bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in orbital haematolymphoid neoplasms
Authors: Stephen Norton , Manivannan Prabhu , Gochhait Debasis , Sreerekha Jinkala , Ramasubramanian Niranjini , Srinivas Bheemanathi Hanuman , Kar Rakhee , Kasturi Nirupama , Basu Debdata , Siddaraju Neelaiah
Published: October 2020

Background

Orbital hematolymphoid lesions are rare and usually encountered in elderly patients. Orbital lesions are not easy to biopsy: hence fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be a very good diagnostic modality for these lesions.

Materials and Methods

Cases of orbital masses subjected to FNAC dating from 2013 to 2020 were retrieved from our archives. A total of 16 cases with biopsy confirmation were included. All clinical details, the type of procedure, details of the immunocytochemistry (ICC) performed on smear, follow‐up biopsy, and their haematological work‐up were analysed in detail.

Results

Sixteen biopsy‐confirmed cases had been diagnosed as orbital haematolymphoid lesions on cytomorphology and further categorised with ancillary studies including ICC. In twelve instances, the cytology impression was congruent with the histopathological diagnosis and eight of the sixteen cases (50%) proved to be primary orbital lymphoma. Four were secondary orbital lymphomas and the remaining four included one case each of plasmacytoma, myeloid sarcoma, Rosai‐Dorfman disease and angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia.

Conclusion

FNAC is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing most of the haematolymphoid orbital lesions and it has a rapid turnaround time. The accuracy of cytomorphology combined with ICC on smears/cell blocks can be as good as a biopsy for exact categorisation. Additionally, aspirate smears are preferred samples for cytogenetics compared to formalin‐fixed tissue blocks, as molecular cytogenetics techniques are frequently employed for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes.
Guidelines for sedation in gastroenterological endoscopy (second edition)
Authors: Gotoda Takuji , Akamatsu Takuji , Abe Seiichiro , Shimatani Masaaki , Nakai Yousuke , Hatta Waku , Hosoe Naoki , Miura Yoshimasa , Miyahara Ryoji , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Yoshida Naohisa , Kawaguchi Yosuke , Fukuda Shinsaku , Isomoto Hajime , Irisawa Atsushi , Iwao Yasushi , Uraoka Toshio , Yokota Miyuki , Nakayama Takeo , Fujimoto Kazuma , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: October 2020

Sedation in gastroenterological endoscopy has become an important medical option in routine clinical care. Here, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society and the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists together provide the revised “Guidelines for sedation in gastroenterological endoscopy” as a second edition to address on‐site clinical questions and issues raised for safe examination and treatment using sedated endoscopy. Twenty clinical questions were determined and the strength of recommendation and evidence quality (strength) were expressed according to the “MINDS Manual for Guideline Development 2017.” We were able to release up‐to‐date statements related to clinical questions and current issues relevant to sedation in gastroenterological endoscopy (henceforth, “endoscopy”). There are few reports from Japan in this field (e.g., meta‐analyses), and many aspects have been based only on a specialist consensus. In the current scenario, benzodiazepine drugs primarily used for sedation during gastroenterological endoscopy are not approved by national health insurance in Japan, and investigations regarding expense‐related disadvantages have not been conducted. Furthermore, including the perspective of beneficiaries (i.e., patients and citizens) during the creation of clinical guidelines should be considered. These guidelines are standardized based on up‐to‐date evidence quality (strength) and supports on‐site clinical decision‐making by patients and medical staff. Therefore, these guidelines need to be flexible with regard to the wishes, age, complications, and social conditions of the patient, as well as the conditions of the facility and discretion of the physician.
The effect of regular rhythm on the perception of linguistic and non‐linguistic auditory input
Authors: Rassili Outhmane , Ordin Mikhail
Published: October 2020

Regular distribution of auditory stimuli over time can facilitate perception and attention. However, such effects have to date only been observed in separate studies using either linguistic or non‐linguistic materials. This has made it difficult to compare the effects of rhythmic regularity on attention across domains. The current study was designed to provide an explicit within‐subject comparison of reaction times and accuracy in an auditory target‐detection task using sequences of regularly and irregularly distributed syllables (linguistic material) and environmental sounds (non‐linguistic material). We explored how reaction times and accuracy were modulated by regular and irregular rhythms in a sound‐ (non‐linguistic) and syllable‐monitoring (linguistic) task performed by native Spanish speakers (N = 25). Surprisingly, we did not observe that regular rhythm exerted a facilitatory effect on reaction times or accuracy. Further exploratory analysis showed that targets that appear later in sequences of syllables and sounds are identified more quickly. In late targets, reaction times in stimuli with a regular rhythm were lower than in stimuli with irregular rhythm for linguistic material, but not for non‐linguistic material. The difference in reaction times on stimuli with regular and irregular rhythm for late targets was also larger for linguistic than for non‐linguistic material. This suggests a modulatory effect of rhythm on linguistic stimuli only once the percept of temporal isochrony has been established. We suggest that temporal isochrony modulates attention to linguistic more than to non‐linguistic stimuli because the human auditory system is tuned to process speech. The results, however, need to be further tested in confirmatory studies.
No behavioral syndromes or sex‐specific personality differences in the southern rainforest sunskink (Lampropholis similis)
Authors: Goulet Celine T. , Hart Wes , Phillips Ben L. , Llewelyn John , Wong Bob B. M. , Chapple David G.
Published: October 2020

