bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18S rDNA Sequence-Structure Phylogeny of the Trypanosomatida (Kinetoplastea, Euglenozoa) with Special Reference onTrypanosoma
Authors: Borges Alyssa R. , Engstler Markus , Wolf Matthias
Published: August 2020

Background

Parasites of the order Trypanosomatida are known due to their medical relevance. Trypanosomes cause African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease in South America, andLeishmaniaRoss, 1903 species mutilate and kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. However, human pathogens are very few when compared to the great diversity of trypanosomatids. Despite the progresses made in the past decades on understanding the evolution of this group of organisms, there are still many open questions which require robust phylogenetic markers to increase the resolution of trees.

Methods

Using two known 18S rDNA template structures (fromTrypanosoma cruziChagas, 1909 andTrypanosoma bruceiPlimmer& Bradford, 1899), individual 18S rDNA secondary structures were predicted by homology modeling. Sequences and their secondary structures, automatically encoded by a 12-letter alphabet (each nucleotide with its three structural states, paired left, paired right, unpaired), were simultaneously aligned. Sequence-structure trees were generated by neighbor joining and/or maximum likelihood.

Results

With a few exceptions, all nodes within a sequence-structure maximum likelihood tree of 43 representative 18S rDNA sequence-structure pairs are robustly supported (bootstrap support >75). Even a quick and easy sequence-structure neighbor-joining analysis yields accurate results and enables reconstruction and discussion of the big picture for all 240 18S rDNA sequence-structure pairs of trypanosomatids that are currently available.

Conclusions

We reconstructed the phylogeny of a comprehensive sampling of trypanosomes evaluated in the context of trypanosomatid diversity, demonstrating that the simultaneous use of 18S rDNA sequence and secondary structure data can reconstruct robust phylogenetic trees.
Transient Room Lighting for Ambient Light Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Velten A. , Uselmann A.J. , Prajapati S. , Bredfeldt J.S. , Mackie T.R. , Eliceiri K.W.
Published: August 2020

Laser scanning microscopy techniques such as confocal and multiphoton fluorescence microscopy have been widely adopted by the biological research community due to their ability to monitor intact specimens at high spatial and temporal resolution. However, they have been limited for many biomedical, clinical and industrial applications by their fundamental need to operate in near absolute darkness. We present a lighting system that allows the use of light-sensitive imaging techniques in a fully-lit room by interleaving capture and illumination at a high frequency and exploiting the light averaging properties of the human eye. We use this system with a multiphoton fluorescence microscope to illustrate that this method is capable of image capture in a well-lit room on par with capture in absolute darkness. This comparison is quantified through noise analysis of the images. This system has been implemented for laser scanning microscopy but has potential for widefield fluorescence imaging suitable for open-field surgery.
Pathogenetic Perspective of Missense Mutations of ORF3a Protein of SARS-CoV2
Authors: Hassan Sk. Sarif , Attrish Diksha , Ghosh Shinjini , Choudhury Pabitra Pal , Roy Bidyut
Published: August 2020

One of the most important proteins for COVID-19 pathogenesis in SARS-CoV2 is the ORF3a protein which is the largest accessory protein among others accessory proteins coded by coronavirus genome. The major roles of the protein include virulence, infectivity, ion channel activity, morphogenesis and virus release. The coronavirus, SARS-CoV2 is continuously evolving naturally and thereby the encoded proteins are also mutating rapidly. Therefore, critical study of mutations in ORF3a is certainty important from the pathogenetic perspective. Here, a sum of 175 various non-synonymous mutations in the ORF3a protein of SARS-CoV2 are identified and their corresponding effects in structural stability and functions of the protein ORF3a are studied. Broadly three different classes of mutations, such as neutral, disease and mixed (neutral and disease) type mutations were observed. Consecutive mutations in some ORF3a proteins are established based on timeline of detection of mutations. Considering the amino acid compositions over the ORF3a primary protein sequences, twenty clusters are detected based on K-means clustering method. Our findings on 175 novel mutations of ORF3a proteins will extend our knowledge of ORF3a, a vital accessory protein in SARS-CoV2, which would assist to enlighten on the pathogenicity of this life-threatening COVID-19.
Paradoxical relationships between active transport and global protein distributions in neurons
Authors: Bellotti A. , Murphy J. , Lin L. , Petralia R. , Wang Y-X , Hoffman D. , O’Leary T.
Published: August 2020

