bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal variation in disturbance impacts derived from simultaneous tracking of aircraft and shorebirds
Authors: van der Kolk Henk‐Jan , Allen Andrew M. , Ens Bruno J. , Oosterbeek Kees , Jongejans Eelke , van de Pol Martijn
Published: August 2020

Assessing the impacts of disturbance over large areas and long time periods is crucial for nature management, but also challenging since impacts depend on both wildlife responses to disturbance and on the spatiotemporal distribution of disturbance sources. Combined tracking of animals and disturbance sources enables quantification of wildlife responses as a function of the distance to a disturbance source. We provide a framework to derive such distance–response curves and combine those with disturbance source presence data to quantify energetic costs of disturbance at a landscape scale.

We tracked 90 Eurasian Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus and all aircraft in a military training area in the Dutch Wadden Sea. We quantified distance–response curves estimating flight probability and additional displacement for five types of aircraft activities, by comparing bird movement prior to aircraft presence with movement during aircraft presence. We then used the distance–response curves to map mean and variation in additional daily energy expenditure due to cumulative aircraft disturbance across the landscape for a 700‐day period.

Flight probability and displacement responses differed strongly among aircraft activities and decreased from transport aeroplanes, through bombing jets, helicopters, jets to small civil aeroplanes. Since the most disturbing aircraft activities were also the rarest ones, mean additional daily energy expenditure did not exceed 0.25%. However, days with substantial (>1%) additional expenditure occurred between 0.1% and 3.7% of all days across high‐tide roosts in the tidal basin. Notably, expenditure particularly spiked on days with transport aeroplane activity (up to 8.5%).

Synthesis and applications. We quantified cumulative energetic flight costs due to aircraft disturbance and found that these were low and unlikely to impact survival of oystercatchers in our study area. Our results provide evidence that the legal minimum flight height of 450 m for small civil aeroplanes effectively limits the disturbance of oystercatchers. Mitigation should focus on limiting the number of days when disturbance has a high impact by reducing rare but highly disturbing activities, especially transport aeroplanes. Our approach can be applied to other species and disturbance sources that are automatically tracked, for example boats and walkers, ultimately to quantify the entire anthropogenic disturbance landscape.
A multi‐state occupancy modelling framework for robust estimation of disease prevalence in multi‐tissue disease systems
Authors: Chaudhary Vratika , Wisely Samantha M. , Hernández Felipe A. , Hines James E. , Nichols James D. , Oli Madan K.
Published: August 2020

Given the public health, economic and conservation implications of zoonotic diseases, their effective surveillance is of paramount importance. The traditional approach to estimating pathogen prevalence as the proportion of infected individuals in the population is biased because it fails to account for imperfect detection. A statistically robust way to reduce bias in prevalence estimates is to obtain repeated samples (or sample many tissues in multi‐tissue disease systems) and to apply statistical methods that account for imperfect detection and permit the interdependence of the infection process across multiple tissues.

We developed a multi‐state occupancy modelling framework which considers two scenarios about the infection process, one where no assumptions about the dependencies among the tissues are made (general), and another where dependence among tissues is not permitted (constrained).

We applied this framework to pseudorabies virus (PrV) DNA detection data obtained from whole blood; and oral, nasal and genital mucosa of 510 feral swine Sus scrofa during the years 2014–2016 in Florida, USA.

The constrained model was better supported by data. PrV prevalence estimates varied among tissues and were higher than the naïve estimates, ranging from to 0.06 (CI: 0.02–0.14) in genital to 0.54 (CI: 0.14 ‐ 0.82) in nasal tissue. Probability of PrV detection ranged from 0.11 (CI: 0.06–0.18) in nasal to 0.51 (CI: 0.21–0.81) in genital tissue.

PrV prevalence was not affected by the age or sex of the animal or the year of sampling, but prevalence increased as drought severity increased.

The conditional probability of detecting PrV given infection in at least one tissue type within an individual was highest for nasal tissue, suggesting that nasal is the best tissue to sample for PrV surveillance if only one tissue can be sampled, at least for systems with tissue‐specific prevalence and detection probabilities similar to ours.

Synthesis and applications. We focused on inferences about pathogen prevalence in multi‐tissue disease systems, dealing with both nondetection and potential dependencies among tissues in infection status. We found strong evidence of variation in both prevalence and detection probabilities among tissues. Our results emphasize the importance of sampling multiple tissues and of applying inference methods that account for imperfect detection in the surveillance of systemic diseases. The multi‐state modelling framework is broadly applicable to the surveillance of pathogens that infect multiple tissues and can be used even when the infection status of the pathogen in one tissue may depend on the infection status of the pathogen in other tissue(s).
Functional groups of wild bees respond differently to faba bean Vicia faba L. cultivation at landscape scale
Authors: Beyer Nicole , Gabriel Doreen , Kirsch Felix , Schulz‐Kesting Katharina , Dauber Jens , Westphal Catrin
Published: August 2020

Concerns about insect declines are growing and the provisioning of ecosystem services like pollination may be threatened. To safeguard biodiversity, greening measures were introduced within the reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. One measure commonly applied by farmers is the cultivation of nitrogen fixing crops. Although underlying studies are largely missing, this measure is criticized as providing no significant biodiversity benefit.

