bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and pregnancy: Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, placental inflammation, chorangiosis and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Cagan Murat , Fadiloglu Erdem , Unal Canan , Beksac M. Sinan
Published: July 2020

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare necrotizing autoimmune disease involving small vessel vasculitis. Pregnancies with GPA have increased rates of obstetric complications including pre‐eclampsia. Differential diagnosis of GPA flares up and pre‐eclampsia may be difficult and necessitates careful clinical practice. A 26‐year‐old pregnant woman with GPA was referred for hypertension. The absence of GPA signs and symptoms, negative anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titer and the presence of clinical and laboratory findings supported the diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia rather than a GPA flare‐up. The newborn was delivered via cesarean section at the 30th gestational week due to severe superimposed pre‐eclampsia. Pathological examination of the placenta demonstrated the presence of chorangiosis and focal placental infarcts. GPA should be considered as a risk factor in pregnancy and requires careful clinical management to have good gestational outcome. Physicians should be vigilant regarding gestational diabetes and pre‐eclampsia as well as GPA flare‐up.
Brenneria alni,causal agent bark canker ofAlnus subcordata
Authors: Moradi‐Amirabad Yousef , Khodakaramian Gholam
Published: July 2020

In 2014, bark cankers were observed on Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata) trees in Iran. The disease was characterized by a dark watery liquid often exuding from longitudinal cankers in the bark of the tree trunks which stained the surface. Symptomatic tissue fromA. subcordatawas sampled from a number of sites in the Mazandaran province. Isolations were performed on nutrient agar supplemented with sucrose (SNA) and yielded bacterial colonies that were uniform, round and whitish. The bacterial strains isolated from alder trees in Iran were similar toBrenneria alnibased on phenotypic and genotypic (nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA, and housekeeping genesgyrB, andinfB) characteristics. The pathogenicity of the representative strains was determined by inoculating stem pieces ofA. subcordata. All tested strains caused longitudinal necrotic lesions 30 days after inoculation and were re‐isolated from this tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence ofB. alniin Iran, and onA. subcordataglobally.
Age‐ and risk factor–based serologic screening for Hepatitis C virus among an Urban, high‐risk population
Authors: Dimova Rositsa B. , Rude Eric , Talal Andrew H.
Published: July 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening among individuals born between 1945 and 1965 (ie birth cohort) may augment risk factor–based screening. We assessed HCV seropositivity among injection drug users (IDUs) and birth cohort members from New York City. We assessed HCV risk factors and seropositivity in 7722 participants from community health, HIV prevention, syringe exchange and drug treatment programmes. A total of 26.6% were HCV seropositive, 55.8% were born between 1945 and 1965, and 82.2% had ever injected drugs. Among all participants, HCV seropositivity was higher among IDUs compared to non‐IDUs (60.5% versus 7.7%, odds ratio (OR) = 18.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [16.2, 21.1], P < .0001) and among birth cohort members compared to non‐birth cohort members (31.3% versus 22.3%, OR = 1.6, 95%CI [1.4, 1.8], P < .0001). Within the birth cohort, HCV seroprevalence among IDUs was 68.5% versus 11.8%, OR = 16.2, 95%CI [13.7, 19.3]. After adjustment, HCV seroprevalence was higher in IDUs, previously incarcerated, whites (<42 years) and ‘other races’ (versus blacks), HIV‐infected, those who snorted heroin, those with liver disease history, and those who had sex with an HCV‐seropositive partner. HCV seroprevalence among IDU, birth cohort members, was considerably higher than among the general population. In this high‐risk, urban population, the association between IDU and HCV seropositivity was approximately ten times that between birth cohort membership and HCV seropositivity.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with systemic hypertension in dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: García San José Paula , Arenas Bermejo Carolina , Clares Moral Irene , Cuesta Alvaro Pedro , Pérez Alenza María Dolores
Published: July 2020

Background

Systemic hypertension (SH) is common in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) however there are not many studies assessing its prevalence and risk factors.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and severity of SH in dogs with HAC and its association with clinical and laboratory findings to identify potential risk factors.

Animals

Sixty‐six client owned dogs with spontaneous HAC.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Medical records of dogs with HAC were reviewed. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using Doppler ultrasonography. Clinical signs, physical examination findings and clinicopathologic data (CBC, serum biochemistry and electrolytes, urinalysis and urinary culture, and adrenal function tests) were reviewed for analysis.

