bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modeling of theCandida albicansyeast to hyphal transition reveals novel control strategies
Authors: Wooten David J. , Zañudo Jorge Gómez Tejeda , Murrugarra David , Perry Austin M. , Dongari-Bagtzoglou Anna , Laubenbacher Reinhard , Nobile Clarissa J. , Albert Réka
Published: January 2021

Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, is a significant cause of human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Phenotypic plasticity between two morphological phenotypes, yeast and hyphae, is a key mechanism by whichC. albicanscan thrive in many microenvironments and cause disease in the host. Understanding the decision points and key driver genes controlling this important transition, and how these genes respond to different environmental signals is critical to understanding howC. albicanscauses infections in the host. Here we build and analyze a Boolean dynamical model of theC. albicansyeast to hyphal transition, integrating multiple environmental factors and regulatory mechanisms. We validate the model by a systematic comparison to prior experiments, which led to agreement in 18 out of 22 cases. The discrepancies motivate alternative hypotheses that are testable by follow-up experiments. Analysis of this model revealed two time-constrained windows of opportunity that must be met for the complete transition from the yeast to hyphal phenotype, as well as control strategies that can robustly prevent this transition. We experimentally validate two of these control predictions inC. albicansstrains lacking the transcription factorUME6and the histone deacetylaseHDA1, respectively. This model will serve as a strong base from which to develop a systems biology understanding ofC. albicansmorphogenesis.
PPi plays a role in sugar starvation tolerance
Authors: Mohammed Seedahmed A.
Published: January 2021

H+-PPase acidifies the endo-membrane compartments utilizing the energy of PPi hydrolysis. This acidification creates an electrochemical proton gradient that powers the secondary active transport and allows for vacuolar accumulation of several materials against their concentration gradients. The hydrolysis of the cytosolic PPi is necessary for the forwardness of the PPi-generating reactions. However, information is lacking on the role of PPi in adaptation to sugar starvation and low energy status in plants. Here, several mutants lacking the functional H+-PPases were used to illuminate this role. Three alleles offugu5mutants defective in type I H+-PPase exhibited better tolerance to sugar starvation than wild-type plants, when grown on ½ and full-strength MS media under photosynthesis-constraining low light intensity. The PPi level infugu5mutants was significantly higher than its level in wild type and type II H+-PPase-defective mutants. SnRK1 (Sucrose-non-fermenting1-Related kinase-1) plays a central role in the coordination of the plant transcriptome to the energy signals. SnRK1 senses the energy depletion in plant cells, and controls the expression of genes and phosphorylation of proteins in a way that promotes catabolism, and inhibits anabolism. Sugar starvation significantly induced the SnRK1 phosphorylation activity in wild type and type II H+-PPase lacking mutants. Whereas the activity remained unchanged in sugar-starvedfugu5mutants. This is possibly achieved through activation of PPi-dependent enzymes. Results suggest that the high PPi level infugu5mutants might contribute to more efficiently use of low level of ATP under sugar starvation and low light conditions.
Ongoing recombination in SARS-CoV-2 revealed through genealogical reconstruction
Authors: Ignatieva Anastasia , Hein Jotun , Jenkins Paul A.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The evolutionary process of genetic recombination has the potential to rapidly change the properties of a viral pathogen, and its presence is a crucial factor to consider in the development of treatments and vaccines. It can also significantly affect the results of phylogenetic analyses and the inference of evolutionary rates. The detection of recombination from samples of sequencing data is a very challenging problem, and is further complicated for SARS-CoV-2 by its relatively slow accumulation of genetic diversity. The extent to which recombination is ongoing for SARS-CoV-2 is not yet resolved. To address this, we use a parsimony-based method to reconstruct possible genealogical histories for samples of SARS-CoV-2 sequences, which enables us to pinpoint specific recombination events that could have generated the data. We propose a statistical framework for disentangling the effects of recurrent mutation from recombination in the history of a sample, and hence provide a way of estimating the probability that ongoing recombination is present. We apply this to samples of sequencing data collected in England and South Africa, and find evidence of ongoing recombination.
Single Cell Biological Microlasers Powered by Deep Learning
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Sun Wen , Zhang Na , Jie Randall Ang , Chew Sing Yian , Chen Yu-Cheng
Published: January 2021

