bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel 5‐point 18‐FDG‐PET/CT visual scoring system for assessing treatment response in patients with oesophageal or gastro‐oesophageal junction carcinoma
Authors: Cong Edward , Oar Andrew J , Lee Mark T , Chicco Andrew , Lin Michael , Yap June , Lin Peter , Ho Shon Ivan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic utility and reproducibility of a qualitative 5‐point 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐PET primary visual score (PVS) in patients with oesophageal and gastro‐oesophageal junction (GOJ) cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients with histologically proven oesophageal or GOJ cancer who received curative intent therapy. Clinical, pathological and imaging data were extracted from electronic medical records. Patients were required to have pre‐treatment and post‐treatment FDG‐PET scans, that were evaluated with a 5‐point primary visual score (prePVS, postPVS). The changes in PVS (ΔPVS) were correlated with progression‐free survival and overall survival. Interobserver variability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa intraclass correlation and agreement.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were retrospectively identified. Two (3%), 36 (54%) and 29 (43%) of the patients had stage I, II and III disease respectively. Twenty‐five (37%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma. Thirty‐seven (55%) patients proceeded onto surgical resection. postPVS was associated with both PFS (P = 0.013) and OS (P = 0.0002). ΔPVS predicted for PFS (P = 0.002) and OS (P = 0.0003). When thresholds of response were considered, agreement was 80.6% (K = 0.78) and 74.6% (K = 0.69) for postPVS and ΔPVS respectively.

Conclusion

Qualitative assessment of oesophageal and GOJ cancers utilising FDG‐PET is reproducible and may be able to prognosticate outcomes in patients undergoing treatment. Prospective validation is required.
Hypersensitive response: From NLR pathogen recognition to cell death response
Authors: Dalio Ronaldo J. D. , Paschoal Daniele , Arena Gabriella D. , Magalhães Diogo M. , Oliveira Tiago S. , Merfa Marcus V. , Maximo Heros J. , Machado Marcos A.
Published: October 2020

A wide range of potentially plant pathogenic microorganisms are naturally present in the environment. Despite relying only on the innate immune system, plants are able to resist most of the pathogens. Plants employ a multi‐layered defence system in which the first layer triggers the basal resistance (pathogen‐associated molecular pattern‐triggered immunity [PTI]). The second layer occurs when a resistance protein (R protein) that mostly encodes nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs) recognises an effector molecule secreted by an adapted pathogen, leading to effector‐triggered immunity (ETI), which triggers the hypersensitive response (HR). More recently, ETI was shown to restore and potentiate PTI signalling components, leading to a robust immune response. Multiple mechanisms of regulation are employed to guarantee proper HR activation. NLR proteins can interact between them and form a heel‐like pentamer that anchors to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, NLRs and other proteins can cooperate with NLRs to propagate the immune signalling. Downstream to the recognition of the pathogen by the plant, a rapid cellular response is initiated involving the generation of signalling events that precedes the HR. Here, we summarise the mechanisms involved in HR and highlight new advances in the knowledge of the immune system signalling. We also approach the role of HR threshold during infection by biotrophic, necrotrophic and hemibiotrophic pathogens and the impact in plant fitness and the community of pathogens found in the environment.
RNA sequencing‐based long non‐coding RNA analysis and immunoassay in ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Bi Jianlei , Wang Dandan , Cui Liangyi , Yang Qing
Published: October 2020

Problem

The mechanism underlying endometriosis is currently unknown. However, studies have indicated that immunity plays an important role in endometriosis occurrence and development. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) do not encode proteins but participate in a variety of biological processes via different mechanisms. This study investigated differences in immune cells and immune‐related lncRNAs via high‐throughput RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis of ectopic and eutopic endometria with endometriosis.

Method of study

RNA‐seq was performed in six pairs of ectopic and eutopic endometria samples, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to verify the results of RNA‐seq for 30 pairs of samples. Different immune cell types were identified based on the RNA‐seq results, using ImmuCellAI. Immune‐related lncRNAs were obtained by analyzing immune‐related genes from the ImmPort Database and RNA‐seq results.

Results

A total of 952 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, of which 446 were immune‐related. The ectopic and eutopic endometrium could easily be distinguished in the principal component analysis of immune‐related lncRNAs. Analysis of 24 immune cell types revealed the differential abundance of 13 types. Sixty immune‐related mRNAs were associated with the top 20 dysregulated immune‐related lncRNAs, 11 of which were transcripts of immune cell marker genes.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that a variety of dysregulated lncRNAs were associated with immunity, and these may provide a basis for future immune‐related endometriosis research.
Correlation between apnea–hypopnea index and Tp‐Te interval, Tp‐Te/QT, and Tp‐Te/QTc ratios in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Karacop Erdem , Karacop Handan B.
Published: October 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder associated with important cardiovascular complications including ventricular arrhythmias. Tp‐Te interval, Tp‐Te/QT, and Tp‐Te/QTc ratios are repolarization indices representing ventricular arrhythmogenic potential. These parameters are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between apnea–hypopnea index and Tp‐Te, Tp‐Te/QT, and Tp‐Te/QTc in OSA.

