bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergence institutionnelle et commerce bilatéral en Afrique centrale
Authors: Mignamissi Dieudonné
Published: December 2020

L'objectif de cet article est d'analyser l'incidence de la convergence de la qualité des institutions sur les échanges bilatéraux entre les pays de la CEEAC et leurs principaux partenaires. La démarche méthodologique consiste à calculer les index de concordance des variables institutionnelles et à les intégrer dans un modèle de gravité théoriquement fondé. L’échantillon comprend les 11 pays membres de la CEEAC et 84 pays partenaires, les données utilisées couvrant la période 1996–2018. Le principal résultat obtenu montre que la convergence vers la bonne qualité institutionnelle est défavorable aux échanges commerciaux dans la CEEAC. En d'autres termes, les couples de pays qui tendent à avoir les mêmes performances institutionnelles ne sont pas de bons partenaires à l’échange, à cause de l'alignement des normes commerciales et de la mise à niveau progressive de l'appareil de production qui tend à diminuer la dépendance des pays défavorisés. Nous suggérons aux pays de la CEEAC d'implémenter des réformes capables d'améliorer durablement la qualité de leurs institutions en vue d'accroître durablement leur compétitivité et leur intégration dans l’économie mondiale.
Ebola separations: trust, crisis, and ‘social distancing’ in West Africa
Authors: Brown Hannah , Marí Sáez Almudena
Published: December 2020

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa involved the introduction of new forms of social and physical separation that aimed to curtail the spread of the disease. People changed the ways they lived to avoid contact with those who might be sick. A suite of governmental instruments was introduced, ranging from by‐laws and public health campaigns to the use of specialist treatment centres and military force. These events transformed social connections and affected possibilities for trust in intimate, governmental, and therapeutic relations. Drawing upon fieldwork in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, this article explores these forms of separation and social distance ethnographically, with a focus on material objects, touch, and spaces of separation. In doing so, we contribute to discussions on the constitution of trust and distance within social relations, and the ways in which separation can enable certain kinds of closeness. Our analysis offers insights for those seeking to understand the impact of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic on the ways that people relate to, and care for, others.
Anticipating an unwanted future: euthanasia and dementia in the Netherlands
Authors: Lemos Dekker Natashe
Published: December 2020

This ethnographic exploration of anticipation draws on fieldwork among people with dementia and their families in the Netherlands. I examine how requests for euthanasia by people with dementia offer insight into the work of anticipation, revealing it to be a temporal orientation through which the future is made tangible. Imagining a future with dementia may prompt some people to request euthanasia, but timing such measures is extremely difficult and often results in deferral. Contributing to an emerging anthropology of time, I argue that anticipation is a process of establishing, collapsing, and renegotiating the temporal distance between present and future, bringing the future into the present while also, and simultaneously, keeping the future at bay as a continuous ‘not yet’.
Low incidence of pulmonary metastases in vulvar cancer patients: limited value of routine chest imaging based on a cohort study
Authors: Pleunis N , Pouwer AW , Ploegmakers MJ , de Hullu JA , Pijnenborg JMA
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of pulmonary metastases in the preoperative work‐up of patients with primary vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Population

Patients treated for primary vulvar SCC from 2000 to 2018.

Methods

The pre‐operative chest imaging of 452 consecutively treated patients was documented with a minimal follow‐up period of 2 years.

Mean outcome measures

Incidence of pulmonary metastases, frequency of chest imaging and subsequent coincidental findings.

Results

In total, 80.8% of patients underwent pre‐operative chest imaging. Seven patients (1.9%), with a median tumour size of 80 mm, presented with pulmonary metastases. None of the patients with early stage disease and tumour size <40 mm who underwent radical local excision (RLE) with sentinel node (SN)‐procedure, was diagnosed with pulmonary metastasis. Chest imaging was performed by radiography (58.9%) and computerised tomography (CT) (41.1%). Coincidental findings were reported in 40.7% of patients who underwent CT, compared with 15.8% of patients undergoing radiography, resulting in additional diagnostics in 14.7 and 19.7% and being of limited consequence for outcome in 2.9 and 3.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of pulmonary metastases in patients with primary vulvar SCC is extremely low, and none in patients with early stage disease undergoing the SN procedure. Chest imaging was performed in the majority of patients and was associated with frequent coincidental findings leading to clinically irrelevant diagnostic procedures. Therefore, we recommend omitting chest imaging in patients with early stage disease and tumours <40 mm, considering chest CT only in patients with large tumours and/or advanced stage disease.

