bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive comparison between 222 CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency and 212 LRBA deficiency patients: a systematic review
Authors: Jamee M , Hosseinzadeh S , Sharifinejad N , Zaki-Dizaji M , Matloubi M , Hasani M , Baris S , Alsabbagh M , Lo B , Azizi G
Published: March 2021

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) haploinsufficiency (CHAI) and lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) deficiency (LATAIE) are newly identified inborn errors of immunity with shared molecular pathomechanisms and clinical manifestations. In this review, we aimed to provide differential comparisons regarding demographic, clinical, immunological and molecular characteristics between these two similar conditions. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases and included studies were systematically evaluated. Overall, 434 (222 CHAI and 212 LATAIE) patients were found in 101 eligible studies. The CHAI patients were mainly reported from North America and western Europe, while LATAIE patients were predominantly from Asian countries. In CHAI, positive familial history (P < 0·001) and in LATAIE, consanguineous parents (P < 0·001) were more common. In CHAI patients the rates of granulomas (P < 0·001), malignancies (P = 0·001), atopy (P = 0·001), cutaneous disorders (P < 0·001) and neurological (P = 0·002) disorders were higher, while LATAIE patients were more commonly complicated with life-threatening infections (P = 0·002), pneumonia (P = 0·006), ear, nose and throat disorders (P < 0·001), organomegaly (P = 0·023), autoimmune enteropathy (P = 0·038) and growth failure (P < 0·001). Normal lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulins except low serum levels of CD9+ B cells (14·0 versus 38·4%, P < 0·001), natural killer (NK) cells (21 versus 41·1%, P < 0·001), immunoglobulin (Ig)G (46·9 versus 41·1%, P = 0·291) and IgA (54·5 versus 44·7%, P = 0·076) were found in the majority of CHAI and LATAIE patients, respectively. The most frequent biological immunosuppressive agents prescribed for CHAI and LATAIE patients were rituximab and abatacept, respectively. Further investigations into the best conditioning and treatment regimens pre- and post-transplantation are required to improve the survival rate of transplanted CHAI and LATAIE patients.
Adiponectin is associated with insulin sensitivity in white European men but not black African men
Authors: Hakim Olah , Bello Oluwatoyosi , Ladwa Meera , Shojaee‐Moradie Fariba , Jackson Nicola , Peacock Janet L. , Umpleby A. Margot , Charles‐Edwards Geoffrey , Amiel Stephanie A. , Goff Louise M.
Published: March 2021

Aims

We aimed to assess ethnic differences in inflammatory markers and their relationships with insulin sensitivity and regional adiposity between white European and black African men.

Methods

A total of 53 white European and 53 black African men underwent assessment of inflammatory markers alongside Dixon‐magnetic resonance imaging to quantify subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and intrahepatic lipid. A hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp was used to measure whole‐body and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity. To assess ethnic differences in relationships, the statistical significance of an interaction term between adipokines and ethnic group was tested in multivariable regression models.

Results

The black African men exhibited significantly lower adiponectin and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and greater interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) compared to white European men (all p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant ethnic differences in leptin, resistin, IL‐6, interferon‐γ, IL‐13, IL‐1β, IL‐8 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Several relationships differed significantly by ethnicity such that they were stronger in white European than black African men including IL‐6 with visceral adipose tissue; adiponectin with subcutaneous adipose tissue; leptin with intrahepatic lipid; adiponectin, IL‐6 and TNF‐α with whole‐body insulin sensitivity and TNF‐α with adipose tissue insulin sensitivity (all pinteraction <0.05). Leptin significantly predicted whole‐body insulin sensitivity in white European (R2 = 0.51) and black African (R2 = 0.29) men; however, adiponectin was a statistically significant predictor in only white European men (R2 = 0.22).

Conclusions

While adiponectin is lower in black African men, its insulin sensitising effects may be greater in white men suggesting that the role of adipokines in the development of type 2 diabetes may differ by ethnicity.
Pedobarographic Statistical Parametric Mapping may identify specific plantar pressure patterns in patients with diabetes mellitus among different degrees of peripheral neuropathy: A pilot study
Authors: Chatrenet Antoine , Beaune Bruno , Audebrand Jean‐Michel , Torreggiani Massimo , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Morel Baptiste
Published: March 2021

Aims

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) in patients with diabetes can lead to changes in the distribution of plantar pressure during walking, which can be recorded with pedobarography. Compared to traditional spatial data reduction analysis, the pedobarographic Statistical Parametric Mapping (pSPM) allows comparison of the footprints with the advantage that sub‐regions do not need to be defined a priori. Aim of the study was to test the potential of pSPM in identifying specific distribution of spatial pressure in different stages of PN.

Methods

PN was defined according to usual tools (i.e., tendon reflexes and sensory tests). Four groups were compared: patients with diabetes without PN (n = 24; 239 steps); with signs of mild PN (n = 12; 117 steps); with signs of severe PN (n = 6; 52 steps) and a control group without diabetes (n = 12; 124 steps). Traditional spatial data reduction and pSPM were performed to compare plantar pressures in the different groups.

