bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A KDM4A-PAF1-mediated epigenomic network is essential for acute myeloid leukemia cell self-renewal and survival
Authors: Massett Matthew E , Monaghan Laura , Patterson Shaun , Mannion Niamh , Bunschoten Roderick P , Hoose Alex , Marmiroli Sandra , Liskamp Robert MJ , Jørgensen Heather G , Vetrie David , Michie Alison M , Huang Xu
Published: October 2020

Epigenomic dysregulation is a common pathological feature in human hematological malignancies. H3K9me3 emerges as an important epigenomic marker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its associated methyltransferases, such as SETDB1, suppress AML leukemogenesis, whilst H3K9me3 demethylases KDM4C is required for mixed lineage leukemia rearranged AML. However, the specific role and molecular mechanism of action of another member of KDM4 family, KDM4A has not previously been clearly defined. In this study, we delineated and functionally validated the epigenomic network regulated by KDM4A. We show that selective loss of KDM4A is sufficient to induce apoptosis in a broad spectrum of human AML cells. This detrimental phenotype results from a global accumulation of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 at KDM4A targeted genomic loci thereby causing down-regulation of aKDM4A-PAF1controlled transcriptional program essential for leukemogenesis, distinct from that of KDM4C. From this regulatory network, we further extracted aKDM4A-9gene signature enriched with leukemia stem cell activity; theKDM4A-9score alone or in combination with the knownLSC17 score, effectively stratifies high-risk AML patients. Together, these results establish the essential and unique role of KDM4A for AML self-renewal and survival, supporting further investigation of KDM4A and its targets as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in AML.
Binding of Ca2+-Independent C2 Domains to Lipid Membranes: a Multi-Scale Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Larsen Andreas Haahr , Sansom Mark S.P.
Published: October 2020

C2 domains facilitate protein-lipid interaction in cellular recognition and signalling processes. They possess a β-sandwich structure, with either type I or type II topology. C2 domains can interact with anionic lipid bilayers in either a Ca2+-dependent or a Ca2+-independent manner. The mechanism of recognition of anionic lipids by Ca2+-independent C2 domains is incompletely understood. We have used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the membrane interactions of six Ca2+– independent C2 domains, from KIBRA, PI3KC2α, RIM2, PTEN, SHIP2, and Smurf2. In coarse grained MD simulations these C2 domains bound to lipid bilayers, forming transient interactions with zwitterionic (phosphatidylcholine, PC) bilayers compared to long lived interactions with anionic bilayers also containing either phosphatidylserine (PS) or PS and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2). Type I C2 domains bound non-canonically via the front, back or side of the β sandwich, whereas type II C2 domains bound canonically, via the top loops (as is typically the case for Ca2+-dependent C2 domains). C2 domains interacted strongly (up to 120 kJ/mol) with membranes containing PIP2 causing the bound anionic lipids to clustered around the protein. The C2 domains bound less strongly to anionic membranes without PIP2 (<50 kJ/mol), and most weakly to neutral membranes (<33 kJ/mol). Productive binding modes were identified and further analysed in atomistic simulations. For PTEN and SHIP2, CG simulations were also performed of the intact enzymes (i.e. phosphatase domain plus C2 domain) with PIP2-contating bilayers and the roles of the two domains in membrane localization were compared. From a methodological perspective, these studies establish a multiscale simulation protocol for studying membrane binding/recognition proteins, capable of revealing binding modes alongside details of lipid binding affinity and specificity.
Complex mosaic structural variations in human fetal brains
Authors: Sekar Shobana , Tomasini Livia , Proukakis Christos , Bae Taejeong , Manlove Logan , Jang Yeongjun , Scuderi Soraya , Zhou Bo , Kalyva Maria , Amiri Anahita , Mariani Jessica , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Urban Alexander E. , Vaccarino Flora M. , Abyzov Alexej
Published: October 2020

Somatic mosaicism, manifesting as single nucleotide variants (SNVs), mobile element insertions, and structural changes in the DNA, is a common phenomenon in human brain cells, with potential functional consequences. Using a clonal approach, we previously detected 200–400 mosaic SNVs per cell in three human fetal brains (15–21 wk postconception). However, structural variation in the human fetal brain has not yet been investigated. Here, we discover and validate four mosaic structural variants (SVs) in the same brains and resolve their precise breakpoints. The SVs were of kilobase scale and complex, consisting of deletion(s) and rearranged genomic fragments, which sometimes originated from different chromosomes. Sequences at the breakpoints of these rearrangements had microhomologies, suggesting their origin from replication errors. One SV was found in two clones, and we timed its origin to ∼14 wk postconception. No large scale mosaic copy number variants (CNVs) were detectable in normal fetal human brains, suggesting that previously reported megabase-scale CNVs in neurons arise at later stages of development. By reanalysis of public single nuclei data from adult brain neurons, we detected an extrachromosomal circular DNA event. Our study reveals the existence of mosaic SVs in the developing human brain, likely arising from cell proliferation during mid-neurogenesis. Although relatively rare compared to SNVs and present in ∼10% of neurons, SVs in developing human brain affect a comparable number of bases in the genome (∼6200 vs. ∼4000 bp), implying that they may have similar functional consequences.
Global regulatory features of alternative splicing across tissues and within the nervous system of C. elegans
Authors: Koterniak Bina , Pilaka Pallavi P. , Gracida Xicotencatl , Schneider Lisa-Marie , Pritišanac Iva , Zhang Yun , Calarco John A.
Published: October 2020

