bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaperone‐mediated autophagy affects tumor cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cao Dujuan , Shan Danyang , Yan Wenli , Zhang Zifang , Song Qianqian , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xinmiao , Zhang Zhongxian , Wang Zhimin , Wang Yaohe , Lu Shuangshuang
Published: February 2021

Background

Chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) is a lysosomal degradation pathway of selective soluble proteins. Lysosomal membrane associated protein 2a (LAMP2a) is the lysosomal membrane receptor of CMA and influences CMA activity. Although it has been suggested that higher expression of LAMP2a is associated with more advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages and shorter survival time in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the underlying mechanism has not been known yet.

Methods

In this study, we modulated the activity of CMA through LAMP2a or small molecular compounds in human ESCC cells to investigate its role in ESCC.

Results

We found that down‐regulating the activity of CMA could inhibit the proliferation and colony formation of ESCC cells as well as increase their sensitivity to cisplatin.

Conclusions

Our results promote better understanding of how CMA affects human ESCC and provide a new therapeutic target against ESCC through down‐regulating LAMP2a.
Do IFRS disclosure requirements reduce the cost of capital? Evidence from Australia
Authors: Saha Amitav , Bose Sudipta
Published: February 2021

We examine the association between the disclosure requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the cost of capital for a sample of Australian firms. We find that these disclosure requirements have a negative association with the cost of capital. The interpretation is that firms with a higher level of IFRS disclosure have a lower cost of capital. Further analysis shows that IFRS disclosure requirements are negatively related to the cost of debt and equity capital. Our findings contribute to the debate on the relative costs and benefits of IFRS disclosure requirements and have important implications for standard setters, regulators and users of financial statements.
Constructing “Behavior Problems”: Race, Disability, and Everyday Discipline Practices in the Figured World of Kindergarten
Authors: Boonstra Kathryn E.
Published: February 2021

This article examines everyday disciplinary practices in three kindergarten classrooms and their role in identity construction. Taking a “figured worlds” perspective, I show how racialized and ableist discourses mediated processes of surveillance, escalation, and physical restraint, leading educators to disproportionately position Black students, particularly boys and those with disabilities, as “behavior problems.” This analysis points toward opportunities to disrupt routine practices that marginalize or reward children’s behavior in ways patterned by race, gender, and disability.
An inverse stage‐shift model to estimate the excess mortality and health economic impact of delayed access to cancer services due to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Degeling Koen , Baxter Nancy N. , Emery Jon , Jenkins Mark A. , Franchini Fanny , Gibbs Peter , Mann G. Bruce , McArthur Grant , Solomon Benjamin J. , IJzerman Maarten J.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Decreased cancer incidence and reported changes to clinical management indicate that the COVID‐19 pandemic has delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to develop and apply a flexible model to estimate the impact of delayed diagnosis and treatment on survival outcomes and healthcare costs based on a shift in the disease stage at treatment initiation.

Methods

A model was developed and made publicly available to estimate population‐level health economic outcomes by extrapolating and weighing stage‐specific outcomes by the distribution of stages at treatment initiation. It was applied to estimate the impact of 3‐ and 6‐month delays based on Australian data for stage I breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer patients, and for T1 melanoma. Two approaches were explored to estimate stage shifts following a delay: (a) based on the relation between time to treatment initiation and overall survival (breast, colorectal, and lung cancer), and (b) based on the tumor growth rate (melanoma).

Results

Using a conservative once‐off 3‐month delay and considering only shifts from stage I/T1 to stage II/T2, 88 excess deaths and $12 million excess healthcare costs were predicted in Australia over 5 years for all patients diagnosed in 2020. For a 6‐month delay, excess mortality and healthcare costs were 349 deaths and $46 million over 5 years.

Conclusions

The health and economic impacts of delays in treatment initiation cause an imminent policy concern. More accurate individual patient data on shifts in stage of disease during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic are critical for further analyses.
Consciousness Development in Rastafari: A Perspective from the Psychology of Religion
Authors: Stokke Christian
Published: February 2021

This paper explores a Rastafari perspective on consciousness development and relates this to developmental stage theories of consciousness evolution from the psychology of religion. The empirical material is from fieldwork on an online Rastafari community with global reach but run by a group based in Trinidad. The people on this particular forum align with the “spiritual, but not religious” trend in contemporary religiosity, which means they are more focused on interior questions of consciousness raising than on religious externals. This paper interprets empirical material from the dialogues on this forum in light of Rastafari theorist Dennis Forsythe. It compares this Rastafari theory of stages of consciousness, symbolized by the animals Anancy, lion, and lamb, to developmental theories of consciousness evolution. These are drawn from psychology and the psychology of religion (Maslow 1970; Kohlberg 1981; Fowler 1981; Gilligan 1982; Wilber 2007), which focus on preconventional, traditional, modern, pluralist, and integral stages.
Functional robustness of seed dispersal by a remnant frugivore population on a defaunated tropical island
Authors: Kastner Martin , Pollock Henry S. , Savidge Julie A. , Fricke Evan C. , Rogers Haldre S.
Published: February 2021

We surveyed zoochorous seedlings at an urbanized site on Guam with a remnant population of frugivores, and an otherwise similar site lacking all frugivores. Both seedling richness and abundance were much higher at the site with frugivores, providing hope that small populations can retain or restore ecological function.

