bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current and future strategies for treatment of ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Ogasawara Aiko , Sato Sho , Hasegawa Kosei
Published: June 2020

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is one of the five histological types of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). OCCC comprises 23% of all EOC cases in Japan, whereas the rate of OCCC in North America and Europe is much lower. OCCC is generally categorized as a rare gynecologic malignancy, and there is limited evidence for specific treatment. The clinical basis for treatment of OCCC is mostly based on retrospective studies, many of which were performed in Japan. Until recently, most randomized clinical trials for EOC have included OCCC; therefore, current treatment for OCCC is basically the same as that for other histologic types of EOC. However, the clinical characteristics of OCCC differ from those of high‐grade serous carcinoma, particularly for chemosensitivity, and there is a need to develop new treatment for OCCC. The molecular background of OCCC has unique features: tumors are usually negative for p53 mutations and positive for ARID1A and/or PIK3CA mutations, whereas p53 mutations are common in high‐grade serous or endometrioid carcinomas. These features may help in development of new treatment for OCCC. In this review, we described the current evidence for treatment of OCCC, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and we discuss ongoing clinical trials and preclinical studies of new treatment approaches for OCCC.
Fossil pinnae, sporangia, and spores of Osmunda from the Eocene of South China and their implications for biogeography and paleoecology
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yan , Wang Yong‐Dong , Wang Li , Zhou Ning , Li Li‐Qin , Jin Jian‐Hua
Published: June 2020

The genus Osmunda L. contains approximately 10 extant species widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions, with the greatest concentration of species in East and Southeast Asia. Osmunda is characterized by dimorphic or commonly hemidimorphic fronds with dimorphic pinnae. Its geological history has been traced back to the Triassic. Most records of the genus are based on rhizomes and rarely on pinnae bearing sporangia and spores. Here, we describe fossil pinnae, sporangia, and spores of Osmunda lignitum (Giebel) Stur recovered from the middle Eocene of the Changchang Formation in the Changchang Basin, Hainan Island and the Youganwo Formation in the Maoming Basin, Guangdong, South China. The fossils closely resemble the extant Osmunda banksiifolia (C. Presl) Kuhn of the subgenus Plenasium on the basis of their morphological and anatomical structures. The present occurrence of O. lignitum indicates subg. Plenasium flourished and extended from the high latitude regions such as Northeast China to the low latitude areas of South China during the middle Eocene. Large numbers of specimens described here also indicate that Osmunda was the dominant understory fern element beneath mixed evergreen broad‐leaf angiosperm and gymnosperm forests living in a warm and humid environment.
Cumulative incidence and relative risk of sleep problems among children and adolescents with newly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders: A nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Hvolby Allan , Christensen Jakob , Gasse Christiane , Dalsgaard Søren , Dreier Julie Werenberg
Published: June 2020

We estimated the absolute and relative risk of sleep problems in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. This was a population‐based cohort study of individuals born in Denmark in 1993–2014 and followed in nationwide registers in 2011–2016. We estimated the 5‐year cumulative incidence of sleep problems in incident cases of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n = 12,844), autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 8,073), oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD; n = 2,234) and epilepsy (n = 3,709). Hazard ratios (HRs) for sleep problems were estimated by Cox regression. The 5‐year risk of sleep problems was highest in ADHD (29.2%; 95% CI, 28.4–30.1), ASD (24.2%; 95% CI, 23.1–25.3) and ODD/CD (27.1% 95% CI, 25.0%–29.2%) and lowest in epilepsy (11.3%; 95% CI, 10.2%–12.6%). For ADHD and ASD, sleep problems were more common in females than in males. Furthermore, sleep problems were predicted by high parental socioeconomic status and varied with the geographical region of residence, suggesting that different clinical practices exist across Denmark and that sleep problems may be more likely to go undetected in families of lower socioeconomic position. Compared with individuals without these disorders, the likelihood of sleep problems was increased in individuals with ADHD (HR, 33.81; 95% CI, 32.78–34.87), ASD (HR, 16.77; 95% CI, 16.15–17.41), ODD/CD (HR, 14.73; 95% CI, 13.88–15.64) and epilepsy (HR, 6.01; 95% CI, 5.67–6.37). After mutual adjustment for comorbidity, HRs were attenuated, especially in ASD, ODD/CD and epilepsy when adjusted for ADHD, suggesting that the increased risk of sleep problems in individuals with ASD, ODD/CD and epilepsy is driven largely by comorbid ADHD.
Stable HEV IgG seroprevalence in Belgium between 2006 and 2014
Authors: Ho Erwin , Schenk Julie , Hutse Veronik , Suin Vanessa , Litzroth Amber , Blaizot Stéphanie , Herzog Sereina A. , Verburgh Vera , Jacques Marjorie , Rahman Abbas , Michielsen Peter , Van Damme Pierre , Van Gucht Steven , Theeten Heidi , Hens Niel , Vanwolleghem Thomas
Published: June 2020

