bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between saw blade width and kerf width
Authors: Menschel Melissa , Pokines James T. , Reinecke Gary
Published: September 2020

Most studies of saw marks have focused on morphological characteristics and their utility in identifying saws suspected to have been utilized in cases of criminal dismemberment. The present study examined the extent to which metric analysis may be used to correlate saw blade measurements with minimum kerf widths (MKWs). A sample of 56 partially defleshed white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) long bones was utilized as proxy for human remains. The long bones were cut using a variety of commercially available saws, including 11 manual‐powered and 5 mechanical‐powered saws. A total of 496 false start kerfs (FSKs) were created. Two experiments were performed, with the first test examining the MKWs of FSKs produced on specimens that were restrained using a bench vise, while the second test analyzed the MKWs of FSKs produced on minimally restrained specimens. Statistical analysis using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) indicated a positive relationship between saw blade width (mm) and MKW, with blade width (p < 0.001) and the overall difference between the mechanical‐ and manual‐powered saws (p = 0.029) tested, reaching statistical significance. A comparison of MKWs produced using manual‐powered saws on restrained and minimally restrained bones suggests that restraint condition (p = 0.009) has a statistically significant effect. In comparisons of MKWs to blade widths, the average ratio for mechanical‐powered saws is 18.7% greater than the average ratio for manual‐powered saws. While the mode of the ratios was 1.42, thus supporting the general rule that MKW does not exceed 1.5 times blade width, multiple individual ratios did surpass 1.5.
Membrane disruption of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum induced by myriocin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LZN01
Authors: Wang Hengxu , Wang Zhigang , Liu Zeping , Wang Kexin , Xu Weihui
Published: September 2020

Myriocin, which is produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LZN01, can inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon). In the present study, the antifungal mechanism of myriocin against Fon was investigated with a focus on the effects of myriocin on the cell membrane. Myriocin decreased the membrane fluidity and destroyed the membrane integrity of Fon. Significant microscopic morphological changes, including conidial shrinkage, the appearance of larger vacuoles and inhomogeneity of electron density, were observed in myriocin‐treated cells. A membrane‐targeted mechanism of action was also supported by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses; a total of 560 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 285 common differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. The DEGs were further verified by using RT‐qPCR. The combined analysis between the transcriptome and proteome revealed that the expression of some membrane‐related genes and proteins, mainly those related to sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, ABC transporters and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, was disordered. Myriocin affected the serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT) activity as evidenced through molecular docking. Our results indicate that myriocin has significant antifungal activity owing to its ability to induce membrane damage in Fon.
Klotho overexpression improves amyloid‐β clearance and cognition in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhao Yue , Zeng Chen‐Ye , Li Xiao‐Hong , Yang Ting‐Ting , Kuang Xi , Du Jun‐Rong
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, characterized by the presence of amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques. We previously reported that Klotho lowered Aβ levels in the brain and protected against cognitive deficits in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1(APP/PS1) mice. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we induced intracerebral Klotho overexpression in 13‐month‐old APP/PS1 mice by injecting lentivirus that carried full‐length mouse Klotho cDNA in the lateral ventricle of the brain. We examined the effects of Klotho overexpression on cognition, Aβ burden, Aβ‐related neuropathology, microglia transformation, and Aβ transport systems in vivo. Additionally, we investigated the effects of Klotho on Aβ transport at the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier by knocking down Klotho in primary human choroid plexus epithelial cells (HCPEpiCs). The upregulation of Klotho levels in the brain and serum significantly ameliorated Aβ burden, neuronal and synaptic loss and cognitive deficits in aged APP/PS1 mice. Klotho treatment significantly inhibited NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and the subsequent transformation of microglia to the M2 type that may enhance microglia‐mediated Aβ clearance. Meanwhile, Klotho overexpression also regulated Aβ transporter expression, which may promote Aβ transporter‐mediated Aβ clearance. Moreover, the ability of HCPEpiCs to transport Aβ in vitro was also significantly impaired by Klotho knockdown. Given the neuroprotective effect of Klotho overexpression, the present findings suggest that Klotho should be further investigated as a potential therapeutic target for AD.
Conditioned odor aversion as a tool for reducing post‐release predation during animal translocations
Authors: Tobajas J. , Descalzo E. , Villafuerte R. , Jimenez J. , Mateo R. , Ferreras P.
Published: September 2020

