bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney disease in psoriasis: a cohort study
Authors: Conti Andrea , Giovannini Lisa , Mandel Victor Desmond , Odorici Giulia , Lasagni Claudia , Bigi Laura , Pellacani Giovanni , Cappelli Gianni
Published: April 2020

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing disease often associated with comorbidities. While its associations with cardiovascular and metabolic factors have been investigated, little is known about its association with impairment of renal function.

Materials and methods

We performed a cohort study of 219 psoriatic patients in which we evaluated chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eGFR as well as albuminuria according to their KDIGO stratification risk criteria. We also evaluated circulating immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), C3‐C4 levels and the urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio. We divided the patients into two groups, according to the presence or absence of known and established CKD risk factors.

Results

In our population, the risk of CKD was moderate in 17.35 % of patients, high in 5.02 % and very high in 3.66 %. The risk prevalence for CKD was slightly greater in the group without established risk factors than the risk prevalence reported in NHANES 1999–2006. The presence of psoriatic arthritis, duration of psoriasis (≥ 21 years) and magnitude of the PASI score showed a positive correlation with the urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio.

Conclusions

We found an association between microalbuminuria and the duration of psoriasis, as well as with psoriatic arthritis. Moreover, patients with microalbuminuria exhibited a higher Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome stratification risk.
Rechallenge with checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Reschke Robin , Ziemer Mirjana
Published: April 2020

To date, there have been only few studies investigating rechallenge with checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients. Herein, we present the first review of all internationally published, English‐language articles. A total of 570 patients were included in our analysis, divided into four groups: 1) rechallenge with anti‐PD1 following disease progression on anti‐PD1 therapy; 2) rechallenge with anti‐PD1 and anti‐CTLA4 following disease progression on anti‐PD1 therapy; 3) rechallenge with anti‐CLTA‐4 following disease progression on anti‐CTLA‐4 therapy; and 4) rechallenge following toxicity‐related treatment discontinuation.

In the first group (85 patients), the mean disease control rate (DCR) was 45.8 %, with a mean overall response rate (ORR) of 15.5 %. The second group (114 patients) showed a mean DCR of 40.6 % and an ORR of 20 %. In the third group (182 patients), the mean DCR was 50.9 %, with an ORR of 20.4 %. Thus, even patients with a history of disease progression on initial checkpoint inhibitor therapy may benefit from rechallenge.

Patients in the fourth group (189 patients) showed a mean DCR of 89.5 % and an ORR of 70.2 %. Of these individuals, 18 % saw recurrence of the same toxicity; 23 % were affected by adverse events different from the ones previously experienced.
The force and the content of judgment
Authors: Rödl Sebastian
Published: April 2020

This essay explores what it means to reject Frege's distinction of force and content: the rejection completes Frege's anti‐psychologism as it leaves no space for a psychological concept of judgment distinct from the logical concept, which is the concern of no empirical science, but of logic. It emerges that logic, as the science of judgement, is — not a metaphysics of judgement, but — metaphysics. And it emerges that the opposition of subject to subject — the elementary nexus of thinker to thinker in dialogue — is contained within the logical concept of judgment.
Transcriptome analysis reveals wingless regulates neural development and signaling genes in the region of wing pigmentation of a polka‐dotted fruit fly
Authors: Fukutomi Yuichi , Kondo Shu , Toyoda Atsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Koshikawa Shigeyuki
Published: April 2020

How evolutionary novelties have arisen is one of the central questions in evolutionary biology. Preexisting gene regulatory networks or signaling pathways have been shown to be co‐opted for building novel traits in several organisms. However, the structure of entire gene regulatory networks and evolutionary events of gene co‐option for emergence of a novel trait are poorly understood. In this study, to explore the genetic and molecular bases of the novel wing pigmentation pattern of a polka‐dotted fruit fly (Drosophila guttifera), we performed de novo genome sequencing and transcriptome analyses. As a result, we comprehensively identified the genes associated with the pigmentation pattern. Furthermore, we revealed that 151 of these associated genes were positively or negatively regulated by wingless, a master regulator of wing pigmentation. Genes for neural development, Wnt signaling, Dpp signaling, and effectors (such as enzymes) for melanin pigmentation were included among these 151 genes. None of the known regulatory genes that regulate pigmentation pattern formation in other fruit fly species were included. Our results suggest that the novel pigmentation pattern of a polka‐dotted fruit fly might have emerged through multistep co‐options of multiple gene regulatory networks, signaling pathways, and effector genes, rather than recruitment of one large gene circuit.
Non‐invasive diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis in Japan: A targeted literature review
Authors: Eguchi Yuichiro , Wong Gabriel , Akhtar Omar , Sumida Yoshio
Published: April 2020