Behavioral syndromes, when individuals within a population express consistent behavioral differences across time and context, are widespread in animal taxa. For many species, males and females experience different selective pressures after maturation, resulting in the divergence of life‐history and behavioral traits. However, the potential for sex‐specific differences in individual behaviors and behavioral syndromes has rarely been assessed. Here, we tested for sex‐specific differences in behavior (activity, exploration, sociability) and personality in the southern rainforest sunskink, Lampropholis similis. We found that most behaviors in L. similis did not differ between sexes, the exception being sociality which was higher in females than males. In terms of consistency among behaviors, activity and exploration, but not sociability, were repeatable, and there were no sex‐specific differences in repeatability of behavioral traits. Although a behavioral syndrome among these three traits is present in a congener (L. delicata), we found no evidence for such a syndrome in either sex of L. similis. Our study is consistent with the results of studies on other Lampropholis skinks that have found only limited sexual differences in behavior. More broadly, our study demonstrates there can be considerable differences in the presence or absence of behavioral syndromes in closely related species.
Oxidized glutathione promotes association between eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1Bγ and Ure2p glutathione transferase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Bchini Raphael , Girardet Jean‐Michel , Sormani Rodnay , Gelhaye Eric , Morel‐Rouhier Mélanie
Published: October 2020

The eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1Bγ (eEF1Bγ) is an atypical member of the glutathione transferase (GST) superfamily. Contrary to more classical GSTs having a role in toxic compound detoxification, eEF1Bγ is suggested to act as a scaffold protein, anchoring the elongation factor complex EF1B to the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we show that eEF1Bγ from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium is fully active as a glutathione transferase in vitro and undergoes conformational changes upon binding of oxidized glutathione. Using real‐time analyses of biomolecular interactions, we show that GSSG allows eEF1Bγ to physically interact with other GSTs from the Ure2p class, opening new perspectives for a better understanding of the role of eEF1Bγ in cellular oxidative stress response.
Spatial and seasonal variation in host community structure is weakly concordant with patterns of parasite composition
Authors: Grunberg Rita L.
Published: October 2020

Parasites are known to respond strongly to changes in host diversity and may ultimately reflect changes in ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether strong relationships between host and parasite richness also reflect those at the level of community composition. A complementary approach is to test for concordance between host and parasite composition to evaluate whether shifts in parasite community structure mirror patterns of their hosts and potentially the environment.

I tested for concordance between patterns of community similarity in parasites, their fish hosts, and environmental factors sampled across three sites and four seasons within each of two river ecosystems. I constructed ordinations of parasites, fish, and environmental variables to establish their patterns of similarity in multivariate space and used Procrustes analysis to evaluate whether patterns in community structure were concordant.

Spatial and seasonal patterns in fish and parasite community structure were concordant when analysing patterns in community composition (i.e. presence–absence), but not community abundance (i.e. numerical density). Patterns in fish communities were concordant with the physical river environment. However, despite finding concordance between fish and parasite communities and fish and their environment, parasites were concordant with the river environment in only one ecosystem.

Re‐evaluating the relationship between host and parasite diversity under a community concordance framework showed that patterns among host and parasite community composition exist, but this relationship is weaker than expected. The looser connection between patterns in host and parasite community composition can be mediated by parasite life history and parasites responding both indirectly and directly to changes in host communities and the local environment.
Non‐conventional dysplasias of the tubular gut: a review and illustration of their histomorphological spectrum
Authors: Pereira Daniela , Kővári Bence , Brown Ian , Chaves Paula , Choi Won‐Tak , Clauditz Till , Ghayouri Masoumeh , Jiang Kun , Miller Gregory C , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Kim Kyoung M , Kim Baek H , Kumarasinghe Marian P , Kushima Ryoji , Ushiku Tetsuo , Yozu Masato , Srivastava Amitabh , Goldblum John R , Pai Rish K , Lauwers Gregory Y
Published: October 2020

The increasing use of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures has led to the recognition by histopathologists of non‐conventional (or special‐type) dysplasias of the gastrointestinal tract. These lesions can be recognised in association with prevalent underlying gastrointestinal conditions, such as Barrett oesophagus, chronic atrophic gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The diagnosis of these special types can be challenging, and their biological behaviours are not fully characterised. The aim of this review is to provide a global view of non‐conventional dysplastic lesions observed in the various segments of the tubular gastrointestinal tract and describe their salient features. Furthermore, as the clinical implications of these various subtypes have not been broadly tested in practice and are not represented in most management guidelines, we offer guidance on the best management practices for these lesions.
Long‐term clinical, virological and immunological outcomes following planned treatment interruption in HIV‐infected children
Authors: Freguja R , Bamford A , Zanchetta M , Del Bianco P , Giaquinto C , Harper L , Dalzini A , Cressey TR , Compagnucci A , Saidi Y , Riault Y , Ford D , Gibb D , Klein N , De Rossi A ,   the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 11 Trial Team
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Planned treatment interruption (PTI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adults is associated with adverse outcomes. The PENTA 11 trial randomized HIV‐infected children to continuous ART (CT) vs. CD4‐driven PTIs. We report 5 years’ follow‐up after the end of main trial.