Predation is a key factor in prey population dynamics and could impact population recovery. One common means employed to recover prey populations is that of translocations, but most fail owing to high predation during the early stages. We tested whether conditioned odor aversion can reduce predation during animal translocations by using the predation of the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus by the red fox Vulpes vulpes as a case study. Following a before‐after control‐impact design (BACI), we deployed bait stations monitored using camera‐traps in two zones to which rabbits were translocated. One week before the rabbits were released, microencapsulated levamisole was added to rabbit baits located in the treatment zones, along with vanilla essence as an odor cue. A total of 148 rabbits were distributed in artificial warrens with the odor cue and 68 of them were fitted with radio collars in order to determine their survival rates. The response to the treatment and translocation as regards subsequent rabbit abundance was evaluated using N‐mixture models, while rabbit establishment was evaluated using a warren use index (WUI). The treatment decreased the proportion of baits consumed by foxes, but this decrease was partially compensated by other predators. WUI and rabbit population growth increased significantly more after translocations in the treatment zones than in the control zones. The short‐term survival of translocated rabbits was also higher in the treatment zones than in the control zones. Our study showed that conditioned odor aversion reduced rabbit predation by foxes, and had a positive effect on rabbit population growth after translocation, since there was an increase in rabbit survival and warren establishment. This method could be used as a non‐lethal tool for the recovery of a key prey when carrying out programs concerning the reintroduction of endangered predators or for other vulnerable species requiring translocations.
Frequency of use, moral incongruence and religiosity and their relationships with self‐perceived addiction to pornography, internet use, social networking and online gaming
Authors: Lewczuk Karol , Nowakowska Iwona , Lewandowska Karolina , Potenza Marc N. , Gola Mateusz
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Moral incongruence involves disapproval of a behavior in which people engage despite their moral beliefs. Although considerable research has been conducted on how moral incongruence relates to pornography use, potential roles for moral incongruence in other putative behavioral addictions have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of moral incongruence in self‐perceived addiction to: (i) pornography; (ii) internet addiction; (iii) social networking; and (iv) online gaming.

Design

A cross‐sectional, preregistered, online survey using multivariable regression.

Setting

Online study conducted in Poland.

Participants

1036 Polish adults aged between 18 and 69 years.

Measurements

Measures included self‐perceived behavioral addiction to pornography, internet use, social networking and online gaming and their hypothesized determinants (moral incongruence, frequency of use, time of use, religiosity, age and gender).

Findings

Higher moral incongruence (β = 0.20, P < 0.001) and higher religiosity (β = 0.08, P < 0.05) were independently associated with higher self‐perceived addiction to pornography. Additionally, frequency of pornography use was the strongest of the analyzed predictors (β = 0.43, P < 0.001). A similar, positive relationship between high moral incongruence and self‐perceived addiction was also present for internet (β = 0.16, P < 0.001), social networking (β = 0.18, P < 0.001) and gaming addictions (β = 0.16, P < 0.001). Religiosity was uniquely, although weakly, connected to pornography addiction, but not to other types of addictive behaviors.

Conclusions

Moral incongruence may be positively associated with self‐perception of behavioral addictions including not only pornography viewing, but also internet use, social networking and online gaming.
Pelvic endometriosis and natural killer cell immunity
Authors: Fukui Atsushi , Mai Chuxian , Saeki Shinichiro , Yamamoto Mayu , Takeyama Ryu , Kato Toru , Ukita Yuji , Wakimoto Yu , Yamaya Ayano , Shibahara Hiroaki
Published: September 2020

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that commonly affects women in their reproductive age. It has been reported that the infertility due to endometriosis is largely caused by pelvic adhesion, oocyte damage, and so on. There are several causes of endometriosis including bacterial infections, immunological abnormalities, epigenetics, and aberrant DNA methylation. The natural killer (NK) cells present in the peritoneal fluid express CD16 and CD56. They also express NK cell inhibitory receptors and activating receptors and usually work to eliminate endometrial cells in the retrograde menstruation. However, in women with endometriosis, the changes in these receptors and production of cytokines by NK cells cause the onset and progression of endometriosis. In this review, we have focused on the role of NK cells in pelvic endometriosis and presented the immunological abnormalities in endometriosis including the possibility of future treatment.
Active Today, Replenished Tomorrow? How Daily Physical Activity Diminishes Next‐Morning Depletion
Authors: Rost Emily A. , Glasgow Trevin E. , Calderwood Charles
Published: September 2020

Background

Physical activity is a salient input to psychological health and well‐being. Recent applied psychology research suggests that physical activity of a greater intensity is particularly important for recovery from work‐related effort expenditure. However, whether and how moderate‐to‐vigorous levels of physical activity influence recovery outside of working populations remains unclear. Further, the process through which this relationship unfolds on a day‐to‐day basis has yet to be mapped.

Method

We conducted a 10‐day daily diary study in a sample of 66 college students that incorporated objective measurements of physical activity and sleep to address these research gaps.

Results

We found that higher levels of daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity were associated with leisure‐time psychological detachment from daily school demands, which in turn related to longer duration sleep that diminished next‐morning depletion.

