bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CXCR6/CXCL16 axis links inflamm-aging to disease severity in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Payne Daniel J. , Dalal Surita , Leach Richard , Parker Richard , Griffin Stephen , McKimmie Clive S. , Cook Graham P. , Richards Stephen J. , Hillmen Peter , Munir Talha , Arnold Louise , Riley Kathryn , McKinley Claire , Place Sandra , Baretto Richard L. , Newton Darren J.
Published: January 2021

Advancing age and chronic health conditions, significant risk factors for severe COVID-19, are associated with a pro-inflammatory state, termed inflamm-aging. CXCR6+T cells are known to traffic to the lung and have been reported to increase with age. The ligand of CXCR6, CXCL16, is constitutively expressed in the lung and upregulated during inflammatory responses and the CXCR6/CXCL16 axis is associated with severe lung disease and pneumonia. Genome-wide association studies have also recently identified 3p21.31, encompassing theCXCR6gene, as a susceptibility locus for severe COVID-19. We assessed numbers T cells expressing the chemokine receptor CXCR6 and plasma levels of CXCL16, in control and COVID-19 patients. Results demonstrated that circulating CD8+CXCR6+T cells were significantly elevated with advancing age, yet virtually absent in patients with severe COVID-19. Peripheral levels of CXCL16 were significantly upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients compared to either mild COVID-19 patients or SARS-CoV-2 negative controls. This study supports a significant role of the CXCR6/CXCL16 axis in the immunopathogenesis of severe COVID-19.
Excitable axonal domains adapt to sensory deprivation in the olfactory system
Authors: George Nicholas M , Macklin Wendy B , Restrepo Diego
Published: January 2021

The axon initial segment, nodes of Ranvier, and the oligodendrocyte-derived myelin sheath have significant influence on the firing patterns of neurons and the faithful, coordinated transmission of action potentials to downstream brain regions. In the olfactory bulb, olfactory discrimination tasks lead to adaptive changes in cell firing patterns, and the output signals must reliably travel large distances to other brain regions along highly myelinated tracts. Whether myelinated axons adapt to facilitate olfactory sensory processing is unknown. Here, we investigate the morphology and physiology of mitral cell axons in the adult olfactory system, and show that unilateral sensory deprivation causes system-wide adaptations in axons. Mitral cell spiking patterns and action potentials also adapted to sensory deprivation. Strikingly, both axonal morphology and mitral cell physiology were altered on both the deprived and non-deprived sides, indicating system level adaptations to reduced sensory input. Our work demonstrates a previously unstudied mechanism of plasticity in the olfactory system.
Global connectivity fingerprints predict the domain generality of multiple-demand regions
Authors: Schultz Douglas H. , Ito Takuya , Cole Michael W.
Published: January 2021

A set of distributed cognitive control networks are known to contribute to diverse cognitive demands, yet it is unclear how these networks gain this domain-general capacity. We hypothesized that this capacity is largely due to the particular organization of the human brain’s intrinsic network architecture. Specifically, we tested the possibility that each brain region’s domain generality is reflected in its level of global (hub-like) intrinsic connectivity, as well as its particular global connectivity pattern (connectivity fingerprint). Consistent with prior work, we found that cognitive control networks exhibited domain generality, as they represented diverse task context information covering sensory, motor response, and logic rule domains. Supporting our hypothesis, we found that the level of global intrinsic connectivity (estimated with resting-state fMRI) was correlated with domain generality during tasks. Further, using a novel information fingerprint mapping approach, we found that each cognitive control region’s unique rule response profile (information fingerprint) could be predicted based on its unique intrinsic connectivity fingerprint and the information content in non-cognitive control regions. Together these results suggest that the human brain’s intrinsic network architecture supports its ability to represent diverse cognitive task information, largely via the location of multiple-demand regions within the brain’s global network organization.
Factors that affect protein abundance of the bZIP transcription factor ABRE-BINDING FACTOR 2 (ABF2), a positive regulator of abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Linden Katrina J , Chen Yi-Tze , Kyaw Khin , Schultz Brandan , Callis Judy
Published: January 2021