Abstract in Fino' CHamoru is available with online material.
BB see: Transparency legislation and public discussions of wage inequality
Authors: Treleaven Christina , Fuller Sylvia
Published: February 2021

Disparities in compensation persist between men and women. Wage transparency, which enables workers to compare their compensation to what others receive in their organization, can be an important tool for redressing specific intra‐firm disparities tied to discriminatory processes. Drawing on newspaper reports about gender pay differentials, we provide the first analysis of whether a public disclosure of pay transparency corresponds to a shift in broader public discourse, as represented by news coverage. Thematic analysis of newspaper coverage of the gender pay gap in Britain before and after the high‐profile release of BBC wage data in 2017 reveals a shift from choice‐based explanations to those emphasizing structural inequality and discrimination. The findings suggest that wage transparency coupled with news media attention may not only identify inequitable pay in firms, but also work more broadly to create space to discuss discriminatory practices and redress for pay disparities.
Signal‐transducing innate receptors in tumor immunity
Authors: Hangai Sho , Kimura Yoshitaka , Taniguchi Tadatsugu , Yanai Hideyuki
Published: February 2021

The signal‐transducing innate receptors represent classes of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that play crucial roles in the first line of the host defense against infections by the recognition of pathogen‐derived molecules. Because of their poorly discriminative nature compared with antigen receptors of the adaptive immune system, they also recognize endogenous molecules and evoke immune responses without infection, resulting in the regulation of tumor immunity. Therefore, PRRs may be promising targets for effective cancer immunotherapy, either by activating or inhibiting them. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of signal‐transducing PRRs in the regulation of tumor immunity.
Understanding Islamophobia through the eyes of American Muslim children: Religious bullying and school social work interventions
Authors: Farooqui Jannat Fatima , Kaushik Archana
Published: February 2021

Islamophobia and related incidents of hate‐crimes, religious discrimination and profiling are increasingly being researched to have adverse effects on Muslim adults and children alike. Rising episodes of anti‐Muslim religious bullying are being reported from schools, classrooms and playgrounds across the globe and, hence, need to be accounted for, recognized and mitigated. This study uses child‐participatory research methodology to understand experiences of American Muslim children regarding Islamophobia. It was conducted with 26 children participants (N = 26) studying in Grades 5–8, at an Islamic School in the United States. Drawings and semi‐structured focus group discussions were used for data collection. Findings revealed that Islamophobia should be characterized through a unique child‐centric lens, to recognize how it affects the lives of Muslim children. Narratives and silences of female participants highlighted how gendered Islamophobia has become so common for young Muslim girls that it has become ‘invisible.’ It was seen that children's perception of Islamophobia often becomes a projection of parental influences. Participants put forward resilience techniques, which pave ways for social work interventions with Muslim children. The study ends with a school social work model directed towards prevention and reduction of Islamophobia, which educators, schools and social workers can implement.
Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia and recurrence: Retrospective analysis of the French national database
Authors: Gignoux Benoit , Bayon Yves , Martin Damien , Phan Raksmey , Augusto Vincent , Darnis Benjamin , Sarazin Marianne
Published: February 2021

Aim

The aim of this work was to determine the rate of incisional hernia (IH) repair and risk factors for IH repair after laparotomy.

Method

This population‐based study used data extracted from the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d’Informations (PMSI) database. All patients who had undergone a laparotomy in 2010, their hospital visits from 2010 to 2015 and patients who underwent a first IH repair in 2013 were included. Previously identified risk factors included age, gender, high blood pressure (HBP), obesity, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Results

Among the 431 619 patients who underwent a laparotomy in 2010, 5% underwent IH repair between 2010 and 2015. A high‐risk list of the most frequent surgical procedures (>100) with a significant risk of IH repair (>10% at 5 years) was established and included 71 863 patients (17%; 65 procedures). The overall IH repair rate from this list was 17%. Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery represented 89% of procedures, with the majority of patients (72%) undergoing lower GI tract surgery. The IH repair rate was 56% at 1 year and 79% at 2 years. Risk factors for IH repair included obesity (31% vs 15% without obesity, p  < 0.001), COPD (20% vs 16% without COPD), HBP (19% vs 15% without HBP) and diabetes (19% vs 16% without diabetes). Obesity was the main risk factor for recurrence after IH repair (19% vs 13%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

From the PMSI database, the real rate of IH repair after laparotomy was 5%, increasing to 17% after digestive surgery. Obesity was the main risk factor, with an IH repair rate of 31% after digestive surgery. Because of the important medico‐economic consequences, prevention of IH after laparotomy in high‐risk patients should be considered.
Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing
Authors: Savoca Matthew S. , McInturf Alexandra G. , Hazen Elliott L.
Published: February 2021