Methods

We screened a total of 280 patients who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) between the years 2012–2017 at our institution. Patients were assigned into four groups based on severity of apnea–hypopnea index: 70 with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) <5 (control group), 71 with 5 ≤ AHI < 15, 63 with 15 ≤ AHI < 30, and 76 with AHI ≥ 30. Tp‐Te, Tp‐Te/QT, and Tp‐Te/QTc were measured.

Results

Compared to control group, repolarization parameters were significantly prolonged in other groups (Tp‐Te interval: 68.3 ± 6.8, 71.8 ± 6.3, 79.1 ± 5.5, and 85.1 ± 6.4 ms, p < .001; Tp‐Te/QT ratio: 167.5 ± 12.7, 181.7 ± 13.0, 202.2 ± 10.0 and 219.4 ± 13.5, p < .001; Tp‐Te/QTc ratio: 151.1 ± 16.6, 167.6 ± 16.6, 193.7 ± 14.4, and 225.5 ± 17.0, p < .001). There was a significant trend toward higher Tp‐Te, Tp‐Te/QT, and Tp‐Te/QTc across higher AHI categories. In a univariate regression analysis, body mass index, smoking status, Tp‐Te, and Tp‐Te/QTc were significantly associated with the severity of AHI in OSA. Tp‐Te (OR 1.629, 95% CI 1.393–1.906, p < .001), Tp‐Te/QTc (OR 1,333 95% CI 1.247–1.424, p < .001), and smoking status (OR 5.771, 95% CI 1.025–32.479, p = .047) were found to be significant independent predictors of severity of AHI in a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for other risk parameters.

Conclusions

Our study showed that Tp‐Te, Tp‐Te/QT, and Tp‐Te/QTc were prolonged in patients with OSA. There was significant correlation between apnea–hypopnea index and these parameters.
An exploratory study to investigate animal health and reproductive wastage among Australian meat goat producers
Authors: Brady M , Refshauge G , Robertson S , Atkinson T , Allworth B , Hernandez‐Jover M
Published: October 2020

The Australian goat meat industry has grown significantly in the last decade, with the value of exports nearly tripling. However, because carcase weight has remained constant over this time, the drivers of industry growth are price and supply. Animal health and reproduction are key factors contributing to supply and productivity, yet limitations to production management are poorly understood, hampering advice for effective intervention. This exploratory study aims to provide insights into the animal health and reproductive management practices and perceptions among meat goat producers in Australia. To achieve this aim, 20 producers, located in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria, operating under different production systems were interviewed. The results of this study suggest that animal health management could be improved and that producers perceive a lack of relevant and species‐specific information available to help them make informed decisions. Reproductive management and records varied greatly across producers interviewed. Kid loss was identified as an issue, with a 28% estimated average (6%–47% range) of losses from kidding until weaning. Producers identified predation, doe nutrition and mismothering as the biggest contributors to kid loss, with the majority of losses occurring within a week of birth. All producers believed management could minimise kid loss. This study highlights the importance of improving reproductive rates among goat enterprises and provides new information on the current practices within the Australian meat goat industry. This may assist the development of appropriate strategies for improving health and reproductive management and delivery of advice to producers.
Causal graphical views of fixed effects and random effects models
Authors: Kim Yongnam , Steiner Peter M.
Published: October 2020

Despite the long‐standing discussion on fixed effects (FE) and random effects (RE) models, how and under what conditions both methods can eliminate unmeasured confounding bias has not yet been widely understood in practice. Using a simple pretest–posttest design in a linear setting, this paper translates the conventional algebraic formalization of FE and RE models into causal graphs and provides intuitively accessible graphical explanations about their data‐generating and bias‐removing processes. The proposed causal graphs highlight that FE and RE models consider different data‐generating models. RE models presume a data‐generating model that is identical to a randomized controlled trial, while FE models allow for unobserved time‐invariant treatment–outcome confounding. Augmenting regular causal graphs that describe data‐generating processes by adding the computational structures of FE and RE estimators, the paper visualizes how FE estimators (gain score and deviation score estimators) and RE estimators (quasi‐deviation score estimators) offset unmeasured confounding bias. In contrast to standard regression or matching estimators that reduce confounding bias by blocking non‐causal paths via conditioning, FE and RE estimators offset confounding bias by deliberately creating new non‐causal paths and associations of opposite sign. Though FE and RE estimators are similar in their bias‐offsetting mechanisms, the augmented graphs reveal their subtle differences that can result in different biases in observational studies.
Used dental implant healing abutments elicit immune responses: A comparative analysis of detoxification strategies
Authors: Narvekar Aniruddh , Valverde Estepa Araceli , Naqvi Afsar , Nares Salvador
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To determine if healing abutments (HA) can be “decontaminated” using four strategies available in clinical settings and compare the detoxification efficacy by quantifying residual biomaterial and capacity to elicit an inflammatory response in‐vitro.