Alternative splicing plays a major role in shaping tissue-specific transcriptomes. Among the broad tissue types present in metazoans, the central nervous system contains some of the highest levels of alternative splicing. Although many documented examples of splicing differences between broad tissue types exist, there remains much to be understood about the splicing factors and the cis sequence elements controlling tissue and neuron subtype-specific splicing patterns. By using translating ribosome affinity purification coupled with deep-sequencing (TRAP-seq) in Caenorhabditis elegans, we have obtained high coverage profiles of ribosome-associated mRNA for three broad tissue classes (nervous system, muscle, and intestine) and two neuronal subtypes (dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons). We have identified hundreds of splice junctions that exhibit distinct splicing patterns between tissue types or within the nervous system. Alternative splicing events differentially regulated between tissues are more often frame-preserving, are more highly conserved across Caenorhabditis species, and are enriched in specific cis regulatory motifs, when compared with other types of exons. By using this information, we have identified a likely mechanism of splicing repression by the RNA-binding protein UNC-75/CELF via interactions with cis elements that overlap a 5′ splice site. Alternatively spliced exons also overlap more frequently with intrinsically disordered peptide regions than constitutive exons. Moreover, regulated exons are often shorter than constitutive exons but are flanked by longer intron sequences. Among these tissue-regulated exons are several highly conserved microexons <27 nt in length. Collectively, our results indicate a rich layer of tissue-specific gene regulation at the level of alternative splicing in C. elegans that parallels the evolutionary forces and constraints observed across metazoa.
Report of the Executive Committee for 2019
Authors: Ashcroft A. T.
Published: October 2020

The report of the Executive Committee for 2019 is presented.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of bis{2-[(pyridin-2-yl)amino]pyridinium} tetracyanonickelate(II)
Authors: Setifi Zouaoui , Ferjani Hela , Setifi Fatima , Ezzine Safa , Al-Douh Mohammed Hadi
Published: October 2020

In the title molecular salt, (C10H10N3)2[Ni(CN)4], the dihedral angle between the pyridine rings in the cation is 1.92 (13)° and the complete anion is generated by a crystallographic centre of symmetry. An intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond occurs in the cation, which closes an S(6) ring. In the crystal, the components are linked by N—H...N and weak C—H...N hydrogen bonds, which generate chains propagating in the [101] direction. Weak aromatic π–π stacking interactions are also observed. A Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots indicate that the most important contact types in the crystal packing are N...H/H...N, C...H/H...C and H...H with contributions of 37.2, 28.3 and 21.9%, respectively.
Toward the implementation of a multi-component framework in a density-based flow solver for handling chemically reacting flows
Authors: Kalkote Nikhil , Assam Ashwani , Eswaran Vinayak
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present and demonstrate a numerical method for solving chemically reacting flows. These are important for energy conversion devices, which rely on chemical reactions as their operational mechanism, with heat generated from the combustion of the fuel, often gases, being converted to work.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical study of such flows requires the set of Navier-Stokes equations to be extended to include multiple species and the chemical reactions between them. The numerical method implemented in this study also accounts for changes in the material properties because of temperature variations and the process to handle steep spatial fronts and stiff source terms without incurring any numerical instabilities. An all-speed numerical framework is used through simple low-dissipation advection upwind splitting (SLAU) convective scheme, and it has been extended in a multi-component species framework on the in-house density-based flow solver. The capability of solving turbulent combustion is also implemented using the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) framework and the recent k-kl turbulence model.

Findings

The numerical implementation has been demonstrated for several stiff problems in laminar and turbulent combustion. The laminar combustion results are compared from the corresponding results from the Cantera library, and the turbulent combustion computations are found to be consistent with the experimental results.