Results

Prevalence of SH (≥150 mm Hg) was 82% (54/66) and prevalence of severe SH (≥180 mm Hg) was 46% (30/66). All dogs with thrombocytosis had SH (P= .002), and a platelet count ≥438 × 103/μL was 100% specific and 61.1% sensitive to predict SH (AUC = .802,P= .001). Median potassium levels were lower in hypertensive dogs (4.1 mEq/L, range 3.1‐5.4 mEq/L) than in normotensive ones (4.5 mEq/L, range 4.0‐5.0 mEq/L) (P= .007). Dogs with UPC ≥ 0.5 had higher median SBP than those without proteinuria (P= .03). Dogs with concurrent diabetes mellitus seemed to have a reduced risk of SH (OR = .118, 95%CI = .022‐.626,P= .02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Systemic hypertension is common in dogs with HAC and is frequently severe. Blood pressure should be routinely assessed in these dogs, especially if thrombocytosis, proteinuria or low potassium concentrations are present.
Synergistic effects of extracellular vesicle phenotyping and AFP in hepatobiliary cancer differentiation
Authors: Urban Sabine K. , Sänger Hanna , Krawczyk Marcin , Julich‐Haertel Henrike , Willms Arnulf , Ligocka Joanna , Azkargorta Mikel , Mocan Tudor , Kahlert Christoph , Kruk Beata , Jankowski Krzysztof , Patkowski Waldemar , Krawczyk Marek , Zieniewicz Krzysztof , Hołówko Wacław , Krupa Łukasz , Rzucidło Mateusz , Gutkowski Krzysztof , Wystrychowski Wojciech , Król Robert , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna , Słomka Artur , Schwab Robert , Wöhler Aliona , Gonzalez‐Carmona Maria A. , Gehlert Sebastian , Sparchez Zeno , Banales Jesus M. , Strassburg Christian P. , Lammert Frank , Milkiewicz Piotr , Kornek Miroslaw
Published: July 2020

Background

Biliary cancer, comprising cholangio‐ and gallbladder carcinomas, is associated with high mortality due to asymptomatic disease onset and resulting late diagnosis. Currently, no robust diagnostic biomarker is clinically available. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a liquid biopsy tool for biliary cancer screening and hepatobiliary cancer differentiation.

Methods

Serum EVs of biliary cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer and non‐small cell lung cancer patients, as well as from healthy individuals, were isolated by sequential two‐step centrifugation and presence of indicated EVs was evaluated by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis.

Results

Two directly tumour‐related antigen combinations (AnnV+CD44v6+ and AnnV+CD44v6+CD133+) and two combinations related to progenitor cells from the tumour microenvironment (AnnV+CD133+gp38+ and AnnV+EpCAM+ CD133+gp38+) were associated with good diagnostic performances that could potentially be used for clinical assessment of biliary cancer and differentiation from other cancer entities. With 91% sensitivity and 69% specificity AnnV+CD44v6+ EVs showed the most promising results for differentiating biliary cancers from HCC. Moreover using a combined approach of EV levels of the four populations with serum AFP values, we obtained a perfect separation of biliary cancer and HCC with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value all reaching 100% respectively.

Conclusions

EV phenotyping, especially if combined with serum AFP, represents a minimally invasive, accurate liquid biopsy tool that could improve cancer screening and differential diagnosis of hepatobiliary malignancies.
Translating outcome frameworks to assessment programmes: Implications for validity
Authors: Tavares Walter , Rowland Paula , Dagnone Damon , McEwen Laura A. , Billett Stephen , Sibbald Matthew
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Competency‐based medical education (CBME) requires that educators structure assessment of clinical competence using outcome frameworks. Although these frameworks may serve some outcomes well (e.g. represent eventual practice), translating these into workplace‐based assessment plans may undermine validity and, therefore, trustworthiness of assessment decisions due to a number of competing factors that may not always be visible or their impact knowable. Explored here is the translation process from outcome framework to formative and summative assessment plans in postgraduate medical education (PGME) in three Canadian universities.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study involving in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with leaders of PGME programmes involved in assessment and/or CBME implementation, with a focus on their assessment‐based translational activities and evaluation strategies. Interviews were informed by Callon's theory of translation. Our analytical strategy involved directed content analysis, allowing us to be guided by Kane's validity framework, whilst still participating in open coding and analytical memo taking. We then engaged in axial coding to systematically explore themes across the dataset, various situations and our conceptual framework.

Results

Twenty‐four interviews were conducted involving 15 specialties across three universities. Our results suggest: (i) using outcomes frameworks for assessment is necessary for good assessment but are also viewed as incomplete constructs; (ii) there are a number of social and practical negotiations with competing factors that displace validity as a core influencer in assessment planning, including implementation, accreditation and technology; and (iii) validity exists as threatened, uncertain and assumed due to a number of unchecked assumptions and reliance on surrogates.

