bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral and cranio‐maxillofacial trauma in children and adolescents in an emergency setting at a Brazilian hospital
Authors: Rêgo Isabel Cristina Quaresma , Vilarinho Silvia Marques Martins , Rodrigues Claudia Karolyne Freitas , Correia Paula Vitória de Almeida Ramos , Junqueira José Luiz Cintra , Oliveira Luciana Butini
Published: September 2019

Background/Aims

Very few studies have been performed to evaluate cranio‐maxillofacial trauma diagnosed in hospitals in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of oral and cranio‐maxillofacial trauma in the aforementioned population.

Materials and Methods

A hospital‐based retrospective study, which reviewed 1438 patient records, was conducted at the “Teresina Emergency Hospital”, Brazil. Data regarding demographics, day of the week on which trauma occurred, type of injury, etiology, anatomic trauma site, time of hospital admission, and associated comorbidities (or injuries) were collected.

Results

There were 1092 (75.9%) males and 346 (24.1%) females. The largest group was adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years (956, 66.5%). The majority lived in urban areas (69%). Trauma occurred most frequently during the week. The most prevalent etiology was road traffic accidents involving motorcycles (771, 53.6%) causing facial and skull fractures (598, 41%). The most prevalent soft tissue lesions were facial abrasions (49%), followed by injuries to the cheek (16.7%). Comorbidities associated with craniofacial trauma were present in 82%, with complications from traumatic brain injuries being the most prevalent (65.6%) Dental trauma was recorded in only 81 cases (5.6%).

Conclusion

Male adolescents living in urban areas were most affected by craniofacial trauma. The most common cause was road traffic accidents involving motorcycles, resulting in facial and skull fractures. Complications from traumatic brain injuries were the most common associated injuries.
Infection scene investigation of shot holes: Incomplete but neutral abscission of brown spots on oriental cherry leaves
Authors: Park Junhyung , Kim Ki Woo
Published: September 2019

Shot holes on oriental cherry (Prunus serrulata var. spontanea) leaves were investigated to evaluate their role in the elimination of pathogens using analytical electron microscopy. Small brown spots caused by Mycosphaerella cerasella appeared on the leaf surface and developed into shot holes that were approximately 1–5 mm in diameter. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed clusters of fungal conidiophores and hyphal growth on the leaf surface around the shot holes. The fungal structures were mostly located within a radius of 500 μm from the shot holes and confined to the epidermal sector separated by veins. X‐ray microanalysis revealed distinct calcium ring patterns encircling the shot holes. The abscised surfaces consisted of suberized plant cells colonized with filamentous fungi and yeasts. Embedded in the mesophyll tissue, druse crystals were co‐localized with calcium and oxygen. Despite the fungal presence around the shot holes, no further expansion of the shot holes was observed on the leaf surface. These results suggest that shot holes may represent an incomplete but neutral abscission of infection loci in the presence of necrotrophic fungal pathogens. This microscopy study provides insight into the formation and roles of calcium oxalate in plants under pathological conditions.
Seasonal, tissue and age influences on frequency and biodiversity of endophytic fungi ofCitrus sinensisin Iran
Authors: Juybari Hakimeh Ziaie , Tajick Ghanbary Mohammad Ali , Rahimian Heshmatollah , Karimi Kaivan , Arzanlou Mahdi
Published: September 2019

A total of 4,009 endophytic fungal isolates were recovered from healthy leaves, bark and xylem ofCitrus sinensisin different seasons and age‐classes. Corresponding to those factors, the majorities of fungal isolates were recovered from leaves, 2‐yr‐old trees and winter, respectively. Fungal isolates were initially categorized based on cultural and morphological characters, and representatives of each morphotype were subjected to molecular identifications based on ITS‐rDNA andβ‐tubulin sequences. All isolates obtained in this study belonged to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota assigned to 30 fungal taxa. The most abundant fungal species wereAlternariaspp. Species diversity indices of Margalef richness and Shannon–Wiener revealed a high diversity of fungal taxa recovered from leaf and during winter. Frequency (%) of fungal endophytes was highest in winter followed by summer, autumn, and spring significantly, whereas the corresponding sequence was winter, autumn, summer and spring for the diversity of endophytic fungi. Overall, the results of this study based on the community and diversity of endophytic fungal species inC. sinensisshowed that the type of plant tissue, season of sampling and age of tree play a driving role on their abundance while their diversity was mainly dependent on the type of plant tissue, season of sampling than on the age of tree.
Disease progression and defects in primary hemostasis as major cause of bleeding in multiple myeloma
Authors: Hinterleitner Clemens , Pecher Ann‐Christin , Kreißelmeier Klaus‐Peter , Budde Ulrich , Kanz Lothar , Kopp Hans‐Georg , Jaschonek Karl
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

In patients with multiple myeloma (MM), unexpected bleeding complications remain a major issue. Since routine coagulation parameters are often inconspicuous, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying coagulation disorders are challenging.

Patients and methods

In our single‐center observational study, we analyzed 164 patients with MM for coagulation disorders and bleeding complications.

