bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High and dry in days gone by: Life‐history theory predicts Appalachian mountain stream fish assemblage transformation during historical drought
Authors: Malone Eric W. , Perkin Joshuah S. , Keith Gibbs William , Padgett Matthew , Kulp Matthew , Moore Stephen E.
Published: May 2021

Understanding the ecological dimensions of drought is critical for predicting how humans and nature will be affected by the expected increased prevalence of drought in the future. We tested life‐history‐based predictions for fish assemblage responses to drought using retrospective analysis of long‐term (1986–2003) fish surveys from two streams in the Appalachian Mountains of North America. We hypothesised that (1) fish assemblage composition would correlate with wet and dry hydrologic conditions as assemblages fluctuated within a loose equilibrium and (2) life‐history traits of fishes would correlate with dry versus wet periods such that opportunistic life‐history strategists would dominate during drought. Results showed fish assemblage changes in Little River and Cataloochee Creek correlated with drought severity measured one year prior to fish surveys. Fish assemblages at all three sampling sites in Little River and two sites in Cataloochee Creek fluctuated within a loose equilibrium, while the remaining two sites in Cataloochee Creek indicated directional change. Life‐history traits for fishes in Cataloochee Creek correlated with one‐year time lag fluctuations in drought caused by opportunistic species being dominant during drought and periodic/equilibrium species dominant during wet periods. Time series plots of fish abundances aggregated by life‐history strategy revealed dominance of opportunistic species emerged at the onset of a multi‐year drought spanning 1998–2004, particularly for the two sites undergoing directional change. Our work provides empirical evidence for theoretical linkages between life history and environmental fluctuations and can ultimately be used to predict stream fish community response to future drought regimes.
Treatment patterns and disease course of previously untreated Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Feasibility of MTX‐based regimens in clinical routine
Authors: Sieg Noëlle , Naendrup Jan‐Hendrik , Gödel Philipp , Balke‐Want Hyatt , Simon Florian , Deckert Martina , Gillessen Sarah , Kreissl Stefanie , Bröckelmann Paul J. , Borchmann Peter , von Tresckow Bastian , Heger Jan‐Michel
Published: May 2021

Background

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of aggressive lymphoma of the central nervous system. Treatment strategies improved significantly over the past decades differ regionally but mainly consist of rituximab and high‐dosed methotrexate (MTX)‐based therapies.

Methods

We assessed clinical outcomes of 100 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL between 2010‐2020 at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany.

Results

Patients were 23‐88 years of age and either treated with MTX‐based regimens (PRIMAIN, MARTA, MATRix), individual regimens, or best supportive care, respectively. Overall response rates were generally high (66,7‐83,8%), but different organ toxicities required dose adjustments in most groups. Two‐year overall survival rates were 57,9% (PRIMAIN), 63,6% (MARTA), 65,4% (MATRix), and 37,5% (Other), respectively. Out of 9 patients suffering from relapse >12 months from primary diagnosis, 7 patients (77,8%) received methotrexate‐based salvage therapy with 2‐year overall survival of 4/6 patients (66,7%).

Conclusion

Although a relevant proportion of patients are not eligible for clinical trials due to age, performance status, or comorbidities, these results prove feasibility of different MTX‐based treatment strategies in clinical routine. Even elderly patients displayed surprisingly favorable outcomes. However, with compromising organ toxicities, reduction of intensity should be part of strategies in future clinical trials.
From Big Data to Rich Theory: Integrating Critical Discourse Analysis with Structural Topic Modeling
Authors: Aranda Ana M. , Sele Kathrin , Etchanchu Helen , Guyt Jonne Y. , Vaara Eero
Published: May 2021

A growing interest in the study of discourses has spread in management research, but so far, it has mostly relied on in‐depth qualitative analyses of textual material. With the increasing availability of large textual data, several challenges arise. This paper offers a mixed‐methods approach to integrate critical discourse analysis with structural topic modeling to turn these challenges into valuable opportunities. We argue that combining both approaches overcomes their limitations and provides great potential for exploring phenomena that matter in our mediatized society. Based on an explanatory sequential mixed‐methods design, we develop a stepwise model that provides practical and theoretical guidance to conduct a critical analysis of large textual data. Our illustrative example focuses on the discursive legitimation struggles around the tobacco industry. We demonstrate how an integrated mixed‐methods approach allows capturing the breadth and depth of discourses used by different actors in the tobacco debates.
Very late onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Nakahara Keiichi , Nakane Shunya , Nagaishi Akiko , Narita Tomoko , Matsuo Hidenori , Ando Yukio
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) often presents in the elderly with an insidious onset of symptoms and aggressive progression. There have been anecdotal cases of very late onset (VLO)‐NMOSD, but case series reports are rare. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the clinical features of VLO‐NMOSD.

Methods

According to the age at onset, we classified patients with NMOSD into three subgroups: ≤49 years, early onset NMOSD (EO‐NMOSD); 50–69 years, late onset NMOSD (LO‐NMOSD); and ≥70 years, VLO‐NMOSD. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, laboratory data, and immunotherapies of the groups.