Cellular lasers are cutting-edge technologies for biomedical applications. Due to the enhanced interactions between light and cells in microcavities, cellular properties and subtle changes of cells can be significantly reflected by the laser emission characteristics. In particular, transverse laser modes from single-cell lasers which utilize Fabry–Pérot cavities are highly correlated to the spatial biophysical properties of cells. However, the high chaotic and complex variation of laser modes limits their practical applications for cell detections. Deep learning technique has demonstrated its powerful capability in solving complex imaging problems, which is expected to be applied for cell detections based on laser mode imaging. In this study, deep learning technique was applied to analyze laser modes generated from single-cell lasers, in which a correlation between laser modes and physical properties of cells was built. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the predictions of cell sizes using deep learning based on laser mode imaging. In the first part, bioinspired cell models were fabricated to systematically study how cell sizes affect the characteristics of laser modes. By training a convolutional neuron network (CNN) model with laser mode images, predictions of cell model diameters with a sub-wavelength accuracy were achieved. In the second part, deep learning was employed to study laser modes generated from biological cells. By training a CNN model with laser mode images acquired from astrocyte cells, predictions of cell sizes with a sub-wavelength accuracy were also achieved. The results show the great potential of laser mode imaging integrated with deep learning for cell analysis and biophysical studies.
Are Iberian ribbed newts Pleurodeles waltl Michahelles, 1830 negatively affecting the populations of other amphibians?
Authors: Gálvez Ángel , Mesquita‐Joanes Francesc , Monrós Juan S.
Published: January 2021

Temporary ponds play a key role as amphibian breeding habitats, but predation and desiccation risks enforce major evolutionary pressures in these ecosystems. The newt Pleurodeles waltl is commonly found in Mediterranean ponds in the Iberian Peninsula, where it preys on a wide variety of organisms. We hypothesize that P. waltl may negatively influence populations of coexisting amphibian larvae in the natural environment. To test it, we monitored the amphibian populations of 21 temporary ponds in Eastern Spain, 10 of which included P. waltl. We visited each pond fortnightly on nine occasions, estimating the abundance of adult P. waltl and tadpoles of each amphibian species present. We built zero‐inflated Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to test for the effects of pond area and adult and larval P. waltl abundance on tadpole abundance of all amphibian species present. Our results show significant negative effects of P. waltl abundances on the anurans Alytes obstetricans, Epidalea calamita, and Pelodytes punctatus. Species adapted to shorter hydroperiods such E. calamita and P. punctatus show lower densities in the presence of P. waltl larvae. A. obstetricans, with preference for longer hydroperiod ponds, seems to better thrive in sites where the newt is absent. This is the first field work suggesting a negative impact of P. waltl on coexisting anurans, even though more studies are needed to disentangle other negative effects related to unmeasured environmental variables or biotic interactions, which can be important according to the large variation encompassed by the random variables of site and sampling period in the mixed models.
The role of rendering in relation to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic, the development of EU animal by‐product legislation and the reintroduction of rendered products into animal feeds
Authors: Woodgate S. L. , Wilkinson R. G.
Published: January 2021

The bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in 1986 highlighted the importance of the rendering industry as a key component of the food supply chain. Prior to 1986 the rendering industry was poorly understood. However, following the emergence of BSE research was commissioned to characterise rendering systems and investigate their ability to inactivate transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents. Six rendering systems were found to be operational in Europe but their key process parameters, such as particle size, process temperature and transit time, were poorly characterised. This review describes how these key process parameters were determined and used to inform protocols for the subsequent TSE inactivation trials which subsequently shaped both EU legislation and the development of techniques used to validate rendering systems. It also describes how EU legislation banning the use of animal‐derived proteins in animal feeds ('feed ban') effectively eliminated the market for meat and bone meal (MBM) and how the rendering industry sought to 'add value' to rendered products by conducting research to support the development of new markets for rendered products. The nutritional, environmental and economic characteristics of modern processed animal proteins (PAPs) mean that they represent valuable ingredients for use in animal feeds. Recent research has paved the way for legislative changes allowing the safe reintroduction of nonruminant PAP into aqua‐feeds and may soon facilitate their reintroduction into pig and poultry feeds. However, resistance from key stakeholders in the food chain remains a significant challenge that must be overcome before their full potential can be realised. Further research is required to characterise modern PAPS and to ensure their appropriate, safe and acceptable inclusion in animal feeds.
Non‐diagnostic sonography may reduce negative appendicectomy rate in women when combined with abbreviated Alvarado score
Authors: Bappayya Shaneel , Chen Fiona , Alderuccio Megan , Xu Edward , Vootukuru Nikil , Lee James C.
Published: January 2021

Background

The diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains a clinical one, with selective use of adjunct imaging. Patients with equivocal clinical presentation often undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy. To help reduce negative appendicectomy rates in women, we aimed to develop a simple scoring system based on the Alvarado score (AS) and ultrasound scan (US), as a diagnostic aid for AA in females.

Methods

All patients who underwent appendicectomy for AA at The Alfred Hospital Melbourne between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2017 were included for this case–control study. Logistic regression was used to identify pre‐operative parameters predictive of AA. Histopathological identification of AA was interpreted as the gold standard. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V26.

Results

A total of 1194 patients were included, with 26% negative appendicectomy rate in women. Of the 8 parameters in the AS, logistic regression identified migratory pain, leukocytosis and leukocyte left shift as most significant predictors for AA. These three parameters were used in a 3‐point test which carried a sensitivity of 92.1% and specificity of 28.7%. In women, a negative or non‐diagnostic US improved the negative predictive value of the 3‐point test from 57% to 82%.