Tweetable abstract

The incidence of pulmonary metastases is 1.9%, none in early stage disease planned for SN. Omitting chest imaging in this group is advised.
Political Ecologies of Race: Settler Colonialism and Environmental Racism in the United States and Canada
Authors: Van Sant Levi , Milligan Richard , Mollett Sharlene
Published: December 2020

Drawing inspiration from popular efforts to connect a wide array of political struggles, this symposium examines the ways that racial‐colonial politics unfold through nature and environmental practices linking past, present, and future across the United States and Canada. By way of introduction, we ask: What does it mean to do political ecologies of race in Canada and the United States? For us the response cannot be additive—merely grafting attention to racial/colonial politics onto established scholarly conventions. Instead, we aim for a deeper analysis that challenges and enlivens the field of political ecology. This introduction highlights what is at stake, and identifies the ways that the contributors' research pushes the field. Ultimately, we argue that political ecologies of race can help reinvigorate intellectual projects and build liveable futures by recognising and supporting the connections between ongoing struggles. We hope this symposium contributes to the task.
The 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders: Major depression summary
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Bell Erica , Singh Ajeet B. , Bassett Darryl , Berk Michael , Boyce Philip , Bryant Richard , Gitlin Michael , Hamilton Amber , Hazell Philip , Hopwood Malcolm , Lyndon Bill , McIntyre Roger S. , Morris Grace , Mulder Roger , Porter Richard , Yatham Lakshmi N. , Young Allan , Murray Greg
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To provide a succinct, clinically useful summary of the management of major depression, based on the 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders (MDcpg2020).

Methods

To develop the MDcpg2020, the mood disorders committee conducted an extensive review of the available literature to develop evidence‐based recommendations (EBR) based on National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines. In the MDcpg2020, these recommendations sit alongside consensus‐based recommendations (CBR) that were derived from extensive deliberations of the mood disorders committee, drawing on their expertise and clinical experience. This guideline summary is an abridged version that focuses on major depression. In collaboration with international experts in the field, it synthesises the key recommendations made in relation to the diagnosis and management of major depression.

Results

The depression summary provides a systematic approach to diagnosis, and a logical clinical framework for management. The latter begins with Actions, which include important strategies that should be implemented from the outset. These include lifestyle changes, psychoeducation and psychological interventions. The summary advocates the use of antidepressants in the management of depression as Choices and nominates seven medications that can be trialled as clinically indicated before moving to Alternatives for managing depression. Subsequent strategies regarding Medication include Increasing Dose, Augmenting and Switching (MIDAS). The summary also recommends the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and discusses how to approach non‐response.

Conclusions

The major depression summary provides up to date guidance regarding the management of major depressive disorder, as set out in the MDcpg2020. The recommendations are informed by research evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise and experience. The summary is intended for use by psychiatrists, psychologists and primary care physicians, but will be of interest to all clinicians and carers involved in the management of patients with depressive disorders.
Molecular mechanisms of anticancer activities of polyphyllin VII
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Azizullah Azizullah , Khan Muhammad Fiaz , Din Syed Riaz Ud , Ahmad Manzoor , Ali Ashraf , Tahir Naeem , Azam Nasir , Gamallat Yaser , Rahman Khalil Ur , Ali Muhsin , Safi Mohammad , Khan Imran , Qamer Samina , Oh Deog‐Hwan
Published: December 2020

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in the world. The major therapies for cancer treatment are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. All these therapies expensive, toxic and show resistance. The plant‐derived compounds are considered safe, cost‐effective and target cancer through different pathways. In these pathways include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dependent and independent, STAT3, NF‐kB, MAPKs, cell cycle, and autophagy pathways. One of the new plants derived compounds is Polyphyllin VII (PPVII), which target cancer through different molecular mechanisms. In literature, there is a review gap of studies on PPVII; therefore in the current review, we summarized the available studies on PPVII to provide a base for future research.
Airway Elastin is increased in severe asthma and relates to proximal wall area: histological and computed tomography findings from the U‐BIOPRED severe asthma study
Authors: Wilson Susan J , Ward Jonathan A , Pickett Helen M , Baldi Simonetta , Sousa Ana R , Sterk Peter J , Chung Kian Fan , Djukanovic Ratko , Dahlen Barbro , Billing Bo , Shaw Dominick , Krug Norbert , Sandstrӧm Thomas , Brightling Christopher , Howarth Peter H ,   the U‐BIOPRED consortium
Published: December 2020

Background

Airway remodelling, which may include goblet cell hyperplasia / hypertrophy, changes in epithelial integrity, accumulation of extracellular matrix components, smooth muscle hypertrophy and thickening of the lamina reticularis, is a feature of severe asthma and contributes to the clinical phenotype.

Objective

Within the U‐BIOPRED severe asthma study, we have assessed histological elements of airway remodelling and their relationship to computed tomography (CT) measures of proximal airway dimensions.

Methods

Bronchial biopsies were collected from two severe asthma groups, one non‐smoker (SAn, n = 28) and one current/ex‐smoker (SAs/ex, n = 13), and a mild‐moderate asthma group (MMA, n = 28) classified and treated according to GINA guidelines, plus a healthy control group (HC, n = 33). Movat's pentachrome technique was used to identify mucin, elastin and total collagen in these biopsies. The number of goblet cells (mucin+) was counted as a percentage of the total number of epithelial cells and the percentage mucin epithelial area measured. The percentage area of elastic fibres and total collagen within the submucosa was also measured, and the morphology of the elastic fibres classified. Participants in the asthma groups also had a CT scan to assess large airway morphometry.

