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Given a semigroup S , for each Green's relation K ∈ { L , R , J , H } on S , the K -height of S , denoted by H K (S) , is the height of the poset of K -classes of S. More precisely, if there is a finite bound on the sizes of chains of K -classes of S , then H K (S) is defined as the maximum size of such a chain; otherwise, we say that S has infinite K -height. We discuss the relationships between these four K -heights. The main results concern the class of stable semigroups, which includes all finite semigroups. In particular, we prove that a stable semigroup has finite L -height if and only if it has finite R -height if and only if it has finite J -height. In fact, for a stable semigroup S , if H L (S) = n then H R (S) ≤ 2 n − 1 and H J (S) ≤ 2 n − 1 , and we exhibit a family of examples to prove that these bounds are sharp. Furthermore, we prove that if 2 ≤ H L (S) < ∞ and 2 ≤ H R (S) < ∞ , then H J (S) ≤ H L (S) + H R (S) − 2. We also show that for each n ∈ N there exists a semigroup S such that H L (S) = H R (S) = 2 n + n − 3 and H J (S) = 2 n + 1 − 4. By way of contrast, we prove that for a regular semigroup the L -, R - and H -heights coincide with each other, and are greater or equal to the J -height. Moreover, in a stable, regular semigroup the L -, R -, H - and J -heights are all equal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFew measures explicitly assess general youth sexual knowledge in the United States, The Acquired Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire (ASKQ) was designed to be a practical and useful measure of sexual health knowledge for youth (Grades 7-12) participating in sexuality education courses in schools. This article outlines the construction, development, and evaluation of the ASKQ on a sample of 244 middle and high school students who participated in a United Way approved eight-week sexual health education program. The questionnaire was found to have good internal consistency (α = .80) and will be a useful tool in measuring sexual health knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examined the relationships between information sources (used and perceived importance) and factual knowledge about chronic wasting disease (CWD). Data were obtained from an online survey of North Dakota deer permit holders from the 2020-2021 seasons (n = 3,242, response rate = 29%). Over 90% of respondents knew that CWD exists in North Dakota and three-quarters (75%) knew that infected deer can look healthy. Respondents were less knowledgeable about the causes and transmission of CWD. Bivariate correlations between all information sources and a knowledge index were significant and positive. Multiple regression analyses, however, revealed that while 7 of the 8 betas for agency-based sources were significant and positive, only 4 of the 20 coefficients for non-agency sources were significant. Two of these were positive and associated with sportsmen's club meetings. The other two were negative and associated with listening to the radio and the importance of word of mouth in learning about CWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examined the relationships between information sources (used and perceived importance) and factual knowledge about chronic wasting disease (CWD). Data were obtained from an online survey of North Dakota deer permit holders from the 2020–2021 seasons (n = 3,242, response rate = 29%). Over 90% of respondents knew that CWD exists in North Dakota and three-quarters (75%) knew that infected deer can look healthy. Respondents were less knowledgeable about the causes and transmission of CWD. Bivariate correlations between all information sources and a knowledge index were significant and positive. Multiple regression analyses, however, revealed that while 7 of the 8 betas for agency-based sources were significant and positive, only 4 of the 20 coefficients for non-agency sources were significant. Two of these were positive and associated with sportsmen's club meetings. The other two were negative and associated with listening to the radio and the importance of word of mouth in learning about CWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study qualitatively examined client's definition and experiences of failed psychotherapy. Thirteen clients were interviewed by phone regarding their experience of failed psychotherapy. Data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research (CQR). Participants defined failed psychotherapy as negatively affecting clients, involving problems in the psychotherapy relationship, and not meeting clients' goals. When describing specific experiences of failed psychotherapy, participants gradually recognized the failure themselves, but the recognition was sometimes facilitated by others. Pre-termination, the failed psychotherapy yielded negative effects (worsened symptoms/functioning, deteriorating relationship, not addressing clients' concerns). Participants perceived therapists' contributions as involving action (insensitive/inappropriate responses to participants' concerns about psychotherapy) and inaction (not managing psychotherapy effectively). They perceived their own contributions as their difficulty voicing their concerns or asserting themselves. Post-termination effects were negative cognitively/affectively (heightened distress), behaviorally (disinterest in seeking mental health services), and interpersonally (relationship difficulties in later psychotherapy); the failed psychotherapy also helped participants pursue their needs in psychotherapy. Failed psychotherapy consisted of problems in the relationship and the treatment not meeting client's goals. Such psychotherapy worsened clients' functioning, further damaged an already tenuous psychotherapy relationship, and both therapists and clients contributed to the failure. After termination, failed psychotherapy yielded cognitive/affective, behavioral, and interpersonal effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ℛ -height of a semigroup S is the height of the poset of ℛ -classes of S. Given a semigroup S with finite ℛ -height, we establish bounds on the ℛ -height of bi-ideals, one-sided ideals and two-sided ideals; in particular, these substructures inherit the property of having finite ℛ -height. We then