Using a landscape‐scale approach, we selected 30 paired study landscapes (1 km × 1 km) in Germany, that is, 15 study landscapes with faba bean (FB) fields (Vicia faba L.) and 15 without any grain legumes. Flower‐visiting wild bees were recorded with transect walks at the field margins of different crops using a stratified sampling approach. We analysed the effect of FB cultivation and landscape composition on the abundance and species richness of wild bees as well as on the functional composition of the bee communities.

Bumblebee densities (Bombus spp. Latreille) were more than twice as high in FB compared to control landscapes after the flowering of the beans. Non‐Bombus wild bee densities, however, were not affected by FB cultivation, but were enhanced by increasing amounts of semi‐natural habitats (SNH).

After the beans' blooming had ceased, FB landscapes had a higher proportion of wild bees collecting pollen from Fabaceae than control landscapes. The community‐weighted means for bee size, measured as intertegular distance, were not affected by FB cultivation, but we found smaller species and species with shorter tongues with an increasing percentage of SNH.

Synthesis and applications. The cultivation of faba bean Vicia faba L. strongly increased bumblebee densities throughout the season. This indicates that also on‐field greening measures can support biodiversity. Nevertheless, since only functional groups adapted to faba bean benefit, measures to promote semi‐natural habitats in agricultural landscapes need to be implemented. We conclude that the combination of on‐ and off‐field measures is essential to maintain farmland biodiversity and the Common Agricultural Policy should furthermore promote both.
Wildfire alters the disturbance impacts of an emerging forest disease via changes to host occurrence and demographic structure
Authors: Simler‐Williamson Allison B. , Metz Margaret R. , Frangioso Kerri M. , Rizzo David M.
Published: August 2020

Anthropogenic activities have altered historical disturbance regimes, and understanding the mechanisms by which these shifting perturbations interact is essential to predicting where they may erode ecosystem resilience. Emerging infectious plant diseases, caused by human translocation of nonnative pathogens, can generate ecologically damaging forms of novel biotic disturbance. Further, abiotic disturbances, such as wildfire, may influence the severity and extent of disease‐related perturbations via their effects on the occurrence of hosts, pathogens and microclimates; however, these interactions have rarely been examined.

The disease ‘sudden oak death’ (SOD), associated with the introduced pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, causes acute, landscape‐scale tree mortality in California's fire‐prone coastal forests. Here, we examined interactions between wildfire and the biotic disturbance impacts of this emerging infectious disease. Leveraging long‐term datasets that describe wildfire occurrence and P. ramorum dynamics across the Big Sur region, we modelled the influence of recent and historical fires on epidemiological parameters, including pathogen presence, infestation intensity, reinvasion, and host mortality.

Past wildfire altered disease dynamics and reduced SOD‐related mortality, indicating a negative interaction between these abiotic and biotic disturbances. Frequently burned forests were less likely to be invaded by P. ramorum, had lower incidence of host infection, and exhibited decreased disease‐related biotic disturbance, which was associated with reduced occurrence and density of epidemiologically significant hosts. Following a recent wildfire, survival of mature bay laurel, a key sporulating host, was the primary driver of P. ramorum infestation and reinvasion, but younger, rapidly regenerating host vegetation capable of sporulation did not measurably influence disease dynamics. Notably, the effect of P. ramorum infection on host mortality was reduced in recently burned areas, indicating that the loss of tall, mature host canopies may temporarily dampen pathogen transmission and ‘release’ susceptible species from significant inoculum pressure.

Synthesis. Cumulatively, our findings indicate that fire history has contributed to heterogeneous patterns of biotic disturbance and disease‐related decline across this landscape, via changes to the both the occurrence of available hosts and the demography of epidemiologically important host populations. These results highlight that human‐altered abiotic disturbances may play a foundational role in structuring infectious disease dynamics, contributing to future outbreak emergence and driving biotic disturbance regimes.
Addition of nitrogen to canopy versus understorey has different effects on leaf traits of understorey plants in a subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest
Authors: Tang Songbo , Zhang Lingling , Lambers Hans , Ren Wendan , Lu Xiaofei , Hou Enqing , Fu Shenglei , Kuang Yuanwen
Published: August 2020

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has substantial effects on forest ecosystems. The effects of N deposition on understorey plants have been simulated by spraying N on the forest floor. Such understorey addition of N (UAN) might simulate atmospheric N deposition in a biased manner, because it bypasses the canopy.

We compared the effects of UAN and canopy addition of N (CAN) at 0, 25 and 50 kg N ha−1 year–1 on SLA, leaf construction costs (CC), concentrations of leaf carbon ([C]), nitrogen ([N]), phosphorus ([P]), minerals ([Mineral]), nitrate ([]), lignin ([Lignin]), lipids ([Lipid]), organic acids ([OA]), soluble phenolics ([SP]), total non‐structural carbohydrates ([TNC]) and total structural carbohydrates ([TSC]) in six dominant understorey species in a subtropical evergreen forest after 5 years of N treatments.