Originality/value

This paper has extended the single gas density-based framework to handle multi-component gaseous mixtures. This paper has demonstrated the capability of the numerical framework for solving non-reacting/reacting laminar and turbulent flow problems. The all-speed SLAU convective scheme has been extended in the multi-component species framework, and the turbulent model k-kl is used for turbulent combustion, which has not been done previously. While the former method provides the capability of solving for low-speed flows using the density-based method, the later is a length-scale-based method that includes scale-adaptive simulation characteristics in the turbulence modeling. The SLAU scheme has proven to work well for unsteady flows while the k-kL model works well in non-stationary turbulent flows. As both these flow features are commonly found in industrially important reacting flows, the convection scheme and the turbulence model together will enhance the numerical predictions of such flows.
The need for innovation in deathcare leadership
Authors: Entress Rebecca M. , Tyler Jenna , Zavattaro Staci M. , Sadiq Abdul-Akeem
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint essay is to examine deathcare leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend innovations to employ a more human-centric approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint essay uses scholarly and popular literature to explore deathcare practices during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to identify limitations of existing mass fatality management policies.

Findings

Deathcare leadership in the USA lacks a human-centric approach. Rationalistic mass fatality management during COVID-19 left families struggling with grief and mourning because many burial rituals could not take place. This essay suggests a humanistic approach to death management through leadership innovations as a remedy to this problem. Such leadership innovations can improve responses to deathcare during this ongoing pandemic and future public health emergencies.

Originality/value

This essay offers practical improvements to make deathcare more human-centric.
Robotic mirror therapy system for lower limb rehabilitation
Authors: Cheng Gaoxin , Xu Linsen , Xu Jiajun , Liu Jinfu , Shi Jia , Chen Shouqi , Liu Lei , Liang Xingcan , Liu Yang
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a robotic mirror therapy system for lower limb rehabilitation, which is applicable for different patients with individual movement disability levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper puts forward a novel system that includes a four-degree-of-freedom sitting/lying lower limb rehabilitation robot and a wireless motion data acquisition system based on mirror therapy principle. The magnetorheological (MR) actuators are designed and manufactured, whose characteristics are detected theoretically and experimentally. The passive training control strategy is proposed, and the trajectory tracking experiments verify its feasibility. Also, the active training controller that is adapt to the human motor ability is designed and evaluated by the comparison experiments.

Findings

The MR actuators produce continuously variable and compliant torque for robotic joints by adjusting excitation current. The reference limb joint position data collected by the wireless motion data acquisition system can be used as the motion trajectory of the robot to drive the affected limb. The passive training strategy based on proportional-integral control proves to have great trajectory tracking performance through experiments. In the active training mode, by comparing the real-time parameters adjustment in two phases, it is certified that the proposed fuzzy-based regulated impedance controller can adjust assistance torque according to the motor ability of the affected limb.

Originality/value

The system developed in this paper fulfills the needs of robot-assisted mirror therapy for hemiplegic patients.
“Understanding my story”: young person involvement in formulation
Authors: McKeown Annette , Martin Aisling , Kennedy Patrick J. , Wilson Amy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The SECURE STAIRS framework has promoted young person involvement as a key feature of innovative service provision. In the North East of England, Secure Children’s Homes (SCHs) have pioneered young person involvement in team formulation. Young people have also led on the development of formulation materials through a young person involvement project. Young people’s attendance at team formulation meetings has become embedded. These service developments have also begun to expand across broader SCHs, Secure Training Centres (STCs) and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) and reflect the national impact of such pioneering developments. There is a notable lack of research examining the impact of young person involvement in formulation. The purpose of this study is to elucidate this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Between April and August 2019, there were 86 staff attendances at formulation meetings where young people were present across two SCHs in the North East of England.

Findings

Paired samplest-tests indicated staff-reported significant post-formulation improvements across all domains measured including knowledge [t(85) = 11.38,p< 0.001]; confidence working with the young person [t(85) = 5.87,p< 0.001]; motivation [t(85) = 3.58,p< 0.001]; understanding [t(85) = 9.03,p< 0.001]; and satisfaction with the treatment plan [t(85) = 8.63,p< 0.001].

Research limitations/implications

Implications of findings are discussed and further developments outlined.

Practical implications

Young people attending team formulation is a new and evolving area, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no existing research evaluating this area. The current findings suggest that staff knowledge, motivation, confidence and satisfaction with the treatment plan is improved following attendance at team formulation where the young person is present and actively participating. Young people’s participation and involvement is central to planning, developing and progressing meaningful provision within children and young people secure provision.

Social implications

Involving children and young people in decision-making, service development and evaluation are also key components of ensuring the voice of young people is central in our minds. It also supports empowering the young people we work with. Young people and their journey should always be at the heart of what we do.

Originality/value

Young people attending team formulation is a new and evolving area, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no existing research evaluating this area. This is the first study of its type evaluating formulation directions within the SECURE STAIRS framework.
Intra-family dynamics and succession planning in family businesses in South Africa: the daughter as a potential successor
Authors: Urban Boris , Nonkwelo Ruth Palesa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Literature considers the succession process to be successful when both the continuity of the business and harmony within the family are preserved. This study empirically investigates intra-family dynamics with regard to daughters as potential successors in family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes place in South Africa where family businesses represent a significant amount of all listed businesses on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. A structured survey instrument is used to collect primary data from family businesses in South Africa. The study hypotheses are statistically tested using regression analyses.