Materials and methods

Forty HA collected from subjects following intraoral use were randomly distributed into four test groups (A‐D): A: autoclave only, B: ultrasonic bath plus autoclave, C: prophy‐jet plus autoclave, and D: Scrub sponge plus autoclave. New, sterile HA: group E (Control). Residual protein concentration was determined by Micro BCA assay and stained with Phloxine B for macroscopic examination. HA were placed in human CD14+ monocyte derived‐macrophage (mo‐Mφ) cultures and supernatant collected at 4, 24, 48, and 5 days to analyze cytokine profiles using multiplex bead assay.

Results

Test groups showed visible differences in “decontamination” levels compared to control. Groups C and D showed most effective debris removal and lowest residual protein concentration. Multiplex assay showed marked induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by groups A and B and to a significantly lower level by groups C and D.

Conclusion

HA were not entirely “decontaminated” using common methods available relative to new, sterile HA and were capable of stimulating an immune response.
The role of nasal congestion as a defence against respiratory viruses
Authors: Eccles Ronald
Published: October 2020

Introduction

This review discusses how nasal congestion may have benefits as a mechanism of defence against respiratory viruses.

Methods

A literature research was conducted on respiratory viruses and nasal congestion, following a recently published review on how temperature sensitivity is important for the success of common respiratory viruses.

Results

The literature reported that common respiratory viruses are temperature sensitive and replicate well at the cooler temperatures of the upper airways (32°C), but replication is restricted at body temperature (37°C). The amplitude of the phases of congestion and decongestion associated with the nasal cycle was increased on infection with respiratory viruses and this caused unilateral nasal congestion and obstruction. Nasal congestion and obstruction increase nasal mucosal temperature towards 37°C and therefore restricted the replication of respiratory viruses.

Conclusion

Nasal congestion associated with the nasal cycle may act as a mechanism of respiratory defence against infection with respiratory viruses.
How irritant are n‐propanol and isopropanol? – A systematic review
Authors: Tasar Ramona , Wiegand Cornelia , Elsner Peter
Published: October 2020

Background

The use of alcoholic‐based hand rubs (ABHRs) is an important tool for hand hygiene, especially in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Possible irritant effects of ABHR may prevent their use by persons at risk of infection.

Methods

This systematic review is based on a PubMed search of articles published between January 2000 and September 2019 in English and German, and a manual search, related to the irritation potential of alcohol‐based disinfectants restricted to n‐propanol (1‐propanol) and its structural isomer isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol, 2‐propanol).

Results

The majority of the included studies show a low irritation potential of n‐propanol alone. However, recent studies provide evidence for significant barrier damage effects of repeated exposure to 60% n‐propanol in healthy, as well as atopic skin in vivo. The synergistic response of combined irritants, (ie, a combination of n‐propanol or isopropanol with detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate) is greater, compared with a quantitatively identical application of the same irritant alone.

Conclusion

While recent studies indicate a higher risk of skin irritation for n‐propanol and isopropanol than reported in the past, this risk still seems to be lower than that for frequent handwashing with detergents, as recommended by some to prevent COVID‐19 infections.
The impact of religiously tailored and ethically balanced education on intention for living organ donation among Muslim Americans
Authors: Padela Aasim I. , Duivenbode Rosie , Saunders Milda R. , Quinn Michael , Koh Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

We tested the efficacy of religiously tailored and ethically balanced education upon living kidney organ donation intent among Muslim Americans. Pre‐post changes in participant stage of change, preparedness, and likelihood judged efficacy. Among 137 participants, mean stage of change toward donation appeared to improve (0.59; SD ± 1.07, P < .0001), as did the group's preparedness to make a donation decision (0.55; SD ± 0.86, P < .0001), and likelihood to donate a kidney (0.39; SD ± 0.85, P < .0001). Mean change in likelihood to encourage a loved one, a co‐worker, or a mosque community member with ESRD to seek a living donor also increased (0.22; SD ± 0.84, P = .0035, 0.23; SD ± 0.82, P = .0021, 0.33; SD ± 0.79, P < .0001 respectively). Multivariate ordered logistic regression models revealed that gains in biomedical knowledge regarding organ donation increased odds for positive change in preparedness (OR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.01‐1.41, P = .03), while increasing age associated with lower odds of positive change in stage of change (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.96‐0.998, P = .03), and prior registration as an organ donor lowered odds for an increase in likelihood to donate a kidney (OR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.08‐0.60, P = .003). Our intervention appears to enhance living kidney donation‐related intent among Muslim Americans [Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT04443114].
Peripheral artery disease and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A report from the FANTASIIA registry
Authors: Bertomeu‐Gonzalez Vicente , Moreno‐Arribas José , Esteve‐Pastor María Asunción , Roldán‐Rabadán Inmaculada , Muñiz Javier , Otero García Déborah , Ruiz‐Ortiz Martín , Cequier Ángel , Bertomeu‐Martínez Vicente , Badimón Lina , Anguita Manuel , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Marín Francisco ,   FANTASIIA Study Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are common conditions that increase cardiovascular risk. We determined the association between PAD and prognosis in a cohort of real‐world patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy for nonvalvular AF.