Most members of bZIP transcription factor (TF) subgroup A play important roles as positive effectors in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling during germination and/or in vegetative stress responses. In multiple plant species, one member, ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), is a major transcription factor that promotes seed maturation and blocks early seeding growth in response to ABA. Other members, referred to as either ABRE-Binding Factors (ABFs), ABRE-Binding proteins (AREBs), or D3 PROTEIN BINDING FACTORS (DPBFs), are implicated as major players in stress responses during vegetative growth. Studies on the proteolytic regulation of ABI5, ABF1, and ABF3 inArabidopsis thalianahave shown that the proteins have moderate degradation rates and accumulate in the presence of the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Exogenous ABA slows their degradation and the ubiquitin E3 ligase called KEEP ON GOING (KEG) is important for their degradation. However, there are some reported differences in degradation among subgroup A members. The conserved C-terminal sequences (referred to as the C4 region) enhance degradation of ABI5 but stabilize ABF1 and ABF3. To better understand the proteolytic regulation of the ABI5/ABFs and determine whether there are differences between vegetative ABFs and ABI5, we studied the degradation of an additional family member, ABF2, and compared itsin vitrodegradation to that of ABI5. As previously seen for ABI5, ABF1, and ABF3, epitope-tagged constitutively expressed ABF2 degrades in seedlings treated with cycloheximide and is stabilized following treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Tagged ABF2 protein accumulates when seedlings are treated with ABA but its mRNA levels do not increase, suggesting that the protein is stabilized in the presence of ABA. ABF2 is also anin vitroubiquitination substrate of the E3 ligase KEG and recombinant ABF2 is stable inkeglysates. ABF2 with a C4 deletion degrades more quicklyin vitrothan full-length ABF2, as previously observed for ABF1 and ABF3, suggesting that the conserved C4 region contributes to its stability. In contrast to ABF2 and consistent with previously published work, ABI5 with C terminal deletions including an analogous C4 deletion is stabilizedin vitrocompared to full length ABI5.In vivoexpression of an ABF1 C4 deletion protein appears to have reduced activity compared to equivalent levels of full length ABF1. Additional group A family members show similar proteolytic regulation by MG132 and ABA. Altogether, these results together with other work on ABI5 regulation suggest that the vegetative ABFs share proteolytic regulatory mechanisms that are not completely shared with ABI5.
Elevated HScore is Associated with Poor Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19, Even in the Absence of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Benavente Rafael , Peña Camila , Cid Allyson , Cabello Nicolás , Bustamante Pablo , Álvarez Marco , Henríquez Elizabeth , Soto Andrés , Rubilar Erika
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently experience a hyperinflammatory syndrome, that leads to unfavorable outcomes. This condition resembles Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) described in neoplastic, rheumatic and other infectious diseases. However, it has not been prospectively studied on these patients. A scoring system (HScore) has been validated for sHLH, and recently proposed to evaluate hyperinflammation in COVID-19.

Methods

143 patients aged ≥18 years admitted because of COVID-19 were enrolled in a prospective, single-center, cohort study. HScore was calculated within the 72 hours since admission. The incidence of sHLH during hospitalization was evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between HScore ≥130 points and either the requirement of mechanical ventilation or 60-days mortality was explored.

Results

The median age of enrolled patients was 57 (21-100), and 63.6% were male. The median HScore was 96 (33-169). One patient was diagnosed with sHLH (incidence 0,7%), due to a HScore of 169. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and obesity, HScore ≥130 was independently associated with the composite clinical outcome (HR 2.13, p=0.022).

Conclusion

sHLH is not frequent among COVID-19 patients. HScore can efficiently predict the risk for poor outcomes.
Estimation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rate in Germany
Authors: Dimpfl Thomas , Sönksen Jantje , Bechmann Ingo , Grammig Joachim
Published: January 2021

Assessing the infection fatality rate (IFR) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the most controversial issues during the pandemic. Due to asymptomatic or mild courses of COVID-19, many infections remain undetected. Reported case fatality rates – COVID-19-associated deaths divided by number of detected infections – are therefore poor estimates of the IFR. Endogenous changes of the population at risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, changing test practices and an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 further exacerbate the estimation of the IFR. Here, we propose a strategy to estimate the IFR of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany that combines official data on reported cases and fatalities supplied by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with data from seroepidemiological studies in two infection hotspots, the Austrian town Ischgl and the German municipality Gangelt, respectively. For this purpose, we use the law of total probability to derive an approximate formula for the IFR that is based on a set of assumptions regarding data quality and test specificity and sensitivity. The resulting estimate of the IFR in Germany of 0.83% (95% CI: [0.69%; 0.98%]) that is based on a combination of the RKI and Ischgl data is notably higher than the IFR estimate reported in the Gangelt study (0.36% [0.29%; 0.45%]). It is closer to the consolidated estimate based on a meta-analysis (0.68% [0.53%; 0.82%]), where the difference can be explained by Germany’s disadvantageous age structure. As a result of virus mutations, vaccination strategies, and improved therapy, a re-estimation of the IFR will eventually be mandated; the proposed method is able to account for such developments.
Connectional Asymmetry of the Inferior Parietal Lobule Shapes Hemispheric Specialization in Humans, Chimpanzees, and Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Cheng Luqi , Zhang Yuanchao , Li Gang , Wang Jiaojian , Sherwood Chet C. , Gong Gaolang , Fan Linzhong , Jiang Tianzi
Published: January 2021