investigate whether these bounds can be attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affects cervids. This research note described a U.S. national survey of ongoing management and communication efforts by state wildlife agencies in response to CWD. Questionnaires were distributed to all 50 states in 2020 (response rate = 76%, n = 38). States with CWD were predicted to differ from states with no known cases of this disease (independent variable). The dependent variables were all related to CWD: current and proposed surveillance, current practices, public involvement, survey research, and other communication forms. Across all 47 variables, the average percent difference between CWD and non-CWD states was 27%, all but seven comparisons were double-digit differences, and the overall average for the effect sizes was.30. Although the findings implied that CWD states were more engaged with the disease, non-CWD states need to recognize that the disease shows no signs of slowing down and will likely spread to most states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking residual finiteness as a starting point, we consider three related finiteness properties: weak subsemigroup separability, strong subsemigroup separability and complete separability. We investigate whether each of these properties is inherited by Schützenberger groups. The main result of this paper states that for a finitely generated commutative semigroup S , these three separability conditions coincide and are equivalent to every $\mathcal {H}$ -class of S being finite. We also provide examples to show that these properties in general differ for commutative semigroups and finitely generated semigroups. For a semigroup with finitely many $\mathcal {H}$ -classes, we investigate whether it has one of these properties if and only if all its Schützenberger groups have the property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has altered how modern healthcare is delivered to patients. Concerns have been raised that masks may hinder effective communication, particularly in patients with hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of masks on speech recognition in adult patients with and without self-reported hearing loss in a clinical setting. Methods: Adult patients presenting to an otolaryngology clinic were recruited. A digital recording of 36 spondaic words was presented to each participant in a standard clinical exam room. Each word was recorded in 1 of 3 conditions: no mask, surgical mask, or N95 mask. Participants were instructed to repeat back the word. The word recognition score was determined by the percent correctly repeated. Results: A total of 45 participants were included in this study. Overall, the mean word recognition score was 87% without a mask, 78% with a surgical mask, and 61% with an N95 mask. Among the 23 subjects (51.1%) with self-reported hearing loss, the average word recognition score was 46% with an N95 mask compared to 79% in patients who reported normal hearing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that masks significantly decrease word recognition, and this effect is exacerbated with N95 masks, particularly in patients with hearing loss. As masks are essential to allow for safe patient-physician interactions, it is imperative that clinicians are aware they may create a barrier to effective communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, there is increasing effort to transition away from the use of lead ammunition to mitigate its known risks to wildlife and human health. Whenever this transition is stated hunters frequently cite concerns about the effectiveness of non‐lead ammunition, how it will result in greater crippling rates, and associated animal welfare costs. This area has been little studied, but recent studies have found no differences in crippling rates using lead and steel ammunition. Using segmented linear regression we evaluated 37 years of waterfowl harvest data in Illinois, United States, overlapping the transition to non‐lead shot for waterfowl hunting in order to assess how crippling rates changed following the ban. The average crippling rate prior to the lead shot ban was 23% for both ducks and geese and reduced to an average of 15% and 11% for ducks and geese (respectively) following the ban. In addition, the annual trend in the proportion of ducks and geese crippled reversed following the ban, from a significant annually increasing to a significant annually decreasing trend. We offer hypotheses on behavioural and technological changes which may explain these changes and predict that crippling losses will not increase in Europe following a ban on the use of lead ammunition over wetlands in 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ) is characterised by a negative residual gravity anomaly that correlates with a zone of normal faulting, subsidence and voluminous silicic volcanism from c. 2 Ma. A steep gravity gradient is associated with downfaulting of the Mesozoic metasedimentary basement at its eastern and western margins, and all known calderas are associated with prominent local gravity lows. New Bouguer and residual gravity anomaly maps are presented that show improved detail over previous maps. The western margin of the TVZ shows as a series of parallel northeast-trending boundaries and northwest-trending step-over zones. The new map also reveals the complex boundaries of the Okataina caldera, and greater detail north of Taupō where gravity lows at Reporoa and Mihi form part of a larger and more extensive, elliptical low-gravity feature, suggesting that they may be separate collapse areas within a larger caldera complex. Around the margins of the TVZ, the Hauraki graben/rift and sedimentary basins at Hamilton, Waimiha, Galatea and Waiohau are also characterised by low residual gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhyolite‐producing Laguna del Maule volcanic field (LdMVF), Chile, has had numerous post‐glacial eruptions that produced large explosions and voluminous lava flows. During the Holocene ∼60 m of surface uplift is recorded by paleo‐shorelines of the fresh‐water Laguna del Maule, with an inflation source near the Barrancas volcanic complex. Rhyolites from the Barrancas complex erupted over ∼14 ka including some of the youngest (1.4 ± 0.6 ka) lava