Methods

We prospectively included 1956 patients (mean age 73.8 ± 9.5 years, 44.0% women) receiving oral anticoagulant therapy for AF. Clinical characteristics were collected at baseline. Patients were followed for a period of 3 years. Survival analysis and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess variables related to death, stroke, bleeding, myocardial infarction and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

Patients with PAD (n = 118; 6%) exhibited higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. After 3 years of follow‐up, there were a total of 255 deaths (no PAD 233, vs PAD 22), 45 strokes (43 vs 2), 146 major bleedings (136 vs 10) and 168 MACE (148 vs 20). On univariate analysis, there was a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (2.02%/year no PAD vs 4.08%/year PAD, P = .02), myocardial infarction (0.99%/year no PAD vs 2.43%/year PAD, P = .02) and MACE (3.18%/year no PAD vs 6.99%/year PAD, P < .01). There was no statistically significant association with these events after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of anticoagulated patients with AF, the presence of PAD represents a higher risk subgroup and is associated with worse crude outcomes. The exact contribution of the PAD independently of other cardiovascular diseases or risk factors requires further investigation.
Larviposition site selection mediated by volatile semiochemicals in Glossina palpalis gambiensis
Authors: Geoffrey Gimonneau , Ouedraogo Romaric , Ernest Salou , Jean‐Baptiste Rayaisse , Buatois Bruno , Solano Philippe , Dormont Laurent , Roux Olivier , Bouyer Jérémy
Published: October 2020

1. Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) are K‐strategist species and deposit a single larva at 10‐day intervals in specific sites. As larviposition site selection strongly impacts reproductive success, the selection of larviposition sites is unlikely to be random and will be subject to strong selective processes, probably mediated by specific cues.

2. This study was designed to assess the existence of an aggregation effect in the palpalis group and to test its potential chemical nature (contact or volatile compounds). The larviposition site selection of Glossina palpalis gambiensis was studied according to the presence of conspecific and heterospecific larvae (morsitans group) buried in substrates. Three sets of experiments were performed with either individual or grouped gravid females and with or without physical access to the substrate.

3. In individual larviposition experiments, females were more likely to select trays with buried larvae than unconditioned sand (63.2% and 36.8%, respectively; P < 0.05). In the grouped experiment with substrate contact, females were more likely to larviposit in trays with conspecific (40%) or heterospecific (33%) buried larvae than in unconditioned sand (22%) or empty trays (5%; P < 0.05). The results were similar without substrate contact, but more pupae were deposited in empty trays (19%).

4. These results provide the first evidence for larval aggregation in G. p. gambiensis and suggest that larviposition site selection is mediated by volatile semiochemicals of larval or pupal origin. However, this larval aggregation does not seem to be species specific and therefore offers new options for the behavioural manipulation of these vectors.
Independent women: investing in British railways, 1870–1922†
Authors: Acheson Graeme G. , Campbell Gareth , Gallagher Áine , Turner John D.
Published: October 2020

The early twentieth century saw the British capital market reach a state of maturity before any of its global counterparts. This coincided with more women participating directly in the stock market. This study analyses whether these female shareholders chose to invest independently of men. Using a novel dataset of almost 500,000 shareholders in some of the largest British railways, it shows that women were much more likely to be solo shareholders than men. There is also evidence that they prioritized their independence above other considerations such as where they invested or how diversified they could be.
SUDEP classification: Discordances between forensic investigators and epileptologists
Authors: Verducci Chloe , Friedman Daniel , Donner Elizabeth J. , Laze Juliana , Devinsky Orrin
Published: October 2020

We compared sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) diagnosis rates between North American SUDEP Registry (NASR) epileptologists and original death investigators, to determine degree and causes of discordance. In 220 SUDEP cases with post‐mortem examination, we recorded the epileptologist adjudications and medical examiner‐ and coroner‐ (ME/C) listed causes of death (CODs). COD diagnosis concordance decreased with NASR’s uncertainty in the SUDEP diagnosis: highest for Definite SUDEP (84%, n = 158), lower in Definite Plus (50%, n = 36), and lowest in Possible (0%, n = 18). Rates of psychiatric comorbidity, substance abuse, and toxicology findings for drugs of abuse were all higher in discordant cases than concordant cases. Possible SUDEP cases, an understudied group, were significantly older, and had higher rates of cardiac, drug, or toxicology findings than more certain SUDEP cases. With a potentially contributing or competing COD, ME/Cs favored non–epilepsy‐related diagnoses, suggesting a bias toward listing CODs with structural or toxicological findings; SUDEP has no pathognomonic features. A history of epilepsy should always be listed on death certificates and autopsy reports. Even without an alternate COD, ME/Cs infrequently classified COD as “SUDEP.” Improved collaboration and communication between epilepsy and ME/C communities improve diagnostic accuracy, as well as bereavement and research opportunities.
Cenobamate (XCOPRI): Can preclinical and clinical evidence provide insight into its mechanism of action?
Authors: Guignet Michelle , Campbell Amanda , White H. Steve
Published: October 2020