Results

The submucosal tissue elastin percentage was higher in both severe asthma groups (16.1% SAn, 18.9% SAs/ex) compared with the HC (9.7%) but did not differ between asthma groups. There was a positive relationship between elastin and airway wall area measured by CT (n = 18–20, rho=0.544, p = 0.024), which also related to an increase in elastic fibres with a thickened lamellar morphological appearance. Mucin epithelial area and total collagen were not different between the four groups. Due to small numbers of suitable CT scans, it was not feasible to compare airway morphometry between the asthma groups.

Conclusion

These findings identify a link between extent of elastin deposition and airway wall thickening in severe asthma.
Octreotide versus oral dietary modification for the treatment of chylous fistula following neck dissection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Molena Emma , King Emma , Davies‐Husband Cameron
Published: December 2020

Aims

Chylous fistula following neck surgery is a rare, but significant complication. Currently, there is no standardised treatment, which may comprise pressure dressings, oral dietary modification (ODM), surgery or a combination of such measures. Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue that has gained popularity in the management of cervical chyle leaks. The effectiveness of octreotide compared with ODM is unclear. We provide a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature pertaining to the management of chylous fistulae, comparing both treatment strategies.

Methods

The bibliographic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched from inception to October 2019. Search terms included (chyle [title/abstract]) OR (chylous [title/abstract]) AND (fistula [title/abstract]) OR (fistulae [title/abstract]) OR (leak [title/abstract]) AND (neck [title/abstract]) OR (dissection [title/abstract]). The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Outcome measures included the proportion of chylous fistulae that spontaneously resolved without the need for surgery and time taken until resolution, for both DM and octreotide, respectively.

Results

The primary search identified 20 articles for review, comprising 313 patients. Two studies were suitable for pooled analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the time taken for chylous fistula to resolve between groups (octreotide 10.0 days; ODM 12.0 days; P = .38). The overall rate of resolution was 89.6% and 81.5%, respectively (P = .25). Surgery was highly effective in cases failing to resolve following intervention with either method (96% [53/55] patients).

Conclusion

The use of octreotide for chylous fistula following neck dissection surgery is associated with a high rate of spontaneous resolution. However, significant heterogeneity, bias and concurrent use of ODM/TPN for patients in studies investigating octreotide precludes universal recommendation at this time. Further research in the form of randomised controlled trials is required to establish an independent treatment effect.
Altered anal slow‐wave pressure activity in low anterior resection syndrome: short case series in two independent specialist centres provide new mechanistic insights
Authors: Vollebregt Paul F. , Wiklendt Lukasz , Ang Daphne , Venn Mary L. , Mekhael Mira , Christensen Peter , Dinning Phil G. , Knowles Charles H. , Scott S. Mark
Published: December 2020

Aim

Conventional parameters (anal resting and squeeze pressures) measured with anorectal manometry (ARM) fail to identify anal sphincter dysfunction in many patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). We aimed to assess whether there are differences in anal canal slow‐wave pressure activity in LARS patients and healthy individuals.

Method

High‐resolution ARM (HR‐ARM) traces of 21 consecutive male LARS patients referred to the Royal London Hospital, UK (n = 12) and Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark (n = 9) were compared with HR‐ARM data from 37 healthy men.

Results

Qualitatively (by visual inspection of HR‐ARM recordings), the frequency of slow‐wave pressure activity was strikingly different in 11/21 (52.4%) LARS patients from that observed in all the healthy individuals. Quantitative analysis showed that peaks of the mean spectrum in these 11 LARS patients occurred at approximately 6–7 cycles per minute (cpm), without activity at higher frequencies. An equivalent pattern was found in only 2/37 (5.4%) healthy individuals (P < 0.0001). Peaks of the mean spectrum in healthy individuals were concentrated at 16 cpm and 3–4 cpm.

Conclusion

Over half of the male LARS patients studied had altered anal slow‐wave pressure activity based on analysis of HR‐ARM recordings. Further studies could investigate the relative contributions of sex, human baseline variance and neoadjuvant/surgical therapies on anal slow waves, and correlate the presence of abnormal activity with symptom severity.
Left atrial stiffness predicts cardiac events in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: The impact of diabetes
Authors: Bytyçi Ibadete , D’Agostino Andreina , Bajraktari Gani , Lindqvist Per , Dini Frank L. , Henein Michael Y.
Published: December 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and left atrial (LA) remodelling in a group of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and their combined impact on cardiac events (CE).

Methods

This study included 136 consecutive HFrEF patients (65 ± 11 years), 36 had DM, and 86 had increased LA stiffness (LASt). All patients underwent complete conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic measurements were made including LA volumes and function. LASt was calculated using the formula: LASt = E/e’ ratio / PALS.