Results

Overall, 12 men and 64 women with a median (interquartile range) age at onset and duration of disease of 42.0 (29.0–55.8) years and 70.0 (16.3–143.0) months, respectively, were included. Eight (11%) patients had VLO‐NMOSD, 22 (29%) had LO‐NMOSD, and 46 (61%) had EO‐NMOSD. Patients with EO‐NMOSD had a significantly longer interval between episodes as well as time between the first symptom and diagnosis of NMOSD than did those with VLO‐NMOSD and LO‐NMOSD (p = 0.046). Optic neuritis and nerve lesions on MRI were significantly less frequent in patients with VLO‐NMOSD than in those with LO‐NMOSD and EO‐NMOSD (p = 0.002 and p = 0.028, respectively). In contrast, patients with VLO‐NMOSD had higher nadir Expanded Disability Status Scale and Nurick scale scores and a significantly longer spinal lesion length than did those with LO‐NMOSD and EO‐NMOSD (p = 0.029, p = 0.049, and p = 0.032, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with VLO‐NMOSD tend to develop severe myelitis with long cord lesions but not optic neuritis.
Treatment expectations and perception of therapy in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy receiving nusinersen
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Maier André , Uzelac Zeljko , Hagenacker Tim , Günther René , Schreiber‐Katz Olivia , Weiler Markus , Steinbach Robert , Weyen Ute , Koch Jan Christoph , Kettemann Dagmar , Norden Jenny , Dorst Johannes , Wurster Claudia , Ludolph Albert C. , Stolte Benjamin , Freigang Maren , Osmanovic Alma , Petri Susanne , Grosskreutz Julian , Rödiger Annekathrin , Griep Ramona , Gaudlitz Marcel , Walter Bertram , Münch Christoph , Spittel Susanne
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

This was an investigation of treatment expectations and of the perception of therapy in adult patients with 5q‐associated spinal muscular atrophy (5q‐SMA) receiving nusinersen.

Methods

A prospective, non‐interventional observational study of nusinersen treatment in adult 5q‐SMA patients was conducted at nine SMA centers in Germany. The functional status, treatment expectations and perceived outcomes were assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale—extended (ALS‐FRS‐ex), the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP2), the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM‐9) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Results

In all, 151 patients were included with a median age of 36 years (15–69 years). SMA type 3 (n = 90, 59.6%) prevailed, followed by type 2 (33.8%) and type 1 (6.6%). In SMA types 1–3, median ALS‐FRS‐ex scores were 25, 33 and 46 (of 60 scale points), respectively. MYMOP2 identified distinct treatment expectations: head verticalization (n = 13), bulbar function (n = 16), arm function (n = 65), respiration (n = 15), trunk function (n = 34), leg function (n = 76) and generalized symptoms (n = 77). Median symptom severity decreased during nusinersen treatment (median observational period 6.1 months, 0.5–16 months) from 3.7 to 3.3 MYMOP2 score points (p < 0.001). The convenience of drug administration was critical (49.7 of 100 TSQM‐9 points, SD 22); however, the overall treatment satisfaction was high (74.3, SD 18) and the recommendation rating very positive (NPS +66).

Conclusions

Nusinersen was administered across a broad range of ages, disease durations and motor function deficits. Treatment expectations were highly differentiated and related to SMA type and functional status. Patient‐reported outcomes demonstrated a positive perception of nusinersen therapy in adult patients with 5q‐SMA.
Differentiation or federalisation: Which democracy for the future of Europe?
Authors: Fabbrini Sergio
Published: May 2021

Differentiation has become a central topic of debate in the EU. Generally, it is considered a positive device for advancing integration in crucial policies, letting the unwilling states opt out from the new regimes. However, the debate has not sufficiently acknowledged that policy differentiation has been made possible by governance differentiation. It was the 1992 Maastricht Treaty's decision to inaugurate an intergovernmental regime for core state power policies, distinct from the supranational regime regulating single market policies, that allowed differentiation to flourish. Differentiation and intergovernmentalism are thus inter‐connected. During multiple crises of the last decade, intergovernmental governance has shown its undemocratic effects, thus soliciting a critical reappraisal of the differentiation logic. The federalisation of the EU appears a more promising alternative strategy for advancing integration and, at the same time, meeting the democratic expectations of the EU.
Genomic data support management of anadromous Arctic Char fisheries in Nunavik by highlighting neutral and putatively adaptive genetic variation
Authors: Dallaire Xavier , Normandeau Éric , Mainguy Julien , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Bernatchez Louis , Moore Jean‐Sébastien
Published: May 2021