Approximately one‐third of people living with epilepsy are unable to obtain seizure control with the currently marketed antiseizure medications (ASMs), creating a need for novel therapeutics with new mechanisms of action. Cenobamate (CBM) is a tetrazole alkyl carbamate derivative that received US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2019 for the treatment of adult partial onset (focal) seizures. Although CBM displayed impressive seizure reduction in clinical trials across all seizure types, including focal aware motor, focal impaired awareness, and focal to bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures, the precise mechanism(s) through which CBM exerts its broad‐spectrum antiseizure effects is not known. Experimental evidence suggests that CBM differentiates itself from other ASMs in that it appears to possess dual modes of action (MOAs); that is, it predominately blocks persistent sodium currents and increases both phasic and tonic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition. In this review, we analyze the preclinical efficacy of CBM alongside ASMs with similar MOAs to better understand the mechanism(s) through which CBM achieves such broad‐spectrum seizure protection. CBM’s preclinical performance in tests, including the mouse 6‐Hz model of treatment‐resistant seizures, the chemoconvulsant seizure models of generalized epilepsy, and the rat hippocampal kindling model of focal epilepsy, was distinct from other voltage‐gated sodium channel blockers and GABAAmodulators. This distinction, in light of its proposed mechanism(s) of action, provides insight into the impressive clinical efficacy of CBM in the adult patient with focal onset epilepsy. The results of this comparative reverse translational analysis suggest that CBM is a mechanistically distinct ASM that offers an important advancement in drug development for treatment of therapy‐resistant epilepsy.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mesenchymal stromal cells: new frontiers in AhR biology
Authors: Abney Kristopher K. , Galipeau Jacques
Published: October 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic cells that have been clinically explored as investigational cellular therapeutics for tissue injury regeneration and immune‐mediated diseases. Their pharmaceutical properties arise from activation of endogenous receptors and transcription factors leading to a paracrine effect which mirror the biology of progenitors from which they arise. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as an environmental sensor for xenobiotics, but recent findings suggest it can modulate immunological functions. Both genetic and pharmacological investigations revealed that MSCs express AhR and that it plays roles in inflammation, immunomodulation, and mesodermal plasticity of endogenous MSCs. Further, AhR has been shown to interact with key signaling cascades associated with these conditions. Therefore, AhR has potential to be an attractive target in both endogenous and culture‐adapted MSCs for novel therapeutics to treat inflammation and other age‐related disorders.
Strong impacts of signal crayfish invasion on upland stream fish and invertebrate communities
Authors: Galib Shams M. , Findlay John S. , Lucas Martyn C.
Published: October 2020

Impacts of invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus on native species and ecosystems are widely recognised, but mostly through small‐scale studies and laboratory experiments that may not always reflect impacts in nature. Recorded effects of signal crayfish on fish populations are equivocal. In this study, using the before–after/control–impact and control–impact approaches, the effects of signal crayfish invasion on native fishes, particularly benthic fishes and young‐of‐year (YoY) salmonids, and macroinvertebrate communities, were determined on several spatial and temporal scales through three correlated study elements (S1–S3), in upland streams of the River Tees, England.

In S1, we sampled fish and benthic macroinvertebrates of 18 streams identically in 2011 and 2018. These streams were categorised into two groups: (1) uninvaded (without signal crayfish in both sampling years; n = 7); and (2) invaded (with signal crayfish) streams, comprising pre‐invaded (invaded before 2011; n = 8) and newly invaded (invaded between 2011 and 2018, n = 3). Despite similar habitat conditions in both years (all variables p > 0.05) fish and macroinvertebrate communities changed over time in pre‐invaded streams and by comparison to uninvaded streams. A decline in the abundance of benthic fish and YoY salmonids was observed in pre‐invaded and newly invaded streams. Complete disappearance of bullhead Cottus perifretum following signal crayfish invasion was recorded in two pre‐invaded streams.

In the second study, S2, we assessed within‐stream differences in fishes and macroinvertebrates in two Tees streams by comparing sections with (invaded) and without (uninvaded) signal crayfish. Compared to uninvaded sections, taxonomic richness and abundance of fish and macroinvertebrates were significantly lower in invaded sections, and the overall communities also differed significantly.