Results

At 55 ± 37 months follow‐up, free survival from CE was 69% in patients without DM and 44.4% in those with DM (p < .0001). The CE free survival was lower in patients with increased LASt compared to normal LASt, (50 versus. 80%, p < .001), irrespective of the presence of DM (27 versus. 71%, p < .001).The best cut‐off value of LASt for predicting CE in the group as a whole was ≥ 0.82% [81% sensitivity, 72% specificity and AUC 0.82 (p < .001)]. LASt ≥ 0.82% also predicted CE in no DM patients [78% sensitivity, 71% specificity and AUC 0.80 (p < .001)] and was a stronger predictor in DM patients [85% sensitivity, 71% specificity and AUC = 0.847 (p < .001)].

Conclusion

High LA stiffness is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with HFrEF. Diabetes has an additional incremental value in determining clinical outcome in those patients.
Karnofsky performance status predicts outcomes in candidates for simultaneous liver‐kidney transplant
Authors: Shamseddeen Hani , Pike Francis , Ghabril Marwan , Patidar Kavish R. , Desai Archita P. , Nephew Lauren , Anderson Melissa , Kubal Chandrashekhar , Chalasani Naga , Orman Eric S.
Published: December 2020

Karnofsky performance status (KPS), a measure of physical frailty, predicts pre‐transplant and post‐transplant outcomes in liver transplantation, but has not been assessed in simultaneous liver–kidney transplantation (SLKT). We examined the association between KPS and outcomes in SLKT waitlist registrants and recipients (2005‐2018) in the UNOS database. KPS was categorized into A (able to work), B (able to provide self‐care), and C (unable to provide self‐care). Cox regression and competing risk analysis were used to assess the association between KPS groups and outcomes. A total of 10,785 patients were waitlisted (KPS: 19% A, 46% B, 35% C), and 5,516 underwent SLKT (12% A, 36% B, 52% C). One‐year waitlist mortality was 17%, 22%, and 32% for KPS A, B, and C, respectively. In adjusted competing risk regression, KPS C was associated with increased waitlist mortality (SHR 1.15, 95%CI 1.04‐1.28). One‐year post‐transplant survival was 92%, 91%, and 87% for KPS A, B, and C, respectively. In adjusted Cox regression, KPS C was associated with increased post‐transplant mortality (HR 1.32, 95%CI 1.08‐1.61). It was also associated with increased liver and kidney graft losses and with hospital length of stay. Frailty, as assessed by KPS, is associated with poor outcomes in SLKT pre‐ and post‐transplant.
Anticipating future actions: Motor planning improves with age in wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus)
Authors: Truppa Valentina , Sabbatini Gloria , Izar Patricia , Fragaszy Dorothy M. , Visalberghi Elisabetta
Published: December 2020

Self‐directed object manipulation tasks illuminate development of motor planning. Grasping strategies that lead to good object control to perform the following action(s) reveal second‐order motor planning. Motor planning for efficient grips develops slowly in children. Age‐related differences in other primates have been poorly investigated. Here, we investigated anticipatory motor planning of infant, juvenile and adult wild capuchin monkeys grasping a horizontally positioned stick baited to the left or right side (a version of the elevated spoon task). We recorded the grasps capuchins used to bring the baited end of the stick to the mouth. The percentage of efficient radial grips positively correlated with age and adults used efficient grips significantly more frequently than infants. Adult wild capuchins' use of radial grips was higher than that reported for adult captive capuchins in similar tasks, suggesting that experience throughout life may influence motor anticipation. Self‐directed object manipulation tasks will be useful to compare this aspect of cognition across primates. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/a1Zbr_AQkb8.
ATP1A3 variants and slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia without paroxysmal or episodic symptoms in children
Authors: Sasaki Masayuki , Sumitomo Noriko , Shimizu‐Motohashi Yuko , Takeshita Eri , Kurosawa Kenji , Kosaki Kenjiro , Iwama Kazuhiro , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: December 2020

A heterogeneous spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by mutations in ATP1A3 have been previously described. Here we report two cases of infantile‐onset cerebellar ataxia, due to two different ATP1A3 variants. Both patients showed slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia without paroxysmal or episodic symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild cerebellar cortical atrophy in both patients. Whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous variant in ATP1A3 in both patients. One patient had the c.460A>G (p.Met154Val) variant, while the other carried the c.1050C>A (p.Asn350Lys) variant. This phenotype was characterized by a slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia since the infantile period, which has not been previously described in association with ATP1A3 variants or in ATP1A3‐related clinical conditions. Our report contributes to extend the phenotypic spectrum of ATP1A3 mutations, showing paediatric slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia with mild cerebellar atrophy alone as an additional clinical presentation of ATP1A3‐related neurological disorders.
Hydrogeomorphological controls on reach‐scale distributions of cichlid nest sites in a small neotropical river
Authors: Buege Emily A. , Esselman Peter C. , Praskievicz Sarah J.
Published: December 2020