Distinguishing neutral and adaptive genetic variation is one of the main challenges in investigating processes shaping population structure in the wild, and landscape genomics can help identify signatures of adaptation to contrasting environments. Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) is an anadromous salmonid and the most harvested fish species by Inuit people, including in Nunavik (Québec, Canada), one of the most recently deglaciated regions in the world. Unlike many other anadromous salmonids, Arctic Char occupy coastal habitats near their natal rivers during their short marine phase restricted to the summer ice‐free period. Our main objective was to document putatively neutral and adaptive genomic variation in anadromous Arctic Char populations from Nunavik and bordering regions to inform local fisheries management. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to genotype 18,112 filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 650 individuals from 23 sampling locations along >2000 km of coastline. Our results reveal a hierarchical genetic structure, whereby neighboring hydrographic systems harbor distinct populations grouped by major oceanographic basins: Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Ungava Bay, and Labrador Sea. We found genetic diversity and differentiation to be consistent both with the expected postglacial recolonization history and with patterns of isolation‐by‐distance reflecting contemporary gene flow. Results from three gene–environment association methods supported the hypothesis of local adaptation to both freshwater and marine environments (strongest associations with sea surface and air temperatures during summer and salinity). Our results support a fisheries management strategy at a regional scale, and other implications for hatchery projects and adaptation to climate change are discussed.
Effect of data spatial scale on the performance of fish habitat models
Authors: Núñez‐Riboni Ismael , Akimova Anna , Sell Anne F.
Published: May 2021

Habitat models are widely used to explore past and predict future shifts in fish distribution. Our literature review reveals a widespread practice of using in situ data or data with the highest possible resolution to train fish habitat models. Using examples of six fish species at two life stages in the North Sea, we demonstrate that the choice of the data resolution is crucial for a model's performance. We matched fish abundance data from a 51‐year long scientific survey at three spatial scales with environmental parameters at seven spatial scales, obtaining a total of 240 data sets. We varied the resolution used for model training and for model predictions and evaluated model performance with various metrics on training and cross‐validating data. Contrary to the common notion, training the model with low‐resolution data generally improved the performance metrics when compared to models built upon in situ or high‐resolution data. The optimal resolution for fish and environmental data was roughly twice the average distance between observations. Training the model with data of higher resolutions often yielded unrealistic fish multidecadal distributional shifts. In turn, best model predictions were achieved with data of higher resolution than the training data. We explain these results with scale‐dependent ecological responses, subscale noise in the raw data, failure of interpolation to create information and failure to comply with the Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem. This study shows that the choice of an appropriate spatial scale is crucial to correctly predict shifts in fish distribution under climate change.
Cracking simulation‐based cumulative fatigue damage assessment
Authors: Farag Mahmoud M. , El‐Kady Ramy M. , Hammouda Mohammad M. I.
Published: May 2021

The present work is an extension of a previously developed fracture mechanics cracking damage model and highlights the ability of that model to predict the fatigue lifetime of un‐notched round specimens made of a ferrite–pearlite 0.4C‐70/30 carbon steel in the cases of (a) two‐step fully reversed axial loading with low‐to‐high and high‐to‐low sequences and (b) repeated application of fully reversed two‐step axial loading blocks. This model numerically simulates the collective behavior of growing short fatigue cracks originating from the specimen surface. The surface roughness is assumed to resemble microcracks of different sizes and locations along the minimum specimen circumference. Material grains of different phases, sizes, and strengths are randomly distributed over that circumference. Possible activities of surface cracks are predicted against loading cycles till a fracture occurs. Published experimental data on ferritic‐pearlitic steel specimens in fully reversed variable amplitude loading are utilized. Different specimen tests are randomly configured and simulated. The present predictions are in fair agreement with the corresponding experimental results.
Thunderstorms have species and gear‐specific indirect effects on the catchability of Mongolian salmonids
Authors: Golden Abigail S. , Sivaram Sneha , Batsaikhan Ganzorig , Jensen Olaf P.
Published: May 2021

Climate change is predicted to cause increasingly frequent and intense storms. Northern Mongolia is already warming at a rate twice the global average, and thunderstorms, defined as intense, short, patchy rains associated with thunder, lightning and high precipitation rates, are becoming more frequent. Because Mongolia's fish populations are lightly exploited, Mongolia provides a model system in which to study the effects of storms on fish behaviour and fishing vulnerability. The impacts of thunderstorm‐related hydrological changes on fishes’ vulnerability to two fishing gears were evaluated. Two thunderstorm‐related factors, turbidity and river stage, reduced catch rates of the salmonids lenok Brachymystax lenok (Pallas) and Baikal grayling Thymallus baicalensis Dybowski. Fly‐fishing gear was more effective than spinning gear in this fishery and retained higher catch rates in extreme conditions. These gear‐specific effects suggest that turbidity and rising river stage affect fishing vulnerability by influencing feeding behaviour.
To hum or not to hum: Neural transcriptome signature of male courtship vocalization in a teleost fish
Authors: Tripp Joel A. , Feng Ni Y. , Bass Andrew H.
Published: May 2021

