bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) outnumber native bees in Tasmanian apple orchards: Perspectives for balancing crop production and native bee conservation
Authors: Prendergast Kit S , Leclercq Nicolas , Vereecken Nicolas J
Published: February 2021

Apples are a major crop globally, including in Tasmania (Australia) – known as ‘the Apple Isle’ owing to the key role of apples in Tasmania's history and economy. Most apple cultivars are obligate entomophilous species, and fruit quantity, quality and economic value are enhanced under insect pollination. Whilst the introduced European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is often assumed to be the main pollinator of apple in most regions of the world, including Australia, there is an increasing interest in alternative pollinators. The pollinator community of Tasmanian apple crops, however, has never been assessed. In this study, we surveyed four apple orchards for 3 days each during peak bloom in the Huon Valley region to characterise bee assemblages visiting blooming apple trees and the native bee fauna associated with surrounding flowering vegetation. Our results show that honey bees were the predominant visitors to apple blossoms (90.7% of visits), followed by the introduced bumble beeBombus terrestris(5.9% of visits), with only a minor contribution by native bees (3.3% of visits). Twenty‐six species of native bees were collected in total, of which only 10 species (fiveExoneura(Apidae), fourLasioglossum(Halictidae) and oneEuryglossa(Colletidae) species) were collected from apple blossoms, withExoneurabeing the most abundant visitors. Few native bees were captured on apple blossoms, however co‐blooming surrounding native vegetation, as well exotic flowers, hosted a high diversity and abundance of native bees. Site conditions influenced community composition, including abundance and representation of introduced bees compared to native bees visiting apples. Additionally, warmer temperatures favoured native bees. Collectively, our results suggest that Tasmania's apple production in its current state is unlikely to rely exclusively on native pollinators. Native bees nevertheless warrant conservation in such an insular crop production system. This can be achievable through retaining native flowering plants and even exotic non‐crop flowers in and around orchards. Promoting the diversity and abundance of native bees through habitat enhancement may have additional benefits, such as filling current and future pollination demands and gaps, a key strategy under scenarios of climate change.
Predictors of treatment response in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Fok Jie Shen , Kolkhir Pavel , Church Martin K. , Maurer Marcus
Published: February 2021

The current therapeutic algorithm for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), endorsed by the international guideline, entails treatment escalation from second‐generation H1‐antihistamines (sgAHs) to omalizumab and cyclosporine until complete response is achieved. Recently, several predictors of response to these treatment options have been described. Here, we discuss the most promising predictors of response and nonresponse to these treatments in CSU. A systematic search was performed by two independent researchers using the MEDLINE/PubMed database with specific keywords and 73 studies included in the review. Levels of evidence were categorized as strong (robust predictors), weak (emerging predictors) or no association, based on the outcome and number of studies available. High disease activity, high levels of C‐reactive protein and D‐dimer are robust predictors for a poor or no response to sgAHs. Poor or no response to omalizumab is robustly predicted by low serum levels of total IgE. A good response to cyclosporine is robustly predicted by a positive basophil histamine release assay, whereas low total IgE is an emerging predictor. The response to treatment with sgAHs, omalizumab and cyclosporine can be predicted by the use of markers that are readily available in routine clinical practice. Further studies are needed to confirm these predictors.
IL‐1β promotes immunoregulatory responses in human blood basophils
Authors: Iype Joseena , Odermatt Andrea , Bachmann Sofia , Coeudevez Mazarine , Fux Michaela
Published: February 2021

Human basophils are essential effector cells of chronic allergic inflammation. IL‐1 family cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐33 and IL‐1β are elevated in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of allergic asthmatics. IL‐33 is known to be a critical regulator of basophil's T2 immune responses. However, the effect of IL‐1β on the function of basophils has not been well investigated. Here, we elucidate whether IL‐1β regulates the function of human basophils and compared the effects of IL‐1β and IL‐33 on basophils of healthy and allergic subjects. We found that IL‐1β activates the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and promotes IL‐8 release in basophils of healthy donors, while FcεRI‐mediated LCT4and histamine secretion is not affected. Strikingly, in the presence of IL‐3, IL‐1β shows more potency than IL‐33, as evidenced by the enhanced p38 phosphorylation and NF‐κB activation, as well as the release of both IL‐13 and IL‐8. We found that the enhanced basophil responsiveness is achieved through IL‐3‐induced IL‐1RI surface expression. Importantly, basophils of allergic donors release significantly higher amounts of IL‐8 compared to those from healthy donors upon IL‐33 and IL‐1β stimulation. Consistently, we detected increased IL‐1RI and decreased IL‐3 receptor alpha‐chain (CD123) and CCR3 expression on basophils of allergic subjects compared to healthy controls, suggesting an in vivo IL‐3 priming in allergic donors. In summary, our results suggest enhanced sensitivity of basophils toward IL‐33 and IL‐1β in allergic subjects compared to those from healthy controls.
Regulatory B cells, A to Z
Authors: Jansen Kirstin , Cevhertas Lacin , Ma Siyuan , Satitsuksanoa Pattraporn , Akdis Mübeccel , van de Veen Willem
Published: February 2021