We found that leaf CC, [C], [Lignin], [OA], [TNC] and [TSC] were significantly affected by N addition approach and rate, but leaf [P] and [Lipid] were affected by N addition approach and N addition rate respectively; leaf CC, [C], [P], [OA] and [TNC] were significantly lower under UAN than under CAN, but leaf [TSC] and [Lignin] were significantly higher and lower, respectively, under UAN than under CAN at 50 kg N ha−1 year–1; the decline of leaf [C] and [Lignin] contributed to the significantly lower leaf CC under UAN than under CAN.

Synthesis. We show that canopy and understorey N addition exerted significantly different effects on leaf traits of understorey plants. The results indicate that understorey plants in subtropical forest respond differently to UAN from those to atmospheric deposition of N. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the unbiased ecological processes and functions of forest ecosystem responding to atmospheric N deposition via both CAN and UAN experiments over a longer term.
Sex and Race Biases in Allocation of Advanced Heart Failure Therapies
Authors: Breathett K. , Yee E. , Pool N. , Hebdon M. , Crist J. , Yee R. , Knapp S. , Solola S. , Luy L. , Herrera‐Theut K. , Zabala L. , Stone J. , McEwen M. , Calhoun E. , Sweitzer N.
Published: August 2020

Research Objective

Racial bias influences allocation of advanced heart failure therapies, heart transplants, and ventricular assist devices (VAD). It is unknown whether sex and racial biases influence the allocation of advanced therapies among women. The objective is to determine whether the intersection of patient sex and race influences clinicians' decision making during the allocation of advanced heart failure therapies.

Study Design

Participants were randomized to clinical vignettes which varied by patient race (23 African American, 23 White) and sex (40 women, 6 men), with purposeful target of women vignettes in order to compare with prior studies. Participants were interviewed about their decision making process using the think‐aloud technique and provided supplemental surveys. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory methodology, and surveys were analyzed with t tests.

Population Studied

U.S. members of an international heart transplant organization.

Principal Findings

Allocation differences centered upon five themes. First, clinicians’ critiqued the appearance of the women more harshly than men as overall impressions. Second, the African American man was perceived as sicker than other racial/sex groups. Third, there was more concern regarding appropriateness of prior care of the African American woman compared to the White woman. Fourth, there were greater concerns about adequacy of social support of the women. Children were perceived as liabilities for women, particularly the African American woman. Family dynamics and finances were greater concerns for the African American woman. Spouses were deemed inadequate support for women. Last, participants recommended VAD over transplant for all racial/sex groups. Surveys demonstrated similar final recommendations.

Conclusions

Despite identical clinical vignettes, the decision making process varied by patient sex and race. Women patients were judged more harshly by their appearance and adequacy of social support, particularly the African American woman.

Implications for Policy or Practice

Future research should investigate whether objective assessments of social support lead to equity in advanced therapy allocation.

Primary Funding Source

National Institutes of Health.
A thorough study of a Paratylenchus sp. in glasshouse‐grown lettuce: Characterisation, population dynamics, host plants and damage threshold as keys to its integrated management
Authors: Claerbout Jolien , Vandevelde Isabel , Venneman Sofie , Kigozi Andrew , de Sutter Nancy , Neukermans Jenny , Bleyaert Peter , Bert Wim , Höfte Monica , Viaene Nicole
Published: August 2020

In glasshouses practising monoculture of butterhead lettuce in Belgium, high densities of pin nematodes (Paratylenchus spp.) are frequently associated with reduced plant growth. Growers currently apply chemical soil disinfestation measures to manage this problem, although stricter phytosanitary regulations are forcing a shift towards integrated management. Efficient implementation of such management requires knowledge about the factors influencing nematode population dynamics, and the damage threshold for lettuce. The nematode populations in five Belgian glasshouses were monitored for at least 1 year by frequently soil sampling at 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm depth. An undescribed species of Paratylenchus was identified in all glasshouses based on morphological and molecular features. High nematode densities (>20,000 (100 ml soil)−1) occurred in winter and spring. Chemical soil disinfestation lowered these populations greatly, although up to 14% survived in the deeper soil layer. After soil steaming under negative pressure, no pin nematodes were found. After 2 months of black fallow pin nematode densities were reduced by 50%–76%. Lamb's lettuce, parsley and wild rocket were found to be poor hosts in a pot experiment, while reproduction factors (Pf/Pi) on lettuce cultivars varied between 1 and 3. In three experiments with butterhead lettuce ‘Cosmopolia’ in pots with a series of 9 or 10 densities of Paratylenchus sp. [up to 35,000 (100 ml soil)−1], no damage to lettuce heads was observed. However, root weight and root quality were reduced, and the corresponding damage thresholds were rather low [1,754 and 362 Paratylenchus sp. (100 ml soil)−1, respectively]. Management strategies such as crop rotation, soil disinfestation or fallow are recommended to avoid pin nematode population build‐up.
RAGE and TLR4 differentially regulate airway hyperresponsiveness: Implications for COPD
Authors: Allam Venkata Sita Rama Raju , Faiz Alen , Lam Maggie , Rathnayake Senani N. H. , Ditz Benedikt , Pouwels Simon D. , Brandsma Corry‐Anke , Timens Wim , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Tew Gaik W. , Neighbors Margaret , Grimbaldeston Michele , van den Berge Maarten , Donnelly Sheila , Phipps Simon , Bourke Jane E. , Sukkar Maria B.
Published: August 2020

Background

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is implicated in COPD. Although these receptors share common ligands and signalling pathways, it is not known whether they act in concert to drive pathological processes in COPD. We examined the impact of RAGE and/or TLR4 gene deficiency in a mouse model of COPD and also determined whether expression of these receptors correlates with airway neutrophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in COPD patients.