Conclusion

The 3‐point abbreviated AS in combination with US may be clinically useful in women to exclude appendicitis without diagnostic laparoscopy. Further large‐scale prospective studies are required to validate the utility across different subgroups.
Mental health status of pregnant and breastfeeding women during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A multinational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ceulemans Michael , Foulon Veerle , Ngo Elin , Panchaud Alice , Winterfeld Ursula , Pomar Léo , Lambelet Valentine , Cleary Brian , O'Shaughnessy Fergal , Passier Anneke , Richardson Jonathan L. , Hompes Titia , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Evidence on perinatal mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and its potential determinants is limited. Therefore, this multinational study aimed to assess the mental health status of pregnant and breastfeeding women during the pandemic, and to explore potential associations between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress and women's sociodemographic, health, and reproductive characteristics.

Material and methods

A cross‐sectional, web‐based study was performed in Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK between 16 June and 14 July 2020. Pregnant and breastfeeding women up to 3 months postpartum who were older than 18 years of age were eligible. The online, anonymous survey was promoted through social media and hospital websites. The Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven‐item scale (GAD‐7), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to assess mental health status. Regression model analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor mental health status.

Results

In total, 9041 women participated (including 3907 pregnant and 5134 breastfeeding women). The prevalence of major depressive symptoms (EDS ≥ 13) was 15% in the pregnancy cohort and and 13% the breastfeeding cohort. Moderate to severe generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD ≥ 10) were found among 11% and 10% of the pregnant and breastfeeding women. The mean (±SD) PSS scores for pregnant and breastfeeding women were 14.1 ± 6.6 and 13.7 ± 6.6, respectively. Risk factors associated with poor mental health included having a chronic mental illness, a chronic somatic illness in the postpartum period, smoking, having an unplanned pregnancy, professional status, and living in the UK or Ireland.

Conclusions

This multinational study found high levels of depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety among pregnant and breastfeeding women during the COVID‐19 outbreak. The study findings underline the importance of monitoring perinatal mental health during pandemics and other societal crises to safeguard maternal and infant mental health.
Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin in obese and nonobese subjects
Authors: Soares Ana Luiza P.P.d.P. , Montanha Maiara C. , Alcantara Conrado d.S. , Silva Sandra R.B. , Kuroda Cristina M. , Yamada Sérgio S. , Nicacio Antônio E. , Maldaner Liane , Visentainer Jesui V. , Simões Caroline F. , Locatelli João Carlos , Lopes Wendell A. , Mazucheli Josmar , Diniz Andrea , Paixão Paulo J.P.A. , Kimura Elza
Published: January 2021

Aims

To compare the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin (AMX) in obese and nonobese subjects, given as single dose 875‐mg tablets.

Methods

A prospective, single‐centre, open‐label, clinical study was carried out involving 10 nonobese and 20 obese subjects given a dose of an AMX 875‐mg tablet. Serial blood samples were collected between 0 and 8 hours after administration of AMX and plasma levels were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters (PK) were calculated by noncompartmental analysis and means of the 2 groups were compared using Student t‐test. Analysis of correlation between covariates and PK was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Ten nonobese subjects (mean age 30.6 ± 7.12 y; body mass index 21.56 ± 1.95 kg/m2) and 20 obese subjects (mean age 34.47 ± 7.03 y; body mass index 33.17 ± 2.38 kg/m2) participated in the study. Both maximum concentration (Cmax; 12.12 ± 4.06 vs. 9.66 ± 2.93 mg/L) and area under the curve (AUC)0‐inf (34.18 ± 12.94 mg.h/L vs. 26.88 ± 9.24 mg.h/L) were slightly higher in nonobese than in obese subjects, respectively, but differences were not significant. The volume of distribution (V/F) parameter was statistically significantly higher in obese compared to nonobese patients (44.20 ± 17.85 L vs. 27.57 ± 12.96 L). Statistically significant correlations were observed for several weight metrics vs. AUC, Cmax, V/F and clearance, and for creatinine clearance vs. AUC, Cmax and clearance.

Conclusion

In obese subjects, the main altered PK was V/F as a consequence of greater body weight. This may result in antibiotic treatment failure if standard therapeutic regimens are administered.
A brief rituximab, bendamustine, mitoxantrone (R‐BM) induction followed by rituximab consolidation in elderly patients with advanced follicular lymphoma: a phase II study by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)
Authors: Boccomini Carola , Ladetto Marco , Rigacci Luigi , Puccini Benedetta , Rattotti Sara , Volpetti Stefano , Ferrero Simone , Chiarenza Annalisa , Freilone Roberto , Novo Mattia , Corradini Paolo , Nassi Luca , Rusconi Chiara , Stelitano Caterina , Bolis Silvia , Marina Liberati Anna , Tucci Alessandra , Baldini Luca , Balzarotti Monica , Evangelista Andrea , Ciccone Giovannino , Vitolo Umberto
Published: January 2021

Treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL) in the elderly is not well standardized. A phase II, multicentre, single arm trial was conducted in this setting with a brief chemoimmunotherapy regimen. Treatment consisted in four monthly courses of rituximab, bendamustine and mitoxantrone (R‐BM) followed by 4 weekly rituximab as consolidation; rituximab maintenance was not applied because the drug was not licensed at the time of enrolment. The primary endpoint was the complete remission rate (CR). Seventy‐six treatment‐naive FL patients (aged 65–80 and a “FIT” score, according to the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment) were enrolled. CR was documented in 59/76 patients (78%), partial remission in 12 (16%) and stable/progressive disease in five (6%) with an overall response rate in 71/76 (94%). Median follow‐up was 44 months with 3‐year progression‐free‐survival (PFS) and overall‐survival of 67% and 92% respectively. Nine deaths occurred, three of progressive disease. The regimen was well tolerated and the most frequent severe toxicity was neutropenia (18% of the cycles). Bcl‐2/IGH rearrangement was found in 40/75 (53%) of evaluated patients. R‐BM was highly effective in clearing polymerase chain reaction‐detectable disease: 29/31 (96%) evaluated patients converted to bcl‐2/IGH negativity at the end of treatment. A brief R‐BM regimen plus rituximab consolidation is effective and safe in “FIT” elderly, treatment‐naïve, FL patients, inducing high CR and molecular remission rates with prolonged PFS.
School‐Age Children Adapt the Dynamics of Lexical Competition in Suboptimal Listening Conditions
Authors: Hendrickson Kristi , Oleson Jacob , Walker Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Although the ability to understand speech in adverse listening conditions is paramount for effective communication across the life span, little is understood about how this critical processing skill develops. This study asks how the dynamics of spoken word recognition (i.e., lexical access and competition) change during soft speech in 8‐ to 11‐year‐olds (n = 26). Lexical competition and access for speech at lower intensity levels was measured using eye‐tracking and the visual world paradigm. Overall the results suggest that soft speech influences the magnitude and timing of lexical access and competition. These results suggest that lexical competition is a cognitive process that can be adapted in the school‐age years to help cope with increased uncertainty due to alterations in the speech signal.
The role of the board chair—A literature review and suggestions for future research
Authors: Banerjee Anup , Nordqvist Mattias , Hellerstedt Karin
Published: January 2021

Research Question/Issue

The role of the board chair has become increasingly complex in recent decades. Research on corporate governance has called for and has initiated the pursuit of more research for the purpose of creating a better understanding of the role of board chairs. We reviewed 234 academic articles published in 66 journals, structured the existing research according to an Input‐Process‐Outcome‐Contexts framework, and provided a future research agenda for studies on the role of the board chair.

Research Findings/Insights

Our review reveals that the number of published studies on the position of the board chair has grown over the last two decades. Although extant research is dominated by quantitative studies exploring the impact of the board chair position on financial performance, frequently drawing on agency and stewardship theory, recent work has moved beyond this focus and has added valuable insights. The Input‐Process‐Outcome‐Contexts framework used to structure the extant research reveals that future research should pursue topics related to all components of the framework and that opportunities exist to draw from a broader set of theories.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Based on the framework, we formulate seven specific research topics that can add valuable insights into the role of the board chair and suggest theories that can help inform research pursuing these topics. Taken together, these topics have the potential to create valuable insights into how board chairs are appointed, develop competencies, and interact and work with the CEO, the top management team, the board, and other stakeholders while acknowledging the influence of contextual factors, such as ownership, diversity, the firm's development stage, and external events and trends.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our review shows a growing global movement toward prescribing more corporate governance regulations and separating the positions of the board chair and the CEO. We show that many aspects need to be considered when choosing a governance configuration and when appointing a board chair because this role is becoming increasingly demanding.
Two‐year left ventricular systolic function of percutaneous coronary intervention vs optimal medical therapy for patients with single coronary chronic total occlusion
Authors: Meng Shuang , Qiu Lin , Wu Jian , Huang Rongchong , Wang Hui
Published: January 2021

In this study, two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) and real‐time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT‐3DE) were applied to compare the changes of left ventricular systolic function associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with single chronic total occlusion (CTO). 63 single CTO patients (age 61.88 ± 8.86 years) were examined by echocardiography and were divided into the PCI group (n = 27) and OMT group (n = 36) according to the initial treatment strategy. Two‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction (2D‐LVEF), two‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐systolic volume (2D‐LVESVI), and two‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (2D‐LVEDVI) were measured using two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE). Three‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction (3D‐LVEF), three‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐systolic volume (3D‐LVESVI), and three‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (3D‐LVEDVI) were measured using RT‐3DE. Global circumferential strain (GCS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured using 2D‐STE. After 2 years of follow‐up, there were no significant differences in the 2D‐LVEF, 2D‐LVESVI, 3D‐LVEF, 3D‐LVESVI, 3D‐LVEDVI, and GCS, except for GLS (P = .001) between the CTO‐PCI and CTO‐OMT groups. GLS decreased significantly in OMT group (P = .016) in contrast with PCI group in which GLS increased significantly (P = .007). Left ventricular systolic function assessment using 2D‐STE showed a significant difference in GLS between CTO‐PCI and CTO‐OMT. And the patients who chose PCI revascularization at the 2‐year follow‐up had better left ventricular systolic function improvement than those who were conservatively treated with OMT.
Low moisture stress influences plant volatile emissions affecting herbivore interactions in tomato, Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Pagadala Damodaram Kamala Jayanthi , Gadad Hanamant Shivalingappa , Parepally Saravan Kumar , Vaddi Sridhar , Ramanna Hunashikatti Laxman , Bhat Ravindra Mohan
Published: January 2021