B cells play a central role in the immune system through the production of antibodies. During the past two decades, it has become increasingly clear that B cells also have the capacity to regulate immune responses through mechanisms that extend beyond antibody production. Several types of human and murine regulatory B cells have been reported that suppress inflammatory responses in autoimmune disease, allergy, infection, transplantation, and cancer. Key suppressive molecules associated with regulatory B‐cell function include the cytokines IL‐10, IL‐35, and TGF‐β as well as cell membrane‐bound molecules such as programmed death‐ligand 1, CD39, CD73, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Regulatory B cells can be induced by a range of different stimuli, including microbial products such as TLR4 or TLR9 ligands, inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6, IL‐1β, and IFN‐α, as well as CD40 ligation. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge on regulatory B cells. We discuss different types of regulatory B cells, the mechanisms through which they exert their regulatory functions, factors that lead to induction of regulatory B cells and their role in the alteration of inflammatory responses in different diseases.
Scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered arterial grafts derived from human skeletal myoblasts
Authors: Saito Junichi , Yokoyama Utako , Nakamura Takashi , Kanaya Tomomitsu , Ueno Takayoshi , Naito Yuji , Takayama Toshio , Kaneko Makoto , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Ishikawa Yoshihiro
Published: February 2021

Tissue‐engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are in urgent demand for both adult and pediatric patients. Although several approaches have utilized vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells as cell sources for TEVGs, these cell sources have a limited proliferative capacity that results in an inability to reconstitute neotissues. Skeletal myoblasts are attractive cell sources as they possess high proliferative capacity, and they are already being tested in clinical trials for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Our previous study demonstrated that periodic hydrostatic pressurization (PHP) promoted fibronectin fibrillogenesis in vascular SMCs, and that PHP‐induced extracellular matrix (ECM) arrangements enabled the fabrication of implantable arterial grafts derived from SMCs without using a scaffold material. We assessed the molecular response of human skeletal myoblasts to PHP exposure, and aimed to fabricate arterial grafts from the myoblasts by exposure to PHP. To examine the PHP‐response genes, human skeletal myoblasts were subjected to bulk RNA‐sequencing after PHP exposure. Gene‐set enrichment analysis revealed significant positive correlations between PHP exposure and vascular development‐related genes. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) demonstrated that PHP significantly upregulated collagen and elastic fiber formation‐related gene expression, such as fibronectin, lysyl oxidase, collagen type I α1, collagen type IV α1, and tropoelastin. Based on these findings showing the potential role of PHP in vessel formation, we fabricated arterial grafts by repeated cell seeding and exposure to PHP every 24 hours. The resultant 15‐layered myoblast grafts had high collagen content, which provided a tensile rupture strength of 899 ± 104 mm Hg. Human skeletal myoblast grafts were implanted as patch grafts in the aorta of immunosuppressed rats and found to be endothelialized and completely patent until the endpoint of 60 postoperative days. Implanted human myoblasts were gradually replaced by host‐derived cells, which successfully formed vascular neotissues with layered elastic fibers. These findings suggest that human skeletal myoblasts have the potential to be a feasible cell source for scaffold‐free implantable arterial grafts under PHP culture conditions.
Comparison of different methods of retinal imaging for the screening of diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Kárason Kolbeinn Tumi , Vo Diana , Grauslund Jakob , Rasmussen Malin Lundberg
Published: February 2021

Background

Screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is recommended to detect sight‐threatening complications prior to visual loss. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) seven standard field (7SF) retinal imaging has traditionally been regarded the gold standard for DR classification, but other methods are often preferred clinically. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether 7SF is the most optimal screening method for DR grading, or if similar results can be achieved by other methods using a smaller field of view (<7SF) or ultra‐wide field (UWF) imaging.

Methods

Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two independent reviewers initially identified 7167 publications in PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases. Of these, 16 publications were included based on predefined inclusion criteria.

Results

7SF was used as reference standard in 12 studies (compared with < 7SF in five studies and UWF in seven studies), and four studies compared other reference standards. Compared to 7SF, studies using < 7SF and UWF images both reported of similar agreement. A lower rate of ungradable images was reported for mydriatic and non‐mydriatic UWF as compared to non‐mydriatic < 7SF modalities.

Conclusion

Retinal imaging of <7SF and UWF both provide acceptable performance compared to 7SF. Given the time‐consuming nature of the latter, these methods could be reasonable options in DR screening, even though a high number of ungradable images in non‐mydriatic < 7SF may pose a clinical challenge.
Post‐dural puncture headache—a single‐centre analysis in paediatric patients with and without SMA
Authors: Schorling David C. , Pechmann Astrid , Eckenweiler Matthias , Müller Cornelia K. , Langer Thorsten , Kirschner Janbernd
Published: February 2021

Aim

To gather epidemiologic data on post‐dural puncture headache (PDPH) after diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture (LP) in children and adolescents with SMA as well as in a cohort of paediatric patients without SMA.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, single‐centre analysis via chart review and questionnaire. Patients were identified using the German procedure classification. Respective charts and SMArtCARE documentation forms (SMA patients) were reviewed concerning documentation of headaches fulfilling criteria of the IHS‐classification for PDPH of 2004. Non‐SMA patients received additional questionnaires.