Neural function depends on continual synthesis and targeted trafficking of intracellular components, including ion channel proteins. The detailed biophysics active ion channel transport are increasingly well understood, along with the steady-state distribution of functional channels in the membrane. However we lack a quantitative understanding of how transport mechanisms give rise to stable expression patterns, and how live measurements of active transport relate to static estimates of channel density in neurites. We experimentally measured neuronal transport and expression densities of Kv4.2, a voltage-gated transient potassium channel. Kv4.2 is known to have a highly specific dendritic expression and little or no reported functional expression in axons. Surprisingly, in over 500 hours of quantitative live imaging, we found substantially higher microtubule-based transport of Kv4.2 subunits in axons compared to dendrites. We show that this paradoxical result is expected using a mass action trafficking model of intracellular transport that we calibrate to experimental measurements. Furthermore, we find qualitative differences in axonal and dendritic active transport that are captured in a stochastic model of puncta transport. This reveals that active transport is tuned to efficiently move cargo through axons while promoting mixing in dendrites. Finally, our data reveals trends in transport parameters that can explain the functional density profile of Kv4.2. Puncta velocity bias is directed distally and the magnitude of this bias increases with distance from the soma. These trends are consistent with an analytical solution of a linear transport PDE, corroborating previously unexplained distributions of Kv4.2 subunit localization and A-type current density. Together, our results provide new quantitative data on ion channel trafficking and reveal counterintuitive but mathematically consistent relationships between the distribution of cargo that is in transit and its functional expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study of ion channel transport reveals a seemingly counterintuitive result: the majority of subunit transport occurs in axons for a cargo whose static distribution is concentrated in dendrites. This disparity is reconciled by a simple mathematical model of transport, which reveals that the local density of actively transported intracellular cargo can show an inverse relationship with its static expression density. Mass action models also reconcile the previously unexplained, highly asymmetric, increasing distribution of Kv4.2 with its measured trafficking density that resembles diffusion with minimal drift. The generality of our analysis prompts caution in how static snapshots of intracellular cargo distributions should be interpreted for any type of intracellular cargo.
The mediating role of boreout in the effects of mobbing on service innovation performance
Authors: Özsungur Fahri
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between mobbing and service innovation performance. In this context, the mediating role of boreout, a new concept in the literature, was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with 240 participants recruited in manufacturing companies affiliated with Adana Chamber of Industry in the province of Adana Turkey in November 2019. The research was analyzed by the structural equation modeling method with the social exchange theory basis.

Findings

Findings revealed that boreout and mobbing were negatively associated with service innovation performance. Mobbing was positively associated with boreout and job boredom. According to the finding of this study, boreout partially mediated the effect of the mobbing on service innovation performance.

Originality/value

This study reveals the association among mobbing, boreout and service innovation performances of employees of companies operating in manufacturing sector. The findings of this study provide important practical knowledge to businesses and academics regarding the field of management, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Doubly stratified non-Newtonian nanofluid flow featuring nonlinear convection
Authors: Shahzadi Iqra , Kausar Nabeela
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The formulation of nonlinear convective non-Newtonian material is reported in this communication. Aspects of thermal radiation and heat source are taken into account for heat transport analysis. The novel stratifications (thermal and solutal) and convective conditions are considered simultaneously. The boundary-layer concept is implemented to simplify the complex mathematical expressions.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-known optimal homotopy scheme develops the computations. Optimal values regarding nonzero auxiliary variables are calculated and examined.

Findings

Nonlinear convective flow; Thixotropic non-Newtonian material; Thermal radiation; Heat source; Stratifications and convective conditions; Buongiorno model.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, no such analysis has yet been reported.
Village savings and loans association participation and impact on off-farm income among rural women
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Derkyi Mercy , Adombila Albert Yingura , Amrago Ernest Christlieb
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors that influence rural women’s participation in Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) and the savings contribution in the Kassena-Nankana West District of Ghana. The study also analysed the impact of VSLA participation on off-farm income and on poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 120 rural women were selected for this study. The probit and heteroskedasticity linear regression models were used to examine the factors that influence VSLA participation and the savings made by members, respectively. The propensity score matching technique, coupled with Rosenbaum Sensitivity analysis, were used to analyse the impact of VSLA on off-farm income and poverty.

Findings

Demographic and livelihood factors such as human, natural, financial, physical and social capitals have different influences on the participation and the savings contribution in the VSLA. Moreover, VSLA has a significant impact on off-farm income; however, it did not affect poverty.

Originality/value

Despite the numerous studies on VSLA, there is little evidence of literature of its impact on off-farm income of rural women in West Africa, specifically, Ghana. Thus, this paper expands the frontiers of the existing literature on VSLA impact assessment and the factors that influence the savings made by women in the association.
The Big-4’s influence on rules-based accounting standards
Authors: Lysak Amy K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate whether the Big-4’s commenting efforts influence the characteristics of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB’s) Final_Standards using the content of their comment letters. Whether auditors lobby standard-setters to help their clients or to help themselves and whether they are successful are questions highly relevant to issues of auditor independence and audit effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on components of Mergenthaler (2009), this study develops a rules-based continuum change score to measure how much more (less) rules-based a Final_Standard is compared to its exposure draft to evaluate the influence of the Big-4 on the FASB’s standard-setting for 63 accounting standards.