The inferior parietal lobule (IPL) is one of the most expanded cortical regions in humans relative to other primates. It is also among the most structurally and functionally asymmetric regions in the human cerebral cortex. Whether the structural and connectional asymmetries of IPL subdivisions differ across primate species and how this relates to functional asymmetries remain unclear. We identified IPL subregions that exhibited positive allometric in both hemispheres, scaling across rhesus macaque monkeys, chimpanzees, and humans. The patterns of IPL subregions asymmetry were similar in chimpanzees and humans, but no IPL asymmetries were evident in macaques. Among the comparative sample of primates, humans showed the most widespread asymmetric connections in the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices, constituting leftward asymmetric networks that may provide an anatomical basis for language and tool use. Unique human asymmetric connectivity between the IPL and primary motor cortex might be related to handedness. These findings suggest that structural and connectional asymmetries may underlie hemispheric specialization of the human brain.
Immunogenic Potential of DNA Vaccine candidate, ZyCoV-D against SARS-CoV-2 in Animal Models
Authors: Dey Ayan , Chozhavel Rajanathan T.M. , Chandra Harish , Pericherla Hari P.R. , Kumar Sanjeev , Choonia Huzaifa S. , Bajpai Mayank , Singh Arun K. , Sinha Anuradha , Saini Gurwinder , Dalal Parth , Vandriwala Sarosh , Raheem Mohammed A. , Divate Rupesh D. , Navlani Neelam L. , Sharma Vibhuti , Parikh Aashini , Prasath Siva , Rao Sankar , Maithal Kapil
Published: January 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), initially originated in China in year 2019 and spread rapidly across the globe within 5 months, causing over 96 million cases of infection and over 2 million deaths. Huge efforts were undertaken to bring the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical development, so that it can be made available at the earliest, if found to be efficacious in the trials. We developed a candidate vaccine ZyCoV-D comprising of a DNA plasmid vector carrying the gene encoding the spike protein (S) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The S protein of the virus includes the receptor binding domain (RBD), responsible for binding to the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. The DNA plasmid construct was transformed intoE. colicells for large scale production. The immunogenicity potential of the plasmid DNA has been evaluated in mice, guinea pig, and rabbit models by intradermal route at 25, 100 and 500μg dose. Based on the animal studies proof-of-concept has been established and preclinical toxicology (PCT) studies were conducted in rat and rabbit model. Preliminary animal study demonstrates that the candidate DNA vaccine induces antibody response including neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and also provided Th-1 response as evidenced by elevated IFN-γ levels.
Identification and characterization of two classes of G1 β-bulge
Authors: Leader David P. , Milner-White E. James
Published: January 2021

In standard β-bulges, a residue in one strand of a β-sheet forms hydrogen bonds to two successive residues (`1' and `2') of a second strand. Two categories, `classic' and `G1' β-bulges, are distinguished by their dihedral angles: 1,2-αRβR (classic) or 1,2-αLβR (G1). It had previously been observed that G1 β-bulges are most often found as components of two quite distinct composite structures, suggesting that a basis for further differentiation might exist. Here, it is shown that two subtypes of G1 β-bulges, G1α and G1β, may be distinguished by their conformation (αR or βR) at residue `0' of the second strand. β-Bulges that are constituents of the composite structure named the β-bulge loop are of the G1α type, whereas those that are constituents of the composite structure named β-link here are of the G1β type. A small proportion of G1β β-bulges, but not G1α β-bulges, occur in other contexts. There are distinctive differences in amino-acid composition and sequence pattern between these two types of G1 β-bulge which may have practical application in protein design.
Too much of a good thing: Shrub benefactors are less important in higher diversity arid ecosystems
Authors: Lortie Christopher J. , Zuliani Mario , Ghazian Nargol , Haas Stephanie , Braun Jenna , Owen Malory , Miguel Florencia , Seifan Merav , Filazzola Alessandro , Lucero Jacob
Published: January 2021

The biodiversity–ecosystem function literature provides a useful framework to examine many processes associated with species diversity in ecology. One such context is the maintenance of biodiversity by facilitation in arid ecosystems.

Here, we examined the complex interactions between local plant species richness and the intensity of shrub facilitation for maintaining biodiversity in arid plant communities.

A synthesis including a meta‐analysis was used to compile nearly 600 papers on positive interactions mediated by shrubs in dryland plant communities (search terms: shrub, positive, facilitat*) to examine whether interactions in these studies changed with reported local species richness. A total of 19 studies and 141 independent instances directly examined and reported facilitation of diversity measures in naturally assembled plant communities and provided estimates of local species richness.

Synthesis. The net effect of increasing local plant species richness was negative and shifted the relative frequency of interactions with shrubs from positive to negative with increasing local species richness. This relationship suggests that increases in richness do not always enhance functions that maintain diversity in plants communities likely due to concurrent increases in the indirect negative interactions between species under shrubs or in changes in the local species pool.
Demographic traits improve predictions of spatiotemporal changes in community resilience to drought
Authors: Paniw Maria , de la Riva Enrique G. , Lloret Francisco
Published: January 2021

Communities are increasingly threatened by extreme weather events. The cumulative effects of such events are typically investigated by assessing community resilience, that is, the extent to which affected communities can achieve pre‐event states. However, a mechanistic understanding of the processes underlying resilience is frequently lacking and requires linking various measures of resilience to demographic responses within natural communities.

Using 13 years of data from a shrub community that experienced a severe drought in 2005, we use generalized additive models to investigate temporal changes in three measures of resilience. We assess whether community‐weighted, species‐specific demographic traits such as longevity and reproductive output can predict changes in resilience and how the performance of these traits compares to more commonly used plant functional traits such as leaf area or root dry matter content.