Results

Prolonged closure times (CTs), measured by PFA‐100, were the most common, abnormal coagulation test, found in 66% of bleeding patients vs 5% in non‐bleeding, followed by qualitative defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF:CB/VWF:Ag ratios), found in 34% vs 1% in the non‐bleeding group. Increased serum free light chains (SFLC) and SFLC ratios were significantly associated with prolonged CTs and acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). Prolonged CTs and AVWS were associated with disease progression, determined by dynamics of SFLC ratios (P < .001), serum creatinine level (P = .013), Beta‐2 microglobulin (P = .03), LDH (P = .016), and bone marrow infiltration (P < .001). Of note, response to myeloma therapy was frequently correlated with normalization of coagulation parameters.

Conclusions

Bleeding complications in MM are predominantly caused by defects in primary hemostasis and associated with disease progression. In a peri‐interventional workup, determination of CTs and VWF:CB/VWF:Ag ratios are of significant importance to assess bleeding risk.
Life history demographic parameter synthesis for exploited Florida and Caribbean coral reef fishes
Authors: Stevens Molly H. , Smith Steven G. , Ault Jerald S.
Published: September 2019

Age‐ or length‐structured stock assessments require reliable life history demographic parameters (growth, mortality, reproduction) to model population dynamics, potential yields and stock sustainability. This study synthesized life history information for 84 commercially exploited tropical reef fish species from Florida and the U.S. Caribbean (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). We attempted to identify a useable set of life history parameters for each species that included lifespan, length at age, weight at length and maturity at length. Key aspects of the life history synthesis were development of: (a) a database that characterized study details including sampling region, biological and statistical methods, length range of sampled individuals, sample size, capture gears and sampling time frame; (b) reproducible procedural criteria for parameter identification for a given species; and (c) a reliability metric for each parameter type. Complete life history parameter sets were available for 46 species analysed. Of these, only 16 species had parameter sets meeting the highest standards for reliability, highlighting future research needs.
Amyloid precursor protein, an androgen‐regulated gene, is targeted by RNA‐binding protein PSF/SFPQ in neuronal cells
Authors: Takayama Ken‐ichi , Fujiwara Kyoko , Inoue Satoshi
Published: September 2019

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a representative gene related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Androgens function by binding to the androgen receptor (AR). Both androgen and RNA‐binding protein PSF play a role in the pathology of AD. However, the involvement of AR and PSF in APP regulation in neuron has not been investigated. Here, we explored the regulatory mechanism of APP expression by AR and PSF using neuron‐derived cells. We demonstrated that androgen up‐regulates the production of APP at the mRNA and protein levels. This induction is enhanced by AR over‐expression and inhibited by its silencing. One candidate AR‐binding region was identified in the intron region of APP and validated its activity as AR‐dependent enhancer by the luciferase assay. Furthermore, the public transcriptome data of brain tissues of mice indicated that APP is regulated by PSF post‐transcriptionally. We observed a decreased expression of APP after PSF knockdown and interaction of PSF with the APP transcript. Moreover, we revealed that silencing of PSF inhibited the stability of the APP mRNA. Thus, these results presented a new regulatory mechanism of APP expression by androgen through AR‐mediated transcription and PSF at the post‐transcriptional level that might be associated with the occurrence of AD.
Tanzanian health libraries in the 21st century: initiatives and challenges
Authors: Chande‐Mallya Rehema
Published: September 2019

This article is part of a series in this regular feature, which looks at new directions in health science libraries. It highlights the initiatives health science librarians in Tanzania are implementing to ensure that their service meets users’ needs. To succeed, libraries must take steps to ensure that staff have access to education, training and professional development. Partnerships and collaborations are also vital to make the best use of scarce resources and to identify sources of funding. This article highlights the various challenges facing the library service and the opportunity for librarians to be recognised for the new roles they are taking on.

J.M.
Meeting the review family: exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements
Authors: Sutton Anthea , Clowes Mark , Preston Louise , Booth Andrew
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

The last decade has witnessed increased recognition of the value of literature reviews for advancing understanding and decision making. This has been accompanied by an expansion in the range of methodological approaches and types of review. However, there remains uncertainty over definitions and search requirements beyond those for the ‘traditional’ systematic review. This study aims to characterise health related reviews by type and to provide recommendations on appropriate methods of information retrieval based on the available guidance.

Methods

A list of review types was generated from published typologies and categorised into ‘families’ based on their common features. Guidance on information retrieval for each review type was identified by searching pubmed, medline and Google Scholar, supplemented by scrutinising websites of review producing organisations.

Results

Forty‐eight review types were identified and categorised into seven families. Published guidance reveals increasing specification of methods for information retrieval; however, much of it remains generic with many review types lacking explicit requirements for the identification of evidence.