Plastic pollution has pervaded almost every facet of the biosphere, yet we lack an understanding of consumption risk by marine species at the global scale. To address this, we compile data from research documenting plastic debris ingestion by marine fish, totaling 171,774 individuals of 555 species. Overall, 386 marine fish species have ingested plastic debris including 210 species of commercial importance. However, 148 species studied had no records of plastic consumption, suggesting that while this evolutionary trap is widespread, it is not yet universal. Across all studies that accounted for microplastics, the incidence rate of plastic ingested by fish was 26%. Over the last decade this incidence has doubled, increasing by 2.4 ± 0.4% per year. This is driven both by increasing detection of smaller sized particles as a result of improved methodologies, as well as an increase in fish consuming plastic. Further, we investigated the role of geographic, ecological, and behavioral factors in the ingestion of plastic across species. These analyses revealed that the abundance of plastic in surface waters was positively correlated to plastic ingestion. Demersal species are more likely to ingest plastic in shallow waters; in contrast, pelagic species were most likely to consume plastic below the mixed layer. Mobile predatory species had the highest likelihood to ingest plastic; similarly, we found a positive relationship between trophic level and plastic ingestion. We also find evidence that surface ingestion‐deep sea egestion of microplastics by mesopelagic myctophids is likely a key mechanism for the export of microplastics from the surface ocean to the seafloor, a sink for marine debris. These results elucidate the role of ecology and biogeography underlying plastic ingestion by marine fish and point toward species and regions in urgent need of study.
M1 Macrophage exosomes MiR‐21a‐5p aggravates inflammatory bowel disease through decreasing E‐cadherin and subsequent ILC2 activation
Authors: Lu Jiaxi , Liu Deliang , Tan Yuyong , Deng Feihong , Li Rong
Published: February 2021

Abnormal immune regulation is a key feature of the complex pathogenic mechanism of ulcerative colitis (UC). In particular, macrophages and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are important components of natural immunity that have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of UC, as well as decreased E‐cadherin expression on the colonic mucosa. However, it remains unclear how these components interact with each other. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of UC mediated by macrophage‐derived exosomes. We showed for the first time that miR‐21a‐5p expression is increased in the peritoneal exosomes of mice with dextran sulphate sodium induced enteritis and that miR‐21a‐5p expression correlates negatively with E‐cadherin expression in enterocytes. Moreover, we confirmed that miR‐21a‐5p was mainly derived from M1 macrophages and demonstrated that KLRG1, a surface inhibitory receptor on ILC2s, participated in excessive ILC2 activation in UC by promoting GATA‐3. In conclusion, our results suggest molecular targets and provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of UC and improving its treatment.
Study design and primary outcome in randomized controlled trials in periodontology. A systematic review
Authors: Alshamsi Maryam , Mehta Jaimini , Nibali Luigi
Published: February 2021

Aim

The aim of this review is to assess study design and risk of bias related to primary outcome in recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in periodontology.

Method

An electronic (Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library) and a manual search were completed to detect RCTs in humans, with an outcome in the field of periodontology and published in English from January 2018 up to March 2020.

Results

Data extraction of 318 publications meeting the inclusion criteria was performed by two reviewers. Most studies adopted a parallel‐group superiority design in a university setting. Overall, 54% of papers reported the primary outcome and relative sample size calculation, while only 37% also included reproducibility estimates relative to the primary outcome. Papers published in journals with higher impact factors had better compliance with primary outcome reporting and lower overall risk of bias scores.

Conclusion

Improvements in the quality of RCTs in periodontology are still needed. The importance of defining a clinically relevant study primary outcome and building the study around it needs to be emphasized. Furthermore, RCTs in periodontology could consider, when appropriate, some of the study design options which facilitate application of the principles of personalized medicine.
How Robots Help Nurses Focus on Professional Task Engagement and Reduce Nurses’ Turnover Intention
Authors: Chang Hao‐Yuan , Huang Tzu‐Ling , Wong May‐Kuen , Ho Lun‐Hui , Wu Chieh‐Ni , Teng Ching‐I
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To examine how robot‐enabled focus on professional task engagement and robot‐reduced nonprofessional task engagement are related to nurses’ professional turnover intention.

Design

We adopted a two‐wave study design.

Methods

We collected the first wave of data in a large hospital in Taiwan during October and November 2019 and the second wave between December 2019 and February 2020. We used the data collected from 331 nurses who participated in both waves.

Findings

We found that robot‐enabled focus on professional task engagement is positively related to nurses’ overall job satisfaction and perceived health improvement. Robot‐reduced nonprofessional task engagement is positively related to nurses’ perceived health improvement. Both overall job satisfaction and perceived health improvement are negatively related to nurses’ professional turnover intention.

Conclusions

Robots’ ability to focus nurses’ efforts in professional tasks may help improve nurses’ health and overall job satisfaction, and by extension reduce their turnover intention.