Recent European studies suggest an emergence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. We evaluated trends in birth cohort‐specific HEV seroprevalence and regional differences in Belgium. HEV IgG seroprevalence was analysed on national serum banks (1579 and 2087 samples for 2006 and 2014, respectively. Hepatitis E virus antigen was tested on positive samples. Observed data were modelled using a generalized additive model with a complementary log‐log link. No significant differences between birth cohorts or sexes were found. Modelling identified the individual's age and province as relevant factors. The probability of HEV seropositivity increases significantly with age. An estimated total of 434 819 (yearly rate of 54,352) (sero‐)infections were found between 2006 and 2014. Overall, HEV IgG seroprevalences were 4.1% (64/1579, 95% CI 3.1‐5.1) and 5.8% (121/2087, CI 4.8‐6.9) in 2006 and 2014, respectively. Observed HEV antigen seroprevalence was 0.027% (1/3666) for the entire cohort. These results show stable HEV IgG seroprevalence in Belgium.
First evidence for continuous circulation of hepatitis A virus subgenotype IIA in Central Africa
Authors: Abe Haruka , Ushijima Yuri , Bikangui Rodrigue , Ondo Georgelin N. , Zadeh Vahid R. , Pemba Christelle M. , Mpingabo Patrick I. , Igasaki Yui , de Vries Sophia G. , Grobusch Martin P. , Loembe Marguerite M. , Agnandji Selidji T. , Lell Bertrand , Yasuda Jiro
Published: June 2020

Although a high seroprevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been estimated in Central Africa, the current status of both HAV infections and seroprevalence of anti‐HAV antibodies remains unclear due to a paucity of surveillance data available. We conducted a serological survey during 2015‐2017 in Gabon, Central Africa, and confirmed a high seroprevalence of anti‐HAV antibodies in all age groups. To identify the currently circulating HAV strains and to reveal the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of the virus, we conducted molecular surveillance in a total of 1007 patients presenting febrile illness. Through HAV detection and sequencing, we identified subgenotype IIA (HAV‐IIA) infections in the country throughout the year. A significant prevalence trend emerged in the young child population, presenting several infection peaks which appeared to be unrelated to dry or rainy seasons. Whole‐genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed local HAV‐IIA evolutionary events in Central Africa, indicating the circulation of HAV‐IIA strains of a region‐specific lineage. Recombination analysis of complete genome sequences revealed potential recombination events in Gabonese HAV strains. Interestingly, Gabonese HAV‐IIA possibly acquired the 5’‐untranslated region (5’‐UTR) of the rare subgenotype HAV‐IIB in recent years, suggesting the present existence of HAV‐IIB in Central Africa. These findings indicate a currently stable HAV‐IIA circulation in Gabon, with a high risk of infections in children aged under 5 years. Our findings will enhance the understanding of the current status of HAV infections in Central Africa and provide new insight into the molecular epidemiology and evolution of HAV genotype II.
Real‐world safety and effectiveness of retreatment of Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients not responding to NS5A inhibitor‐based therapies
Authors: Yousif Monkez M. , Ahmed Hussien , Elsadek Hany M. , shendi Ali M. , Gouda Tamer M. , Elsayed Islam A. , Gendia Mohamed A. , Magdy Mahmoud M. , lbrahim Nevin F. , Sadek Ayman M. E. M. , Zaki Ayman M. , Shafeik Hamdy , Zahran Mahmoud H.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of two protocols for retreatment of a cohort of Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who relapsed after NS5A inhibitor‐based therapy. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the safety and efficacy of 12 weeks’ retreatment with either combination of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir/simeprevir plus ribavirin (SOF/DCV/SMV/RBV, n = 45) or sofosbuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus ribavirin (SOF/OBV/PTV/r/RBV, n = 163) in patients who had previously failed NS5A inhibitors‐based regimens. The primary end point was SVR 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Safety follow‐up data were recorded for 60 weeks after the end of treatment. Two hundred‐eight patients were included in the study. Of them, 53.4% of patients were females and 40.4% had liver cirrhosis. The most common prior drug combinations were sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (n = 94) and sofosbuvir/daclatasvir plus ribavirin (n = 109). The overall SVR12 rates were 98.1%. In SOF/DCV/SMV/RBV group, 95.6% achieved SVR12, while in SOF/OBV/PTV/r/RBV group, the SVR12 rates were 98.8%. SVR12 was higher in cirrhotic patients (84/84) than noncirrhotic (120/124), P value = .0149. Regarding the safety outcomes, anaemia and fatigue were significantly higher in SOF/OBV/PTV/r/RBV group. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was reported in eight (3.8%) patients (four in each group). Of them, death was confirmed in four patients. Retreatment of Egyptian CHC relapsed patients with either sofosbuvir/daclatasvir/simeprevir plus ribavirin or sofosbuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus ribavirin is highly effective and well‐tolerated for both noncirrhotic and compensated cirrhotic patients. Incidental de novo HCC and hepatic decompensation are comparable in the two groups.
Roe deer on ice: Selection despite limited effective population size through the Pleistocene
Authors: Alexander Alana , Dutoit Ludovic
Published: June 2020