Conclusions

Defining review types and utilising appropriate search methods remain challenging. By familiarising themselves with a range of review methodologies and associated search methods, information specialists will be better equipped to select suitable approaches for future projects.
The mutual benefit and varied roles of librarians in supporting health care document management
Authors: Pratchett Tracey
Published: September 2019

Tracey Pratchett considers the emerging role for libraries in facilitating document management practices within NHS organisations and reflects on her experience of supporting this work at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Health information seeking behaviour: the librarian's role in supporting digital and health literacy
Authors: Butler Rachel
Published: September 2019

This paper is based on Rachel Butler's dissertation carried out at the University of Sheffield as part of the MA Library and Information Services Management. The study examines people's online health information seeking skills, with the specific aim to identify how libraries and health services can work together in supporting digital and health literacy. A survey approach is used to explore online searching habits as well as librarian and health professionals’ views on health literacy. The key findings indicate that whilst the majority of respondents consider themselves to be health literate, there was an overall agreement that effective education and support could be achieved through the collaboration between libraries and health services, and specifically to signpost information and to provide targeted education. The limitations of the research for dissertation are recognised leading to recommendations that further study focuses on the impact of signposting and education on health literacy.F.J.
Application of artificial neural network optimization for resilient ceramic parts fabricated by direct ink writing
Authors: Fan Yunhao , Feng Bo , Yang Liangliang , Zhang Yue
Published: September 2019

Geometries of ceramic parts for high‐temperature sealing have great influence on their compression‐resilience behaviors. In this work, an accurate and large‐scale artificial neural network (ANN) was established to match the relationship between structural parameters and mechanical properties of ZrO2 parts fabricated by 3D printing. Four geometry parameters of the designed ZrO2 parts were imported as input and apparent Young's modulus and maximum deformation simulated by finite element method (FEM) were imported as output. FEM calculation provided 400 groups of data for the training of ANN, which greatly improved the predicted accuracy of the network. The predicted results show the mechanical performance of the parts with a range of modulus from 9.24 × 10−3 GPa to 100.35 × 10−3 GPa and a range of maximum deformation from 2.32% to 5.80% can be forecasted with error less than 8%. Based on the optimized structural parameters, the designed ZrO2 parts were fabricated by Direct Ink Writing (DIW) technique. The experimental compression‐rebound property is comparable to that of ANN prediction. It demonstrates that the combined method of ANN and FEM is a preferable way to optimize the structure and guide the fabrication of complex ceramic parts by 3D printing method.
Microwave dielectric properties of SrLa[Ga1−x(Mg0.5Ti0.5)x]O4 and SrLa[Ga1−x(Zn0.5Ti0.5)x]O4 (x = 0.2‐0.8) ceramics
Authors: Yan Han , Chen Gu Yi , Li Lei , Liu Bing , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: September 2019

SrLa[Ga1−x(R0.5Ti0.5)x]O4 (R = Mg, Zn) ceramics were prepared by a standard solid state sintering method. The single‐phase ceramics with K2NiF4‐type layered perovskite structure and I4/mmm space group were obtained, indicating that SrLa(R0.5Ti0.5) and SrLaGaO4 can form the unlimited solid solutions. With increasing x for R = Mg and Zn, εr increases monotonously, the Qf value first increases and then decreases, while τf increases from a negative to a positive value. The optimized microwave dielectric properties were obtained as following: εr = 23.3, Qf = 89 400 GHz, τf = −0.8 ppm/°C for SrLa[Ga0.6(Mg0.5Ti0.5)0.4]O4 and εr = 23.3, Qf = 76 200 GHz, τf = 0.2 ppm/°C for SrLa[Ga0.7(Zn0.5Ti0.5)0.3]O4, indicating that the present solid solution ceramics are the promising candidates as microwave resonator materials for the telecommunication applications.
Comparative analysis of charcoal grilling, infrared grilling and superheated steam roasting on the colour, textural quality and heterocyclic aromatic amines of lamb patties
Authors: Suleman Raheel , Hui Teng , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Huan , Zhang Dequan
Published: September 2019

The colour, textural profile and heterocyclic aromatic amines content of lamb patties cooked by charcoal grilling, infrared grilling and superheated steam roasting were investigated. The results of colour showed that lightness and yellowness values were highest in the superheated steam and lowest in charcoal grilled patties. The texture characteristics observed in the superheated steam, and infrared patties were much better. Water loss was highest in charcoal grilled meat. Charcoal grilling produced a significantly (P < 0.05) much higher amount of total HAAs, ranging from 171.26 ng g−1 to 555.29 ng g−1 (polar) and from 200.77 ng g−1 to 426.07 ng g−1 (non‐polar) HAAs, than infrared (39.21 ng g−1 −181.37 ng g−1) and (52.84 ng g−1 −148.59 ng g−1) and superheated steam roasting (from 8.67 ng g−1 to 30.66 ng g−1 and from 23.61 ng g−1 to 89.66 ng g−1) for both types of HAAs in lamb patties. Colour, texture and HAAs were significantly influenced by time and by the temperature used for each cooking method.
Evaluation of bioaerosol samplers for the detection and quantification of influenza virus from artificial aerosols and influenza virus–infected ferrets
Authors: Bekking Christian , Yip Lily , Groulx Nicolas , Doggett Nathan , Finn Mairead , Mubareka Samira
Published: September 2019

