bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nocturnal vocal behaviour of the diurnal Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus) is associated with temperature and moon phase
Authors: Pérez‐Granados Cristian , Schuchmann Karl‐L.
Published: December 2020

Some diurnal birds vocalize at night but the reason for this has seldom been studied. We monitored the nocturnal vocal activity of the Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus from June 2015 to May 2016 at three recording stations in the Brazilian Pantanal. We tested whether an index of nocturnal vocal output (number of vocalizations automatically detected) of the species varied over the monitored annual cycle and whether it was related to night temperature and moon phase. The annual pattern of nocturnal vocal output was unimodal, with high vocal activity during September and October (49.9% of the total calls detected) and very low vocal output from January through June (8.5% of the total). The unimodal pattern found suggests that nocturnal vocal activity might be related to mate attraction rather than to territorial defence, for which a more constant pattern would have been expected. The percentage of the moon illuminated was positively associated with nocturnal vocal activity, probably related to the elevated light level on moonlit nights. Nocturnal vocal activity was not associated with minimum air temperature. Nocturnal vocal output was positively associated with vocal output during the preceding night, but not with vocal output during the preceding day, suggesting that it was not directly associated with diurnal calling. This is the first study showing a complete annual cycle of nocturnal vocalizations for a diurnal bird species. Our study provides new evidence regarding the function of and the reasons for nocturnal vocalizations in a diurnal non‐passerine bird and has important implications for continued study of reproductive behaviour in tinamous. Further research should examine whether courtship display is associated with nocturnal vocalizations in this and other species.
Associations between maternal obesity, gestational cytokine levels and child obesity in the NEST cohort
Authors: Maguire Rachel L. , House John S. , Lloyd Dillon T. , Skinner Harlyn G. , Allen Terrence K. , Raffi Asifa Mohamed , Skaar David A. , Park Sarah S. , McCullough Lauren E. , Kollins Scott H. , Bilbo Staci D. , Collier David N. , Murphy Susan K. , Fuemmeler Bernard F. , Gowdy Kymberly M. , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: December 2020

Background

Although maternal systemic inflammation is hypothesized to link maternal pre‐pregnancy obesity to offspring metabolic dysfunction, patient empirical data are limited.

Objectives

In this study, we hypothesized that pre‐pregnancy obesity alters systemic chemo/cytokines concentrations in pregnancy, and this alteration contributes to obesity in children.

Methods

In a multi‐ethnic cohort of 361 mother‐child pairs, we measured prenatal concentrations of plasma TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, IL‐12 p70 subunit, and IL‐17A using a multiplex ELISA and examined associations of pre‐pregnancy obesity on maternal chemo/cytokine levels, and associations of these cytokine levels with offspring body mass index z score (BMI‐z) at age 2–6 years using linear regression.

Results

After adjusting for maternal smoking, ethnicity, age, and education, pre‐pregnancy obesity was associated with increased concentrations of TNF‐α (P = .026) and IFN‐γ (P = .06). While we found no evidence for associations between TNF‐α concentrations and offspring BMI‐z, increased IFN‐γ concentrations were associated with decreased BMI‐z (P = .0002), primarily in Whites (P = .0011). In addition, increased maternal IL‐17A concentrations were associated with increased BMI‐z in offspring (P = .0005) with stronger associations in African Americans (P = .0042) than Whites (P = .24).

Conclusions

Data from this study are consistent with maternal obesity‐related inflammation during pregnancy, increasing the risk of childhood obesity in an ethnic‐specific manner.
Genome‐wide association study identifying novel variant for fasting insulin and allelic heterogeneity in known glycemic loci in Chilean adolescents: The Santiago Longitudinal Study
Authors: Buchanan Victoria L , Wang Yujie , Blanco Estela , Graff Mariaelisa , Albala Cecilia , Burrows Raquel , Santos José L , Angel Bárbara , Lozoff Betsy , Voruganti Venkata Saroja , Guo Xiuqing , Taylor Kent D , Chen Yii‐Der Ida , Yao Jie , Tan Jingyi , Downie Carolina , Highland Heather M , Justice Anne E , Gahagan Sheila , North Kari E
Published: December 2020

Background

The genetic underpinnings of glycemic traits have been understudied in adolescent and Hispanic/Latino (H/L) populations in comparison to adults and populations of European ancestry.

Objective

To identify genetic factors underlying glycemic traits in an adolescent H/L population.

Methods

We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of fasting glucose (FG) and fasting insulin (FI) in H/L adolescents from the Santiago Longitudinal Study.

Results

We identified one novel variant positioned in the CSMD1 gene on chromosome 8 (rs77465890, effect allele frequency = 0.10) that was associated with FI (β = −0.299, SE = 0.054, p = 2.72×10−8) and was only slightly attenuated after adjusting for body mass index z‐scores (β = −0.252, SE = 0.047, p = 1.03×10−7). We demonstrated directionally consistent, but not statistically significant results in African and Hispanic adults of the Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology Consortium. We also identified secondary signals for two FG loci after conditioning on known variants, which demonstrate allelic heterogeneity in well‐known glucose loci.