Roe deer (Capreolus spp.) are a little odd. They are one of only a few placental mammals—and the only genus among even‐toed ungulates—capable of putting embryonic development “on ice”, also known as embryonic diapause (Figure 1). It would seem such an unusual trait is probably the product of natural selection, but a big question is, how does selection for important traits, such as diapause, interact with the historical demography of a species? In a ‘From the Cover’ article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, de Jong et al. (2020) demonstrate that selection is acting on genes associated with reproductive biology in roe deer, despite heightened genetic drift due to reduced effective population size through the Pleistocene.
Host functional and phylogenetic composition rather than host diversity structure plant–herbivore networks
Authors: Wang Ming‐Qiang , Li Yi , Chesters Douglas , Bruelheide Helge , Ma Keping , Guo Peng‐Fei , Zhou Qing‐Song , Staab Michael , Zhu Chao‐Dong , Schuldt Andreas
Published: June 2020

Declining plant diversity alters ecological networks, such as plant–herbivore interactions. However, our knowledge of the potential mechanisms underlying effects of plant species loss on plant–herbivore network structure is still limited. We used DNA barcoding to identify herbivore–host plant associations along declining levels of tree diversity in a large‐scale, subtropical biodiversity experiment. We tested for effects of tree species richness, host functional and phylogenetic diversity, and host functional (leaf trait) and phylogenetic composition on species, phylogenetic and network composition of herbivore communities. We found that phylogenetic host composition and related palatability/defence traits but not tree species richness significantly affected herbivore communities and interaction network complexity at both the species and community levels. Our study indicates that evolutionary dependencies and functional traits of host plants determine the composition of higher trophic levels and corresponding interaction networks in species‐rich ecosystems. Our findings highlight that characteristics of the species lost have effects on ecosystem structure and functioning across trophic levels that cannot be predicted from mere reductions in species richness.
DNA barcoding and community assembly—A simple solution to a complex problem
Authors: Kennedy Susan R. , Krehenwinkel Henrik
Published: June 2020

Identifying the current and past processes driving community assembly is critical in the effort to understand the Earth's biodiversity and its response to future environmental change. But while studies on community assembly often emphasize the role of contemporary ecological drivers, it has been particularly challenging to account for the effects of past processes in shaping present‐day communities. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Hao et al. (2020) provide a holistic analysis of factors driving the assembly of diverse communities of Lepidoptera in two mountain ranges in northeastern China. The authors use an impressively large data set and exceptionally comprehensive analyses to test how processes of range expansion and gene flow, speciation and extinction, dispersal limitation, environmental filtering and competition have led to present‐day diversity patterns. A key novelty of this work is the exhaustive use of DNA barcodes, relatively simple yet powerful molecular markers, to tackle complex biological questions. The authors elegantly show the utility of DNA barcoding data for research beyond simple taxonomic assignment. Their approach is remarkable as it manages to integrate population genetics, phylogenetic history, species diversity and ecology into a well‐rounded picture of community assembly. With this work, Hao et al. demonstrate the great promise of DNA barcoding for exhaustive community analysis of even highly diverse and complex systems, raising the bar for future research.
Chances for learning intraprofessional collaboration between residents in hospitals
Authors: Looman Natasja , Fluit Cornelia , van Wijngaarden Marielle , de Groot Esther , Dielissen Patrick , van Asselt Dieneke , de Graaf Jacqueline , Scherpbier‐de Haan Nynke
Published: June 2020

Context

Intraprofessional collaboration (intraPC) between primary care (PC) doctors and medical specialists (MSs) is becoming increasingly important. Patient safety issues are often related to intraPC. In order to equip doctors well for their task of providing good quality and continuity of care, intraPC needs explicit attention, starting in postgraduate training. Worldwide, PC residents undertake a hospital placement during their postgraduate training, where they work in proximity with MS residents. This placement offers the opportunity to learn intraPC. It is yet unknown whether and how residents learn intraPC and what barriers to and opportunities for exist in learning intraPC during hospital placements.

Methods

We performed an ethnographic non‐participatory observational study in three emergency departments and three geriatric departments of five hospitals in the Netherlands. This was followed by 42 in‐depth interviews with the observed residents and supervisors. The observations were used to feed the questions for the in‐depth interviews. We analysed the interviews iteratively following the data collection using template analysis.

Results

Hospital wards are rich in opportunities for learning intraPC. These opportunities, however, are seldom exploited for various reasons: intraPC receives limited attention when formulating placement goals, so purposeful learning of intraPC hardly takes place; residents lack awareness of the learning of intraPC; MS residents are not accustomed to searching for expertise from PC residents; PC residents adapt to the MS role and they contribute very little of their PC knowledge, and power dynamics in the hospital department negatively influence the learning of intraPC. Therefore, improvements in mindset, professional identity and power dynamics are crucial to facilitate and promote intraPC.