Conclusions

Translational processes in CBME involve negotiating with numerous influencing actors and institutions that, from an assessment perspective, provide challenges for assessment scientists, institutions and educators to contend with. These processes are challenging validity as a core element of assessment designs. Educators must reconcile these influences when preparing for or structuring validity arguments.
A case of inflammatory myopathy with anti‐PM/Scl antibodies myopathologically presenting as polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology
Authors: Matsumoto Arifumi , Izumi Rumiko , Sugeno Naoto , Suzuki Naoki , Namatame Chihiro , Soga Temma , Nishiyama Ayumi , Kuroda Hiroshi , Aoki Masashi , Nagano Isao
Published: July 2020

We describe a rare case of inflammatory myopathy with anti‐PM/Scl antibodies myopathologically presenting as polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology (PM‐Mito). A 74‐year‐old Japanese man developed only slowly progressive proximal dominant muscle weakness and atrophy of the four extremities over the past 3 years. His serum creatine kinase level was moderately elevated, and anti‐PM/Scl‐75 antibodies were present. Systemic sclerosis and other systemic autoimmune diseases were not detected. Muscle biopsy revealed endomysial CD8‐positive T‐cell infiltration with diffuse upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens, few necrotic and regenerative changes atypical for polymyositis, few rimmed vacuoles and protein aggregates atypical for sporadic inclusion body myositis, and an excess of cytochrome C oxidase‐negative muscle fibers reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction. The elevated serum creatine kinase level decreased to the normal range following the initiation of oral tacrolimus treatment. PM‐Mito should be considered as one of the background myopathologies of inflammatory myopathy with anti‐PM/Scl antibodies.
Aesthetic testimony, understanding and virtue
Authors: Hills Alison
Published: July 2020

Though much of what we learn about the world comes from trusting testimony, the status of aesthetic testimony – testimony about aesthetic value – is equivocal. We do listen to art critics but our trust in them is typically only provisional, until we are in a position to make up our own mind. I argue that provisional trust (but not full trust) in testimony typically allows us to develop and use aesthetic understanding (understanding why a work of art is valuable, or similar); and aesthetic understanding is an essential component of aesthetic virtue. Aesthetic virtue is the orientation of a whole person towards aesthetic value and aesthetic reasons, through action, non‐cognitive and cognitive attitudes. The ideal (aesthetically virtuous) way to make aesthetic judgements is through your own aesthetic understanding.
Insemination of sows with seminal doses prepared by a two‐step hypothermic dilution does not impair the reproductive performance at farm
Authors: Soler‐Llorens Pedro , Mendoza Noelia , Miguel Joaquín , Falceto María Victoria , Mitjana Olga , Ausejo Raquel
Published: July 2020

Reproduction in swine is mostly carried out through artificial insemination (AI). For this purpose, AI studs collect the ejaculates, analyse the sperm quality, dilute and package to produce seminal doses and ship them to sow farms to carry out the AI. Temperature is controlled during the process to avoid sperm damage. Semen is diluted in the extender in a one‐step or a two‐step process where the second can be isothermic (approximately 32°C) or hypothermic (room temperature 21–22°C). Both techniques are currently performed, and the latter could reduce time and costs, but the literature available comparing the processes is scarce and presents discrepancies. To date, there are no studies about its impact in fertility. This study compared hypothermic two‐step dilution (HTSD) and isothermic two‐step dilution (ITSD) in laboratory and field trial to elucidate whether HTSD has any effect. Ejaculates from 72 boars in nine AI studs were split and processed with both techniques using a high‐performance extender and evaluated in laboratory. Four farms inseminated 345 sows with samples of four of these AI studs, and their fertility and prolificacy were registered. Results show no significant differences between doses prepared by HTSD and ITSD technique, having no impact in laboratory results (percentage of motile sperm, short hypoosmotic swelling test (sHOST) and short osmotic resistance test (sORT), viable sperm, damaged acrosomes, sperm under early apoptosis, high mitochondrial membrane potential (p > .1), fertility (92.2% versus 94.1%, p = .45) or farrowing rate (15.8 ± 0.3 versus 16.1 ± 0.3 p = .46). In conclusion, our results suggest that HTSD of semen on extender could be safely implemented in AI studs under the conditions tested.
Fungal recognition by mammalian fibrinogen‐related proteins
Authors: Pilecki Bartosz , Moeller Jesper Bonnet
Published: July 2020

Fungi are ubiquitous eukaryotic micro‐organisms present in virtually all environmental habitats. Although rarely pathogenic to the healthy population, many fungal species are capable of causing human disease in immunocompromised individuals. Thus, fungal infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with rising prevalence accompanying the worldwide increase in immunosuppression‐based therapies. Therefore, better understanding of the mutual interactions between the protective host mechanisms and the invading fungi remains of critical importance. The innate immune system constitutes the first line of defence against exogenous insults. The innate antifungal immunity is mediated through recognition of specific pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by a broad panel of host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), responsible for mounting adequate protective responses. In this review, we describe fungal PAMPs as well as a selection of PRRs able to recognize them. We focus on the members of the fibrinogen‐related domain (FReD) protein family that have been shown to recognize fungi‐derived molecules: ficolins, fibrinogen C domain containing 1 (FIBCD1) and tenascin‐C. We describe their structure, their binding targets and their established as well as putative biological functions related to fungal recognition and immunity.
How many runners with new‐onset Achilles tendinopathy develop persisting symptoms? A large prospective cohort study
Authors: Lagas Iris F. , Fokkema Tryntsje , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita M. A. , Verhaar Jan A. N. , van Middelkoop Marienke , de Vos Robert‐Jan
Published: July 2020

Background

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) occurs in half of the elite runners. AT is a difficult‐to‐treat tendon disease, which may progress from new onset to a chronic state. It is unknown how many runners with new‐onset AT develop persisting symptoms and which prognostic factors are associated with this course.