Results

We identified a total of 218 LPs in 95 patients. Of those 141 were performed in 22 patients with known SMA (mean age SMA patients 9.2 years; non‐SMA patients 11.4 years). Following chart review, IHS criteria for PDPH were fulfilled in 6.9% of all procedures (3.5% in SMA patients; 13.0% in non‐SMA patients; p = 0.008). Data from questionnaires of non‐SMA patients confirmed this result (position dependent headache within 72 h after intervention in 13.0% of procedures).

Conclusion

The prevalence of PDPH after therapeutic LPs in our cohort of SMA patients was significantly lower than after LPs in the general paediatric cohort. Data of this retrospective analysis show a similar overall prevalence of PDPH in paediatric patients as reported in bigger adult cohorts.
Relationship among genetic polymorphism of SLCO1B1, rifampicin exposure and clinical outcomes in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Kim Eun Sun , Kwon Byoung Soo , Park Jong Sun , Chung Jae‐Yong , Seo Soo Hyun , Park Kyoung Un , Song Junghan , Yoon Seonghae , Lee Jae Ho
Published: February 2021

Aims

Rifampicin is a key drug for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Little is known for the relationship between the rifampicin pharmacokinetics and genetic polymorphisms in the Asian population. We aimed to investigate relationship between genetic polymorphism of SLCO1B1 and rifampicin exposure and its impact on clinical outcomes in Korean patients with active pulmonary TB.

Methods

From February 2016 to December 2019, patients with active pulmonary TB who were taking rifampicin for >1 week were prospectively enrolled. Serial or 1‐time blood sampling was conducted to determine rifampicin concentrations. The genotype of 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 was determined. To estimate the drug clearance and exposure, population pharmacokinetics analysis was conducted. Clinical outcomes such as time to acid‐fast bacteria culture conversion, chest radiograph score changes from baseline, and all‐cause mortality were also evaluated. The exposure among different SLCO1B1 genotype was compared and relationship between drug exposure and clinical outcomes were explored.

Results

A total of 105 patients (70 males and 35 females) were included in the final analysis. The mean age of patients was 55.4 years. The mean drug clearance and exposure were 13.6 L/h and 57.9 mg h/L, respectively. The genetic polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 were not related to rifampicin clearance or exposure. As the rifampicin exposure increased, the chest radiographs improved significantly, but the duration of acid‐fast bacteria culture conversion was not related to the drug exposure.

Conclusion

SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms did not influence rifampicin concentrations and clinical outcomes in Korean patients with active pulmonary TB.
Model‐informed drug repurposing: A pharmacometric approach to novel pathogen preparedness, response and retrospection
Authors: Dodds Michael , Xiong Yuan , Mouksassi Samer , Kirkpatrick Carl M. , Hui Katrina , Doyle Eileen , Patel Kashyap , Cox Eugène , Wesche David , Brown Fran , Rayner Craig R.
Published: February 2021

During a pandemic caused by a novel pathogen (NP), drug repurposing offers the potential of a rapid treatment response via a repurposed drug (RD) while more targeted treatments are developed. Five steps of model‐informed drug repurposing (MIDR) are discussed: (i) utilize RD product label and in vitro NP data to determine initial proof of potential, (ii) optimize potential posology using clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) considering both efficacy and safety, (iii) link events in the viral life cycle to RD PK, (iv) link RD PK to clinical and virologic outcomes, and optimize clinical trial design, and (v) assess RD treatment effects from trials using model‐based meta‐analysis. Activities which fall under these five steps are categorized into three stages: what can be accomplished prior to an NP emergence (preparatory stage), during the NP pandemic (responsive stage) and once the crisis has subsided (retrospective stage). MIDR allows for extraction of a greater amount of information from emerging data and integration of disparate data into actionable insight.
Acylated ghrelin protects against doxorubicin‐induced nephropathy by activating silent information regulator 1
Authors: Shati Ali A. , El‐Kott Attalla F.
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the nephroprotective role of acylated ghrelin (AG) against DOX‐induced nephropathy and examined whether the protection involves silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1). Rats were divided into control, control + AG, DOX, DOX + AG, DOX + AG + [D‐Lys3]‐GHRP‐6 (a ghrelin receptor antagonist), and DOX + AG + EX‐527 (a sirt1 inhibitor). DOX was given over the first 2 weeks. AG (10 ng/kg) and both inhibitors were given as 3 doses/wk for 5 weeks. AG improved the structure and the function of the kidneys; down‐regulated the renal expression of TGF‐β1, collagen 1A1 and α‐SMA; and inhibited the renal collagen deposition in the kidneys of DOX‐treated rats. Concomitantly, it reduced the renal levels of ROS, MDA, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 and protein levels of cytochrome‐c, TGF‐β1, Smad3 and α‐SMA in these rats. In both the control and DOX‐treated rats, AG significantly increased the renal levels of SOD and GSH, decreased the expression of cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax, increased the total levels and the nuclear activity of SIRT1 and reduced the deacetylation of p53, NF‐κB and FOXO‐31. All the effects were abolished by the concurrent administration of EX‐527 and [D‐Lys3]‐GHRP‐6. In conclusion, AG prevents DOX‐induced nephropathy in SIRT1 and GSHRa1‐dependent mechanism.
A survey of health care practitioners’ attitudes toward shared decision‐making for choice of next birth after cesarean
Authors: Munro Sarah , Wilcox Elizabeth S. , Lambert Leah K. , Norena Monica , Kaufman Sarah , Encinger Jana , Kendall Tamil , Thompson Rachel
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients with a history of cesarean may benefit from shared decision‐making (SDM) interventions, such as patient decision aids, that provide individualized clinical information and help to clarify personal preferences. We sought to understand the factors that influence how care practitioners support choices for mode of birth and what individual and health system factors influence uptake of SDM in routine care.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of health care practitioners in British Columbia, Canada (2016‐2017). Participants included family physicians, midwives, obstetricians, and registered nurses. We conducted descriptive and inferential analyses of quantitative data and subjected the open‐ended survey responses to thematic analysis.

