bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographic features and poor prognostic factors of interstitial lung disease with nivolumab for non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Saito Yoshinobu , Sasaki Shinichi , Oikado Katsunori , Tominaga Junya , Sata Masafumi , Sakai Fumikazu , Kato Terufumi , Iwasawa Tae , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Kusumoto Masahiko , Baba Tomohisa , Endo Masahiro , Fujiwara Yutaka , Sugiura Hiroaki , Yanagawa Noriyo , Ito Yoshihiko , Sakamoto Takahiko , Ohe Yuichiro , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2020

Nivolumab can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD), which may be fatal; however, mortality risk factors have not been identified. This postmarketing study evaluated the poor prognostic factors of ILD in nivolumab‐treated patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan. Clinical and chest imaging findings for each ILD case were assessed by an expert central review committee, and prognosis was evaluated by radiographic findings, including the presence/absence of peritumoral ground‐glass opacity (peritumoral‐GGO). Poor prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Of the 238 patients with nivolumab‐induced ILD, 37 died. The main radiographic patterns of ILD were cryptogenic organizing pneumonia/chronic eosinophilic pneumonia–like (53.4%), faint infiltration pattern/acute hypersensitivity pneumonia–like (20.2%), diffuse alveolar damage (DAD)‐like (10.9%), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia–like (6.3%). The main poor prognostic factors identified were DAD‐like pattern (highest hazard ratio: 10.72), ≤60 days from the start of nivolumab treatment to the onset of ILD, pleural effusion before treatment, lesion distribution contralateral or bilateral to the tumor, and abnormal change in C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. Of the 37 deaths due to ILD, 17 had DAD‐like radiographic pattern, three had peritumoral‐GGO, and five had a change in radiographic pattern from non‐DAD at the onset to DAD‐like. Patients with NSCLC who develop ILD during nivolumab treatment should be managed carefully if they have poor prognostic factors such as DAD‐like radiographic pattern, onset of ILD ≤60 days from nivolumab initiation, pleural effusion before nivolumab treatment, lesion distribution contralateral or bilateral to the tumor, and abnormal changes in CRP levels.
Risk factors associated with rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and eczema among schoolchildren in Uganda
Authors: Mpairwe Harriet , Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Tumwesige Pius , Akurut Hellen , Namutebi Milly , Nambuya Irene , Nnaluwooza Marble , Apule Barbara , Onen Caroline , Katongole Tonny , Niwagaba Emmanuel , Mukasa Mike , Webb Emily L. , Elliott Alison M. , Pearce Neil
Published: October 2020

Background

The prevalence of allergy‐related diseases (ARDs), including rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and eczema, is on the increase globally. The causes of this increase are not well established.

Objectives

To investigate the risk factors associated with ARDs among schoolchildren in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of a large asthma case–control study involving 1700 schoolchildren, 5–17 years, in urban Uganda. ARDs were defined according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Skin prick testing (SPT) was conducted using standard procedures and allergen‐specific IgE (asIgE) using ImmunoCAP®. We employed inverse probability weighted analysis to generate estimated prevalence data and weighted odds ratios.

Results

The lifetime estimated weighted prevalence of reported rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and eczema was 43.3%, 39.5% and 13.5%; weighted prevalence in 12 months was 10.1%, 9.1% and 2.3%, respectively. There was overlap of ARDs, with 66.3% of 1193 schoolchildren who reported having ever an ARDs (including asthma) reporting two or more. Risk factors associated with reported rhinitis in the last 12 months were city residence at birth [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.66 (1.42–4.99) compared to rural]; father's [2.62 (1.79–3.83)] and mother's history of allergic disease [2.12 (1.48–3.02)]; frequent de‐worming in the last 12 months [2.01 (1.30–3.11), ≥2 versus none]; current high frequency of ‘trucks passing on the street near home’ [2.59 (1.48–4.52), ‘almost all the time’ versus rarely] and positive SPT [1.54 (1.09–2.18)] but not asIgE [1.38 (0.60–3.15)]. The same pattern of risk factors was observed for allergic conjunctivitis and eczema.

Conclusion

We found extensive multi‐morbidity of, and overlap in the risk factors for, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and eczema—similar to asthma risk factors—among schoolchildren in urban Uganda. This suggests a similar underlying cause for all ARDs, associated with exposure to urban lifestyles and environment in Uganda.
Pituitary incidentalomas in paediatric population: Incidence and characteristics
Authors: Shareef Muhammed , Nasrallah Mona P. , AlArab Natally , Atweh Lamya A. , Zadeh Catherina , Hourani Roula
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the incidence of pituitary incidentalomas in the paediatric population and among its different age subgroups as well as to identify the characteristics of these lesions. Additionally, we aim to give a perspective on the management and follow‐up of these patients.

Design and Patients

We retrospectively studied MRI of children aged 18 years or below who underwent MRI with sellar region within their field of view between January 2010 and December 2018.

Measurements

Pituitary lesions were considered incidental according to the definition by the Endocrine Society. We reported the size, location and signal characteristics of each lesion. Medical charts of the subjects were reviewed for age, sex, the MRI indication and the hormonal assays levels.