Despite the invasive nature of liver biopsy, it remains the current standard for diagnosing non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis staging. Given the rising prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Japan, there is a need for reliable non‐invasive tests to accurately and efficiently identify NASH and advanced (F3/F4) fibrosis. A review of published works from English and Japanese sources was undertaken in PubMed, Embase, and Ichushi Web to identify studies reporting diagnostic characteristics of NITs in biopsy‐proven Japanese NAFLD/NASH patients including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The performance of non‐invasive tests for two diagnostic questions were assessed, namely: (i) identifying NASH cases among NAFLD; and (ii) distinguishing advanced fibrosis (F3–4) from milder fibrosis (F0–2). Twenty‐five studies reported outcomes for serum biomarkers, imaging, scoring systems, and novel complex techniques (based on multivariable regression models) for both diagnostic questions. Serum biomarkers were the most commonly assessed method for NASH identification, whereas scoring systems and imaging techniques were most commonly studied for fibrosis staging. In general, tests for NASH identification showed higher PPVs than NPVs, suggesting their usefulness in identifying probable NASH cases. The reverse was observed for fibrosis staging, with higher NPVs than PPVs, suggesting their use in excluding patients at low risk of F3/F4 disease rather than identifying definite F3/F4 fibrosis. In Japanese studies, simple scoring systems and imaging techniques showed particular usefulness in prediction of fibrosis staging, and combinations of serum biomarkers showed diagnostic potential for NASH screening.
Atopic dermatitis in the elderly Caucasian population: diagnostic clinical criteria and review of the literature
Authors: Chello Camilla , Carnicelli Giorgia , Sernicola Alvise , Gagliostro Nazareno , Paolino Giovanni , Di Fraia Marco , Faina Valentina , Muharremi Rovena , Grieco Teresa
Published: April 2020

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing eczematous dermatitis typically affecting young patients in a percentage from 15 to 20%; although it typically affects young people and adults, recent papers highlighted the emerging of the disease in the elderly population.

Methods

The aim of the study was to identify the clinical criteria and allergic sensitization that may be able to support physicians and dermatologists in making a correct diagnosis of AD in the elderly. The second aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, the main features, the gender prevalence, the immunological profile, and comorbidities characterizing patients older than 65 years affected by AD.

Results

Based on clinical and serological patterns, different phenotypes of AD were identified: generalized AD (55%) characterized by eczematous lesions involving typical areas of the body or prurigo nodularis‐like AD; chronic eczematous hand dermatitis (23%); face and neck involvement (9%); and nummular eczema (13%). Skin prick tests revealed a positivity for aeroallergens in 49.6% of patients, most of them being polysensitized (55%). Additionally, food skin prick tests were positive in 25% of patients. Most of the patients reported comorbidities, particularly IgE‐mediated diseases, such as seasonal rhino‐conjunctivitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as meteorism, dyspepsia, cramps/abdominal pain, and diarrhea/constipation, were observed in 35% of patients consequent to food allergy.

Conclusion

In our study, we suggest clinical and serological criteria that may be able to guide in the diagnosis of AD in Caucasian elderly, and to design an appropriate treatment according to the current standard protocol.
Clinical variability of the GJB4:c.35G > A gene variant: a study of a large Brazilian erythrokeratodermia pedigree
Authors: de Oliveira Renan Tironi G. , Christofolini Denise Maria , Criado Paulo R. , Lacaz Martins Eduardo , Kelsell David , Machado Filho Carlos D’Apparecida Santos
Published: April 2020

Background

Erythrokeratodermas are a heterogeneous group of keratinization disorders. They are inherited in both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pattern. Erythrokeratoderma variabilis et progressive (EKVP) is a disorder caused by variations in genes that codify connexins (GJA1, GJB3, GJB4). The distinction between different phenotypes is not always simple. Age of presentation varies from birth to adulthood; stationary or migratory erythematous plaques associated with nonmigratory hyperkeratosis are characteristic of this disorder. Nails, hair, and teeth are not affected.

Methods

In order to describe the clinical phenotypes and molecular findings in a large Brazilian pedigree affected by erythrokeratoderma, we performed a clinical evaluation of four patients with different presentations of erythrokeratoderma from the same family, in which there are 35 affected members distributed in six generations. Genomic DNA evaluation by Sanger sequencing of GJB3 and GJB4 was performed in two affected family members with different phenotypes.

Results

Clinical heterogeneity in affected patients was remarkable. In patients investigated with genetic testing, a heterozygous pathogenic gene variant in the GJB4 (gap junction protein beta‐4) gene was found positive for GJB4:c.35G>A (rsrs80358211). One patient also presented a synonymous variant in GJB3:c.357C>T (rs41310442).

Conclusion

Variants in GJB4 are classically associated with Erythrokeratodermia variabilis, but there is remarkable clinical heterogeneity. Our observation that the same variant caused different phenotypes within the same family corroborates clinical heterogeneity and suggests that other genes that compose the genetic background exert some influence on the disease phenotype.
COVID‐19 and the clinical hematology laboratory
Authors: Frater John L. , Zini Gina , d’Onofrio Giuseppe , Rogers Heesun J.
Published: April 2020