Results

Analysis of survey responses (n = 307) suggested there was no significant association between the size of the participant hospital and their medico‐legal concerns about mode of birth. Environmental factors that may influence the use of SDM included the length of time it takes to initiate an emergency cesarean and the timing of when the SDM intervention is introduced to the patient. No participants reported protocols prohibiting VBAC at their hospital. Participants preferred an SDM approach where the pregnant person is involved in making the final decision for mode of birth.

Conclusions

Although maternity care practitioners express attitudes and behaviors that may support SDM for mode of birth after cesarean, implementing SDM using a patient decision aid alone may be challenging because of environmental factors. Our study demonstrates how survey data can aid in identifying how, when, where, for whom, and why an SDM intervention could be implemented.
Principles of shortening in salt basins containing isolated minibasins
Authors: Duffy Oliver B. , Dooley Tim P. , Hudec Michael R. , Fernandez Naiara , Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , Soto Juan I.
Published: February 2021

Shortening styles in salt‐influenced basins can vary markedly, with the volume and distribution of salt prior to shortening being a key control. Here, we use a suite of physical models to examine styles of thin‐skinned regional shortening in settings where the preshortening structure comprised minibasins surrounded by salt (‘isolated‐minibasin’ provinces). Our models show that the high volume of mechanically weak salt localizes lateral regional shortening, with shortening inducing salt flow towards the foreland that subsequently contributes to three key processes – translation, tilting and rotation of minibasins. First, we demonstrate that the flowing salt pushes against minibasins, propelling them in the regional shortening direction. Minibasin translation is enhanced by fast‐flowing salt streams and impeded by basal friction due to welding and base‐salt buttresses. Second, we show how minibasin tilt directions and magnitudes vary spatially and temporally during regional shortening. Minibasins tilt away from zones of pressurized salt, the locations of which may shift due to changes in salt flow regimes. Tilt directions may also change as minibasins pivot on primary welds, or due to forces associated with minibasin collision. Third, minibasins can rotate around sub‐vertical axes during regional shortening. We speculate that this rotation is caused by a combination of: (a) traction imparted on the minibasin boundary by differential horizontal flow of adjacent salt; and (b) pivoting on primary and secondary welds. We synthesize our results in a series of 3‐D conceptual models, before we compare and contrast regional shortening styles and processes in salt‐influenced basins with different preshortening salt configurations. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the geometry and kinematics of shortened salt basins, as well as a deeper understanding of the tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of minibasins.
A farewell to arms and legs: a review of limb reduction in squamates
Authors: Camaiti Marco , Evans Alistair R. , Hipsley Christy A. , Chapple David G.
Published: February 2021

Elongated snake‐like bodies associated with limb reduction have evolved multiple times throughout vertebrate history. Limb‐reduced squamates (lizards and snakes) account for the vast majority of these morphological transformations, and thus have great potential for revealing macroevolutionary transitions and modes of body‐shape transformation. Here we present a comprehensive review on limb reduction, in which we examine and discuss research on these dramatic morphological transitions. Historically, there have been several approaches to the study of squamate limb reduction: (i) definitions of general anatomical principles of snake‐like body shapes, expressed as varying relationships between body parts and morphometric measurements; (ii) framing of limb reduction from an evolutionary perspective using morphological comparisons; (iii) defining developmental mechanisms involved in the ontogeny of limb‐reduced forms, and their genetic basis; (iv) reconstructions of the evolutionary history of limb‐reduced lineages using phylogenetic comparative methods; (v) studies of functional and biomechanical aspects of limb‐reduced body shapes; and (vi) studies of ecological and biogeographical correlates of limb reduction. For each of these approaches, we highlight their importance in advancing our understanding, as well as their weaknesses and limitations. Lastly, we provide suggestions to stimulate further studies, in which we underscore the necessity of widening the scope of analyses, and of bringing together different perspectives in order to understand better these morphological transitions and their evolution. In particular, we emphasise the importance of investigating and comparing the internal morphology of limb‐reduced lizards in contrast to external morphology, which will be the first step in gaining a deeper insight into body‐shape variation.
Platform‐driven innovation: Unveiling research and business opportunities
Authors: Trabucchi Daniel , Buganza Tommaso , Muzellec Laurent , Ronteau Sébastien
Published: February 2021