Results

We identified 40 pituitary lesions of which 31 were incidental lesions. The incidence of pituitary incidentaloma in our cohort was 22 per 1000 patients with female predisposition ( 64.5%) and a mean age of 11 ± 6 years. Rathke's cleft cyst was the most prevalent lesion, accounting for 67.7% followed by cystic pituitary lesions and microadenomas. The most common indications for imaging were growth disturbance (12.9%) followed by headache (9.7%). Abnormal laboratory workup was present in 13% of the subjects. Incidental lesions were more common in the older age groups compared to young children.

Conclusion

Incidental pituitary lesions in the paediatric population are relatively infrequent and increases with age. Rathke's cleft cyst is the most common incidentally encountered pituitary lesion followed by cystic pituitary lesions and microadenomas.
Contact allergy to polyhexamethylene biguanide (polyaminopropyl biguanide)
Authors: Sukakul Thanisorn , Dahlin Jakob , Pontén Ann , Antelmi Annarita , Bruze Magnus , Hamnerius Nils , Hauksson Inese , Isaksson Marléne , Lejding Tina , Svedman Cecilia
Published: October 2020

Background

Polyaminopropyl biguanide (INCI name) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) are polymeric biguanides. PHMB is a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial substance used as a preservative in many products. Due to our limited knowledge on PHMB contact allergy frequency and the fact that cases of allergic contact dermatitis to PHMB might be missed, we have included PHMB as a screening allergen since 2016.

Objective

To report the prevalence of positive patch test reactions to PHMB as a screening allergen in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1760 patch tested patients from July 2016 to December 2018 was performed. Polyaminopropyl biguanide 2.0% aqua was included in the extended Malmö baseline series during the study period.

Results

Of all patients, 1204 (68.4%) were female. Positive patch test reactions were reported in 19 patients (1.1%). The most common sites of lesions were face, head, and neck (52.6%). There was a significant correlation between concomitant reactions to PHMB and other cosmetic‐related allergens.

Conclusion

The prevalence of positive reactions to PHMB was higher than that previously reported. Patch testing with PHMB should be performed in patients with dermatitis who have lesions on the face, head, and neck.
What is the risk of permanent stoma beyond 5 years after low anterior resection for rectal cancer? A 15‐year follow‐up of a randomized trial
Authors: Gadan S. , Floodeen H. , Lindgren R. , Rutegård M. , Matthiessen P.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Low anterior resection of the rectum for cancer (LAR) entails a risk of symptomatic anastomotic leakage as well as impaired anorectal function, both of which may eventually result in the need for a permanent stoma (PS). The aim was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for PS beyond 5 years following LAR.

Methods

Patients undergoing LAR and included in a multicentre trial with randomization to defunctioning stoma or not were followed for a median of 15 years. The reasons for a PS up to 5 years (PS ≤ 5 years) and beyond 5 years (PS > 5 years) were identified and compared. Risk factors for PS were analysed.

Results

Of all patients, 25% (57/232) had a PS. PS ≤ 5 years occurred in 19% (44/232) at a median of 12.5 months and PS > 5 years in 6% (13/232) at a median of 118 months following LAR. The main reason for PS ≤ 5 years was impaired anorectal function in 55% (24/44) and the main reason for PS > 5 years was pelvic sepsis related to the colorectal anastomosis in 46% (6/13). The major risk factor for PS was symptomatic anastomotic leakage, which occurred in 56% (32/57) of patients with PS and 10% (17/175) of patients without PS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

One‐fourth of the patients who ended up with a PS had it fashioned beyond 5 years at a median of 10 years following LAR. Symptomatic anastomotic leakage was the major risk factor for PS, and impaired anorectal function was the main overall reason for a PS.
An integrated methodology to control the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shetaban Samar , Seyyed Esfahani Mir Mehdi , Saghaei Abbas , Ahmadi Abbas
Published: October 2020

Today, air pollution, smoking, use of fatty acids and ready‐made foods, and so on, have exacerbated heart disease. Therefore, controlling the risk of such diseases can prevent or reduce their incidence. The present study aimed at developing an integrated methodology including Markov decision processes (MDP) and genetic algorithm (GA) to control the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension and type 1 diabetes. First, the efficiency of GA is evaluated against Grey Wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm, and then, the superiority of GA is revealed. Next, the MDP is employed to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease. For this purpose, model inputs are first determined using a validated micro‐simulation model for screening cardiovascular disease developed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran by GA. The model input factors are then defined accordingly and using these inputs, three risk estimation models are identified. The results of these models support WHO guidelines that provide medicine with a high discount to patients with high expected LYs. To develop the MDP methodology, policies should be adopted that work well despite the difference between the risk model and the actual risk. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the behavior of the total medication cost against the changes of parameters.
Does green banking performance pay off? Evidence from a unique regulatory setting in Bangladesh
Authors: Bose Sudipta , Khan Habib Zaman , Monem Reza M.
Published: October 2020

Research Question/Issue

A firm's choice to “go green” largely remains unregulated worldwide. This study uses an institutional setting in Bangladesh experiencing a green banking regulatory reform to examine whether banks' green performance translates into improved financial performance and whether this is moderated by banks' political connections.