Findings

The findings show that extensive comment letters and increased uncertainty language are associated with increases in the rules-based attributes included in Final_Standards. These results suggest the Big-4 prioritize a reduction in their own litigation risk over the possible preferences of their clients for less rigid standards. Moreover, the results are consistent with their comment letters influencing the FASB’s decision to include more rules-based attributes in Final_Standards.

Originality/value

This study develops a potential proxy for audit risk by assessing the changes in the rules-based characteristics of proposed accounting standards and using the content of the comment letters to evaluate whether the Big-4 accounting firms may influence the FASB’s Final_Standards. Overall, this study provides a unique perspective on the influence of constituents on the FASB’s standard-setting.
Exploring the U.S. Coast Guard's stance agility on Twitter during Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Boman Courtney D. , Valiavska Anna , Bramlett Josh C. , Cameron Glen T.
Published: August 2020

Drawing on the contingency theory of strategic conflict management, this study examines how the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) used Twitter to communicate during Hurricane Harvey. A content analysis was conducted on tweets (N = 273) by using stances along the contingency's continuum, finding that the USCG frequently adopted stances on both sides of the continuum's spectrum throughout the disaster event. The analysis of USCG tweets provides a real‐world case study of how Twitter is used by organizations to strategically communicate with the public during a disaster event. Like many disaster aid organizations, the USCG must balance competing goals of assisting the impacted population, while continuing to secure funding from the U.S. government. The current study contributes to contingency theory of strategic conflict management literature by applying the theory to a disaster, providing tangible evidence that disaster communication research should consider incorporating different stances across the continuum, sometimes simultaneously, that could help guide strategies, ultimately helping the organization and public being affected during a disaster.
The relationship between perceived high‐performance work systems, combinations of human resource well‐being and human resource performance attributions and engagement
Authors: Alfes Kerstin , Veld Monique , Fürstenberg Nils
Published: August 2020

Research has demonstrated that employees' human resource (HR) attributions are relevant in influencing individual and organisational outcomes. This paper adds to the literature by exploring the extent to which employees' perceptions of the presence of high‐performance work systems (HPWS) are related to HR well‐being and HR performance attributions. Drawing from the employment relationship literature and the job demands–resources model, we further suggest that both HR attributions interact to jointly influence engagement. Survey data from 484 employees largely confirm our interactive dual‐mediation model, indicating that HPWS are positively and significantly associated with both HR attributions. Our findings also support our hypothesised interactive effect of HR well‐being and HR performance attributions on engagement and a conditional indirect effect of HPWS on engagement via the interactive effect. The paper contributes to the strategic HR literature by focussing on the antecedents of HR attributions and by considering their interactive effect on employee outcomes.
PCAOB Inspections and the Differential Audit Quality Effect for Big 4 and Non–Big 4 US Auditors*
Authors: Khurana Inder K. , Lundstrom Nathan G. , Raman K. K.
Published: August 2020

In this study, we investigate whether the increase in regulatory scrutiny epitomized by the initial PCAOB inspection impacted audit quality differentially for Big 4 and non–Big 4 auditors to better understand the consequences of PCAOB inspections for different audit firm types. Because of competing views on the effect of PCAOB inspections, the relation between PCAOB inspections and the audit quality differential between Big 4 and other auditors is an empirical issue. Empirically, we take the endogenous choice of auditor as a given and utilize a difference‐in‐differences specification that takes into account the staggered timing of the initial PCAOB inspection for different‐sized auditors in the United States. Our results suggest that the initial PCAOB inspection improved audit quality more for Big 4 auditors than for other annually inspected or triennially inspected non–Big 4 auditors. We also examine annually and triennially inspected non–Big 4 auditors separately, and find that the pre‐post Big 4/non–Big 4 differential audit quality effect is more pronounced for the triennially inspected non–Big 4 firms. In the larger context of the highly concentrated US audit market, our findings that PCAOB inspections accentuate the Big 4/non–Big 4 audit quality differential are of potential interest to public company audit clients contemplating an auditor change, investors interested in learning about the consequences of PCAOB inspections, regulators concerned about the Big 4 dominance of the US audit market, and academics investigating audit quality differences.
A simple technique to reconstruct medium to large scalp defects with exposed bone
Authors: Tiwari Shevya Manjri , Elliott Timothy G. , Tan Ernest
Published: August 2020

Medium to large scalp defects with exposed bone can pose particular challenges to the dermatologic surgeon. Most of the publications pertaining to the repair of such defects are presented in the plastic surgery literature. Dermatologic surgeons may have less experience in this area and be hesitant to pursue surgery when these defects may be encountered. The technique described below is a simple, one‐stage reconstruction, with a short healing period, providing adequate cosmesis, and is within the capability of most dermatologic surgeons.
Psoriasis: A bibliometric analysis in the Arab World (2004–2019)
Authors: Daou Lea , El Hage Said , Wakim Elias , Safi Steven , Salameh Pascale
Published: August 2020

Background

Psoriasis is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease with systemic implications. Psoriasis data seem to arise from a select number of countries, while other areas in the world with different genetics and ethnicities, especially Arab countries have a questionable input.