An increasing number of businesses have adopted a platform business model. Platform companies such as Airbnb, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Salesforce and Uber are amongst the world's most valuable companies and have revolutionized their respective industries. But what are platforms? Is there a unique definition? How do they innovate, and what is their place in the innovation literature? This editorial article considers those questions. First, it provides an overview of platform definitions, their evolution, and increasing relevance in today's economy. Then, it presents and contextualizes the six papers of this special section that lie at the intersection of platforms and innovation literature streams. In doing so, a framework contextualizing the emerging concept of ‘Platform‐Driven Innovation’ is proposed. It shows how platforms may have very different roles in the innovation processes acting as Simplifiers, Catalyst or Enablers. Finally, this paper contains some suggestions on how future research may explore the intersection between innovation and platforms.
Characteristics of B lymphocyte infiltration in HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Siwei , Wang Bozhi , Ma Fen , Tong Fangjia , Yan Bingqing , Liu Tianyang , Xie Huanhuan , Song Lianhao , Yu Siyang , Wei Lanlan
Published: February 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important etiological factor of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HPV+ HNSCC patients usually have a better prognosis, which probably results from the higher infiltration of B lymphocytes. This study was purposed to detect the infiltration of B lymphocyte subsets and the correlation between B lymphocyte subsets and the prognosis in HPV‐related HNSCC. In this study, 124 HPV+ and 513 HPV− HNSCC samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for transcriptomic analysis. Infiltration of B lymphocytes subsets was detected with 7 HPV+ HNSCC and 13 HPV− HNSCC tissues through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. One HPV− HNSCC sample was detected with single‐cell sequencing for chemokine analysis. In the results, the infiltration of plasma cells (CD19+CD38+) and memory B cells (MS4A1+CD27+) was higher in HPV+ HNSCC samples. High infiltration of plasma cells and memory B cells was related to a better prognosis. High density of B lymphocytes was positively correlated with high CXCL13 production mainly from CD4+ T lymphocytes in HNSCC. These results indicated that a high density of plasma cells and memory B cells could predict excellent prognosis. CD4+ T lymphocytes might affect B lymphocytes and their subsets through the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis in HNSCC.
Growth‐differentiation‐factor 15 levels in obese and healthy pregnancies: Relation to insulin resistance and insulin secretory function
Authors: Andersson‐Hall Ulrika , Joelsson Louise , Svedin Pernilla , Mallard Carina , Holmäng Agneta
Published: February 2021

Objective/Aim

Growth‐differentiation‐factor 15 (GDF15) has been suggested to improve or protect beta cell function. During pregnancy, beta cell numbers and function increase to overcome the natural rise in insulin resistance during gestation. In this study, we longitudinally measured serum GDF15 levels during and after pregnancy in women of normal weight (NW) and in women with obesity (OB) and explored associations between GDF15 and changes in beta cell function by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA).

Methods

The cohort participants were 38 NW (BMI 22.3 ± 1.7) and 35 OB (BMI 35.8 ± 4.2). Blood was sampled and body composition measured at each trimester (T1, T2, and T3) and at 6, 12 and 18 months postpartum. Fasting glucose, insulin and GDF15 were measured, and HOMA for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and beta cell function (HOMA‐B) determined.

Results

GDF15 levels increased significantly each trimester and were ~200‐fold higher at T3 than in the nonpregnant postpartum state. GDF15 was higher in NW than OB during pregnancy, but was reversed after pregnancy with a significant interaction effect. GDF15 correlated inversely with BMI and fat‐free mass at T3. Low GDF15 was associated with lower incidence of nausea and with carrying a male foetus. The pregnancy induced increase in GDF15 associated with increased HOMA‐B in OB and with reduced fasting glucose in all women.

Conclusion

Large gestational upregulation of GDF15 levels may help increase insulin secretory function to overcome pregnancy‐induced insulin resistance.
The effect of different adiposity factors on insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents
Authors: Niu Yang , Zhao Xuelin , He Huijun , Mao Xiaomeng , Sheng Jinye , Zou Jing , Tang Qingya , Cai Wei
Published: February 2021

Context

Insulin resistance (IR) has been common in obese children, but the effect of different adiposity factors on IR is still unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the associations between IR with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat mass (BFM), and body fat percentage (BFP) in obese children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 224 simple obese children were included in this study, including 150 boys and 74 girls, aged 3‐18 who were seen in the clinical nutrition outpatient of Xinhua Hospital from September 2012 to December 2019. Basic information, body composition and laboratory tests were collected.