1. Frequently changing climatic conditions can cause recurring droughts which often subject plants to tremendous amounts of stress, leaving biologists to wonder about its impact on the associated herbivores and their interactions with host plants.

2. The present study was aimed at assessing the impact of low moisture stress on herbivore‐plant interactions using tomato and its associated herbivores (leaf miner, Tuta absoluta and sap feeder, Bemisia tabaci).

3. The leaf miner T. absoluta preferred tomato plants exposed to moderate drought stress compared to severely drought stressed or healthy plants while the sap feeder B. tabaci preferred healthy tomato plants that were irrigated regularly over others. Our study uncovers few intriguing aspects of low moisture stress on herbivore‐host interactions and also highlights that this influence may vary depending upon the herbivore feeding guild.

4. The volatile profiles of tomato plants were found to differ significantly when subjected to varied degrees of low moisture stress. Such changes in plant's volatile emissions may in turn alter its associated herbivore's behavioural perspective as observed in T. absoluta and B. tabaci.

5. Reduced amounts of caryophyllene, humulene, 3‐carene, myristic acid, and γ‐butyl‐γ‐butyrolactone might be what aids T. absoluta and B. tabaci in gauging the drought stress status of a host plant. Further, the presence of chemical cues such as α‐pinene, m‐cymene, and ethyl benzaldehyde might signal T. absoluta moths of severely stressed plants. Similarly, the presence of undecane, ethyl benzaldehyde, n‐hexadecanoic acid might aid whiteflies in identifying plants reeling under low moisture stress.
How can mental health practitioners collaborate with child welfare practitioners to improve mental health for young people in out of home care?
Authors: Monson Katherine , Herrman Helen , Moeller‐Saxone Kristen , Humphreys Cathy , Harvey Carol
Published: January 2021

Background

Young people who grow up in out of home care have higher risk of poor mental health outcomes than peers who grow up with their family‐of‐origin. Interagency collaboration is an important service‐level intervention to improve access to mental healthcare. However, few descriptions of collaboration provide guidance about collaboration between individual practitioners.

Aim

This substudy aimed to contribute to a larger study—the Ripple project—through exploring the experiences of practitioners working across child welfare and mental health services regarding collaboration in the care of young people; and to identify practices that might enhance collaborative work and improve mental health outcomes.

Methods

Practitioners from across child welfare and mental health services were purposively sampled and participated in focus groups. Recordings and transcriptions of focus groups were analysed to identify themes within and between groups. A cross‐sector expert advisory group was involved in this work.

Results

Focus groups were convened with 43 practitioners. We identified four themes during analysis, these were: shared understanding of the history and context of problems; specific skills and practices; self‐awareness of workers and carers; and involving and supporting carers.

Conclusions

A number of practices were identified that might lead to enhanced collaboration between agencies and across interdisciplinary care teams. Supporting mental health practitioners to adopt these might assist interagency and interdisciplinary working.
Delirium in acute stroke: A prospective, cross‐sectional, cohort study
Authors: Rollo Eleonora , Callea Antonio , Brunetti Valerio , Vollono Catello , Marotta Jessica , Imperatori Claudio , Frisullo Giovanni , Broccolini Aldobrando , Della Marca Giacomo
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric disorder of attention and awareness that develops over a short time and fluctuates in severity. Although delirium has been extensively studied in intensive care units, the incidence of delirium in stroke units and its predictors in stroke patients need further investigation. The endpoints of our study were incidence of delirium in acute stroke and the risk factors that predispose to this condition.

Methods

Patients were consecutively enrolled in a stroke unit from April to October 2020. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years, acute stroke and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥1 at the time of clinical assessment of delirium. Exclusion criteria were: transient ischemic attack; absence of neuroimaging evidence of brain lesion; cerebral venous thrombosis; subarachnoid hemorrhage; and clinical conditions requiring intensive care unit treatment. All patients were evaluated by means of Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale (RASS) and Confusion Assessment Method‐Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU) scores at baseline, evaluations which were repeated within 72 h or when patients developed symptoms suggesting delirium.