The Cichlidae are among the most diversified families of fish in the Neotropics and represent an important component of aquatic biodiversity. Understanding cichlid nest‐site selection is important for assemblages facing uncertain futures due to species invasions and environmental change. This information could be used to predict how inter‐ and intraspecific competition for reproductive space may affect populations with changing community dynamics or to identify areas as targets for conservation. We investigated which hydrogeomorphological factors correlated to preferred nest sites of four native cichlid species in the Bladen River, Belize. We recorded the locations of nest sites and collected habitat data through the study reach, including flow velocity, depth, sediment type, fish cover type richness and distance to the bank. Nest locations and physical habitat data were used to construct spatially explicit habitat models using boosted regression trees (BRTs). The models provided statistically significant evidence that physical habitat variables influence the distribution of the nest sites. We found that all species except Archocentrus spilurus were associated with substrate, specifically sand. Thorichthys meeki was also associated with lower water velocities, whereas Cichlasoma salvini was influenced by all five variables. Vieja maculicauda and Archocentrus spilurus were both influenced by flow velocity, distance to bank and depth, although A. spilurus preferred deeper, slightly faster locations about the same distance to the bank. This study suggests that the spatial distribution of nest sites within this cichlid community is significantly different than random and is at least partially governed by physical controls.
“Kids from here don't go to uni”: Considering first in family students' belonging and entitlement within the field of higher education in Australia
Authors: O’Shea Sarah
Published: December 2020

Increasingly students from diverse backgrounds are attending university, many from contexts where accessing higher education is the exception rather than the norm. We know that these learners often have a lower sense of belonging when compared to their second or third generation peers but how this is experienced at an individual level remains unclear. This article explores how current and graduated students articulated their belonging within the higher education environment and how understandings of entitlement played into this conceptualisation. Drawing on Bourdieu's concepts of field and habitus, particularly the notion of cleft habitus (habitus clivé), this article seeks to explore how learners negotiate their status both as university students and graduates. Utilising interviews and surveys conducted with enrolled and graduated first in family learners, the focus is on those who are regarded as successful in the sense of meritocratic achievements and degree conferral. This richly descriptive data points to the emotional undercurrents and relational complexity that attending university can have for those with no generational biographical belonging to this environment and the ways in which learners negotiate between existing and new expectations and norms.
Deciphering key regulators involved in epilepsy‐induced cardiac damage through whole transcriptome and proteome analysis in a rat model
Authors: Sharma Supriya , Sharma Meetal , Rana Anil Kumar , Joshi Robin , Swarnkar Mohit Kumar , Acharya Vishal , Singh Damanpreet
Published: December 2020

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major outcome of cardiac dysfunction in patients with epilepsy. In continuation of our previous work, the present study was envisaged to explore the key regulators responsible for cardiac damage associated with chronic seizures using whole transcriptome and proteome analysis in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

A standard lithium‐pilocarpine protocol was used to induce recurrent seizures in rats. The isolated rat heart tissue was subjected to transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. An integrated approach of RNA‐Seq, proteomics, and system biology analysis was used to identify key regulators involved in seizure‐linked cardiac changes. The analyzed differential expression patterns and network interactions were supported by gene and protein expression studies.

Results

Altogether, 1157 differentially expressed genes and 1264 proteins were identified in the cardiac tissue of epileptic animals through RNA‐Seq and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis, respectively. The network analysis revealed seven critical genes—STAT3, Myc, Fos, Erbb2, Erbb3, Notch1, and Mapk8—that could play a role in seizure‐mediated cardiac changes. The LC‐MS/MS analysis supported the activation of the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) pathway in the heart of epileptic animals. Furthermore, our gene and protein expression studies established a key role of STAT3, Erbb, and Mapk8 to develop cardiac changes linked with recurrent seizures.

Significance

The present multi‐omics study identified STAT3, Mapk8, and Erbb as key regulators involved in seizure‐associated cardiac changes. It provided a deeper understanding of molecular, cellular, and network‐level operations of the identified regulators that lead to cardiac changes in epilepsy.
Commercial amniotic membrane extract for treatment of corneal ulcers in adult horses
Authors: Lyons Victoria N. , Townsend Wendy M. , Moore George E. , Liang Siqi
Published: December 2020

Background

Amniotic membrane extract enhances the rate of epithelialisation after corneal ulceration in several species but has not been studied in the equine cornea.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of amniotic membrane extract on re‐epithelialisation of equine corneal ulcers compared with ulcers treated with antibiotic, antifungal and mydriatic medical therapy alone, and to evaluate equine corneal healing after experimentally induced superficial ulceration.

Study design

Masked, randomised, controlled experimental trial.

Methods

Superficial, 8 mm corneal ulcers were created bilaterally in each horse. One eye was treated with amniotic membrane extract and the opposite was control. Both eyes were treated with medical therapy. Treatment eyes received amniotic membrane extract, and control eyes received the amniotic membrane extract vehicle. Ulcers were stained with fluorescein and photographed in 12‐hour increments until completely healed. Ulcer surface area was determined by analysing photographs with ImageJ. A mixed linear model was used to compare ulcer surface area and hours until healing between treatment groups. A regression model was also used to calculate corneal re‐epithelialisation rate over time.