Findings

Results highlight the importance of the business context (BC), intra-family cohesion (IFC), intra-family adaptability (IFA) as well as the parent-daughter relationship (PDR) in successful daughter succession planning (SP). An important insight which emerges from the findings is the extent to which a harmonious business environment is conducive in accommodating the daughter as a successor to the business.

Practical implications

Family business owners need to be aware of the often conflicting pressures that daughters face as potential successors. Evidence-based and fit for purpose to the South African family BC processes and directives must be formulated that guide the implementation of SP. The provision of training specifically focused on gender bias issues and women empowerment programmes in family business is recommended.

Originality/value

Investigating theoretical and practical problems related to daughters in SP in South Africa is important considering that firms in African countries in general tend to be poorly managed.
Non-tariff barriers removal in the Brazilian coffee industry
Authors: Mendes Krisley , Luchine André
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify and classified non-tariff measures (NTMs) on Brazilian imports of robusta coffee beans, calculated a tariff-equivalent of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and assessed the effects of removing NTBs from upstream and downstream domestic instant coffee supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses documentary research to identify NTMs and the price-wedge method is applied to estimate a tariff-equivalent. The effects of suppressing the tariff-equivalent were evaluated using a partial equilibrium model with constant elasticity of substitution (Armington, 1969) and by incorporating vertical integration and uncertainty (Hallren and Opanasets, 2018).

Findings

The results show that NTMs seemingly hinder the entrance of coffee beans into the domestic market. The tariff-equivalent was estimated at 13.61%. Suppressing it reveals that the share of domestic coffee beans used to produce domestic instant coffee falls 0.21 p.p. while the share of domestic instant coffee consumed by the international trade rises 8.60 p.p.

Originality/value

What makes this paper original is that this paper investigated the effects of NTMs in a developing country, namely, Brazil. Although Brazil is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, it has not appeared in literature in this type of analysis until now. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature on using existing techniques to investigate the impact of NTM removal on individual products in a specific country, in contrast to more recent papers that discuss using multi-country and multi-product data sets at the HTS-6 level. Thus, this paper demonstrates how a case study approach can be useful in quantifying policy changes.
Fiscal and monetary response to the COVID-19 pandemic in India
Authors: Jose Justina , Mishra Priyanka , Pathak Rahul
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This article examines the preliminary impact of the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic on India's economic and budgetary landscape – the most affected developing country from the first wave of the pandemic. It also includes a discussion of the monetary and fiscal responses adopted and the challenges faced in formulating the response to the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using high-frequency economic and fiscal indicators, this article evaluates the economic impact of the pandemic on the Indian economy. Further, it uses data from government sources and news to highlight the measures adopted at the national and subnational level in response to the pandemic.

Findings

The difficult economic conditions prior to the pandemic limited the fiscal space available to the government. As a result, the national and subnational governments have been cautious of accumulating excessive debt and have primarily responded with liquidity-enhancing measures, in addition to some fiscal measures for the most vulnerable. Overdependence on consumption taxes has led to unprecedented revenue shortfalls prompting the exploration of new avenues for revenue generation and implementation of austerity measures – some of which may be counterproductive in the long run.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the policy response of the largest democracy that has been hit hard by the pandemic. It also highlights various institutional and resource constraints that influenced the policies adopted. India's experience in responding to the virus could provide lessons for other developing countries.
Measuring the effect of land degradation and environmental changes on agricultural production in Somalia with two structural breaks
Authors: Mohamed Abdinur Ali , Nageye Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure the effect of land degradation and the environmental changes on agricultural productivity in Somalia, as well as the other factors that affect crop production in Somalia.

Design/methodology/approach

Cobb-Douglas production function assumes crop production as a dependent variable and land degradation, labor, capital, fertilizer and climate change as the explanatory variables. In this study time-series data (1962–2017) collected from the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Development Indicators were used. The unit root of the data was examined using Ng-Perron and the Lee-Strazicich methods to explore the unit root property of the breaks. Structural breaks are observed using the Chow test, and the long-run relationship between the variables is examined using Gregory and Hanssen's approach.

Findings

This study found that land degradation and climate change have a negative relationship with agriculture production in Somalia. Land degradation leads to the decline in agricultural production as the loss of one hectare of land due the depletion causes agriculture production of Somalia to fall by about five percent. Climate changes and warming of the environment lead to the reduction of agriculture production. One degree Celsius rise in the temperature leads to a three percent decline in agricultural production. Capital contributes immensely to agricultural production as one unit of additional capital raises production by seven percent. The contribution of labor to agricultural production is limited because of land contraction

Practical implications

Land degradation is a significant contributor to the decline of agricultural production. As land degradation continues to worsen, rural poverty increases, which in turn causes the rural migration and the social conflict. The government should develop land improvement programs such as increasing market orientation of the farmers, encourage private sector engagement in agribusiness and establish a regulatory framework of the land uses.