For many animal species, vocal communication is a critical social behavior and often a necessary component of reproductive success. Additionally, vocalizations are often demanding motor acts. Wanting to know whether a specific molecular toolkit might be required for vocalization, we used RNA‐sequencing to investigate neural gene expression underlying the performance of an extreme vocal behavior, the courtship hum of the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus). Single hums can last up to 2 h and may be repeated throughout an evening of courtship activity. We asked whether vocal behavioral states are associated with specific gene expression signatures in key brain regions that regulate vocalization by comparing transcript expression levels in humming versus non‐humming males. We find that the circadian‐related genesperiod3andClockare significantly upregulated in the vocal motor nucleus and preoptic area‐anterior hypothalamus, respectively, in humming compared with non‐humming males, indicating that internal circadian clocks may differ between these divergent behavioral states. In addition, we identify suites of differentially expressed genes related to synaptic transmission, ion channels and transport, neuropeptide and hormone signaling, and metabolism and antioxidant activity that together may support the neural and energetic demands of humming behavior. Comparisons of transcript expression across regions stress regional differences in brain gene expression, while also showing coordinated gene regulation in the vocal motor circuit in preparation for courtship behavior. These results underscore the role of differential gene expression in shifts between behavioral states, in this case neuroendocrine, motor and circadian control of courtship vocalization.
Bacterial and archaeal lipids trace chemo(auto)trophy along the redoxcline in Vancouver Island fjords
Authors: Kusch Stephanie , Wakeham Stuart G. , Dildar Nadia , Zhu Chun , Sepúlveda Julio
Published: May 2021

Marine oxygen minimum zones play a crucial role in the global oceanic carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles as they harbor microbial communities that are adapted to the water column chemistry and redox zonation, and in turn control the water column chemistry and greenhouse gas release. These micro‐organisms have metabolisms that rely on terminal electron acceptors other than O2 and often benefit from syntrophic relationships (metabolic coupling). Here, we study chemo(auto)trophy along the redoxcline in two stratified fjords on Vancouver Island (Canada) using bacterial bacteriohopanepolyols and archaeal ether lipids. We analyze the distribution of these lipid classes in suspended particulate matter (SPM) to trace ammonia oxidation, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), sulfate reduction/sulfur oxidation, methanogenesis, and methane oxidation, and investigate ecological niches to evaluate potential links between their respective bacterial and archaeal sources. Our results show an unparalleled BHP and ether lipid structural diversity that allows tracing the major redox‐driven metabolic processes at the time of sampling: Both fjords are dominated by archaeal ammonia oxidation and anammox; sulfate‐reducing bacteria may be present in Deer Bay, but absent from Effingham Inlet; methanogenic Euryarchaeota and archaeal and bacterial methanotrophs are detectable at low abundance. Correlation analysis reveals distinct biomarker clusters that provide constraints on the biogeochemical niches of some orphan BHP and ether lipids such as in situ‐produced adenosyl‐BHPs or unsaturated archaeols.
Alleviation of nutrient co‐limitation induces regime shifts in post‐fire community composition and productivity in Arctic tundra
Authors: Klupar Ian , Rocha Adrian V. , Rastetter Edward B.
Published: May 2021

Recent unprecedented fires in the Arctic during the past two decades have indicated a pressing need to understand the long‐term ecological impacts of fire in this biome. Anecdotal evidence suggests that tundra fires can induce regime shifts that change tussock tundra to more shrub‐dominated ecosystems. However, the ecological mechanisms regulating these shifts are poorly understood, but are hypothesized to involve changes to nutrient availability in this nutrient limited system. Here we conducted a 4‐year two‐factorial (control: C, nitrogen along: N+, phosphorus alone: P+, nitrogen and phosphorus combined: NP+) fertilization experiment in both unburned and burned tundra to test this hypothesis after a decade of post‐fire recovery. A decade after fire, the burned site exhibited an increase in soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability and a transition toward taller, more productive, and more deciduous vegetation. This shift in vegetation structure, composition, and function was induced at the unburned site through the addition of both NP+ and the alleviation of their co‐limitation. Both burned and unburned tundra responded similarly to fertilizer treatments by increasing leaf area index, greenness, and canopy height in NP+ treatments, and exhibited no significant response in individual N+ or P+ treatments. These results point to a greater need to understand coupled carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles in this system, and suggest that post‐fire regime shifts are regulated by the alleviation of nitrogen and phosphorus co‐limitation in Arctic tundra.
Tree line advance reduces mixing and oxygen concentrations in arctic–alpine lakes through wind sheltering and organic carbon supply
Authors: Klaus Marcus , Karlsson Jan , Seekell David
Published: May 2021