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The etiologic agent is a novel coronavirus of presumed zoonotic origin with structural similarity to the viruses responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Like SARS and MERS, COVID‐19 infection manifests most frequently with lower respiratory symptoms. A minority of patients progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome/ diffuse alveolar damage. In addition to its central role in the diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection, the clinical laboratory provides critical information to clinicians regarding prognosis, disease course, and response to therapy. The purpose of this review is to (a) provide background context about the origins and course of the pandemic, (b) discuss the laboratory's role in the diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection, (c) summarize the current state of biomarker analysis in COVID‐19 infection, with an emphasis on markers derived from the hematology laboratory, (d) comment on the impact of COVID‐19 on hematology laboratory safety, and (e) describe the impact the pandemic has had on organized national and international educational activities worldwide.
M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages is dependent on integrin β3 via peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ up‐regulation in breast cancer
Authors: Shu Yuxin , Qin Menghao , Song Yue , Tang Qing , Huang Yahong , Shen Pingping , Lu Yan
Published: April 2020

Macrophages are particularly abundant and play an important role throughout the tumor progression process, namely, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) in the tumor microenvironment. TAM can be polarized to disparate functional phenotypes, the M1 and M2 macrophages. M1‐like type macrophages are defined as pro‐inflammatory cells involved in killing cancer cells, while M2‐like type cells can specially promote tumor growth and metastasis, tissue remodeling and immunosuppression. In this study, we first found that integrin β3 was highly expressed on the surface of TAM, both in vivo and in vitro, that displayed the M2‐like characteristics. Under intervention of CYC or triptolide, the integrin β3 inhibitors, the M2 polarization of TAM could be inhibited. Moreover, in the cell model of M2 polarization, either blockade or knockout/knockdown of integrin β3 could also suppress macrophage M2 polarization, which suggested that the M2 polarization was dependent on integrin β3. Using knockdown of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), an M2 regulator, we found that expression and activation of PPARγ participated in M2 polarization that was mediated by integrin β3. Finally, to verify the activity of integrin β3 inhibitors on TAM in vivo, 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice were treated with CYC or triptolide; in response, the M1/M2 ratio of TAM was up‐regulated, while the infiltration of total lymphocytes into tumor tissue was not altered. In general, our study found a connection between integrin β3 and macrophage polarization, which provides a strategy for facilitating M2 to M1 repolarization and reconstructing the tumor immune microenvironment.
A 50‐year history of the health impacts of Westernization on the lifestyle of Japanese Americans: A focus on the Hawaii–Los Angeles–Hiroshima Study
Authors: Yoneda Masayasu , Kobuke Kazuhiro
Published: April 2020

A medical survey of Japanese Americans have been carried out since 1970; in particular, this survey was administered to the Japanese emigrants from Hiroshima (Japan) to Hawaii or Los Angeles (USA) and their offspring. Labeled the Hawaii–Los Angeles–Hiroshima Study, it constituted a long‐term epidemiological study of Japanese Americans who are genetically identical to the native Japanese people, but have experienced rapid and intense Westernization in terms of their lifestyles. The authors have compared the medical survey data procured from two Japanese populations, evincing very disparate lifestyles; that is, the native Japanese inhabitants of Hiroshima (Japan) and Japanese Americans living in Hawaii or Los Angeles (USA). The focus was particularly on differences in the intake of nutrients, the frequency of obesity, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, and the progression of atherosclerosis. The authors believe that the health effects of the lifestyles of Japanese Americans can predict the imminent health prospects of native Japanese people who adopt Westernized lifestyles in Japan. This review thus summarized the major results accumulated from the Hawaii–Los Angeles–Hiroshima Study over the past 50 years.
Validation of the Risk Analysis Index for Evaluating Frailty in Ambulatory Patients
Authors: Shah Rupen , Borrebach Jeffrey D. , Hodges Jacob C. , Varley Patrick R. , Wisniewski Mary Kay , Shinall Myrick C. , Arya Shipra , Johnson Jonas , Nelson Joel B. , Youk Ada , Massarweh Nader N. , Johanning Jason M. , Hall Daniel E.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a marker of dependency, disability, hospitalization, and mortality in community‐dwelling older adults. However, existing tools for measuring frailty are too cumbersome for rapid point‐of‐care assessment. The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) of frailty is validated in surgical populations, but its performance outside surgical populations is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Validate the RAI in ambulatory patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Observational cohort study of outpatient surgical clinics within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Healthcare System between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. Frailty was assessed using the RAI. Current Procedural Terminology codes following RAI assessment identified patients with and without minor office‐based procedures (eg, joint injection, laryngoscopy).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

All‐cause 1‐year mortality, assessed by stratified Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Of 28,059 patients, 13,861 were matched to a minor, office‐based procedure and 14,198 did not undergo any procedure. The mean (SD) age was 56.7 (17.2) years; women constituted 15,797 (56.3%) of the cohort. Median time (interquartile range 25th‐75th percentile) to measure RAI was 30 (22–47) seconds. Mortality among the frail was two to five times that of patients with normal RAI scores. For example, the hazard ratio for frail ambulatory patients without a minor procedure was 3.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.51‐5.41), corresponding to 30‐, 180‐, and 365‐day mortality rates of 2.9%, 11.2%, and 17.4%, respectively, compared to 0.3%, 2.3%, and 4.0% among patients with normal RAI scores. Discrimination of mortality (overall, and censored at 30, 180, and 365 days) was excellent, ranging from c = 0.838 (95% CI = 0.773‐0.902) for 30‐day mortality after minor procedures to c = 0.909 (95% CI = 0.855‐0.964) without a procedure.