Originality/value

This study examines the structure of the time-series and specifies the break periods to determine when and where significant and sudden changes occurred within land degradation and agricultural production. The study employs advanced econometric methods, namely, Ng-Perron method and the Lee-Strazicich method to test the unit root property of the breaks. It also examines the long-run relationship between the variables using Gregory and Hanssen's approach.
Organizational memorialization: spatial history and legitimation as chiasms
Authors: de Vaujany François-Xavier , Vaast Emmanuelle , Clegg Stewart R. , Aroles Jeremy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how historical materialities might play a contemporary role in legitimation processes through the memorialization of history and its reproduction in the here-and-now of organizations and organizing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors briefly review the existing management and organization studies (MOS) literature on legitimacy, space and history; engage with the work of Merleau-Ponty to explore how organizational legitimacy is managed in time and space; and use the case of two Parisian universities to illustrate the main arguments of the paper.

Findings

The paper develops a history-based phenomenological perspective on legitimation processes constitutive of four possibilities identified by means of chiasms: heterotopic spatial legacy, thin spatial legacy, institutionalized spatial legacy and organizational spatial legacy.

Research limitations/implications

The authors discuss the implications of this research for the neo-institutional literature on organizational legitimacy, research on organizational space and the field of management history.

Originality/value

This paper takes inspiration from the work of Merleau-Ponty on chiasms to conceptualize how the temporal layers of space and place that organizations inhabit and inherit (which we call “spatial legacies”), in the process of legitimation, evoke a sensible tenor.
Does board diversity influence firms’ corporate social responsibility reputation?
Authors: Hartmann Caroline C. , Carmenate Jimmy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Board diversity positively impacts corporate social responsibility (CSR); however, there is limited evidence on how board diversity affects the reputation of organizations that are involved in CSR. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect board diversity has on socially responsible firms’ corporate social responsibility reputation (CSRR). The authors specifically examine this relationship because an organization’s corporate reputation may be very different to its CSRR gained through engagement in socially responsible activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the CSR reputation scores for the top 100 most socially responsible global companies provided by the RepTrak Database as a measure of CSRR. Board diversity measures are calculated for gender, ethnicity and education to measure their impact on social reputation. The sample for this study consists of 146 observations for the period 2013–2017.

Findings

The authors find a significant and positive relation between having a combination of women and ethnically diverse members on the board and firms’ CSRR. The authors also find a significant positive effect on CSRR when the board is composed of women and educationally diverse members.

Research limitations/implications

Board diversity characteristics continue to impact organizations’ decision-making processes and their involvement in CSR activities as public stakeholders demand greater representation of females and minorities on the board. Because research on board diversity is in its infancy, the authors urge scholars to continue to investigate the impact board diversity has on an organization’s motivation to be socially responsible as well as how it affects their CSRR.

Practical implications

The findings of this study highlight the importance stakeholders place on an organization’s social responsibility reputation and the positive effects of board diversity in managing their CSRR.

Social implications

The findings provide evidence that the composition of the board can influence a company’s engagement in CSR activities and their CSRR as perceived by its stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CSR literature by introducing the concept of CSRR. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study also extends research in the diversity literature by examining the relationship between board diversity variables and an organization’s CSRR. The findings highlight the importance of having a diverse board composed of ethnically and educationally varied individuals and provide evidence of a link between organizations’ involvement in socially responsible activities and their CSRR.
Positive cascading effects of epiphytes enhance the persistence of a habitat‐forming macroalga and the biodiversity of the associated invertebrate community under increasing stress
Authors: Ravaglioli Chiara , Langeneck Joachim , Capocchi Antonella , Castelli Alberto , Fontanini Debora , Gribben Paul E. , Bulleri Fabio
Published: October 2020

Enhanced persistence of stress sensitive species in harsh environments due to amelioration of physical stress by habitat‐forming species has been widely documented. By contrast, less attention has been given to positive species interactions that may enhance stress tolerance in habitat‐forming species, with positive cascading effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

We used a combination of field surveys and experiments to assess the effects of the epiphyteJania rubens, on its subtidal macroalgal hostHalopithys incurva, and their cascading effects on the associated invertebrate community, along a depth gradient associated with increasing stress (i.e. light stress at shallower depths).