Methods

Post‐trial, all children resumed ART. Clinical, immunological, virological and treatment data were collected annually. A sub‐study investigated more detailed immunophenotype. CT and PTI arms were compared using intention‐to‐treat. Laboratory parameters were compared using linear regression, adjusting for baseline values; mixed models were used to include all data over time.

Results

In all, 101 children (51 CT, 50 PTI) contributed a median of 7.6 years, including 5.1 years of post‐trial follow‐up. Post‐trial, there were no deaths, one pulmonary tuberculosis and no other CDC stage B/C events. At 5 years post‐trial, 90% of children in the CT vs. 82% in the PTI arm had HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL (P = 0.26). A persistent increase in CD8 cells was observed in the PTI arm. The sub‐study (54 children) suggested that both naïve and memory populations contributed to higher CD8 cells following PTI. Mean CD4/CD8 ratios at 5 years post‐trial were 1.22 and 1.08 in CT and PTI arms, respectively [difference (CT – PTI) = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.34–0.05), P = 0.14]. The sub‐study also suggested that during the trial and at early timepoints after the end of the trial, reduction in CD4 in the PTI arm was mainly from loss of CD4 memory cells.

Conclusions

Children tolerated PTI with few long‐term clinical, virological or immunological consequences.
Microstructure evolution of hydration products and strength change of hydratable alumina‐bonded castables below 1250°C
Authors: Zhang Ju , Li Na , Zhou Wenying , Xiong Xuejun , Gao Song , Ye Guotian
Published: October 2020

There have been reports that strength of hydratable alumina (HA)‐bonded castables without silica fume drops significantly at 600°C and decreases substantially again at 1000°C. But the strength variation of the HA‐bonded castables during the intermediate temperature range has not been investigated and elaborated from the perspective of phase evolution and microstructural change in the castables. In this work, the relationship between the change in the strength of castables and the microstructural characteristics of the HA‐bonded castables was investigated. The phase and microstructure evolution of HA‐bonded castables between 110°C and 1250°C were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). It has been found that strength drops of the HA‐bonded castables during heating process do not mainly happen at the temperature at which HA hydrates decompose, but at the temperature at which the structure of dehydrated HA hydrates disintegrates.
Height‐based equations as screening tools for elevated blood pressure in the SAYCARE study
Authors: Skapino Estela , Rupérez Azahara Iris , Restrepo‐Mesa Sandra , Araújo‐Moura Keisyanne , De Moraes Augusto César , Barbosa Carvalho Heráclito , Aristizabal Juan Carlos , Moreno Luis Alberto
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the accuracy of four height‐based equations: blood pressure to height ratio (BPHR), modified BPHR (MBPHR), new modified BPHR (NMBPHR), and height‐based equations (HBE) for screening elevated BP in children and adolescents in the SAYCARE study. We measured height and BP of 829 children and adolescents from seven South American cities. Receiving operating curves were used to assess formula performance to diagnose elevated BP in comparison to the 2017 clinical guideline. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for the four screening formulas. The diagnostic agreement was evaluated with the kappa coefficient. The HBE equation showed the maximum sensitivity (100%) in children, both for boys and girls, and showed the best performance results, with a very high NPV (>99%) and high PPV (>60%) except for female children (53.8%). In adolescents, the highest sensitivity (100%) was achieved with the NMBPHR for both sexes. Kappa coefficients indicated that HBE had the highest agreement with the gold standard diagnostic method (between 0.70 and 0.75), except for female children (0.57). Simplified methods are friendlier than the percentile gold standard tables. The HBE equation showed better performance than the other formulas in this Latin American pediatric population.
DEK‐targeting aptamer DTA‐64 attenuates bronchial EMT‐mediated airway remodelling by suppressing TGF‐β1/Smad, MAPK and PI3K signalling pathway in asthma
Authors: Song Yilan , Wang Zhiguang , Jiang Jingzhi , Piao Yihua , Li Li , Xu Chang , Piao Hongmei , Li Liangchang , Yan Guanghai
Published: October 2020