Oxygen depletion in lake bottom waters has adverse impacts on ecosystem health including decreased water quality from release of nutrients and reduced substances from sediments, and the reduction of fish growth and reproduction. Depletion occurs when oxygen is consumed during decomposition of organic matter, and oxygen replenishment is limited by water column stratification. Arctic–alpine lakes are often well mixed and oxygenated, but rapid climate change in these regions is an important driver of shifts in catchment vegetation that could affect the mixing and oxygen dynamics of lakes. Here, we analyze high‐resolution time series of dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature profiles in 40 Swedish arctic–alpine lakes across the tree line ecotone. The lakes stratified for 1−125 days, and during stratification, near‐bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations changed by −0.20 to +0.15 mg L−1 day−1, resulting in final concentrations of 1.1−15.5 mg L−1 at the end of the longest stratification period. Structural equation modeling revealed that lakes with taller shoreline vegetation relative to lake area had higher dissolved organic carbon concentrations and oxygen consumption rates, but also lower wind speeds and longer stratification periods, and ultimately, lower near‐bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations. We use an index of shoreline canopy height and lake area to predict variations among our study lakes in near‐bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations at the end of the longest stratification period (R2 = 0.41). Upscaling this relationship to 8392 Swedish arctic–alpine lakes revealed that near‐bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations drop below 3, 5, and 7 mg L−1 in 15%, 32%, and 53% of the lakes and that this proportion is sensitive (5%−22%, 13%−45%, and 29%−69%) to hypothetical tree line shifts observed in the past century or reconstructed for the Holocene (±200 m elevation; ±0.5° latitude). Assuming space‐for‐time substitution, we predict that tree line advance will decrease near‐bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations in many arctic–alpine lakes.
A tailored intervention for illness acceptance improves adherence and quality of life in adults with haemophilia using prophylaxis
Authors: Hoefnagels Johanna Wilhelmina , Fischer Kathelijn , Bos Ruud A. T. , Driessens Mariette H. E. , Schrijvers Liesbeth H.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Adherence to prophylactic treatment (prophylaxis) in persons with haemophilia is challenging and has been reported at only ±50%. Acceptance problems are one of the main reasons for non‐adherence in haemophilia. An evidence‐based intervention was developed based on an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach.

Aim

To evaluate a tailored intervention focused on illness acceptance in adults with haemophilia who were prescribed prophylaxis.

Methods

A pre‐post study was executed in adults with haemophilia who were prescribed prophylaxis. A series of 8 2‐hour group trainings were held, including 3‐8 participants/series. Adherence (VERITAS‐Pro, optimum 0), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL, SF‐36, optimum 100) and illness perception (BIPQ, optimum 0) were measured at start, after six months and 12 months and analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (median age 47 years, range 27‐74) were included. After 12 months, adherence improved in 68% of patients, quality of life in 48% and illness perception in 31%. Adherence (total score) improved from 35 to 25 (P<0.01). HRQoL showed clinically relevant improvement in domains of social‐functioning (P = 0.04), role‐emotional, physical‐functioning, role‐physical and bodily pain. Illness perception improved statistically significant on domains of affect (P = 0.01), concern (P = 0.01) and understanding (P = 0.04). Patients evaluated the training useful, an eye‐opener, a personal enrichment and insightful.

Conclusion

The tailored group intervention resulted in significant improvement of adherence, quality of life and illness perception. Based on our current experience, we have implemented it in clinical practice and collaborate with the patient association to make it available for all Dutch people with haemophilia.
NRAS Q61R immunohistochemical staining in thyroid pathology: sensitivity, specificity and utility
Authors: Saliba Maelle , Katabi Nora , Dogan Snjezana , Xu Bin , Ghossein Ronald A
Published: May 2021

Aims

The diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms relies upon the demonstration of histological parameters that can be focal and prone to subjective interpretation. We evaluated the utility of NRAS Q61R immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions after determining its specificity and sensitivity as a surrogate marker for RAS Q61R mutation.

Method and results

NRAS Q61R IHC was performed on 282 primary or metastatic thyroid lesions from 256 patients. RAS mutation status was collected from patients’ charts. Sensitivity and specificity of NRAS Q61R IHC for detecting a RAS Q61R mutation was calculated. IHC‐positive cases were reviewed to determine the diagnostic utility of NRAS Q61R IHC. NRAS Q61R immunopositivity was seen in non‐neoplastic, benign and malignant thyroid lesions. NRAS Q61R antibody cross‐reactivity led to the detection of NRAS Q61R, KRAS Q61R and HRAS Q61R proteins. Among primary thyroid carcinomas, immunopositivity was most frequent in papillary thyroid carcinomas, follicular variant (48.0%). The sensitivity and specificity of NRAS Q61R IHC in detecting RAS Q61R mutation was 90.6% and 92.3%, respectively. When positive, the NRAS Q61R stain was determined to be helpful in demonstrating infiltration, tumour size, capsular and/or vascular invasion and multifocality.