We find significant spatiotemporal variation in community dynamics after the drought. Overall, demographic traits are better at predicting absolute and relative resilience in total plant cover, but functional traits outperform demographic traits when resilience in community composition is assessed. All resilience measures show nonlinear and context‐specific responses to demographic and functional traits; and these responses depend strongly on the severity of initial drought impact.

Synthesis. Our work demonstrates that a full picture of the mechanisms underlying community responses to drought requires the assessment of numerous species‐specific characteristics (including demographic and functional traits) and how these characteristics differentially affect complementary measures of community changes through time.
Evolution and biogeography of actinorhizal plants and legumes: A comparison
Authors: Ardley Julie , Sprent Janet
Published: January 2021

The symbiosis between plants and nitrogen‐fixing bacteria is widespread among legumes and actinorhizal plants within the nitrogen‐fixing root nodule (NFN) clade. However, there are major differences, as well as similarities, in the symbioses between actinorhizal plants and Frankia and those of legumes and their associated rhizobia.

This review provides an overview of NFN symbioses. We outline the evolution and biogeography of actinorhizal plants and legumes and compare and contrast their microsymbionts and symbiotic processes.

Within the NFN clade, a far greater number of nodulated legumes exists, compared with actinorhizal plants, and legumes have a much wider biogeographical distribution. There are genetic and physiological differences between free‐living diazotrophic Frankia and the phylogenetically diverse rhizobia, most strains of which are unable to fix N2 ex planta. Actinorhizal nodules are modified lateral roots with a central vascular system, whereas legume nodules are stem‐like organs with peripheral vascular systems. Most legumes contain their microsymbionts within symbiosomes, rather than the infection threads found in actinorhizal nodule cells. Legumes have greater control of their microsymbionts, and those within the Inverted Repeat Lacking Clade impose terminal differentiation on their bacteroids. Legumes also have effective processes for autoregulation of nodulation and downregulation of N2 fixation in response to high levels of soil N. These features of the legume‐rhizobia symbiosis have led to increased efficiencies in N2 fixation.

Synthesis. We suggest that these characteristic features of the legume‐rhizobia symbiosis, specifically legumes' greater flexibility in the choice of microsymbiont partner and the evolution of increased efficiencies in N2 fixation, are factors that can explain why the majority of species within the Leguminosae have retained the ability to nodulate and how this has contributed to their evolutionary success.
Inhibition of sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor 1/2/3 ameliorates biological dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocyte MH7A cells through Gαi/Gαs rebalancing
Authors: Wang Mengdie , Wu Hong , Wang Ronghui , Dai Xuejing , Deng Ran , Wang Yan , Bu Yanhong , Sun Minghui , Zhang Heng
Published: January 2021

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) exerts its various physiological and pathological effects by interacting with G protein‐coupled receptors. In addition, S1P can induce biological dysfunction in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism underlying this S1P‐induced dysfunction remains unclear. An imbalance between Gαi and Gαs can affect the level of cAMP, an important regulator of numerous cell functions. Therefore, we studied the effects of S1P receptor (S1PR) 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐associated Gαi/Gαs imbalance on the biological function of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (MH7A cells). The results showed that blocking S1PR1/3 and Gαi, and activating Gαs, inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and proinflammatory cytokine release of MH7A cells in a S1P‐induced inflammation model, whereas suppressing S1PR2 only affected the invasion and the release of proinflammatory cytokines of these cells. Analysis of the expression of S1PR1/2/3 and Gαi/Gαs further showed that S1PR1/2/3 could regulate the Gαi/Gαs balance. Furthermore, our data suggested that the level of cAMP was also affected. Combined, our results showed that impaired S1PR1/2/3 signalling can affect MH7A cells biological function via Gαi/Gαs‐cAMP signalling, which can provide a new idea for the treatment of RA.
Thermal niche for seed germination of Xyris species from Brazilian montane vegetation: Implications for climate change
Authors: Oliveira Túlio G. S. , Duarte Alexandre A. , Diamantino Isabela P. , Garcia Queila S.
Published: January 2021

Understanding how climate change will affect regeneration from seeds is important for developing conservation strategies. We evaluated seed germination requirements for sympatric species of Xyris from montane rupestrian grasslands (campo rupestre) in Brazil to determine their thermal niche and thermal requirements for seed germination. We also assessed whether projected temperature increases would affect seed germination of the species. Seed germination was evaluated at a wide range of constant temperatures (10–40°C) under light (12‐hr photoperiod) and dark conditions. Base temperatures (Tb) and thermal times for 50% germination (θ50) were calculated for three species. The effects of projected mean temperature increase on seed germination percentage and timing were evaluated. All species revealed an absolute light requirement for germination. Thermal germination niche breadth was greatest for X. asperula (15 to 35°C) and narrowest for X. seubertii (20 and 25°C). Base temperatures for X. asperula, X. pilosa and X. trachyphylla were 9.0, 12.8 and 11.1°C, respectively. In the scenario with the highest temperature increase (A2), the greatest reductions in seed germination are observed for X. pilosa and X. seubertii. The lowest projected temperature increase (2°C) was sufficient to decrease by 1 day the germination time of X. asperula and X. pilosa. Species of Xyris do not present a pattern for thermal germination niche and thermal requirements values, indicating that the effects of climate warming on the regeneration of these seeds will probably vary among species.
Alcohol and acute traumatic brain injury in the emergency department
Authors: Rogan Alice , Patel Vimal , Birdling Jane , Lockett Jessica , Simmonds Harnah , McQuade David , Quigley Paul , Larsen Peter
Published: January 2021