Conclusion

Our results exemplify the importance of including populations with diverse ancestral origin and adolescent participants in GWAS of glycemic traits to uncover novel risk loci and expand our understanding of disease aetiology.
Prospects of alleviating early planting‐associated cold susceptibility of soybean using microbes: New insights from microbiome analysis
Authors: Bandara Ananda Y. , Weerasooriya Dilooshi K. , Bell Terrence H. , Esker Paul D.
Published: December 2020

Cold susceptibility is a concern when growing crops of tropical origin in temperate regions. Crops such as rice, corn, sorghum, and soybean are generally susceptible to chilling stress. From production standpoint, a crop's cold tolerance is particularly important when the general recommendation is to adopt earlier than currently practicing planting dates in the spring. Early planting is a potential route to increase soybean yield in the United States. Nonetheless, early planting is often not practically feasible due to low soil temperatures. Although some commercial varieties are cold‐tolerant, soybean is generally prone to cold stress. Soil temperatures below 10°C reduce germination and seedling vigour. Cold temperatures can also increase soybean vulnerability to soilborne seed/seedling diseases. Microorganisms are experimentally shown to alleviate cold stress in agriculturally important crops such as rice, wheat, tomato and grapes. Although microbial inoculants are available to augment soybean yields through enhanced nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization and improved water/nutrient uptake, currently there are no commercially available inoculants to enhance soybean cold tolerance. Here we provide insights into the value of soybean rhizosphere microbiome analysis to identify microbial taxa that could potentially enhance soybean cold tolerance. Formulation of promising candidates into a seed treatment could contribute to early planting‐enabled soybean yield gains.
Optimizing the fiber push‐out method to evaluate interfacial failure in SiC/BN/SiC ceramic matrix composites
Authors: De Meyere Robin M. G. , Gale Louise , Harris Stephen , Edmonds Ian M. , Marrow Thomas J. , Armstrong David E. J.
Published: December 2020

The investigation of several parameters during fiber push‐out micromechanical tests on the interfacial shear strength (ISS) of the BN interphase in SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMC) was undertaken to optimize experimental work. The SiCf/SiC composites—candidate materials for jet engine components—were manufactured with varying fiber types and interlayer thicknesses. Experimental parameters explored included analyzing the effect of sample thickness on the success rate of micromechanical tests, the effect of fiber local environment whether at tow‐level (intra‐tow variability in ISS) or CMC architecture‐level (inter‐tow variability), the effect of nanoindenter flat‐punch tip size, and the effect of the interphase thickness itself. Over 1000 fiber push‐outs were performed and analyzed in this work—with data presented as cumulative distribution functions to compare and contrast samples. It was found that the ISS measured was strongly and statistically influenced by the underlying fiber roughness (interphase adherence), as well as its local fiber environment (e.g., number of nearest neighbors) only if the thickness of the interphase itself surpassed a threshold of 200 nm. Finally for thinner interphases, limited value was added to the CMC as the ISS measured was high and there was no effect from any local environment.
Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health in Spine Surgery: Impact on Postoperative Delirium
Authors: Pernik Mark N. , Deme Palvasha R. , Nguyen Madelina L. , Aoun Salah G. , Adogwa Owoicho , Hall Kristen , Stewart Nick A. , Dosselman Luke J. , El Tecle Najib E. , McDonald Shelley R. , Bagley Carlos A. , Wingfield Sarah A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Delirium is a common postoperative complication in geriatric patients, especially in those with underlying risk factors. Multicomponent nonpharmacologic interventions are effective in preventing delirium, however, implementation of these measures is variable in perioperative care. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of our Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health Program (UTSW POSH) on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing elective spine surgery.

Study Design

The UTSW POSH program is an interdisciplinary perioperative initiative involving geriatrics, surgery, and anesthesiology to improve care for high‐risk geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Preoperatively, enrolled patients (n = 147) were referred for a geriatric assessment and optimization for surgery. Postoperatively, patients were co‐managed by the primary surgical team and the geriatrics consult service. UTSW POSH patients were retrospectively compared to a matched historical control group (n = 177) treated with usual care. Main outcomes included postoperative delirium and provider recognition of delirium.