Correlative studies showed that the biomass and photosynthetic efficiency ofH. incurvaincreased with depth, along with a decrease of epiphyte biomass. The experimental manipulation of epiphytes (removal in shallow water and addition in deep water) revealed that their effects onH. incurvaphysiology varied from positive in shallow habitats to negative in deep habitats. These results suggest that reduction of light/UV stress byJ. rubensallowsH. incurvato persist in shallow‐water habitats that would be otherwise unsuitable. In addition, colonization by large clumps ofJ. rubensincreased the abundance and diversity of associated invertebrates in shallow habitat, suggesting that positive feedbacks betweenH. incurva, acting as the primary habitat‐former, andJ. rubens, acting as a secondary habitat‐former, generate a facilitation cascade.

Synthesis. Our study suggests that the persistence of some habitat‐forming species and their ability to support biodiversity may rely upon physical stress reduction by other species (e.g. epiphytes in our case) that are generally neglected when planning conservation strategies. A deeper understanding of context dependency in positive species interactions is essential for predicting patterns of species distribution under increasingly stressful climate scenarios.
Activation of protease‐activated receptor 2 is associated with blood pressure regulation and proteinuria reduction in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Maruyama‐Fumoto Kana , McGuire John J. , Fairlie David P. , Shinozuka Kazumasa , Kagota Satomi
Published: October 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of kidney disease. In SHRSP.Z‐Leprfa/IzmDmcr (SHRSP.ZF) rats with MetS, protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2)‐mediated vasorelaxation is preserved in the aorta at 20 weeks of age (weeks) via enhancement of nitric oxide production but impaired at 30 weeks by oxidative stress. However, impairment of PAR2‐mediated vasorelaxation of renal arteries and its possible implications for kidney disease are unclear. We used organ baths to assess PAR2‐mediated vasorelaxation of isolated renal arteries, colorimetric methods to measure urinary protein levels as an index of renal function, and western blot to determine expression of PAR2 and nephrin proteins in the kidneys of SHRSP.ZF rats at 10, 20, and 30 weeks. We assessed renal arteries and kidney function for effects of orally administered GB88, a pathway‐dependent PAR2 antagonist, from 10 to 18 weeks, and azilsartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, from 13 to 23 weeks. PAR2‐mediated vasorelaxation was slightly lower at 20 weeks and attenuated significantly at 30 weeks compared with those at 10 weeks. Urinary protein levels were increased at 20 and 30 weeks. Decreased protein expression of PAR2 and nephrin in the kidney were observed at 30 weeks. Administration of GB88 increased blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria. Azilsartan reduced the high BP and the impaired PAR2‐mediated vasorelaxation, but did not restore the increase in urinary protein levels and decreased PAR2 and nephrin protein expression in the kidney. PAR2 activation in the kidney may be associated with maintenance of BP and urinary protein excretion in MetS.
Review article: Up (to) date for Australian Toxicology and Toxinology guidelines
Authors: Chiew Angela L , Buckley Nicholas A , Graudins Andis , Munir Venita L
Published: October 2020

Poisoned patients commonly present to EDs. The optimal management of these patients is constantly evolving as new evidence emerges. Textbooks cannot be updated regularly enough to incorporate these changes, and their advice may not reflect the current practice of experts. Clinicians treating poisoned patients need an up‐to‐date accessible resource to aid their management decisions. The updated eTG complete, Toxicology and Toxinology guideline represents a consensus of contemporary evidence and expert views from across Australia. Important key changes include: updated advice on decontamination, particularly use of activated charcoal; stepwise escalation in supportive care, including guidance on the most appropriate inotropes for each agent and antidote recommendations for specific poisoning scenarios. Toxicology and Toxinology covers more than 100 poisoning topics and offers more detailed risk assessment, management and disposition advice. It is a valuable evidence‐based resource for the management of poisoned patients.
A spatial capture–recapture model to estimate call rate and population density from passive acoustic surveys
Authors: Stevenson Ben C. , van Dam‐Bates Paul , Young Callum K. Y. , Measey John
Published: October 2020

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models are commonly used to estimate animal population density from detections and subsequent redetections of individuals across space. In particular, acoustic SCR models deal with detections of animal vocalisations across an array of acoustic detectors. Previously published acoustic SCR methods either estimate call density (calls per unit space per unit time) rather than animal density itself, require an independently estimated call rate to estimate animal density, or discard data from all but one detected call from each individual.

In this manuscript, we develop a new spatial capture–recapture model that estimates both call rate and animal density from the acoustic survey alone, without requiring an independently estimated call rate. Our approach therefore alleviates the need for the additional fieldwork of physically locating and monitoring individual animals. We illustrate our method and compare it to an existing approach using a simulation study and an application to data collected on an acoustic survey of the visually cryptic Cape peninsula moss frogArthroleptella lightfooti.

In the context of our acoustic survey, our calling animal density estimator has low bias, good precision and confidence intervals with appropriate coverage, yielding results that are consistent with previous studies of the same species.