Discussion

We discuss how our findings advance a dynamic perspective of the intersection of physical activity and recovery from day‐to‐day that can be applied outside of working populations.
What the early pathologists got wrong, and right, about the pathology of Crohn’s disease: a historical perspective
Authors: Van Kruiningen Herbert J.
Published: September 2020

Surgeons, who documented what they had seen and felt in the abdomen of the patient, made the earliest descriptions of Crohn’s disease (CD). Dalziel wrote the first pathology description in 1913. Crohn and his coworkers reinvented what Dalziel had written about and called it by a different name, ‘regional enteritis’. Later others elaborated on the histologic features, at first the lymphoid follicles, later the granulomas. Some thought the latter were comprised of lymphatic endothelial cells and that endothelial plugs obstructed the lymphatics. Tonelli and others recognized that lymphedema was important and caused by obstructions to lymphatic vasculature. Some lymphatics they described contained lymphocyte plugs and others granulomas. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has now shown that endothelial cells are not the cause of lymphatic obstruction, but rather CD68‐positive macrophages, concluding that the ‘lymphocyte thrombi’ are passive, caught upstream of granuloma‐obstructed lymphatics. Numerous authors recognized that transmural edema was the most significant change in Crohn’s disease and that this was later followed by fibrosis and contracture of the diseased segment. Key descriptive papers spoke of the segmental lymphedema. Most recently, attention has been given to attachments of the intralymphatic CD68+ granulomas to a focal point where endothelial damage occurred, damage suggesting infectious penetration of the mucosa, necrosis of lymphatic endothelium and then granulomatous response, both inside and outside the lymphatics, of submucosa, muscularis, and subserosa. D2‐40 IHC outlines the endothelium, and anti‐CD68 shows the granulomas. IHC adds a valuable perspective when reviewing CD resections.
Baicalin inhibits Salmonella typhimurium‐induced inflammation and mediates autophagy through TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ling , Sun Yuan , Xu Wei , Geng Yu , Su Yuhong , Wang Qiuning , Wang Jinli
Published: September 2020

Baicalin has been reported to protect mice against Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) infection, while its molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and observation time were measured. Cell viability and LDH levels were examined in RAW264.7 cells and H9 cells. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with S typhimurium in the presence or absence of Baicalin, and the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined by fluorescence microscopy and ELISA. The autophagy and TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB signalling pathway were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The results indicated that MOI of 30 and duration of autophagy evident at 5 h were applicable to this study. Baicalin prevented death of macrophages, promoted bactericidal activity, decreased the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and ROS and reduced the changes of key biomarkers in autophagy and TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB signalling pathway infected by S typhimurium. TLR4‐overexpressed cells, autophagy and TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB signalling pathway were activated by S typhimurium, which was suppressed by Baicalin. Our findings indicated that Baicalin exerts anti‐inflammatory and cell‐protective effects, and it mediates autophagy by down‐regulating the activity of TLR4 infected by S typhimurium.
Children’s intergroup gender bias and self‐perceived same‐ and other‐gender similarity
Authors: Peragine Diana E. , Gill Bhajan , Troisi Victoria V. , MacMullin Laura N. , VanderLaan Doug P.
Published: September 2020

Children display intergroup bias in relation to gender. The present study examined whether children’s self‐perceived same‐ and other‐gender similarity were related to their same‐ and other‐gender positivity and negativity, respectively. Children aged 6–10 years (N = 149) were interviewed about their self‐perceived similarity to girls and to boys and about the extent to which they thought positive and negative characteristics applied to boys and to girls. Among girls, greater self‐perceived other‐gender similarity was associated with more negativity towards the same gender. Similar to previous research, intergroup gender bias was more pronounced among girls, and children rated themselves as having more same‐ than other‐gender similarity, with this pattern being more pronounced in boys. Thus, this study provides evidence suggesting that other‐gender similarity is related to girls’ negative attributions towards girls. It also replicates previous findings regarding gender differences in children’s intergroup gender bias and gender similarity, respectively.
ACPS: An accurate bioinformatics tool for precision‐based anti‐cancer peptide generation via omics data
Authors: Kaushik Aman Chandra , Li Mengyang , Mehmood Aamir , Dai Xiaofeng , Wei Dong‐Qing
Published: September 2020

The anti‐cancer targets play a crucial role in the signaling processes of cells, and therefore, it becomes nearly impossible to engage these targets without affecting the native cellular function. Thus, an approach has been taken to develop an anti‐cancer Scanner (ACPS) tool aimed toward the recognition of anti‐cancer marks in the form of peptides. The proposed ACPS tool allows fast fingerprinting of the anti‐cancer targets having extreme significance in the current bioinformatics research. There already exist some tools that offer these features on a single platform; however, the performance of ACPS was compared with the preexisting online tools and was observed that ACPS offers greater than 95% accuracy that is comparatively much higher. The anti‐cancer marked sequences of proteins supplied by the operators are scanned against the anti‐cancer target datasets via ACPS and provide precision‐based anti‐cancer peptides. The proposed tool has been contrived in PERL programming language, and this tool is the extended version of A‐CaMP codes, which are highly scalable having an extensible application in cancer biology with robust coding architecture. The availability of tools like ACPS will greatly benefit researchers in the field of oncology and structure‐based drug design.
Impact of periprocedural subcutaneous parathyroid hormone on control of hypocalcaemia in APS‐1/APECED patients undergoing invasive procedures
Authors: Winer Karen K. , Schmitt Monica M. , Ferre Elise M. N. , Fennelly Kevin P. , Olivier Kenneth N. , Heller Theo , Lionakis Michail S.
Published: September 2020