Objective

To describe how many runners develop persisting symptoms 1 year after onset of reactive AT.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Runners registering for a Dutch running event (5‐42.2 km) were eligible for inclusion. Runners reporting new‐onset AT between registration for the running event and 1 month after received a 1‐year follow‐up questionnaire. The 1‐year follow‐up questionnaire inquired about persisting symptoms (yes/no), running activity, and metabolic disorders. We calculated the percentage of runners with persisting symptoms and performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to study the association between potential prognostic factors and persisting symptoms.

Results

Of 1929 participants, 100 runners (5%) reported new‐onset AT. A total of 62 runners (62%) filled in the 1‐year follow‐up questionnaire. Persisting symptoms were reported by 20 runners (32%). A higher running distance per week before new‐onset AT was associated with a lower risk of developing persisting symptoms (odds ratio (OR): 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.9;1.0]). There was a positive trend toward an association between metabolic disorders and persisting symptoms (OR: 5.7, 95% CI: [0.9;36.2]).

Conclusion

One third of runners develop persisting symptoms 1 year after new‐onset AT. Interestingly, a higher running distance per week before new‐onset AT potentially lowers the risk of developing persisting symptoms.
Evaluation of a novel non‐surgical post‐pyloric feeding technique in dogs with severe acute kidney injury
Authors: Hinden Sandro E. , Schweighauser Ariane , Francey Thierry
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the placement and the performance of a new post‐pyloric feeding (PPF) system, and compare it to esophageal (E) feeding in dogs with severe acute kidney injury (AKI).

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs with severe AKI treated with hemodialysis.

Interventions

Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 feeding techniques, PPF or E feeding; for PPF, an 8‐Fr jejunal (J) tube was introduced through a standard 18‐Fr E‐tube and advanced endoscopically through the pylorus. A commercial liquid diet was administered at a continuous rate for at least 5 days. After the removal of the internal J‐tube, feeding was continued through the E‐tube. Control dogs were fed blended food 5 times daily through an E‐tube. Placement technique, nutritional efficiency, and metabolic response to nutritional support were compared between the groups.

Measurements and main results

Feeding tubes were placed a medium of 1 day (interquartile range, 0.8 d) after presentation. Median procedure‐time in the group PPF was 26.5 min (11.5 min), including 8.5 min (2.7 min) for the E‐tube and 17.5 min (5.0 min) for the J‐tube. J‐tubes were used for 5 days (1.5 d) with oral displacement observed in 3/10 dogs. The goal to administer 130% resting energy requirement within 3 days was reached in 13/20 dogs (8/10 PPF, 5/10 E). Despite nutritional support, dogs lost 1.2% body weight per day (1.1%), with no difference between the groups. The metabolic improvement was comparable between the groups, despite marked differences in the diet composition.

Conclusions

This new feeding technique can be recommended as an efficient method for early nutritional support in dogs with severe AKI. The protein‐energy wasting observed despite active nutritional support suggests, however, the necessity for increased feeding targets or qualitative changes in diet composition for dogs with AKI.
Center of rotation of angulation‐based leveling osteotomy combined with a coplanar cranial closing wedge ostectomy to manage cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in dogs with excessive tibial plateau angle
Authors: Schlag Ariel N. , Peycke Laura E. , Hulse Don A.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe outcomes of dogs with excessive tibial plateau angle (eTPA) and cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease treated with center of rotation of angulation‐based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) and cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO).

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Twenty‐one dogs.

Methods

Medical records of dogs with CrCL disease and eTPA (>34°) treated with CBLO/CCWO were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, intra‐articular structure appearance, TPA (preoperatively, postoperatively, and at osteotomy healing), postoperative function, and complications were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐one dogs (28 stifles) with CrCL disease/eTPA underwent CBLO/CCWO. Twenty stifles had complete CrCL tears and eight tears were partial. Mean age and weight of dogs were 4 years (range, 1‐9) and 27 kg (range, 4‐65), respectively. Medial menisci were normal in 20 stifles, torn in 5, and degenerative in 3. All lateral menisci were normal. The caudal cruciate ligament was normal in 26 stifles and partially torn in 2. Mean TPA was 43° preoperatively, 10° postoperatively, and 10° at final recheck. Grade 4 healing occurred in all osteotomies by 8 weeks postoperatively. Complications included one pin migration, breakage of two proximal screws (1 case), one late‐onset caudolateral band CrCL tear, two late‐onset meniscal tears, and one surgical site infection. Eighteen dogs returned to full function, and three dogs achieved acceptable function, at a mean of 27 months.