This study is to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of DEK‐targeting aptamer (DTA‐64) on epithelial mesenchymaltransition (EMT)‐mediated airway remodelling in mice and human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS‐2B. In the ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthmatic mice, DTA‐64 significantly reduced the infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in lung tissue, attenuated the airway resistance and the proliferation of goblet cells. In addition, DTA‐64 reduced collagen deposition, transforming growth factor 1 (TGF‐β1) level in BALF and IgE levels in serum, balanced Th1/Th2/Th17 ratio, and decreased mesenchymal proteins (vimentin and α‐SMA), as well as weekend matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) and NF‐κB p65 activity. In the in vitro experiments, we used TGF‐β1 to induce EMT in the human epithelial cell line BEAS‐2B. DEK overexpression (ovDEK) or silencing (shDEK) up‐regulated or down‐regulated TGF‐β1 expression, respectively, on the contrary, TGF‐β1 exposure had no effect on DEK expression. Furthermore, ovDEK and TGF‐β1 synergistically promoted EMT, whereas shDEK significantly reduced mesenchymal markers and increased epithelial markers, thus inhibiting EMT. Additionally, shDEK inhibited key proteins in TGF‐β1‐mediated signalling pathways, including Smad2/3, Smad4, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. In conclusion, the effects of DTA‐64 against EMT of asthmatic mice and BEAS‐2B might partially be achieved through suppressing TGF‐β1/Smad, MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways. DTA‐64 may be a new therapeutic option for the management of airway remodelling in asthma patients.
Wnt/β‐catenin signalling controls bile duct regeneration by regulating differentiation of ductular reaction cells
Authors: Wang Nan , Kong Rui , Han Wei , Lu Jie
Published: October 2020

Recently, the incidence of bile duct‐related diseases continues to increase, and there is no effective drug treatment except liver transplantation. However, due to the limited liver source and expensive donations, clinical application is often limited. Although current studies have shown that ductular reaction cells (DRCs) reside in the vicinity of peribiliary glands can differentiate into cholangiocytes and would be an effective alternative to liver transplantation, the role and mechanism of DRCs in cholangiole physiology and bile duct injury remain unclear. A 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC)‐enriched diet was used to stimulate DRCs proliferation. Our research suggests DRCs are a type of intermediate stem cells with proliferative potential that exist in the bile duct injury. Meanwhile, DRCs have bidirectional differentiation potential, which can differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Furthermore, we found DRCs highly express Lgr5, and Lgr5 is a molecular marker for neonatal DRCs (P < .05). Finally, we confirmed Wnt/β‐catenin signalling achieves bile duct regeneration by regulating the expression of Lgr5 genes in DRCs (P < .05). We described the regenerative potential of DRCs and reveal opportunities and source for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.
Genetic susceptibility for major depressive disorder associates with trajectories of depressive symptoms across childhood and adolescence
Authors: Lussier Alexandre A. , Hawrilenko Matthew , Wang Min‐Jung , Choi Karmel W. , Cerutti Janine , Zhu Yiwen ,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Dunn Erin C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Early‐onset depression during childhood and adolescence is associated with a worse course of illness and outcome than adult onset. However, the genetic factors that influence risk for early‐onset depression remain mostly unknown. Using data collected over 13 years, we examined whether polygenic risk scores (PRS) that capture genetic risk for depression were associated with depressive symptom trajectories assessed from childhood to adolescence.

Methods

Data came from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort (analytic sample = 7,308 youth). We analyzed the relationship between genetic susceptibility to depression and three time‐dependent measures of depressive symptoms trajectories spanning 4–16.5 years of age (class, onset, and cumulative burden). Trajectories were constructed using a growth mixture model with structured residuals. PRS were generated from the summary statistics of a genome‐wide association study of depression risk using data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, UK Biobank, and 23andMe, Inc. We used MAGMA to identify gene‐level associations with these measures.

Results

Youth were classified into six classes of depressive symptom trajectories: high/renitent (27.9% of youth), high/reversing (9.1%), childhood decrease (7.3%), late childhood peak (3.3%), adolescent spike (2.5%), and minimal symptoms (49.9%). PRS discriminated between youth in the late childhood peak, high/reversing, and high/renitent classes compared to the minimal symptoms and childhood decrease classes. No significant associations were detected at the gene level.

Conclusions

This study highlights differences in polygenic loading for depressive symptoms across childhood and adolescence, particularly among youths with high symptoms in early adolescence, regardless of age‐independent patterns.
First macrofossil record of Icacinaceae in East Asia (early Oligocene, Wenshan Basin) and its ecological implications
Authors: Del Rio Cédric , Huang Jian , Stull Gregory W. , Allemand Rémi , Zhou Zhe‐Kun , Su Tao
Published: October 2020

Icacinaceae are well represented in the modern tropical flora of East Asia, but this family has no confirmed macrofossils from this region. Most of the unambiguous fossils (e.g., endocarps) are from the Paleogene of North America and Europe, where the family is no longer present. Here we report a fossil endocarp of the liana genus Iodes from the Oligocene Wenshan flora, southwestern China. The fossil is relatively large (ca. 20 mm length, 11 mm width) and documents a vascular bundle inside the endocarp wall, a pattern of ridges enclosing few areoles, and an asymmetrical apex and rounded base. On the basis of these characteristics, we described a new species, Iodes elliptica, which represents the first Icacinaceae fruit fossil record from Asia. This fossil, consistent with recent reports of Iodes pollen from the Eocene of Hainan, indicates a long‐standing presence of the genus in SE Asia, dating back to the Paleogene. Based on the climatic data of modern Iodes, and other fossil occurrences from Wenshan, we hypothesize that the climate in the region was subtropical during the Oligocene, supporting a rainforest, with an overall mixed regional flora of subtropical and tropical elements.
Assembling Inclusion: Infrastructure, Regime, and Coordination Practices in Chilean Educational Policy
Authors: Palacios Rosario , Larrazabal Sofia , Berwart Rocío
Published: October 2020