Conclusions

Intraprofessional collaboration is not learned spontaneously during hospital placements. To benefit from the abundant opportunities to learn intraPC, adjustments to the set‐up of these placements are necessary. Learning intraPC is promoted when there is a collaborative culture, hierarchy is limited, and there is dedicated time for intraPC and support from the supervisor.
Educational design research: Portraying, conducting, and enhancing productive scholarship
Authors: McKenney Susan , Reeves Thomas C.
Published: June 2020

Context

Solutionism is the all‐too‐common human propensity to jump to a solution before adequately understanding the nature of a problem. Solutionism has long been prevalent in efforts to improve education at all levels, including medical education.

Thesis

Educational design research (EDR) is a genre of research that features the gaining of in‐depth understanding of a problem before any prototype solution is designed and tested. It is different from other forms of scientific inquiry because it is committed to the simultaneous development of both theoretical insights and practical solutions, together with stakeholders. This approach is powerful for theory building because it privileges ecologically valid studies that embrace the complexity of investigating learning in authentic (as opposed to laboratory) settings. When conducted well, both the research process and its outcomes generate valuable contributions to practice.

Preview

This article constitutes an expository essay on EDR, comprised of three movements. First, the approach is defined, its origins are presented, and its characteristics are described. Second, a generic model for conducting EDR is offered, and illustrated with examples from the field of medical education. Third, pathways towards advancing this form of inquiry are discussed, including ways to address inherent challenges and limitations, as well as recommendations for the medical education community. Although EDR is no panacea, this article illustrates how it can serve medical education research in a wide variety of geographic and disciplinary contexts.
Why impaired wellness may be inevitable in medicine, and why that may not be a bad thing
Authors: Bynum William E. , Varpio Lara , Teunissen Pim
Published: June 2020

Context

A wellness crisis exists among physicians and medical trainees. High rates of burnout, depression, stress and other states of impaired wellness have driven a sense of urgency to create solutions, and the medical education community has mobilised impressively. However, we argue—and data suggest—that this rush to find solutions has outpaced our efforts to more fully understand the nature of impaired wellness in medicine. This, we believe, has led to the implementation of solutions informed by limited understanding of the problems we intend to solve.

Methods

In this paper, we explore three contributors to this situation: (i) shaky definitions and conceptualisations of wellness, (ii) the predominance of deductive, quantitative research informing our understanding and current solutions, and (iii) the reliance on a ‘disease‐focused’ approach to addressing impaired wellness in physicians and trainees. We discuss how these contributors have led to the current state of the science of wellness in medicine: one characterised by an expanding array of solutions built upon narrow conceptualisations of wellness and how it can be impaired.

Discussion

Moving beyond the current state of the science on wellness in medicine will require three critical developments: (i) consistent use of clear definitions of wellness; (ii) expanding our methodologies to include those utilising direct interaction with participants; and (iii) moving beyond solutions informed by a disease‐model approach. We propose a different way of thinking about wellness: one based on what we view as an inherent—and potentially unavoidable—risk of experiencing impairment during a career in medicine. We argue that efforts to extinguish and eliminate all states of impaired wellness may also eliminate opportunities to develop constructive coping mechanisms and future resilience, and that wellness may best be conceptualised as healthy and authentic engagement with the inevitable adversity of a career in medicine.
Triangulation of Salient Studies to Date on Trust‐Building in Mediation
Authors: Riera Adrover Joan Albert , Cuartero Castañer María Elena , Campos Vidal José Francisco
Published: June 2020

Many studies have empirically demonstrated the importance of trust‐building between mediators and parties to a dispute. We wrote this article in response to a call by Stephen Goldberg and Margaret Shaw for studies conducted in North America to be triangulated in other countries where mediation is taking off as an alternative tool in the resolution of disputes. Our objective was to test theories on the factors that increase trust‐building in mediation. With this in mind, the study conducted by Jean Poitras in Montreal (Canada) was triangulated in the Balearic Islands (Spain) and an analysis was made of the similarities and differences between both studies using different methods.
Liquid platelet‐rich fibrin promotes the regenerative potential of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Zheng Shihang , Zhang Xiaoxin , Zhao Qin , Chai Jihua , Zhang Yufeng
Published: June 2020

Objective

To compare the biological effect of PRP and liquid‐PRF on human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in vitro.

Methods

The liquid‐PRF was processed with centrifugation at 700 g for 3 min, and PRP was processed according to Curasan's protocol. Migration and proliferation assay were performed by a scratch/Transwell assay and a CCK‐8 assay, respectively. To investigate hPDLC differentiation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, Alizarin Red S staining, and gene expression level detection of Runx2, Col1a1, and OCN were conducted. Furthermore, cells cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammation condition were utilized to investigate the impact of liquid‐PRF on inflammatory resolution.

Results

Either PRP or liquid‐PRF can promote proliferation, migration of hPDLCs, and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs. It was noteworthy that liquid‐PRF demonstrated a significantly higher ability to promote the biological differentiation and mineralization of hPDLCs compared with PRP. Lastly, when hPDLCs were incubated with LPS, cells cultured with liquid‐PRF showed significantly lower mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes.