Conclusion

Center of rotation of angulation‐based leveling osteotomy/CCWO resulted in grade 4 osteotomy healing by 8 weeks, minimal complications, and acceptable to full return to function.

Clinical significance

Center of rotation of angulation‐based leveling osteotomy/CCWO should be considered to treat canine CrCL disease/eTPA.
Effect of high intensity interval training on body composition in women before and after menopause: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Dupuit Marine , Maillard Florie , Pereira Bruno , Marquezi Marcelo Luis , Lancha Antonio Herbert , Boisseau Nathalie
Published: July 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

A meta‐analysis of the efficacy of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in reducing weight, total fat mass (FM) and (intra)‐abdominal FM in normal‐weight and overweight/obese women before and after menopause.

What advances does it highlight?

HIIT programmes in women significantly decrease body weight and total and abdominal FM. Their effects are more evident in pre‐ than in postmenopausal women. Cycling HIIT seems more effective than running, especially in postmenopausal women, and training interventions longer than 8 weeks comprising three sessions a week should be promoted.

High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) is a stimulating modality for reducing body weight and adipose tissue. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to assess the efficacy of HIIT in reducing weight, total fat mass (FM) and (intra)‐abdominal FM in normal‐weight and overweight/obese women before and after menopause. A structured electronic search was performed to find all publications relevant to our review. Stratified analyses were made of hormonal status (pre‐ vs. postmenopausal state), weight, HIIT modalities (cycling vs. running), programme duration (< or ≥8 weeks) and the methods used to measure body composition (dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry vs. computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and others). A total of 38 studies involving 959 subjects were included. Our meta‐analysis showed that overall HIIT programmes significantly decrease weight, total and abdominal FM in women. Both normal weight and overweight/obese women lost total FM after HIIT protocols whereas HIIT was only effective in decreasing abdominal FM in women with excess adiposity. When pre‐ and postmenopausal women were considered separately, the effect of HIIT on weight, total and abdominal FM were only significant before menopause. Cycling HIIT seemed more effective than running, especially in postmenopausal women, and training interventions longer than 8 weeks comprising three sessions were more efficient. HIIT is a successful strategy to lose weight and FM in normal weight and overweight/obese women. However, further studies are still needed to draw meaningful conclusions about the real effectiveness of HIIT protocols in postmenopausal women.
Rock seen inside Venus's orbit could solve puzzle
Authors: Redd Nola
Published: July 2020

Mineral in first object so close to the Sun may be a clue to missing "mantle" asteroids.
Architecture and function of human uromodulin filaments in urinary tract infections
Authors: Weiss Gregor L. , Stanisich Jessica J. , Sauer Maximilian M. , Lin Chia-Wei , Eras Jonathan , Zyla Dawid S. , Trück Johannes , Devuyst Olivier , Aebi Markus , Pilhofer Martin , Glockshuber Rudi
Published: July 2020

How uromodulin helps flush out bacteria

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most frequent bacterial infections in humans. The glycoprotein uromodulin is the most abundant urinary protein and can provide some protection from UTIs, but the precise mechanism has been unclear. Weiss
et al.
found that uromodulin forms stacked, fishbone-like filaments that act as a multivalent decoy for bacterial pathogens with adhesive pili that attach to the uromodulin glycans (see the Perspective by Kukulski). The resulting uromodulin-pathogen aggregates prevent bacterial adhesion to glycoproteins of the urinary epithelium and promote pathogen clearance as urine is excreted. This innate protection against UTIs is likely to be particularly important in infants and children.

Science
, this issue p.
1005
; see also p.
917
Sharing vitamins: Cobamides unveil microbial interactions
Authors: Sokolovskaya Olga M. , Shelton Amanda N. , Taga Michiko E.
Published: July 2020

Nutritional interdependencies

Bacteria and archaea show a wide range of nutritional specialism. Not every organism can synthesize essential components and may need to trade for them. Taking as an example a diverse and interesting family of enzyme cofactors—the cobalt-containing cobamides, which include vitamin B
12
—Sokolovskaya
et al.
reviewed the interdependencies among microorganisms for this suite of nutrients. Cobamides are required for many processes, from catabolism of carbon sources to nucleotide biosynthesis, and are needed by a majority of microbes, from those in the gut to those in the oceans. Availability of cobamides is patchy and habitat specific, and nonspecific scavenging may not be adequate to obtain a specific cobamide structure required by an organism. Therefore, a variety of mutualisms have evolved to deliver and import specific structural variants of cobamides between organisms or among consortia of eukaryotes and prokaryotes by an equal variety of subtle and distinct mechanisms.