Our method can obtain accurate and precise estimates of animal density while eliminating the fieldwork burden associated with separately estimating call rate. We discuss how the development of our model's likelihood reveals a clear path to further extensions, which may incorporate features such as animal movement processes and uncertain individual identification.
Effect of oral tranexamic acid on erythema index in patients with melasma
Authors: Nguyen Jennifer , Rajgopal Bala Harini , Ross Angelique , Wong Celestine C , Paul Eldho , Rodrigues Michelle
Published: October 2020

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation that presents a therapeutic challenge for clinical dermatologists. The pathogenesis is complex, but previous studies have demonstrated vascular proliferation is a key factor in the development of the classic hyperpigmented patches. Studies have revealed reduction of erythema by oral tranexamic acid; however, there has been no direct comparison to placebo. This 24‐week randomised placebo‐controlled trial demonstrates oral tranexamic acid may improve erythema in melasma. This mechanism of action may be the reason for the success of tranexamic acid in complex and difficult to treat melasma.
Cutaneous‐group histiocytoses associated with myeloid malignancies: A systematic review of 102 cases
Authors: Bonometti Arturo , Gliozzo Jessica , Moltrasio Chiara , Bagnoli Filippo , Berti Emilio
Published: October 2020

Background

Histiocytoses are haematological disorders of bone marrow origin that share many biological and clinical features with haematological neoplasms. The association between histiocytoses of the cutaneous‐group and myeloid malignancies is a poorly investigated topic of high biological and clinical impact.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the scientific literature, compliant with PRISMA guidelines, to unravel the clinical and pathological features of this intriguing association.

Findings

We gathered and analysed 102 patients. Most were children with generalised cutaneous eruptions and displayed risk organ involvement (i.e. bone marrow, spleen, liver). Interestingly, all these features are uncommonly encountered in C‐group histiocytosis not associated with haematological neoplasms.

Conclusions

Our review shows that generalised eruptions and risk organ involvement in cutaneous‐group histiocytosis should raise a suspicion for a concomitant myeloid neoplasm both in children and in adults and warrant further investigations. A rapid recognition of this association is required to start a prompt and effective therapeutic management given the aggressive behaviour of the associated myeloid neoplasm in most instances.
Variations in practice of thromboprophylaxis across general surgical subspecialties: a multicentre (PROTECTinG) study of elective major surgeries
Authors: Liu David S. , Stevens Sean , Wong Enoch , Fong Jonathan , Mori Krinal , Fleming Nicola , Beh Pith Soh , Crowe Amy , Howard Tess , Slevin Maeve , Jain Anshini , Gill Anna Sonia , Lee Sharon , Jamel Wael , Bennet Simon , Chung Chi , Ward Salena , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan ,   VERITAS collaborative
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite guidelines recommending perioperative thromboprophylaxis for patients undergoing general surgery, we have observed significant variations in its practice. This may compromise patient safety. Here, we quantify the heterogeneity of perioperative thromboprophylaxis across all major general surgical operations, and place them in relation to their risk of bleeding and venous thromboembolism.

Methods

Retrospective review of all elective major general surgeries performed between 1 January 2018 and 30 June 2019 across seven Victorian hospitals was conducted.

Results

A total of 5912 patients who underwent 6628 procedures were reviewed. Significant heterogeneity was found in the use of chemoprophylaxis, timing of its initiation, type of anticoagulant administered and application of extended chemoprophylaxis. These variations were observed within the same procedure, and between different surgeries and subspecialties. Contrastingly, there was minimal heterogeneity with the use of mechanical thromboprophylaxis. Oesophago‐gastric, liver and colorectal cancer resections had the highest thromboembolic risk. Breast, oesophago‐gastric, liver, pancreas and colon cancer resections had the highest bleeding risk.

Conclusion

Perioperative chemoprophylaxis across general surgery is highly variable. This study has highlighted key areas of variance. Our findings also enable surgeons to compare their practices, and provide baseline data to inform future efforts towards optimizing thromboprophylaxis for general surgical patients.
Management of proximal lacrimal obstructions: a rationale
Authors: Quaranta‐Leoni Francesco M. , Fiorino Maria Grazia , Serricchio Fabio , Quaranta‐Leoni Flavia
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To identify a rationale for correct surgical treatment of proximal lacrimal obstructions.

Methods

Retrospective review of 775 consecutive patients (974 eyes) with proximal lacrimal obstructions, operated on with customized surgery by a senior surgeon (FMQL) from January 2003 to December 2018.

