dentist Programs reporting the highest debt load. Sixty‐nine percent of clinically active H/L dentists own their own practices, and 85 percent speak Spanish in their practice. Among clinical H/L dentists, 7 percent work in safety‐net settings, 40 percent primarily treat underserved populations, and, on average, 42 percent of their patient population is H/L.ConclusionsH/L dental providers are underrepresented in the dentist population, and those that are in practice shoulder a disproportionate share of dental care for minority and underserved communities. Improving the workforce diversity of dental providers is a critical part of strategy to address the high burden of dental disease in the H/L population.
Lamivudine therapy during the second vs the third trimester for preventing transmission of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Pan C. Q. , Yi W. , Liu M. , Wan G. , Hu Y.‐H. , Zhou M.‐F. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryThere are little data on the timing of initiating lamivudine therapy for preventing transmission of hepatitis B in highly viremic mothers. Between May 2008 and January 2015, we retrospectively enrolled mothers with HBV DNA >6 log10 copies/mL who received lamivudine during pregnancy, and we compared them to untreated mothers. The primary measurement was the vertical transmission rate. The secondary outcomes were the mothers’ and infants’ safety. Among 249 consecutive mothers enrolled, 66 and 94 received lamivudine during the second and third trimesters, respectively, and 89 were untreated. At delivery, maternal mean HBV DNA levels were significantly lower in mothers who received lamivudine (4.45 log10; vs 7.16 log10 copies/mL; P<.001). Lamivudine treatment was well tolerated. However, early treatment during the second trimester did not significantly increase the percentage of mothers achieving HBV DNA levels of <6 log10 copies/mL compared to those treated during the third trimester (98.5% vs 94.7%; P=.40). At the age of 28 weeks, the vertical transmission rates were significantly lower in the lamivudine‐treated mothers vs in the untreated mothers (0% [0/160] vs 5.62% [5/89]; P<.001), but the rates were similar when comparing the two subgroups treated with lamivudine (0% [0/66] vs 0% [0/94], P>.05). The birth defect rates and mothers’ and infants’ adverse events were similar among the groups. Lamivudine treatment initiated in the second or third trimester for mothers with HBV DNA levels below 9 log10 copies/mL was equally safe and effective in preventing vertical transmission. Thus, lamivudine should be deferred until the third trimester to minimize foetal exposure and drug resistance.
HCV reinfection incidence among individuals treated for recent infection
Authors: Martinello M. , Grebely J. , Petoumenos K. , Gane E. , Hellard M. , Shaw D. , Sasadeusz J. , Applegate T. L. , Dore G. J. , Matthews G. V. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryOne challenge to HCV elimination through therapeutic intervention is reinfection. The aim of this analysis was to calculate the incidence of HCV reinfection among both HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative individuals treated for recent HCV infection (estimated infection duration <18 months). Individuals with recent HCV infection who achieved an end‐of‐treatment response in four open‐label studies between 2004 and 2015 in Australia and New Zealand were assessed for HCV reinfection, confirmed by sequencing of the Core‐E2 and/or NS5B regions. Reinfection incidence was calculated using person‐time of observation. Exact Poisson regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with HCV reinfection. The cohort at risk for reinfection (n=120; 83% male; median age 36 years) was composed of HIV‐positive men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (53%) and people who inject drugs (current 49%, ever 69%). Total follow‐up time at risk was 135 person‐years (median 1.08 years, range 0.17, 2.53). Ten cases of HCV reinfection were identified, for an incidence of 7.4 per 100 py (95% CI 4.0, 13.8). Reinfection incidence was significantly higher among participants who reported injection drug use at end of or post‐treatment, irrespective of HIV status (15.5 per 100 py, 95% CI 7.8, 31.1). In adjusted analysis, factors associated with reinfection were older age (aIRR 5.3, 95% CI 1.15, 51.5, P=.042) and injection drug use at end of or post‐treatment (aIRR 7.9, 95% CI 1.6, 77.2, P=.008). High reinfection incidence following treatment for recent HCV infection in individuals with ongoing risk behaviour emphasizes the need for post‐treatment surveillance, harm reduction strategies and education in at‐risk populations.