In S3, long‐term data series (since 1990) of water quality and macroinvertebrates of six Tees streams comprising those invaded by signal crayfish (n = 3) and uninvaded (n = 3) were analysed. Water quality showed little change, or an improvement, over time but significant changes in the macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness and community structure occurred following signal crayfish invasion. Long‐term changes in macroinvertebrate communities in invaded streams tended to be due to declines in more sedentary taxa such as molluscs and cased trichopterans.

Widespread and long‐term ecological disruption is occurring because of signal crayfish invasion in upland streams of the Tees catchment that may lead to a complete disappearance of some benthic fish species, as well as reduced densities of YoY salmonids and a shift towards less diverse macroinvertebrate communities, dominated by more mobile, crayfish‐resistant taxa.
Temperature dependence of metabolic rate in tropical and temperate aquatic insects: Support for the Climate Variability Hypothesis in mayflies but not stoneflies
Authors: Shah Alisha A. , Woods H. Arthur , Havird Justin C. , Encalada Andrea C. , Flecker Alexander S. , Funk W. Chris , Guayasamin Juan M. , Kondratieff Boris C. , Poff N. LeRoy , Thomas Steven A. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Ghalambor Cameron K.
Published: October 2020

A fundamental gap in climate change vulnerability research is an understanding of the relative thermal sensitivity of ectotherms. Aquatic insects are vital to stream ecosystem function and biodiversity but insufficiently studied with respect to their thermal physiology. With global temperatures rising at an unprecedented rate, it is imperative that we know how aquatic insects respond to increasing temperature and whether these responses vary among taxa, latitudes, and elevations. We evaluated the thermal sensitivity of standard metabolic rate in stream‐dwelling baetid mayflies and perlid stoneflies across a ~2,000 m elevation gradient in the temperate Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA, and the tropical Andes in Napo, Ecuador. We used temperature‐controlled water baths and microrespirometry to estimate changes in oxygen consumption. Tropical mayflies generally exhibited greater thermal sensitivity in metabolism compared to temperate mayflies; tropical mayfly metabolic rates increased more rapidly with temperature and the insects more frequently exhibited behavioral signs of thermal stress. By contrast, temperate and tropical stoneflies did not clearly differ. Varied responses to temperature among baetid mayflies and perlid stoneflies may reflect differences in evolutionary history or ecological roles as herbivores and predators, respectively. Our results show that there is physiological variation across elevations and species and that low‐elevation tropical mayflies may be especially imperiled by climate warming. Given such variation among species, broad generalizations about the vulnerability of tropical ectotherms should be made more cautiously.
Sulfur depletion induces autophagy through Ecl1 family genes in fission yeast
Authors: Shimasaki Takafumi , Okamoto Keisuke , Ohtsuka Hokuto , Aiba Hirofumi
Published: October 2020

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system widely conserved among various species. Autophagy is induced by the depletion of various nutrients, and this degradation mechanism is essential for adaptation to such conditions. In this study, we demonstrated that sulfur depletion induces autophagy in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Based on the finding that autophagy induced by sulfur depletion was completely abolished in a mutant in which the ecl1, ecl2 and ecl3 genes were deleted (Δecls), we report that these three genes are essential for the induction of autophagy by sulfur depletion. Furthermore, autophagy‐defective mutant cells exhibited poor growth and short lifespan (compared with wild‐type cells) under the sulfur‐depleted condition. These results indicated that the mechanism of autophagy is necessary for the appropriate adaptation to sulfur depletion.
Post‐discharge medicines management: the experiences, perceptions and roles of older people and their family carers
Authors: Tomlinson Justine , Silcock Jonathan , Smith Heather , Karban Kate , Fylan Beth
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple changes are made to older patients’ medicines during hospital admission, which can sometimes cause confusion and anxiety. This results in problems with post‐discharge medicines management, for example medicines taken incorrectly, which can lead to harm, hospital readmission and reduced quality of life.

Aim

To explore the experiences of older patients and their family carers as they enacted post‐discharge medicines management.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews took place in participants’ homes, approximately two weeks after hospital discharge. Data analysis used the Framework method.

Setting and participants

Recruitment took place during admission to one of two large teaching hospitals in North England. Twenty‐seven participants aged 75 plus who lived with long‐term conditions and polypharmacy, and nine family carers, were interviewed.

Findings

Three core themes emerged: impact of the transition, safety strategies and medicines management role. Conversations between participants and health‐care professionals about medicines changes often lacked detail, which disrupted some participants’ knowledge and medicines management capabilities. Participants used multiple strategies to support post‐discharge medicines management, such as creating administration checklists, seeking advice or supporting primary care through prompts to ensure medicines were supplied on time. The level to which they engaged with these activities varied.