Research Findings/Insights

Results based on a sample of 172 firm‐year observations from 2008 to 2014 suggest that green banking performance is positively associated with a bank's financial performance. Further analysis suggests that cost efficiency mainly drives this relationship. However, banks' political connections negatively affect this relationship by counterbalancing green banking's non‐financial benefits. Our findings are robust to sensitivity tests that examine endogeneity concerns using difference‐in‐differences (DiD) and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses and Heckman's two‐stage analysis.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Most prior studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) were conducted in voluntary settings: however, our study utilizes a unique regulatory setting in Bangladesh. With this exogenous shock to the banking industry, the regulatory setting helped to alleviate endogeneity concerns arising from voluntary motives behind CSR performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine any link between green banking performance in a regulatory setting and banks' financial performance.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study's findings suggest that sustainable business practices promoted through regulatory intervention can improve financial performance. A regulatory green banking initiative can be a win–win for all competing stakeholders. Our findings have significant policy implications for governments and regulatory agencies worldwide in the fight against global warming and climate change.
Stem cell therapy for COVID‐19, ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Zhongwen , Niu Shuaishuai , Guo Baojie , Gao Tingting , Wang Lei , Wang Yukai , Wang Liu , Tan Yuanqing , Wu Jun , Hao Jie
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). COVID‐19 mainly causes damage to the lung, as well as other organs and systems such as the hearts, the immune system and so on. Although the pathogenesis of COVID‐19 has been fully elucidated, there is no specific therapy for the disease at present, and most treatments are limited to supportive care. Stem cell therapy may be a potential treatment for refractory and unmanageable pulmonary illnesses, which has shown some promising results in preclinical studies. In this review, we systematically summarize the pathogenic progression and potential mechanisms underlying stem cell therapy in COVID‐19, and registered COVID‐19 clinical trials. Of all the stem cell therapies touted for COVID‐19 treatment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or MSC‐like derivatives have been the most promising in preclinical studies and clinical trials so far. MSCs have been suggested to ameliorate the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and protect alveolar epithelial cells by secreting many kinds of factors, demonstrating safety and possible efficacy in COVID‐19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, considering the consistency and uniformity of stem cell quality cannot be quantified nor guaranteed at this point, more work remains to be done in the future.
Producing actionable science in conservation: Best practices for organizations and individuals
Authors: Gerber Leah R. , Barton Chris J. , Cheng Samantha H. , Anderson Derrick
Published: October 2020

Many researchers working in conservation aspire to produce “actionable science” to inform conservation practice. In order to understand what it takes to produce actionable science, we interviewed 71 researchers who have worked on producing actionable science in conservation. We asked about the attributes of actionable science and the various factors that, in their experience, aid or hinder its production. We focused specifically on factors that correspond to individual behaviors and those that relate to organizational level policies and practices. Six best practices associated with the production of actionable science emerged from our interviews: four at the individual level and two at the organizational level. Best practices for individual behaviors include: (a) engaging in collaboration; (b) practicing empathy; (c) building trusting relationships; and (d) employing diverse communication methods. Best practices for organizations include: (a) incentivizing actionable science and (b) providing resources for actionable science to early‐career researchers. Our analyses provide useful guidelines for conservation researchers and practitioners who are interested in producing actionable science.
A Theory of Change for promoting coexistence between dingoes and livestock production
Authors: van Eeden Lily , Dickman Christopher , Crowther Mathew , Newsome Thomas
Published: October 2020

Achieving conservation goals, such as coexistence between wildlife and humans, requires an evidence‐based understanding of the factors that shape conservation contexts. For addressing conflict between humans and wildlife, this means understanding the barriers and opportunities to changing human behaviors toward wildlife. Here, we develop a Theory of Change (ToC) to promote coexistence between livestock producers and dingoes in Australia. The ToC is based on behavior change principles and interdisciplinary research identifying four key stakeholder groups who may influence dingo management. It employs four overlapping strategies to address these barriers: (a) a media campaign to promote public awareness of dingo management practices, which may result in pressure upon governments to restrict lethal control; (b) promoting more inclusive decision‐making processes, specifically including Aboriginal Australians; (c) monitoring and evaluation of the effects of dingo management on livestock and ecosystems to identify opportunities for nonlethal dingo management; (d) campaign to encourage adoption of nonlethal management methods by livestock producers based on an understanding of sociopsychological factors that shape behaviors. The framework is a tool for conservation advocates and policymakers to implement and monitor change that facilitates both wildlife conservation and thriving rural communities.
Impacts of social inequalities on the survival of heart transplant recipients in a developing country
Authors: do Nascimento Carvalho Wágner , Alves Maria Gustavo dos Santos , Gonçalves Karla Cordeiro , Miranda Anna Letícia , Moreira Maria da Consolação Vieira
Published: October 2020

Background

Heart transplant (HT) is an alternative for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Social inequalities may influence survival, but are still not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of social and clinical inequalities on the survival of HT recipients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study conducted at a Brazilian hospital from 2006 to 2018.