Results

In patients with PN, traditional spatial data reduction analysis showed lower plantar pressures with PN severity. pSPM analysis is able to better define the initial changes: mild PN patients presents higher pressures on the anterior side of the metatarsal heads compared to patients without neuropathy. Patients with severe PN are characterised by higher pressures under the medial foot arch compared to other groups.

Conclusions

pSPM may identify specific features of plantar pressure distribution during walking in patients with mild PN and may become a useful screening tool for a timely identification of this complication.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Association with glycaemic control in gestational diabetes
Authors: Axelsen Silja M. , Kampmann Ulla , Koefoed Anna S. , McIntyre David , Ovesen Per G. , Fuglsang Jens
Published: March 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether the metabolic glucose profile, based on glycaemic control and insulin requirements, was different in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) compared to women with only GDM.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study comprised women with GDM and ICP matched with women with only GDM was undertaken at Aarhus University hospital, Denmark, from 2012 to 2019. A total of 46 cases and 184 controls were compared in relation to glycaemic control during pregnancy. Women with GDM and ICP were further divided into subgroups according to the severity of ICP: mild ICP (fasting bile salts 10–39 μmol/L) and moderate/severe ICP (bile salts ≥40 μmol/L).

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test values, second and third trimester HbA1c values, or maximum insulin requirements during pregnancy between women with GDM with and without ICP. Significantly more women with ICP developed preeclampsia during pregnancy: 23.9% (11/46) versus 7.6% (14/184); p = 0.003.

Conclusions

This study is the first to address the course of pregnancy in women with GDM with and without ICP in a clinical setting. Under the current treatment guidelines, ICP is not associated with clinically significant changes in glycaemic control in GDM. Significantly more women with both GDM and ICP developed preeclampsia.
Prevalence, clinical impact and costs of hyperkalaemia: Special focus on heart failure
Authors: Maggioni Aldo P. , Dondi Letizia , Andreotti Felicita , Calabria Silvia , Iacoviello Massimo , Gorini Marco , Gonzini Lucio , Piccinni Carlo , Ronconi Giulia , Martini Nello
Published: March 2021

Background

Hyperkalaemia is a potential life‐threatening electrolyte abnormality. Although renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are potentially life‐saving, they may contribute to hyperkalaemia.

Methods

The prevalence, comorbidities, comedications and 1‐year outcomes of patients admitted or treated for hyperkalaemia were investigated in a large healthcare administrative database including 12 533 230 general population inhabitants. A similar analysis was performed in the Italian Network on Heart Failure (IN‐HF), a cardiology registry of 1726 acute and 7589 chronic HF patients, stratified by serum potassium. General practice healthcare costs related to hyperkalaemia were also assessed. Hyperkalaemia was defined by hospital coding, potassium‐binder prescription or serum levels (mild: 5‐5.4, moderate‐severe: ≥5.5 mmol/L).

Results

In the general population, the prevalence of hyperkalaemia was 0.035%. After excluding patients on haemodialysis, hyperkalaemia in the community (n = 2314) was significantly and directly associated with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, HF, RAASi prescriptions, 1‐year hospitalisations and threefold annual healthcare costs, compared to age‐ and sex‐matched non‐hyperkalaemic subjects (n = 2314). In the IN‐HF registry, hyperkalaemia affected 4.3% of acute and 3.6% of chronic patients and was significantly associated with diabetes, kidney disease and lesser use of RAASi, compared to normokalaemic patients. Among patients hospitalised for acute HF, those with hyperkalaemia at entry had significantly higher 1‐year all‐cause mortality compared with normokalaemic patients, even after adjustment for available confounders.

Conclusions

Hyperkalaemia in the general population, although uncommon, was associated with increased hospitalisations and tripling of healthcare costs. Among HF patients, hyperkalaemia was common and associated with underuse of RAASi; in acutely decompensated patients, it remained independently associated with 1‐year all‐cause mortality.
Functional connectivity of the hippocampus and its subfields in resting‐state networks
Authors: Ezama Laura , Hernández‐Cabrera Juan A. , Seoane Sara , Pereda Ernesto , Janssen Niels
Published: March 2021

Many neuroimaging studies have shown that the hippocampus participates in a resting‐state network called the default mode network. However, how the hippocampus connects to the default mode network, whether the hippocampus connects to other resting‐state networks and how the different hippocampal subfields take part in resting‐state networks remains poorly understood. Here, we examined these issues using the high spatial‐resolution 7T resting‐state fMRI dataset from the Human Connectome Project. We used data‐driven techniques that relied on spatially‐restricted Independent Component Analysis, Dual Regression and linear mixed‐effect group‐analyses based on participant‐specific brain morphology. The results revealed two main activity hotspots inside the hippocampus. The first hotspot was located in an anterior location and was correlated with the somatomotor network. This network was subserved by co‐activity in the CA1, CA3, CA4 and Dentate Gyrus fields. In addition, there was an activity hotspot that extended from middle to posterior locations along the hippocampal long‐axis and correlated with the default mode network. This network reflected activity in the Subiculum, CA4 and Dentate Gyrus fields. These results show how different sections of the hippocampus participate in two known resting‐state networks and how these two resting‐state networks depend on different configurations of hippocampal subfield co‐activity.
Opposing macroevolutionary and trait‐mediated patterns of threat and naturalisation in flowering plants
Authors: Schmidt John Paul , Davies T. Jonathan , Farrell Maxwell J.
Published: March 2021