Objective

There is limited research from Australasian EDs describing the demographic make‐up, injury severity and impact of alcohol in patients requiring computed tomography (CT) for suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study aims to review the frequency and presenting patterns of patients who consume alcohol prior to presenting with suspected TBI.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of patients referred for head CT to exclude TBI from a major referral centre and regional ED in New Zealand, between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019. Comparison groups were defined as ‘alcohol involved’ or ‘no alcohol involved’.

Results

97/425 (22.8% [95% CI 18.3–27.4]) of included TBI presentations involved alcohol. 73/97 (75.3% [95% CI 58.6–93.5]) were male and 41/97 (42.3% [95% CI 29.3–55.2]) were aged 18–30 years. The alcohol group were more likely to report assault as the injury mechanism (19.6% [95% CI 10.8–28.4] vs 5.2% [95% CI 2.7–7.7], P < 0.05) and have Glasgow Coma Scale scores reflecting more moderate (13.5% [95% CI 5.9–21.1] vs 3.5% [95% CI 1.5–5.6]) and severe (5.6% [95% CI 0.7–10.5] vs 3.2% [95% CI 1.2–5.2] TBI. Presentation times post‐injury were delayed compared to the no alcohol group (3.4 h [interquartile range 1.9–14.8] vs 2.8 h [interquartile range 1.8–6.6], P < 0.05).

Conclusion

One quarter of patients with suspected TBI had consumed alcohol prior to their injury. Predominantly, those affected were young males who reported higher rates of assault; however, alcohol use was recorded in all age groups and sex. Alcohol‐affected patients presented later, potentially delaying time to diagnosis. The present study supports the call for public health interventions that aim to reduce alcohol misuse.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in saliva
Authors: Janíková Monika , Hodosy Július , Boor Peter , Klempa Boris , Celec Peter
Published: January 2021

In the fight against the recent COVID‐19 pandemics, testing is crucial. Nasopharyngeal swabs and real‐time RT‐PCR are used for the detection of the viral RNA. The collection of saliva is non‐invasive, pain‐free and does not require trained personnel. An alternative to RT‐PCR is loop‐mediated isothermal amplification coupled with reverse transcription (RT‐LAMP) that is easy to perform, quick and does not require a thermal cycler. The aim of this study was to test whether SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA can be detected directly in saliva using RT‐LAMP. We have tested 16 primer mixes from the available literature in three rounds of sensitivity assays. The selected RT‐LAMP primer mix has a limit of detection of 6 copies of viral RNA per reaction in comparison with RT‐PCR with 1 copy per reaction. Whole saliva, as well as saliva collected using Salivette collection tubes, interfered with the RT‐LAMP analysis. Neither Chelex‐100 nor protease treatment of saliva prevented the inhibitory effect of saliva. With the addition of the ribonuclease inhibitor, the sensitivity of the RT‐LAMP assay was 12 copies per reaction of RNA in Salivette® saliva samples and 6 copies per reaction of RNA in whole saliva samples. This study shows that it is possible to combine the use of saliva and RT‐LAMP for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection without RNA extraction which was confirmed on a small set of correctly diagnosed clinical samples. Further studies should prove whether this protocol is suitable for point of care testing in the clinical setting.
The perception and use of cover crops within the island of Ireland
Authors: Cottney Paul , Williams Paul N. , White Ethel , Black Lisa
Published: January 2021