Results

Three hundred and two patients were analyzed. Most HT recipients were male (205, 67.9%), mixed race 146 (48.3%), retired (166, 56.5%), median age 47 (38‐57) years, and had studied no more than eight years (191, 65.8%), were younger than 60 years old (256, 84.7%). 149 (51.7%) had per capita monthly income inferior to one Brazilian minimum wage, equivalent to US$250. 123 (95.4%) out of 129 patients had allograft cellular rejection 2R or 3R. Median donor age was 32 (23‐39) years. The overall survival was 76.6%, 62.2%, and 58.2%, at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Age <60 years old and higher income were associated with a greater chance of survival (p‐values .009 and <.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Younger age and higher per capita income had positive impact on HT recipient survival. The level of education did not affect survival in this cohort.
Thyroid cytology in Pakistan: An institutional audit of the atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance category
Authors: Fatima Saira , Qureshi Rabia , Imran Sumbul , Idrees Romana , Ahmad Zubair , Kayani Naila , Ahmed Arsalan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), along with thyroid ultrasound, is an important tool in evaluation of thyroid nodules that helps in further management of these patients in making a decision of surgical intervention vs follow‐up. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology category III of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) has risk of malignancy (ROM) ranging from 5% to 15%. The aim of the present study was to describe the frequency of AUS/FLUS in thyroid gland FNACs and the surgical outcomes of these cases.

Methods

The integrated laboratory management system retrieved the thyroid FNACs from 2010 to 2018 and subsequent surgical pathology specimens. For the AUS/FLUS cases, data regarding patient demographics, cytology and histological diagnoses were recorded. The results were tabulated as the overall frequency of AUS/FLUS in thyroid FNACs, cytohistological correlation (benign and malignant) and ROM.

Results

Over a period of 9 years, 256 (10.9%) cases out of 2342 thyroid FNACs were reported as AUS/FLUS at our institution. Mean age was 43.5 years. The majority (70.3%) of patients were female. Seventy‐two of 104 resection specimens (69.2%) were reported as benign and 32 cases (30.7%) had malignant diagnosis. Upper‐bound ROM was 30.7% (32 cases with malignant diagnosis out of 104 resection specimens). Lower‐bound ROM was calculated as 12.5% (32 cases with malignant diagnosis out of 256 total AUS diagnosis).

Conclusion

The AUS/FLUS category of thyroid cytology and associated ROM remain an evolving area. Individual institutions should monitor the frequency and include ROM in the dashboard indicators to remain within the recommended range.
Geographical patterns in phylogenetic diversity of Chinese woody plants and its application for conservation planning
Authors: Cai Hongyu , Lyu Lisha , Shrestha Nawal , Tang Zhiyao , Su Xiangyan , Xu Xiaoting , Dimitrov Dimitar , Wang Zhiheng
Published: October 2020

Aim

Biodiversity hotspots are widely used as conservation priorities to preserve the tree of life. However, many conservation practices identify biodiversity hotspots without considering phylogenetic diversity (PD), which reflects total evolutionary history and feature diversity of a region. Moreover, conservation planning rarely distinguishes between neo‐ and palaeo‐biodiversity hotspots despite their differences. Here, we (a) estimated large‐scale patterns in PD of woody plants, (b) identified neo‐ and palaeo‐biodiversity hotspots and (c) demonstrated their implication in conservation planning, with special focus on Hengduan Mountains and southern China.

Location

China.

Methods

Distributions of 11,405 woody species from the Atlas of Woody Plants in China were updated and were transformed into a grid of 50 × 50 km2. By integrating distribution maps with a genus‐level phylogeny of angiosperms, we estimated Faith's PD of each grid cell and evaluated the contribution of species relatedness to PD at given levels of species diversity (i.e. standardized PD, sPD) using regressions and three null models. Then, we identified areas with significantly lower or higher sPD than expected as neo‐ and palaeo‐hotspots and estimated the coverage of protected areas in these regions.

Results

Species diversity and PD decreased towards the north. Southern China had high species diversity, PD and sPD, while Hengduan Mountains had high species diversity and PD but low sPD. The coverage of protected areas in southern China was less than half of that in Hengduan Mountains and entire China.