Context

The monogenic disorder autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS‐1) or autoimmune polyendocrinopathy‐candidiasis‐ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) manifests frequently with hypoparathyroidism, which requires treatment with oral supplementation with calcium and active vitamin D analogs. The majority of APS‐1/APECED patients also suffer from intestinal malabsorption, which complicates the management of hypoparathyroidism and may lead to refractory severe hypocalcaemia. In such situations, reliance on intravenous calcium carries a high risk of nephrocalcinosis and renal damage.

Methods

Here, we report our experience of periprocedural subcutaneous administration of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH 1‐34) in APS‐1/APECED patients. Serum calcium was measured up to five times within the 36‐hour period starting the evening before the scheduled procedure and ending the morning following the procedure.

Results

Twenty‐seven APS‐1/APECED patients with hypoparathyroidism (aged 4‐67 years) underwent 31 invasive gastrointestinal and/or pulmonary procedures. The patients received an average rhPTH1‐34 dose of 9.6 ± 1.4 µg by subcutaneous injection. 92% of the adults and 54% of children in our cohort had evidence of nephrocalcinosis. Mean calcium levels remained stable and ranged from 2.06 to 2.17 mmol/L with minimal fluctuation. None of our patients experienced periprocedural adverse events connected with hypocalcaemia.

Conclusion

rhPTH 1‐34 is an alternative to conventional therapy in patients with APS‐1/APECED and hypoparathyroidism undergoing invasive procedures. Subcutaneous PTH1‐34 given directly before and after procedures resulted in well‐controlled serum calcium levels maintained in the low‐normal range and avoided the need for intravenous calcium which may contribute to renal calcifications and tubular damage.
Neuro‐SPECT: On the development and function of brain emission tomography in the Copenhagen area
Authors: Lassen Anders , Stokely Ernest , Vorstrup Sissel , Goldman Tomasz , Henriksen Jens H.
Published: September 2020

This review describes the development of single‐photon emission tomography (SPECT) in the Copenhagen area under the leadership of the internationally renown scientist, Niels A. Lassen, and the history leading up to construction of the tomograph. Measurements of global cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the 1940s and 1950s were performed by Kety & Schmidt and Lassen & Munck. Determination of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by intra‐arterial injection of 133Xe and measurement with a 254‐multicrystal scintillation detector and a computer system was a major step forward in the study of physiology and pathophysiology of cortical cerebral blood flow. Tomography with radioisotope ligands, including non‐invasive administration, was advanced in different centres during the 1970s. An emission tomograph, the Tomomatic 64, was developed as a result of a multidisciplinary Danish and international collaboration. It was the first emission tomograph to provide dynamic data that could produce cross‐sectional rCBF images. The present description of the construction and function of the Tomomatic 64 includes comparison with other contemporary and later brain‐dedicated SPECT systems. Basic and clinical application of the Tomomatic 64 in Copenhagen resulted in several hundred important scientific publications and improved diagnostics for patients with a variety of neurological disorders. It is concluded that the development of the Tomomatic 64 was a major step forward in the study and examination of rCBF and brain function related to several brain disorders, in addition to vascular diseases.
Increased MxA protein expression and dendritic cells in spongiotic dermatitis differentiates dermatomyositis from eczema in a single‐center case‐control study
Authors: Zeidi Majid , Chen Kristen L. , Patel Basil , Ravishankar Adarsh , Lim Rachel , Werth Victoria P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Dermatomyositis (DM) is conventionally characterized by interface dermatitis (ID) on skin histopathology. A subset of DM patients has skin biopsies showing spongiotic dermatitis (SD), a histopathology more commonly seen in eczema. In this study, we aimed to (a) identify the percentage of clinically diagnosed DM patients with SD skin biopsies, (b) identify cytokine and cell markers that can help determine if a SD skin biopsy is consistent with DM.

Methods

In this case‐control study, biopsy specimens from ten DM patients with SD (DM‐SD) were compared to specimens from ten healthy controls, ten patients with eczema, and 12 patients with DM with ID (DM‐ID). Specimens were stained by immunohistochemistry for MxA, IFN‐β, CD11c, and BDCA2. One‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test was used to compare protein expression between groups.