Due to expanding global trade and movement of people, new plant species are establishing in exotic ranges at increasing rates while the number of native species facing extinction from multiple threats grows. Yet, how species losses and gains globally may, together, be linked to traits and macroevolutionary processes is poorly understood. Here, we show that, adjusting for diversification rate and clade age, the proportion of threatened species across flowering plant families is negatively related to the proportion of naturalised species per family. Moreover, naturalisation is positively associated with range size, short generation time, autonomous seed production and interspecific hybridisation, but negatively with age and diversification, whereas threat is negatively associated with range size and hybridisation, and positively with biotic pollination, age and diversification rate. That we find such a pronounced signature of naturalisation and threat across plant families suggests that both trait syndromes have coexisted over deep evolutionary time and counter to intuition, that neither strategy is necessarily superior to the other over long evolutionary timespans.
20 years of DNA Polymerase μ, the polymerase that still surprises
Authors: Ghosh Dipayan , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: March 2021

DNA polymerases are important enzymes involved in DNA replication and repair. Based on sequence homology, DNA polymerases have been grouped into distinct families, which are A, B, X, and Y. The Pol X family consists of four members: Pol λ, μ, and β and terminal transferase or TdT. Members of the family X are involved in base excision repair, nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), and V(D)J recombination. One of the most interesting pol X family members is DNA polymerase μ, discovered back in 2000. Subsequent studies established the importance of Pol μ as a repair polymerase in NHEJ and its interactions with the other proteins of the NHEJ machinery. Pol μ has a number of interesting properties, which sets it apart from the other known DNA polymerases, including its ability to synthesize DNA from an unpaired primer terminus as well in the complete absence of a template strand (terminal transferase activity). Another standout property of Pol μ is its reduced ability to discriminate between ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides and its ability to utilize both ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides as substrates during the gap‐filling stage of NHEJ. In this review, we provide a brief overview of Pol μ in double‐strand break repair and the current knowledge on its various functional aspects.
Relationships among somatic growth, climate, and fisheries production in an overexploited marine fish from the Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Erisman Brad E. , Reed Erin M. , Román Martha J. , Mascareñas‐Osorio Ismael , van der Sleen Peter , López‐Sagástegui Catalina , Aburto‐Oropeza Octavio , Rowell Kirsten , Black Bryan A.
Published: March 2021

Relationships among somatic growth, climate, and fisheries production are poorly understood for coastal fishes in the Gulf of California (GoC), Mexico, but may serve as an adaptive management tool to set precautionary harvest limits for overfished, data‐limited stocks. We explored linkages among the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI), regional sea surface temperatures (SST), otolith growth chronologies of juveniles and adults, and annual landings in the Gulf corvina (Cynoscion othonopterus), an overexploited marine fish that supports the most important coastal finfish fishery in the northern GoC. Both MEI and SST were positively correlated with corvina landings five years later (peak age at capture), indicating that climate conditions at birth were a reliable predictor of future fisheries production. Juvenile growth rate covaried with both MEI and SST, confirming the influence of climate during early life history. There was no significant covariance from year to year in adult growth rate, but there was a significant cohort effect that positively correlated with MEI and SST, suggesting that climate conditions early in life exert lasting impacts that persist through adulthood. Differences in climate–growth relationships between juveniles versus adults were attributed to differences in the geographic distributions of the two life stages. Overall, we conclude that climate variability influences the future harvestable biomass of the corvina fishery via impacts on juvenile growth, and thus survivorship. Systematic monitoring of the corvina population, its fishery, and the biophysical components of the GoC environment must continue to improve our understanding of these climate‐driven processes and the management of the fishery.
Potential long‐distance dispersal of freshwater diatoms adhering to waterfowl plumage
Authors: Manning Faye S. , Curtis P. Jeff , Walker Ian R. , Pither Jason
Published: March 2021

Waterfowl are potential long‐distance dispersal vectors for aquatic microbes such as diatoms, but supporting empirical data are scarce, especially concerning external transport on feathers.

We conducted an experiment designed to partially emulate diatom dispersal via adherence to waterfowl, and to evaluate the effects of relative humidity (RH) and exposure time on viability. We dipped individual breast feathers from mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in a pure culture of the freshwater diatom Nitzschia pusilla Grunow, then, at room temperature (22.7°C), subjected them to one of four contrasting levels of RH (c. 8%, 35%, 70%, 88%) crossed with one of four exposure times (10, 60, 120, 240 min) within a chamber through which air was passed continuously, mimicking light wind that might be experienced by diatoms adhered to subsurface feathers. We then gently placed the feather on sterile growth medium. After 2 weeks, we used spectrofluorometry to detect diatom growth and thus diatom viability.