Este artículo analiza las políticas educativas chilenas orientadas hacia la inclusión, a través de un enfoque etnográfico. Describimos y analizamos las características que conforman la infraestructura de la política como un conjunto de reglas que establecen cómo las escuelas deben implementar una educación inclusiva para los estudiantes con necesidades educativas especiales. La exploración de lo que llamamos la infraestructura de la política nos permite mostrar las formas en que el régimen se territorializa, así como los numerosos procesos de coordinación que surgen para mantener o desterritorializar el régimen de la política establecida. Nos basamos en la observación participante, en entrevistas y análisis de documentos para describir cómo las prácticas de las escuelas están entrelazadas con la infraestructura de una política no libre de contradicciones. Nuestro principal hallazgo es que no hay una política terminada para la educación inclusiva sino un ensamblaje de políticas que siempre están cambiando y en el que diversos actores, tanto humanos como no humanos, están permanentemente negociando sus posibilidades de agencia y de poder.
Two bi‐functional cytochrome P450 CYP72 enzymes from olive (Olea europaea) catalyze the oxidative C‐C bond cleavage in the biosynthesis of secoxy‐iridoids – flavor and quality determinants in olive oil
Authors: Rodríguez‐López Carlos E. , Hong Benke , Paetz Christian , Nakamura Yoko , Koudounas Konstantinos , Passeri Valentina , Baldoni Luciana , Alagna Fiammetta , Calderini Ornella , O'Connor Sarah E.
Published: October 2020

Olive (Olea europaea) is an important crop in Europe, with high cultural, economic and nutritional significance. Olive oil flavor and quality depend on phenolic secoiridoids, but the biosynthetic pathway of these iridoids remains largely uncharacterized.

We discovered two bifunctional cytochrome P450 enzymes, catalyzing the rare oxidative C‐C bond cleavage of 7‐epi‐loganin to produce oleoside methyl ester (OeOMES) and secoxyloganin (OeSXS), both through a ketologanin intermediary. Although these enzymes are homologous to the previously reported Catharanthus roseus secologanin synthase (CrSLS), the substrate and product profiles differ.

Biochemical assays provided mechanistic insights into the two‐step OeOMES and CrSLS reactions. Model‐guided mutations of OeOMES changed the product profile in a predictable manner, revealing insights into the molecular basis for this change in product specificity.

Our results suggest that, in contrast to published hypotheses, in planta production of secoxy‐iridoids is secologanin‐independent. Notably, sequence data of cultivated and wild olives point to a relation between domestication and OeOMES expression. Thus, the discovery of this key biosynthetic gene suggests a link between domestication and secondary metabolism, and could potentially be used as a genetic marker to guide next‐generation breeding programs.
The thermal tolerance of photosynthetic tissues: a global systematic review and agenda for future research
Authors: Geange Sonya R. , Arnold Pieter A. , Catling Alexandra A. , Coast Onoriode , Cook Alicia M. , Gowland Kelli M. , Leigh Andrea , Notarnicola Rocco F. , Posch Bradley C. , Venn Susanna E. , Zhu Lingling , Nicotra Adrienne B.
Published: October 2020

Understanding plant thermal tolerance is fundamental to predicting impacts of extreme temperature events that are increasing in frequency and intensity across the globe. Extremes, not averages, drive species evolution, determine survival and increase crop performance. To better prioritize agricultural and natural systems research, it is crucial to evaluate how researchers are assessing the capacity of plants to tolerate extreme events. We conducted a systematic review to determine how plant thermal tolerance research is distributed across wild and domesticated plants, growth forms and biomes, and to identify crucial knowledge gaps. Our review shows that most thermal tolerance research examines cold tolerance of cultivated species; c. 5% of articles consider both heat and cold tolerance. Plants of extreme environments are understudied, and techniques widely applied in cultivated systems are largely unused in natural systems. Lastly, we find that lack of standardized methods and metrics compromises the potential for mechanistic insight. Our review provides an entry point for those new to the methods used in plant thermal tolerance research and bridges often disparate ecological and agricultural perspectives for the more experienced. We present a considered agenda of thermal tolerance research priorities to stimulate efficient, reliable and repeatable research across the spectrum of plant thermal tolerance.
The “Difficult Learner” in anesthesiology: Challenges, pitfalls, and recommendations
Authors: Margolis Rebecca D. , Ku Cindy M.
Published: October 2020