flows in the field. New gravity data collected on the Barrancas complex reveals a residual gravity low (−6 mGal, "Barrancas anomaly") that is distinct from the pronounced gravity low (−19 mGal; "Lake anomaly") associated with present‐day ground uplift to the northwest. Three‐dimensional inversion of the Barrancas anomaly indicates the presence of a magma body with a maximum density contrast with the host rock of −250 kg/m3 centered at a depth of ∼3 km below surface. Nearby Miocene high‐silica granites represent frozen remnants of highly evolved rhyolitic magma. Comparison of the densities measured from samples of these plutons with the geophysical model densities, and integration of thermodynamic modeling of silicic melt evolution, provide constraints on our interpretation. We propose a magma body, containing <30% melt phase and low volatile content, exists beneath Barrancas. The Barrancas and Lake gravity lows represent magma in different physical states, associated with past and present‐day storage beneath LdMVF. The gravity model mirrors geochemical observations which independently indicate that at least two distinct rhyolites were generated and stored as discrete magma bodies within the broader LdMVF. Plain Language Summary: The Laguna del Maule volcanic field (LdMVF) in Chile, has a long history of eruptions that produced large explosions and voluminous lava flows. Lava emitted during these eruptions comes from shallow sources of partially molten rock (magma) located a few kilometers below the surface. Magma pushing from below and into these shallow regions has caused the ground around the lake to rise over the last 10,000 years. To understand the causes of deformation and assess the likelihood of future eruptions, it is essential to know the location and present‐day state of magma within Earth's crust. Magma is typically less dense than the surrounding rock and these density variations cause small changes in the local gravity field, detectable with geophysical instruments. We collected a new set of gravity measurements at the Barrancas volcanic complex to determine if magma is present beneath the volcano that last erupted about 2000 years ago. Our data reveal a shallow magma body at depth beneath the Barrancas complex. This new magma body is separate from another magma body located in a different part of the LdMVF, which has important implications for the assessment of future volcanic hazards in the region. Key Points: At least two separate magma storage regions in different physical states exist beneath the Laguna del Maule volcanic fieldA −6 mGal gravity anomaly below the Barrancas complex is close to a postulated inflation source which produced ∼62 m of Holocene upliftComparing model densities to nearby plutons and seismic models indicates Barrancas magma is above solidus with a small melt proportion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonopioids provide sufficient analgesia with less risk after most dental procedures, but opioid prescriptions are still common. This study analyzed opioid prescribing characteristics on the basis of patient demographics and procedure types. The authors conducted a secondary analysis of an existing data set of opioid prescriptions issued from 2013 through 2018 from a college of dentistry in central Appalachia. Opioid prescriptions for young children or liquids were excluded. The authors analyzed prescriptions according to patient age group and sedation level required for surgical procedures. Of 12,464 opioid prescriptions analyzed, 70% were written after extractions or surgical procedures. More than one-half (57.3%) were written for patients younger than 45 years. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients received prescriptions of higher quantities (mean [standard deviation], 20.9 [6.4] pills; 95% confidence interval, 20.6 to 21.1) and of longer durations (mean [standard deviation], 3.3 [1.5] days; 95% confidence interval, 3.2 to 3.4) than other groups (P <.001; 1-way analysis of variance). AYA patients received more opioids than older patients after dental procedures, which is concerning given the high risk associated with AYA opioid exposure. Faculty in colleges of dentistry should educate students and residents on the risks and benefits of opioid therapy as well as alternative analgesics and via exemplifying appropriate prescribing behavior. AYA patients represent a seemingly unidentified high-risk age group for dentists. Dentists who perform invasive procedures must examine carefully opioid prescription necessity and prescribe in a manner consistent with best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Salivary biomarkers can help in assessment of periodontitis; however, concentrations may be altered in the presence of diabetes. Hence, the ability of salivary biomarkers to discriminate periodontally healthy type II diabetics (T2DM) from T2DM who have periodontitis was examined. Methods: Ninety‐two participants (29 with T2DM with chronic periodontitis, DWP; 32 T2DM without chronic periodontitis, DWoP; and 31 Not Periodontitis, NP) provided saliva and clinical parameters of periodontal health were recorded. Salivary concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α), adiponectin and resistin were measured by immunoassay. Results: Salivary analyte concentrations for IL‐1β, MMP‐8 and resistin correlated with clinical parameters of periodontitis, with MMP‐8 demonstrating the strongest positive correlation with PD ≥5 mm (p < 0.0001). Periodontal health was reflected in salivary analyte concentrations by group, with concentrations of IL‐1β and MMP‐8 showing significant associations with periodontitis (p ≤ 0.04) that increased in concentration from health to DWoP to DWP. Odds ratio (OR) analyses showed that MMP‐8 discriminated periodontitis from NP (OR of 8.12; 95% CI: 1.01–65.33; p = 0.03) and in the presence of T2DM (DWP vs DWoP, OR = 5.09; 95% CI: 1.24–20.92; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Salivary MMP‐8 and IL‐1β discriminate periodontitis in T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a semigroup S$S$ whose universal right congruence is finitely generated (or, equivalently, a semigroup satisfying the homological finiteness property of being type right‐FP1$FP_1$), the right diameter of S$S$ is a parameter that expresses