Results

UTSW POSH patients were significantly older (75.5 vs 71.5 years; P < .001), had more comorbidities (8.02 vs 6.58; P < .001), and were more likely to undergo pelvic fixation (36.1% vs 17.5%; P < .001). The incidence of postoperative delirium was lower in the UTSW POSH group compared to historical controls, although not statistically significant (11.6% vs 19.2%; P = .065). Delirium was significantly lower in patients who underwent complex spine surgery (≥4 levels of vertebral fusion; N = 106) in the UTSW POSH group (11.7% vs 28.9%, P = .03). There was a threefold increase in the recognition of postoperative delirium by providers after program implementation, (76.5% vs 23.5%; P = .001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that interdisciplinary care for high‐risk geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium and increase provider recognition of delirium. The benefit may be greater for those undergoing larger procedures.
Asymmetry of the pelvic ring evaluated by CT‐based 3D statistical modeling
Authors: Handrich Kristin , Kamer Lukas , Mayo Keith , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Noser Hansrudi , Arand Charlotte , Wagner Daniel , Rommens Pol M.
Published: December 2020

The human pelvis is a complex anatomical structure that consists of the innominate bones, sacrum and coccyx to form the pelvic ring. Even though considered to be a symmetric entity, asymmetry of the pelvic ring (APR) might occur to alter its anatomy, function, or biomechanics or to impact assessment and treatment of clinical cases. APR and its assessment is complicated by the intricate anatomy of the pelvic ring. There is only limited information and understanding about APR with no established evaluation methods existing. The objective of the present study was to adopt CT‐based 3D statistical modeling and analysis to assess APR within the complex anatomy of the pelvic ring. We were interested to establish a better understanding of APR with knowledge and applications transferred to human anatomy, related research, and development subjects and to clinical settings. A series of 150 routine, clinical, pelvic CT protocols of European and Asian males and females (64 ± 15 (20–90) years old) were post‐processed to compute gender‐ and ancestry‐specific 3D statistical models of the pelvic ring. Evaluations comprised principal component analysis (PCA) that included size, shape, and asymmetry patterns and their variations to be assessed. Four different CT‐based 3D statistical models of the entire pelvic ring were computed according to the gender and ancestry specific groups. PCA mainly displayed size and shape variations. Examination of additional PCA modes permitted six distinct asymmetry patterns to be identified. They were located at the sacrum, iliac crest, pelvic brim, pubic symphysis, inferior pubic ramus, and near to the acetabulum. Accordingly, the pelvic ring demonstrated not to be entirely symmetric. Assessment of its asymmetry proved to be a challenging task. Using CT‐based 3D statistical modeling and PCA, we identified six distinct APRs that were located at different anatomical regions. These regions are more prone to APRs than other sites. Minor asymmetry patterns have to be distinguished from the distinct APRs. Side differences with regard to size, shape, and/or position require to be taken into account. APRs may be due different load mechanisms applied via spine or lower extremity or locally. There is a need for simpler and efficient, yet reliable methods to be routinely transferred to human anatomy, related research, and development subjects and to clinical settings.
Report of one case of malignancy among 17 autonomous thyroid nodules in children and adolescents
Authors: Rosario Pedro W , de Castro Nicolau Theara
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to report a case of malignancy in a series of 17 autonomous thyroid nodules in children/adolescents.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with thyroid nodules between 2003 and 2018 who had the following characteristics: (i) low serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); (ii) nodule(s) > 1 cm on ultrasonography; (iii) homogenous uptake on scintigraphy with radioiodine in the area corresponding to the nodule(s); (iv) suppression of the remaining parenchyma; and (v) age ≤ 18 years. The approach of the institution was to perform fine‐needle aspiration in all children/adolescents with autonomous thyroid nodules, as well as surgery in all patients of this age group with toxic nodular disease.

Results

Thirteen patients, 11 girls and 2 boys aged 9–18 years, had 17 autonomous nodules ranging in size from 1.4 to 5.5 cm. Cytology was benign in 11 nodules (64.7%) and histology confirmed the benign nature in all of them. Two nodules (11.7%) had non‐diagnostic cytology and were also benign. Cytology was indeterminate in three other nodules (17.6%), with two adenomas and one follicular tumour of uncertain malignant potential. Finally, cytology was suspicious for malignancy in only one nodule (5.9%) for which the infiltrative follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma was confirmed. The patient was a 13‐year‐old girl whose nodule exhibited highly suspicious ultrasonography features.

Conclusion

The incidence of malignancy in this series of 17 autonomous thyroid nodules in children/adolescents was 5.9%.
Changing color and intensity of LED lighting across the day impacts on circadian melatonin rhythms and sleep in healthy men
Authors: Stefani Oliver , Freyburger Marlène , Veitz Simon , Basishvili Tamara , Meyer Martin , Weibel Janine , Kobayashi Kumpei , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Cajochen Christian
Published: December 2020