Conclusions

Liquid‐PRF notably promoted hPDLC activity and attenuated the inflammatory state induced by LPS.
Expression levels of SIX1, ME2, and AP2M1 in adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Wu Cong‐Cong , Li Hao , Xiao Yao , Deng Wei‐Wei , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: June 2020

Objective

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are the most frequent malignancies in the salivary glands. The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1), malic enzyme 2 (ME2), and AP‐2 complex subunit mu (AP2M1) in AdCC and MEC, as well as the potential relationship between SIX1, ME2, AP2M1, and proliferation marker cyclin D1.

Material and methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed on human salivary gland tissue microarrays that contained 76 normal salivary glands (NSGs), 14 pleomorphic adenomas (PMAs), 81 AdCCs, and 52 MECs.

Results

We observed that the expression levels of SIX1 and ME2 were significantly elevated in AdCC and MEC when compared with NSG and PMA. In addition, we detected that AP2M1 was overexpressed in AdCC and MEC when compared with NSG. We also found that SIX1 and AP2M1 were positively associated with cyclin D1.

Conclusions

These results may prove that SIX1 and AP2M1 are involved in the proliferation of AdCC and MEC to cause tumor growth.
Primary tumor characteristics and next‐generation sequencing mutations as biomarkers for melanoma immunotherapy response
Authors: Loo Kimberly , Gauvin Gabrielle , Soliman Iman , Renzetti Madelyn , Deng Mengying , Ross Eric , Luo Biao , Wu Hong , Reddy Sanjay , Olszanski Anthony J. , Farma Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Considerable advances in melanoma have been realized through immunotherapy. The principal aim was to determine whether primary tumor characteristics or next‐generation sequencing (NGS) could serve as markers of immunotherapy response.

Methods and Results

The study cohort consisted of 67 patients who received immunotherapy for recurrent or metastatic melanoma and for whom primary tumor biopsies and pathology reports were available. A subset of 59 patient tumors were profiled using an NGS panel of 50 cancer‐related genes. Objective response rate to immunotherapy was assessed using RECIST v1.1 criteria. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were used as endpoints. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) strongly correlated with an increased proportion of immunotherapy responders (p = .002). PFS interval (p = .003) and OS (p = .036) were significantly higher in patients with LVI. NRAS mutation was more strongly correlated with an increased proportion of immunotherapy responders (p =.050). PFS was significantly higher in patients with NRAS mutation (p = .042); no difference in OS (p = .111).

Discussion

This analysis demonstrates an association between lymphovascular invasion and immunotherapy response. Additionally, NGS mutation analysis demonstrated a potential association between NRAS mutations and immunotherapy response.
Stem cell‐derived enteroid cultures as a tool for dissecting host‐parasite interactions in the small intestinal epithelium
Authors: Hares Miriam F. , Tiffney Ellen‐Alana , Johnston Luke J. , Luu Lisa , Stewart Christopher J. , Flynn Robin J. , Coombes Janine L.
Published: June 2020

Toxoplasma gondiiandCryptosporidiumspp. can cause devastating pathological effects in humans and livestock, and in particular to young or immunocompromised individuals. The current treatment plans for these enteric parasites are limited due to long drug courses, severe side effects or simply a lack of efficacy. The study of the early interactions between the parasites and the site of infection in the small intestinal epithelium has been thwarted by the lack of accessible, physiologically relevant and species‐specific models. Increasingly, 3D stem cell‐derived enteroid models are being refined and developed into sophisticated models of infectious disease. In this review, we shall illustrate the use of enteroids to spearhead research into enteric parasitic infections, bridging the gap between cell line cultures and invivoexperiments.
Amoebic gill disease and host response in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): A review
Authors: Marcos‐López Mar , Rodger Hamish D.
Published: June 2020

Gill health is one of the main health challenges for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) mariculture worldwide, and amoebic gill disease (AGD), caused by the marine ectoprotozoan Neoparamoeba perurans, is currently one of the most significant diseases in terms of prevalence and economic impact. This review describes the host response of Atlantic salmon to the disease, focusing on the pathological changes, immune response and mechanisms underlying the prominent epithelial proliferation and mucus hypersecretion occurring in affected fish. Health management strategies and risk factors are also discussed.
Seasonality and photoperiod influence in vitro production of buffalo embryos
Authors: Shahzad Qaisar , Waqas Muhammad , Pu Liping , Wadood Armughan Ahmed , Xie Long , Husna Asma Ul , Yang Kailin , Wang Jingyuan , Xu Huiyan , Lu Kehuan , Lu Yangqing
Published: June 2020