Results

Regardless of therapy, healing occurred in two phases: an initial rapid phase of 0.88 mm2/hr (95% CI: 0.81‐0.94 mm2/hr) for approximately 48‐54 hours followed by a second, slow phase of 0.07 mm2/hr (95% CI: 0.04‐0.09 mm2/hr). Most eyes healed within 135.5 ± 48.5 hours. Treatment (amniotic membrane extract vs. control) was not significantly associated with size of ulcers over time (P = .984). Discomfort was minimal to absent in all horses.

Main limitations

Results achieved experimental studies may differ from outcomes in the clinical setting.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in healing rate with addition of amniotic membrane extract to medical therapy for equine superficial corneal ulcers. A biphasic corneal healing process was observed, with an initial rapid phase followed by a slow phase. Further study will be needed to determine whether amniotic membrane extract will be helpful for infected or malacic equine corneal ulcers.
Skin pigmentation and its control: From ultraviolet radiation to stem cells
Authors: Yardman‐Frank Joseph Michael , Fisher David E.
Published: December 2020

In the light of substantial discoveries in epithelial and hair pigmentation pathophysiology, this review summarizes the current understanding of skin pigmentation mechanisms. Melanocytes are pigment‐producing cells, and their key regulating transcription factor is the melanocyte‐specific microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (m‐MITF). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a unique modulator of skin pigmentation influencing tanning pathways. The delayed tanning pathway occurs as UVB produces keratinocyte DNA damage, causing p53‐mediated expression of the pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene that is processed to release α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). α‐MSH stimulates the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, leading to m‐MITF expression and melanogenesis. POMC cleavage also releases β‐endorphin, which creates a neuroendocrine pathway that promotes UV‐seeking behaviours. Mutations along the tanning pathway can affect pigmentation and increase the risk of skin malignancies. MC1R variants have received considerable attention, yet the allele is highly polymorphic with varied phenotypes. Vitiligo presents with depigmented skin lesions due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. UVB phototherapy stimulates melanocyte stem cells in the hair bulge to undergo differentiation and upwards migration resulting in perifollicular repigmentation of vitiliginous lesions, which is under sophisticated signalling control. Melanocyte stem cells, normally quiescent, undergo cyclic activation/differentiation and downward migration with the hair cycle, providing pigment to hair follicles. Physiological hair greying results from progressive loss of melanocyte stem cells and can be accelerated by acute stress‐induced, sympathetic driven hyperproliferation of the melanocyte stem cells. Ultimately, by reviewing the pathways governing epithelial and follicular pigmentation, numerous areas of future research and potential points of intervention are highlighted.
Crystal structures of a novel family IV esterase in free and substrate‐bound form
Authors: Höppner Astrid , Bollinger Alexander , Kobus Stefanie , Thies Stephan , Coscolín Cristina , Ferrer Manuel , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Smits Sander H. J.
Published: December 2020

Bacterial lipolytic enzymes of family IV are homologs of the mammalian hormone‐sensitive lipases (HSL) and have been successfully used for various biotechnological applications. The broad substrate specificity and ability for enantio‐, regio‐, and stereoselective hydrolysis are remarkable features of enzymes from this class. Many crystal structures are available for esterases and lipases, but structures of enzyme–substrate or enzyme–inhibitor complexes are less frequent although important to understand the molecular basis of enzyme–substrate interaction and to rationalize biochemical enzyme characteristics. Here, we report on the structures of a novel family IV esterase isolated from a metagenomic screen, which shows a broad substrate specificity. We solved the crystal structures in the apo form and with a bound substrate analogue at 1.35 and 1.81 Å resolution, respectively. This enzyme named PtEst1 hydrolyzed more than 60 out 96 structurally different ester substrates thus being substrate promiscuous. Its broad substrate specificity is in accord with a large active site cavity, which is covered by an α‐helical cap domain. The substrate analogue methyl 4‐methylumbelliferyl hexylphosphonate was rapidly hydrolyzed by the enzyme leading to a complete inactivation caused by covalent binding of phosphinic acid to the catalytic serine. Interestingly, the alcohol leaving group 4‐methylumbelliferone was found remaining in the active site cavity, and additionally, a complete inhibitor molecule was found at the cap domain next to the entrance of the substrate tunnel. This unique situation allowed gaining valuable insights into the role of the cap domain for enzyme–substrate interaction of esterases belonging to family IV.