Science
, this issue p.
48
Number of HIV-1 founder variants is determined by the recency of the source partner infection
Authors: Villabona-Arenas Ch. Julián , Hall Matthew , Lythgoe Katrina A. , Gaffney Stephen G. , Regoes Roland R. , Hué Stéphane , Atkins Katherine E.
Published: July 2020

Sourcing HIV-1 infection

HIV-1 has a multitude of strain variants, but sexual transmission of HIV-1 is assumed to result from productive infection by only one virus particle. Knowing the genetics of the virus strains that are transmitted could be crucial for developing successful vaccine strategies. Using epidemiological and genetic data from 112 pairs of sexual partners, Villabona-Arenas
et al.
found that individuals with acute infections are more likely to transmit multiple founder virus strains. In a phylodynamic approach that integrated phylogenetic analysis of sequence data with simulation of a transmission chain, the authors showed that multiple variant transmission is doubled during the first 3 months of infection irrespective of whether transmission was heterosexual or by men who have sex with men.

Science
, this issue p.
103
Ultrahigh capacitive energy density in ion-bombarded relaxor ferroelectric films
Authors: Kim Jieun , Saremi Sahar , Acharya Megha , Velarde Gabriel , Parsonnet Eric , Donahue Patrick , Qualls Alexander , Garcia David , Martin Lane W.
Published: July 2020

Defect-enhanced energy storage

Dielectric capacitors are vital components of electronics and power systems. The thin-film materials of which capacitors are composed are usually optimized by changing the material composition. However, Kim
et al.
found that postprocessing an already effective thin-film dielectric by high-energy ion bombardment further improved the material because of the introduction of specific types of defects that ultimately improved the energy storage performance. The results suggest that postprocessing may be important for developing the next generation of capacitors.

Science
, this issue p.
81
Primary exposure to SARS-CoV-2 protects against reinfection in rhesus macaques
Authors: Deng Wei , Bao Linlin , Liu Jiangning , Xiao Chong , Liu Jiayi , Xue Jing , Lv Qi , Qi Feifei , Gao Hong , Yu Pin , Xu Yanfeng , Qu Yajin , Li Fengdi , Xiang Zhiguang , Yu Haisheng , Gong Shuran , Liu Mingya , Wang Guanpeng , Wang Shunyi , Song Zhiqi , Liu Ying , Zhao Wenjie , Han Yunlin , Zhao Linna , Liu Xing , Wei Qiang , Qin Chuan
Published: July 2020

Immunity from reinfection

One of the many open questions about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is whether an individual who has cleared the virus can be infected a second time and get sick. Chandrashekar
et al.
and Deng
et al.
generated rhesus macaque models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and tested whether natural SARS-CoV-2 infection could result in immunity to viral rechallenge. They found that animals indeed developed immune responses that protected against a second infection. Although there are differences between SARS-CoV-2 infection in macaques and in humans, these findings have key implications for public health and economic initiatives if validated in human studies.

Science
, this issue p.
812
, p.
818
Supplemental Material: Quantifying shortening across the central Appalachian fold-thrust belt, Virginia and West Virginia, USA: Reconciling grain-, outcrop-, and map-scale shortening
Authors: Lammie D. , al. et
Published: July 2020

Supplemental Data Table S1 contains axial ratios for the best-fit vacancy field (with statistics) of grain-scale bulk finite strain from the three mutually perpendicular cuts. Supplemental Data Table S2 contains orientations of the best-fit strain ellipsoid (with statistics) and ellipticity ratios and orientations on the bedding plane.
Supplemental Material: Quantifying shortening across the central Appalachian fold-thrust belt, Virginia and West Virginia, USA: Reconciling grain-, outcrop-, and map-scale shortening
Authors: Lammie D. , al. et
Published: July 2020

Plate 1. (A and B) Balanced (A) and restored (B) cross section A-A' extending from the eastern Great Valley westward to the Burning Spring anticline (Fig. 1). Total deformed length (274 km) and undeformed restored length (346 km) are measured from a pin line east of the extent of documented map-scale shortening on the Appalachian Plateau, resulting in 78 km (23%) total shortening. (C) As shown, shortening in Upper Devonian through Permian rocks assumes 10% layer-parallel shortening (LPS) in the Appalachian Plateau and across the Appalachian front (to thick vertical bar) and 25% LPS in the Valley and Ridge (region between thick vertical bars). Shortening in the Great Valley requires 35% LPS, compared to the >50% LPS measured in that region (Wright and Platt, 1982). Cross sections drawn with no vertical exaggeration; Circled numbers—duplex numbers; Fm–Formation; Gp—Group. Plate 2. Geologic cross section divided into 16 sequentially numbered intervals (circled numbers above the cross section) spanning from the western limb of the Burning Springs anticline eastward to the Great Valley. Locations of each of the 40 samples used to constrain grain-scale layer-parallel shortening (LPS) are shown as small white dots projected into the line of section; calculated LPS (as a percentage) are shown above each sample. Mean LPS values for each interval are summarized in Table 2. (A) Cross section constructed to minimize the amount of unit thickness variation in the Reedsville-Martinsburg Formations. Balancing this section requires 10% outcrop-scale shortening between the Elkins Valley anticline and the boundary between the Valley and Ridge and Great Valley. (B) Cross section constructed to minimize contributions from outcrop-scale shortening. Balancing this section requires 5% outcrop-scale shortening between the Elkins Valley anticline and the boundary between the Valley and Ridge and Great Valley. Cross sections drawn with no vertical exaggeration; circled numbers—duplex numbers; Fm—Formation; Gp—Group.
Multidisciplinary management of ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum
Authors: Armes Henry , Williams Sarah Anne , Dunne Jonathan , Eccles Simon James
Published: July 2020