Results

Compared with girls, boys had higher height, weight, BMI, WC, and BFM (P < 0.05), but on the contrary, boys' FINS and HOMA‐ IR were lower than girls' (P > 0.05). With the age increasing, height, weight, BMI, BFM, WC, HC, WHtR, FINS and HOMA‐IR increased accordingly (P < 0.05). The results from univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis showed that the impact of BMI on IR was slightly lower than BFM, WC and HC, but higher than BFP, with adjusting for the effects of age, sex and lipid metabolism (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Overall adipose tissue, especially abdominal adipose tissue, is a powerful marker in inducing IR in obese children and adolescents. In addition, more attention should be paid to WC and BFM than BMI in obese people with IR.
Novel rare variants in FGFR1 and clinical characteristics analysis in a series of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients
Authors: Nie Min , Yu Bingqing , Chen Rongrong , Sun Bang , Mao Jiangfeng , Wang Xi , Zhang Hongbing , Wu Xueyan
Published: February 2021

Objective

We aimed to analyse FGFR1 rare variants in a series of Chinese congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) patients. In addition, we intended to understand the clinical characteristics and the response to treatment of CHH patients with FGFR1 rare variants.

Patients and Methods

A total of 357 CHH patients were recruited at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. We used Sanger sequencing to analyse FGFR1 gene. In silico analysis was carried out to study the pathogenicity of novel missense variants. The clinical, endocrinological and therapeutic effects from patients carrying FGFR1 rare variants were analysed retrospectively.

Results

Thimissense mutations.rty patients in this series were found to harbour 29 FGFR1 rare variants, with 8 recurrent and 21 novel variants. After comprehensive analysis, 18 out of 21 novel variants were classified as likely pathogenic (LP) ones. These variants are widely spread throughout the FGFR1 gene and almost all FGFR1 functional domains, which exhibited no hot spot. Cryptorchidism, cleft palate and dental abnormality incidence in this CHH series that possessed FGFR1 LP variants were approximately 38.5%, 7.6% and 3.8%, respectively. Among patients who accepted the fertility‐promoting treatment, 8 out of 10 patients succeeded in spermatogenesis.

Conclusions

Eighteen novel LP variants were found to expand the spectrum of FGFR1 rare variants. In CHH patients possessing FGFR1 variants, we found that the rate of spermatogenesis was high following fertility‐promoting therapy and the existence of cryptorchidism may represent the underlying factors which affect spermatogenesis.
Parametric Skeletons with Reduced Soft‐Tissue Deformations
Authors: Tapia Javier , Romero Cristian , Pérez Jesús , Otaduy Miguel A.
Published: February 2021

We present a method to augment parametric skeletal models with subspace soft‐tissue deformations. We combine the benefits of data‐driven skeletal models, i.e. accurate replication of contact‐free static deformations, with the benefits of pure physics‐based models, i.e. skin and skeletal reaction to contact and inertial motion with two‐way coupling. We succeed to do so in a highly efficient manner, thanks to a careful choice of reduced model for the subspace deformation. With our method, it is easy to design expressive reduced models with efficient yet accurate force computations, without the need for training deformation examples. We demonstrate the application of our method to parametric models of human bodies, SMPL, and hands, MANO, with interactive simulations of contact with nonlinear soft‐tissue deformation and skeletal response.>
The ethnic identity of transracially placed foster children with an ethnic minority background: A systematic literature review
Authors: Degener Clementine J. , van Bergen Diana D. , Grietens Hans W. E.
Published: February 2021

Background

Ethnic minority foster children are frequently placed in families with ethnic majority backgrounds. In the international literature these placements are most commonly called transracial placements.

Aims

With this study, we aim to obtain an encompassing view of the empirical scientific literature on how transracial placements may affect the ethnic identity of foster children.

Materials and methods

To gain insight into the ethnic identity of transracially placed foster children and the way they are ethnically socialized, we conducted a systematic literature review. We thereby followed the guidelines of the PRISMA statement.

Results

Transracially placed foster children may experience higher fluctuations in their racial/ ethnic identity over time than adolescents with a minority background in the general population. They also seem to be prone to experience disconnection from, or on the contrary, connection with the birth network; and some transracially placed foster children struggle with societal messages they receive about minority ethnicity and race. They may have an increased awareness of their minority ethnic background because of different physical appearances between themselves and the foster family. Foster parents can play a pivotal role in these processes, since culturally competent foster parents may guide foster children in their ethnic identity development by being open towards children’s cultural minority background as well as being self‐reflective regarding their own cultural values and beliefs.

Discussion

The ethnic development of transracially placed foster children seems to be influenced by intersecting mechanisms of being in foster care and having a minority ethnicity. Although the selected articles assume that foster parents impact the ethnic identities of their ethnic minority foster children, none of them measured the impact of foster parents’ skills and knowledge on foster children’ s ethnic identity development directly.