Buffalo is considered short‐day breeder in tropical and subtropical part of the world and seasonality and photoperiodism impart major influence on its fertility. However, its impact on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of seasonal variations and photoperiodism on morphological and molecular parameters of IVEP in buffalo. For this purpose, we conducted two different experiments on the oocytes obtained by aspirating follicles from abattoir derived ovaries. In Exp. I, retrospective analysis was performed for oocyte recovery, blastocyst and hatching rate, during four consecutive seasonal periods (i.e. January–March, April–June, July–September and October–December). In Exp. II, oocytes from peak breeding and non‐breeding seasons were subjected to 24 hr in vitro maturation and evaluated for polar body extrusion to assess maturation rate. Results showed that embryo development was markedly low during second quarter (April–June) and maximum during fourth quarter (October–December) of the year; referred as non‐breeding and breeding seasons, respectively. Comparative data analysis demonstrated that poor oocyte quality is major reason for lesser efficiency of embryo production during non‐breeding season than peak breeding season as suggested by poor oocyte recovery (2.31 ± 0.10 vs. 3.65 ± 0.27) and maturation rate (33.32 ± 2.1 vs. 63.15 ± 7.31). Subsequently, comparative gene expression analysis of blastocysts during peak breeding season significantly upregulated pluripotency gene (OCT‐4) and downregulated heat shock protein 90, as compared to non‐breeding season. Therefore, it could be divulged from the present study that seasonal variations and photoperiodism have profound effect on oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development. It is recommended to find suitable additives for in vitro maturation that could mitigate seasonal effects.
Spatial characteristics of ecological degradation and restoration in China from 2000 to 2015 using remote sensing
Authors: Cao Yanni , Kong Lingqiao , Zhang Lufeng , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: June 2020

Ecosystem degradation can lead to adverse consequences and disasters and hence a healthy ecosystem is imperative for human well‐being. As a country with a large population and area, China's ecological security has global significance. To determine the effect of existing land use and relevant policies on the ecosystem, we need to understand the current situation of China's ecological degradation and restoration. However, relevant research at the national scale is lacking. We used remote sensing and GIS methods to study the extent, type, and composition of ecological degradation and restoration in China, at the national scale, from 2000 to 2015. The results revealed that the fundamental cause of China's ecological degradation was development and construction, and this kind of degradation is difficult to recover from. In the 15 years, the restoration area of this type of ecological degradation accounted for only 11% of the total degraded area. The total area that was newly constructed was 87,961.04 km2, of which 66,176.04 km2 was previously cultivated land. For food security, another 75,258.36 km2 of cultivated land was reclaimed. The two types of ecological degradation accounted for 71.59% of the total degraded area, and the increasing farmland area alone caused 42.14% of wetland degradation. Existing restoration projects are generally effective, but degradation, especially desertification, in the arid and semiarid regions of the northwest still needs special attention. Above all, ecological protection should be the focus, while ecological restoration the remedy.
Diminishing returns in habitat restoration by adding biogenic materials: a test using estuarine oysters and recycled oyster shell
Authors: Kimbro David L. , Stallings Christopher D. , White James W.
Published: June 2020

Restoration of degraded estuarine oyster reefs typically involves deploying recycled oyster shell. In low‐salinity, low‐predation areas of estuaries, high‐volume shell deployments are known to improve flow conditions and thus oyster survival and growth. It is also hypothesized that the physical structure of restored reefs could suppress foraging by oyster predators in high‐salinity, high‐predation zones. That hypothesis is untested. Given limited resources, it is important to determine how much shell is needed for successful restoration and whether there are diminishing returns in shell addition. In Apalachicola Bay, Florida, we manipulated shell volume on an oyster reef to create three 0.4 ha areas of low (no shell addition), moderate (153 m3 shell), and high (306 m3 shell) habitat structure. We repeated experiments and surveys over 2 years to determine if restoration success increased with habitat structure. Predation on oysters was greater on the non‐shelled area than on the reshelled reefs, but similar between the two reshelled reefs. Oyster larval supply did not differ among the reef areas, but by the end of the experiment, oyster density (per unit area) increased quadratically with habitat structure, plateauing at high levels of structure. Model selection indicated that the most parsimonious explanation for these patterns was that increased habitat structure reduced predation and increased overall recruitment, but that the higher reshelling treatment did not have better outcomes than moderate reshelling. Thus, restoration could be optimized by deploying a moderate amount of shell per unit area.
Measuring inclusive growth experiences: Five criteria for productive employment
Authors: Kjøller‐Hansen Anders Oskar , Lindbjerg Sperling Lena
Published: June 2020

The focus of this study is twofold. First, inclusive growth is measure by setting up five distinct criteria for inclusive growth in relation to productive employment. Second, the growth experience of five countries is evaluated against these criteria using standardized household data assembled by the World Bank. The results support the notion that the experience of each country is highly unique, as all the five countries exhibit different results. The multidimensional method allows the identification of the most critical aspects of the growth process of a specific country.
Family Unity or Money? The Roles of Parent–Child Cohesion and Socioeconomic Status in the Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury Among Chinese Left‐Behind Children
Authors: Wang Quanquan , Xiong Yuke , Liu Xia
Published: June 2020

Objective

Chinese left‐behind children have faced a high level of stress and tend to engage in nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) behavior. However, the impacts of parental migration on NSSI are complex. The improved family’s socioeconomic status (SES) could have positive impacts on these children’s mental health, yet the parental absence could have negative influences. To explore the complex dynamics of parental migration on NSSI, this study examined the roles of parent–child cohesion and SES in the relationship between stressful life events and NSSI.