Aim

This study aims to quantitatively assess Arab countries contributions in psoriasis research.

Methods

The number of publications related to psoriasis for each of the 22 Arab countries was found on PubMed for every year between 2004 and 2019, and then, the total for each country was normalised according to three parameters: average population, Gross Domestic Product and psoriasis disability‐adjusted life years. In addition, the number of psoriasis articles was also retrieved for 2 other groups: South America and Far East Asia, for comparison.

Results

Only 1.53% of all psoriasis research published between 2004 and 2019 originates from Arab countries (vs. 2.06% from South American countries and 13.2% from Far East Asian countries), and psoriasis articles make up only 0.15% of the total publications from Arab countries (vs. 0.10% for both South American and Far East Asian countries). Egypt scored the highest number of psoriasis‐related articles and accounted on its own for almost half the number of psoriasis publications (47.9%) from Arab countries. When normalised according to the 3 parameters, other Arab countries also rose to prominence; Kuwait had the highest number of publications per million persons, and Tunisia had the highest number of publications per GDP. However, Egypt ranked once again first as having the highest number of publications per 1% psoriasis‐related DALY. Among the three parameters, the average population size proved to be the most strongly correlated with the number of psoriasis publications in a given country.

Conclusion

There is an incontestable need for more research related to psoriasis in Arab countries as the numbers are still very low reflecting many difficulties standing In the way of research in general in the Arab world.
Is pregnancy an immunological contributor to severe or controlled COVID‐19 disease?
Authors: Hanna Nazeeh , Hanna Monica , Sharma Surendra
Published: August 2020

Since its emergence in Wuhan as a novel coronavirus disease, it has taken only a few months since January 2020 for it to be recognized as a widespread COVID‐19 pandemic which has contributed to global health devastation. As pointed out by health experts, it is a once in a century pandemic of our times. Clinical observations so far indicate that the older population and immune compromised individuals, particularly in African American and Hispanic/Latino communities, are at much higher risk for infection with this novel coronavirus. In this regard, pregnancy offers an altered immunity scenario which may allow severe COVID‐19 disease. The literature is so far highly conflicting on this issue. This review will offer a conceptual basis for severe or controlled disease and address trepidations for pregnant women associated with COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly in the comparative context of clinical consequences of other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS. We will highlight the possible consequences of COVID‐19 on the general health of pregnant women as well as its possible effects at the maternal‐fetal interface. For the placenta‐related pathology, we will focus our discussion on the temporal expression of ACE2 throughout gestation for possible propagation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the placenta in infected women and ensuing consequences.
High‐grade cervical lesions after vaccination against human papillomavirus: A Danish cohort study
Authors: Thamsborg Lise Holst , Napolitano George , Larsen Lise Grupe , Lynge Elsebeth
Published: August 2020

Introduction

It is pertinent to evaluate the impact of vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) in real life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the real‐life impact of HPV vaccination in the first birth cohort of Danish women offered free HPV vaccination as girls and invited to screening at the age of 23 years.

Material and methods

Women born in 1993 were offered free HPV vaccination at the age of 15 years but women born in 1983 have never been offered free HPV vaccination. We followed these two birth cohorts for 10 years from the age of 15 to after their first invitation to screening, and compared the risk of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Data were obtained from Danish national health registers.

Results

Vaccination coverage was 91% in the 1993 birth cohort and <0.1% in the 1983 cohort. Screening coverage was close to 80% in both cohorts. CIN2+ was detected in 4% of the 15 748 screened women born in 1983 and in 3% of the 19 951 screened women born in 1993. The risk of high‐grade CIN was reduced by about 30% in the 1993 cohort compared with the 1983 cohort; for CIN2+ relative risk 0.74 (95% CI 0.66‐0.82) and for CIN3+ relative risk 0.68 (95% CI 0.58‐0.79).