We found that exposure time and RH interacted significantly to affect diatom viability: the negative effect of exposure time was strongest under low RH conditions, but under high RH (88%) the probability of being viable was 0.84 for a 10‐min exposure (95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.94), and 0.45 for 4 hr of exposure (95% confidence interval: 0.18–0.75).

We combined our experimental findings with geospatial data to predict the probability of potential dispersal via adherence to mallards throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota, which are situated within the central waterfowl migration flyway in North America, and host important mallard breeding grounds. Using published data about: (1) mallard flight speeds; (2) the geographic distribution of surface waters and of N. pusilla; and (3) vapour pressure deficit (calculated using RH and air temperature) during the months of April and May, our geospatial model predicted high probabilities of potential dispersal, over tens to hundreds of kilometres, among water bodies of the central migration flyway.

Taken together, the results of our experiment and geospatial models provide novel insights into ectozoochory of freshwater diatoms, specifically that long‐distance dispersal of diatoms via adherence to waterfowl feathers is highly plausible, particularly during the near‐dawn hours when waterfowl flight activity peaks and vapour pressure deficit is low. Considered alongside previous evidence suggesting successful internal transport by waterfowl, we conclude that, for freshwater diatoms, ectozoochory is likely to be commonplace among waterbodies frequented by waterfowl.
Coast‐wide evidence of low pH amelioration by seagrass ecosystems
Authors: Ricart Aurora M. , Ward Melissa , Hill Tessa M. , Sanford Eric , Kroeker Kristy J. , Takeshita Yuichiro , Merolla Sarah , Shukla Priya , Ninokawa Aaron T. , Elsmore Kristen , Gaylord Brian
Published: March 2021

Global‐scale ocean acidification has spurred interest in the capacity of seagrass ecosystems to increase seawater pH within crucial shoreline habitats through photosynthetic activity. However, the dynamic variability of the coastal carbonate system has impeded generalization into whether seagrass aerobic metabolism ameliorates low pH on physiologically and ecologically relevant timescales. Here we present results of the most extensive study to date of pH modulation by seagrasses, spanning seven meadows (Zostera marina) and 1000 km of U.S. west coast over 6 years. Amelioration by seagrass ecosystems compared to non‐vegetated areas occurred 65% of the time (mean increase 0.07 ± 0.008 SE). Events of continuous elevation in pH within seagrass ecosystems, indicating amelioration of low pH, were longer and of greater magnitude than opposing cases of reduced pH or exacerbation. Sustained elevations in pH of >0.1, comparable to a 30% decrease in [H+], were not restricted only to daylight hours but instead persisted for up to 21 days. Maximal pH elevations occurred in spring and summer during the seagrass growth season, with a tendency for stronger effects in higher latitude meadows. These results indicate that seagrass meadows can locally alleviate low pH conditions for extended periods of time with important implications for the conservation and management of coastal ecosystems.
Political and administrative control of expert groups—A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Hesstvedt Stine , Christensen Johan
Published: March 2021

Governments face a fundamental dilemma when asking expert groups for advice. Experts possess knowledge that can help governments design effective and legitimate policies. However, they can also propose different policies than those preferred by government. How do governments solve this conundrum? Through a mixed‐methods study, the article examines politico‐administrative control with expert advisory commissions in Norway. Arguing that both politicians and bureaucrats can take interest in limiting the gap between political/administrative policy preferences and expert group output, the article examines by what means they seek to control expert groups and how control varies across policy portfolios. It finds that while politicians rely on control by design, bureaucrats use both design and interventions. Moreover, political and bureaucratic controls are stronger in the area of financial/economic policy than elsewhere. The article makes a novel contribution to scholarship at the intersection of public administration and knowledge and policymaking.
Go with the flow: the role of gateway and straits on plastic distribution
Authors: Chiarella Domenico , Hernández‐Molina Francisco Javier
Published: March 2021

Plastic pollution is widespread throughout the marine environment representing a risk for ecosystems and human health when plastic enters the food chain. Understanding factors and processes controlling plastic distribution and accumulation is crucial to identify plastic hotspots. Gateways and straits can play an important role on transferring plastic debris at superficial and sea bottom level depending on the local water masses stratification.
Minerals explained 59: Ettringite
Authors: Thiery Vincent , Rica Brunilda
Published: March 2021

Some minerals are of interest both in fundamental and applied sciences. This is especially the case for ettringite Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O (hexagonal). As a secondary mineral, it was described in 1874 in limestone xenoliths from the Eifel volcanic area in Germany. As a synthetic phase, in the same decades following its discovery in nature, it was recognized in cementitious material as hydrated calcium sulphoaluminate, eventually leading this phase to be known as ‘Candlot's salt’ in honour of the pioneering work of the French chemist Edouard Candlot who studied cement hydration. As ettringite‐group minerals cover a wide chemical range, it may also be an interesting mineral to consider for long‐term stabilization of toxic wastes such as heavy metals (Cr, Se,…) or boron, which might thus be of interest also for radioactive waste management.
Phylogeography and diversification of the Dead Sea Sparrow (Passer moabiticus) in Iran: insights from a multilocus approach
Authors: Shams Bita , Pons Jean‐Marc , Abdelkrim Jawad , Fuchs Jérôme
Published: March 2021

The Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus occupies a wide and scattered range across the Near East and the Middle East, where it inhabits semi‐desert habitats. Two subspecies that differ in underpart coloration are recognized. Both subspecies occur in Iran, P. m. moabiticus in western Iran and P. m. yatii in eastern Iran. Here we document the population genetics of this poorly known species using a multilocus approach. We used seven microsatellite loci and one mitochondrial locus to quantify population structure and gene flow within and between both subspecies. Our study reveals significant genetic differentiation in both nuclear and mitochondrial markers between P. m. moabiticus and P. m. yatii. Our results support the occurrence of two genetic clusters, corresponding to the two subspecies, and suggest the absence of admixed individuals, implying no recent or current gene flow between the two subspecies. Our results support a phylogeographical scenario in which the two lineages diverged from each other about 0.3–0.4 million years ago during a period of extreme aridity in two small allopatric refugia. We suggest that moabiticus and yatii may deserve species status and advocate for additional studies investigating in‐depth phenotypic and behavioural variation. We stress that P. m. yatii, which possesses a small and isolated range, may deserve special conservation attention.
Delineation of site‐specific management zones using estimation of distribution algorithms
Authors: Velasco Jonas , Vicencio Salvador , Lozano Jose A. , Cid‐Garcia Nestor M.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we present a novel methodology to solve the problem of delineating homogeneous site‐specific management zones (SSMZ) in agricultural fields. This problem consists of dividing the field into small regions for which a specific rate of inputs is required. The objective is to minimize the number of management zones, which must be homogeneous according to a specific soil property: physical or chemical. Furthermore, as opposed to oval zones, SSMZ with rectangular shapes are preferable since they are more practical for agricultural technologies. The methodology we propose is based on evolutionary computation, specifically on a class of the estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs). One of the strongest contributions of this study is the representation used to model the management zones, which generates zones with orthogonal shapes, for example, L or T shapes, and minimizes the number of zones required to delineate the field. The experimental results show that our method is efficient to solve real field and randomly generated instances. The average improvement of our method consists in reducing the number of management zones in the agricultural fields concerning other operations research methods presented in the literature. The improvement depends on the size of the field and the level of homogeneity established for the resulting management zones.
De‐risking through equity holdings: Bank and insurer behavior under capital requirements
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhou Qing , Zhu Min
Published: March 2021

Using a sample from 1980 to 2018, we find evidence consistent with banks and insurers in the United States diversifying financial risk through their equity holdings. They tend to offset the risk of increased leverage by lowering the leverage of the non‐financial firms in which they take an equity stake. We attribute this finding to the impact of risk‐based capital regulations. Facing the high cost of equity, financial institutions are well incentivized to comply with increased capital requirements by reducing asset risk. Our results demonstrate that the scope of the induced de‐risking activities of these institutions is not limited to their credit portfolios but extends to their equity exposure as well. We also show that non‐financial firms that are concerned about being dropped from the portfolios of financial institutions could de‐leverage to deviate from their theoretically optimal capital structures. These novel regularities need to be included in debates about capital regulations for banks and insurance companies.
Disentangling the effects of latitudinal and elevational gradients on bee, wasp, and ant diversity in an ancient neotropical mountain range
Authors: Perillo Lucas Neves , Castro Flávio Siqueira de , Solar Ricardo , Neves Frederico de Siqueira
Published: March 2021

Aim

Ancient tropical mountains are megadiverse, yet little is known about the distribution of their species. We aimed to disentangle the effects of latitudinal and elevational gradients on the distribution of species of Aculeata and to understand the effects of climatic variables across different spatial scales of diversity (α‐, γ‐, and β‐diversity).

Location

Campo rupestre in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, Southeast Brazil.

Taxon

Bees, wasps, and ants (Aculeata: Hymenoptera).

Methods

We used a unique dataset built from sampling species of Aculeata at 24 study sites across 12 mountains, covering 1200 km from south to north and an elevational range of 1000 to 2000 m. We explored the elevational and latitudinal patterns of α‐ (site), γ‐ (mountain), and β‐diversity among samples at each location (βLocal). We also tested the effect of elevational range on β‐diversity in each mountain (βMountain) and, on a larger scale (βRegional), if β‐diversity is influenced by geographical and environmental distances. Finally, we tested whether climatic variables underpin the observed patterns.

Results

Latitude had no effect on diversity. We found a decrease in both site and mountain diversity and, only for bees, βLocal increased with elevation. Climatic variables (temperature, wind, and precipitation) and their interactions were important drivers of diversity, with temperature being the most important. Finally, βMountain increased with mountain elevation range, and βRegional increased with the geographical and environmental distances.