Results

Eleven of 164 (6.7%) patients with a clinical diagnosis of DM at our tertiary care center were identified as having SD. MxA, IFN‐β, CD11c, and BDCA2 protein expression was significantly higher in DM‐SD compared to eczema and healthy controls. Expressions of MxA, IFN‐β, and BDCA2 were not significantly different between DM‐SD and DM‐ID.

Conclusion

Increased MxA, IFN‐β, CD11c, and BDCA2 protein expression may aid in distinguishing between DM‐SD and eczema and warrants further investigation.
Adult‐onset inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus: Immunohistochemical studies and review of the literature
Authors: Tseng Hui‐Wen , Liao Jia‐Bin , Wei Yu‐An
Published: September 2020

Adult‐onset inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is an uncommon cutaneous disease compared to childhood‐onset ILVEN. The typical histopathologic features are alternating parakeratosis and orthokeratosis with an absent granular layer underneath parakeratosis, in contrast to a thickened granular layer below the foci of orthokeratosis in psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia. Herein, we present a 49‐year‐old woman with typical clinical and histopathologic characteristics of adult‐onset ILVEN, including linear arrangement of thick scaly papules and plaques localized on the medial side of her right leg, ankle, and foot. Immunohistochemical studies included involucrin, Ki‐67, and keratin‐10. Compared to the staining pattern in psoriasis, the expression of involucrin in this case was of lower intensity and localized to upper epidermal layers with relatively less extensive staining beneath regions of parakeratosis as compared to orthokeratosis; Ki‐67 showed lower basal layer proliferative activity; and keratin‐10 showed a greater intensity of staining within suprabasal epidermis.
Key informants in socio‐epidemiology: advantages and pitfalls
Authors: O'Neill Sarah , Godin Isabelle
Published: September 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Jahan et al. on pages 1414–1422 of this issue.
The TAXINOMISIS Project: A multidisciplinary approach for the development of a new risk stratification model for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Timmerman Nathalie , Galyfos George , Sigala Fragiska , Thanopoulou Kalliopi , de Borst Gert J. , Davidovic Lazar , Eckstein Hans‐Henning , Filipovic Nenad , Grugni Roberto , Kallmayer Michael , de Kleijn Dominique P. V. , Koncar Igor , Mantzaris Michalis D. , Marchal Elisabeth , Matsagkas Miltiadis , Mutavdzic Perica , Palombo Domenico , Pasterkamp Gerard , Potsika Vassiliki T. , Andreakos Evangelos , Fotiadis Dimitrios I. ,   all partners of the TAXINOMISIS Consortium
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) may cause future stroke and therefore patients with ACAS require best medical treatment. Patients at high risk for stroke may opt for additional revascularization (either surgery or stenting) but the future stroke risk should outweigh the risk for peri/post‐operative stroke/death. Current risk stratification for patients with ACAS is largely based on outdated randomized‐controlled trials that lack the integration of improved medical therapies and risk factor control. Furthermore, recent circulating and imaging biomarkers for stroke have never been included in a risk stratification model. The TAXINOMISIS Project aims to develop a new risk stratification model for cerebrovascular complications in patients with ACAS and this will be tested through a prospective observational multicentre clinical trial performed in six major European vascular surgery centres.

Methods and analysis

The risk stratification model will compromise clinical, circulating, plaque and imaging biomarkers. The prospective multicentre observational study will include 300 patients with 50%‐99% ACAS. The primary endpoint is the three‐year incidence of cerebrovascular complications. Biomarkers will be retrieved from plasma samples, brain MRI, carotid MRA and duplex ultrasound. The TAXINOMISIS Project will serve as a platform for the development of new computer tools that assess plaque progression based on radiology images and a lab‐on‐chip with genetic variants that could predict medication response in individual patients.

Conclusion

Results from the TAXINOMISIS study could potentially improve future risk stratification in patients with ACAS to assist personalized evidence‐based treatment decision‐making.
The role of methylprednisolone on preventing disease progression for hospitalized patients with severe COVID‐19
Authors: Yang Rongrong , Xiong Yong , Ke Hengning , Chen Tielong , Gao Shicheng
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID‐19 is a public health emergency that is spreading worldwide and seriously affecting the global economy. Data on the effectiveness and safety of the use of methylprednisolone for patients with severe COVID‐19 remain limited.

Methods

In this retrospective study, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, treatment and outcomes data of hospitalized patients with severe COVID‐19 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from January 1 to 7 March 2020, were collected. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyse risk factors for disease progression from severe COVID‐19 illness to critical illness. The effectiveness and safety of the use of methylprednisolone for patients with severe COVID‐19 disease were evaluated.