Conclusions

This study investigated the real‐life impact of quadrivalent HPV vaccination by comparing a cohort of women offered HPV vaccination with a cohort of women not offered HPV vaccination. The observed decrease in the detection of high‐grade cervical lesions following HPV vaccination is in line with results from the randomized trials and has important implications for future cervical screening of HPV vaccinated cohorts.
A note on computing Louis’ observed information matrix identity for IRT and cognitive diagnostic models
Authors: Liu Chen‐Wei , Chalmers Robert Philip
Published: August 2020

Using Louis’ formula, it is possible to obtain the observed information matrix and the corresponding large‐sample standard error estimates after the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm has converged. However, Louis’ formula is commonly de‐emphasized due to its relatively complex integration representation, particularly when studying latent variable models. This paper provides a holistic overview that demonstrates how Louis’ formula can be applied efficiently to item response theory (IRT) models and other popular latent variable models, such as cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs). After presenting the algebraic components required for Louis’ formula, two real data analyses, with accompanying numerical illustrations, are presented. Next, a Monte Carlo simulation is presented to compare the computational efficiency of Louis’ formula with previously existing methods. Results from these presentations suggest that Louis’ formula should be adopted as a standard method when computing the observed information matrix for IRT models and CDMs fitted with the EM algorithm due to its computational efficiency and flexibility.
Improving new product development innovation effectiveness by using problem solving tools during the conceptual development phase: Integrating Design Thinking and TRIZ
Authors: Da Silva Ricardo Henrique , Kaminski Paulo C. , Armellini Fabiano
Published: August 2020

The objective of this research is to improve innovation effectiveness during new product development (NPD) processes in industry by using problem‐solving techniques during the conceptual development phase. The concept phase of physical NPDs is widely recognized in the literature as the time when the target market is identified, alternative product concepts are created and evaluated for further development and testing, also called the “fuzzy front end” or “discovery stage”. Design Thinking (DT) and TRIZ were the chosen problem‐solving techniques to support this stage because of their complementariness. While DT is most recognized as an approach that drives project teams toward the end‐users, TRIZ has its main strength during idea generation and selection processes where it has a robust set of analytical tools to drive NPD teams to a final product concept. After conducting a literature review to understand the strengths and limitations of both techniques, a framework is proposed by integrating them into the conceptual development phase of an industrial NPD process. The proposed framework is then tested and validated after being applied successfully in an NPD process in the automotive industry. The automotive industry is a good example of an incremental type of industry when designing its components for new vehicle models, and is therefore a very appropriate laboratory for validating the proposed framework.
Comparison of extended right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy and segmental colectomy for splenic flexure colon cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh S. , Hajibandeh S. , Hussain I. , Zubairu A. , Akbar F. , Maw A.
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim of this work was to compare the outcomes of extended right hemicolectomy (ERH), left hemicolectomy (LH) and segmental colectomy (SC) for the surgical management of splenic flexure tumours.

Method

In compliance with PRISMA statement standards, a systematic review was performed to identify all studies comparing outcomes of ERH, LH and SC for the surgical management of splenic flexure tumours. Primary outcomes included anastomotic leakage and all postoperative complications. The secondary outcomes included operative time, R0 resection, number of harvested lymph nodes, > 12 harvested lymph nodes, severe complications, postoperative mortality, paralytic ileus, wound infection, pancreatic fistula, intra‐abdominal abscess, need for reoperation, length of hospital stay, 5‐year overall survival and 5‐year disease‐free survival. The ROBINS‐I tool and GRADE system were used to assess the risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively.

Results

Analysis of 956 patients from seven observational studies showed that ERH was associated with more paralytic ileus than LH (OR 2.74, P = 0.002) and SC (OR 6.67, P < 0.0001) and the operative time was shorter in SC than in ERH (mean difference 25.48, P < 0.0001) and LH (mean difference −17.94, P = 0.0002). There were no differences between ERH, LH and SC in terms of anastomotic leakage, postoperative complications, R0 resection, severe complications, postoperative mortality, wound infection, pancreatic fistula, intra‐abdominal abscess, need for reoperation, length of hospital stay, > 12 harvested lymph nodes, 5‐year overall survival and 5‐year disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

The available evidence, limited to observational studies, suggests that there is no difference between ERH, LH and SC in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality, lymph node yield and cancer survival. Randomized controlled trials are required for definite conclusions.
Establishment of risk prediction model and risk score for in‐hospital mortality in patients with AECOPD
Authors: Yu Xing , Zhu Gui‐Ping , Cai Teng‐Fei , Zheng Jian‐Yi
Published: August 2020

Objective

Risk stratification for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) may help clinicians choose appropriate treatments and improve the quality of care.

Methods

A total of 695 patients hospitalized with AECOPD from January 2015 to December 2017 were considered. They were assigned to a death and a survival cohort. The independent prognostic factors were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Meanwhile, we also compared the new scale with three other scores and tested the new scale internally and externally.