Methods

We measured airway inflammation and AHR in wild‐type, RAGE−/−, TLR4−/− and TLR4−/−RAGE−/− mice following acute exposure to cigarette smoke (CS). We also examined the impact of smoking status on AGER (encodes RAGE) and TLR4 bronchial gene expression in patients with and without COPD. Finally, we determined whether expression of these receptors correlates with airway neutrophilia and AHR in COPD patients.

Results

RAGE−/− mice were protected against CS‐induced neutrophilia and AHR. In contrast, TLR4−/− mice were not protected against CS‐induced neutrophilia and had more severe CS‐induced AHR. TLR4−/−RAGE−/− mice were not protected against CS‐induced neutrophilia but were partially protected against CS‐induced mediator release and AHR. Current smoking was associated with significantly lower AGER and TLR4 expression irrespective of COPD status, possibly reflecting negative feedback regulation. However, consistent with preclinical findings, AGER expression correlated with higher sputum neutrophil counts and more severe AHR in COPD patients. TLR4 expression did not correlate with neutrophilic inflammation or AHR.

Conclusions

Inhibition of RAGE but not TLR4 signalling may protect against airway neutrophilia and AHR in COPD.
Novel hydrogen‐producing Si‐based agent reduces oxidative stress, and improves sperm motility and in vitro fertilization rate in varicocoele
Authors: Inagaki Yusuke , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Imamura Ryoichi , Kobayashi Yuki , Kuribayashi Sohei , Okada Koichi , Sekii Yosuke , Takezawa Kentaro , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Uemura Motohide , Kobayashi Hikaru , Nonomura Norio
Published: August 2020

Background

Varicocoele‐induced male infertility potentially involves oxidative stress. Although varicocoelectomy is recommended for varicocoele patients presenting abnormal semen findings, no pharmacotherapeutic methods currently exist. We have recently developed a silicon‐based agent that produces hydrogen by the reaction with water.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of oral administration of a Si‐based agent on varicocoele rat.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐one rats were divided into four groups: varicocoele + normal diet (n = 5), varicocoele + Si‐based agent‐supplemented diet (n = 6), sham + normal diet (n = 5), and sham + Si‐based agent‐supplemented diet (n = 5). All rats were euthanized four weeks after surgery.

Results

The mean left epididymal sperm motility was 74.4% in the sham group, 72.3% in the sham + Si group, 57.6% in the varicocoele group, and 66.9% in the varicocoele + Si group. Epididymal sperm motility was significantly lower in the varicocoele group, but was significantly higher upon Si‐based agent ingestion (P < .01). The mean left testicular weight, Johnsen's score, and left epididymal sperm concentration did not differ significantly between groups. The 8‐OHdG concentration and DNA fragmentation rate were significantly increased in the varicocoele group, but were significantly decreased in the Si‐based agent intake group (P < .01). Additionally, the IVF rate was significantly lower in the varicocoele group (26.3%) compared with the sham group (73.4%; P < .01), and was significantly higher in the varicocoele + Si group (51.8%) compared with the varicocoele group (P < .05), indicating that the Si‐based agent improves IVF rates.

Discussion and conclusion

Oral intake of the silicon‐based agent improves epididymal sperm motility and in vitro fertilization rates through hydrogen production and subsequent reduction of oxidative stress. Considering the lack of effective noninvasive methods, this Si‐based agent is potentially applicable for treating varicocoele‐induced abnormal semen parameters.
The ethical consequences of “going dark”
Authors: Spinello Richard A.
Published: August 2020

The adoption of hyper‐strong encryption for mobile devices, such as the iPhone, has reignited debate about the need for exceptional access and the relative priority of privacy rights. Many software programs and algorithms are not neutral but “value‐laden,” and unbreakable encryption software virtually absolutizes the right to privacy, though it has justified limits in ethics and law. High tech companies have resisted any exceptional access solutions and generally opposed cooperation with law enforcement agencies for the sake of protecting the data of their customers. We argue that this strategy is ethically flawed based on the priority of the right to physical security over the right to privacy along with the need to ensure peace and order in the name of the common good. To support this line of reasoning we amplify the undifferentiated conception of the common good presented in the literature and sketch out the grounds for limiting rights based on the need to conform to the just requirements of the public order in a democratic society. The discussion culminates in a proposal for an exceptional access scheme that has the potential to minimize risk to innocent users.
Covariate‐driven factorization by thresholding for multiblock data
Authors: Gao Xing , Lee Sungwon , Li Gen , Jung Sungkyu
Published: August 2020