Background

Bioaerosol sampling devices are necessary for the characterization of infectious bioaerosols emitted by naturally‐infected hosts with acute respiratory virus infections. Assessment of these devices under multiple experimental conditions will provide insight for device use.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare bioaerosol sampling devices using a) an in vitro, environmentally‐controlled artificial bioaerosol system at a range of different RH conditions and b) an in vivo bioaerosol system of influenza virus‐infected ferrets under controlled environmental conditions. Secondarily, we also sought to examine the impact of NSAIDs on bioaerosol emission in influenza virus‐infected ferrets to address its potential as a determinant of bioaerosol emission.

Methods

We examined the performance of low and moderate volume bioaerosol samplers for the collection of viral RNA and infectious influenza virus in vitroand in vivo using artificial bioaerosols and the ferret model of influenza virus infection. The following samplers were tested: the polytetrafluoroethylene filter (PTFE filter), the 2‐stage National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health cyclone sampler (NIOSH cyclone sampler) and the 6‐stage viable Andersen impactor (Andersen impactor).

Results

The PTFE filter and NIOSH cyclone sampler collected similar amounts of viral RNA and infectious virus from artificially‐generated aerosols under a range of relative humidities (RH). Using the ferret model, the PTFE filter, NIOSH cyclone sampler and the Andersen impactor collected up to 3.66 log10copies of RNA/L air, 3.84 log10copies of RNA/L air and 6.09 log10copies of RNA/L air respectively at peak recovery. Infectious virus was recovered from the PTFE filter and NIOSH cyclone samplers on the peak day of viral RNA recovery.

Conclusion

The PTFE filter and NIOSH cyclone sampler are useful for influenza virus RNA and infectious virus collection and may be considered for clinical and environmental settings.
Immobilization behavior of Sr in geopolymer and its ceramic product
Authors: Jia Lingyu , He Peigang , Jia Dechang , Fu Shuai , Wang Meng , Wang Meiling , Duan Xiaoming , Yang Zhihua , Zhou Yu
Published: September 2019

To date, geopolymer has emerged as a promising and inexpensive precursor with potential application in trapping hazardous elements via physical encapsulation or chemical bonding. In this work, different high‐temperature products derived from Sr‐contained geopolymer precursors were prepared. Different to conventional hazardous elements that immobilized in the geopolymer precursor, which show decreasing leaching rates after high‐temperature treatments, leaching rates of Sr in the resulting high‐temperature products first increase and then decrease with the increasing heating temperature. Herein, we first shed light on the underlying reasons of such temperature‐dependent leaching behaviors by investigating effects of heating temperature on the phase composition, microstructure, and immobilization mechanism. Moreover, a novel immobilization strategy has been proposed based on the blocking effect of formed nepheline structures at 1200°C. Using this strategy, the leaching rate of Sr reduced to 5.82 × 10−7g cm−2 d−1in the deionized water.
Testing main Amazonian rivers as barriers across time and space within widespread taxa
Authors: Pirani Renata M. , Werneck Fernanda P. , Thomaz Andréa T. , Kenney Mariah L. , Sturaro Marcelo J. , Ávila‐Pires Teresa C. S. , Peloso Pedro L. V. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: September 2019

Aim

Present Amazonian diversity patterns can result from many different mechanisms and, consequently, the factors contributing to divergence across regions and/or taxa may differ. Nevertheless, the river‐barrier hypothesis is still widely invoked as a causal process in divergence of Amazonian species. Here we use model‐based phylogeographic analyses to test the extent to which major Amazonian rivers act similarly as barriers across time and space in two broadly distributed Amazonian taxa.

Local

Amazon rain forest.

Taxon

The lizard Gonatodes humeralis (Sphaerodactylidae) and the tree frog Dendropsophus leucophyllatus (Hylidae).

Methods

We obtained RADseq data for samples distributed across main river barriers, representing main Areas of Endemism previously proposed for the region. We conduct model‐based phylogeographic and genetic differentiation analyses across each population pair.

Results

Measures of genetic differentiation (based on FST calculated from genomic data) show that all rivers are associated with significant genetic differentiation. Parameters estimated under investigated divergence models showed that divergence times for populations separated by each of the 11 bordering rivers were all fairly recent. The degree of differentiation consistently varied between taxa and among rivers, which is not an artifact of any corresponding difference in the genetic diversities of the respective taxa, or to amounts of migration based on analyses of the site‐frequency spectrum.