Results

A new risk score was created, made up of six independent variables: age, D‐dimer, albumin, cardiac troponin I, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygenation index. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) for the model was 0.929, and the other three CURB‐65, DECAF and BAP‐65 models were 0.718, 0.922 and 0.708. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient between the new scale and DECAF was calculated to be 0.648, suggesting that there is a substantial consistency between the two. In the internal and external validation cohorts, 490 and 500 patients were recruited with a total mortality rate of 5.15%. The AUROC for in‐hospital mortality was 0.937 in the internal cohort and 0.914 in external cohort, which was significantly better than the scores for CURB‐65 and BAP‐65, but it was not significantly different from the DECAF.

Conclusions

The new scale may help to stratify the risk of in‐hospital mortality of AECOPD. The DECAF performed as well as the new instrument, and it appears to be valid in Chinese patients.
A case of YAP1 and NUTM1 rearranged porocarcinoma with corresponding immunohistochemical expression: Review of recent advances in poroma and porocarcinoma pathogenesis with potential diagnostic utility
Authors: Parra Ourania , Kerr Darcy A. , Bridge Julia A. , Loehrer Andrew P. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: August 2020

Porocarcinoma is a rare malignant adnexal tumor with predilection for the lower extremities and the head and neck region of older adults. This entity may arise de novo or in association with a benign poroma. Porocarcinoma's non‐specific clinical appearance, immunohistochemical profile, and divergent differentiation may occasionally be diagnostically challenging. Recently, highly recurrent YAP1 and NUTM1 gene rearrangements have been described in cases of poroma and porocarcinoma. In this report, we present a case of porocarcinoma with squamous differentiation in an 81‐year‐old woman which harbored rearrangement of the YAP1 and NUTM1 loci and was diffusely immunoreactive for NUTM1. We discuss the recent advancements in the pathogenesis of poromas and porocarcinomas with emphasis on the clinical utility of the NUTM1 antibody.
Reconsidering peasant communes in the Levant,c. 1850s–1940s†
Authors: Nadan Amos
Published: August 2020

The unfounded belief that there was a peasant commune in the Levant very similar to the Russianmir, and that it was inefficient, precluded historians from understanding the true role of the institution ofmushāʿ in this region. Themushāʿ land title represented the attachment of a particular community to specific plots of land. In this context, ‘community’ often meant nuclear and extended families in suprahouseholds, as well as the entire village. People in these communities tended to derive income from land according to recognized arrangements such as mutual use of grazing lands, and joint or individual cultivation with or without land repartition among cultivators. The comparison withmirwas relevant only for one form of the institution, namely, repartitionedmushāʿ. Redistribution or repartition varied according to specific ‘factors of production’ or to informal and formal property rights. It did not prove less efficient than the reformed, individualized system of land management, and was possibly more effective in resisting laws that allowed the seizure of lands that had not been cultivated for three years. All forms ofmushāʿ required greater communal mutual support and responsibility, which significantly reduced risks in times of crisis.
Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of comprehensive assessment of at risk mental states
Authors: Yokuşoğlu Çağdaş , Ercis Mete , Çağlar Nuran , Aydemir Ömer , Üçok Alp
Published: August 2020

Aims

To perform the validation of the Comprehensive Assessment at Risk Mental State (CAARMS) in Turkish.

Methods

Sixty‐five volunteers (15‐24 years) were enrolled in this study. Concurrent validity was performed with Spearman's Correlation Test using Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Median scores of the groups were compared using Mann‐Whitney U Test. Interrater reliability was assessed by intragroup correlation coefficient method. Internal consistency was studied by the calculation of Cronbach Alfa Coefficient.

Results

The correlation of the severity scores of the CAARMS with unusual thought content, suspiciousness, hallucinations and conceptual disorganization items of the BPRS showed that the concurrent validity was good. ROC analysis revealed that CAARMS could discriminate between individuals with UHR and healthy volunteers well. We found a good correlation between the raters. Internal consistency was at very high level.

Conclusion

Analyses of concurrent validity, criterion validity, interrater reliability and internal consistency indicate that the Turkish version is valid and reliable.
Poly I:C‐induced maternal immune challenge reduces perineuronal net area and raises spontaneous network activity of hippocampal neurons in vitro
Authors: Wegrzyn David , Manitz Marie‐Pierre , Kostka Michael , Freund Nadja , Juckel Georg , Faissner Andreas
Published: August 2020