Intrahepatic angiopoietin‐2 correlates with chronic hepatitis C progression and is induced in hepatitis C virus replicon systems
Authors: Hernández‐Bartolomé Ángel , López‐Rodríguez Rosario , García‐Buey Luisa , Martín‐Vílchez Samuel , Rodríguez‐Muñoz Yolanda , Borque María Jesús , González‐Moreno Leticia , Real‐Martínez Yolanda , Mendoza‐Ridruejo Jorge , Martín‐Pérez Elena , Moreno‐Otero Ricardo , Sanz‐Cameno Paloma 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsChronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and angiogenesis is closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of different chronic liver diseases (CLD). Thus, the intrahepatic expression of angiopoietins 1 and 2 (Ang1 and Ang2), as relevant mediators of pathological angiogenesis in several CLD, was investigated. In addition, the differential influence of structural and non‐structural genomic regions of HCV on the expression of angiopoietins and the possible signalling involved were studied.MethodsAng1 and Ang2 expression was evaluated by western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in liver homogenates of CHC patients (n=47) and uninfected subjects (n=8). Their association with disease progression (according to METAVIR classification) was assessed by Spearman's correlation. Statistical differences among the expression of angiopoietins at different CHC stages were calculated by Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Finally, the in vitro expression of Angiopoietins in HCV replicons (complete or non‐structural subgenomic) and the main signalling pathways involved were also examined.ResultsAng2 levels were significantly higher in the liver of CHC patients compared to controls and significantly correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Accordingly, an increased expression of Ang2 was found in all HCV replicons tested. Interestingly, the inhibition of MEK and PI3K signalling pathways exerted differential effects on Ang2 expression concerning to the genomic region of HCV.ConclusionsHepatitis C virus induces Ang2 expression in hepatocytes through different signalling routes which may lead to the disregulation of vascular homeostasis in the liver. Thus, pharmacologic intervention on Ang2 signalling might constitute an important therapeutic tool.
The New Rich and Their Unplanned Births: Stratified Reproduction under China's Birth‐planning Policy
Authors: Shi Lihong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis article explores the creation and ramifications of a stratified reproductive system under China's state control of reproduction. Within this system, an emerging group of “new rich” are able to circumvent birth regulations and have unplanned births because of their financial capabilities and social networks. While China's birth‐planning policy is meant to be enforced equally for all couples, the unequal access to wealth and bureaucratic power as a result of China's widening social polarization has created disparate reproductive rights and experiences. This article identifies three ways in which reproductive privileges are created. It further explores how a stratified reproductive system under state population control reinforces social polarization. While many socially marginalized couples are unable to register their unplanned children for citizenship status and social benefits, the new rich are able to legitimate their births and transfer their privilege and status to their children, thus reproducing a new generation of elites.
Pathways to School Readiness: Executive Functioning Predicts Academic and Social–Emotional Aspects of School Readiness
Authors: Mann Trisha D. , Hund Alycia M. , Hesson‐McInnis Matthew S. , Roman Zachary J. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe current study specified the extent to which hot and cool aspects of executive functioning predicted academic and social‐emotional indicators of school readiness. It was unique in focusing on positive aspects of social–emotional readiness, rather than problem behaviors. One hundred four 3–5‐year‐old children completed tasks measuring executive functioning, social–emotional readiness, academic readiness, and vocabulary. As expected, age predicted executive functioning components and social–emotional readiness. Moreover, working memory and inhibitory control directly predicted academic readiness, whereas delay of gratification predicted social–emotional readiness. Working memory and inhibitory control predicted delay of gratification, consistent with the notion that simpler executive functions may set the stage for more complex executive functions. Interestingly, social–emotional readiness predicted academic readiness. These findings confirm that hot and cool aspects of executive functioning are related to social–emotional and academic school readiness.