CONCLUSION

RAI is a valid, easily administered tool for point‐of‐care frailty assessment in ambulatory populations that may help clinicians and patients make better informed decisions about care choices—especially among patients considered high risk with a potentially limited life span. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1818‐1824, 2020.
Coronaviruses and people with intellectual disability: an exploratory data analysis
Authors: Tummers J. , Catal C. , Tobi H. , Tekinerdogan B. , Leusink G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been announced as a new coronavirus disease by the World Health Organization. At the time of writing this article (April 2020), the world is drastically influenced by the COVID‐19. Recently, the COVID‐19 Open Research Dataset (CORD‐19) was published. For researchers on ID such as ourselves, it is of key interest to learn whether this open research dataset may be used to investigate the virus and its consequences for people with an ID.

Methods

From CORD‐19, we identified full‐text articles containing terms related to the ID care and applied a text mining technique, specifically the term frequency–inverse document frequency analysis in combination with K‐means clustering.

Results

Two hundred fifty‐nine articles contained one or more of our specified terms related to ID. We were able to cluster these articles related to ID into five clusters on different topics, namely: mental health, viral diseases, diagnoses and treatments, maternal care and paediatrics, and genetics.

Conclusion

The CORD‐19 open research dataset consists of valuable information about not only COVID‐19 disease but also ID and the relationship between them. We suggest researchers investigate literature‐based discovery approaches on the CORD‐19 and develop a new dataset that addresses the intersection of these two fields for further research.
Topical application of a commercially available formulation of vitamin C stabilized by vitamin E and ferulic acid reduces tissue viability and protein synthesis in ex vivo human normal skin
Authors: Romana‐Souza Bruna , Silva‐Xavier Welker , Monte‐Alto‐Costa Andréa
Published: April 2020

Background

Aqueous formulations of vitamin C stabilized by vitamin E and ferulic acid at low pH effectively protect skin against reactive oxygen species‐induced damage. However, the effects of these formulations on human skin have not clearly been described. The aim of this study was to investigate whether topical application of two commercially available formulations of vitamin C alter human skin using an ex vivo model.

Methods

Human skin explants were topically treated on alternate days with commercially available formulation 1 (15% vitamin C) at 100% (without dilution), 50%, or 10% diluted in saline or formulation 2 (20% vitamin C) at 100% (without dilution), 50%, or 10% diluted in saline. Only saline was applied to control skin explants.

Results

Topical formulation 1 at 100%, 50%, or 10%, but not formulation 2 at 100%, 50%, or 10%, reduced the viability of ex vivo human skin compared to the control after 7, 10, and 13 days. In addition, compared to the control, ex vivo human skin treated with formulation 1 at 50%, but not formulation 2 at 50%, also decreased mRNA levels of actin and ribosomal protein L10 and gene expression of extracellular matrix components after 10 days. Furthermore, after 10 days, topical application of formulation 1 at 50%, but not formulation 2 at 50%, decreased the protein expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen, lysyl oxidase, β‐actin, and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase compared to the control.

Conclusions

Topical formulation 1, but not formulation 2, may reduce the viability of and protein synthesis in ex vivo human skin. Those effects might be due to action of vehicle of formulation 1 on ex vivo human skin.
Level of self-reported pain’s interference with work, and association with number of prescriptions and healthcare expenditures
Authors: Taira Deborah A , Stafford Michelle , Davis James W , Albright Cheryl L , Kataoka-Yahiro Merle , Sumida Wesley K
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To examine the associations between pain interfering with work and family income and health status and to quantify the impact of pain on pharmaceutical utilization and cost using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Methods

The study population included adult respondents to a MEPS pain question asking how much pain interfered with normal work (including both work outside the home and housework) from 2007 to 2014 (n = 71 593 respondents). Generalized linear models estimated the association between pain and family income, self-reported health status, number of prescriptions and healthcare expenditures (prescription drug and total). Control variables included age, gender, education, marital status, poverty, race, immigration status, region, obesity, work status and insurance coverage.

Key findings

Nearly 43% of respondents reported pain did not interfere at all with their work, 32% responded it did ‘a little bit’, 14% said ‘moderately’, 8% reported ‘quite a bit’, and 3% said ‘extremely’. Older respondents were significantly more likely to report pain interfering with work than younger ones. Women were more likely than men to report pain interfering with work. Obesity was significantly associated with pain, with 5.3% of obese respondents stating pain extremely interfered with work compared to 2.2% of nonobese respondents. Those who reported pain interfered ‘extremely’ had, on average, 46 prescriptions filled per year compared to only 5 prescriptions for those reporting less severe pain. This translated into significantly higher prescription drug and total costs.