Main conclusions

Taken together, our results support a dispersal (rather than vicariance) history, without strong evidence of congruence between these species and rivers. However, once a species crossed a river, populations separated by each and every river have remained isolated—in this sense, rivers act similarly as barriers to any further gene flow. This result suggests differing degrees of persistence and gives rise to the seeming contradiction that the divergence process indeed varies across time, space and species, even though major Amazonian rivers have acted as secondary barriers to gene flow in the focal taxa.
Integrating palaeontological and molecular data uncovers multiple ancient and recent dispersals in the pantropical Hamamelidaceae
Authors: Xiang Xiaoguo , Xiang Kunli , Ortiz Rosa Del C. , Jabbour Florian , Wang Wei
Published: September 2019

Aim

The integration of palaeontological and phylogenetic data can improve our understanding in the spatio‐temporal evolutionary processes of living organisms. However, how best to use fossil data in divergence time estimation and ancestral range reconstruction remains challenging. Here, we integrated palaeontological and molecular data to investigate the historical biogeography of Hamamelidaceae, a pantropical angiosperm family with abundant fossils outside its present distribution.

Location

Global tropical/subtropical areas.

Methods

Using seven DNA regions (>7,500 bp) from plastid and nuclear genomes, we reconstructed a robust phylogenetic framework for Hamamelidaceae with the first complete genus‐level sampling. We used the tip‐dating method with the 22 fossils to estimate divergence times for the family, and inferred the ancestral range of lineages under the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model by incorporating the fossils.

Results

Our biogeographic analysis indicates that extant Hamamelidaceae most likely originated in tropical Asia during the mid‐Cretaceous, and in the family 20 dispersals occurred during three major time intervals: the Upper Cretaceous (c. 93–69 Ma), Palaeocene–Eocene (c. 63–39 Ma) and late Oligocene (c. 27–23 Ma).

Main conclusions

Overland migrations through available land bridges and island chains may have been mainly responsible for hamamelidaceous range expansions during these three episodes. This study contributes to our knowledge on the assembly and evolution of angiosperm‐dominated tropical and subtropical forests.
Contrasting scales of local persistence between monsoonal and arid biomes in closely related, low‐dispersal vertebrates
Authors: Potter Sally , Afonso Silva Ana C. , Bragg Jason G. , Catalano Sarah R. , Donnellan Stephen , Doughty Paul , Scott Mitchell L. , Moritz Craig
Published: September 2019

Aim

Focussing on pairs of sister species across three genera of scincid lizards, we use genomic evidence to test for larger‐scale, late‐Pleistocene changes in distributions of lizards in the Australian arid zone (AZ) than in the adjacent monsoonal tropics (MT).

Location

Northern and central Australia.

Taxon

Scincidae: Squamata.

Methods

We sequenced ~2000 nuclear exons and one mitochondrial gene across the distributions of species with primarily MT or AZ distributions from three genera of lizards. Using phylogenetic analysis and population structure analyses we identified major phylogeographic lineages and then compared the spatial scale of structuring and tested for recent demographic expansions.

Results

Two genera in particular, Proablepharus and Morethia, showed deeper and more geographically localized phylogeographic diversity in the MT than the AZ. In the MT, localized diversity was prevalent in the relatively mesic regions. By contrast, the AZ was characterized by widespread and often genetically uniform lineages and a higher proportion of these had signals of recent population expansion.

Main conclusions

Consistent with other recent, but mostly less genetically extensive studies, our results point to deeper and more localized diversity in MT compared to AZ. In turn, this suggests higher local persistence in more mesic and topographically diverse biome through the late Quaternary climate fluctuations. For the AZ, geographically extensive range expansions have likely contributed to the low spatial turnover of this exceptionally rich lizard fauna.
Gene flow at the leading range edge: The long‐term consequences of isolation in European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L. Kuhn)
Authors: Sjölund M. Jennifer , González‐Díaz Patricia , Moreno‐Villena Jose J. , Jump Alistair S.
Published: September 2019

Aim

Isolation is expected to lead to negative impacts on populations due to a reduction in effective population size and gene flow, exacerbating the effects of genetic drift, which might be stronger in peripheral and fragmented populations. Fagus sylvatica (European beech) in southern Sweden presents a gradient of isolation towards the leading range edge of the species. We sought to determine the impact of long‐term isolation on genetic diversity and population genetic structure within populations of this species.

Location

Samples were obtained from 14 sites towards the northern edge of the native range of beech in Sweden.

Taxon

Fagaceae.

Methods

Using historical sources, we obtained area‐ and distance‐based measures of isolation. We measured genetic diversity and structure by using nuclear microsatellite marker data, and performed parentage analysis to estimate external pollen‐mediated gene flow. We implemented a partial least squares regression to determine the effects of isolation on each of the genetic diversity estimators and the measures of external pollen‐mediated gene flow.

Results

Long‐term isolation generally had a negative impact on genetic diversity, which is exacerbated over time, further affecting progeny and suggesting that isolated populations are subject to strong genetic drift, possibly due to the combination of founder events and persistent small population sizes. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed that isolation was also acting as a barrier to gene flow in the north‐eastern distribution of beech.