Activation of the maternal immune system (MIA) during gestation is linked to neuropsychiatric diseases like schizophrenia. While many studies address behavioural aspects, less is known about underlying cellular mechanisms. In the following study, BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal injections of polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) (20 µg/ml) or saline (0.9%) at gestation day (GD) 9.5 before hippocampal neurons were isolated and cultured from embryonic mice for further analysis. Interestingly, strongest effects were observed when the perineuronal net (PNN) wearing subpopulation of neurons was analysed. Here, a significant reduction of aggrecan staining intensity, area and soma size could be detected. Alterations of PNNs are often linked to neuropsychiatric diseases, changes in synaptic plasticity and in electrophysiology. Utilizing multielectrode array analysis (MEA), we observed a remarkable increase of the spontaneous network activity in neuronal networks after 21 days in vitro (DIV) when mother mice suffered a prenatal immune challenge. As PNNs are associated with GABAergic interneurons, our data indicate that this neuronal subtype might be stronger affected by a prenatal MIA. Degradation or damage of this subtype might cause the hyperexcitability observed in the whole network. In addition, embryonic neurons of the Poly I:C condition developed significantly shorter axons after five days in culture, while dendritic parameters and apoptosis rate remained unchanged. Structural analysis of synapse numbers revealed an increase of postsynaptic density 95 (PSD‐95) puncta after 14 DIV and an increase of presynaptic vesicular glutamate transporter (vGlut) puncta after 21 DIV, while inhibitory synaptic proteins were not altered.
Antimicrobial regional limb perfusion: Does it really fight infection?
Authors: Rubio‐Martínez L. M.
Published: August 2020

Over the last decades the use of antimicrobial regional limb perfusion (A‐RLP) has increased and A‐RLP is nowadays commonly used to treat orthopaedic infections by many equine practitioners. There have been a large number of studies published on the use of A‐RLP, many of which describe regional drug pharmacokinetics and clinical safety of the administration of different antimicrobials by A‐RLP. A limited number of studies describe the clinical use of A‐RLP as prophylactic or therapeutic treatment. However, despite being in use for 30 years there is still limited evidence about the efficacy of A‐RLP as a means to prevent and treat orthopaedic infections in horses.
Finite element and experimental study on multiaxial fatigue analysis of rail clip failures
Authors: Liu Zhufeng , Tsang Kin Shun , Liu Yang , Pang John Hock Lye
Published: August 2020

The rail clip fastening system is an important structural component of railway track systems providing flexibility and turnover resistance for running rails. High replacement frequency of fasteners was observed compared with other components because of fatigue failures of rail clips. In this study, implicit and explicit finite element (FE) models were developed for E‐clip and Fast‐clip with material and fatigue properties obtained from experimental testing. The fatigue loading experiments were conducted to determine the strain‐life relationship. The assessments of the fatigue damage and fatigue life were analysed using the FE results for the rail clip strain/stress components with the Fatemi‐Socie multiaxial fatigue criterion. A time‐efficient smallest enclosing circle algorithm was developed to search the critical plane orientation and the maximum shear strain amplitude for fatigue analysis. This work provides a method for FE and experimental study of multiaxial fatigue analysis of rail clip failures subjected to dynamic loading.
Snapshot isolation and isolation history challenge the analogy between mountains and islands used to understand endemism
Authors: Flantua Suzette G. A. , Payne Davnah , Borregaard Michael K. , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Dullinger Stefan , Essl Franz , Irl Severin D. H. , Kienle David , Kreft Holger , Lenzner Bernd , Norder Sietze J. , Rijsdijk Kenneth F. , Rumpf Sabine B. , Weigelt Patrick , Field Richard
Published: August 2020

Aim

Mountains and islands are both well known for their high endemism. To explain this similarity, parallels have been drawn between the insularity of “true islands” (land surrounded by water) and the isolation of habitats within mountains (so‐called “mountain islands”). However, parallels rarely go much beyond the observation that mountaintops are isolated from one another, as are true islands. Here, we challenge the analogy between mountains and true islands by re‐evaluating the literature, focusing on isolation (the prime mechanism underlying species endemism by restricting gene flow) from a dynamic perspective over space and time.

Framework

We base our conceptualization of “isolation” on the arguments that no biological system is completely isolated; instead, isolation has multiple spatial and temporal dimensions relating to biological and environmental processes. We distinguish four key dimensions of isolation: (a) environmental difference from surroundings; (b) geographical distance to equivalent environment [points (a) and (b) are combined as “snapshot isolation”]; (c) continuity of isolation in space and time; and (d) total time over which isolation has been present [points (c) and (d) are combined as “isolation history”]. We evaluate the importance of each dimension in different types of mountains and true islands, demonstrating that substantial differences exist in the nature of isolation between and within each type. In particular, different types differ in their initial isolation and in the dynamic trajectories they follow, with distinct phases of varying isolation that interact with species traits over time to form present‐day patterns of endemism.