Database

Structural data of PtEst1 are available in the worldwide protein data bank (https://www.rcsb.org) under the accession codes: 6Z68 (apo‐PtEst1) and 6Z69 (PtEst1‐inhibitor complex).
Exploring biogeochemical and ecological redundancy in phytoplankton communities in the global ocean
Authors: Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Boyd Philip W. , Riebesell Ulf
Published: December 2020

Climate‐change‐induced alterations of oceanic conditions will lead to the ecological niches of some marine phytoplankton species disappearing, at least regionally. How will such losses affect the ecosystem and the coupled biogeochemical cycles? Here, we couch this question in terms of ecological redundancy (will other species be able to fill the ecological roles of the extinct species) and biogeochemical redundancy (can other species replace their biogeochemical roles). Prior laboratory and field studies point to a spectrum in the degree of redundancy. We use a global three‐dimensional computer model with diverse planktonic communities to explore these questions further. The model includes 35 phytoplankton types that differ in size, biogeochemical function and trophic strategy. We run two series of experiments in which single phytoplankton types are either partially or fully eliminated. The niches of the targeted types were not completely reoccupied, often with a reduction in the transfer of matter from autotrophs to heterotrophs. Primary production was often decreased, but sometimes increased due to reduction in grazing pressure. Complex trophic interactions (such as a decrease in the stocks of a predator's grazer) led to unexpected reshuffling of the community structure. Alterations in resource utilization may cause impacts beyond the regions where the type went extinct. Our results suggest a lack of redundancy, especially in the ‘knock on’ effects on higher trophic levels. Redundancy appeared lowest for types on the edges of trait space (e.g. smallest) or with unique competitive strategies. Though highly idealized, our modelling findings suggest that the results from laboratory or field studies often do not adequately capture the ramifications of functional redundancy. The modelled, often counterintuitive, responses—via complex food web interactions and bottom‐up versus top‐down controls—indicate that changes in planktonic community will be key determinants of future ocean global change ecology and biogeochemistry.
Replacement of oyster reefs by mangroves: Unexpected climate‐driven ecosystem shifts
Authors: McClenachan Giovanna , Witt Megan , Walters Linda J.
Published: December 2020

Increases in minimum air temperatures have facilitated transitions of salt marshes to mangroves along coastlines in the southeastern United States. Numerous studies have documented mangrove expansion into salt marshes; however, a present‐day conversion of oyster reefs to mangrove islands has not been documented. Using aerial photographs and high‐resolution satellite imagery, we determined percent cover and number of mangrove patches on oyster reefs in Mosquito Lagoon, FL, USA over 74 years (1943–2017) by digitizing oyster reef and “mangrove on oyster reef” areas. Live oyster reefs present in 1943 were tracked through time and the mangrove area on every reef calculated for seven time periods. There was a 103% increase in mangrove cover on live oyster reefs from 1943 (6.6%) to 2017 (13.4%). Between 1943 and 1984, the cover remained consistent (~7%), while between 1984 and 2017, mangrove cover increased rapidly with a 6% year−1 increase in mangrove area on oyster reefs (198% increase). In 1943, 8.7% of individual reefs had at least one mangrove patch on them; by 2017, 21.8% of reefs did. Site visits found at least one mature Avicennia germinans on each tracked mangrove reef, with large numbers of smaller Rhizophora mangle, suggesting the post‐1984 mangrove increases were the result of increased R. mangle recruitment and survival. Escalation in the coverage and number of mangrove stands on oyster reefs coincided with a period that lacked extreme freeze events. The time since a temperature of ≤−6.6°C (A. germinans mortality threshold) and ≤−4°C (R. mangle mortality threshold) were significantly correlated with the increased ratio of mangrove area:oyster area, total mangrove area, and number of mangrove patches, with greater variation explained by time since ≤ −4°C. The lack of freezes could lead globally to an ecosystem shift of intertidal oyster reefs to mangrove islands near poleward mangrove range limits.
Topsoil organic matter build‐up in glacier forelands around the world
Authors: Khedim Norine , Cécillon Lauric , Poulenard Jérôme , Barré Pierre , Baudin François , Marta Silvio , Rabatel Antoine , Dentant Cédric , Cauvy‐Fraunié Sophie , Anthelme Fabien , Gielly Ludovic , Ambrosini Roberto , Franzetti Andrea , Azzoni Roberto Sergio , Caccianiga Marco Stefano , Compostella Chiara , Clague John , Tielidze Levan , Messager Erwan , Choler Philippe , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: December 2020

Since the last glacial maximum, soil formation related to ice‐cover shrinkage has been one major sink of carbon accumulating as soil organic matter (SOM), a phenomenon accelerated by the ongoing global warming. In recently deglacierized forelands, processes of SOM accumulation, including those that control carbon and nitrogen sequestration rates and biogeochemical stability of newly sequestered carbon, remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the build‐up of SOM during the initial stages (up to 410 years) of topsoil development in 10 glacier forelands distributed on four continents. We test whether the net accumulation of SOM on glacier forelands (i) depends on the time since deglacierization and local climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation); (ii) is accompanied by a decrease in its stability and (iii) is mostly due to an increasing contribution of organic matter from plant origin. We measured total SOM concentration (carbon, nitrogen), its relative hydrogen/oxygen enrichment, stable isotopic (13C, 15N) and carbon functional groups (C‐H, C=O, C=C) compositions, and its distribution in carbon pools of different thermal stability. We show that SOM content increases with time and is faster on forelands experiencing warmer climates. The build‐up of SOM pools shows consistent trends across the studied soil chronosequences. During the first decades of soil development, the low amount of SOM is dominated by a thermally stable carbon pool with a small and highly thermolabile pool. The stability of SOM decreases with soil age at all sites, indicating that SOM storage is dominated by the accumulation of labile SOM during the first centuries of soil development, and suggesting plant carbon inputs to soil (SOM depleted in nitrogen, enriched in hydrogen and in aromatic carbon). Our findings highlight the potential vulnerability of SOM stocks from proglacial areas to decomposition and suggest that their durability largely depends on the relative contribution of carbon inputs from plants.
Rhythmic adenosine triphosphate release from the cyanobacterial circadian clock protein KaiC revealed by real‐time monitoring of bioluminescence using firefly luciferase
Authors: Mutoh Risa , Iwata Keita , Iida Takahiro , Ishiura Masahiro , Onai Kiyoshi
Published: December 2020