Results

The overall incidence of delirium was 36/120 (30%). Delirium was associated with aphasia (odds ratio [OR] 9.77; confidence interval [CI] 1.2–79.6), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; OR 16.67; CI 1.1–263.0), deep Fazekas score (OR 5.05; CI 1.7–14.8), and physical restraint (OR 45.02; CI 1.4–1411.5). Diabetes was associated with a lower incidence of delirium (OR 0.04; CI 0.026–0.7).

Conclusions

Nearly one‐third of patients (30%) had delirium in the acute phase of stroke. This finding supports the notion that delirium is a common complication of stroke. Delirium was associated with speech disorder, leukoencephalopathy, COPD and early use of physical restraint.
Augmented seizure susceptibility and hippocampal epileptogenesis in a translational mouse model of febrile status epilepticus
Authors: Chen Kevin D. , Hall Alicia M. , Garcia‐Curran Megan M. , Sanchez Gissell A. , Daglian Jennifer , Luo Renhao , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Prolonged fever‐induced seizures (febrile status epilepticus [FSE]) during early childhood increase the risk for later epilepsy, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Experimental FSE (eFSE) in rats successfully models human FSE, recapitulating the resulting epileptogenesis in a subset of affected individuals. However, the powerful viral and genetic tools that may enhance mechanistic insights into epileptogenesis and associated comorbidities, are better‐developed for mice. Therefore, we aimed to determine if eFSE could be generated in mice and if it provoked enduring changes in hippocampal‐network excitability and the development of spontaneous seizures.

Methods

We employed C57BL/6J male mice, the strain used most commonly in transgenic manipulations, and examined if early life eFSE could be sustained and if it led to hyperexcitability of hippocampal networks and to epilepsy. Outcome measures included vulnerability to the subsequent administration of the limbic convulsant kainic acid (KA) and the development of spontaneous seizures. In the first mouse cohort, adult naive and eFSE‐experiencing mice were exposed to KA. A second cohort of control and eFSE‐experiencing young adult mice was implanted with bilateral hippocampal electrodes and recorded using continuous video–electroencephalography (EEG) for 2 to 3 months to examine for spontaneous seizures (epileptogenesis).

Results

Induction of eFSE was feasible and eFSE increased the susceptibility of adult C57BL/6J mice to KA, thereby reducing latency to seizure onset and increasing seizure severity. Of 24 chronically recorded eFSE mice, 4 (16.5%) developed hippocampal epilepsy with a latent period of ~3 months, significantly different from the expectation by chance (P = .04). The limbic epilepsy that followed eFSE was progressive.

Significance

eFSE promotes pro‐epileptogenic network changes in a majority of C57BL/6J male mice and frank “temporal lobe–like” epilepsy in one sixth of the cohort. Mouse eFSE may thus provide a useful tool for investigating molecular, cellular, and circuit changes during the development of temporal lobe epilepsy and its comorbidities.
Accelerated long‐term forgetting in focal epilepsy: Do interictal spikes during sleep matter?
Authors: Lambert Isabelle , Tramoni‐Negre Eve , Lagarde Stanislas , Pizzo Francesca , Trebuchon‐Da Fonseca Agnès , Bartolomei Fabrice , Felician Olivier
Published: January 2021

Accelerated long‐term forgetting (ALF) is a particular form of amnesia mostly encountered in focal epilepsy, particularly in temporal lobe epilepsy. This type of memory loss is characterized by an impairment of long‐term consolidation of declarative memory, and its mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, the respective contribution of lesion, seizures, interictal epileptic discharges, and sleep is still debated. Here, we provide an overview of the relationships intertwining epilepsy, sleep, and memory consolidation and, based on recent findings from intracranial electroencephalographic recordings, we propose a model of ALF pathophysiology that integrates the differential role of interictal spikes during wakefulness and sleep. This model provides a framework to account for the different timescales at which ALF may occur.
The European Union's fishing activity outside of European waters and the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Johnson Andrew Frederick , Lidström Susanna , Kelling Ingrid , Williams Chris , Niederműller Simone , Poulsen Katrin Vilhelm , Burgess Samantha , Kent Rhona , Davies William
Published: January 2021

The EU's fishing fleet engages in extensive fishing activities in the Exclusive Economic Zones of non‐EU countries as well as in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These activities are regulated by an external dimension in the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). We review the relationship between the CFP, including regulations for the Sustainable Management of External Fishing Fleets (SMEFF) and the role of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), and the internationally agreed aims and definitions of sustainability provided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG that most directly relates to fish and fisheries is goal 14, to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans." This paper, however, focuses on relationships between the CFP and SDGs that target social and economic dimensions, including those aiming to eliminate poverty (1) and hunger (2), improve health (3), provide decent work and economic growth (8), and achieve gender equality (5) and peaceful institutions (16). We identify several areas where the EU's external fishing fleet interacts with different facets of those goals, and suggest some important improvements that can be made to support the development of the EU’s external fleet into a contributor, rather than counterforce, to sustainable development in line with commitments under Agenda 2030. We provide a first and broad overview of an important area for future interdisciplinary research. We conclude by identifying specific questions that can provide starting points for further in‐depth analyses of the sustainability of EU fishing activities in external waters.
The macroecology and evolution of avian competence forBorrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Han Barbara A.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Prediction of novel reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens would be improved by the identification of interspecific drivers of host competence (i.e., the ability to transmit pathogens to new hosts or vectors). Tick‐borne pathogens can provide a useful model system, because larvae become infected only when feeding on a competent host during their first blood meal. For tick‐borne diseases, competence has been studied best forBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato (Bbsl), which causes Lyme borreliosis. Major reservoirs include several small mammal species, but birds might play an under‐recognized role in human risk given their ability to disperse infected ticks across large spatial scales. Here, we provide a global synthesis of the ecological and evolutionary factors that determine the ability of bird species to infect larval ticks withBbsl.