Multiblock data, where multiple groups of variables from different sources are observed for a common set of subjects, are routinely collected in many areas of science. Methods for joint factorization of such multiblock data are being developed to explore the potentially joint variation structure of the data. While most of the existing work focuses on delineating joint components, shared across all data blocks, from individual components, which is only relevant to a single data block, we propose to model and estimate partially joint components across some, but not all, data blocks. If covariates, with potential multiblock structures, are available, then the components are further modeled to be driven by the covariate information. To estimate such a covariate‐driven, block‐structured factor model, we propose an iterative algorithm based on thresholding, by transforming the problem of signal segmentation into a grouped variable selection problem. The proposed factorization provides accurate estimation of individual and (partially) joint structures in multiblock data, as confirmed by simulation studies. In the analysis of a real multiblock genomic dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas project, we demonstrate that the estimated block structures provide straightforward interpretation and facilitate subsequent analyses.
High blood pressure in pregnancy, DNA methylation, and later blood pressure in African American women enrolled in the InterGEN Study
Authors: Barcelona Veronica , Wang Zeyuan , Crusto Cindy , Hui Qin , Sun Yan V. , Taylor Jacquelyn Y.
Published: August 2020

Background

Few studies have examined the effects of high blood pressure (BP) in pregnancy, preeclampsia, or eclampsia on later BP, and the epigenetics of this phenomenon is similarly poorly understood, especially among African Americans. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between high BP in pregnancy, epigenomics, and later BP in African American women in the InterGEN Study (n = 250).

Methods

In cross‐sectional analyses, regression and linear mixed‐effects models were employed to examine the effects of high BP in pregnancy on: (a) epigenetic associations (DNA methylation) and (b) BP 3‐5 years after birth. The 850K Illumina EPIC BeadChip was used for evaluating epigenome‐wide DNA methylation. High BP in pregnancy, preeclampsia, or eclampsia was self‐reported by women, and BP was measured 3‐5 years after birth, per JNC‐7 guidelines. DNA methylation and clinical BP were the main outcomes.

Results

Mean age of enrolled women was 31.2 years, 21.8% were smokers, 58% had some college or higher education, 46.6% reported an annual income <$15 000, and 13.6% reported high BP in pregnancy. After adjustment for obesity, smoking, and age, women with a history of high BP in pregnancy had significantly higher BP than those who did not report this complication (5.39 ± 2.4 mm Hg, P = .030). Epigenome‐wide analysis revealed no significant sites after multiple testing correction.

Conclusions

We observed a small, but clinically significant, increase in BP in women who reported high BP in pregnancy 3‐5 years after that pregnancy. Future studies with larger sample sizes should examine epigenetic contributions to this finding.
Neutropenia in patients with hyperthyroidism: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Maiorino Maria Ida , Maio Antonietta , Esposito Katherine , Bellastella Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective

Neutropenia, a low absolute neutrophil count (ANC), may be a sign of new‐onset hyperthyroidism. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to provide the most reliable estimates of prevalence, degree and response to treatments of neutropenia in the pure hyperthyroidism setting.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Scopus databases for retrieving articles in English and non‐English languages reporting ANC values/neutropenic cases at presentation and after therapy in patients with hyperthyroidism. A proportion meta‐analysis was performed with DerSimonian and Laird method (random‐effects model). Pooled data were presented with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and displayed in a forest plot. I2 statistic index was used to quantify the heterogeneity among the studies. Sensitivity analyses for the prevalence of neutropenia and the mean of ANC in hyperthyroid patients were performed by excluding the studies without full details. Trim and fill analysis and Egger's linear regression test were carried out to evaluate the publication bias. A two‐sided P‐value of <.05 was regarded as significant for all analyses. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies included.

Results

The literature search yielded 1880 studies of which 13 studies were included for systematic review and meta‐analysis. Results of the meta‐analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of neutropenia in newly diagnosed and untreated patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism was 10% (CI 5%‐19%, I2 88.6%) and summary mean ANC value in neutropenic was 1.4 ± 0.3 × 109/L. In all neutropenic patients under ATD therapy neutropenia resolved, thus without the worsening of the baseline ANC values or the development of agranulocytosis. The sensitivity analyses showed similar results as those of the main analyses. For all outcomes, the publication bias was not statistically significant or not calculable.