Main conclusions

Our results identified Hengduan Mountains as a neo‐hotspot and southern China as a palaeo‐hotspot, highlighting their importance for biodiversity conservation. Compared to Hengduan Mountains, southern China has low coverage of protected areas, which calls for more conservation attention. Our study demonstrates a way of incorporating the phylogenetic component in the identification of neo‐ and palaeo‐hotspots, and hence of achieving a more complete perception of biodiversity patterns for conserving the tree of life.
Current status of artificial intelligence analysis for endoscopic ultrasonography
Authors: Kuwahara Takamichi , Hara Kazuo , Mizuno Nobumasa , Haba Shin , Okuno Nozomi , Koda Hiroki , Miyano Akira , Fumihara Daiki
Published: October 2020

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is an essential diagnostic tool for various types of pancreatic diseases such as pancreatic tumors and chronic pancreatitis; however, EUS imaging has low specificity for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a mathematical prediction technique that automates learning and recognizes patterns in data. This review describes the details and principles of AI and deep learning algorithms. The term AI does not have any definite definition; almost all AI systems fall under narrow AI, which can handle single or limited tasks. Deep learning is based on neural networks, which is a machine learning technique that is widely used in the medical field. Deep learning involves three phases: data collection and annotation, building the deep learning architecture, and training and ability validation. For medical image diagnosis, image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation are performed. In EUS, AI is used for detecting anatomical features, differential pancreatic tumors, and cysts. For this, conventional machine learning architectures are used, and deep learning architecture has been used in only two reports. Although the diagnostic abilities in these reports were about 85–95%, these were exploratory research and very few reports have included substantial evidence. AI is increasingly being used for medical image diagnosis due to its high performance and will soon become an essential technique for medical diagnosis.
Preoperative neurodevelopment of children with moyamoya angiopathy
Authors: Serra Sabina , Kugler Julietta , Hug Martina , Hackenberg Annette , Latal Beatrice , Khan Nadia
Published: October 2020

Aim

To preoperatively assess the neurodevelopment of a predominantly white population of children with moyamoya angiopathy (MMA).

Method

Assessments of 40 children with MMA (24 females, 16 males; mean age 6y 11mo, range 20mo–16y) included tests for non‐verbal IQ and fine motor skills, and questionnaires on quality of life, behaviour, and executive functions. The Paediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) score was evaluated by a paediatric neurologist.

Results

Children with MMA had significantly lower non‐verbal IQ scores (mean IQ 92.1, SD 19.6, p=0.015) and fine motor skills (z‐score −1.84, p=0.004) than population norms. Patients with posterior cerebral artery (PCA) involvement had poorer non‐verbal IQ scores than those without (79.6, SD 24.6 vs 95.2, SD 17.2, p=0.042). Higher PSOM scores were related to lower non‐verbal IQ scores (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient −0.43, p=0.006), while the presence of stroke, bilaterality, disease versus syndrome, and age at diagnosis had no significant effect on non‐verbal IQ. Quality of life, behaviour, and executive functions were in the typically developing range.

Interpretation

Children with MMA are more likely to manifest intellectual and fine motor skill impairment before surgical intervention. PCA involvement is an additional risk factor for lower non‐verbal IQ.

What this paper adds

Children with moyamoya angiopathy have intellectual and fine motor skill impairment before surgical intervention.

Posterior cerebral artery involvement and higher Paediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores may predict poorer performance.
Platypus quercivorusambrosia beetles use leaf volatiles in host selection
Authors: Pham Duy Long , Ito Yasuto , Okada Ryuichi , Ikeno Hidetoshi , Kazama Haruna , Mori Naoki , Yamasaki Michimasa
Published: October 2020

Although chemical volatiles emitted from host and non‐host trees have been suggested as important cues for bark and ambrosia beetles, their responses to leaf volatiles is poorly understood. The oak ambrosia beetle,Platypus quercivorus(Murayama) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a vector for the fungus that causes Japanese oak wilt. Using a Y‐tube olfactometer, we tested the behavioral response ofP. quercivorusto leaf volatiles emitted from four host trees –Quercus crispulaBlume,Quercus serrataMurray,Quercus salicinaBlume, andCastanea crenataSieb. & Zucc. (all Fagaceae) – and two non‐host trees,Fagus crenataBlume (Fagaceae) andCryptomeria japonicaD. Don (Cupressaceae). A flight mill was used to evaluate the effect of flight on the behavioral response to leaf volatiles. The bioassays were repeated 10× before and 10× after flight in the flight mill for each of the 54 individual beetles. Leaf volatile components were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The bioassay results supported our hypothesis:P. quercivoruswas attracted by the leaf volatiles of hosts and was deterred by the leaf volatiles of non‐hosts. The behavioral response ofP. quercivorusto the leaf volatiles was stronger after flight. Males had a stronger behavioral response than females to leaf volatiles. The leaf volatile chemical profile of the non‐hostC. japonicadiffered from the profile of the host plants. However, the chemical profile of the non‐hostF. crenatawas similar to the profile of the hosts. Our findings provide insight into the functions of leaf chemical volatiles in the interaction ofP. quercivoruswith its hosts and non‐hosts and may help improve the control ofP. quercivorusand Japanese oak wilt.
Host quality does not matter to native or invasive cactus moth larvae: grave implications for North American prickly pears
Authors: Morrison Colin R. , Plowes Robert M. , Jones Nathan T. , Gilbert Lawrence E.
Published: October 2020

1. Relationships between prickly pear cactus (Cactaceae:Opuntia) and specialist moth larvae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) are exemplar of exclusive interactions between herbivorous insects and host plants.