We examined whether dynamically changing light across a scheduled 16‐h waking day influences sleepiness, cognitive performance, visual comfort, melatonin secretion, and sleep under controlled laboratory conditions in healthy men. Fourteen participants underwent a 49‐h laboratory protocol in a repeated‐measures study design. They spent the first 5 hours in the evening under standard lighting, followed by an 8‐h nocturnal sleep episode at habitual bedtimes. Thereafter, volunteers either woke up to static light or to a dynamic light that changed spectrum and intensity across the scheduled 16‐h waking day. Following an 8‐h nocturnal sleep episode, the volunteers spent another 11 hours either under static or dynamic light. Static light attenuated the evening rise in melatonin levels more compared to dynamic light as indexed by a significant reduction in the melatonin AUC prior to bedtime during static light only. Participants felt less vigilant in the evening during dynamic light. After dynamic light, sleep latency was significantly shorter in both the baseline and treatment night while sleep structure, sleep quality, cognitive performance, and visual comfort did not significantly differ. The study shows that dynamic changes in spectrum and intensity of light promote melatonin secretion and sleep initiation in healthy men.
Evaluation of metabolic monitoring practices for mental health consumers in the Southern District Health Board Region of New Zealand
Authors: O'Brien Anthony John , Abraham Reny Mary
Published: December 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on this subject?

The physical health of people with serious mental illness (SMI) is an issue of growing concern in New Zealand and internationally.

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent among people with severe mental illness and increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

No previous international research has investigated rates of metabolic monitoring in specialist mental health services and in primary care.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Rates of metabolic monitoring are low in this specialist mental health service and in primary care.

Primary care nurses are positive in their views of their role in providing care for people with mental illness, and would value further education in this area.

What are the implications for practice?

Services need to consider ways in which nurses can be supported to improve rates of metabolic monitoring.

Guidelines may have a role to play in improved monitoring but need service‐level support in order to be effective.

Introduction

People with serious mental illness experience significant disparities in their physical health compared with the general population. One indicator of health impairment is metabolic syndrome, which increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. No international studies have reported both primary care and mental health nurses' rates of metabolic monitoring among people with serious mental illness, and no New Zealand studies have investigated rates of metabolic monitoring.

Aim

To evaluate metabolic monitoring practices within one of New Zealand's 20 district health board regions.

Method

An audit of clinical records in primary care (n = 46) and secondary care (n = 47) settings and a survey of practice nurses were conducted. A survey was sent to 127 practice nurses with a response rate of 19% (n = 24). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Rates of metabolic monitoring were low in both services. Survey participants expressed positive views towards physical health monitoring and confidence in relating to mental health consumers. Rates of treatment of metabolic abnormalities were low, and communication between primary and secondary services was limited.

Conclusion

Despite existence of guidelines and protocols, metabolic monitoring rates in both primary and secondary health services are low. Incorporating metabolic monitoring systems into service delivery, supported by appropriate tools and resourcing, is essential to achieve better clinical outcomes for people experiencing mental illness.
Characterization of ovarian morphology and reproductive hormones in Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus) during the reproductive cycle
Authors: Wang Zhixiu , Wang Laidi , Zhang Yang , Yao Ying , Zhao Wenming , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong
Published: December 2020

Zhedong white goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus) is a native Chinese breed with strong broodiness and low egg production, which is related to the physiology of reproduction. However, thus far, the physiology of goose reproduction has not been well elucidated. In the present study, the ovarian morphology and reproductive hormones of Zhedong white geese were investigated during the reproductive cycle (the laying and brooding periods). The results showed that the surface of the ovary was atrophied and follicular atresia appeared to some extent in the brooding period compared with the laying period. The concentrations of follicle‐stimulating hormone, progesterone and luteinizing hormone were significantly higher than those in the brooding period (p < 0.05). In contrast, the concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the laying period were significantly lower than those in the brooding period (p < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of PRL, AMH, dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase (DβH) and cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) were detected in the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries by using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that AMH mRNA was expressed specifically in ovary tissue. The expression levels of DβH and PRL in the brooding period was significantly higher than those in the laying period in the three tissues, especially in the early and middle stages of the brooding period. Moreover, AMH mRNA expression in the ovaries presented the same trend. In addition, P450scc mRNA was highly expressed in both the ovary and pituitary in the laying period. These results revealed the remarkable features of ovarian morphology and characterized the hormonal pattern and expression profile during the reproductive cycle, all of which contribute to understanding the differences in reproductive physiology between the laying and brooding periods in Zhedong white geese.
Mortality in relation to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status among HIV‐HBV co‐infected patients in sub‐Saharan Africa after immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Mohareb Amir M. , Kouamé Gérard Menan , Gabassi Audrey , Gabillard Delphine , Moh Raoul , Badje Anani , Emième Arlette , Maylin Sarah , Ménan Hervé , Hyle Emily P. , Delaugerre Constance , Danel Christine , Anglaret Xavier , Lacombe Karine , Eholié Serge P. , Boyd Anders
Published: December 2020