Conclusions

Graves’ disease per se is associated with neutropenia in about 10% of cases. Neutropenia usually appears as a mild to moderate laboratory abnormality with no detectable consequences. Subnormal/mild neutropenia should not be regarded as a contraindication to use ATDs, and clinicians should know that treating hyperthyroidism they have a significant chance to normalize ANC too.
‘It's so much better than contact’: A qualitative study exploring children and young people's experiences of a sibling camp in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rogers Justin Mark , Ali Mariya
Published: August 2020

This article explores children and young people's experiences of a sibling camp based in the United Kingdom. Sibling camps are an intervention based on children's activity holidays that aim to promote meaningful contact for siblings separated in public care. This study adopted a qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews with 11 children and young people; this included one sibling group of three and four sibling groups of two. The children's ages ranged from 8 to 17 years old, and they had all attended at least one camp with their sibling. Findings highlighted how the children valued the extended time they could spend with their siblings at camp, and how they felt this enabled them to better understand their siblings and improve their relationships. Findings also showed how the children developed close supportive relationships with the staff at the camps, who ensured they were cared for, and they also supported them with managing their relationships, which some participants acknowledged at times could be challenging. The participants also valued spending time with other sibling groups who also experienced separation. The study found camps provided a space for these children to maintain links with their siblings and to strengthen their sibling bonds.
Novel pathogenic EIF2S3 missense variants causing clinically variable MEHMO syndrome with impaired eIF2γ translational function, and literature review
Authors: Kotzaeridou Urania , Young‐Baird Sara K. , Suckow Vanessa , Thornburg Alexis G. , Wagner Matias , Harting Inga , Christ Stine , Strom Tim , Dever Thomas E. , Kalscheuer Vera M.
Published: August 2020

Rare pathogenic EIF2S3 missense and terminal deletion variants cause the X‐linked intellectual disability (ID) syndrome MEHMO, or a milder phenotype including pancreatic dysfunction and hypopituitarism. We present two unrelated male patients who carry novel EIF2S3 pathogenic missense variants (p.(Thr144Ile) and p.(Ile159Leu)) thereby broadening the limited genetic spectrum and underscoring clinically variable expressivity of MEHMO. While the affected male with p.(Thr144Ile) presented with severe motor delay, severe microcephaly, moderate ID, epileptic seizures responsive to treatments, hypogenitalism, central obesity, facial features, and diabetes, the affected male with p.(Ile159Leu) presented with moderate ID, mild motor delay, microcephaly, epileptic seizures resistant to treatment, central obesity, and mild facial features. Both variants are located in the highly conserved guanine nucleotide binding domain of the EIF2S3 encoded eIF2γ subunit of the heterotrimeric translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) complex. Further, we investigated both variants in a structural model and in yeast. The reduced growth rates and lowered fidelity of translation with increased initiation at non‐AUG codons observed for both mutants in these studies strongly support pathogenicity of the variants.
Development of a new expanded next‐generation sequencing panel for genetic diseases involved in dyslipidemia
Authors: Marmontel Oriane , Rollat‐Farnier Pierre Antoine , Wozny Anne‐Sophie , Charrière Sybil , Vanhoye Xavier , Simonet Thomas , Chatron Nicolas , Collin‐Chavagnac Delphine , Nony Séverine , Dumont Sabrina , Mahl Muriel , Jacobs Chantal , Janin Alexandre , Caussy Cyrielle , Poinsot Pierre , Tauveron Igor , Bardel Claire , Millat Gilles , Peretti Noël , Moulin Philippe , Marçais Christophe , Di Filippo Mathilde
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to provide an efficient tool: reliable, able to increase the molecular diagnosis performance, to facilitate the detection of copy number variants (CNV), to assess genetic risk scores (wGRS) and to offer the opportunity to explore candidate genes. Custom SeqCap EZ libraries, NextSeq500 sequencing and a homemade pipeline enable the analysis of 311 dyslipidemia‐related genes. In the training group (48 DNA from patients with a well‐established molecular diagnosis), this next‐generation sequencing (NGS) workflow showed an analytical sensitivity >99% (n = 532 variants) without any false negative including a partial deletion of one exon. In the prospective group, from 25 DNA from patients without prior molecular analyses, 18 rare variants were identified in the first intention panel genes, allowing the diagnosis of monogenic dyslipidemia in 11 patients. In six other patients, the analysis of minor genes and wGRS determination provided a hypothesis to explain the dyslipidemia. Remaining data from the whole NGS workflow identified four patients with potentially deleterious variants. This NGS process gives a major opportunity to accede to an enhanced understanding of the genetic of dyslipidemia by simultaneous assessment of multiple genetic determinants.
Arteriovenous malformation phenotype resembling congenital hemangioma contains KRAS mutations
Authors: Sudduth Christopher L. , McGuire Anna M. , Smits Patrick J. , Konczyk Dennis J. , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Fishman Steven J. , Greene Arin K.
Published: August 2020

Extracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is most commonly caused by a somatic mutation in MAP2K1. We report two patients with vascular anomalies that had an unclear clinical diagnosis most consistent with either an AVM or congenital hemangioma. Lesions were cutaneous, reddish‐purple with telangiectasias, present at birth, and had defined borders. Histopathology indicated AVM and both lesions contained somatic KRAS mutations. A rare AVM phenotype exists that shares clinical features with congenital hemangioma.
Randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of splinting crowns on short implants in the mandible 3 years after loading
Authors: Al‐Sawaf Omar , Tuna Taskin , Rittich Anne , Kern Thomas , Wolfart Stefan
Published: August 2020

Objective

To compare the radiographic marginal bone loss and clinical parameters of splinted and non‐splinted fixed dental prostheses on short implants in the posterior region of the lower jaw 3 years after loading.