how 'far apart' elements of S$S$ can be from each other, in a certain sense. To be more precise, for each finite generating set U$U$ for the universal right congruence on S$S$, we have a metric space (S,dU)$(S,d_U)$ where dU(a,b)$d_U(a,b)$ is the minimum length of derivations for (a,b)$(a,b)$ as a consequence of pairs in U$U$; the right diameter of S$S$ with respect to U$U$ is the diameter of this metric space. The right diameter of S$S$ is then the minimum of the set of all right diameters with respect to finite generating sets. We develop a theoretical framework for establishing whether a semigroup of transformations or partitions on an arbitrary infinite set X$X$ has a finitely generated universal right/left congruence, and, if it does, determining its right/left diameter. We apply this to prove results such as the following. Each of the monoids of all binary relations on X$X$, of all partial transformations on X$X$, and of all full transformations on X$X$, as well as the partition and partial Brauer monoids on X$X$, have right diameter 1 and left diameter 1. The symmetric inverse monoid on X$X$ has right diameter 2 and left diameter 2. The monoid of all injective mappings on X$X$ has right diameter 4, and its minimal ideal (called the Baer–Levi semigroup on X$X$) has right diameter 3, but neither of these two semigroups has a finitely generated universal left congruence. On the other hand, the semigroup of all surjective mappings on X$X$ has left diameter 4, and its minimal ideal has left diameter 2, but neither of these semigroups has a finitely generated universal right congruence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Management of pain following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) often involves intermittent use of opioid medications. Given the current opioid crisis, many surgeons aim to minimize opioid prescriptions. However, surgeons often avoid the use of NSAIDs following ESS out of concern for increased bleeding risk. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of over the counter dosing of ibuprofen on pain and bleeding rates following ESS. Methods: Prospective cohort pilot study of patients undergoing ESS. Patients self-selected either control arm (acetaminophen and PRN oxycodone) or intervention arm (alternating ibuprofen with acetaminophen, and PRN oxycodone). Outcome measures included pain (10-point visual analog scale [VAS]), bleeding rate (10-point VAS), and number of opiate pills consumed. Results: Thirty-nine patients completed the study (15 control and 24 intervention). Overall, patients in the intervention arm reported decreased pain levels at days 1 (−0.9 [95%CI: −2.2, 0.5], 3 (−0.9 [95%CI: −2.3, 0.5]), and 7 (−0.6 [95%CI: −1.8, 0.6]), as well as decreased postoperative bleeding at those same days −0.9 [95%CI: −2.1, 0.4], −0.9 [95%CI: −2.1, 0.4], and −0.7 [95% CI: −1.2, −0.7], compared to controls. Opiate consumption was similar between groups with patients consuming on average four opiate pills (oxycodone 5 mg). Conclusions: Over the counter dosing of ibuprofen along with acetaminophen may yield better pain control after sinus surgery compared to acetaminophen alone. Additionally, there was no significant difference in epistaxis in the ibuprofen cohort compared to the cohort who did not take ibuprofen. Furthermore, this study showed very few opioid pills were consumed after routine ESS regardless of pain regimen prescribed. A larger trial is needed to make definitive statements on safety and efficacy. Level of Evidence: 2b [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic surgery of the orbit, periorbital region, and adjacent areas of the anterior and middle cranial fossae and brain has gained significant popularity over the last decade. These procedures are now being used at multiple institutions internationally with a success and safety record that has been demonstrated to be at par with or better than other techniques. The approaches provide minimally disruptive, scarless access to regions that previously required extensive open operations with significant retraction of critical neurovascular structures leading to prolonged morbidity and hospitalization. This paper will describe the basic techniques of these approaches, how they can be used alone or in multiportal (para- and contraportal) technique and guide the reader to resources for further learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries managers seek information on the characteristics and needs of distinct groups of anglers. By examining perceptions in the context of angler groups, managers can anticipate reactions to fishery changes and avoid conflicts. The goal of this study was to identify groups of anglers who target salmonid species in the southern Lake Michigan fishery and understand how their perceptions of the fishery differ. Participants were recruited through creel surveys in 2015; anglers willing to participate were sent a questionnaire via mail or e-mail. A cluster analysis of eight variables corresponding to experience, investment, lifestyle, and resource use resulted in five groups of anglers among which fishery perceptions were compared. Differences were found in angler perceptions of changes in salmonid populations, beliefs of causes of those changes, and preferences for stocking lake trout. An overview of several angler subgroups operating in southern Lake Michigan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the preservation of the properties of being finitely generated and finitely presented under both direct and wreath products of monoid acts. A monoid M is said to preserve property P in direct products if, for any two M-acts A and B, the direct product A × B has property P if and only if both A and B have property P . It is proved that the monoids M that preserve finite generation (resp. finitely presentability) in direct products are precisely those for which the diagonal M-act M × M is finitely generated (resp. finitely presented). We show that a wreath product A ≀ B is finitely generated if and only if both A and B are finitely generated. It is also proved that a necessary condition for A ≀ B to be finitely presented is that both A and B are finitely presented. Finally, we find some sufficient conditions for a wreath product to be finitely presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction  Paranasal sinus mucoceles result from obstruction of mucous glands resulting in a cystic fluid collection that expands and encroaches upon surrounding structures. Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization has largely replaced open resection. However, mucoceles located in the orbital region or the lateral frontal sinus continue to be difficult to approach via the transnasal approach alone and often require additional approaches, such as the frontal trephine. This study sought to investigate the feasibility of the transorbital technique as an adjunct to traditional transnasal approaches in the management of paranasal sinus mucoceles. Methods  A retrospective case series of paranasal sinus mucoceles approached with a transorbital technique from a tertiary care center. Results  From 2008 to 2016, 17 patients were treated with a transorbital approach for 20 mucoceles. Of note, 24% of the patients in our series had undergone previous surgical management of the mucocele (nontransorbital approach), representing revision cases. Most mucoceles involved the frontal sinus (82%). The total complication rate was 6%. We observed no new or worsened diplopia, ptosis, or permanent visual loss. Recurrence rate was 6%. Conclusions  The endoscopic transorbital approach is a feasible complement to transnasal approaches for treatment of mucoceles located in technically challenging locations. We have demonstrated that transorbital approaches can be performed with no resultant orbital damage, visual change, ptosis, or permanent diplopia. While most patients can be treated with a standard transnasal approach, the transorbital approach can be used as part of a multiportal strategy for those with difficult to access mucoceles. Future prospective studies are needed to further characterize patient selection and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk sensitivity is a predisposition to rate all risks as large. Miller and Shelby (2009) examined hunters' risk sensitivity relative to chronic wasting disease (CWD), Mad cow, E. coli, Salmonella, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus (WNV). This article replicated their analysis and compared risk sensitivity over time. Data from Illinois hunters in 2004 (n = 1,879) and 2012 (n = 3,391) showed the "no risk" cluster reported the lowest risks across all six diseases, the "moderate risk" segment always had the highest risks, and the "slight risk" group was in between. Perceived risks declined over time for CWD, Mad cow, WNV, and Lyme disease. For E. coli and Salmonella, risks increased. Collectively, however, these hunters became slightly more risk sensitive, as the proportion in the most risk sensitive group ("moderate risk") increased (19% in 2004, 26% in 2012) while the least risk sensitive group ("no risk") decreased (24%, 20%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunting license sales have declined in many U.S. states over recent decades, and efforts are underway to recruit new hunters. Research suggests socioeconomic status influences hunting participation and license sales. A limited number of studies, however, actually connect socioeconomic status and license sales on an aggregated community level or spatial context. This article examined relationships between socioeconomic factors and hunting license sales in Cook County, Illinois. A principal component analysis is used to create indices aggregating census tract socioeconomic indicators. Spatial and statistical analyses using both linear regression and multinomial logistic regression explored relationships between indices and percentage of license sales for each census tract. Spatial correlation and quantitative relationships were found between the indices and hunting license sales. Models developed through this study may provide current state hunter recruitment programs with an understanding of the interaction of socioeconomic factors and hunting license sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the synergistic role of biologic markers from saliva, serum and plaque in modelling periodontitis disease progression. Material and Methods: This longitudinal study evaluated characteristics of disease progression in 114 patients with generalized moderate to severe periodontitis. The primary outcome was detection of sites with progressing attachment loss sites over 6 months in patients who received scaling and root planing or oral hygiene only. The predictive potential of 27 biomarkers in serum, whole saliva and subgingival plaque was evaluated using three classification algorithms (Support Vector Machines; Naïve Bayes Classifier; and Linear Discriminant Analysis) within an ensemble predictive modelling framework. Results: Disease progression occurred in 24.6% of subjects (28/114). Predictive modelling using Naïve Bayes Classifier identified progressors best with sensitivity of ~89%. The use of the three classification algorithms revealed the concerted role of salivary matrix metalloproteinase‐8, serum biomarkers (serum amyloid P, matrix metalloproteinase 1, bactericidal permeability‐increasing protein, isoprostane) along with levels of Porphryomonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia in plaque in predicting progressors. Conclusions: Synergistic utility of baseline bacterial and inflammatory biomarkers from saliva, serum and plaque predicted disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because Null Hypothesis Significance Tests (NHST) can be misleading particularly when sample sizes are large, reporting effect sizes is recommended. Effect sizes such as Cohen's d, however, are abstract statistics and not relevant to decision-making. This article introduced an alternative formulation of Cohen's d based on a "minimal important percent difference" (MIPD) between groups that has an intuitive, practical meaning. Cohen's d was calculated based on detecting MIPDs of 5% and 10% differences in means. Power analyses were used to determine the number of responses needed to detect differences in means. Power-probability sample size requirements were examined for an 80% and a 50% chance of accepting a difference of MIPD at p <.05. We proposed a four-step process to show how both effect size and NHST jointly contribute to decision-making. To demonstrate the process, data