Struggling learners often require interventions that are time‐consuming and emotionally exhausting for both the trainee and faculty. Numerous barriers, including lack of resources, faculty development, and fear of legal retribution, can impede medical educators from developing and implementing robust remediation plans. Despite the large volume of literature citing professionalism education and the “hidden curriculum” as problem areas in medical education, frontline educators lack practical tools and empowerment to address unprofessionalism in trainees. The paucity of resources in this arena has led to decreased job satisfaction, increased burnout, and an exodus from academic medicine. Department leadership acknowledgment and investment in training faculty on remediation strategies for learners in difficulty and providing tools to meet these challenging job demands will improve faculty's job satisfaction and overall well‐being. The authors review salient literature and methodology for diagnosing learners in difficulty, with focus on a high‐yield, pragmatic approach that can be taken by medical training programs, including those that lack a robust medical education infrastructure.
Implications of ionizing radiation on pollen performance in comparison with diverse models of polar cell growth
Authors: Stephan Octavian O. H.
Published: October 2020

Research concerning the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on plant systems is essential for numerous aspects of human society, as for instance, in terms of agriculture and plant breeding, but additionally for elucidating consequences of radioactive contamination of the ecosphere. This comprehensive survey analyses effects of x‐ and γ‐irradiation on male gametophytes comprising primarily in vitro but also in vivo data of diverse plant species. The IR‐dose range for pollen performance was compiled and 50% inhibition doses (ID50) for germination and tube growth were comparatively related to physiological characteristics of the microgametophyte. Factors influencing IR‐susceptibility of mature pollen and polarized tube growth were evaluated, such as dose‐rate, environmental conditions, or species‐related variations. In addition, all available reports suggesting bio‐positive IR‐effects particularly on pollen performance were examined. Most importantly, for the first time influences of IR specifically on diverse phylogenetic models of polar cell growth were comparatively analysed, and thus demonstrated that the gametophytic system of pollen is extremely resistant to IR, more than plant sporophytes and especially much more than comparable animal cells. Beyond that, this study develops hypotheses regarding a molecular basis for the extreme IR‐resistance of the plant microgametophyte and highlights its unique rank among organismal systems.
An Exploration of How Millennial Australian Conservative Voters Conceptualize Privilege
Authors: Pantaleo Ashleigh Marie , Dzidic Peta Louise
Published: October 2020

Research has identified variability in the way people see and understand privilege and their desire to address inequality. Generational and political ideological differences may be factors that shape such variability. Despite considerable inequality and a growing class system, to date, little research has been conducted in Australia to consider how people conceptualize these issues. Given this, the aim of this research was to explore how millennial Australian conservative voters conceptualize privilege. 10 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with millennial conservative party voters, and transcripts were analyzed thematically. Four themes were identified: (1) defining privilege (an advantage over others without effort); (2) comparisons: self to others (empathic downward comparisons saw participants identify qualities of their life that were privileged); (3) value tensions (tensions between participants political ideology and personal views) (4) disadvantage: individual or collective responsibility? (who and how inequality should be addressed). Combined, these themes revealed a highly contextual and nuanced conceptualization of privilege and how at times participants contested the conservative belief in meritocracy when empathically engaging in downward comparison of other’s circumstances, recognizing some positions of disadvantage could not be remedied by individual effort. Findings contribute to understandings in political psychology regarding downward comparisons and meritocracy.
Detection of the novel HLA‐DQB1*03:439 variant in an inhabitant from the island of Crete
Authors: Georgopoulou Anthie , Latsoudis Helen , Vatsiou Sophia , Stylianakis Emmanouil , Papadaki Helen A.
Published: October 2020

Characterization of HLA‐DQB1*03:439 allele in a Greek individual of Cretan origin.
Transfusion reactions associated with COVID‐19 convalescent plasma therapy for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Nguyen Freddy T. , van den Akker Tayler , Lally Kimberly , Lam Hansen , Lenskaya Volha , Liu Sean T. H. , Bouvier Nicole M. , Aberg Judith A. , Rodriguez Denise , Krammer Florian , Strauss Donna , Shaz Beth H. , Rudon Louella , Galdon Patricia , Jhang Jeffrey S. , Arinsburg Suzanne A. , Baine Ian ,   The Mount Sinai Health System Convalescent Plasma Team
Published: October 2020

Background

Convalescent plasma (CP) for treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has shown preliminary signs of effectiveness in moderate to severely ill patients in reducing mortality. While studies have demonstrated a low risk of serious adverse events, the comprehensive incidence and nature of the spectrum of transfusion reactions to CP is unknown. We retrospectively examined 427 adult inpatient CP transfusions to determine incidence and types of reactions, as well as clinical parameters and risk factors associated with transfusion reactions.

Study Design and Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed for 427 transfusions to 215 adult patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) within the Mount Sinai Health System, through the US Food and Drug Administration emergency investigational new drug and the Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Protocol to Convalescent Plasma approval pathways. Transfusions were blindly evaluated by two reviewers and adjudicated by a third reviewer in discordant cases. Patient demographics and clinical and laboratory parameters were compared and analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐five reactions from 427 transfusions were identified (12.9% incidence), and 13 were attributed to transfusion (3.1% incidence). Reactions were classified as underlying COVID‐19 (76%), febrile nonhemolytic (10.9%), transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (9.1%), and allergic (1.8%) and hypotensive (1.8%) reactions. Statistical analysis identified increased transfusion reaction risk for ABO blood group B or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores of 12 to 13, and decreased risk within the age group of 80 to 89 years.