The integration of cover crops within arable rotations is becoming increasingly popular due to their widely acknowledged benefits. Subsidisation of cover cropping is available to eligible farmers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) but not to Northern Ireland (NI) farmers. There has been little research focus on ROI and NI growers' perceptions about the husbandry associated with cover crops and the benefits of growing them. Surveys to gauge farmer use and perception of cover crops were conducted at two arable conferences, with 55 respondents in NI and 77 in ROI (132 respondents in total). Growers used cover crops mainly to improve and maintain soil structure in an overall bid to enhance soil health in ROI, whereas in NI it was predominantly for forage. The impact of subsidies provided by Ireland and its stipulated policy influences species choice, and farmers were more likely to plant cover crops after later harvested commercial crops, for example, September. Compared to growers in NI, they were found predominantly to plant after crops harvested in August. In ROI, 63% of respondents receiving subsidies would continue to use cover crops if this monetary incentive ceased.
Tourniquet‐induced ischemia and reperfusion in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone
Authors: Hanberg Pelle , Bue Mats , Kabel Jesper , Jørgensen Andrea René , Søballe Kjeld , Stilling Maiken
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluated ischemic metabolites in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone before, during, and after tourniquet application in a simultaneous paired comparison of tourniquet‐exposed and non‐tourniquet‐exposed legs. Ten patients scheduled for hallux valgus or hallux rigidus surgery were included. Microdialysis catheters were placed to simultaneously and continuously sample the metabolites glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glycerol bilaterally for 12 h in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone. A tourniquet was applied on the leg planned for surgery (inflation time: 15 min, mean tourniquet duration time (range): 65 (58;77) min). During tourniquet inflation, a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase of the mean lactate/pyruvate ratio was found for all investigated tissues in the tourniquet‐exposed leg compared with the non‐tourniquet‐exposed leg. The lactate/pyruvate ratio recovery time after tourniquet release was within 30 min for skeletal muscle, 60 min for subcutaneous tissue, and 130 min for calcaneal cancellous bone. Only the tourniquet‐exposed skeletal muscles were found to be ischemic during tourniquet inflation, defined by a significant increase of the lactate/pyruvate ratio exceeding the ischemic cutoff level of 25; however, this level decreased below 25 immediately after tourniquet release. The glycerol ratio increased instantly after inflation in the tourniquet‐exposed leg in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue, and recovered within 60 (skeletal muscle) and 130 min (subcutaneous tissue) after tourniquet release. These findings suggest that applying tourniquet for approximately 1 h results in limited tissue ischemia and cell damage in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone.
EBER in situ hybridization in subcutaneous aluminum granulomas/lymphoid hyperplasia: A diagnostic clue to differentiate injection‐associated lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphomas and cutaneous lymphomas
Authors: Frings Verena G. , Roth Sabine , Rosenwald Andreas , Goebeler Matthias , Geissinger Eva , Wobser Marion
Published: January 2021

Background

Subcutaneous vaccination or desensitization may induce persistent nodules at the injection sites. Without the knowledge of prior injection, histopathological work‐up may be challenging.

Objective

Aim of this study was to contribute to the histopathological work‐up of unclear subcutaneous nodules, especially their differentiation from cutaneous lymphoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data and histopathological slides of four patients with subcutaneous nodules, which were suspected to suffer from cutaneous T‐ or B‐cell lymphoma. Sections of these cases and 12 negative controls were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and a standardized immunohistochemical panel of B‐ and T‐cell markers including EBER in situ hybridization as well as electron microscopy.

Results

In all cases, large histiocytes with granular cytoplasm compatible with intracellular aluminum hydroxide were present. EBER in situ hybridization revealed positive staining of these granular histiocytes while staining was absent in negative controls.

Limitations

Post hoc completion of medical history revealed that vaccination or specific immunotherapy had been applied before at the biopsy site in only three out of four patients; one patient was lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

EBER in situ hybridization is an adjunctive tool to differentiate aluminum‐induced granuloma/lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphoma and cutaneous B‐ or T‐cell lymphomas.
Teaching supply chain risk management in the COVID‐19 Age: A review and classroom exercise
Authors: Ferguson Mark E. , Drake Matthew J.
Published: January 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected every corner of the world in 2020. It has also emphasized the importance of managing supply chain risk and developing an agile supply chain. Supply chain management instructors will likely want to introduce risk management concepts and strategies into their courses to raise their students' sensitivity to the impact of supply chain disruptions. Unfortunately there is currently a dearth of coverage of supply chain disruptions and risk management in the major supply chain management text books as well as in the broader library of supply chain management pedagogical research publications. To help to close this gap in the literature for instructors, we have developed a reading and set of related discussion questions and exercises that detail the causes of the shortage in toilet paper during the pandemic and short‐ and long‐term strategies to make the supply chain more resilient in the future. By focusing on a disruption students likely experienced first‐hand, they can develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of supply chain functions in providing products and services to customers.
Unravelling the complex geological evolution of one of Earth's final remaining frontiers: East Siberia
Authors: Barnet James S.K. , Steiner Benedikt M.
Published: January 2021

East Siberia represents one of the most remote and inhospitable regions on the planet, home to the coldest permanently inhabited settlement on Earth (Oymyakon), where temperatures frequently fall below −50°C in winter. Geological investigations in this part of northern Asia are severely hampered by thick permafrost, a lack of infrastructure, vast tracts of barren uninhabited rough terrain, and political challenges. However, the rocks buried below the freezing tundra and taiga of this remote land provide evidence of an interesting and diverse geological history, including vast hypersaline salt basins, voluminous volcanic eruptions, Himalayan‐style mountain ranges, and extensive swamps. Following a comprehensive study of publically available literature, the majority published in Russian language and challenging to obtain in the UK, we aim to decipher the diverse and complicated geological history of this remote region over the past 1650 Myr.
Wage politics and feminist solidarity
Authors: Koskinen Sandberg Paula
Published: January 2021