Main conclusions

Isolation at the leading range edge of beech in Sweden has created gradients of contemporary gene flow within the species. The long‐term cumulative effects of isolation on this wind‐pollinated tree species and its negative impacts on genetic diversity and gene flow, could lead to inbreeding depression and higher extinction risk where populations remain small and isolated.
Evaluating presence‐only species distribution models with discrimination accuracy is uninformative for many applications
Authors: Warren Dan L. , Matzke Nicholas J. , Iglesias Teresa L.
Published: September 2019

Aim

Species distribution models are used across evolution, ecology, conservation and epidemiology to make critical decisions and study biological phenomena, often in cases where experimental approaches are intractable. Choices regarding optimal models, methods and data are typically made based on discrimination accuracy: a model's ability to predict subsets of species occurrence data that were withheld during model construction. However, empirical applications of these models often involve making biological inferences based on continuous estimates of relative habitat suitability as a function of environmental predictor variables. We term the reliability of these biological inferences ‘functional accuracy.’ We explore the link between discrimination accuracy and functional accuracy.

Methods

Using a simulation approach we investigate whether models that make good predictions of species distributions correctly infer the underlying relationship between environmental predictors and the suitability of habitat.

Results

We demonstrate that discrimination accuracy is only informative when models are simple and similar in structure to the true niche, or when data partitioning is geographically structured. However, the utility of discrimination accuracy for selecting models with high functional accuracy was low in all cases.

Main conclusions

These results suggest that many empirical studies and decisions are based on criteria that are unrelated to models’ usefulness for their intended purpose. We argue that empirical modelling studies need to place significantly more emphasis on biological insight into the plausibility of models, and that the current approach of maximizing discrimination accuracy at the expense of other considerations is detrimental to both the empirical and methodological literature in this active field. Finally, we argue that future development of the field must include an increased emphasis on simulation; methodological studies based on ability to predict withheld occurrence data may be largely uninformative about best practices for applications where interpretation of models relies on estimating ecological processes, and will unduly penalize more biologically informative modelling approaches.
Secukinumab is effective in treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: real‐life effectiveness and safety from the PROSPECT study
Authors: Thaçi D. , Körber A. , von Kiedrowski R. , Bachhuber T. , Melzer N. , Kasparek T. , Duetting E. , Kraehn‐Senftleben G. , Amon U. , Augustin M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Secukinumab, a fully human anti‐interleukin‐17A monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Trial protocols specify transition periods and prohibit concomitant psoriasis medication. Data are therefore needed on secukinumab effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice.

Objectives

The PROSPECT study assesses prior and concomitant psoriasis treatments and transition periods in subjects receiving secukinumab. Here, we report interim effectiveness and safety data for secukinumab in the context of prior and concomitant treatments.

Methods

PROSPECT is an ongoing 24‐week, single‐cohort, non‐interventional study. Subjects with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis with a decision to receive secukinumab 300 mg were included.

Results

Of 1988 subjects, 1238/1988 (62.4%) were male, and mean age was 48.1 ± 13.7 years. Mean baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was 17.7 ± 12.5. 90.9% of subjects had prior systemic treatment. Concomitant treatment was recorded in 44.3% of subjects. Median duration of transition period was 14.0, 30.0 and 44.5 days from prior topical, conventional systemic and biologic treatments. At Week 24, PASI75/90/100 was reached by 86.1%, 68.5% and 39.7% of subjects who started secukinumab treatment at baseline. No unexpected safety signals were observed.

Conclusion

PROSPECT provides a large prospective real‐world analysis of secukinumab treatment and includes prior and concomitant use of psoriasis treatments in subjects receiving secukinumab in a real‐world setting. Secukinumab effectiveness and safety were comparable to that seen in the phase 2/3 secukinumab clinical trial programme.
Early‐onset granulomatous arthritis, uveitis and skin rash: characterization of skin involvement in Blau syndrome
Authors: Poline J. , Fogel O. , Pajot C. , Miceli‐Richard C. , Rybojad M. , Galeotti C. , Grouteau E. , Hachulla E. , Brissaud P. , Cantagrel A. , Mazereeuw Hautier J. , Melki I. , Petit A. , Piram M. , Sarrabay G. , Wouters C. , Vignon‐Pennamen M.D. , Bourrat E. , Meinzer U. ,   French Society for Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases (SOFREMIP) and the Research Group of Pediatric Dermatology French Society (GRSFDP)
Published: September 2019

Background

Blau syndrome (BS) is a rare monogenic autoinflammatory disease caused by NOD2 mutations. BS classically presents in early childhood as a triad of granulomatous polyarthritis, uveitis and skin involvement. Joint and ocular involvement have been characterized by several cohort studies but only very little data are available on skin lesions.

Objectives

We aimed to provide a detailed clinical and microscopic analysis of skin manifestations and to study whether they may contribute to an early diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicentre study in a French cohort of 21 patients diagnosed with genetically confirmed BS.