Location

Global.

Time period

1983–2019.

Major taxa studied

Birds.

Methods

We compiled a dataset ofBbsl competence across 183 bird species and applied meta‐analysis, phylogenetic factorization and boosted regression trees to describe spatial and temporal patterns in competence, characterize its phylogenetic distribution across birds, reconstruct its evolution and evaluate the trait profiles associated with competent avian species.

Results

Half of the sampled bird species show evidence of competence forBbsl. Competence displays moderate phylogenetic signal, has evolved multiple times across bird species and is pronounced in the genusTurdus. Trait‐based analyses distinguished competent birds with 80% accuracy and showed that such species have low baseline corticosterone, exist on both ends of the pace‐of‐life continuum, breed and winter at high latitudes and have broad migratory movements into their breeding range. We used these trait profiles to predict various likely but unsampled competent species, including novel concentrations of avian reservoirs within the Neotropics.

Main conclusion

Our results can generate new hypotheses for how birds contribute to the dynamics of tick‐borne pathogens and help to prioritize surveillance of likely but unsampled competent birds. Our findings also emphasize that birds display under‐recognized variation in their contributions to enzootic cycles ofBbsl and the broader need to consider competence in ecological and predictive studies of multi‐host pathogens.
Tree canopy accession strategy changes along the latitudinal gradient of temperate Northeast Asia
Authors: Janda Pavel , Ukhvatkina Olga N. , Vozmishcheva Anna S. , Omelko Alexander M. , Doležal Jiří , Krestov Pavel V. , Zhmerenetsky Alexander A. , Song Jong‐Suk , Altman Jan
Published: January 2021

Aim

Understanding how natural forest disturbances control tree regeneration is key to predicting the consequences of globally accelerating forest diebacks on carbon stocks and forest biodiversity. Tropical cyclones (TCs) are important drivers of forest dynamics in Eastern Asia, and it is predicted that their importance will increase. However, little is known about the impact of TCs on forest regeneration.

Location

Latitudinal gradient from south Korea (33° N) to the Russian Far East (45° N).

Time period

Last 300 years.

Major taxa studied

Quercus mongolica, Abies nephrolepis and Pinus koraiensis.

Methods

We explored the effects of TC activity on canopy accession strategies derived from long‐term tree radial growth patterns along a 1,500‐km latitudinal gradient of decreasing TC activity. We analysed canopy accession strategies for > 800 trees of three widely distributed tree species by dividing them into gap trees (GTs), which established immediately after gap formation, and released trees (RTs), which accessed the upper canopy after a period of competitive suppression.

Results

We found a substantial decrease in GTs and increase in RTs proportionally along the gradient of decreasing TC activity. Pinus koraiensis and A. nephrolepis exhibited high variability in the proportions of the individual canopy accession strategies along the latitudinal gradient, whereas it was more stable for Q. mongolica. We identified the gradient of TC activity as the main driver influencing canopy dynamics and thus changes in life‐history traits for P. koraiensis and Q. mongolica, whereas maximal growth rate was the main driver for A. nephrolepis.

Main conclusions

Flexibility in growth strategies enabled the studied species to cover extensive areas and indicates that they will be able to cope with shifts in disturbance regimes induced by the poleward migration of TCs and increasing TC intensity. Our results highlight the canopy accession strategy as an ecological indicator of past disturbance activity.
Predictors for oral and general health outcomes and quality of life among older people attending general practice clinics in South Australia
Authors: Balasubramanian Madhan , Keuskamp Dominic , Amarasena Najith , Brennan David
Published: January 2021

Background

As the proportion and number of older people in Australia continue to grow, innovative means to tackle primary care and prevention are necessary to combat the individual, social and economic challenges of non‐communicable diseases.

Objective

To assess risk factors (or predictors) for oral and general health outcomes and quality of life of older people (75+ years.) attending general practice (GP) clinics in South Australia.

Methods

Data were collected from older people attending 48 GP clinics in metropolitan South Australia. Age, sex, education, living arrangement, material standards, chronic conditions and nutrition were assessed as risk factors. Global self‐rated oral and general health and quality of life (OHIP Severity and EQ‐5D Utility) were included as outcome measures.