It is unknown how past and active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affect immunorecovery and mortality in people with HIV who initiate tenofovir‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Using data collected between 2008 and 2015, we studied people with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa initiating immediate ART in the Temprano randomized control trial. We classified participants into HBV groups at ART initiation: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive with HBV DNA ≥ 2,000 IU/ml; HBsAg‐positive with HBV DNA < 2,000 IU/ml; isolated HBcAb‐positive; resolved infection (HBsAb‐positive/HBcAb‐positive); and HBV non‐immune/vaccinated (HBcAb‐negative). We compared square‐root CD4‐cell count increases using mixed‐effect, non‐linear regression adjusted for age, sex, baseline CD4 cell count, and HIV RNA. We compared all‐cause mortality using Bayesian parametric survival regression. Among 879 participants, 24 (2.7%) had HBsAg with high HBV DNA, 76 (8.6%) HBsAg with low HBV DNA, 325 (37.0%) isolated anti‐HBcAb, 226 (25.7%) resolved HBV infection and 228 (25.9%) HBV non‐immune/vaccinated. We found no significant difference in CD4 cell increases between HBV‐infection groups after adjustment (p = 0.16). Participants with HBsAg and high HBV DNA had the highest incidence of all‐cause mortality (1.9/100 person‐years, 95% Credibile Interval [CrI] = 1.0–3.4). By comparison, incidence rates of mortality were reduced by 57% (95%CrI = −79%, −13%), 60% (95%CrI = −82%, −12%) and 66% (95%CrI = −84%, −23%) in those who had isolated anti‐HBcAb‐positive, resolved HBV infection and HBV non‐immune/vaccinated, respectively. In conclusion, individuals with HIV and past HBV infection or isolated anti‐HBcAb‐positive serology, much like HBV non‐immune/vaccinated, experience lower mortality than those with HBsAg and high HBV DNA. Additional HBV‐related management would not be necessary for these individuals.
Cell senescence in neuropathology: A focus on neurodegeneration and tumours
Authors: Carreno Gabriela , Guiho Romain , Martinez‐Barbera Juan Pedro
Published: December 2020

The study of cell senescence is a burgeoning field. Senescent cells can modify the cellular microenvironment through the secretion of a plethora of biologically active products referred to as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The consequences of these paracrine signals can be either beneficial for tissue homeostasis, if senescent cells are properly cleared and SASP activation is transient, or result in organ dysfunction, when senescent cells accumulate within the tissues and SASP activation is persistent. Several studies have provided evidence for the role of senescence and SASP in promoting age‐related diseases or driving organismal ageing. The hype about senescence has been further amplified by the fact that a group of drugs, named senolytics, have been used to successfully ameliorate the burden of age‐related diseases and increase health and life span in mice. Ablation of senescent cells in the brain prevents disease progression and improves cognition in murine models of neurodegenerative conditions. The role of senescence in cancer has been more thoroughly investigated, and it is now accepted that senescence is a double‐edged sword that can paradoxically prevent or promote tumourigenesis in a context‐dependent manner. In addition, senescence induction followed by senolytic treatment is starting to emerge as a novel therapeutic avenue that could improve current anti‐cancer therapies and reduce tumour recurrence. In this review, we discuss recent findings supporting the role of cell senescence in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and in brain tumours. A better understanding of senescence is likely to result in the development of novel and efficacious anti‐senescence therapies against these brain pathologies.
Elevated peak systolic blood pressure in endurance‐trained athletes: Physiology or pathology?
Authors: Richard Normand A. , Hodges Lynette , Koehle Michael S.
Published: December 2020

Blood pressure is a function of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. During graded exercise testing (GXT), systolic blood pressure (SBP) is expected to increase gradually along with work rate, oxygen consumption, heart rate, and cardiac output. Individuals exposed to chronic endurance training attain a greater exercise SBP than in their untrained state and sedentary counterparts, but it is currently unknown what is considered a safe upper limit. This review discusses key studies examining blood pressure response in sedentary individuals and athletes. We highlight the physiological characteristics of highly fit individuals in terms of cardiovascular physiology and exercise blood pressure and review the state of the current literature regarding the safety of high SBP during exercise in this particular subgroup. Findings from this review indicate that a consensus on what is a normal SBP response to exercise in highly fit subjects and direct causation linking high GXT SBP to pathology is lacking. Consequently, applying GXT SBP guidelines developed for a “normal” population to endurance‐trained individuals appears unsupported at this time. Lack of evidence for poor outcomes leads us to infer that elevated peak SBP in this subgroup could more likely reflect an adaptive response to training, rather than a pathological outcome. Future studies should track clinical outcomes of those achieving elevated SBP and develop athlete‐specific guidelines.
How Norms Matter in Mediation: An Introduction
Authors: Hellmüller Sara , Pring Jamie , P. Richmond Oliver
Published: December 2020