Conclusion

NRAS Q61R IHC is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of RAS Q61R mutations in thyroid pathology and is particularly relevant in follicular‐patterned neoplasms. When evaluated alongside histological features, NRAS Q61R immunoreactivity can be instrumental in the diagnosis and classification of thyroid nodules.
Shorebird embryos exhibit anti‐predator responses
Authors: Kostoglou Kristal N. , van Dongen Wouter F. D. , Bowe Steven J. , Weston Michael A.
Published: May 2021

Ground‐nesting shorebirds rely on egg crypsis as one of their main anti‐predator defence strategies. Avian embryos vocalize late in incubation and communicate with parents through the eggshell but calls may compromise crypsis. Conceivably, embryos may cease calling when exposed to signals that suggest a predator is nearby (acoustic crypsis), but this has not been studied. Signals of nearby predators may include bird calls (predator, parental alarm), parental heart rate (higher when predators are nearby), or changes in light and temperature (incubators leave nests when predators are nearby). Experiments using eggs of Red‐capped Plovers Charadrius ruficapillus and Masked Lapwings Vanellus miles examined whether the number of embryonic vocalizations varied with exposure to the above factors. For both species, exposure to predator calls caused fewer embryonic calls (although this effect was evident for only one variant of predator calls for Red‐capped Plover). For Red‐capped Plovers, there was a statistically non‐significant tendency (P = 0.068) for exposure to light/changed temperature and noise to be associated with fewer calls. Parental heart rate (tested only in Lapwings) and exposure to light/temperature and noise change had no influence on the number of embryonic vocalizations for Masked Lapwings. We show that embryos are able to respond to predator calls and possibly light/temperature/noise levels as cues, in a manner consistent with anti‐predator behaviour before hatching.
Out of sight, out of mind: public and research interest in insects is negatively correlated with their conservation status
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Zeng Jimmy , Meng Weilin , Lohman David J. , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: May 2021

Conservation ‘culturomics’ analyses changes in word frequencies within large digital sources to gain conservation insights. Studies of mammals and birds have found little correlation between conservation need and research effort or popular interest. In this study, we examine research and public interest in 9355 potentially endangered insect species from the Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Using search counts from Google search, Google Scholar and Ngram as indicators of public and research interest (Internet salience), we found that Internet attention is negatively correlated with the level of threat faced by an insect species. All measures of Internet salience and research effort were highly correlated, and searches for an insect's scientific name were more likely if it had a common name.

Since few past studies have incorporated phylogenetic information into their analyses, we used search counts and Twitter text content to study the phylogenetic signal of research interest across 870 insect families. Phylogenetic regressions demonstrate that species‐rich families receive more searches, but research interest is not proportional to the size of a family. Phylogenetically distinct insect families receive fewer searches per family and per species.

Our results suggest that many endangered insects, unlike vertebrates, have been largely ignored on the World Wide Web.
A replacement of traditional insulation refractory brick by a waste‐derived lightweight refractory castable
Authors: Hossain Sk S. , Bae Chang‐Jun , Roy P. K.
Published: May 2021

Lightweight insulation refractories are essential for high‐temperature performance to reduce energy consumption. This study investigates a new insulation material, that is, solid waste rice husk ash (RHA) derived lightweight refractory castable, replacing traditional insulation refractory brick. The RHA is generated after the burning of rice husk as biomass fuel. The RHA is used as an aggregate and alkali‐extracted silica sol from RHA as a binder to fabricate the insulation castable. The nanosilica containing (~30 wt%) sol is employed to synthesize the refractory castable by varying the sol amount (2.5‐12.5 wt% silica from sol). The castable specimens are cast by a vibro‐caster and fired at 900‐1200°C in a muffle furnace. The physic‐mechanical and thermal conductivity (κ) of the castable is investigated. At 1100°C with 10 wt% dry sol retaining sample shows an excellent apparent porosity (~65%), low bulk density (~ 0.8 g/cm3), and κ (0.136 W/m k) with sustainable compressive strength (6 MPa). The acquired results are a good match with the literature (other wastes‐derived insulation materials) and industrial (silica insulation brick) obtained data. These promising outcomes may inspire the refractory industries for using RHA as an aggregate and RHA extracted sol as a binder for making insulation castable.
A comparative study of the expectations of SME employers recruiting young people in Germany, Australia and the United States
Authors: Zenner‐Höffkes Lea , Harris Roger , Zirkle Chris , Pilz Matthias
Published: May 2021