Clinical Relevance

Nurse managers could suggest hospitals introduce robots, particularly those that can share nurses’ nonprofessional workload. This, meanwhile, could focus nurses’ efforts on professional task engagement.
Management of Fractured Zirconia Complete Arch Fixed Implant‐Supported Prosthesis Caused by Misfit Due to Diverse Implant Components: A Case Report
Authors: DMD Collin Shuen , Bidra Avinash S.
Published: February 2021

Recently, monolithic zirconia complete‐arch fixed implant‐supported prosthesis (CAFIP) has been shown to be an effective means of managing patients with edentulism or terminal dentition. Prosthetic complications have been reported to be rare, as long as there is proper treatment planning, prosthetic space and careful attention during fabrication of the prosthesis. Few reports exist in the literature that have described the management of patients with fractured zirconia CAFIP. This case report describes the successful management of a female patient with a midline fracture of a monolithic zirconia CAFIP supported by 6 dental implants in the mandibular arch. The fractured prosthesis had adequate prosthesis thickness with no distal cantilever, and opposed a similar prosthesis in the maxilla. However, upon careful analysis, diverse implant components were identified as the primary contributory factor to prosthetic misfit, and subsequent fracture. This is a new factor that requires attention by clinicians and dental laboratory technicians due to the increased prevalence of patients with preexisting dental implants. This article describes the considerations related to diverse implant components and connections from different implant manufacturers, choice of favorable implant‐abutment design, technique for mitigation, and importance of passive fit for zirconia CAFIP.
Paediatric genomic testing: Navigating medicare rebatable genomic testing
Authors: Sachdev Rani , Field Mike , Baynam Gareth S , Beilby John , Berarducci Maria , Berman Yemima , Boughtwood Tiffany , Cusack Marie B , Fitzgerald Vanessa , Fletcher Jeffery , Freckmann Mary‐Louise , Roberts Natalie J , Kirk Edwin , Lundie Ben , Lunke Sebastian , McGregor Lesley , Mowat David , Parasivam Gayathri , Tyrell Vanessa , Wallis Mathew , White Susan M , S L Ma Alan
Published: February 2021

Genomic testing for a genetic diagnosis is becoming standard of care for many children, especially those with a syndromal intellectual disability. While previously this type of specialised testing was performed mainly by clinical genetics teams, it is increasingly being ‘mainstreamed’ into standard paediatric care. With the introduction of a new Medicare rebate for genomic testing in May 2020, this type of testing is now available for paediatricians to order, in consultation with clinical genetics. Children must be aged less than 10 years with facial dysmorphism and multiple congenital abnormalities or have global developmental delay or moderate to severe intellectual disability. This rebate should increase the likelihood of a genetic diagnosis, with accompanying benefits for patient management, reproductive planning and diagnostic certainty. Similar to the introduction of chromosomal microarray into mainstream paediatrics, this genomic testing will increase the number of genetic diagnoses, however, will also yield more variants of uncertain significance, incidental findings, and negative results. This paper aims to guide paediatricians through the process of genomic testing, and represents the combined expertise of educators, clinical geneticists, paediatricians and genomic pathologists around Australia. Its purpose is to help paediatricians navigate choosing the right genomic test, consenting patients and understanding the possible outcomes of testing.
Accelerating innovation: Some lessons from the pandemic
Authors: Cooper Robert G.
Published: February 2021

The Pandemic taught us that accelerated new‐product development is more important than ever, and provided examples of firms developing breakthrough products in record time. Five approaches to accelerated development are outlined here: The first two deal with adequately resourcing new‐product projects, namely the use of focused teams; and effective portfolio management to prioritize projects and reallocate resources. Newer digital tools are outlined that speed new‐products developments. Finally, two development methods are described that move development projects faster: Lean development and Agile development. Accelerated development also has hidden costs: undertaking less innovative projects and cutting too many corners. Although important, the topic is under‐researched, and the limited research has yielded inconclusive results about acceleration's expected benefits.
Evolution, inactivation and loss of short wavelength‐sensitive opsin genes during the diversification of Neotropical cichlids
Authors: Hauser Frances E. , Ilves Katriina L. , Schott Ryan K. , Alvi Erin , López‐Fernández Hernán , Chang Belinda S.W.
Published: February 2021