International mediators are often tasked to promote liberal norms. However, dilemmas created in diffusing these norms, influenced by the mediators’ interaction with the conflict parties and a decline of the liberal international order, have fueled debates about how norms are diffused through mediation, whether mediators should and can promote norms, and what norms they promote. The IR literature provides rich theoretical frameworks on norms, which could help navigate these questions. Yet, mediation scholars have not systematically integrated ideational aspects in their analyses. This Special Issue fills this gap by providing the first comprehensive analysis of how norms matter in mediation. It thereby not only shares novel analytical insights on norms in mediation, but also enriches the conceptualizations of three central notions in the norms literature: the norm diffusion process, the agency of actors, and the nature of the diffused norms.
A retrospective matched cohort single‐center study evaluating outcomes of COVID‐19 and the impact of immunomodulation on COVID‐19‐related cytokine release syndrome in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Ringer Matthew , Azmy Veronica , Kaman Kelsey , Tang Daiwei , Cheung Harry , Azar Marwan M. , Price Christina , Malinis Maricar
Published: December 2020

This retrospective matched cohort study describes 30 solid organ transplant (SOT) patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) matched 1:2 to 60 non‐SOT patients (control group) based on age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c > 8.0%). The SOT group had a higher proportion of cardiovascular disease (P < .05). During the index hospitalization, there were no significant differences with regard to disease severity or critical care needs (mechanical intubation, vasopressors, and renal replacement therapy). At 28 days, 4 (13%) patients died in the SOT group and 8 (13%) patients died in the control group (P = 1.0). Nineteen patients received tocilizumab in the SOT group compared to 29 patients in the control group. Among these patients, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL2R) levels increased after tocilizumab and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels decreased after tocilizumab. Overall, SOT patients had comparable mortality to non‐SOT patients, although numerically more SOT patients received tocilizumab (63% vs 48%) and steroids (37% vs 20%). Larger, multi‐center studies are needed to ascertain these findings. Lastly, the complex cytokine release syndrome in COVID‐19 remains an area of intense research and the analysis of key interleukin levels (IL‐6, IL‐10, and sIL2R) in this study contributes to the understanding of this process.
Cellular benefits of single‐use negative pressure wound therapy demonstrated in a novel ex vivo human skin wound model
Authors: Wilkinson Holly N. , Longhorne Francesca L. , Roberts Elizabeth R. , Brownhill Varuni R. , Hardman Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

Negative pressure wound therapy is a widely used treatment for chronic, nonhealing wounds. Surprisingly, few studies have systematically evaluated the cellular and molecular effects of negative pressure treatment on human skin. In addition, no study to date has directly compared recently available single‐use negative pressure modalities to traditional negative pressure devices in a controlled setting. Here we developed a novel large‐scale ex vivo human skin culture system to effectively evaluate the efficacy of two different negative pressure wound therapy modalities. Single‐use and traditional negative pressure devices were applied to human ex vivo wounded skin sheets cultured over a period of 48 hours. Cellular tissue response to therapy was evaluated via a combination of histological analysis and transcriptional profiling, in samples collected from the wound edge, skin adjacent to the wound, and an extended skin region. Single‐use negative pressure wound therapy caused less damage to wound edge tissue than traditional application, demonstrated by improved skin barrier, reduced dermal‐epidermal junction disruption and a dampened damage response. Transcriptional profiling confirmed significantly less activation of multiple pro‐inflammatory markers in wound edge skin treated with single‐use vs traditional negative pressure therapy. These findings may help to explain the greater efficacy of sNPWT in the clinic, while offering a noninvasive system to develop improved NPWT‐based therapies.
Pharmacy participation in dental and oral health care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McMillan Sara S. , Hu Jie , El-Den Sarira , O’Reilly Claire L. , Wheeler Amanda J.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The aim of the review is to identify and describe the characteristics and associated outcomes of dental and oral health advice and support provided by members of the pharmacy profession. Research exploring the role, attitudes, and knowledge of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and support staff relating to dental and oral health care, as well as stakeholder perceptions, will also be examined.

Introduction:

With the increasing prevalence of dental and oral health disorders and resource constraints within health care systems, other avenues for oral health promotion and care provision are warranted. Pharmacists, as primary care professionals working across various practice settings, could play a significant role in promoting good oral health. Yet, there is limited insight about the role, attitudes, and knowledge of members of the pharmacy profession towards dental and oral health care, as well as what stakeholders, such as consumers and other health care professionals, think about their role in this context.

Inclusion criteria:

Any full-text publication that describes outcomes related to pharmacist, pharmacy assistant, or student involvement, knowledge, or attitudes towards dental or oral health care in any setting, and stakeholder perspectives of this role, will be included. Reviews, protocols, and commentaries will be excluded, as will studies specifically focused on smoking cessation or that do not describe the related health promotion activity.