Conclusion

Being transracially placed impacts the ethnic identity of foster children. Foster parents need to be cultural competent to encourage their foster children’s ethnic identity development.
A new president in the White House: implications for Canadian agricultural trade
Authors: Grant Jason H. , Boys Kathryn A. , Xie Chaoping
Published: February 2021

Canadian agricultural trade has experienced several volatile periods over the past 15 years. The Great Recession (2007–2009), the 2015–2016 global trade slowdown, unilateral policy actions by the United States against key trade allies and the multilateral system more generally, and the impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic are among the most significant events during this period. Given the close integration of Canadian and US agricultural markets, the recent US election is likely to again impact the relative competitiveness of Canadian agricultural exports. While many observers suggest President‐elect Joe Biden will return to normal times regarding multilateral cooperation with key allies and international institutions such as the World Trade Organization, the new administration is likely to face headwinds given the significant fraying of ties with key trading partners and allies due to disruptive actions taken by his predecessor. This article provides an overview of potential implications of a Biden administration for Canada's agricultural trade. We start by reviewing recent trade shock events affecting Canada's agricultural trade with a particular focus on trade actions taken by the United States. Relevant components of the President‐elect Biden's platform, considerations affecting the implementation of this platform, and the implications of this for Canadian agricultural trade are considered.
Minimal invasive surgery for left colectomy adapted to the COVID‐19 pandemic: laparoscopic intracorporeal resection and anastomosis, a ‘don’t touch the bowel’ technique
Authors: Serra‐Aracil Xavier , Mora‐Lopez Laura , Gomez‐Torres Irene , Pallisera‐Lloveras Anna , Serra‐Pla Sheila , Serracant Anna , Garcia‐Nalda Albert , Pino‐Perez Oriol , Navarro‐Soto Salvador
Published: February 2021

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced surgeons to adapt their standard procedures. The modifications introduced are designed to favour minimally invasive surgery. The positive results obtained with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in the right colon and rectum prompt us to adapt these procedures to the left colon. We describe a ‘don't touch the bowel’ technique and outline the benefits to patients of the use of less surgically aggressive techniques and also to surgeons in terms of the lower emission of aerosols that might transmit the COVID‐19 infection.

Methods

This was an observational study of intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in left colectomy. We describe the technical details of intracorporeal resection, end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis and extraction of the specimen through mini‐laparotomy in the ideal location.

Results

We present preliminary results of 17 patients with left‐sided colonic pathologies, 15 neoplasia and two diverticular disease, who underwent four left hemicolectomies, six sigmoidectomies and seven high anterior resections. Median operating time was 186 min (range 120–280). No patient required conversion to extracorporeal laparoscopy or open surgery. Median hospital stay was 4.7 days (range 3–12 days). There was one case of anastomotic leak managed with conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Intracorporeal resection and end‐to‐end anastomosis with the possibility of extraction of the specimen by a mini‐laparotomy in the ideal location may present benefits and also adapts well to the conditions imposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future comparative studies are needed to demonstrate these benefits with respect to extracorporeal anastomosis.
Essential indicators for measuring site‐based conservation effectiveness in the post‐2020 global biodiversity framework
Authors: Geldmann Jonas , Deguignet Marine , Balmford Andrew , Burgess Neil D. , Dudley Nigel , Hockings Marc , Kingston Naomi , Klimmek Helen , Lewis Alanah Hayley , Rahbek Carsten , Stolton Sue , Vincent Claire , Wells Sue , Woodley Stephen , Watson James E. M.
Published: February 2021

Work on the post‐2020 global biodiversity framework is now well advanced and will outline a vision, goals, and targets for the next decade of biodiversity conservation and beyond. For the effectiveness of Protected areas and Other Effective area‐based Conservation Measures, an indicator has been proposed for “areas meeting their documented ecological objectives.” However, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has not identified or agreed on what data should inform this indicator. Here we draw on experiences from the assessment of protected area effectiveness in the CBD's previous strategic plan to provide recommendations on the essential elements related to biodiversity outcomes and management that need to be captured in this updated indicator as well as how this could be done. Our proposed protected area effectiveness indicators include a combination of remotely derived products for all protected areas, combined with data from monitoring of both protected area management and trends in species and ecosystems based on field observations. Additionally, we highlight the need for creating a digital infrastructure to operationalize national‐level data‐capture. We believe these steps are critical and urge the adoption of suitable protected area effectiveness indicators before the post‐2020 framework is agreed in 2021.
Conservation, risk aversion, and livestock insurance: The case of the snow leopard
Authors: Loch‐Temzelides Ted
Published: February 2021

Livestock insurance consists of livestock owners pooling resources together in order to hedge against the risk of attacks by predators on their individual herds. We use an economic model to study optimal livestock insurance and to discuss its viability in improving outcomes for livestock owners. The benefit from insurance depends on the livestock owners' level of risk aversion. We calibrate the model using data from Project Snow Leopard and investigate the potential of livestock insurance for achieving conservation goals. The model predicts that leopard killings would decline under the proposed livestock insurance contract. The level of the decline depends on the degree of risk aversion. Our analysis calls for surveys that measure risk aversion of local livestock owners to be conducted in any situation where insurance is considered as a policy towards achieving conservation goals. Finally, we discuss how the proposed livestock insurance scheme could be implemented in practice.
Paracicatricial melanocytes as a sign of melanoma
Authors: Ghanian Soha , Zakka Fouad R. , Shu Nova , Robinson‐Bostom Leslie , Weinstock Martin , Vezeridis Michael , Walker Joanna
Published: February 2021