Conclusion

Innovative targeted interventions are needed to mitigate the severe consequences of pain on health, well-being and cost.
The germination niche of coastal dune species as related to their occurrence along a sea–inland gradient
Authors: Del Vecchio Silvia , Fantinato Edy , Roscini Mauro , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Bacchetta Gianluigi , Buffa Gabriella
Published: April 2020

Aims

The early phases in the life cycle of a plant are the bottleneck for successful species establishment thereby affecting population dynamics and distribution. In coastal environments, the spatial pattern of plant communities (i.e. vegetation zonation) follows the ecological gradient of abiotic stress changing with the distance from the sea. This pattern has been mainly explained based on the adaptation and tolerance to the abiotic stress of adult plants. However, the adult niche may considerably differ from the germination niche of a plant species. The aim of this work was to investigate to what extent abiotic factors (specifically salinity, temperature, nitrogen and their interactions) constrain seed germination along the sea–inland gradient.

Location

Latium coast (Central Italy).

Methods

Germination tests were performed on seeds of focal species of three different plant communities which establish at increasing distances from the coastline: Cakile maritima subsp. maritima, Elymus farctus, Crucianella maritima. We tested increasing concentrations of NaCl (one of the main abiotic factors which decrease across the sea–inland gradient), and their interactions with temperature and KNO3, to consider other factors which drive germination processes.

Results

The tolerance to salinity significantly decreased in relation to the position of species along the coastal zonation. Crucianella maritima was shown to be the least tolerant species, having a decrease in germination >80% across all conditions. KNO3 significantly (although slightly) increased the germination percentage in Cakile maritima subsp. maritima and Elymus farctus. When combined with NaCl, KNO3 alleviated the negative effects of salinity only in Cakile maritima subsp. maritima.

Conclusions

The germination responses to the interaction among the tested factors suggest that the germination niche may explain vegetation zonation filtering species at their early stages. Quantifying environmental niches in different phases of the life cycle of plants may provide important insights into community assembly processes.
A potential new threat on the coral reefs of Puerto Rico: The recent emergence of Ramicrusta spp.
Authors: Williams Stacey M. , García‐Sais Jorge R.
Published: April 2020

The rapid appearance of Ramicrusta spp. is described and analyzed from 40 permanent monitoring coral reef stations in Puerto Rico. Before 2016, Ramicrusta had not been observed from any of the reef monitoring stations. By 2018, it was present at 76% of all the monitoring stations. Ramicrusta was the dominant substrata type at all of the shallow reef sites sampled on the east coast (e.g., Fajardo, Culebra, and Vieques), reaching a cover (±SE) as high as 63.0 ± 5.8%. The spread of Ramicrusta occurred at the expense of historically resilient living benthic elements, such as turf algae. Since its detection in 2016, colonization of hard substrata by Ramicrusta remained constant, with the exception of two shallow reefs in Fajardo and Culebra, where the cover was significantly reduced by the scouring and or abrasive effects of two major hurricanes. The ecological implications of Ramicrusta prevalence on Puerto Rican reefs remain unclear; however, increasing herbivory might be a useful mitigation tool in the reduction of Ramicrusta abundance on coral reefs.
Abundance and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins off a remote oceanic island (Reunion Island, southwest Indian Ocean)
Authors: Estrade Vanessa , Dulau Violaine
Published: April 2020

This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of the population dynamics and residency of common bottlenose dolphin around Reunion Island (southwest Indian Ocean). Understanding dynamics and movement patterns of this local population is essential to guide effective conservation efforts, notably in a context of growing dolphin‐watching activities. Dedicated surveys based on photo‐identification methods were conducted over 6 years (2010–2015). The species was present year‐round, in groups of 25 individuals on average (1–150). Jolly‐Seber mark‐recapture models resulted in a population estimate of 254 individuals (95% CI = 191–337) and an apparent annual survival rate of 0.83. The population was almost equally split into three residency patterns: residents (33.1%), long‐term visitors (32.6%), and short‐term visitors (34.3%, including transients, i.e., individuals only seen once [14.9%]), suggesting that the majority of the population showed a moderate‐to‐high level of residency in the study area. Individuals from the three residency patterns associated randomly, mixing together and forming a single community. Models based on the lagged identification rate indicated emigration and reimmigration to the survey area, with some individuals occupying the study area for about 2 years (832 days), and remaining outside for an average of 276 days, probably exhibiting larger home ranges and extensive movement behavior.
Conservative Treatment or Surgical Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review of Multiple Fractures of the Lower Extremities in a Child with Insensitivity to Pain
Authors: Yu Yi‐kang , Tu Dong‐peng , Shi Xiao‐lin , Liu Zheng , Fan Xin , Xu Chao
Published: April 2020

Congenital pain insensitivity is a rare genetic disease and its clinical manifestations are many. In orthopaedics, common complications of this disease include painless fracture and Charcot's arthropathy. We followed up a case of multiple fractures of the lower extremity in two years, during which time he came to the clinic for five painless fractures of the lower extremity in a total of six parts. A mutation was found on the NTKRI gene (chr1:156813923(hg19), NM_001007792.1: c.1221938C > T). We have developed a combination of surgery and conservative treatments for his condition, focusing on the mental state of the child and considering comprehensive treatment to be the best option for this type of patient. Occult fractures caused by pain insensitivity are often treated only as fractures, however their complications require routine examination and cleaning, suitable protective shoes, splint fixation, stretching, guided exercise planning, and early treatment of injuries. Due to the risk of fracture in the future, it is important that parents pay attention to the behavior and psychology of the child, such as not letting the child participate in exercise with a risk of injury, protective measures while playing, engaging in psychological counseling, and inducing interest in mental activity. These interventions will play a very important role in preventing the recurrence of fracture.
Non‐Humeantheories of natural necessity
Authors: Hildebrand Tyler
Published: April 2020