Methods:

Articles published in English will be sought from health and educational databases with no date restrictions, with additional references identified via snowballing using citations and reference lists. Data searching and screening processes will follow JBI methodology, involving two independent reviewers, and data extraction presented in a narrative form.
Facilitators and barriers to physical activity participation experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Macniven Rona , Canuto Karla J. , Evans John R.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To synthesize the existing research about physical activity and sport facilitators and barriers experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in Australia.

Introduction:

Physical activity and sport have cultural importance for First Nations peoples. Achieving health and broader benefits from physical activity and sport is impacted by experiences of both facilitators and barriers to participation. Identifying how to facilitate participation and overcome barriers to physical activity and sport is important to develop strategies to increase physical activity levels and sport participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Several studies have examined physical activity and sport facilitators and barriers experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and collective synthesis of these studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of their findings.

Inclusion criteria:

This mixed methods systematic review will consider studies that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 18 years and over from any setting or region of Australia. Studies will be considered if they report on facilitators and barriers to physical activity and/or sport participation.

Methods:

Eleven databases will be searched, as well as gray literature sources, and a selection of websites containing resources relevant to physical activity participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Studies published in English will be included. No date limits will be set. After screening the titles and abstracts of identified citations, potentially relevant studies will be retrieved in full. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will be undertaken according to the convergent integrated approach to mixed methods reviews.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020162134
Working in the Sport Industry: A Classification of Human Capital Archetypes
Authors: Weight Erianne A. , Taylor Elizabeth , Huml Matt R. , Dixon Marlene A.
Published: December 2020

As thousands of professionals are drawn to work in the sport industry known for celebrity, action, and excitement, a growing body of literature on the industry’s culture describes a field fraught with burnout, stress, and difficulty balancing work–family responsibilities. Given this contradiction, there is a need to better understand employee experiences. Thus, the authors utilized a human capital framework to develop employee archetypes. Results from a latent cluster analysis of National Collegiate Athletic Association athletics department employees (N = 4,324) revealed five distinct employee archetypes utilizing inputs related to human capital development and work experiences (e.g., work–family interface, work engagement, age). Consistent with creative nonfiction methodology, results are presented as composite narratives. Archetypes follow a career arc from early-career support staff to late-career senior leaders and portray an industry culture wherein the human capital is largely overworked, underpaid, and replete with personal sacrifice and regret.
Airway stem cells sense hypoxia and differentiate into protective solitary neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Shivaraju Manjunatha , Chitta Udbhav K. , Grange Robert M. H. , Jain Isha H. , Capen Diane , Liao Lan , Xu Jianming , Ichinose Fumito , Zapol Warren M. , Mootha Vamsi K. , Rajagopal Jayaraj
Published: December 2020

Protecting the lung from hypoxic stress

The lung experiences constantly changing oxygen concentrations and must recognize and respond to a low-oxygen environment. Shivaraju
et al.
reveal that airway stem cells directly sense hypoxia and respond by differentiating into protective neuroendocrine (NE) cells that secrete a peptide that mitigates tissue damage (see the Perspective by Zacharias). This work suggests that the observed NE cell hyperplasia that accompanies lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease represents a compensatory physiologic response. More broadly, it raises the possibility that stem cells throughout the body sense hypoxia and differentiate into organ-specific NE cells.

Science
, this issue p.
52
; see also p.
32
Clocks, cancer, and chronochemotherapy
Authors: Sancar Aziz , Van Gelder Russell N.
Published: December 2020

Doubts in cancer-rhythms connections

Circadian clocks help to coordinate physiological processes with the daily cycles of light and dark and periods of feeding, activity, and rest. Being out of sync with such 24-hour cycles can have unhealthy effects. Sancar and Van Gelder review the available evidence regarding circadian disruption and predisposition to cancer and circadian variations in response to cancer chemotherapy. The literature can be difficult to interpret. For example, complete knockouts of clock genes are not the same as shift work. Overall, they find that the jury is still out on whether circadian disruption can promote cancer in general and if the timing of cancer treatment can be optimized. However, enough indications are present that further research is recommended.

Science
, this issue p.
42
A tripartite mechanism catalyzes Mad2-Cdc20 assembly at unattached kinetochores
Authors: Lara-Gonzalez Pablo , Kim Taekyung , Oegema Karen , Corbett Kevin , Desai Arshad
Published: December 2020

Checking fidelity in cell division

Everything has to go right during cell division, so a checkpoint mechanism known as the spindle-assembly checkpoint prevents mitosis from proceeding unless the kinetochores that attach chromosomes to the spindle microtubules are properly engaged. Two papers now reveal the detailed molecular choreography that allows a single, unattached kinetochore to arrest cell division: Lara-Gonzalez
et al.
used a visual probe that tracks a specific form of one of the checkpoint complex proteins, and Piano
et al.
used a biochemical reconstitution of the checkpoint. Together, these studies reveal how protein interaction, spatial constraints, phosphorylation, and catalytic conversion of the protein Mad2 to its active form allow this all-important sensor to function.