Material and Methods

Twenty patients, 15 female and five males, with uni‐ or bilateral free‐end situations in the mandible participated in the study. Two short implants (7 mm) in the posterior mandible were placed and patients were randomized to receive splinted (n = 11) or non‐splinted (n = 13) cemented crowns. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was assessed on radiographs taken with customized positioning jigs at baseline, 1 and 3 years after loading. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured. (ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT03558347).

Results

After 3‐year survival rate of altogether 48 implants was 100% for both groups. Success rate (according to Papaspyridakos, Chen, Singh, Weber, & Gallucci, 2012) was 84.6% for non‐splinted and 86.4% for splinted implants. At restoration level survival rate was 100% for both groups. Marginal bone level changes showed mean gain of 0.3 ± 0.8 mm for non‐splinted and 0.1 ± 0.5 mm for splinted implants 3 years after loading. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in PI, GI, PD, BOP, and marginal bone loss between both groups (p > .05).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that splinting crowns on short implants neither seems to affect the amount of marginal bone loss nor peri‐implant health 3 years after loading.
Genistein‐Calcitriol Mitigates Hyperosmotic Stress‐Induced TonEBP, CFTR Dysfunction, VDR Degradation and Inflammation in Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Panigrahi Trailokyanath , D’Souza Sharon , Shetty Rohit , Padmanabhan Nair Archana , Ghosh Anuprita , Jacob Remington Nelson Everette , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Sethu Swaminathan
Published: August 2020

Dry eye disease (DED) signs and symptoms are causally associated with increased ocular surface (OS) inflammation. Modulation of key regulators of aberrant OS inflammation is of interest for clinical management. We investigated the status and the potential to harness key endogenous protective factors, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in hyperosmotic stress‐associated inflammation in patients with DED and in vitro. Conjunctival impression cytology samples from control subjects (n = 11) and patients with DED (n = 15) were used to determine the status of hyperosmotic stress (TonEBP/NFAT5), inflammation (IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17A/F, TNFα, MMP9, and MCP1), VDR, and intracellular chloride ion (GLRX5) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and/or immunofluorescence. Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were used to study the effect of CFTR activator (genistein) and vitamin D (calcitriol) in hyperosmotic stress (HOs)‐induced response in vitro. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of these proteins, along with p‐p38. Significantly, higher expression of inflammatory factors, TonEBP, GLRX5, and reduced VDR were observed in patients with DED and in HOs‐induced HCECs in vitro. Expression of TonEBP positively correlated with expression of inflammatory genes in DED. Increased TonEBP and GLRX5 provides confirmation of osmotic stress and chloride ion imbalance in OS epithelium in DED. These along with reduced VDR suggests dysregulated OS homeostasis in DED. Combination of genistein and calcitriol reduced HOs‐induced TonEBP, inflammatory gene expression, and p‐p38, and abated VDR degradation in HCECs. Henceforth, this combination should be further explored for its relevance in the management of DED.
Effect of Common Medications on the Expression of SARS‐CoV‐2 Entry Receptors in Kidney Tissue
Authors: Saheb Sharif‐Askari Narjes , Saheb Sharif‐Askari Fatemeh , Alabed Mashael , Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Loney Tom , Uddin Mohammed , Senok Abiola , Al Heialy Saba , Hamoudi Rifat , Kashour Tarek , Alsheikh‐Ali Alawi , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih
Published: August 2020

Besides the respiratory system, severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection was shown to affect other essential organs such as the kidneys. Early kidney involvement during the course of infection was associated with worse outcomes, which could be attributed to the direct SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of kidney cells. In this study, the effect of commonly used medications on the expression of SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)2, and TMPRSS2 protein in kidney tissues was evaluated. This was done by in silico analyses of publicly available transcriptomic databases of kidney tissues of rats treated with multiple doses of commonly used medications. Of 59 tested medications, 56% modified ACE2 expression, whereas 24% modified TMPRSS2 expression. ACE2 was increased with only a few of the tested medication groups, namely the renin‐angiotensin inhibitors, such as enalapril, antibacterial agents, such as nitrofurantoin, and the proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole. The majority of the other medications decreased ACE2 expression to variable degrees with allopurinol and cisplatin causing the most noticeable downregulation. The expression level of TMPRSS2 was increased with a number of medications, such as diclofenac, furosemide, and dexamethasone, whereas other medications, such as allopurinol, suppressed the expression of this gene. The prolonged exposure to combinations of these medications could regulate the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in a way that may affect kidney susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Data presented here suggest that we should be vigilant about the potential effects of commonly used medications on kidney tissue expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Postmastectomy Lymphedema: A Literature Review
Authors: Chen Kuo , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y. , Reshetov Igor V. , Timashev Petr , Gu Yuanting , Mu Lan , Lu Pengwei , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: August 2020