were obtained for 6 years of annual waterfowl surveys in Illinois (N = 17,265, average response rate = 41%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in domestic rabbits and to evaluate the effect of different diet characteristics, such as pelleting, extrusion, and hay supplementation. ANIMALS: 30 New Zealand White rabbits (15 male and 15 female; 6 to 7 months old) were fed 1 of 6 diets (5 rabbits per diet) for 30 days after an initial acclimation period. At the end of the trial, samples were collected from the stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine, and hard feces. METHODS: The samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 region-targeted amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: The bacterial microbiota was distinct between the foregut and hindgut. The most abundant bacterial genera included an unclassified genus in the Bacteroidales order and Alistipes. Candida was the most abundant genus in the eukaryotic dataset. In the bacterial dataset, diet No Hay/Pellet E was shown to have lower diversity (Shannon diversity, P < .05) compared to all diet groups except for No Hay/Pellet M. Few significant differences in alpha-diversity indexes between diet groups were detected in the eukaryotic dataset. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings demonstrated that feeding hay had a significant effect on the beta diversity of the bacterial microbiota. Given the prevalence of gastrointestinal disease in the domestic rabbit population, furthering our understanding of what constitutes a healthy rabbit microbiota and the effects of different diets on the microbial community can help veterinarians implement better intervention strategies and allow pet owners to provide the best level of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined risk perceptions of chronic wasting disease (CWD) over time (2004 vs. 2012), and among hunters and non-hunters. Data were obtained from two mailed surveys in 2004 that included random samples of hunters (n = 1879) and non-hunters (n = 1122). We conducted two additional mail surveys in 2012 that also included random samples of hunters (n = 3391) and non-hunters (n = 1615). Based on the psychometric paradigm, we hypothesized that CWD risk perceptions will: (1) decline over time (2004 vs. 2012, Hypothesis 1), and (2) be higher for hunters than non-hunters (Hypothesis 2). We also predicted that study year (2004 vs. 2012) and sample (hunters vs. non-hunters) will interact (Hypothesis 3). Results supported hypothesis 1; CWD risk perceptions declined over time. Hypothesis 2 was also supported as hunters reported higher risk perceptions than non-hunters. Year and sample interacted to influence perceived risk; supporting hypothesis 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is a rare, aggressive infection occurring in immunocompromised patients. In this study we examined factors that affect survival in AIFS, and whether immune‐stimulating therapies (IST) improve survival. Methods: Pathology records of biopsy‐proven AIFS were reviewed from 3 academic institutions from 1995 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were performed at 1 and 3 months from diagnosis. Results: One hundred fourteen patients were included; 45 received IST. In the univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with worse survival: hematologic malignancy (3‐month hazard ratio [HR], 3.7; p = 0.01); recent chemotherapy (within 1 month of AIFS diagnosis) (3‐month HR, 2.3; p = 0.02); recent bone marrow transplant (BMT) (3‐month HR, 2.5; p = 0.02); and infection with atypical fungi (1‐month HR, 3.1; p = 0.04). The following were associated with improved survival in univariate analysis: increasing A1c% (1‐month HR, 0.7; p = 0.01) and surgical debridement (1‐month HR, 0.1; p = 0.001). One third of patients with a hematologic malignancy had an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1000 at the time of diagnosis. ANC was not associated with prognosis in these patients. The following were associated with worse survival in multivariate analyses: hematologic malignancy; recent chemotherapy; atypical organisms; and cavernous sinus extension. In multivariate analyses, IST was associated with a 70% reduction in mortality at 1 month (p = 0.02). Conclusion: We presented the largest series of AIFS. Further studies are needed to examine the importance of ANC in diagnosis and prognosis. Patients diagnosed with atypical organisms may be at higher risk of death. IST likely improves short‐term survival, but prospective studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues related to participants' selection criteria in clinical trials and systematic reviews. Topics include Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for systematic reviews, need for clinicians to evaluate whether across patients, interventions or exposures, and outcomes, the intervention will have a similar effect, and problems in systematic reviews that have investigated implant failure.

This article examined relationships among value orientations (mutualism, domination), property rights, responsibility, and farmers’ willingness to adopt Leopold’s land ethic. Data were obtained from a mailed survey sent to Illinois farmers (n = 974). Domination, mutualism, property rights, and responsibility were derived from previous research. The land ethic was measured using eight variables derived from direct quotes from Leopold. Structural equation models generally supported the hypothesized relationships. Mutualism, responsibility, and property rights predicted willingness to adopt the land ethic and accounted for 72% of the variance. Mutualism positively influenced responsibility and negatively influenced rights. Domination positively predicted rights, but did not influence responsibility. Value orientations explained 65% of the variance in responsibility and 17% in rights. Overall, findings suggested a connection between social psychologists’ approach to mutualism/domination and Leopold’s land ethic. Conservation efforts that tap into deeply held value orientations may result in lasting changes in farmer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given their severity and non-healing nature, diabetic chronic wounds are a significant concern to the 30.3 