Conclusion

Our findings support the use of CP as a safe, therapeutic option from a transfusion reaction perspective, in the setting of COVID‐19. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical significance of ABO group B, age, and predisposing disease severity in the incidence of transfusion reaction events.
Validation of a SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA RT‐PCR assay for high‐throughput testing in blood of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors and patients
Authors: Strasser Erwin F. , Steininger Philipp A. , Korn Klaus , Achenbach Susanne , Tenbusch Matthias , Cunningham Sarah , Zimmermann Robert , Überla Klaus , Hackstein Holger
Published: October 2020

Background

The frequency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNAemia in blood donors is uncertain. Thus, assays for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection in blood, validated on commercially available polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems, are required to allow a good comparability of data.

Study Design and Methods

The cobas SARS‐CoV‐2 dual‐target reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) assay, licensed for respiratory swab SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA testing, was validated for detection of viral RNA in blood. For the validation panel, SARS‐CoV‐2–positive plasma samples were prepared by spiking SARS‐CoV‐2–positive respiratory specimens in negative human plasma. The 95% limit of detection (LOD95) was determined by probit analysis. For clinical validation, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) donors and patients with COVID‐19 with a severe disease course treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) were included.

Results

The validation of the SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR assay for blood demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity and intra‐ and inter‐assay precision and efficiency. The LOD95 for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was 5.0 genome copies/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3‐12 copies/mL) for target 1 and 4.3 genome copies/mL (95% CI, 2.9‐10 copies/mL) for target 2. In a cohort of 39 CCP donors with 66 CCP donations no SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in plasma was detected. Screening of 25 blood samples of 19 ICU patients with COVID‐19 showed six positive results for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in at least one target of the assay.

Conclusion

The SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA assay, only licensed for respiratory swabs, performed on a PCR system for high‐throughput testing, showed a good assay performance for blood testing.
Advanced methodology for assessing chip package interaction effects on chip performance and reliability after chip assembly and during chip operation
Authors: Choy Jun-Ho , Sukharev Valeriy , Kteyan Armen
Published: October 2020

An advanced multiphysics EDA (Electronic Design Automation) methodology is presented for analyzing thermal and thermomechanical problems during chip assembly and operation. The tool-prototype, which was built on the basis of this methodology, employs an anisotropic effective thermal-mechanical property methodology that replaces building complex geometries in finite element analysis simulations, thereby enhancing accuracy and performance significantly. With multiscale capabilities enabled, the tool-prototype first performs full chip stress and temperature analyses and detects hotspots. Then, a detailed analysis is performed in the selected regions of interest, with the resolution adjusted to a feature-scale by adopting a finer grid for extracting effective properties, and enables one to address feature-scale stress-induced issues such as back-end-of-line cracking or stress-induced mobility degradation of transistors. When the tool-prototype is linked with power analysis and layout EDA tools, it can perform the reliability check within the design flow. The assessment procedure will help to design power efficient chips by avoiding thermal and stress hotspots that compromise chip performance and reliability.
Measuring the Acoustic Response of Classrooms with a Smartphone
Authors: Macho-Stadler Erica , Elejalde-Garcia Maria Jesus
Published: October 2020

The interest in achieving improved acoustical conditions in classrooms has increased in the last years. Some experiments on acoustics phenomena using smartphone applications appear in the recent bibliography. In this paper, we present a proposal for active learning about room acoustics for high school and undergraduate students. Students work on the concepts of reverberation and intelligibility through a set of activities centered on speech communication in the school. For experimental work, they use smartphone applications. At the end of the work, students would be able to suggest some actions to improve acoustic comfort in school.
The Falling Rod Race
Authors: Shan Shiliang , Shore Jennifer A. , Spekkens Kristine
Published: October 2020

So many fundamental physics problems involve rigid body rotation that mastery of the subject is essential to many science and engineering undergraduate degrees. Rigid body rotation is typically taught in introductory mechanics courses and while students are generally comfortable with the corresponding kinematic equations, torques and moments of inertia are more difficult to conceptualize. This paper discusses a teaching approach we have developed that exploits the Falling Rod Race, in which the angular acceleration of rods with different weights attached are compared. We present the underlying theory for two different classes of weighted rods using torque, describe an adaptable classroom demonstration that highlights the essential physics, and produce a plug-and-play numerical code for instructor and student use.
Transmission of Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria Parasites to Mosquitoes under Antimalarial Drug Pressure
Authors: Witmer Kathrin , Dahalan Farah A. , Delves Michael J. , Yahiya Sabrina , Watson Oliver J. , Straschil Ursula , Chiwcharoen Darunee , Sornboon Boodtee , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Pearson Richard D. , Howick Virginia M. , Lawniczak Mara K. N. , White Nicholas J. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Okell Lucy C. , Chotivanich Kesinee , Ruecker Andrea , Baum Jake
Published: October 2020

Resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in the
Plasmodium falciparum
parasite is threatening to reverse recent gains in reducing global deaths from malaria. While resistance manifests as delayed parasite clearance in patients, the phenotype can only spread geographically via the sexual stages and mosquito transmission. In addition to their asexual killing properties, artemisinin and its derivatives sterilize sexual male gametocytes. Whether resistant parasites overcome this sterilizing effect has not, however, been fully tested.
Heat Shock Proteins as the Druggable Targets in Leishmaniasis: Promises and Perils
Authors: Prasanna Pragya , Upadhyay Arun
Published: October 2020

Leishmania
, the causative agent of leishmaniasis, is an intracellular pathogen that thrives in the insect gut and mammalian macrophages to complete its life cycle. Apart from temperature difference (26 to 37°C), it encounters several harsh conditions, including oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and low pH. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play essential roles in cell survival by strategically reprogramming cellular processes and signaling pathways. HSPs assist cells in multiple functions, including differentiation, adaptation, virulence, and persistence in the host cell.
Acid Ceramidase Rescues Cystic Fibrosis Mice from Pulmonary Infections
Authors: Becker Katrin Anne , Verhaegh Rabea , Verhasselt Hedda-Luise , Keitsch Simone , Soddemann Matthias , Wilker Barbara , Wilson Gregory C. , Buer Jan , Ahmad Syed A. , Edwards Michael J. , Gulbins Erich
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have shown that sphingosine kills a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
. Sphingosine concentrations are decreased in airway epithelial cells of cystic fibrosis (CF) mice, and this defect has been linked to the infection susceptibility of these mice. Here, we tested whether the genetic overexpression of acid ceramidase rescues cystic fibrosis mice from pulmonary infections with
P. aeruginosa
.
Diagnostic difficulties in a patient with multiple sclerosis who presents with cranial nerve palsies: an unusual complication of dental work
Authors: Cathcart Jennifer , Johnson Rebecca Caitlin , Hughes Nicholas , Patel Manish
Published: October 2020

A woman in her 60s with multiple sclerosis (MS) presented with right-sided ptosis, right sixth nerve palsy, right facial paraesthesia and signs of sepsis. She had a recent diagnosis of a dental abscess. Investigations revealed a right submasseter abscess leading to bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus intermedius) and a cavernous sinus thrombosis. She was managed in intensive care and underwent surgical drainage of the abscess. Anticoagulation for 6 months was planned. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a very rare complication of a dental abscess, and even less frequently associated with submasseter abscesses. The case was complicated by a history of MS, to which the patient’s symptoms and signs were initially attributed to. This case highlights the diagnostic pitfalls, and aims to enhance learning around similar cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a masseter/submasseter abscess leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Rare cause of right iliac fossa pain in a UK patient
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Elmedani Mohamed , Mathew Smitha , Peristerakis Ioannis
Published: October 2020

A 62-year-old Asian man presented with a 3-month history of right iliac fossa pain which had progressively worsened over the last 3 weeks. All blood parameters were found to be unremarkable except for mildly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CT imaging demonstrated thickening of the ascending colon and caecum. Colonoscopic biopsies showed submucosal granulomas with features suggestive of schistosomiasis and parasite serology was positive forSchistosomaantibodies. He was treated with praziquantel and showed subsequent symptomatic and radiological improvement. However, he represented nearly 2 years later and underwent a right hemicolectomy for small bowel obstruction. The resected bowel showed an inflammatory caecal mass and a terminal ileal adenocarcinoma.
A rare case of nasal gout
Authors: Richards Emma , Watts Emma , McClelland Lisha
Published: October 2020

Gout is an increasingly common metabolic disorder worldwide. Classical presentation is with acute attacks of arthritis affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint. With disease progression, tophi may also appear. We present an unusual case of nasal gout in a 55-year-old man who was referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat department with irregularity over the nasal bones and episodic pain. We discuss the work up, diagnosis and management of this case and review the limited literature on this topic.
Large primary vaginal stone in a woman with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Aronson S Lot , Hovius Marina C , Janszen Erica W M
Published: October 2020

Vaginal stones are rare and therefore a delay in accurate diagnosis often occurs. We present a 54-year old woman with multiple sclerosis who was diagnosed with a primary vaginal stone. Initially, she presented with recurring urinary tract infections (UTI) and macroscopic haematuria to the urologist. A cystoscopy showed no abnormalities. Because of persistent bleeding, she was referred to the gynaecologist, and on gynaecological examination, a vaginal stone was revealed. Stone formation was likely to be the result of urinary pooling due to incontinence, which was caused by a neurogenic bladder. Other contributing factors were prolonged recumbency, threads of an intrauterine device and a UTI. The presence of a vesicovaginal fistula was excluded by testing with methylene blue. The stone was surgically removed and composed of 70% struvite and 30% apatite. The patient was treated for decubitus ulcerations of the vaginal wall with estriol (Synapause-E3). Follow-up was uneventful.