2. We measured nutritional and defensive factors indicative ofOpuntiaquality to native and invasive host‐specialised moth larvae. Our goals were to investigate whether host qualities varied among and withinOpuntiaspecies, use that information to test whether host quality axes predicted occupancy by larvae in two focalO. engelmanniipopulations, and draw conclusions about whether these herbivores were resource limited.

3. There were minimal differences in protein, carbohydrate, fatty acid, fibre, water, and cuticular thickness, among fourOpuntiaspecies distributed throughout Texas. Macronutrient content did not differ between most species. Mucilage exudation was an induced response to herbivory. Field experiments compared pairs ofO. engelmanniiin which one individual hosted nativeMelitara doddalisor invasiveCactoblastis cactorumlarvae, and the other did not; host quality and nutritional space did not predict herbivore occupancy. Moreover, ordination of host quality traits did not reveal spatial aggregation of cacti with and without herbivores.

4. These results demonstrated that neither moth species was resource limited. An overall lack of variation among and within TexasOpuntiaindicate that these species were suitable resources to invasiveC. cactorumthat recently established in Texas.

5. Outcomes of this study have serious implications forOpuntia, native moths, and associated food webs, that will soon interact with an expandingC. cactorumpopulation as it spreads inland from the Texas Gulf Coast.
Biological fluid levels of iron and iron‐related proteins in Parkinson’s disease: Review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiménez‐Jiménez Félix Javier , Alonso‐Navarro Hortensia , García‐Martín Elena , Agúndez José A. G.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Several studies suggested a role or iron in the pathogenesis or Parkinson's disease (PD), and substantia nigra iron concentrarions have been found increased in PD. However, the results on cerebrospinal (CSF) and serum/plasma iron levels in PD patients have been controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to establish the CSF and serum/plasma levels of iron and iron‐related proteins (ferritin, transferrin, lactoferrin, haptoglobin, and hepcidine) levels, and the urine levels of iron, in patients with PD.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MedLine, and Web of Science – Core Collection) were reviewed for studies published from 1966 to October 5, 2020. References of interest were identified. A meta‐analysis of eligible studies was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) and Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, using the R software package meta.

Results

A non‐significant trend towards higher CSF iron levels and marginally significantly lower serum/plasma iron levels was observed in patients with PD compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls. CSF and serum/plasma ferritin and transferrin concentrations, and serum/plasma lactoferrin and haptoglobin concentrations did not differ significantly between PD patients and controls.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest an association between decreased serum/plasma iron levels and, possibly, higher CSF iron levels with risk of PD.
Social deprivation and 1‐year survival after stroke: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Béjot Yannick , Bourredjem Abderrahmane , Mimeau Emmanuelle , Joux Julien , Lannuzel Annie , Misslin‐Tritsch Caroline , Bonithon‐Kopp Claire , Rochemont Devi , Nacher Mathieu , Cabie André , Lalanne Mistrih Marie‐Laure , Fournel Isabelle ,   the INDIA Study Group
Published: October 2020

Background

Social deprivation may have a deleterious influence on post‐stroke outcomes, but available data in the literature are mixed.

Aim

The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the impact of social deprivation on 1‐year survival in patients with first‐ever stroke.

Methods

Social deprivation was assessed at individual level with the EPICES score, a validated multidimensional questionnaire, in 1312 patients with ischemic stroke and 228 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, who were prospectively enrolled in six French study centers. Baseline characteristics including stroke severity and pre‐stroke functional status were collected. Multivariable Cox models were generated to evaluate the associations between social deprivation and survival at 12 months in ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage separately.

Results

A total of 819 patients (53.2%) were socially deprived (EPICES score ≥ 30.17). In ischemic stroke, mortality at 12 months was higher in deprived than in non‐deprived patients (16% vs. 11%, p = 0.006). In multivariable analyses, there was no association between deprivation and death occurring within the first 90 days following ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.81, 95% CI 0.54–1.22, p = 0.32). In contrast, an excess in mortality was observed between 90 days and 12 months in deprived compared with non‐deprived patients (aHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.14–3.42, p = 0.016). In patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, mortality at 12 months did not significantly differ according to deprivation status.

Conclusions

Social deprivation was associated with delayed mortality in ischemic stroke patients only and, although the exact underlying mechanisms are still to be identified, our findings suggest that deprived patients in particular may benefit from an optimization of post‐stroke care.
Characteristics and treatment outcomes of newly diagnosed epilepsy in older people: A 30‐year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Alsfouk Bshra Ali A. , Hakeem Haris , Chen Zhibin , Walters Matthew , Brodie Martin J. , Kwan Patrick
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics and evaluate the long‐term treatment outcomes in older people with newly diagnosed epilepsy over the past 30 years.

Methods

We included patients newly diagnosed with epilepsy and commenced on antiseizure medications (ASMs) at age 65 years or older between July 1982 and October 2012 at the Western infirmary in Glasgow, Scotland. They were followed up until April 2016 or death. Seizure freedom was defined as no seizure for at least 1 year on unchanged medication at the last follow‐up.