Debate continues to feature prominently in many countries on such notions as skills, skill shortages and employability. Clearly such notions remain significant internationally in the rhetoric of both economic reform and training policy and practice. However, the problem remains of differing perceptions. The purpose of this comparative study was to examine the expectations of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) when they recruit young people. Focusing on Germany, Australia and the United States, interviews were held with 30 managers in two diverse job roles—hospitality front‐desk staff and automotive technicians. In addition to differences in the range of desired skills between the job roles in these countries, difficulties in recruiting young people were highlighted by the study. Generational differences and academization were perceived as having effects on the hiring of young workers. Various problems with each country's general education system were also emphasized, as managers perceived many young people being inadequately prepared for work. The study also demonstrates the influence of the skill formation system of the countries is less relevant in comparison to the sector in which the SMEs are active.
COVID‐19 and future pandemics: is isolation and social distancing the new norm?
Authors: Collignon Peter
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus, named SARS‐CoV‐2, is the cause of COVID‐19. This virus spreads readily from person to person and predominantly to and from the respiratory route and through droplets. There are many different interventions that can be and are used to decrease successfully the risk and spread of COVID‐19. Most of the principles underpinning these interventions relate to isolation and social distancing. These will need to be continued, at least in part, until safe and very effective vaccines become widely available and are delivered extensively and successfully globally. This new norm is isolation, plus social and physical distancing, and this new norm will likely be with us for some time to come. It will also be with us in any future pandemics, whether caused by bacteria or viruses, but especially when the causative pathogen spreads predominantly through the respiratory route. However, lockdowns and restrictions also cause many adverse but unintended economic, social and health consequences. Therefore, what is put into place needs to be proportionate to levels of risk of disease as well as spread, and which will vary in different localities and with time.
Regulation of CTLA‐4 recycling by LRBA and Rab11
Authors: Janman Daniel , Hinze Claudia , Kennedy Alan , Halliday Neil , Waters Erin , Williams Cayman , Rowshanravan Behzad , Hou Tie Zheng , Minogue Shane , Qureshi Omar S. , Sansom David M.
Published: May 2021

CTLA‐4 is an essential regulator of T‐cell immune responses whose intracellular trafficking is a hallmark of its expression. Defects in CTLA‐4 trafficking due to LRBA deficiency cause profound autoimmunity in humans. CTLA‐4 rapidly internalizes via a clathrin‐dependent pathway followed by poorly characterized recycling and degradation fates. Here, we explore the impact of manipulating Rab GTPases and LRBA on CTLA‐4 expression to determine how these proteins affect CTLA‐4 trafficking. We observe that CTLA‐4 is distributed across several compartments marked by Rab5, Rab7 and Rab11 in both HeLa and Jurkat cells. Dominant negative (DN) inhibition of Rab5 resulted in increased surface CTLA‐4 expression and reduced internalization and degradation. We also observed that constitutively active (CA) Rab11 increased, whereas DN Rab11 decreased CTLA‐4 surface expression via an impact on CTLA‐4 recycling, indicating CTLA‐4 shares similarities with other recycling receptors such as EGFR. Additionally, we studied the impact of manipulating both LRBA and Rab11 on CTLA‐4 trafficking. In Jurkat cells, LRBA deficiency was associated with markedly impaired CTLA‐4 recycling and increased degradation that could not be corrected by expressing CA Rab11. Moreover LRBA deficiency reduced CTLA‐4 colocalization with Rab11, suggesting that LRBA is upstream of Rab11. These results show that LRBA is required for effective CTLA‐4 recycling by delivering CTLA‐4 to Rab11 recycling compartments, and in its absence, CTLA‐4 fails to recycle and undergoes degradation.
Epidemiology and outcome of influenza‐associated infections among hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections, Egypt national surveillance system, 2016‐2019
Authors: Fahim Manal , AbdElGawad Basma , Hassan Hossam , Naguib Amel , Ahmed ElSabbah , Afifi Salma , Abu ElSood Hanaa , Mohsen Amira
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Egypt has established different types of surveillance systems to monitor influenza activities, early detect outbreaks, and tailor efficient prevention and control strategies. This is the first study to describe epidemiology and outcome of influenza‐associated infections among hospitalized patients using the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) data, 2016‐2019.

Methods

Data reported from 284 hospitals all over Egypt were extracted from the NEDSS. Data of hospitalized patients with Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), 2016‐2019, were included in the analysis. Laboratory testing for influenza by RT‐PCR according to US CDC testing protocol was used to confirm influenza type and subtype.

Results

Overall 46 417 patients hospitalized with ARI were identified, their mean age was 30.9 ± 26 and 52.9% were males. Among 41 512 (89.4%) laboratory‐tested patients, 7167 (17.3%) were positive for one or more types of influenza viruses. Influenza viruses circulated in all ages and throughout the year, with higher rates in winter, late childhood, and middle ages. Mortality from influenza was significantly higher than other causes of ARIs (5.0% vs 3.8%, P < .001), and it was associated with older ages, December‐May, delay in hospital admission, residence in urban and frontier governorates and infection with A/H1N1 virus. The distribution of influenza subtype by time shows alternate pattern between A/H1N1 and H3N2, each subtype peaks every other year with a high peak of A/H1N1 in 2016.