Results

A total of 459 participants completed the study; response rate was 78%. In the adjusted models, high satisfaction with material standards and good nutritional health were positively associated with all four oral and general health measures. Sex (β = −0.08), age (β = −0.09) and number of chronic conditions (β = −0.12) were negatively associated with EQ‐5D, while living arrangement (β = 0.07) was positively associated. Further, having four or more chronic conditions (RR:1.47) was significantly associated with self‐rated general health.

Conclusion

Satisfaction with material standards and nutritional risk were consistent predictors for oral and general health outcomes and quality of life of older people visiting GP clinics.
Online prejudice and barriers to digital innovation: Empirical investigations of Chinese consumers
Authors: Che Tong , Peng Zeyu , Lai Fujun , Luo Xin (Robert)
Published: January 2021

China is widely considered a world leader in e‐commerce. In recent years, e‐commerce in China has made significant progress and gone through rounds after rounds of innovations. Technological advancements have enabled the integration of online and offline channels, allowing consumers to choose their preferred shopping channel. Thus, competition and cooperation between online and offline channels have become important issues. Drawing on confirmation bias theory and the unique cultural lens (low uncertainty avoidance and a high level of cynicism) that exists in China, we conceptualize online prejudice and propose a model to analyse how it affects channel selection. A scenario‐based survey, along with an explorative pre‐study, was conducted to test our hypotheses. The results showed that prejudice toward the online channel does exist in China. Further, this online prejudice mediates the relationship between perceived uncertainty and channel selection. That is, uncertainty can induce consumers' online prejudice, which in turn predicts their channel selection behaviour. Furthermore, the mediating effect of online prejudice is contingent upon product type (i.e., experience products vs. search products).
An evaluation of the bacteriostatic effect of platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: Smith Oliver J. , Wicaksana Aditya , Davidson Donald , Spratt David , Mosahebi Ash
Published: January 2021

Chronic wounds are a considerable health burden with high morbidity and poor rates of healing. Colonisation of chronic wounds by bacteria can be a significant factor in their poor healing rate. These bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance over time and can lead to wound infections, systemic illness, and occasionally amputation. When a large number of micro‐organisms colonise wounds, they can lead to biofilm formation, which are self‐perpetuating colonies of bacteria closed within an extracellular matrix, which are poorly penetrated by antibiotics. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product rich in growth factors and cytokines that are involved in an inflammatory response. PRP can be injected or applied to a wound as a topical gel, and there is some interest regarding its antimicrobial properties and whether this can improve wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro bacteriostatic effect of PRP. PRP was collected from healthy volunteers and processed into two preparations: activated PRP—activated with calcium chloride and ethanol; inactivated PRP. The activity of each preparation against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis was evaluated against a control by three experiments: bacterial kill assay to assess planktonic bacterial growth; plate colony assay to assess bacterial colony growth; and colony biofilm assay to assess biofilm growth. Compared with control, both preparations of PRP significantly inhibited growth of planktonic S aureus and S epidermis. Activated PRP reduced planktonic bacterial concentration more than inactivated PRP in both bacteria. Both PRP preparations significantly reduced bacterial colony counts for both bacteria when compared with control; however, there was no difference between the two. There was no difference found between biofilm growth in either PRP against control or against the other preparation. This study demonstrates that PRP does have an inhibitory effect on the growth of common wound pathogens. Activation may be an important factor in increasing the antimicrobial effect of PRP. However, we did not find evidence of an effect against more complex bacterial colonies.
Efficacy of antitachycardia pacing for electrical storms in patients with implantable defibrillators
Authors: Hayashi Hiroshi , Shimizu Wataru , Iwasaki Yuki , Yodogawa Kenji , Noda Takashi , Nitta Takashi , Aizawa Yoshifusa , Ohe Tohru , Kurita Takashi
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Although antitachycardia pacing (ATP) is effective in terminating ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), the efficacy of ATP during an electrical storm (ES) and the positive impact on all‐cause mortality have not been fully elucidated.

Methods and Results

From 2010 to 2012, 1570 patients who underwent ICD implantation in 48 ICD centers in Japan were enrolled in the study and prospectively followed up. Patients with long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation were excluded. The prevalence of shocks during ESs and impact on the all‐cause mortality were evaluated. During a median follow‐up of 28 months, there were 127 ESs in 84 patients. Of those 127 ESs, 80 ESs (63%) in 37 patients were treated by only ATP and the remaining 47 ESs in 47 patients required at least one shock. The lower ventricular rate of the initial arrhythmia during ES (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02 per unit; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.04; p = .02) and narrower QRS complex (OR: 1.03 per unit; 95% CI: 1.01–1.06; p < .01) were the independent predictors of ATP success during the ES. The patients treated with ATP alone tended to have lower all‐cause mortality compared to those that required shocks during the ES (log‐rank p = .10).

Conclusions

ATP was effective in patients suffering from ESs as it avoided painful shocks in more than half of the cases. Patients who received only ATP during ES tended to have lower mortality compared to those who received the shock.