Non‐Humean theories of natural necessity invoke modally‐laden primitives to explain why nature exhibits lawlike regularities. However, they vary in the primitives they posit and in their subsequent accounts of laws of nature and related phenomena (including natural properties, natural kinds, causation, counterfactuals, and the like). This article provides a taxonomy of non‐Humean theories, discusses influential arguments for and against them, and describes some ways in which differences in goals and methods can motivate different versions of non‐Humeanism (and, for that matter, Humeanism). In short, this article provides an introduction to non‐Humeanism concerning the metaphysics of laws of nature and natural necessity.
Supplementing a skimmed milk–egg yolk‐based extender with L‐carnitine helps maintain the motility, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity of chilled ram sperm
Authors: Galarza Diego A. , López‐Sebastián Antonio , Santiago‐Moreno Julián
Published: April 2020

This study examines the effect of L‐carnitine (LC) on chilled ram semen stored for up to 96 hr. Semen samples were collected, placed in a skimmed milk + 6% egg yolk extender, pooled, aliquoted and diluted with the same extender supplemented with different LC concentration: 0 (control), 1 mM (LC1), 2.5 mM (LC2.5), 5 mM (LC5), 7.5 mM (LC7.5) or10 mM (LC10). Sperm kinetics and membranes (plasma, acrosome and mitochondrial) were examined using the CASA system and triple fluorescence staining (PI/ PNA‐FITC/Mitotracker). The progressive motility was greater (p < .05) with LC7.5 treatment than the control sperm at 96 hr. The curvilinear velocity (p < .01) and the percentage of sperm with intact membranes (plasma/acrosome/mitochondria) (p < .01) were greater with all LC treatments than the control group at all times. Straight line velocity was greater (p < .01) with LC5 and LC7.5 treatments than the control group after 48 hr. The LC5 group also returned lower ALH values (p < .05) than these seen for the control groups after 48 hr. The fertilizing capacity of LC5 samples stored at 15°C for 2 hr (LC5‐15°C‐2h) and at 5°C for 24 hr (LC5‐5°C‐24h) was tested in three ewe groups via cervical fixed‐time artificial insemination. In two groups, the fertilizing capacity of the LC5‐5°C‐24h was reduced (p < .001). In the remaining group, however, no significant difference was seen between the LC5‐15°C‐2h and LC5‐5°C‐24h sperm in this respect (pregnancy rates 52.4% versus 42.8%; p > .05). Overall, the present results suggest that supplementing skimmed milk–egg yolk‐based extenders with LC has a positive effect on chilled sperm variables and fertilizing capacity.
HLA‐G whole gene amplification reveals linkage disequilibrium between the HLA‐G 3′UTR and coding sequence
Authors: Drabbels Jos J. M. , Welleweerd Robert , van Rooy Inge , Johnsen Guro M. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Haasnoot Geert W. , Westerink Nienke , Claas Frans H. J. , Rozemuller Erik , Eikmans Michael
Published: April 2020

Polymorphic sites in the HLA‐G gene may influence expression and function of the protein. Knowledge of the association between high‐resolution HLA‐G alleles and 3‐prime untranslated (3′UTR) haplotypes is useful for studies on the role of HLA‐G in transplantation, pregnancy, and cancer. We developed a next generation sequencing (NGS)‐based typing assay enabling full phasing over the whole HLA‐G gene sequence with inclusion of the 3′UTR region. DNA from 171 mother‐child pairs (342 samples) was studied for: (a) HLA‐G allele information by the NGSgo‐AmpX HLA‐G assay, (b) 3′UTR haplotype information by an in‐house developed sequence‐based typing method of a 699/713 base pair region in the 3′UTR, and (c) the full phase HLA‐G gene sequence, by combining primers from both assays. The mother to child inheritance allowed internal verification of newly identified alleles and of association between coding and UTR regions. The NGSgo workflow compatible with Illumina platforms was employed. Data was interpreted using NGSengine software. In 99.4% of all alleles analyzed, the extended typing was consistent with the separate allele and 3′UTR typing methods. After repeated analysis of four samples that showed discrepancy, consistency reached 100%. A high‐linkage disequilibrium between IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database‐defined HLA‐G alleles and the extended 3′UTR region was identified (D′ = 0.994, P < .0001). Strong associations were found particularly between HLA‐G*01:04 and UTR‐3, between HLA‐G*01:01:03 and UTR‐7, and between HLA‐G*01:03:01 and UTR‐5 (for all: r = 1). Six novel HLA‐G alleles and three novel 3′UTR haplotype variants were identified, of which three and one, respectively, were verified in the offspring.
An unprecedented cluster of Australian bat lyssavirus in Pteropus conspicillatus indicates pre‐flight flying fox pups are at risk of mass infection
Authors: Barrett Janine , Höger Alison , Agnihotri Kalpana , Oakey Jane , Skerratt Lee F. , Field Hume E. , Meers Joanne , Smith Craig
Published: April 2020