Natural variation in the number, expression and function of sensory genes in an organism's genome is often tightly linked to different ecological and evolutionary forces. Opsin genes, which code for the first step in visual transduction, are ideal models for testing how ecological factors such as light environment may influence visual system adaptation. Neotropical cichlid fishes are a highly ecologically diverse group that evolved in a variety of aquatic habitats, including black (stained), white (opaque) and clear waters. We used cross‐species exon capture to sequence Neotropical cichlid short wavelength‐sensitive (SWS) opsins, which mediate ultraviolet (UV) to blue visual sensitivity. Neotropical cichlid SWS1 opsin (UV‐sensitive) underwent a relaxation of selective constraint during the early phases of cichlid diversification in South America, leading to pseudogenization and loss. Conversely, SWS2a (blue‐sensitive) experienced a burst of episodic positive selection at the base of the South American cichlid radiation. This burst coincides with SWS1 relaxation and loss, and is consistent with findings in ecomorphological studies characterizing a period of extensive ecological divergence in Neotropical cichlids. We use ancestral sequence reconstruction and protein modelling to investigate mutations along this ancestral branch that probably modified SWS2a function. Together, our results suggest that variable light environments played a prominent early role in shaping SWS opsin diversity during the Neotropical cichlid radiation. Our results also illustrate that long‐term evolution under light‐limited conditions in South America may have reduced visual system plasticity; specifically, early losses of UV sensitivity may have constrained the evolutionary trajectory of Neotropical cichlid vision.
Major differences in the larval anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of three Oestridae species revealed by micro‐CT
Authors: Martín‐Vega D. , Clark B. , Ferrer L. M. , López‐Tamayo S. , Panadero R. , Cepeda‐Palacios R. , Colwell D. D. , Hall M. J. R.
Published: February 2021

Oestrid flies (Diptera: Oestridae) do not feed during the adult stage, so they depend on an efficient assimilation and storage of nutrients during their parasitic larval stage. We describe the general morphology and provide volumetric data for the digestive and excretory organs of the three larval instars of the nasal bot fly Oestrus ovis L., using micro‐computed tomography. The size of the digestive and excretory organs greatly increased across larval instars. In all instars, the two salivary glands were remarkably large and formed a ‘glandular band’ by coming together, but without lumina uniting, at their posterior ends. The distal region of the anterior Malpighian tubules was greatly enlarged and full of highly radio‐opaque concretions. Moreover, the anatomy of O. ovis third‐instar larva was compared to that of two species of, respectively, similar and different feeding habits: Cephenemyia stimulator (Clark) and Hypoderma actaeon Brauer. Whereas the general morphology and arrangement of the digestive and excretory systems of C. stimulator was similar to that of O. ovis, some differences were observed in H. actaeon: a swollen anterior region of the midgut, salivary glands shorter and not forming a ‘band’ and anterior Malpighian tubules narrowly uniform throughout their entire length.
COVID‐19–associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a prospective single‐center dual case series
Authors: Meijer Eelco F. J. , Dofferhoff Anton S. M. , Hoiting Oscar , Meis Jacques F.
Published: February 2021

Background

COVID‐19–associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has emerged as an invasive fungal disease, often affecting previously immunocompetent, mechanically ventilated, intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Incidence rates of 3.8%–33.3% have been reported depending on the geographic area, with high (47%) mortality.

Objectives

Here, we describe a single‐centre prospective case series with CAPA cases from both the first (March‐May, n = 5/33) and second (mid‐September through mid‐December, n = 8/33) COVID‐19 wave at a 500‐bed teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

Patients/Methods

In the first COVID‐19 wave, a total of 265 SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR‐positive patients were admitted to our hospital of whom 33 needed intubation and mechanical ventilation. In the second wave, 508 SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR‐positive patients were admitted of whom 33 needed mechanical ventilation. Data were prospectively collected.

Results

We found a significant decrease in COVID‐19 patients needing mechanical ventilation in the ICU in the second wave (p < .01). From these patients, however, a higher percentage were diagnosed with CAPA (24.2% vs 15.2%), although not significant (p = .36). All CAPA patients encountered in the second wave received dexamethasone. Mortality between both groups was similarly high (40%–50%). Moreover, we found environmental TR34/L98H azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in two separate patients.

Conclusions

In this series, 19.7% (n = 13/66) of mechanically ventilated SARS‐CoV‐2 patients were diagnosed with CAPA. In addition, we found a significant reduction in COVID‐19 patients needing mechanical ventilation on the ICU in the second wave. Numbers are too small to determine whether there is a true difference in CAPA incidence in mechanically ventilated patients between the two waves, and whether it could be attributed to dexamethasone SARS‐CoV‐2 therapy.
Linking plant hydraulics and the fast–slow continuum to understand resilience to drought in tropical ecosystems
Authors: Oliveira Rafael S. , Eller Cleiton B. , Barros Fernanda de V. , Hirota Marina , Brum Mauro , Bittencourt Paulo
Published: February 2021

Tropical ecosystems have the highest levels of biodiversity, cycle more water and absorb more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. Consequently, these ecosystems are extremely important components of Earth’s climatic system and biogeochemical cycles. Plant hydraulics is an essential discipline to understand and predict the dynamics of tropical vegetation in scenarios of changing water availability. Using published plant hydraulic data we show that the trade‐off between drought avoidance (expressed as deep‐rooting, deciduousness and capacitance) and hydraulic safety (P50 – the water potential when plants lose 50% of their maximum hydraulic conductivity) is a major axis of physiological variation across tropical ecosystems. We also propose a novel and independent axis of hydraulic trait variation linking vulnerability to hydraulic failure (expressed as the hydraulic safety margin (HSM)) and growth, where inherent fast‐growing plants have lower HSM compared to slow‐growing plants. We surmise that soil nutrients are fundamental drivers of tropical community assembly determining the distribution and abundance of the slow‐safe/fast‐risky strategies. We conclude showing that including either the growth‐HSM or the resistance‐avoidance trade‐off in models can make simulated tropical rainforest communities substantially more vulnerable to drought than similar communities without the trade‐off. These results suggest that vegetation models need to represent hydraulic trade‐off axes to accurately project the functioning and distribution of tropical ecosystems.
Amino acid sensing pathway: A major check point in the pathogenesis of obesity and COVID‐19
Authors: Philips Aradhana Mariam , Khan Nooruddin
Published: February 2021