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (2015). Peripheral arterial diseases, neuropathy, and infection contribute to the development of these wounds, which lead to an increased incidence of lower extremity amputations. Early recognition, debridement, offloading, and controlling infection are imperative for timely treatment. However, wound characterization and treatment are highly subjective and based largely on the experience of the treating clinician. Many wound dressings have been designed to address particular clinical presentations, but a prescriptive method is lacking for identifying the particular state of chronic, non-healing wounds. The authors suggest that recent developments in wound dressings and biosensing may allow for the quantitative, real-time representation of the wound environment, including exudate levels, pathogen concentrations, and tissue regeneration. Development of such sensing capability could enable more strategic, personalized care at the onset of ulceration and limit the infection leading to amputation. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of diabetic chronic wounds, a brief summary of biomaterial wound dressing treatment options, and biosensor development for biomarker sensing in the wound environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fitness landscapes map genotypes to organismal fitness. Their topographies depend on how mutational effects interact – epistasis – andare important for understanding evolutionary processes such as speciation, the rate of adaptation, the advantage of recombination, and the predictability versus stochasticity of evolution. The growing amount of data has made it possible to better test landscape models empirically. We argue that this endeavor will benefit from the development and use of meaningful basic models against which to compare more complex models. Here we develop statistical and computational methods for fitting fitness data from mutation combinatorial networks to three simple models: additive, multiplicative and stickbreaking. We employ a Bayesian framework for doing model selection. Using simulations, we demonstrate that our methods work and we explore their statistical performance: bias, error, and the power to discriminate among models. We then illustrate our approach and its flexibility by analyzing several previously published datasets. An R-package that implements our methods is available in the CRAN repository under the name Stickbreaker . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid transfer and ground deformation at hydrothermal systems occur both as a precursor to, or as a result of, an eruption. Typically studies focus on pre-eruption changes to understand the likelihood of unrest leading to eruption; however, monitoring post-eruption changes is important for tracking the return of the system towards background activity. Here we describe processes occurring in a hydrothermal system following the 2012 eruption of Upper Te Maari crater on Mt Tongariro, New Zealand, from observations of microgravity change and deformation. Our aim is to assess the post-eruption recovery of the system, to provide a baseline for long-term monitoring. Residual microgravity anomalies of up to 92 ± 11 μ Gal per year are accompanied by up to 0.037 ± 0.01 m subsidence. We model microgravity changes using analytic solutions to determine the most likely geometry and source location. A multiobjective inversion tests whether the gravity change models are consistent with the observed deformation. We conclude that the source of subsidence is separate from the location of mass addition. From this unusual combination of observations, we develop a conceptual model of fluid transfer within a condensate layer, occurring in response to eruption-driven pressure changes. We find that depressurisation drives the evacuation of pore fluid, either exiting the system completely as vapour through newly created vents and fumaroles, or migrating to shallower levels where it accumulates in empty pore space, resulting in positive gravity changes. Evacuated pores then collapse, causing subsidence. In addition we find that significant mass addition occurs from influx of meteoric fluids through the fractured hydrothermal seal. Long-term combined microgravity and deformation monitoring will allow us to track the resealing and re-pressurisation of the hydrothermal system and assess what hazard it presents to thousands of hikers who annually traverse the volcano, within 2 km of the eruption site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple cultures are commonly obtained from different sinuses where purulence is encountered during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This brings into question the utility and necessity of obtaining multiple cultures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if multiple cultures obtained during a single case is informative in finding additional pathogens or if it is a redundant, cost‐increasing practice. We hypothesized that multiple sinus cultures are necessary to identify the pathogens responsible for an individual's sinus disease. We seek to add information on the utility of performing multiple sinus cultures from a patient care and a health economics standpoint. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a single rhinologist's surgical database from 2008 to 2016. Patients that underwent ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and had multiple cultures obtained during surgery were included. Culture difference was recorded as a discrepancy of an infectious pathogen between cultures. Results: We identified 231 patients with multiple sinus cultures. Of those, 39.4% had a difference of pathogens noted on culture between different sinuses. Only 5% of the cohort received clinically relevant benefit from the second culture obtained in regard to a change in antibiotics. Conclusion: In this retrospective review we showed that, for the practitioner who obtains sinus cultures intraoperatively, limiting this practice to a single culture rather than multiple is cost‐effective and sufficient for identifying the pathogen to be treated. This study, and the resultant change in practice, has the potential to reduce healthcare costs associated with the surgical care of the patient with CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examined