In November 2017, two groups of P. conspicillatus pups from separate locations in Far North Queensland presented with neurological signs consistent with Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) infection. These pups (n = 11) died over an 11‐day period and were submitted to a government laboratory for testing where ABLV infection was confirmed. Over the next several weeks, additional ABLV cases in flying foxes in Queensland were also detected. Brain tissue from ABLV‐infected flying foxes during this period, as well as archived brain tissue, was selected for next‐generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the two groups of pups were each infected from single sources. They were likely exposed while in crèche at night as their dams foraged. This study identifies crèche‐age pups at a potentially heightened risk for mass ABLV infection.
Educational Practices on Ethnic-racial Relations and the English Language Teaching through Image and Literature in an EFL Classroom
Authors: Coswosk Jânderson Albino
Published: April 2020

The article analyzes the unfoldings of the teaching project Introducing Literatures in English, held in 2018 at the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (IFES), based in Alegre-ES, Brazil. The project aimed at promoting the improvement of reading, writing and speaking skills of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, departing from African Literature in English and photography, so that they had the opportunity to improve their language skills while developing a broader discussion on Africa’s ethnic-cultural and linguistic diversity, building a viewpoint about the African continent less tied to colonialism, slavery, apartheid and victimization.For reading and written analyses, the students took into consideration the photo-book Another Africa (1998), with photographs by Robert Lyons and poems by Chinua Achebe (1930-2013). Based on the poems and photographs brought to light in Another Africa, I analyzed 1) the students’ multimodal reading process, by connecting images generated by poems and photographs and written and oral texts the students produced around them; 2) the students’ reception of the poems, considering Achebe’s constant use of code-switching and 3) the construction of new viewpoints around Africa elaborated by the students, bearing in mind the importance of the role of language, memory and history, oral and literary traditions when it comes to African writers and a new perspective concerning the colonial legacy and its impact on English language.
Comparison of quantitative analyses using SIMS, atom probe tomography, and femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with Si1−XGeX and Fe1−X NiX binary alloys
Authors: Jang Yun Jung , Kim Seon Hee , Kim Kyung Joong , Kim Donghwan , Lee Yeonhee
Published: April 2020

Due to their electrical and physical properties, Si1−XGeX materials are widely used in microelectronic devices. In particular, the Ge component found within Si1−XGeX compounds is important for enhancing carrier mobility and altering the lattice constant of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors. In this study, magnetic sector secondary ion mass spectrometry (magnetic sector SIMS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to determine the accurate concentrations of major compositions present within binary alloy samples. However, quantitative SIMS analysis is limited by the matrix effect, which influences the sputter yield of an element in a compound and alters the secondary ionization yields. Quantitative deviations that were due to the matrix effect were reduced by using Cs cluster ions (MCs+ and MCs2+) instead of elemental ions; the SIMS results using the elements were, therefore, compared with those using MCs+ and MCs2+ cluster ions. In the case of Fe1−XNiX alloys that have a less matrix effect compared to Si1−XGeX alloys, both the Cs primary ion beam (Cs+) and an oxygen primary ion beam (O2+) were used to measure the Fe1−XNiX compositions. The quantitative results from the two different primary ion beams were then compared to understand the ionization process. Deviations in the quantitative values gained with the O2+ beam were lower than those obtained using the Cs+ primary ions, meaning that using oxygen as the primary ion improves the accuracy in quantifying Fe1−XNiX compounds. Other reliable tools for analysis such as atom probe tomography and femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were also used in the quantitative analysis, with results that were consistent with the most accurate results obtained using magnetic sector SIMS and ToF-SIMS.
Deep Sequencing Uncovers Caste-Associated Diversity of Symbionts in the Social Ant Camponotus japonicus
Authors: Koto Akiko , Nobu Masaru Konishi , Miyazaki Ryo
Published: April 2020

Social animals, such as primates and some insects, have been shown to exchange symbiotic microbes among individuals through sharing diet or habitats, resulting in increased consistency of microbiota among social partners. The ant is a representative of social insects exhibiting various castes within a colony; queens, males, and nonreproductive females (so-called workers) show distinct morphologies, physiologies, and behaviors but tightly interact with each other in the nest. However, how this social context affects their gut microbiota has remained unclear. In this study, we deeply sequenced the gut symbiont community across various castes of the carpenter ant
Camponotus japonicus
. We report caste-dependent diversity of commensal gut microbial community and lineage divergence of the mutualistic endosymbiont “
Candidatus
Blochmannia.” This report sheds light on the hidden diversity in microbial populations and community structure associated with guts of males in social ants.
Soil Microbial Biogeography in a Changing World: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Chu Haiyan , Gao Gui-Feng , Ma Yuying , Fan Kunkun , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel
Published: April 2020