A female infant born at 41+6 weeks via emergency caesarean section due to failure to progress and maternal sepsis was found to have a small fibrous band connecting the upper and lower eyelids of the right eye. This was diagnosed as ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum. The child was investigated for multisystemic malformations by the paediatric department, but none were found, and the partially fused right eyelid was dissected using microsurgical scissors to allow full opening of the eye. We summarise the management of a rare oculoplastic disorder.
Challenges and facilitators of hospice decision-making: a retrospective review of family caregivers of home hospice patients in a rural US–Mexico border region—a qualitative study
Authors: Ko Eunjeong , Fuentes Dahlia , Singh-Carlson Savitri , Nedjat-Haiem Frances
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Hospice care (HC) is seen as a comprehensive approach, that enhances quality of end-of-life (EOL) care, for terminally ill patients. Despite its positive aspects, HC enrolment is disproportionate for rural patients, who are less likely to use HC in comparison to their urban counterparts. The purpose of this study was to explore decision-making experiences, related to utilisation of HC programmes from a retrospective perspective, with family caregivers (FCGs) in a rural US–Mexico border region.

Design

This qualitative study was conducted from May 2017 to January 2018 using semistructured face to face interviews with FCGs. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

The HC programme was situated at a local home health agency, located in rural Southern California, USA.

Participants

Twenty-eight informal FCGs of patients who were actively enrolled in the HC programme agreed to participate in the study.

Results

Conversation about HC as an option was initiated by home healthcare staff (39.3%), followed by physicians (32.1%). Emerging themes related to challenges in utilisation of HC and decision-making included: (1) communication barriers; (2) lack of knowledge/misperception about HC; (3) emotional difficulties, including fear of losing their patient, doubt and uncertainty about the decision, denial and (4) patients are not ready for HC. Facilitators included: (1) patient’s known EOL wishes; (2) FCG-physician EOL communication; (3) the patient’s deteriorating health and (4) home as the place for death.

Conclusions

HC patients’ FCGs in this rural region reported a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of HC. It is recommended that healthcare providers need to actively engage family members in patient’s EOL care planning. Optimal transition to an HC programme can be facilitated when FCGs are informed and have a clear understanding about patients’ medical status along with information about HC.
Cohort profile: Resettlement in Uprooted Groups Explored (REFUGE)—a longitudinal study of mental health and integration in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway between 2015 and 2017
Authors: Nissen Alexander , Cauley Prue , Saboonchi Fredrik , Andersen Arnfinn , Solberg Øivind
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In the field of forced migration and mental health research, longitudinal studies with large sample sizes and rigorous methodology are lacking. Therefore, the Resettlement in Uprooted Groups Explored (REFUGE)-study was initiated in order to enhance current knowledge on mental health, quality of life and integration among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway. The main aims of the study are to investigate risk and protective factors for mental ill health in a longitudinal perspective; to trace mental health trajectories and investigate important modifiers of these trajectories and to explore the association between mental health and integration in the years following resettlement. The aims will be pursued by combining data from a longitudinal, three-wave questionnaire survey with data from population-based registries on education; work participation and sick-leave; healthcare utilisation and drug prescription. The goal is to incorporate the data in an internationally shared database, the REFUGE-database, where collaborating researchers may access and use data from the study as well as deposit data from similar studies.

Participants

Adult (≥18 years), Syrian citizens who arrived in Norway as quota refugees, asylum seekers or through Norway’s family reunion programme between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. Of the initial 9990 sampled individuals for the first wave of the study (REFUGE-I), 8752 were reached by post or telephone and 902 responded (response rate=10.3%).

Findings to date

None published.

Future plans

The REFUGE-cohort study will conduct two additional data collections (2020 and 2021). Furthermore, questionnaire data will be linked to population-based registries after all three waves of data collection have been completed. Registry data will be obtained for time-periods both prior to and after the survey data collection points. Finally, pending ethics approval, we will begin the process of merging the Norwegian REFUGE-cohort with existing datasets in Sweden, establishing the extended REFUGE-database.

Trial registration number

ClincalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03742128).
Competencies for collaboration between general practitioners and medical specialists: a qualitative study of the patient perspective
Authors: Janssen Marijn , Fluit Cornelia R M G , Sagasser Margaretha H , Kusters Loes H J , Scherpbier-de Haan Nynke D , de Graaf Jacqueline
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To explore the patient view of competencies essential for doctors to provide good collaboration at the primary–secondary care interface.

Design

We used a qualitative research approach. Focus groups with patients were conducted to explore their opinions of doctors’ competencies to provide good collaboration between primary and secondary care doctors. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Dutch primary–secondary care interface.