This article explores a case of feminist solidarity and wage politics—namely, a social movement claiming equal pay for early education teachers. In 2018, the Finnish media revealed that several municipalities in the Finnish capital area had secretly agreed not to compete with each other by paying higher wages for early education teachers even though there was a severe shortage of labor. The revelation resulted in public outrage and the rise of the No Play Money social movement that demanded higher wages for early education teachers. The driving force for the mobilization was feminist solidarity, which resulted in collective resistance toward gendered labor market practices and, ultimately, higher wages. For an institutionalized practice to change, the legitimacy of the practice must be convincingly questioned, and this requires actors who problematize previous ways of understanding the issue. This was achieved in the present case through wage politics; the politicization and contestation of mainstream conceptualizations of wage formation and appropriate wage levels for feminized work.
Phase formation, microstructure development, and mechanical properties of kaolin‐based mullite ceramics added with Fe2O3
Authors: Liu Zhenying , Lian Wei , Liu Yin , Zhu Jinbo , Xue Changguo , Yang Zhongde , Lin Xin
Published: January 2021

The effects of Fe2O3 on phase evolution, density, microstructural development, and mechanical properties of mullite ceramics from kaolin and alumina were systematically studied. X‐ray diffraction results suggested that the ceramics consisted of mullite, sillimanite, and corundum, in the sintering range of 1450°C–1580°C. However, as the sintering was raised to 1580°C, mullite is the main phase with a content of 94%, and the corundum phase content is 5.9%. Simultaneously, high‐temperature sintering had a positive effect on the densification of the mullite ceramics, where both the bulk density and flexural strength could be optimized by adjusting the content of Fe2O3. It was found that 6 wt% Fe2O3 was optimal for the formation of rod‐shaped mullite after sintering at 1550°C for 3 h. The sample's maximum bulk density was 2.84 g/cm3, with a flexural strength of 112 MPa. Meanwhile, rod‐shaped mullite grains with an aspect ratio of ~9 were formed. As a result, a dense network structure was developed, thus leading to mullite ceramics with excellent mechanical properties. The effect of Fe2O3 on the properties might be attributed to the fact that Al3+ ions in the [AlO6] octahedron were replaced by Fe3+ ions, resulting in lattice distortion.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in glass science and technology: 21 challenges for the 21st century
Authors: Ravinder  , Venugopal Vineeth , Bishnoi Suresh , Singh Sourabh , Zaki Mohd , Grover Hargun Singh , Bauchy Mathieu , Agarwal Manish , Krishnan N. M. Anoop
Published: January 2021

Glasses have been an integral part of human life for more than 2000 years. Despite several years of research and analysis, some fundamental and practical questions on glasses still remain unanswered. While most of the earlier approaches were based on (i) expert knowledge and intuition, (ii) Edisonian trial and error, or (iii) physics‐driven modeling and analysis, recent studies suggest that data‐driven techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), can provide fresh perspectives to tackle some of these questions. In this article, we identify 21 grand challenges in glass science, the solutions of which are either enabling AI and ML or enabled by AI and ML to accelerate the field of glass science. The challenges presented here range from fundamental questions related to glass formation and composition–processing–property relationships to industrial problems such as automated flaw detection in glass manufacturing. We believe that the present article will instill enthusiasm among the readers to explore some of the grand challenges outlined here and to discover many more challenges that can advance the field of glass science, engineering, and technology.
Skin antigen‐presenting cells and wound healing: New knowledge gained and challenges encountered using mouse depletion models
Authors: Rajesh Aarthi , Stuart Gabriella , Real Nicola , Tschirley Allison , Ahn Jenny , Wise Lyn , Hibma Merilyn
Published: January 2021

The role of antigen‐presenting cells in the skin immune system, in particular Langerhans cells and dendritic cells, has not been well defined. We recently published a study in ‘Immunology’ where we reported that the loss of langerin‐positive cells in the skin accelerated wound repair in the Lang‐DTR mouse. The study published here by Li, et al. reports delayed wound closure following depletion of CD11c‐positive cells in the CD11c‐DTR mouse. In this commentary, we attribute the differences between these results to several factors that differ between the studies including the depletion of different cell populations; differences in the age and the sex of mice; differences in antibiotic use between the studies; and differences in the location of the biopsies that were taken. Here, we describe the impact of these differences on wound healing and conclude that further standardization of the wound model, and further characterization of the specific cells that are depleted in these mice, is necessary to better understand how antigen‐presenting cells contribute to wound healing.
A systematic review to inform the development of a Canadian caries risk assessment tool for use by primary healthcare providers
Authors: Schroth Robert J. , Rothney Janet , Sturym Melina , Dabiri Darya , Dabiri Donya , Dong Cecilia C. , Grant Cameron G. , Kennedy Tara , Sihra Rena
Published: January 2021

Background

Caries risk assessment (CRA) tools may assist in identifying children at risk of early childhood caries.

Aim

To complete a systematic review of CRA and develop a Canadian CRA tool for preschool children for use in non‐dental clinical settings.