Soil microbial communities are fundamental to maintaining key soil processes associated with litter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and plant productivity and are thus integral to human well-being. Recent technological advances have exponentially increased our knowledge concerning the global ecological distributions of microbial communities across space and time and have provided evidence for their contribution to ecosystem functions. However, major knowledge gaps in soil biogeography remain to be addressed over the coming years as technology and research questions continue to evolve.
Digital health interventions for chronic diseases: a scoping review of evaluation frameworks
Authors: Bashi Nazli , Fatehi Farhad , Mosadeghi-Nik Mahsa , Askari Marzieh S , Karunanithi Mohan
Published: April 2020

Background

Monitoring and evaluations of digital health (DH) solutions for the management of chronic diseases are quite heterogeneous and evidences around evaluating frameworks are inconsistent. An evidenced-based framework is needed to inform the evaluation process and rationale of such interventions. We aimed to explore the nature, extent and components of existing DH frameworks for chronic diseases.

Methods

This review was conducted based on the five steps of Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology. Out of 172 studies identified from, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, 11 met our inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies developed DH frameworks for chronic diseases and published between 2010 and 2018.

Results

According to WHO guidelines for monitoring and evaluation of DH interventions, we identified seven Conceptual frameworks, two Results frameworks, one Logical framework and one Theory of change. The frameworks developed for providing interventions such as self-management, achieving personal goals and reducing relapse for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe mental health. A few studies reported evaluation of the frameworks using randomised clinical trials (n=3) and feasibility testing via Likert scale survey (n=2). A wide range of outcomes were reported including access to care, cost-effectiveness, behavioural outcomes, patient–provider communications, technology acceptance and user experience.

Conclusion

There is a lack of evidence on the application of consistent DH frameworks. Future research should address the use of evidence-based frameworks into the research design, monitoring and evaluation process. This review explores the nature of DH frameworks for the management of chronic diseases and provides examples to guide monitoring and evaluation of interventions.
Ophthalmology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Safadi Khaled , Kruger Joshua M. , Chowers Itay , Solomon Abraham , Amer Radgonde , Aweidah Hamzah , Frenkel Shahar , Mechoulam Hadas , Anteby Irene , Ben Eli Hadas , Lavy Itay , Jaouni Tarek , Landau David , Tiosano Liran , Greifner Gabriel , Ofir Shay , Levi Vineberg Tamar , Levy Jaime
Published: April 2020

Objective

To present an established practice protocol for safe and effective hospital-setting ophthalmic practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods and Analysis

Literature was reviewed to identify articles relevant to COVID-19 pandemic and ophthalmology. The following keywords were used: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and telemedicine, combined with eye, ophthalmology, conjunctivitis and tears. Data were extracted from the identified manuscripts and discussed among subspecialists to obtain consensus evidence-based practice.

Results

A protocol for ophthalmic practice in the era of COVID-19 pandemic was established. The protocol covered patient screening, clinic flow, required personal protective equipment and modifications of ophthalmic equipment for improved safety.

Conclusion

Important literature emerged with respect to the practice of ophthalmology in the era of COVID-19. An evidence-based ophthalmic practice protocol was established and should be modified in the future to accommodate new insights on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Validity of mild TBI risk score to predict intracranial hemorrhage in cases of mild traumatic brain injury in Thailand
Authors: Aramvanitch Kasamon , Yuksen Chaiyaporn , Jenpanitpong Chetsadakon , Nuanprom Promphet , Phootothum Yuranan , Phontabtim Malivan , Watcharakitpaisan Sorawich
Published: April 2020

Background

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) will receive a brain CT scan based on risk of injury. A previous study established a scoring system for patients with mild TBI that assigned <3 points for the low-risk group, 3–6 points for the moderate-risk group, and ≥6 points for the high-risk group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the external validity of mild TBI risk scores for predicting intracranial hemorrhage in patients with mild TBI who had been transferred to receive a brain CT scan at the 10 nationwide CT scan–capable facilities in Thailand.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cross-sectional review of patients with mild TBI who received a brain CT scan in 10 nationwide hospitals of Thailand. Risk factors were observed and points calculated for predicting mild TBI scores based on patient records. Injured patients were divided into two groups: CT scans indicating normal and abnormal brain images. After this, the accuracy of mild TBI score for predicting the presence of intracranial hemorrhage was investigated.

Results

The study included a total of 999 patients, comprising 461 (46.15%) patients with abnormal brain CT scans indicating intracranial hemorrhage and 538 (53.85%) indicating no intracranial hemorrhage. In the low-risk group (mild TBI risk score <3), moderate-risk group (mild TBI risk score 3–6), and high-risk group (mild TBI risk score >6), the likelihood ratio positive of brain CT scans were 0.41, 3.53, and 77.3, respectively.

Discussion

Mild TBI risk score may assist healthcare providers to select patients with mild TBI for brain CT scan referral, particularly in hospitals without CT scan facilities. In such cases, based on the proposed scoring system, immediate transfer of moderate-risk and high-risk patients with mild TBI to a CT scan–capable facility is necessary.