Results

In case of punctal stenosis, punctoplasty was as effective as punctal dilatation with monocanalicular or bicanalicular stent (p > 0.05). In proximal canalicular obstructions, failure rate of dacrocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation (R‐DCR) was significantly higher in case of false inferior passage creation than in case of no false passage creation (p = 0.02). In mid‐canalicular obstructions failure rate of R‐DCR was 41.3%, and bypass surgery with Jones tube at second stage was likely. Trephination and monocanalicular intubation, performed in selected cases, had a failure rate respectively of 16.6% and 21.7% in mid and distal canalicular obstructions. Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) was successful in 77% of cases of proximal common canalicular obstruction. Bypass surgery is the treatment of choice in case of no residual patency, and rates of tube extrusion were significantly reduced with the use of StopLoss Jones tubes (SLJT) (1.7%) with respect to standard tubes (12%), (p = 0.04, Fisher’s exact test).

Conclusion

Patient history and accurate diagnosis of the site of obstruction are essential for a correct surgical choice. Less invasive techniques as trephination and intubation may be effective, but should be reserved to patients with no associated lower lacrimal obstruction. Further studies require specific randomized clinical trials, and a standardized protocol adopted by different clinical centres.
Three‐quarter DMEK in eyes with glaucoma draining devices to avoid secondary graft failure
Authors: Oganesyan Oganes , Makarov Pavel , Grdikanyan Arthur , Oganesyan Carolina , Getadaryan Vostan , Melles Gerrit R. J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To present a case series of a modified three‐quarter Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (3/4‐DMEK) technique to treat pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the presence of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) tube in the anterior chamber by reducing the risk of donor endothelial damage due to absence of donor endothelial cells overlying the GGD tube area.

Methods

In this prospective case series, four eyes of three patients with stable glaucoma underwent 3/4‐DMEK surgery for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy after GDD insertion. The patients were followed up to 24 ± 2.5 months postoperatively.

Results

No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. The average central endothelial cell density (ECD) was 1093 ± 74 cells/mm2 at 12 months postoperatively, corresponding to an ECD decrease of 58 (±6)% as compared to preoperative values. Average best‐corrected visual acuity increased from finger counting before surgery to 20/60 (logMar 0.5) at 12 months after 3/4‐DMEK and remained stable up to 24 months postoperatively. All corneas remained clear at the last available follow‐up.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrates the technical feasibility of 3/4‐DMEK in eyes with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the presence of a GDD tube. The absence of a donor DM and donor cells above the silicone tube excludes direct tube contact with the graft. Longer term studies are needed to show the effect of this modified graft pattern and dimensions on transplant survival.
Provenancing of pottery from Kamuiyaki Site in East Asia by neutron activation analysis
Authors: Sterba J. H. , Shinoto M. , Shinzato A. , Enomoto M. , Yomine Y.
Published: October 2020

A set of 20 vessels was selected from the Japanese National Historical Site ‘Kamuiyaki Kiln Site Cluster’. Selection was performed with explicit archaeological problems and the potential of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in mind. The set was analysed by INAA and subsequent statistical data analysis adapted to the specific problems of ceramics and applied for the first time in Kamuiyaki. Chemical fingerprinting allowed the a priori separation of the set of samples into two chemically distinct groups that had a clear correlation with the archaeological and chronological data. This indicates that at least two different recipes or sediments were used in the cluster, which can now be identified among the several hundred external sites where sherds are recorded as supposedly produced at Kamuiyaki.
Long‐term exclosure of sheep‐grazing from an ancient wood: Vegetation change after a sixty‐year experiment
Authors: Vild Ondřej , Douglas Rotherham Ian
Published: October 2020

Question: An ancient woodland site with a long history of coppicing and heavy grazing was protected from domesticated stock in 1955. Results of a vegetation‐monitoring experiment were subsequently published in 1983. This study followed up the original research to investigate whether observed trends were as predicted. These included a shift in tree species composition in favour of shade‐tolerant species, beech (Fagus sylvatica) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), at the expense of light‐demanding birch (Betula spp.) and oak (Quercus petraea agg.), and progress towards a typical woodland ground flora.

Location: Peak District National Park, United Kingdom.

Methods: The mixed oak–birch woodland was re‐surveyed in 2011. Two enclosures (1955 and 1980s) and an unenclosed control area were investigated. Overstorey structure and composition was assessed by measuring canopy openness and the girths of all trees and saplings. Herb layer species composition was also recorded in 28 vegetation plots.

Results: We demonstrated a progressive decline in the number of mature oaks and birch in the old enclosure although they still regenerated successfully. Only a few individuals of beech and rowan appeared. Herb layer species composition differed between the subareas but since the 1980s, the temporal change in the old enclosure was negligible. The new enclosure followed a similar pattern in both canopy and herb layer as observed in the early years in the old enclosure. However, the control subarea had no regeneration of woody species and limited ground flora.

Conclusions: After nearly 60 years, the replacement of light‐demanding dominants by shade‐tolerant trees was still limited, probably by low pH and stable light conditions. The findings are pertinent to the impacts of large herbivore grazing (domestic stock or wild) on woodland dynamics.