Discussion and conclusion

Participants experienced gaps in their post‐discharge medicines management, which they had to bridge through implementing their own strategies or by enlisting support from others. Areas for improvement were identified, mainly through better communication about medicines changes and wider involvement of patients and family carers in their medicines‐related care during the hospital‐to‐home transition.
‘He is a New Man, a Proper Family Man’: The Impact of a Specialist ‘Family Wing’ on the Quality of Family Relationships and Paternal Identity among Imprisoned Fathers
Authors: CLANCY ANNA , MAGUIRE MIKE
Published: October 2020

The article examines the operation and impact of a specialist wing in a male prison, which aims to repair and enhance family relationships. It outlines the damaging effects of parental imprisonment on children and on paternal identity, and explores whether, and how, residence on the wing and prisoners’ joint participation with children and families in extended visits and family‐focused activities and interventions, mitigate such damage. The findings are overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating improvements in well‐being among children and family members, enhanced family relationships, and a stronger sense of paternal identity among prisoners. It is argued that these activities set in motion processes akin to those postulated by Burke (1991) as necessary for maintenance and renewal of identity: namely, the ‘verification’ of ‘identity standards’ through ‘reflective appraisal’ by key referent groups (here, families and children). There is also evidence that positive changes in prisoners quite frequently persist after release.
Cytokine‐regulated Th17 plasticity in human health and diseases
Authors: Cerboni Silvia , Gehrmann Ulf , Preite Silvia , Mitra Suman
Published: October 2020

Upon activation, naïve CD4+T helper (Th) cells differentiate into distinct Th effector cell lineages depending on the local cytokine environment. However, these polarized Th cells can also adapt their function and phenotype depending on the changing cytokine environment, demonstrating functional plasticity. Here, Th17 cells, which play a critical role in host protection from extracellular pathogens and in autoimmune disorders, are of particular interest. While being able to shift phenotype within their lineage, Th17 cells can also acquire characteristics of Th1, Th2, T follicular helper (Tfh) or regulatory T cells. Th17 cell identity is determined by a spectrum of extracellular signals, including cytokines, which are critical orchestrators of cellular immune responses. Cytokine induces changes in epigenetic, transcriptional, translational and metabolomic parameters. How these signals are integrated to determine Th17 plasticity is not well defined, yet this is a crucial point of investigation as it represents a potential target to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The goal of this review was to discuss how cytokines regulate intracellular networks, focusing on the regulation of lineage‐specific transcription factors, chromatin remodelling and metabolism, to control human Th17 cell plasticity. We discuss the importance of Th17 plasticity in autoimmunity and cancer and present current strategies and challenges in targeting pathogenic Th17 cells with cytokine‐based approaches, considering human genetic variants associated with altered Th17 differentiation. Finally, we discuss how modulating Th17 plasticity rather than targeting the Th17 lineage as a whole might preserve its essential immune function while purging its adverse effects.
Risk factors and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes for women with dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hung Tai‐Ho , Hsieh T’sang‐T’ang , Shaw Steven W , Kok Seong Chan , Chen Szu‐Fu
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies remains unclear. This study was undertaken to highlight risk factors for GDM in women with dichorionic (DC) twins, and to determine the association between GDM DC twins and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in a large homogeneous Taiwanese population.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was carried out on 645 women with DC twins, excluding pregnancies complicated by one or both fetuses with demise (n = 22) or congenital anomalies (n = 9), who gave birth after 28 complete gestational weeks between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2018. Univariable and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results

Maternal age >34 years (adjusted odds ratio 2.52; 95% confidence interval 1.25–5.07) and pre‐pregnancy body mass index >24.9 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.47–5.46) were independent risk factors for GDM in women with DC twins. Newborns from women with GDM DC twins were more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (adjusted odds ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.72) than newborns from women with non‐GDM DC twins. Other pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Advanced maternal age and pre‐pregnancy overweight or obesity are risk factors for GDM in women with DC twins. Except for a nearly twofold increased risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission of newborns, the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes for women with GDM DC twins are similar to those for women with non‐GDM DC twins.
Symbiosis opportunities between food and energy system: The potential of manure‐based biogas as heating source for greenhouse production
Authors: Burg Vanessa , Golzar Farzin , Bowman Gillianne , Hellweg Stefanie , Roshandel Ramin
Published: October 2020