relationships between proximity to chronic wasting disease (CWD) and perceived risk and trust. The sample included 1,606 hunters in one of 10 northern Illinois counties with CWD, 1,958 hunters in a non-CWD county adjacent to these counties with CWD, and 2,099 hunters from the remaining non-CWD counties in Illinois. Compared to hunters in non-CWD counties, those in CWD counties were hypothesized to: (a) perceive more risk of CWD to humans, (b) perceive more risk of CWD to deer, (c) report less trust in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) CWD information, and (d) have less trust in the IDNR management of CWD. The first two hypotheses were not supported, as hunters in CWD counties perceived less risk to humans and deer than did respondents in non-CWD counties. Hunters in CWD counties, however, were less trusting of the IDNR information and management compared to the other hunters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the author's insights on the absence of solid evidence or the myths behind the interruption of anticoagulant drugs in dental surgeries. Topics mentioned include the decision to continue or interrupt the drugs for dental surgical patients, the statement on coumarin drug that should be interrupted due to risk of bleeding complications, and the association of post-operative bleeding with continued direct oral anticoagulants.

We used risk perceptions to understand the acceptability of nonlethal and lethal management of coyotes in an urban setting. We conducted a self-administered mail survey (n  =   1624) of residents of the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Region during 2012 and examined the relationship between perceptions of risk and acceptance of different management strategies. Using cluster analysis we segmented respondents into three groups: (1) those who were not concerned about coyotes (n  =   536), (2) those who were slightly to moderately concerned (n  =   424) and (3) those who were extremely concerned (n  =   342). Nonlethal management was the preferred response when a human or pet–coyote interaction happened once or more than once. There were significant differences among the risk perception clusters and management responses but all three favored nonlethal management regardless of the number of occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is the feline analogue of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and features many hallmarks of HIV infection and pathogenesis, including the development of concurrent oral lesions. While HIV is typically transmitted via parenteral transmucosal contact, recent studies prove that oral transmission can occur, and that saliva from infected individuals contains significant amounts of HIV RNA and DNA. While it is accepted that FIV is primarily transmitted by biting, few studies have evaluated FIV oral infection kinetics and transmission mechanisms over the last 20 years. Modern quantitative analyses applied to natural FIV oral infection could significantly further our understanding of lentiviral oral disease and transmission. We therefore characterized FIV salivary viral kinetics and antibody secretions to more fully document oral viral pathogenesis. Our results demonstrate that: (i) saliva of FIV-infected cats contains infectious virus particles, FIV viral RNA at levels equivalent to circulation, and lower but significant amounts of FIV proviral DNA; (ii) the ratio of FIV RNA to DNA is significantly higher in saliva than in circulation; (iii) FIV viral load in oral lymphoid tissues (tonsil, lymph nodes) is significantly higher than mucosal tissues (buccal mucosa, salivary gland, tongue); (iv) salivary IgG antibodies increase significantly over time in FIV-infected cats, while salivary IgA levels remain static; and, (v) saliva from naïve Specific Pathogen Free cats inhibits FIV growth in vitro. Collectively, these results suggest that oral lymphoid tissues serve as a site for enhanced FIV replication, resulting in accumulation of FIV particles and FIV-infected cells in saliva. Failure to induce a virus-specific oral mucosal antibody response, and/or viral capability to overcome inhibitory components in saliva may perpetuate chronic oral cavity infection. Based upon these findings, we propose a model of oral FIV pathogenesis and suggest alternative diagnostic modalities and translational approaches to study oral HIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present and characterize the spontaneous X-linked recessive mutation casper, which causes oculocutaneous albinism in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In humans, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome results in pigmentation defects due to disrupted formation of the melanin-containing lysosomal-related organelle (LRO), the melanosome. casper mutants display not only reduced pigmentation of melanosomes in melanophores, but also reductions in the iridescent silver color from iridophores, while the yellow pigmentation from xanthophores appears unaffected. We mapped casper using high-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA from bulked casper mutants to a region of the stickleback X chromosome (chromosome 19) near the stickleback ortholog of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 5 (Hps5). casper mutants have an insertion of a single nucleotide in the sixth exon of Hps5, predicted to generate an early frameshift. Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 induced lesions in Hps5 and phenocopied the casper mutation. Injecting single or paired Hps5 guide RNAs revealed higher incidences of genomic deletions from paired guide RNAs compared to single gRNAs. Stickleback Hps5 provides a genetic system where a hemizygous locus in XY males and a diploid locus in XX females can be used to generate an easily scored visible phenotype, facilitating quantitative studies of different genome editing approaches. Lastly, we show the ability to better visualize patterns of fluorescent transgenic reporters in Hps5 mutant fish. Thus, Hps5 mutations present an opportunity to study pigmented LROs in the emerging stickleback model system, as well as a tool to aid in assaying genome editing and visualizing enhancer activity in transgenic fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]