Participants

Sixteen participants took part in five focus groups. Patients treated in both primary and secondary care, defined as having a minimum of two contacts with their general practitioner and two contacts with a medical specialty in the last 6 months, were included. Psychiatric patients and children were excluded from this study.

Results

Three groups of competencies were identified: (1) relationship building, both with patients and with other doctors; (2) transparent collaborating: be able to provide clarity on the process of collaboration and on roles and responsibilities of those involved and (3) reflective practising: to be willing to acknowledge mistakes, give and receive feedback and act as a lifelong learner.

Conclusions

This focus group study enhances our understanding of the patient perspective on doctors’ collaborative competencies at the primary–secondary care interface. With this information, doctors can improve their collaborative skills to a level that would meet their patients’ needs. Patients expect doctors to be able to build relationships and act as reflective practitioners. Including patients in the collaborative process by giving them a role that is appropriate to their abilities and by making collaboration more explicit could help to improve collaboration between general practitioners and medical specialists.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of young people and adults: a systematic review protocol of observational studies
Authors: Silva Junior Fernando Jose Guedes da , Sales Jaqueline Carvalho e Silva , Monteiro Claudete Ferreira de Souza , Costa Ana Paula Cardoso , Campos Luana Ruth Braga , Miranda Priscilla Ingrid Gomes , Monteiro Thiago Alberto de Souza , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia , Lopes-Junior Luis Carlos
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Since the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, the spread of the new coronavirus has been the focus of attention of scientists, governments and populations. One of the main concerns is the impact of this pandemic on health outcomes, mainly on mental health. Even though there are a few empirical studies on COVID-19 and mental health, so far, there is no systematic review about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of young people and adults yet. We aim to critically synthesise the scientific evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people and adults.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be performed through eight databases: MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), ISI-of-Knowledge, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), SCOPUS, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), PsycINFO (Psychology Information) and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), from inception until 30 June 2020. No restriction regarding the publication date, setting or languages will be considered. Preliminary search strategies were carried out on 29 March 2020 and will be updated in June 2020. The primary outcomes will be the prevalence and the severity of psychological symptoms in young people and adults (>18 years old) resulting from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Pooled standardised mean differences and 95% CIs will be calculated. The risk of bias of the observational studies will be assessed through the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS). Additionally, if sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Heterogeneity between the studies will be determined by the I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses will also be performed. Publication bias will be checked with funnel plots and Egger’s test. Heterogeneity will be explored by random-effects analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical assessment was not required. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and will be presented at conferences related to this field.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020177366.
Association of PTP4A3 expression and tumour size in functioning pituitary adenoma: a descriptive study
Authors: Moyano Crespo Gabriela Deisi , Cecenarro Laura Anahí , Perez Pablo , Guido Carolina , Sosa Liliana del Valle , Berhard Celina , Aballay Laura Rosana , Gutiérrez Silvina , Petiti Juan Pablo , Torres Alicia , Mukdsi Jorge
Published: July 2020

Background

PTP4A3 is a subclass of a protein tyrosine phosphatase super family and is expressed in a range of epithelial neoplasms. We evaluated PTP4A3 expression and its association with clinicopathological parameters in different types of functioning pituitary adenomas.

Methods

A total of 34 functioning pituitary adenomas samples were evaluated in this observational study. PTP4A3 expression was examined by immunohistochemical staining, and, possible correlations between PTP4A3 and some clinicopathological variables were investigated.

Results

PTP4A3 was expressed in 19 out of 34 tumours (55%), at the cytoplasmic level of tumorous cells. Moreover, there was significant association (p=0.042) between PTP4A3 expression and tumorous size.

Conclusions

PTP4A3 was expressed in more than half of the tumours analysed, with there being a significant association with the tumorous size of functioning adenomas. This allows to speculate that PTP4A3 may regulate tumour growth, although further investigations are necessary to determine if this phosphatase can serve as a biomarker or used as a therapeutic target in pituitary macroadenomas.
Role of digital pathology in diagnostic histopathology in the response to COVID-19: results from a survey of experience in a UK tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Browning Lisa , Fryer Eve , Roskell Derek , White Kieron , Colling Richard , Rittscher Jens , Verrill Clare
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our diagnostic services at a time when many histopathology departments already faced a diminishing workforce and increasing workload. Digital pathology (DP) has been hailed as a potential solution to at least some of the challenges faced. We present a survey of pathologists within a UK National Health Service cellular pathology department with access to DP, in which we ascertain the role of DP in clinical services during this current pandemic and explore challenges encountered. This survey indicates an increase in uptake of diagnostic DP during this period, with increased remote access. Half of respondents agreed that DP had facilitated maintenance of diagnostic practice. While challenges have been encountered, these are remediable, and none have impacted on the uptake of DP during this period. We conclude that in our institution, DP has demonstrated current and future potential to increase resilience in diagnostic practice and have highlighted some of the challenges that need to be considered.