Results

Skin involvement was the first clinical manifestation of BS in 15/16 patients with dermatological manifestations. The presence of skin lesions was associated with significant shorter age at diagnosis (P = 0.03) and diagnostic delay (P = 0.04). Dermatological assessment allowed an earlier diagnosis (P = 0.001) and reduces the diagnostic delay (P = 0.007). Early skin lesions had a homogeneous, stereotypical clinical presentation, namely non‐confluent erythematous or pigmented millimetric papules in 13/14(93%) patients. In contrast, skin lesions occurring during later disease stages had a more heterogeneous clinical presentation, including ichthyosiform dermatosis, panniculitis, livedoid lesions and vasculitis. Whatever their time of occurrence and the clinical aspect, all biopsied showed histologically presence of granuloma.

Conclusion

Skin involvement in BS is the earliest clinical manifestation of the BS in the large majority of patients. The recognition of dermatological manifestations as granulomatous skin lesions and early dermatological expertise are the key to an early diagnosis of BS. In view of our results, it seems reasonable to propose a simplified view of skin lesions of BS in which the granuloma is the key structure.
The association between pesticide use and cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stanganelli I. , De Felici M.B. , Mandel V.D. , Caini S. , Raimondi S. , Corso F. , Bellerba F. , Quaglino P. , Sanlorenzo M. , Ribero S. , Medri M. , Farnetani F. , Feliciani C. , Pellacani G. , Gandini S. ,   IMI the Italian Melanoma Intergroup
Published: September 2019

Background

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM), the deadliest form of skin cancer, has gradually increased in the last decades among populations of European origin. Epidemiological studies suggested that farmers and agricultural workers are at an increased risk of CM because they were exposed to pesticides. However, little is known about the relationship between pesticides and CM.

Objectives

To investigate the association between exposure to pesticides and CM by systematically reviewing the literature. Secondary aim was to determine the categories of pesticides mainly involved in CM development.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed up to September 2018 using MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science. Studies assessing CM risk in licensed pesticide applicators were considered. Strict criteria were established to select independent studies and risk estimates; random effect models, taking into account heterogeneity, were applied. A pooled risk estimate for CM was calculated for the use of each type of pesticide and type of exposure. Between‐study and estimate heterogeneity was assessed and publication bias investigated.

Results

A total of nine studies (two case–controls and seven cohorts) comprising 184 389 unique subjects were included. The summary relative risks for the categories ‘herbicides – ever exposure’, ‘insecticides – ever exposure’, ‘any pesticide – ever exposure’ and ‘any pesticide – high exposure’ resulted 1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 3.36], 1.57 (95% CI: 0.58, 4.25), 1.31 (95% CI: 0.85, 2.04) and 2.17 (95% CI: 0.45, 10.36), respectively. Herbicides and insecticides had no between‐study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%), while a significant heterogeneity (I2 > 50%) was detected for the high exposure to any pesticide. No indication for publication bias was found.

Conclusions

Individuals exposed to herbicides are at an increased risk of CM. Future properly designed observational studies are required to confirm this finding.
Smart identification of psoriasis by images using convolutional neural networks: a case study in China
Authors: Zhao S. , Xie B. , Li Y. , Zhao X. , Kuang Y. , Su J. , He X. , Wu X. , Fan W. , Huang K. , Su J. , Peng Y. , Navarini A.A. , Huang W. , Chen X.
Published: September 2019

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which holds a high incidence in China. However, professional dermatologists who can diagnose psoriasis early and correctly are insufficient in China, especially in the rural areas. A smart approach to identify psoriasis by pictures would be highly adaptable countrywide and could play a useful role in early diagnosis and regular treatment of psoriasis.

Objectives

Design and evaluation of a smart psoriasis identification system based on clinical images (without relying on a dermatoscope) that works effectively similar to a dermatologist.

Methods

A set of deep learning models using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was explored and compared in the system for automatic identification of psoriasis. The work was carried out on a standardized dermatological dataset with 8021 clinical images of 9 common disorders including psoriasis along with full electronic medical records of patients built over the last 9 years in China. A two‐stage deep neural network was designed and developed to identify psoriasis. In the first stage, a multilabel classifier was trained to learn the visual patterns for each individual skin disease. In the second stage, the output of the first stage was utilized to distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) of the two‐stage model reached 0.981 ± 0.015, which outperforms a single‐stage model. And, the classifier showed superior performance (missed diagnosis rate: 0.03, misdiagnosis rate: 0.04) than 25 Chinese dermatologists (missed diagnosis rate: 0.19, misdiagnosis rate: 0.10) in the diagnosis of psoriasis on 100 clinical images.