Results

A total of 201 patients (median age 73 years, 59% male) were included. The median duration from initial seizure to starting treatment was 8 months (interquartile range: 3.0‐24.0 months); 42.2% (85/201) patients had more than five seizures before commencing treatment. Brain imaging showed potentially epileptogenic lesions in 19.7% (38/193) of patients and other abnormalities in 56.5% (109/193); 78.6% patients (158/201) were seizure‐free at the last follow‐up, of whom 94.9% were taking monotherapy. Concomitant aspirin use (n = 80) was associated with a lower probability of being seizure‐free (relative risk 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.70‐0.97; P = .02). The use of second‐generation ASMs as the initial monotherapy increased from 31.5% (23/73) before 2000 to 70.3% (90/128, P < .001) from 2000 onward. However, the seizure freedom rates (67.1% vs 55.5%; P = .35) and intolerable adverse‐effect rates (16.4% vs 19.5%; P = .45) did not show any significant difference.

Significance

There was often a long interval between seizure onset and the initiation of treatment in older people with new‐onset epilepsy, although the majority responded well to ASM treatment. Brain imaging showed a high rate of abnormalities. Despite the increased use of second‐generation ASMs, treatment outcomes in later‐onset epilepsy have not improved over time. The possible effect of aspirin on treatment response warrants further investigation.
Generalized, focal, and combined epilepsies in families: New evidence for distinct genetic factors
Authors: Ellis Colin A. , Ottman Ruth , Epstein Michael P. , Berkovic Samuel F. ,   Epi4K Consortium
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the roles of shared and distinct genetic influences on generalized and focal epilepsy operating in individuals who manifest features of both types (combined epilepsies), and in families manifesting both generalized and focal epilepsies in separate individuals (mixed families).

Methods

We analyzed the deeply phenotyped Epi4K cohort of multiplex families (≥3 affected individuals per family) using methods that quantify the aggregation of phenotypes within families and the relatedness of individuals with different phenotypes within family pedigrees.

Results

The cohort included 281 families containing 1021 individuals with generalized (n = 484), focal (304), combined (51), or unclassified (182) epilepsies. The odds of combined epilepsy was higher in relatives of participants with combined epilepsy than in relatives of those with other epilepsy types (odds ratio [OR] 5.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7‐16.1, P = .004). Individuals with combined epilepsy co‐occurred in families more often than expected by chance (P = .03). Within mixed families, individuals with each type of epilepsy were more closely related to relatives with the same type than to relatives with other types (P < .001).

Significance

These findings suggest that distinct genetic influences underlie the recently recognized entity of combined epilepsies, just as generalized epilepsies and focal epilepsies each have distinct genetic influences. Mixed families may in part reflect chance co‐occurrence of these distinct genetic influences. These conclusions have important implications for molecular genetic studies aimed at identifying genetic determinants of the epilepsies.
Interspecific hybrids show a reduced adaptive potential under DNA damaging conditions
Authors: Bautista Carla , Marsit Souhir , Landry Christian R.
Published: October 2020

Hybridization may increase the probability of adaptation to extreme stresses. This advantage could be caused by an increased genome plasticity in hybrids, which could accelerate the search for adaptive mutations. High ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a particular challenge in terms of adaptation because it affects the viability of organisms by directly damaging DNA, while also challenging future generations by increasing mutation rate. Here we test whether hybridization accelerates adaptive evolution in response to DNA damage, using yeast as a model. We exposed 180 populations of hybrids between species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus) and their parental strains to UV mimetic and control conditions for approximately 100 generations. Although we found that adaptation occurs in both hybrids and parents, hybrids achieved a lower rate of adaptation, contrary to our expectations. Adaptation to DNA damage conditions comes with a large and similar cost for parents and hybrids, suggesting that this cost is not responsible for the lower adaptability of hybrids. We suggest that the lower adaptive potential of hybrids in this condition may result from the interaction between DNA damage and the inherent genetic instability of hybrids.
Variation in GPS and accelerometer recorded velocity and stride parameters of galloping Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Morrice‐West Ashleigh V. , Hitchens Peta L. , Walmsley Elizabeth A. , Stevenson Mark A. , Wong Adelene S. M. , Whitton R. Chris
Published: October 2020

Background

With each stride, galloping horses generate large skeletal loads which influence bone physiology, and may contribute to musculoskeletal injury. Horse speed and stride characteristics are related, but the usefulness of using horse speed and distance travelled as a proxy for stride characteristics is unknown.

Objectives

We aimed to determine stride characteristics, their variance and their relationship with speed in horses performing maximally.

Study design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of archived data.

Methods

Stride characteristics obtained using GPS and inertial sensors in Thoroughbred horses were retrieved. Data per 200 m race segment (‘sectionals’) for horses competing in races (N = 25,259 race starts) were analysed to determine if speed predicted stride parameters. Multivariable mixed‐effects linear regression models were fitted.