Obesity and obesogenic comorbidities have been associated with COVID‐19 susceptibility and mortality. However, the mechanism of such correlations requires an in‐depth understanding. Overnutrition/excess serum amino acid profile during obesity has been linked with inflammation and reprogramming of translational machinery through hyperactivation of amino acid sensor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is exploited by SARS‐CoV‐2 for its replication. Conversely, we have shown that the activation of general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2)‐dependent amino acid starvation sensing pathway suppresses intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β). While activation of GCN2 has shown to mitigate susceptibility to dengue infection, GCN2 deficiency increases viremia and inflammation‐associated pathologies. These findings reveal that the amino acid sensing pathway plays a significant role in controlling inflammation and viral infections. The current fact is that obesity/excess amino acids/mTOR activation aggravates COVID‐19, and it might be possible that activation of amino acid starvation sensor GCN2 has an opposite effect. This article focuses on the amino acid sensing pathways through which host cells sense the availability of amino acids and reprogram the host translation machinery to mount an effective antiviral response. Besides, how SARS‐CoV‐2 hijack and exploit amino acid sensing pathway for its replication and pathogenesis is also discussed.
Genomic SSR and EST‐SSR markers for phylogenetic and pedigree reconstructions—A comparison in sea buckthorn
Authors: Wang Luo‐Yun , Li Shan‐Shan , Wang Tian‐Yi , He Cai‐Yun , Luo Hong‐Mei , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Zeng Yan‐Fei
Published: February 2021

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers play an important role in genetic and molecular breeding programs, especially for non‐model species. We identified SSRs from expressed sequence tags (EST‐SSRs) and whole genome sequences (gSSRs), by analysing the transcriptome and genome of the Mongolian sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. mongolica) cultivar ‘Sunny’. Using the same number of loci, EST‐SSRs showed higher transferability to Hippophae than gSSRs, and phylogenetic trees based on EST‐SSRs demonstrated higher resolution for classifying Hippophae species and subspecies into clades, possibly due to high conservatism and/or existence of adaptive divergence between species/subspecies in coding sequence regions. In contrast, parentage analyses showed that gSSRs were more effective at resolving parentage than EST‐SSRs due to higher level of polymorphism in gSSRs. The markers developed in this study can be used in the identification and pedigree reconstruction of species/subspecies of sea buckthorn, while their usage in clarifying phylogenetic relationship among species remains to be discussed. The comparison between EST‐SSRs and gSSRs would provide insight into the trade‐off between differentiation and polymorphism in marker selection for breeding programs.
Physoderma, not Olpidium, is the true cause of faba bean gall disease of Vicia faba in Ethiopia
Authors: You Ming Pei , Eshete Beyene Bitew , Kemal Seid Ahmed , van Leur Joop , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: February 2021

Faba bean gall (FBG) is a devastating disease of faba bean (Vicia faba) in Ethiopia. Studies were undertaken first to compare and contrast similarities between FBG disease symptoms and morphology in Ethiopia with those reported earlier in China and, secondly, to identify definitively the FBG causal agent, previously considered as Olpidium viciae, through molecular studies. Morphological studies confirmed an epibiotic phase of zoosporangia for dispersing zoospores, characteristic of Physoderma but not Olpidium, and did not show critical diagnostic characteristics of Olpidium such as presence of numerous short zoosporangial discharging tubes, or binucleate resting sporangia. Recognizing this epibiotic phase is a foundation for comprehending FBG epidemiology and will allow forecasting of zoospore release to highlight best timings for applications of chemical sprays to reduce reinfection cycles. Sequences of partial ITS1‐5.8S‐partial ITS2, the 18S‐ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2‐part of 28S rRNA, and LSU (28S rRNA) derived from tissue with symptoms confirmed Physoderma, and not Olpidium, as the causal agent. Sample sequences were either close to Physoderma or the contaminant ascochyta pathogen Didymella. From symptom, morphological, and molecular data, the causal agent of FBG disease in Ethiopia is Physoderma. From observations of symptoms that Physoderma can cause, it was determined that this Physoderma crosses over between different legume host genera (e.g., Vicia, Pisum, Trifolium), highlighting the significant biosecurity risk for countries currently free of FBG.
Reproduction of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and other members of the family Carangidae
Authors: Corriero Aldo , Wylie Matthew J. , Nyuji Mitsuo , Zupa Rosa , Mylonas Constantinos C.
Published: February 2021