Science
, this issue p.
64
, p.
67
Low rattling: A predictive principle for self-organization in active collectives
Authors: Chvykov Pavel , Berrueta Thomas A. , Vardhan Akash , Savoie William , Samland Alexander , Murphey Todd D. , Wiesenfeld Kurt , Goldman Daniel I. , England Jeremy L.
Published: December 2020

Shake, rattle, and help each other along

In classical statistical mechanics, the deterministic dynamics of a many-body system are replaced by a probabilistic description. Chvykov
et al.
work toward a similar description for the nonequilibrium self-organization of collectives of active particles. In these systems, continuously input energy drives localized fluctuations, but larger-scale ordering can emerge, such as in the flight of a flock of birds. A key concept in their theory is the importance of rattling, whereby ordered patterns emerge through local collisions between neighbors at specific frequencies. The authors demonstrate this behavior using a set of flapping robots and produce related simulations of the robot behavior.

Science
, this issue p.
90
Science's irrational origins
The Knowledge Machine
Michael Strevens
Liveright, 2020. 368 pp.
Authors: Yanai Itai , Lercher Martin J.
Published: December 2020

Disputes in modern science are settled with empiricism alone, an approach early scholars would have questioned
Myxoedematous tamponade as initial presentation of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Casez Benjamin , Rougé Alain , Fourme Thierry , Monségu Jacques
Published: December 2020

Cardiac tamponade as the initial presentation of hypothyroidism is extremely rare. We report the case of a 48-year-old man admitted for acute respiratory distress, with cardiac ultrasound showing compressive pericardial effusion. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed leading to a rapid clinical improvement. Laboratory tests confirmed severe hypothyroidism related to Hashimoto’s disease. Despite hormone replacement therapy, pericardial effusion recurred after 3 weeks, requiring surgical drainage. Pericardial histology highlighted slight chronic fibrous pericarditis. The cardiac ultrasound scan performed 4 months later showed a well-tolerated chronic pericardial effusion. In conclusion, hypothyroidism should be suspected in case of cardiac tamponade especially in the absence of tachycardia, or in winter when myxoedema is prone to decompensation. Prognosis is generally good under hormone replacement therapy but ultrasound monitoring should be carried out at least until euthyroidism is achieved.
Towards inclusionary and diversity-sensitive public health: the consequences of exclusionary othering in public health using the example of COVID-19 management in German reception centres and asylum camps
Authors: Tallarek Marie , Bozorgmehr Kayvan , Spallek Jacob
Published: December 2020

The German government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been predominantly considered wellfounded. Still, the practice of mass quarantine in reception centres and asylum camps has been criticised for its discrimination of refugees and asylum seekers. Building on the concept of othering, this article argues that processes of othering are structurally anchored in German asylum regulations and they have further pervaded public health measures against COVID-19. The practice of mass quarantine made the negative consequences of exclusionary othering for public health particularly noticeable. In the light of recent data indicating this measure to be epidemiologically, legally and ethically insufficient, we apply the concept of othering to public health and discuss (1) exclusionary, (2) inclusionary and (3) diversity-sensitive approaches to public health. We finally conclude that a shift of perspective from exclusion to inclusion, from subordination to empowerment and from silencing to participation is urgently required.
Peripheral artery disease at the time of dialysis initiation and mortality: a prospective observational multicenter study
Authors: Morooka Hikaru , Tanaka Akihito , Inaguma Daijo , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are reported to have a poorer prognosis than those without PAD. PAD is sometimes found at dialysis initiation, but its influence on the prognosis in these patients has not been investigated. We aimed to compare the mortality rate between patients with PAD at the time of dialysis initiation and those without PAD.

Design

We undertook an observational prospective multicenter study of patients starting dialysis treatment. Data were collected on patients’ sex, age, presence of PAD, medication, medical history and clinical and laboratory data.

Setting

Seventeen centers participated in the Aichi Cohort Study of Prognosis in Patients Newly Initiated into Dialysis.

Participants

A total of 1524 patients with chronic kidney disease started dialysis from October 2011 to September 2013. The patients were followed-up until March 2015. During this time, there were two patients who lost the follow-up.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were defined as each cause of mortality.

Results

This study included 1030 men and 492 women with a mean age of 67.50±13.10 years. Of these, 71 had PAD and 1451 did not have PAD. After a median follow-up of 814.5 days, 33.80% of the former group and 17.00% of the latter group had died in March 2015 (p=0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, PAD at dialysis initiation remained an independent risk factor for mortality (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with PAD at the time of dialysis initiation had a poorer prognosis than patients without PAD. Therefore, the presence of PAD in patients starting dialysis should be considered for their monitoring and follow-up.