Upper limb lymphedema is one of the most common complications after breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy. Despite various physical therapy and surgical options available, the impaired lymph fluid drainage may be progressive due to lymphatic vascular insufficiency making treatment more difficulty. Stem cell therapy provides a promising alternative in the treatment of various chronic diseases. The wide applicability of cell therapy has been reviewed throughout literature. This review provides an overview of recent progress in the therapeutic effect of adult stem cells for primary and secondary lymphedema after breast surgery in preclinical studies and clinical cases. We start with a brief introduction about the pathophysiological mechanisms of postmastectomy lymphedema. Regarding existing treatments, we systematically summarize the benefits and limitations of recent progress. Because of their multidirectional differentiation potential and growth factor secretion, stem cell therapy shows promising results in the management of light to severe lymphedema. Increasing evidences have demonstrated a noticeable reduction in postmastectomy lymphedema and increased lymph‐angiogenesis after specific stem cell therapy. Current data suggests that stem cell therapy in lymphedema treatment provides reversal of pathological reorganization associated with lymphedema progression. Finally, we propose potential strategies for overcoming the challenges in the development of multipotent progenitor cells for the treatment and prevention of lymphedema in clinical practice.
A minority group's response to a severe climatic event: a case study of rural Indo‐Fijians after Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016
Authors: Nakamura Naohiro , Kanemasu Yoko
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Winston (2016) on rural Indo‐Fijians and their response to the devastation. Studies have previously examined how rural communities in Pacific Island countries respond to severe climatic events, arguing that traditional knowledge of the climate, together with indigenous techniques, contribute substantially to recovery from a disaster. Strong communal bonds have also been identified as an influencing factor. Disaster risk reduction frameworks often assume the availability of such knowledge and capital. Yet, little research has been done on how minority groups with limited access to such knowledge and capital cope with disaster‐related damage. The current study shows that rural Indo‐Fijians responded to the consequences of Tropical Cyclone Winston differently to indigenous Fijians, owing to relatively limited access to traditional awareness of the climate, communal labour sharing, and intra‐ and/or inter‐community networks. The findings point to the necessity to implement a more inclusive disaster risk reduction framework.
Factors influencing hospital conveyance following ambulance attendance for people with diabetes: A retrospective observational study
Authors: van Woerden H. , Bucholc M. , Clubbs Coldron B. , Coates V. , Heaton J. , McCann M. , Perrin N. , Waterson R. , Watson A. , MacRury S.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To assess variables contributing to hospital conveyance for people with diabetes and the interactions between them. A secondary aim was to generate hypotheses for further research into interventions that might reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Methods

A national retrospective data set including 30 999 diabetes‐related callouts from the Scottish Ambulance Service was utilized covering a 5‐year period between 2013 and 2017. The relationship between diabetes‐related hospital conveyance and seven potential risk factors was analysed. Independent variables included: age, gender, deprivation, paramedic attendance, treatment at the scene, first blood glucose measurement and day of the week.

Results

In Scotland, hyperglycaemia was associated with a higher number of people being conveyed to hospital than hypoglycaemia (49.8% with high blood glucose vs. 39.3% with low glucose, P ≤ 0.0001). Treatment provided in pre‐hospital care was associated with reduced conveyance rates (47.3% vs. 58.2% where treatment was not administered, P ≤ 0.0001). Paramedic attendance was also associated with reduced conveyance to hospital (51.4% vs. 59.5% where paramedic was not present, P ≤ 0.0001). Paramedic attendance in hyperglycaemic cases was associated with significantly reduced odds of conveyance (odds ratio 0.52, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

A higher rate of conveyance associated with hyperglycaemic cases indicates a need for more resources, education and training in this area. Higher conveyance rates were also associated with no paramedic being present and no treatment being administered. This suggests that paramedic attendance may be crucial in reducing avoidable admissions. Developing and validating protocols for pre‐hospital services and treatment may help to reduce hospital conveyance rates.
Can an interactive case‐based activity help bridge the theory‐practice gap in operative dentistry?
Authors: Chutinan Supattriya , Kim Jiyeon , Chien Tiffany , Meyer Helen Yang , Ohyama Hiroe
Published: August 2020

Introduction

A theory‐practice gap in pre‐doctoral dental education is a common source of stress for dental students. An interactive, small‐group, case‐based activity was designed to bridge the gap between pre‐clinical and clinical experiences. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the case‐based activity by evaluating students' comfort level in operative procedures.

Materials and Methods

Over 5 years, a total of 172 second‐year students from the classes of 2017 through 2021 participated in the case‐based activity delivered after the completion of the core operative dentistry course. The exercise included a pre‐activity online quiz, an in‐class case‐based session and a laboratory exercise. Students' self‐reported comfort levels in performing operative procedures were collected by surveys at three different times. They included thepost‐coursesurvey distributed after the completion of the core operative dentistry course, thepost‐activitysurvey distributed after the completion of the case‐based activity, and thefollow‐upsurvey distributed after students completed their first operative procedures in clinic.

Results

There was a 93% response rate. The average rating of all eight statements revealed statistically significant increase in students' comfort level after completing the case‐based activity and after performing their first operative procedures in the teaching practice.

Conclusion

This observation suggests that the case‐based activity was effective in raising students' comfort levels. The activity may serve as an important tool in bridging the theory‐practice gap between pre‐clinical and clinical operative experiences.