Intradermal melanocytes in the setting of melanoma represent a diagnostic challenge to dermatopathologists as their presence may represent superficially invasive melanoma vs benign nevus cells or reactive dermal melanocytes. Previous dermatologic literature suggests that the absence of cytologic atypia in intradermal melanocytes and their presence in nonmelanocytic neoplasms lends to their characterization as reactive, benign, melanocytic proliferation. A 67‐year‐old female presented for evaluation of a 10‐mm irregularly pigmented dark brown macule on the left cheek. Initial shave biopsy showed transected malignant melanoma measuring at least 0.6 mm in thickness. Multiple reexcision specimens demonstrated residual melanoma with banal appearing intradermal epithelioid melanocytes within and surrounding the scar. The melanocytes tracked into the skin graft, which had previously been free from involvement. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET CT) and lymph node biopsies did not show evidence of metastatic melanoma. Ten months after her diagnosis and following five surgical excisions, the patient was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma to the brain and succumbed to intracranial hemorrhage. We present a case in which paracicatricial melanoma may simulate benign paracicatricial melanocytic hyperplasia. These findings have significant therapeutic and prognostic implications for the practicing dermatologist and dermatopathologist.
Substance use and help‐seeking among justice‐involved young people in Queensland and Western Australia: A cross‐sectional survey of 14–17‐year‐olds
Authors: Steele Megan L. , Meurk Carla , Schess Jaclyn , Yap Lorraine , Jones Jocelyn , Harden Scott , Davison Sophie , Butler Tony , Heffernan Ed
Published: February 2021

Introduction

This study investigated substance use and help‐seeking among justice‐involved young people to inform and improve service provision during and after contact with the justice system.

Methods

Young people (14–17 years) in the community with current or prior contact with the justice system were recruited in Queensland and Western Australia, Australia using purposive sampling between 2016 and 2018. A cross‐sectional survey was delivered by computer‐assisted telephone interview. Information was collected on sociodemographic and health factors; lifetime and frequency of use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; and use of health services related to substance use and mental health.

Results

Of the 465 justice‐involved young people surveyed, most had used alcohol (89%), tobacco (86%) or other drugs (81%). Of the latter, cannabis use was most prevalent (79%), followed by ecstasy (26%) and amphetamine (22%). Young people engaging in higher risk drug use (daily use, injecting use) were more likely to also have an alcohol use disorder, be disengaged from education, unemployed, have attempted suicide and experienced incarceration. Of the cohort, 24% had received treatment at an alcohol and drug service in the past year and 30% had seen a health professional about emotional/behavioural problems. Males and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people were less likely to have sought professional help.

Conclusion

The high levels of substance use and disproportionate levels of help‐seeking observed in this study illustrate the importance of delivering tailored, comprehensive and coordinated trauma‐informed and culturally safe alcohol and drug services to justice‐involved young people.
The role of phylogenetic scale in Darwin's naturalization conundrum in the critically imperilled pine rockland ecosystem
Authors: Trotta Lauren B. , Siders Zachary A. , Sessa Emily B. , Baiser Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Aim

We expand on community phylogenetic approaches to Darwin's Naturalization Conundrum by considering phylogenetic scale, comprised of phylogenetic grain and extent. We assess relatedness between invasive, non‐native and native plant species at multiple depths in the phylogeny (i.e. phylogenetic grain) and across multiple clades (i.e. phylogenetic extents) at regional and local spatial scales in the highly fragmented, critically imperilled pine rockland ecosystem.

Location

Miami‐Dade County, Florida, USA.

Methods

We used two metrics differing in phylogenetic grain to determine whether invasive or non‐native species were more closely related to native species in the regional pool and at 33 habitat fragments. At both spatial scales, we altered phylogenetic extent from all vascular plants to four smaller phylogenetic domains (Monilophyte, Gymnosperm, Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon) and assessed whether the interpretation of relatedness changed.

Results

For the regional pool and at a broad phylogenetic grain, non‐native species were more closely related to the native community than invasive species were for all phylogenetic extents (i.e. support for Darwin's Naturalization Hypothesis, DNH), and at a fine phylogenetic grain for only two phylogenetic extents. At the local scale, there was limited support for DNH across all phylogenetic extents. In Monocotyledons, support for DNH was more prevalent at the fine phylogenetic grain, while Dicotyledons showed support for DNH at the broad phylogenetic grain.

Main conclusions

In the pine rockland flora, we found either support for DNH or no difference in relatedness between non‐native‐to‐native and invasive‐to‐native species. However, patterns of relatedness varied across spatial and phylogenetic grain and, critically, this variability is highly dependent on the phylogenetic extent considered. By explicitly assessing the interactions between spatial scale and phylogenetic scale, we show that support for DNH was context dependent, and findings at smaller phylogenetic extents rarely agreed with findings at the larger phylogenic extent.