Results

The results of the multivariate analysis from 175 patients with severe COVID‐19 indicate that the use of methylprednisolone was a protective factor against disease progression from severe to critical illness(P < .001; OR: 0.054 95% CI: 0.017‐0.173). Among patients with severe COVID‐19 aged < 65 years, both the proportion of patients who progressed to critical illness (42.2% vs 90.0%, P = .000) and the mortality(6.7% vs 30.0%, P = .002) were lower for patients in methylprednisolone group, compared with those in the non‐methylprednisolone group, whereas no statistical differences between the methylprednisolone group and the non‐methylprednisolone group were found among patients with COVID‐19 older than 65 years. Moreover, both the levels of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts (646 vs 463/µL, P = .007) and IL‐6 (241.9 vs 82.8 pg/mL, P = .025) were higher among patients with severe COVID‐19 aged < 65 years, compared with those patients ≥ 65 years old.

Conclusion

Data from the limited sample showed that the early use of low or medium doses of methylprednisolone has a positive effect for patients with severe COVID‐19 younger than 65 years old, and excessive immune response and cytokine storm may be some of the reasons for the effectiveness.
DO SNAP WORK REQUIREMENTS WORK?
Authors: Harris Timothy F.
Published: September 2020

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act waived work requirements nationally in 2010 and broadened waiver eligibility in subsequent years for Able‐Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs) receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. From 2011 to 2017, many states voluntarily imposed work requirements, while other areas became ineligible for waivers because of improved economic conditions. Using data from the American Community Survey from 2010 to 2017, I analyze the influence of work requirements on employment and SNAP participation for ABAWDs. I find that work requirements increased employment for ABAWDs and also significantly decreased SNAP participation.(JEL J21, J68, H42)
Host recognition by the egg–larval parasitoid Chelonus inanitus: effects of physical and chemical cues
Authors: Ohsaki Beniha , Shingyouchi Takaaki , Sato Yukie , Kainoh Yooichi
Published: September 2020

Parasitoid wasps are widely used as biocontrol agents. For successful deployment, it is important to know how they search for and recognize their hosts. They often use chemical cues in host searching and recognition. Little attention has been paid to the use of physical cues, particularly when combined with chemical cues, though a combination of cues may improve searching efficiency. Chelonus inanitus L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary, egg–larval parasitoid wasp that parasitizes various lepidopteran species, including serious crop pests. In this study, effects of physical and/or chemical cues on host recognition were investigated in C. inanitus by observing its antennal searching, ovipositor probing, and the duration of arrestment. In a physical cue test, egg‐mass models with glass beads differing in size were used, and a single‐egg model with a specific size of bead. Egg‐mass models with beads of 0.4–1.0 mm in diameter arrested C. inanitus, in accordance with egg size and arrangement of the host. In a chemical cue test, extract from egg masses of the host Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), equivalent to half of a host egg mass and extract diluted 100‐fold were used, and the undiluted extract stimulated C. inanitus. Untreated egg‐mass models (0.2‐mm‐diameter glass beads) and diluted egg extract arrested C. inanitus less effectively; however, when glass beads were treated with the diluted extract, arrestment increased to the same degree as the undiluted extract. These results suggest that C. inanitus uses both physical and chemical cues to recognize eggs of its host, S. litura, and that these stimuli act synergistically.
Predation and reproduction of the generalist predator Nabis pseudoferus preying on Tuta absoluta
Authors: Mahdavi Taiebe Sadat , Madadi Hossein , Biondi Antonio
Published: September 2020

The damsel bug, Nabis pseudoferus Remane (Hemiptera: Namidae), is a generalist predator of small arthropods, including key insect pests of vegetable crops. In this study, we characterized the predation and development of various N. pseudoferus life stages when preying on the eggs and first‐ and fourth‐instar nymphs of the invasive South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). These findings were compared to those of the bug’s common prey, cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Of the life stages tested, females showed the highest predation rate on all tested prey, due to their high longevity, large body, and great energy requirements for reproduction. The predator’s oviposition rate was clearly influenced by prey type, and was highest when feeding on fourth instars of T. absoluta. Considering the zoophytophagy of most of the life stages of other mirid species of tomato, and the lower propensity of N. pseudoferus to feed on plants, these results show that this species can be considered as a key indigenous natural enemy for sustainable pest control packages against T. absoluta in newly invaded areas.
The “Painting by Numbers Method” for education of students in crown preparation
Authors: Höhne Christian , Jentzsch Antonio , Schmitter Marc
Published: September 2020

Introduction

No commercially available solution to improve the teaching of a crown preparation directly on typodont teeth exists at the moment. To fill this gap and support the supervisors of dental courses, a printable and inexpensive tooth was created for structured self‐assessment. The aim of this study was to test this printable tooth under realistic pre‐clinical situations.