Conclusions

Our spatio‐temporal definition of isolation suggests that the analogy between true islands and mountain islands masks important variation of isolation over long time‐scales. Our understanding of endemism in isolated systems can be greatly enriched if the dynamic spatio‐temporal dimensions of isolation enter models as explanatory variables and if these models account for the trajectories of the history of a system.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension – Characteristic MRI Features
Authors: Tan You‐Jiang , Choo Charlotte Hui‐Min
Published: August 2020

We present the case of 24‐year‐old woman who presented with chronic headaches with features of raised intracranial pressure and bilateral papilledema. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed the characteristic features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A diagnosis supported by clinical features and other ancillary tests. These features are important for physicians to recognize early, so that timely treatment may prevent permanent complications from this rare but potentially sight‐threatening headache.
Implications of bacterial, viral and mycotic microorganisms in vultures for wildlife conservation, ecosystem services and public health
Authors: Plaza Pablo I. , Blanco Guillermo , Lambertucci Sergio A.
Published: August 2020

The effects that microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) have on their hosts remain unexplored for most vulture species. This is especially relevant for vultures, as their diet consists of carcasses in various stages of decomposition, which are breeding grounds for potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Here we review current knowledge of bacterial, viral and mycotic microorganisms present in wild vultures. We consider their potential to cause disease in vultures and whether this poses any population‐level threats. Furthermore, we address the question of whether vultures may act as disease spreaders or mitigators. We found 76 articles concerning bacterial, viral and mycotic microorganisms present in 13 vulture species, 57 evaluating bacteria, 13 evaluating viruses and six evaluating mycotic microorganisms. These studies come from all continents where vultures are present, but mainly from Europe and North America, and the most studied species was the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus. We found that vultures are colonized by zoonotic pathogens, and even host‐specific human pathogens. Some recorded bacteria showed multi‐antibiotic resistance, especially those that can be associated with anthropogenic food subsides such as supplementary feeding stations. We found evidence that vulture health can be affected by some microorganisms, producing a wide array of clinical alterations that have the potential to influence mortality risk and fitness. We did not find clear scientific evidence that vultures play an epidemiological role spreading microorganisms to humans and other species. However, there is evidence that vultures could prevent the spread of infectious diseases through their removal of decomposing organic material. The evaluation of vulture exposure to microorganisms is of fundamental importance to design better conservation policies for this threatened group, which may serve a key role as ecosystem cleaners.
In vivo anti‐hypertensive effect of peptides from egg white and its molecular mechanism with ACE
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Wang Li , Wu Sijia , Zhao Wenzhu , Ding Long , Liu Jingbo
Published: August 2020

Previous work has demonstrated that peptides QIGLF and RVPSL exhibited in vitro ACE inhibitory activity. This study was aimed to evaluate the in vivo anti‐hypertensive effects of peptides RVPSL and QIGLF using animal experiments, and clarify the molecular mechanisms of interaction between ACE and peptides by molecular docking. In this work, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of SHRs treated with QIGLF and RVPSL decreased by 48 ± 6 and 46 ± 6 mmHg, respectively. Docking results revealed that QIGLF and RVPSL established interactions with three main actives that of ACE, that is, S1 (Ala 354), S2 (Gln 281, His 513, Tyr 520 and Lys 511) and S1’ (Glu 162). These interactions can prevent ACE from binding to substrate and competitive inhibition. The in vivo anti‐hypertensive effect of QIGLF and RVPSL was consistent with their in vitro ACE inhibitory activity. QIGLF and RVPSL have potential to be a healthy functional food with anti‐hypertensive effects.
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) restricts MD2/TLR4‐MyD88 complex formation and signalling in acute myocardial infarction‐induced heart failure
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Guo Dongqing , Li Weili , Zhang Qian , Jiang Yanyan , Wang Qiyan , Li Chun , Qiu Qi , Wang Yong
Published: August 2020

Heart failure (HF) represents a major public health burden. Inflammation has been shown to be a critical factor in the progression of HF, regardless of the aetiology. Disappointingly, the majority of clinical trials targeting aspects of inflammation in patients with HF have been largely negative. Many clinical researches demonstrate that danshen has a good efficacy on HF, and however, whether danshen exerts anti‐inflammatory effects against HF remains unclear. In our study, the employment of a water extracted and alcohol precipitated of danshen extract attenuated cardiac dysfunction and inflammation response in acute myocardial infarction‐induced HF rats. Transcriptome technique and validation results revealed that TLR4 signalling pathway was involved in the anti‐inflammation effects of danshen. In vitro, danshen reduced the release of inflammatory mediators in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Besides, the LPS‐stimulated macrophage conditioned media was applied to induce cardiac H9C2 cells injury, which could be attenuated by danshen. Furtherly, knock‐down and overexpression of TLR4 were utilized to confirm that danshen ameliorated inflammatory injury via MyD88‐dependent TLR4‐TRAF6‐NF‐κB signalling pathway in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, by utilizing co‐immunoprecipitation, danshen was proved to suppress MD2/TLR4 complex formation and MyD88 recruitment. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that danshen ameliorates inflammatory injury by controlling MD2/TLR4‐MyD88 complex formation and TLR4‐TRAF6‐NF‐κB signalling pathway in acute myocardial infarction‐induced HF.