Method

A total of 509 left‐behind children completed self‐report surveys that addressed stressful life events, NSSI, parent–child cohesion, and SES.

Results

Stressful life events were positively related to NSSI in both the migrant father and two migrant parents’ groups. Furthermore, for children with migrant fathers, father–child cohesion and SES significantly moderated the relation between stressful life events and NSSI. The interaction of stressful life events, mother–child cohesion, and SES also was significant. For children with two migrant parents, mother–child cohesion was negatively related to NSSI. No significant interactions were found in this group.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that, although parent–child cohesion and SES were both important for the prevention of NSSI among left‐behind children, parent–child cohesion should remain a priority.
Dynamic relationships between children’s higher‐order regulation and lower‐order reactivity predict development of attention problems
Authors: Liu Pan , Kryski Katie R. , Smith Heather J. , Kotelnikova Yuliya , Singh Shiva , Hayden Elizabeth P.
Published: June 2020

Dual‐process theories contend that interplay between higher‐order (i.e., regulatory) and lower‐order (i.e., reactive) systems influences the development of attention in early childhood. We therefore investigated interactions between an aspect of children's top‐down self‐regulation (i.e., effortful control; EC) and positive reactivity (indexed by observed positive affectivity; PA) and negative reactivity (indicated by cortisol stress reactivity and observed fear) in predicting children's early attention problems. We found that observed EC at the age of three predicted lower attention problems 2 years later, controlling for attention problems at baseline. Importantly, the predictive effect of EC was more pronounced for children higher in cortisol stress reactivity at the age of three; this pattern was not found for observed PA or fear. Findings align with dual‐process developmental theories that emphasize the dynamics between regulatory and reactive processes in shaping child development. Our study provides the first evidence supporting dual‐process interactions in the domain of attention problems and has implications for identifying early risk markers and informing early prevention programs for children at greater risk for attention problems.
Optimal Linearization: Word‐Order Typology with Violable Constraints
Authors: Kusmer Leland Paul
Published: June 2020

Insofar as linearization is a postsyntactic phenomenon pertaining to phonological forms, it is desirable that it be modeled in a violable‐constraint framework, like other PF‐branch phenomena. This paper presents such a model, with the goal of capturing the Final‐over‐Final Condition, a typological generalization that says that head‐final phrases embed only other head‐final phrases, while head‐initial phrases may embed phrases of either headedness. The specific model proposed here, termed Optimal Linearization, is couched in Optimality Theory and comprises three interacting violable constraints on the mapping of syntactic structure to linear order. One constraint, Antisymmetry, closely mimics the action of Kayne's familiar Linear‐Correspondence Axiom. An opposing constraint HeadFinalitypenalizes deviations from an idealized head‐final order. Lastly, a domain‐specific constraint HeadFinality‐α enforces head‐final ordering only within one constituent, allowing for disharmonic orders that respect the Final‐over‐Final Condition. Optimal Linearization has several advantages beyond typology, including offering insight into the left positioning of specifiers, which can be seen as the emergence of an unmarked preference for head finality. Linearizing at PF also allows us to model cases where phonological or prosodic properties of words affect their order; this is illustrated with the case of Irish pronoun postposing.
Detecting a master thrust system by magnetotelluric sounding along the western Andean Piedmont of Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Reyes Pedro S. B. , Ramírez Milton R. , Cajas Marcelo I.
Published: June 2020

The Quito Basin, a narrow NE‐trending tectonic depression, contains a perched Quaternary volcaniclastic sequence juxtaposed against the Interandean Depression through the Quito fault system (QFS). Syntectonic infilling, which occurs during a piggy‐back phase, consists of alluvial fan sets grading eastward into lacustrine facies. The western piedmont margin overlies the foothills of Quaternary volcanoes. Classic thrust tectonic models predict basinward propagation of low‐angle thrusts ahead of master faults. A magnetotelluric survey was used to investigate the western Quito piedmont. Three resistivity sections show similar geoelectrical assemblages. From west to east, a wedge‐shaped high‐resistivity structural high abuts a low‐resistivity domain, representing a fold‐thrust belt overriding a foreland basin. This set continues to the east with a new high‐resistivity structural high sliced by low‐angle imbricated thrusts that culminate in local thrust‐top troughs before grading into a deeper low‐resistivity trough against the younger QFS anticlines. Thus, the Quito master thrust system results in a prominent basin‐facing monocline affecting the foothills of Quaternary volcanoes.
Delimiting the eastern extent of the Altyn Tagh Fault: Insights from structural analyses of seismic reflection profiles
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Zhang Fengqi , Cheng Xiaogan , Lin Xiubin , Chen Hanlin , Wyrwoll Karl‐Heinz , Wu Lei , Chen Jie , Krapež Bryan , Lu Yanchou , Ding Weiwei , An Kaixuan , Chen Yaguang , Li Chunyang
Published: June 2020

The Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) serves as a key continental‐scale controlling structural element of the Tibetan Plateau. However, its eastward extent remains controversial. Here we use high‐resolution seismic reflection profiles to investigate the subsurface structures of the easternmost ATF and use these to delimit the easternmost extent of the fault. The structural analyses show an eastward geometric change from transpressional positive flower structures to compressional thrusts, with transpression‐induced shortening magnitudes decreasing eastwards from a maximum of ~5.3 km to being absent. Stratigraphic controls indicate that the deformation took place over the last ~<1.2 Ma. Our wider findings lead us to: (a) reject the suggestion that the ATF previously extended beyond the Kuantan Shan‐Hei Shan to link with the Alxa‐East Mongolia Fault; and (b) propose that the rigid block model used to describe the Tibetan Plateau crust is not consistent with the extent and structural details of the easternmost ATF.
Parotitis due to Burkholderia cepacia infection after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Xu Hao , Yang Yuqiong , Yan Jiawei , Huang Dongping , Liu Xiaocen
Published: June 2020

Burkholderia cepacia predominantly causes opportunistic infections in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients such as patients with cystic fibrosis, cancer, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Nonetheless, Burkholderia cepacia is infrequently reported to cause infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Herein, we report a rare case of suppurative parotitis in a 31‐year‐old patient with T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL) who underwent auto‐HSCT. The secretion from the Stensen duct was collected, and Burkholderia cepacia was detected using the VITEK‐2 identification system. Additionally, sensitive antibiotic therapy against this bacterium was also effective. This is the first case of parotitis triggered by Burkholderia cepacia after auto‐HSCT, and it is also the first reported domestic case. This case emphasizes the importance of considering bacterial infections in general and Burkholderia cepacia specifically in HSCT patients with post‐transplant parotitis.
ERF4 affects fruit firmness through TPL4 by reducing ethylene production
Authors: Hu Yanan , Han Zhenyun , Sun Yaqiang , Wang Shuai , Wang Ting , Wang Yi , Xu Kenong , Zhang Xinzhong , Xu Xuefeng , Han Zhenhai , Wu Ting
Published: June 2020

The firmness of fleshy fruit crops has a significant effect on their quality, consumer preference, shelf life and transportability. In a combined quantitative trait locus and genome‐wide association studies study of apple fruit texture, we identified a mutation (C‐G) in the ethylene response factor‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif in the coding region of the apple ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR4 (ERF4) gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing showed that ERF4 binds to the promoter of ERF3, which is involved in regulation of ethylene biosynthesis. The EAR mutation in ERF4 results in reduced repression of ERF3 expression, which is turn promotes ethylene production and loss of fruit firmness. ERF4 acts as a transcriptional repressor whose activity is modulated by a TOPLESS co‐repressor 4 (TPL4)‐binding EAR repression motif. Biolayer interferometry analysis showed that the mutation in the EAR motif causes a reduction in the interaction with TPL4. Suppression of ERF4 or TPL4 promoted fruit ripening and ethylene production. Taken together, our results provide insights into how ERF4 allelic variation underlies an important fruit quality trait.
A national survey of hospital‐based transfusion services on their approaches to platelet bacterial risk mitigation in response to the FDA final guidance for industry
Authors: Lu Wen , Delaney Meghan , Dunbar Nancy M. , Rossmann Susan N. , Fung Mark
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Bacterial contamination of platelets is the leading infectious risk to the United States (US) blood supply. On 30 September 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Final Guidance for Industry to reduce the risk of transfusing platelets contaminated by bacteria. A national survey was undertaken to assess readiness, attitudes, and the potential impact on hospital‐based transfusion services.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A survey was distributed to transfusion services in all 50 US states. Summary statistics were performed along with review and categorization of email feedback and free text comments.

RESULTS

Eighty‐three transfusion services from 48 states participated in this survey study. Currently, the most common approach is primary culture performed at manufacturing (n = 49/83, 59%). Of the bacterial risk mitigation strategies provided by the FDA, the most frequently preferred are (a) pathogen reduced platelets (PRP) for up to 5‐day storage (n = 36/77, 47%), (b) large volume delayed sampling (LVDS) ≥48 hours for up to 7‐day storage (n = 16/77, 21%), and (c) primary culture ≥24 hours + secondary rapid testing for up to 7‐day storage (n = 7/77, 9%). The main motivating factors for the survey participantsʼ selected strategies to comply with FDA final guidance were product availability from supplier, reducing the risk of septic transfusion reactions (STR), and complexity of implementing and performing a new or additional test.

CONCLUSION

While having platelets to transfuse and preventing STR are of the utmost importance, nationwide, the majority of transfusion services do not want to take on performing new or additional testing in their laboratories.