Materials and methods

A two‐coloured, double‐layer practice tooth was developed. This tooth was consisting of a layer for a correct preparation and the crown. All printed teeth were produced with a stereolithographic printer. 35 voluntary second‐year dental students in the second pre‐clinical course in prosthodontics were randomly divided into two groups. All students had experience with typodont teeth and models. The first group was trained on four standard model teeth. The second group used model teeth for the first and fourth attempt and printed teeth for second and third attempt. The preparations of the students were scanned by an in‐lab scanner and the surface deviations in contrast to a perfect preparation were measured. The differences between the first and fourth attempt were calculated. Benefits of the printed tooth were also evaluated by a questionnaire using German school grades completed by the students (1 = Excellent, 2 = Good, 3 = Satisfactory, 4 = Adequate, 5 = Poor, 6 = Unsatisfactory).

Results

The workflow was feasible and cost‐effective regarding the production of the printed teeth. The overall rating of the printed tooth in the questionnaire was good (Ø 2.1 ± 0.22). Students reported different advantages of this method in the free text. The comparison of the preparation between the first and fourth attempt showed that there was a significant better preparation with the printed teeth. The complete preparation had median values of 0.05 mm (Group1: standard model tooth) and −0.03 mm (Group2: printed tooth) (P = .005). Divided into single surfaces, the vestibular and occlusal regions were significantly better. The vestibular surface was 0.11 mm (Group1) and −0.04 mm (Group2) (P = .018). The occlusal surface was 0.13 mm (Group1) and −0.05 mm (Group2) (P = .009).

Conclusions

The aim of this study was fulfilled. The printed tooth was tested successfully in a pre‐clinical course. The feasibility of this teaching concept was confirmed by the questionnaire and the analysis of the preparation form. A significant difference to a standard model tooth was measurable. The students had the possibility to learn a correct crown preparation on a standardised two‐layered tooth with included preparation. This printed tooth enabled the students to control the crown preparation directly on their own.
Making use of three‐dimensional models of teeth, manufactured by stereolithographic technology, in practical teaching of endodontics
Authors: Kustra Przemysław , Dobroś Katarzyna , Zarzecka Joanna
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Making use of 3D printed teeth models in teaching students offers an innovative approach. The mistakes made by the students at the access cavity stage were assessed with the aid of 3D models, and their overall, hands‐on learning progress was evaluated.

Material and methods

Ninety 3D models of teeth were constructed using stereolithographic technology and then randomly divided into 9 groups. One dentistry student was randomly assigned to each group and then performed primary access cavity in 10 identical 3D models. Then the teeth were evaluated in the order of their preparation, relative to the model tooth.

Results

The material of 14 (15.5%) out of 90 teeth models sustained significant damage during the preparation. As regards the remaining 76 (84.5%) 3D models, the students committed the greatest number of mistakes on the incisors, and fewer on the molars and the least in the premolars. The difference in the number of errors between particular groups of teeth was statistically significant (P = .0001). The number of errors committed in subsequent repetitions amongst all students was significantly different for the incisors (P = .00215) and premolars (P = .00383), whereas insignificant in the case of molars (P = .77116).

Conclusions

Thanks to perfect representation of teeth anatomy; making use of 3D models in the teaching of endodontics may well be recommended as holding substantial potential in improving overall quality of training at the pre‐clinical stage, with a view to appreciably reducing overall risk of encountering complications during the actual clinical work.
Genome‐wide diversity and habitat underlie fine‐scale phenotypic differentiation in the rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum)
Authors: Oliveira Daniel R. , Reid Brendan N. , Fitzpatrick Sarah W.
Published: September 2020

Adaptation to environmental change requires that populations harbor the necessary genetic variation to respond to selection. However, dispersal‐limited species with fragmented populations and reduced genetic diversity may lack this variation and are at an increased risk of local extinction. In freshwater fish species, environmental change in the form of increased stream temperatures places many cold‐water species at‐risk. We present a study of rainbow darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) in which we evaluated the importance of genetic variation on adaptive potential and determined responses to extreme thermal stress. We compared fine‐scale patterns of morphological and thermal tolerance differentiation across eight sites, including a unique lake habitat. We also inferred contemporary population structure using genomic data and characterized the relationship between individual genetic diversity and stress tolerance. We found site‐specific variation in thermal tolerance that generally matched local conditions and morphological differences associated with lake‐stream divergence. We detected patterns of population structure on a highly local spatial scale that could not be explained by isolation by distance or stream connectivity. Finally, we showed that individual thermal tolerance was positively correlated with genetic variation, suggesting that sites with increased genetic diversity may be better at tolerating novel stress. Our results highlight the importance of considering intraspecific variation in understanding population vulnerability and stress response.
An argo‐based experiment providing near‐real‐time subsurface oceanic environmental information for fishery data
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Ling , Wang Zhen‐Feng , Liu Yu
Published: September 2020