The cyanobacterial circadian clock is composed of three clock proteins, KaiA, KaiB and KaiC. This KaiABC clock system can be reconstituted in vitro in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Mg2+, and shows circadian rhythms in the phosphorylation level and ATPase activity of KaiC. Previously, we found that ATP regulates a complex formation between KaiB and KaiC, and KaiC releases ATP from KaiC itself (PLoS One, 8, 2013, e80200). In this study, we examined whether the ATP release from KaiC shows any rhythms in vitro. We monitored the release of ATP from wild‐type and ATPase motif mutants of KaiC as a bioluminescence in real time using a firefly luciferase assay in vitro and obtained the following results: (a) ATP release from KaiC oscillated even without KaiA and KaiB although period of the oscillation was not 24 hr; (b) ATP was mainly released from the N‐terminal domain of KaiC; and (c) the ATP release was enhanced and suppressed by KaiB and KaiA, respectively. These results suggest that KaiC can generate basal oscillation as a core clock without KaiA and KaiB, whereas these two proteins contribute to adjusting and stabilizing the oscillation.
Cutaneous adverse effects due to personal protective measures during COVID‐19 pandemic: a study of 101 patients
Authors: Mushtaq Sabha , Terzi Erdinc , Recalcati Sebastiano , Salas‐Alanis Julio C. , Amin Sanober , Faizi Nafis
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a viral illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 which spreads via droplets from an infected person. There has been an unprecedented rise in the use of personal protective equipment and practice of personal hygiene measures against COVID‐19. The extended use of protective measures (PM) can lead to ill effects on the skin. Our aim was to investigate PM‐induced dermatoses amongst healthcare workers and the general population during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted over a period of 2 months. The study subjects were patients who presented to dermatology outpatient clinics or sought teleconsultation for skin problems related to the use of PMs against COVID‐19. A detailed history was obtained and cutaneous examination was documented for all the patients in a pre‐set proforma. Diagnoses of the adverse skin effects were formulated based upon history and clinical examination.

Results

A total of 101 cases with cutaneous adverse effects due to the use of PMs against COVID‐19 were included in the study. The general population and healthcare workers were affected similarly, comprising of 54.5% and 45.5%, respectively. The mean age of the study participants was 36.71 ± 15.72 years. The most common culprit material was soap and water (56.4%). Contact dermatitis was found to be the most common adverse effect in the majority of our patients (72.3%). The most common symptom reported was pruritus (45.5%). The wearing of personal protective equipment for a longer duration was significantly associated with multiple symptoms (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

The enhanced use of different PMs against COVID‐19 can result in a variety of adverse skin effects. In our study, the use of soap and water was the most common culprit PM, and contact dermatitis was the most common adverse effect noted.
Differential diagnosis of thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia using the CellaVision Advanced Red Blood Cell software
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Geng , Yang Zhuo , Wang Xin , Liu Dan , Wan Nanyang , Wu Wei
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Red blood cells (RBCs) in patients with thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) exhibit different patterns of morphological changes. However, manual quantitative analysis of the morphological changes in the RBCs is time‐consuming and subjective, limiting its use in differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CellaVision Advanced RBC software as a prescreening tool for differential diagnosis of thalassemia and IDA.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 54 thalassemia and 46 IDA cases in the training group and 36 thalassemia and 31 IDA patients in the validation group. The CellaVision DM96 Advanced RBC software was used to analyze the RBC morphology.

Results and Conclusion

Specific patterns of quantitative changes in RBC shapes were found in thalassemia and IDA patients. As a single parameter, target cell was the best morphological cell type to distinguish thalassemia from IDA, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79, followed by hypochromatic cells with an AUC of 0.70. Combination of target and hypochromatic cells expressed as a ratio of the percentage of target cells to percentage of hypochromatic cells (T/H ratio) presented better differential diagnostic ability with an AUC of 0.88. A cutoff value of 1.755 for T/H ratio showed a sensitivity and specificity of 80.43% and 81.48% in the training group and 88.89% and 80.65% in the validation group, respectively.

Assessment of the T/H ratio using the CellaVision Advanced RBC software represents a relatively simple and economical screening procedure for diagnostic testing of thalassemia and IDA.