Design

Systematic searches of relevant databases were conducted. Potential variables were based on strength of associations (odd ratios, relative risk, hazard ratios, etc), frequency of occurrence, and existing CRA tools. Quality of the evidence assessments were performed by at least two review teams through consensus following GRADE.

Results

Overall, 25 publications met the inclusion criteria, all prospective in design. Based on this review, variables to be considered when developing a new CRA tool for use with preschool children are as follows: age, socioeconomic status, family toothbrushing habits, fluoride exposure, infant feeding practices, dietary habits/behaviours, dental home, caries experience, visible plaque, and enamel defects. The environmental scan identified 22 CRA tools suggesting other additional variables to consider including in a CRA tool, including special healthcare needs, enamel defects, and dental attendance.

Conclusions

This review informed the development of a Canadian CRA tool for use by primary healthcare professionals, which may improve access to oral health assessments and increase interprofessional collaboration.
Clinical and economic burden of diabetic foot ulcers: A 5‐year longitudinal multi‐ethnic cohort study from the tropics
Authors: Lo Zhiwen Joseph , Surendra Naren Kumar , Saxena Akshar , Car Josip
Published: January 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present a substantial clinical and economic burden to healthcare systems around the world, with significant reductions in quality of life for those affected. We aimed to analyse the clinical and economic burden of DFU via a 5‐year longitudinal multi‐ethnic cohort study. A longitudinal analysis of inpatient and outpatient DFUs data over 5 years from a university tertiary hospital in Singapore was performed. Data included baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, hospitalisation, and outpatient details. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier survival analyses, and Cox proportional hazard models were performed. Patients treated for DFUs (n = 1729, mean patient age of 63·4 years) were assessed. The cohort consists of Chinese (61.4%), Malay (13.5%), and Indian (18.4%) patients. Common comorbidities included peripheral arterial disease (74.8%), peripheral neuropathy (14.5%), and a median haemoglobin A1c of 9.9%. Patients underwent toe(s) amputation (36.4%), transmetatarsal amputations (16.9%), or major amputations (6·5%). The mean length of inpatient stay for ulcer‐only, minor amputation, and major amputation was 13.3, 20.5, and 59.6 days, respectively. Mean cost per patient‐year was US $3368 (ulcer‐only), US $10468 (minor amputation), and US $30131 (major amputation). Minor amputation‐free survival was 80.9% at 1 year and 56.9% at 5 years, while major amputation‐free survival was 97.4% at 1 year and 91.0% at 5 years. In conclusion, within our multi‐ethnic cohort of patients from the tropics, there was significant clinical and economic burden of DFUs, with a high wound per patient ratio and escalating healthcare costs corresponding to more proximal amputation levels.
Should I stay or should I go?: Penalties for briefly de‐prioritizing work or childcare
Authors: Sanzari Christina M. , Dennis Alexandra , Moss‐Racusin Corinne A.
Published: January 2021

We examined penalties against individuals who temporarily de‐prioritize their employee or parenting role. Experiment 1 (N = 488) utilized vignettes depicting a mother/father who briefly left their child with a babysitter to engage in work/self‐care/did not leave (control). Both mothers and fathers were viewed as less parentally competent, likeable, dedicated to their family (and putting their child at greater risk) when they very briefly de‐prioritized their caregiving role by leaving their child for either reason, relative to controls. Experiment 2 (N = 494) utilized vignettes depicting a female/male employee who briefly left work to engage in childcare/self‐care/did not leave (control). Both male and female employees were rated as less professionally competent, likeable, dedicated to their work and deserving of organizational rewards (and more deserving of organizational penalties, and putting their organization at greater risk) when they very briefly de‐prioritized their employee role by leaving work for either reason, compared to controls. However, employees who left for self‐care were viewed more negatively than those who left to engage in childcare. Unexpectedly, results did not reveal target gender differences; they were also largely unaffected by participant gender. This suggests that parents and employees face penalties when they must de‐prioritize either of these important roles for even very short periods. Implications for well‐being, work‐life balance, and productivity are discussed.
The influence of mortality reminders on cultural in‐group versus out‐group takeaway food safety perceptions during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: McCabe Simon , Erdem Seda
Published: January 2021

During the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic takeaway food orders generally increased, yet sales of Chinese and Italian food declined. At this time, news sources ran stories on the safety of cuisine from these countries, frequently juxtaposed with communications on mortality‐related information related to the virus. Terror management theory suggests mortality concerns can lead people to defend against the psychological threat of death by bolstering positive evaluations of products and values of their own culture, and by disparaging products and values of other cultures. This translates to food preferences, with death reminders heightening consumption of food from one's own (vs. others’) culture. However, whether this extends to food safety perceptions has not yet been probed. In the present experimental study, we examine whether death reminders (vs. a control topic) led U.S. participants to view American takeaway food as safer to consume, relative to Chinese and Italian food. Results indicate that across conditions, American food was evaluated as safer relative to Chinese and Italian takeout. Further, American takeaway was seen as safer after mortality reminders (vs. a control topic), with no differences in safety evaluations for Chinese or Italian takeout. Results are discussed in relation to the COVID‐19 pandemic.