Main conclusions

Our results showed that variation in species richness and composition across mountains is strongly associated with elevational gradient, which showed stronger climatic variation than latitudinal gradient. Therefore, despite having narrow elevational ranges, the biogeographical effects of tropical mountains drive high diversity. Facing global climate changes, this limited elevational gradient may limit species range shifts, leading to severe biodiversity losses.
Phylogeography at the crossroad: Pleistocene range expansion throughout the Mediterranean and back‐colonization from the Canary Islands in the legume Bituminaria bituminosa
Authors: García‐Verdugo Carlos , Mairal Mario , Tamaki Ichiro , Msanda Fouad
Published: March 2021

Aim

Species with widespread distributions offer excellent opportunities for investigating recent biogeographical patterns across broad scales. Here, we tested the hypothesis that, due to its intermediate geographical location, NW Africa is pivotal in explaining the phylogeographical patterns of taxa with Mediterranean–Macaronesian distributions using a legume species with short generation times.

Location

Mediterranean, with a focus on NW Africa and the Canary Islands.

Taxon

Pitch trefoil (Bituminaria bituminosa).

Methods

We generated genetic data and performed phylogeographical and demographic analyses at two geographical scales: Mediterranean Basin (MB), using plastid sequences (115 individuals), and Macaronesia, using plastid sequences (182 individuals) and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci (220 individuals). We also performed a literature survey focusing on phylogeographical studies of other circum‐Mediterranean taxa.

Results

Northwest Africa was identified as a centre of genetic diversity (19 out of 38 haplotypes) and demographic expansion of B. bituminosa in the MB during the Pleistocene. Our literature review revealed two main phylogeographical patterns in widespread species: pre‐Mediterranean evergreen sclerophylls versus Pleistocene facultative‐deciduous (including Bituminaria) taxa, but on average, both functional groups show a similar, large genetic diversity (~40% of haplotypes) in NW Africa. At the Macaronesian scale, we found that Canarian Bituminaria is composed of two genetic sublineages that coexist and hybridize on the central islands and in the mainland Macaronesian enclave (Anti‐Atlas region). Demographic analyses rejected the progression rule as the model of island colonization but strongly suggested that Anti‐Atlas populations are the result of back‐colonization from the easternmost islands before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Conclusions

Bituminaria displays a pattern of Quaternary eastward expansion in the MB that appears to be paralleled by several members of its functional plant group. Thus, our study reveals a previously undescribed dual role of NW Africa in plant biogeography, acting both as a source of species expansion to the rest of the MB and a LGM refugium of plant populations with a Macaronesian island origin.
Information gathering by overconfident agents
Authors: Downs Justin
Published: March 2021

A principal hires an agent to both gather information about a project's costs and implement it. The agent's information‐gathering effort and what he learns are his private information. I allow the agent to be overconfident in the sense that he underestimates his expected cost of implementation and study the effects this overconfidence has on the efficiency of information acquisition and implementation. Overconfidence makes the agent more willing to accept a given contract but may dampen his incentive to gather information. As a result, information may not be gathered in equilibrium due solely to the agent's overconfidence, which causes inefficiencies in the project's implementation. When the agent's information‐gathering cost is low enough, the principal's payoff is nonmonotonic in the degree of overconfidence, increasing for both low and high levels of overconfidence, but decreasing for intermediate levels.
Microplastics affected black soldier fly (Hermetiaillucens) pupation and short chain fatty acids
Authors: Romano Nicholas , Fischer Hayden
Published: March 2021

Microplastics (MPs) are microscopic particles that are now found in almost all ecosystems where they may exert adverse effects on various organisms, including insects. In this study, 20 black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) were exposed to MPs, in the form of polypropylene (PP‐MPs; 55 ± 4 µm) at 0.22% (26,972,507 particles/kg), versus a control (no added MPs) in triplicate for two weeks. After two weeks, final lengths, weights, percentage of pupation, fatty acid composition of BSFL and substrate reduction percentage were measured. Survival, lengths/weights and percentage substrate reduction in the PP‐MP group were not significantly different from the control. However, percentage of pupation was significantly lower in the PP‐MP treatment (at 65.2%) compared to the control (at 83.8%). Among the measured fatty acids, only propionic and butyric acid changed, and these short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) significantly increased from 0.12% and 0.17% to 0.14 and 0.19%, respectively, in the PP‐MP‐exposed group. This study indicates that exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PP‐MPs can substantially delay development, while the increase in the SCFA may indicate a change in the gut microbiota.
Trump's tweets: Sentiment, stock market volatility, and jumps
Authors: Nishimura Yusaku , Dong Xuyi , Sun Bianxia
Published: March 2021

We investigate the second‐moment response to tweets from US President Donald J. Trump in the US stock market. We find that Trump's tweeting positively and significantly affects the volatility and jumps during our sample's later period. The response of realized volatility to tweets is greater than that of continuous volatility because of the jump component in realized volatility. These results suggest that Trump's tweeting affects financial markets by sincreasing the market's jump tail risk, which cannot be hedged by investors without paying extra risk premiums, and therefore it requires careful consideration in investments.
Structure of plant photosystem I−light harvesting complex I supercomplex at 2.4 Å resolution
Authors: Wang Jie , Yu Long‐Jiang , Wang Wenda , Yan Qiujing , Kuang Tingyun , Qin Xiaochun , Shen Jian‐Ren
Published: March 2021