The concept of symbiosis, a mutually beneficial relationship, can be applied to food and energy systems. Greenhouse systems and biogas plants are interesting technologies for food–energy symbiosis, because both are usually based in rural areas and offer opportunities for the exchange of materials (e.g., biomass waste from the greenhouse as input to biogas plants) and energy (heat from biogas co‐generation for heating greenhouses). In this paper, the focus lies on manure resources for biogas in Switzerland, because manure amounts are high and currently largely underused. We provide a spatial analysis of the availability of manure as feedstock to biogas plants and heat source for greenhouses. In this feasibility study, we coupled the potential waste heat supply from manure‐based biogas and the greenhouse peak heat demand. We quantified the area‐based greenhouse heating demand for year‐around tomato production (from 0.98 to 2.67 MW ha−1 where the farms are located) and the available heat supply from manure‐based biogas (up to 3,200 GJ a−1 km−2). A total maximum greenhouse area of 104 ha could be sustained with manure‐based biogas heat, producing 20,800 tonnes a−1 tomatoes. This amounts to 11% of the total domestic tomato demand. Although the results are specific to Switzerland, our method can be adapted and also applied to other regions.
Unbiased proteomic screening identifies a novel role for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4‐2 in translational suppression during ER stress
Authors: Eagleman Daphne E. , Zhu Jiuhe , Liu Dai‐Chi , Seimetz Joseph , Kalsotra Auinash , Tsai Nien‐Pei
Published: October 2020

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs when protein folding or maturation is disrupted. A malfunction in the ER stress response can lead to cell death and has been observed in many neurological diseases. However, how the ER stress response is regulated in neuronal cells remains largely unclear. Here, we studied an E3 ubiquitin ligase named neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down‐regulated protein 4‐like (Nedd4‐2). Nedd4‐2 is highly expressed in the brain and has a high affinity toward ubiquitinating membrane‐bound proteins. We first utilized unbiased proteomic profiling with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) of isolated membrane fractions from mouse whole brains to identify novel targets of Nedd4‐2. Through this screen, we found that the expression and ubiquitination of ribosomal proteins are regulated by Nedd4‐2 and we confirmed an association between Nedd4‐2 and ribosomes through ribosome sedimentation and polysome profiling. Further, we utilized immunoprecipitation and western blotting to show that induction of ER stress promotes an association between Nedd4‐2 and ribosomal proteins, which is mediated through dephosphorylation of Nedd4‐2 at serine‐342. This increased interaction between Nedd4‐2 and ribosomal proteins in turn mediates ER stress‐associated translational suppression. In summary, the results of this study demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism underlying the ER stress response and a novel function of Nedd4‐2 in translational control. Our findings may shed light on neurological diseases in which the ER stress response or the function of Nedd4‐2 is dysregulated.

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Everything a general paediatrician needs to know about primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Anderson Aleisha J , Holland Steven M
Published: October 2020

Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are a heterogenous group of inherited diseases, arising from inborn errors of immunity. Although typically managed by specialist immunologists, general paediatricians are often the first point of referral for patients with clinical pictures that may be presentations of PID. Recurrent, severe or atypical infections are common, but autoimmunity, aberrant inflammation and malignancy may also occur. PID may occur with or without other syndromic features. Early diagnosis and implementation of treatment are important, particularly if curative bone marrow transplant is a possible treatment modality. Therefore, knowledge of PID phenotypes, recognition of presentations and an approach to investigation are essential. Advances in genetic testing have greatly enhanced the ability to diagnose PID and their underlying genetic defects.
The Political Mobilization of America's Congregations
Authors: Beyerlein Kraig , Chaves Mark
Published: October 2020

We use data from the National Congregations Study (NCS), including data from the fourth wave, to describe congregations’ political activity in 2018–2019, and to examine change in that activity since 1998. Congregations have become more politically mobilized since 1998, with the majority of congregations (56 percent) engaged in at least one of the political activities asked about in 2018–2019. Black Protestant congregations in particular experienced a surge in political activity since 2012, and congregations with politically liberal convictions or in traditions with more immigrant members have substantially increased their advocacy on behalf of immigrants in recent years. Overall, since 2012 and possibly since 1998, the political mobilization of congregations on the left has increased more than political mobilization of congregations on the right. We also find that 4 percent of (overwhelmingly Catholic) congregations have declared themselves sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants, and a surprisingly large minority (17 percent) of congregations would publicly endorse or oppose political candidates if doing so would not put their tax status at risk. Ironically, in light of the support for this tax law change among conservative leaders, African American and politically liberal congregations are by far most likely to publicly endorse a candidate if they could.
Racial Diversity in U.S. Congregations, 1998–2019
Authors: Dougherty Kevin D. , Chaves Mark , Emerson Michael O.
Published: October 2020

Racially diverse congregations have become an important part of the American religious landscape. We use data from the National Congregations Study (NCS), notably including data from the fourth wave, collected in 2018–2019, to examine 20 years of racial diversity in congregations. We find that racial diversity within congregations has increased substantially between 1998 and 2019. There are more congregations in which no one racial or ethnic group comprises more than 80 percent of the people, congregations’ average diversity level has increased, and the percentage of all‐white congregations has declined. Nearly a quarter of evangelical churches now have no one ethnic group constituting more than 80 percent of the people, a rate comparable to what we observe among Catholic churches. Moreover, congregations that meet this 80‐percent threshold are more likely to be led by black clergy in 2019 than they were in 1998. We end with a note of caution about concluding that diverse congregations necessarily promote racial justice.