The family Carangidae contains several species of aquaculture interest, including the amberjacks, yellowtails and trevallies. Among them, the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), the Japanese amberjack or yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) and the yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) are considered the species with the highest potential for commercial aquaculture. Understanding the reproductive physiology–biology, spawning kinetics and production characteristics in captivity are of utmost importance for the domestication of any animal, and developing broodstock management methods and therapies to optimize egg production and overcome potential reproductive dysfunctions are essential. The present article reviews the available literature on the reproductive biology of the Carangidae species of interest for the aquaculture industry, both in the wild and under farming conditions. The reproductive traits of wild and farmed fish, whenever available, were compared in order to improve the understanding of the reproductive dysfunctions occurring in captivity. Finally, the hormonal maturation and spawning induction protocols examined so far to ameliorate the reproductive dysfunctions and obtain fertile gametes are summarized, and their effectiveness in the different rearing conditions is discussed.
Ports and Environmental Justice in the United States: An Exploratory Statistical Analysis
Authors: Greenberg Michael R.
Published: February 2021

A screening environmental justice analysis was conducted of 50 United States ports that manage more than 10 million tons of products. Using the U.S. EPA's EJSCREEN tool, the author examined seven demographic and 11 environmental metrics at distances of 2, 5, and 10 miles from the port centroids. The 2‐mile zones were found to have higher values for 13 of the 18 environmental inequity indicators, including all three measures of air toxics, fine particles, proximity to hazardous waste sites, and facilities with risk management plans, as well as indicators of low socioeconomic status and minority populations. With ports expanding, the author discusses the need for maintaining and upgrading EPA's screening tool and considers that alternative futures for port neighborhoods depend upon the strength of their civic groups and elected officials, the role of their government port authorities, and civic values of their commercial users.
The HLA‐DRB1*09:45 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: February 2021

HLA‐DRB1*09:45 differs from HLA‐DRB1*09:01:02:01 in codon 19 in exon 2.
Ultrasound‐guided cannulation for medical students
Authors: Armson Andrew M. , Moynihan Robert , Stafford Nicholas , Jacobs Chris
Published: February 2021

Background

There is growing recommendation to integrate ultrasound training into undergraduate medical curricula; with limited evidence of its implementation in the United Kingdom. Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) often has high failure rates—particularly for patients with difficult vascular access. Ultrasound‐guided PIVC (US‐PIVC) has been shown to increase the rates of success and may reduce dependence on seniors. Teaching US‐PIVC to senior medical students may prove a clinically valuable and feasible means of introducing ultrasound into medical programmes.

Methods

We initially surveyed 18 doctors to assess their perceptions and experience of ultrasound. Thirty‐five final‐year medical students took part in a novel US‐PIVC course. Students’ competence was assessed at the end of the session using an objective assessment. Students’ pre‐ and post‐course attitudes and confidence were evaluated using questionnaires.

Results

All doctors surveyed reported difficulty performing PIVC since starting work: 66% on a monthly basis. None of the students (0%) and 11% of the doctors had previously received ultrasound training. By the end of the course, all students ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that the session was enjoyable and that they felt confident performing US‐PIVC. Thirty‐four of 35 participants attained the minimum competence standard. Students’ confidence performing PIVC, regardless of ultrasound guidance, increased significantly (p = 0.002) following the session.

Discussion

As ultrasound becomes a more readily available point‐of‐care technology, it should be considered for inclusion in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Our course appears to be an effective model of teaching US‐PIVC to final‐year medical students. Similar courses could act as a pragmatic and clinically rewarding means of implementing US‐PIVC teaching into the latter years of undergraduate curricula.
Numerical Investigations on the Leakage Flow Characteristics of Brush Seal Based on the Three-Dimensional Staggered Tube Bundle Model
Authors: Ma Dengqian , Zhang Yuanqiao , Li Zhigang , Li Jun , Yan Xin
Published: February 2021