Photosystem I (PSI) is one of the two photosystems in photosynthesis, and performs a series of electron transfer reactions leading to the reduction of ferredoxin. In higher plants, PSI is surrounded by four light‐harvesting complex I (LHCI) subunits, which harvest and transfer energy efficiently to the PSI core. The crystal structure of PSI‐LHCI supercomplex has been analyzed up to 2.6 Å resolution, providing much information on the arrangement of proteins and cofactors in this complicated supercomplex. Here we have optimized crystallization conditions, and analyzed the crystal structure of PSI‐LHCI at 2.4 Å resolution. Our structure showed some shift of the LHCI, especially the Lhca4 subunit, away from the PSI core, suggesting the indirect connection and inefficiency of energy transfer from this Lhca subunit to the PSI core. We identified five new lipids in the structure, most of them are located in the gap region between the Lhca subunits and the PSI core. These lipid molecules may play important roles in binding of the Lhca subunits to the core, as well as in the assembly of the supercomplex. The present results thus provide novel information for the elucidation of the mechanisms for the light‐energy harvesting, transfer and assembly of this supercomplex.
“Ser o no ser indígena”: Oscilaciones identitarias dentro de la interculturalidad de Estado en México
Authors: Reyna Miriam Hernández , Cocom Juan A. Castillo
Published: March 2021

Este artículo aborda el mito de “el ser indígena” dentro de la interculturalidad de Estado en México. Desde el inicio del siglo XXI, el discurso oficial y la práctica institucional de la interculturalidad se han reapropiado de mitologías precedentes sobre el “indígena ancestro histórico”, al tiempo que han introducido la figura del “indígena víctima ancestral”. A través de un recorrido bidimensional pasado/presente, analizamos las oscilaciones entre esas dos formas de “identidad” para develar los puntos ciegos, evidenciar fronteras borrosas, desenmascarar usos políticos y exponer la fragilidad ideológica del discurso intercultural. Nuestra experiencia institucional dentro de la interculturalidad de Estado nos permite elaborar una crítica y proponer los primeros pasos para “escapar” a la indigenidad mitológica. A partir de los conceptos‐guía etnoéxodo e iknal (concepto maya de “lugar propio”, “presencia”), exploramos la posibilidad de “salir de la identidad”, entendiéndola no como presencia perpetua, sino como procesos de identificación proteica y evanescente que aparecen y desaparecen.
Noninvasive diagnostic techniques of port wine stain
Authors: Buch Jeta , Karagaiah Priyanka , Raviprakash Prerana , Patil Anant , Kroumpouzos George , Kassir Martin , Goldust Mohamad
Published: March 2021

Port‐wine stain (PWS) is a benign capillary malformation that most commonly occurs in the head and neck. It is present at birth and progresses over time. It is formed by progressive dilatation of post‐capillary venules and is associated with hypertrophy and nodularity with increasing age, leading to cosmetic disfigurement and psychological aggravation. It is caused by genetic mosaicism in GNAQ and GNA11 genes. Histopathology is the gold standard for assessment of PWS but it is invasive and may cause scarring. Inadequate characterization of the lesions may predispose to inadequate treatment protocols as well as higher treatment dosages. Clinical evaluation of treatment efficacy is subjective and may not be a representative of actual results. Therefore, an objective visualization modality is required. With evolving technology, numerous optical instruments have been developed for objective evaluation and visualization of subsurface structures. These include VISIA‐CR™ system, videodermoscopy, high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS), laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), reflectance spectrophotometers and tristimulus colorimeter, laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), cross‐polarized diffuse reflectance imaging system (CDR), reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). These semi‐quantitative modes of diagnosis are complementary to each other. Some can be used in the clinical setting while others, due to high instrument cost, are limited to the research settings. In this review, we bring to you a brief overview of noninvasive diagnostic modalities in PWS.
Matriderm dermal substitute in the treatment of post traumatic hand’s fingertip tissue loss
Authors: Fulchignoni Camillo , Rocchi Lorenzo , Cauteruccio Michele , Merendi Gianfranco
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Treatment of fingers tissue loss is particularly challenging as it often necessitates advanced reconstructive techniques such as flaps or grafts, with esthetic and functional results that are not always as good as hoped for, with long healing times. Recently, along with tissue engineering development, numerous types of dermal substitute have been commercialized, with promising possibilities of treatment in finger tissue loss. In the author's unit, Matriderm® is the most commonly used dermal substitute. As described by the manufacturer, this scaffold is designed to be covered with a split‐thickness skin graft. In using a two‐step procedure, the authors realized that in most cases of fingertips injuries, at three weeks follow‐up, the wound appeared in an advanced state of healing, which permitted to avoid grafting.