Conclusions

Using clinical images to identify psoriasis is feasible and effective based on CNNs, which also builds a solid technical base for smart care of skin diseases especially psoriasis using mobile/tablet applications for teledermatology in China.
Repeated evolution of terrestrial lineages in a continental lizard radiation
Authors: Lajmi Aparna , Verma Anjali , Karanth K. Praveen
Published: September 2019

The “early‐burst” model of adaptive radiation predicts an early increase in phenotypic disparity concurrent with lineage diversification. Although most studies report a lack of this coupled pattern, the underlying processes are not identified. The continental radiation ofHemidactylusgeckos from Peninsular India includes morphologically diverse species that occupy various microhabitats. This radiation began diversifying ~36 Mya with an early increase in lineage diversification. Here, we test the “early‐burst” hypothesis by investigating the presence of ecomorphs and examining the pattern of morphological diversification in a phylogenetic framework. Two ecomorphs—terrestrial and scansorial species—that vary significantly in body size and toepad size were identified. Unlike the prediction of the “early‐burst” model, we find that disparity in toepad morphology accumulated more recently ~14 Mya and fit the Ornstein‐Ulhenbeck model. Ancestral state reconstruction of the two ecomorphs demonstrates that terrestrial lineages evolved independently at least five times from scansorial ancestors, with the earliest diversification in terrestrial lineages 19–12 Mya. Our study demonstrates a delayed increase in morphological disparity as a result of the evolution of terrestrial ecomorphs. The diversification of terrestrial lineages is concurrent with the establishment of open habitat and grasslands in Peninsular India, suggesting that the appearance of this novel resource led to the adaptive diversification.
Olfactory and physical manipulation by males on life‐history traits in Echinothrips americanus MORGAN 1913 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Krueger Stephanie , Müller Britta , Moritz Gerald
Published: September 2019

Thrips are highly successful invaders due to their broad host range, cryptic lifestyle, fast development of insecticide resistance and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Echinothrips americanus is native to the eastern USA and has now spread to over 30 countries, including Europe, Asia and Australia. This species is able to adapt oviposition rate, duration of larval development and sex ratio of progeny in relation to the mating status of the mother and presence of males. We designed experiments to distinguish between the mechanical and olfactory male contact for these changes in longevity, fecundity and developmental time of E. americanus. Individuals were reared either pairwise or with known male pheromonal substances (dimethylglutarate DBE‐5 and dimethyladipate DBE‐6), but separated by gauze from each other, which allows olfactory perception but no physical contact. Longevity, fecundity of the parents as well as developmental time and sex ratio of the progeny were recorded. Mated females had a significantly lower longevity under the impact of DBE‐5, compared to virgin ones. On the other hand, mating status itself is shown to affect oviposition rate and total fecundity, as well as developmental time of the progeny. Offspring of mated females had a slower development, compared to offspring of virgin mothers. Alternative strategies for integrative pest management that use male‐produced pheromones are discussed.
In vitro evaluation of the effects of Ultrasound Tongue Scraper on bacteria and biofilm formation
Authors: Amaechi Bennett T. , Abdul Azees Parveez Ahamed , Menon Suchitra , Kasundra Hariyali
Published: September 2019

Aim

Oral malodor is a common condition caused by some Gram‐negative oral bacteria, among which are the 3 red complex bacteria (RCB). The present study investigated the effectiveness of the Ultrasound Tongue Scraper (UTS) to disrupt the structural morphology of the bacteria and their biofilm.

Methods

While developing over 72 hours, multispecies biofilms of RCB (Porphromonas gingivalis, Tryponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia) were treated every 24 hours with 1.6‐MHz ultrasound waves generated with UTS. An untreated group served as controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine the biofilm thickness, biomass and live : dead cell ratio at each time point (24, 48 and 72 hours). Biofilm morphology and bacteria ultrastructure were viewed using scanning/transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Results

At each time point, the 3 variables were significantly lower in treated samples than the untreated. Significant biofilm disruption was observed in treated samples at each time period while the untreated had intact biofilm morphology. Cells in treated samples showed disrupted cell wall, cytoplasmic material, huge vacuoles and heterogeneity in electron density, while these cell organelles remained intact in untreated samples.

Conclusion

The UTS has an inhibitory effect on RCB and could be useful for oral malodor management.
Evaluation of combined excimer laser and platelet‐rich plasma for the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Khattab Fathia M. , Abdelbary Eman , Fawzi Maggie
Published: September 2019

Background

Excimer laser therapy of vitiligo generally takes months to years to achieve excellent outcomes. Platelet‐rich plasma is an autologous preparation with a focus on various growth factors that can help with vitiligo repigmentation.

Objectives

To assess the additive effect of PRP in the therapy of vitiligo on the results of the excimer laser.

Patients and Methods

A comparative study included 52 patients (8 males and 44 females) in two groups with stable (no new lesion for 6 months), nonsegmental and symmetrical vitiligo. Group I (26 patients): The patient was treated by intradermal PRP injection and the excimer laser, while group II (26 patients) was treated with the excimer laser only. The PRP injection was repeated every 3 weeks for 4 months and excimer laser two times a week and for 16 weeks till complete response. VAS for patient's satisfaction assessment, safety assessment for complications, and follow‐up for 3 months was done. Clinical (repigmentation response) and histopathological assessment was done.

Results

There was a higher statistically significant treatment response in group I compared with group II. In addition, a statistically significant correlation between the treatment response and the lesion site in group I (P < .000). A significant difference in VAS between both groups (P < .000). Few the side effects were reported.

Conclusion

The combination of PRP and excimer laser phototherapy is an efficient vitiligo treatment as PRP increases the excimer laser impact and also improves the result.