A better understanding of the relationships between oceanic environments and fishing conditions could make the utilization of fish more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. The current lack of high‐precision subsurface seawater information has long been a constraint on fishery research. Using near‐real‐time Argo observations, this paper presents a new approach called gradient‐dependent optimal interpolation. This approach provides daily subsurface oceanic environmental information according to fishery dates and locations. An experiment was conducted in the western and central Pacific Ocean using yellowfin tuna (YFT) catch data in August 2017. The results of seawater temperature and salinity represented differences of less than ±0.5°C and ±0.05, respectively, according to verification of error analysis and truth‐finding comparisons. After applying the constructed temperature and salinity profiles, we described the relationship between subsurface information and yellowfin tuna catch distribution. Statistical analysis revealed that yellowfin tuna were more adapted to warmer and saltier seawater. At the near‐surface (<5 m), the most suitable temperature was 28–29°C, although yellowfin tuna can endure a temperature range from 11 to 12°C at a depth of 300 m. The corresponding upper boundary of the thermocline was approximately 75 m, with a mean strength of 0.074°C/m, and the most suitable salinity for yellowfin tuna was 34.5–36.0 at depths shallower than 300 m. These results indicated that the constructed subsurface information was very close to the true values and they had high spatial and temporal accuracy.
Disentangling the multiple effects of stream drying and riparian canopy cover on the trophic ecology of a highly threatened fish
Authors: Meijer Christopher G. , Warburton Helen J. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: September 2020

Understanding risks to aquatic systems posed by changing drought regimes is particularly important for the conservation of already threatened taxa. However, little is known about how local environmental conditions, especially those in heavily human‐influenced situations, interact with regional shifts such as droughts to alter realised impacts on aquatic communities, including threatened top predators.

Here, we investigated the combined effects of stream drying intensity and riparian canopy cover on the trophic interactions of critically endangered kōwaro, or Canterbury mudfish (Neochanna burrowsius) in an agricultural area of New Zealand. Fish populations and their potential prey, both terrestrial and aquatic, as well as environmental variables, including riparian canopy cover and drying measured with stage loggers, were sampled over eight visits to 24 sites spanning orthogonal drying and canopy gradients. Stable isotope ratios, 13C/12C and 15N/14N, were used to investigate trophic links between mudfish and their terrestrial and aquatic prey across these gradients.

When non‐native willows (predominantly Salix fragilis) dominated the riparian canopy, increased tree cover led to elevated drying intensity, probably driven by their relatively high water demands compared to other trees. However, in the absence of willows, canopy cover had no effect on drying intensity. Although this was the only direct link between these two environmental factors, they had opposing effects on kōwaro populations, which will be important for management under drought.

Increased drying intensity contributed to elevated abundance of microcrustacea and aquatic Diptera larvae, and an increase in the relative abundance of kōwaro juveniles. However, drying‐affected kōwaro populations also had fewer large reproductive adults and elevated δ15N values, probably driven by physiological limitations and an increase in kōwaro cannibalism, respectively.

By comparison, increased canopy cover enhanced input of terrestrial invertebrates, a food resource for larger kōwaro, leading to elevated kōwaro δ13C values, no effects on δ15N values, and higher relative abundance of large kōwaro in shaded streams compared to unshaded streams. Thus, the riparian canopy cover was able to offset some of the effects of drying.

Overall, we found no interactions between drying intensity and canopy cover affecting kōwaro. However, their opposing effect highlights the important role local conditions such as riparian canopies play on aquatic communities and their potential role as a restoration tool to mitigate the effects of large‐scale shifts such as drought.
Tourism and the pursuit of subjective wellbeing: A temporal perspective
Authors: Yin Duo , Huang Qingyan , Su Xiaobo
Published: September 2020

The pursuit of subjective wellbeing (SWB) via tourism has been well recognised. Little has been done to unpack how tourists engage in a different pace of life, generally from speedup at home to slowdown in destinations, to pursue wellbeing. Drawing upon a theoretical framework based on the established literature on SWB and the temporality of tourism, this paper examines the pursuit of wellbeing by tourists who engage in what we call temporal retreat. The case study is Lijiang Old Town, a well known destination in Yunnan province, China. Specifically, this paper examines how a group of domestic independent tourists experience slowdown and relaxation in Lijiang as a favourable contrast to the bustling rhythm at home. We ask the following research questions: In what ways can temporal retreat help tourists to enhance wellbeing? To what extent does the pursuit of wellbeing via tourism further a temporal understanding of the therapeutic qualities of tourist destinations? We argue that the experiences of slowdown by tourists in destinations can bolster therapeutic forms of social and spatial orchestration—an explicit marking of time in contrast to speedup—for the purpose of enjoying comfort and enhancing wellbeing. As such, an analysis of tourism through a temporal perspective offers a rich milieu for both interrogating the need for alternative temporalities to improve the quality of life and extending the literature on subjective wellbeing into the terrain of tourism consumption.