Conclusions

The national Egyptian surveillance succeeded to describe the epidemiology of hospitalized patients with ARIs and influenza in Egypt over time. Surveillance with strain‐specific laboratory testing and annual assessment of associated severity might be useful to guide influenza prevention and control strategies including vaccination and case management.
A pragmatic randomised controlled clinical study to evaluate the use of silicone dressings for the treatment of skin tears
Authors: LeBlanc Kimberly , Woo Kevin
Published: May 2021

One of the most common types of skin breakdown in ageing populations is skin tears. The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel advocates for special attention to be paid to dressing selection related to skin tear management. The panel recommends choosing dressings that will promote the maintenance of moisture balance, suit the local wound environment, protect peri‐wound skin, control or manage exudate and infection, and optimise caregiver time. It is paramount that dressings protect the fragile nature of the skin associated with those who at heightened risk for skin tear development. To compare the effectiveness of soft silicone dressings (a contact layer and/or foam) for the healing of skin tears with local practices that do not include soft silicone dressings. The study was a pragmatic randomised controlled prospective study. One hundred and twenty‐six individuals from two long‐term care facilities in Ontario Canada who presented with skin tears were randomised into the treatment group using either soft silicone dressings (a contact layer and/or foam) or the control group using non‐adhesive dressings. The current study demonstrated that 96.9% (n = 63) of skin tears in the treatment group healed over a 3‐week period compared with 34.4% (n = 21) in the control group. The proportion of wound healing experienced at week 2 was 89.2% (n = 58) in the treatment group compared with 27.9% (n = 17) in the control group. There was a significantly greater reduction in wound surface area relative to baseline in the treatment group (2.9 cm2) compared with the control group (0.6 cm2) (χ2 = 21.792 P < .0001) at week 1. Survival analysis data supported that skin tears healed 50% faster in the treatment group (11 days) compared with the control group (22 days) (χ2 = 59.677 P < .0001). The expected healing trajectory of acute wounds, including skin tears, if proper wound bed preparation is realised and infection is controlled, is 7 to 21 days. Results of this study suggest the use of silicone dressings support wound healing and aid in wound closure within the expected healing trajectory, with faster complete wound closure and mean healing times compared with non‐silicone dressing for the treatment of STs.
Strong differences in migratory connectivity patterns among species of Neotropical‐Nearctic migratory birds revealed by combining stable isotopes and abundance in a Bayesian assignment analysis
Authors: Studds Colin E. , Wunderle Joseph M. , Marra Peter P.
Published: May 2021

Aim

Conservation planning for migratory species requires knowing how populations are connected throughout the annual cycle. We measured migratory connectivity for five migratory songbird species by combining stable‐hydrogen isotopes in feathers (δ2HF) with citizen science data on breeding range abundance.

Location

Caribbean Basin and North America.

Taxa

Neotropical migratory birds: Mniotilta varia, Setophaga ruticilla, Seiurus aurocapilla, Setophaga americana, and Setophaga discolor.

Methods

We analyzed δ2HF in feathers grown on North American breeding grounds and sampled at 20 Caribbean Basin sites across most of the non‐breeding range of each species. We made Bayesian assignments to breeding origin by combining δ2HF values and North American Breeding Bird Survey abundance data. For each species, we used cluster analysis to group Caribbean sites into non‐breeding regions that shared birds with similar breeding ground assignment probabilities. We then mapped assignment probabilities for the non‐breeding regions of each species onto breeding ground δ2HF surfaces and estimated the strength of migratory connectivity.

Results

Apart from some general similarities, the five species demonstrated different patterns of migratory connectivity. Species with larger non‐breeding ranges exhibited stronger migratory connectivity compared to those with smaller non‐breeding ranges. Despite geographical overlap, birds from each non‐breeding region had mostly unique breeding ground origins.

Main conclusions

The contrasting patterns of migratory connectivity shown by the five species suggest that geographic distribution during the non‐breeding period is a poor indicator of breeding ground origin. Our results indicate that full annual cycle conservation planning, which requires migratory connectivity information, should proceed on a species‐specific basis.
Age‐related alterations in cardiac and arterial structure and function in hypertensive women and men
Authors: Cai Anping , Zhou Dan , Liu Lin , Zhou Yingling , Tang Songtao , Feng Yingqing
Published: May 2021

The study was to compare age‐related alterations in cardiac and arterial structure and function by sex and to explore the impacts of achieved systolic blood pressure (SBP; <130 mm Hg vs. <140 mm Hg) level on age‐related alterations in cardiac and arterial structure and function in hypertensive women and men. Community hypertensive individuals without cardiovascular disease who had echocardiographic examination were included. Age‐related alterations in cardiac and arterial structure and function were compared by sex, and interplay between age and sex was analyzed according to achieved SBP level. The mean age of the cohort was 66.5 years, and women accounted for 62% (n = 602) of the cohort (n = 971). Compared to men, women had worse left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and greater LV and arterial stiffness. After adjusting for covariates, the magnitude of the associations between age with septal E/e′ ratio, septal S′ velocity, effective arterial elastance (Ea) and LV end‐diastolic elastance (Eed) were greater in women. Sex differences in the magnitude of association between age with these four indices varied according to achieved SBP level. When achieved SBP <130 mm Hg, the magnitude of the associations between age with septal E/e′ ratio, septal S′ velocity, Ea and Eed did not differ by sex. Since age and sex are non‐modifiable, achieving SBP target, especially at a lower level, might be beneficial to attenuate sex differences in age‐related alterations in cardiac and arterial structure and function.