Health staff understanding, application, and interpretation of growth charts in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeofor Ifeyinwa O. , Garcia Ada L. , Ibeziako Stella N. , Mutoro Antonina N. , Wright Charlotte M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe aimed to compare plotting accuracy and interpretation of weight gain patterns in average and small infants on road‐to‐health (RTH) and the new World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts in Enugu, Nigeria. Child health staff plotted standard weights on both formats. Twelve plotted charts were created, permutating three different weight trajectories (fast, steady, and slow) ending at two attained weights (average and small), with each plotted on both chart formats. Respondents were shown four of these charts and asked to describe the weight gain pattern shown and what action this pattern would prompt. There were 222 respondents, of whom 78% were hospital based; 54% were nurses, 32% medical doctors, and 13% nutritionists. Plotting accuracy was good on both the WHO and RTH charts, but rating of weight gain was generally poor. On the RTH chart, slow weight gain was correctly recognized in only 19% average and 35% small infants, and responses were not significantly associated with the pattern shown. On the WHO charts, slow weight gain was correctly recognized in 40% average and 65% small infants (p = .002 and <.001), but they were also more likely to rate small children with normal growth as slow weight gain. In a logistic regression model, final weight predicted a slow weight gain rating more strongly (OR = 2.4; 1.8–3.2) than an actual slow weight gain pattern (OR 1.8; 1.1–1.6). Health staff seemed unable to recognize slow weight gain and were influenced more by current weight than actual weight gain pattern, though the new WHO format improved recognition.
An allelic series at pax7a is associated with colour polymorphism diversity in Lake Malawi cichlid fish
Authors: Roberts Reade B. , Moore Emily C. , Kocher Thomas D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDespite long‐standing interest in the evolution and maintenance of discrete phenotypic polymorphisms, the molecular genetic basis of such polymorphism in the wild is largely unknown. Female sex‐associated blotched colour polymorphisms found in cichlids of Lake Malawi, East Africa, represent a highly successful polymorphic phenotype, found and maintained in four genera across the geographic expanse of the lake. Previously, we identified an association with an allelic variant of the paired‐box transcription factor gene pax7a and blotched colour morphs in Lake Malawi cichlid fishes. Although a diverse range of blotched phenotypes are present in Lake Malawi cichlid species, they all appeared to result from an allele of pax7a that produces increased levels of transcript. Here, we examine the developmental and genetic basis of variation among blotched morphs. First, we confirm that pax7a‐associated blotch morphs result primarily from modulation of melanophore development and survival. From laboratory crosses and natural population studies, we identify at least three alleles of pax7a associated with discrete subtypes of blotched morphs, in addition to the ancestral pax7a allele. Genotypes at pax7a support initial evolution of a novel pax7a allele to produce the blotched class of morphs, followed by subsequent evolution of that pax7a blotched allele to produce additional alleles associated with discrete colour morphs. Variant alleles of pax7a produce different levels of pax7a transcript, correlating with pigmentation phenotype at the cellular level. This naturally selected allelic series should serve as a case study for understanding the molecular genetic control of pax7a expression and the evolution of sex‐associated alleles.
Cryptic diversity in a fig wasp community—morphologically differentiated species are sympatric but cryptic species are parapatric
Authors: Darwell C. T. , Cook J. M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA key debate in ecology centres on the relative importance of niche and neutral processes in determining patterns of community assembly with particular focus on whether ecologically similar species with similar functional traits are able to coexist. Meanwhile, molecular studies are increasingly revealing morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species with presumably similar ecological roles. Determining the geographic distribution of such cryptic species provides opportunities to contrast predictions of niche vs. neutral models. Discovery of sympatric cryptic species increases alpha diversity and supports neutral models, while documentation of allopatric/parapatric cryptic species increases beta diversity and supports niche models. We tested these predictions using morphological and molecular data, coupled with environmental niche modelling analyses, of a fig wasp community along its 2700‐km latitudinal range. Molecular methods increased previous species diversity estimates from eight to eleven species, revealing morphologically cryptic species in each of the four wasp genera studied. Congeneric species pairs that were differentiated by a key morphological functional trait (ovipositor length) coexisted sympatrically over large areas. In contrast, morphologically similar species, with similar ovipositor lengths, typically showed parapatric ranges with very little overlap. Despite parapatric ranges, environmental niche models of cryptic congeneric pairs indicate large regions of potential sympatry, suggesting that competitive processes are important in determining the distributions of ecologically similar species. Niche processes appear to structure this insect community, and cryptic diversity may typically contribute mostly to beta rather than alpha diversity.