To accurately predict the leakage flow and resistance characteristics of brush seals, the multiblock structured mesh and the mesh motion technique are applied to the three-dimensional (3D) staggered tube bundle model of brush seals. The multiblock structured mesh can easily add nodes and set boundary layers in the interbristle gap between adjacent bristles, which can ensure good mesh quality (orthogonal angle and expansion ratio). The mesh motion technique realizes the overall axial compactness of the bristle pack. The effects of pressure ratio Rp, sealing clearance c, and bristle pack compactness on the leakage flow and resistance characteristics are investigated. To analyze the aerodynamic resistance of the brush seals, Euler number (Eu) is applied in this study. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Thus, the accuracy of the presented numerical method is validated. For the contacting brush seal, ΔSx, i has a significant effect on the leakage flow rate reduction. For the clearance brush seal, ΔSx, i has little effect on the leakage flow rate reduction. The leakage flow passing through the sealing clearance keeps almost constant. As for aerodynamic resistance, the presence of the sealing clearance can effectively convert the pressure energy of the leakage flow into the kinetic energy. As a result, the leakage flow velocity exiting the bristle pack of the clearance brush seal is 1.5 to 2.0 times larger than that of the contacting brush seal. Although the existence of the sealing clearance obviously increases the leakage flow rate, it effectively reduces the aerodynamic forces acting on the bristles. The developed numerical approach based on the three-dimensional staggered tube bundle model and multiblock structured mesh can serve as a technical method for analysis of the sealing mechanisms of brush seals.
Strength Training Improves Exercise Economy in Triathletes During a Simulated Triathlon
Authors: Luckin-Baldwin Kate M. , Badenhorst Claire E. , Cripps Ashley J. , Landers Grant J. , Merrells Robert J. , Bulsara Max K. , Hoyne Gerard F.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The completion of concurrent strength and endurance training can improve exercise economy in cyclists and runners; however, the efficacy of strength training (ST) implementation to improve economy in long-distance (LD) triathletes has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate physiological outcomes in LD triathletes when ST was completed concurrently to endurance training. Methods: A total of 25 LD triathletes were randomly assigned to either 26 weeks of concurrent endurance and ST (n = 14) or endurance training only (n = 11). The ST program progressed from moderate (8–12 repetitions, ≤75% of 1-repetition maximum, weeks 0–12) to heavy loads (1–6 repetitions, ≥85% of 1-repetition maximum, weeks 14–26). Physiological and performance indicators (cycling and running economy, swim time, blood lactate, and heart rate) were measured during a simulated triathlon (1500-m swim, 60-min cycle, and 20-min run) at weeks 0, 14, and 26. Maximal strength and anthropometric measures (skinfolds and body mass) were also collected at these points. Results: The endurance strength group significantly improved maximal strength measures at weeks 14 and 26 (P < .05), cycling economy from weeks 0 to 14 (P < .05), and running economy from weeks 14 to 26 (P < .05) with no change in body mass (P > .05). The endurance-only group did not significantly improve any economy measures. Conclusions: The addition of progressive load ST to LD triathletes’ training programs can significantly improve running and cycling economy without an increase in body mass.
A revealing flaw
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: February 2021

A rare disease that cripples a key cellular organelle holds clues to treating more common conditions.
Taking root
Authors: Cernansky Rachel
Published: February 2021

A new influx of funds could help realize Africa's Great Green Wall. But will the massive tree-planting effort learn from past failures?
Comment on “Structural evidence for a dynamic metallocofactor during N
2
reduction by Mo-nitrogenase”
Authors: Peters John W. , Einsle Oliver , Dean Dennis R. , DeBeer Serena , Hoffman Brian M. , Holland Patrick L. , Seefeldt Lance C.
Published: February 2021

Kang
et al
. (Reports, 19 June 2020, p. 1381) report a structure of the nitrogenase MoFe protein that is interpreted to indicate binding of N
2
or an N
2
-derived species to the active-site FeMo cofactor. Independent refinement of the structure and consideration of biochemical evidence do not support this claim.
Different origins for similar brain circuits
Authors: Tosches Maria Antonietta
Published: February 2021

Gene expression profiles indicate separate evolution of cortical circuits in birds and mammals
“
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus” Secretes Nonclassically Secreted Proteins That Suppress Host Hypersensitive Cell Death and Induce Expression of Plant Pathogenesis-Related Proteins
Authors: Du Peixiu , Zhang Chao , Zou Xiuping , Zhu Zongcai , Yan Hailin , Wuriyanghan Hada , Li Weimin
Published: February 2021

In this study, we present a combined computational and experimental methodology that allows a rapid and efficient identification of the ncSecPs from bacteria, in particular the unculturable bacteria like CLas. Meanwhile, the study determined that a number of CLas ncSecPs suppressed HR-based cell death, and thus indicated a novel role for the bacterial ncSecPs in extracellular milieu.
Safety and feasibility of using acellular sterile filtered amniotic fluid as a treatment for patients with COVID-19: protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tonna Joseph E , Pierce Jan , Hatton Nathan , Lewis Giavonni , Phillips John D , Messina Alyssa , Skidmore Chloe R , Taylor Kirsten , Selzman Craig H
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Human amniotic fluid (hAF) has been shown to reduce inflammation in multiple experimental models. hAF has previously been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a human cellular and tissue product for tissue injury for human administration, and used safely in thousands of patients as a therapeutic treatment for diverse conditions. Given the profound inflammatory response observed in patients with COVID-19, and the successful completion of 10-patient pilot study of intravenous hAF, we present a trial design for a larger clinical trial of intravenous hAF for the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods and analysis

This paper describes the methodology of a phase I/II randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine the safety and feasibility of using acellular sterile filtered amniotic fluid as a treatment for patients with COVID-19. Primary outcome will be the change in C-reactive protein. Secondary outcomes include safety, biomarker inflammatory levels and clinically relevant outcomes at 30 days, including mortality, ventilator-free days and hospital and intensive care unit length of stay. Exploratory outcomes of health-related quality-of-life patient-reported outcomes will be collected. Hospitalised patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 will be recruited.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB_0013292), approved by the US FDA under Investigational New Drug (No 23369) and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT04497389; Pre-results.