Material And Methods

Between October 2017 and October 2018, 27 fingers have been included in this study. Patients have been divided in two groups: those treated with Matriderm® alone (15 fingers) and those who had a skin graft three weeks after the first surgery (12 fingers). At the 6‐month follow‐up, authors evaluated the esthetic results with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the functional results with Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (qDASH) score, and sensibility by the mean of two‐point discrimination test (2‐PD).

Results

All outcomes were overlapping in patients treated with or without skin graft: mean VSS was 2.3, mean qDASH was 13.3, and mean 2‐PD was 7.7 mm.

Conclusions

The results obtained allow to consider Matriderm®, used also without skin graft coverage, as a valid solution for treatment of fingertip tissue loss.
Use of topical anti‐inflammatory and antineoplastic agents in the treatment of young‐aged actinic cheilitis: A systematic review
Authors: Medeiros Cristianne Kalinne Santos , de França Glória Maria , Lima Jabes Gennedyr da Cruz , Pinheiro Juliana Campos , Almeida Dennys Ramon de Melo Fernandes , Santos Pedro Paulo de Andrade
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Several treatments have been used to reduce inflammation and to reverse epithelial alterations in actinic cheilitis (AC).

Aim

A systematic review was conducted to analyze the potential of topical treatments for remission and clinical improvement of AC as well as patient acceptability.

Methods

A systematic review of clinical trials was conducted following the PICO strategy to answer the following question: Are topical anti‐inflammatory and antineoplastic agents effective in the treatment of actinic cheilitis? The quality of the studies was assessed by ROB‐2, and the certainty of evidence was rated by GRADE guidelines.

Results

Eight clinical trials were selected, including four that investigated the use of anti‐inflammatory drugs and four use of antineoplastic agents. The use of 3% diclofenac sodium was associated with partial remission of AC, while 5% imiquimod and ingenol mebutate promoted complete remission. Furthermore, 5% fluorouracil was the drug most associated with complications during treatment. Diclofenac sodium (3%) and fludroxycortide showed the best acceptance by the patients, especially in terms of symptom relief and comfort provided.

Conclusion

The anti‐inflammatory and antineoplastic agents analyzed largely provided good clinical outcomes, with evidence of remission of AC lesions, development of few local adverse reactions during treatment, and good patient adherence.
Health knowledge and motives on tattooing: A community‐based cross‐sectional study in Greece
Authors: Notara Venetia , Gnardellis Charalampos , Sakellari Evanthia , Soultatou Pelagia , Petratou Eleni , Dragomanovits Kalliroi , Lagiou Areti
Published: March 2021

Background

Tattooing is becoming an increasingly common trend mainly but not merely among the youth. However, the choice of ink body art is associated with an increase of dermatological complications.

Aim

To assess young persons’ health knowledge and motives toward tattooing.

Methods

The main instrument used was an online structured questionnaire with scaling and dichotomous questions, consisting of three components: (a) the participants’ sociodemographic profile, (b) health knowledge assessment, (c) motives toward or against tattooing. Simple univariate techniques and multiple logistic regression were used to data analysis. Two logistic models were developed having as dependent variable whether the respondents have or would like to have a tattoo. The independent variables in the models were sociodemographic characteristics of participants and three variables concerning respondents’ health knowledge and motives on tattooing.

Results

The study sample amounted to 629 young adults living in Athens, the capital city of Greece. The prevailing age group among tattooed persons was 19–25 years old (69.5%), with females being more likely to be tattooed than males. Among tattooed participants, knowledge in specific health complications appeared high, while in other potential complications was particularly low. The main motives identified were ideology/message and aesthetics/fashion (77% in total). Quite interesting, participants with medium and high health knowledge level showed, respectively 50%, and three times higher probability of having tattoos compared to low level. Only 16.2% of the tattooed participants regarded tattoo as dangerous to health (p < 0.0005).

Conclusions

The likelihood of acquiring ink body art is increasing critically among young adults. Even though this tendency is accompanied with adequate levels of knowledge concerning health hazards, systematic health education programs for more informed and safe choices are needed to be implemented, with particular emphasis on young people.
The impact of micronutrient deficiency on pregnancy complications and development origin of health and disease
Authors: Kanasaki Keizo , Kumagai Asako
Published: March 2021

Due to the spread of the western style diet, which is characterized by high intake of processed food, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) deficiency is increasing in the Japanese population of all ages and genders. During pregnancy, the elevated demand for micronutrients put pregnant women at even higher risk of micronutrients deficiency. Some micronutrients are relatively famous such that women with reproductive age are recommended to take folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defect. However, it is not generally known that folate is also important for fetal growth throughout the pregnancy course and for prevention of pregnancy complications, and that pregnant women should continue to take supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. The types of micronutrients and the duration of supplementation are both important factors to maintain normal pregnancies. This review focused on four micronutrients that are commonly deficient in Japanese pregnant women, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium. The detrimental effects of homocysteine accumulation associated with the above micronutrient defects and its link to catechol‐o‐methyltransferase insufficiency are described. We also discussed possible molecular mechanisms of pregnancy complications and the development origin of health and disease (DOHaD) regarding micronutrient deficiencies from the point of view of one carbon metabolism.