Results

Mean (±SD) stride length, stride count (number of strides per 200 m), duration and speed were 7.08 ± 0.39 m, 28.32 ± 1.56 strides/200 m, 0.43 ± 0.02 s/stride and 16.63 ± 1.04 m/s across all sectionals and starts. Speed and stride length decreased, and stride count increased with race progression (P < 0.001). Male sex, greater race distance, better finishing position and firmer track surfaces were associated with less strides per 200 m and longer stride durations.

Main limitations

Lack of an independent party validation of the measurement system used in this study.

Conclusions

There was a substantial inter‐horse variation in stride parameters, with speed predicting half or less of this variation. Speed alone does not fully explain stride characteristics in horses. Future studies aimed at investigating the impact of gait on bone biology and pathology would benefit from accounting for stride characteristics (eg length and duration).
Amiodarone and Parkinsonism: a pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Durrieu Geneviève
Published: October 2020

Background

Some case reports have described parkinsonism with amiodarone. We investigated a putative association between parkinsonism and exposure to amiodarone.

Methods

We used the WHO pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase®). All adverse drug reactions with ‘Parkinson‐like events’ and amiodarone were included. Four disproportionality analyses were performed: 1/after inclusion of all reports, 2/according to sex, 3/for the twenty last years (2000–2019), and 4/after exclusion of concomitant drugs known to induce parkinsonism (antipsychotic, antivertigo, antiemetic antinauseant drugs, flunarizine). Results are expressed as reporting odds ratios (ROR; 95% CI) and information component (IC).

Results

No significant association was found in the whole population [ROR = 0.83 (0.65–1.06), IC = −0.7 (IC025 = −0.65)], in men, in women, for the 2000–2019 years, or after exclusion of drugs inducing parkinsonism.

Conclusion

We failed to find any signal of parkinsonism with amiodarone. We suggest that reports of parkinsonism with amiodarone could be mainly explained by other underlying causes.
Dyskalemia: a management problem for students
Authors: Senninger Lisa , Abensur Vuillaume Laure , Frimat Luc , Girerd Nicolas , Lamiral Zohra , Rossignol Patrick , Boivin Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2020

Background

Although dyskalemia is common, its management can be problematic for students and general practitioners, especially when it occurs in patients with heart and renal failure. The basic academic knowledge of general medicine students, who have often not yet encountered clinical situations of dyskalemia, remains unclear in this regard.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and reflexive practices of general medicine students in regard to dyskalemia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey, based on a self‐questionnaire, of all of the students enrolled in general medicine studies at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Nancy (France) at the end of their degree. The students were asked questions pertaining to specific clinical situations. The answers were compared to the information provided in the medical curriculum as well as to the relevant European guidelines.

Results

We collected 290 of the questionnaires (participation rate: 81.2%). The hyper‐ and hypokalemia thresholds considered pathological (3.5–5.0 mmol/L) were known by 78% and 67% of the students, respectively. The perception of danger in case of severe hypokalemia was underestimated by 62.7% of them. In most cases, the proposed management of hyperkalemia in heart and renal failure did not comply with the relevant guidelines. The students tended to favor permanent discontinuation of the administration of converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) and/or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) without considering the need for their reintroduction (51.6%). Sodium polystyrene sulfate was frequently seen as an appropriate first‐line treatment for hyperkalemia (45%).

Conclusions

The knowledge and competence of general medicine students appear to be lacking for hyperkalemia in heart and renal failure, and they are long way from full compliance with the relevant European guidelines. Exposure to complex clinical situations as part of the medical curriculum, therefore, seems essential to improve the way dyskalemia is managed in France.
Proteomic characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in critical COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Zeng Hao‐Long , Chen Di , Yan Jingjun , Yang Qing , Han Qiang‐Qiang , Li Shu‐Sheng , Cheng Liming
Published: October 2020

Up to 10–20% of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) develop a severe pulmonary disease due to immune dysfunction and cytokine dysregulation. However, the extracellular proteomic characteristics in respiratory tract of these critical COVID‐19 patients still remain to be investigated. In the present study, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with critical COVID‐19 and from non‐COVID‐19 controls. Our study identified 358 differentially expressed BALF proteins (P < 0.05), among which 41 were significantly changed after using the Benjamini–Hochberg correction (q < 0.05). The up‐regulated signaling was found to be mainly involved in inflammatory signaling and response to oxidative stress. A series of increased extracellular factors including Tenascin‐C (TNC), Mucin‐1 (KL‐6 or MUC1), Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2), periostin (POSTN), Chitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1 or YKL40), and S100A12, and the antigens including lymphocyte antigen 6D/E48 antigen (LY6D), CD9 antigen, CD177 antigen, and prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) were identified, among which the proinflammatory factors TNC and KL‐6 were further validated in serum of another thirty‐nine COVID‐19 patients and healthy controls, showing high potentials of being biomarkers or therapeutic candidates for COVID‐19. This BALF proteome associated with COVID‐19 would also be a valuable resource for researches on anti‐inflammatory medication and understanding the molecular mechanisms of host response.

Database

Proteomic raw data are available in ProteomeXchange (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org) under the accession number PXD022085, and in iProX (www.iprox.org) under the accession number IPX0002429000.