bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple‐model stock assessment frameworks for precautionary management and conservation on fishery‐targeted coastal dolphin populations off Japan
Authors: Kanaji Yu , Maeda Hikari , Okamura Hiroshi , Punt André E. , Branch Trevor
Published: July 2021

Stock assessment approaches are often oversimplified due to lack of biological knowledge and insufficient data. In spite of world‐wide attention, fishery‐targeted coastal dolphin species in Japan have lacked in‐depth quantitative stock assessments because of limited time series of population size and an absence of associated biological information. We consequently developed integrated population models that analysed multiple sources of data simultaneously with published biological information within a Bayesian framework.

We estimate population status and trends for three main species targeted by fisheries, bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, Risso's dolphins Grampus griseu, and short‐finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus, using single‐species age‐aggregated and age‐structured population dynamics models. Models were fit to absolute abundance estimates from systematic line‐transect surveys, four series of abundance indices calculated from fisher's logbooks, and historical catch records. Published biological information was used to develop prior distributions for the biological parameters. We assessed the possible effects of ecological disturbance and competition using state‐space and multispecies models.

The multispecies model was selected by the model selection both for the age‐aggregated and the age‐structured approaches.

Single‐species assessments found that population size declined 4.2% (Risso's dolphin) to 8.0% (bottlenose dolphin) for three species since the late 1800s based on median posterior values, while the state‐space and multispecies models found that environmental disturbance and an interaction among species could have reduced population size more substantially.

Policy implications. Simple single‐species models are often used to provide conservation and management advice for wild animals but, in this case, results from such models are overly optimistic because they overlook important ecological process. In contrast, current population status could be less favorable if environmental disturbance and interspecific competition actually control population dynamics. Even if that is not the case, considering ecological process in the model will provide more precautionary ways. Our approach of combining multiple modelling frameworks is applicable to many other management systems, and offers increased confidence in estimated status and trends over assessments that consider only a single model.
Long‐term cross‐scale comparison of grazing and mowing on plant diversity and community composition in a salt‐marsh system
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Bakker Jan P. , Alberti Juan , Bakker Elisabeth S. , Smit Christian , Olff Han
Published: July 2021

Land abandonment has been increasing in recent decades in Europe, usually accompanied by biodiversity decline. Whether livestock grazing and mowing can safeguard biodiversity across spatial scales in the long term is unclear.

Using a 48‐year experiment in a salt marsh, we compared land abandonment (without grazing and mowing) and seven management regimes including cattle grazing, early season mowing, late season mowing, both early and late season mowing, and grazing plus each of the mowing regimes on plant diversity at the local and larger scales (i.e. aggregated local communities). Also, we compared their effects on community composition (both in identities and abundances) in time and space.

Under land abandonment, plant diversity declined in the local communities and this decline became more apparent at the larger scale, particularly for graminoids and halophytes. All management regimes, except for late season mowing, maintained plant diversity at these scales.

Local plant communities under all treatments underwent different successional trajectories, in the end, diverged from their initial state except for that under grazing (a cyclic succession). Year‐to‐year changes in local community composition remained at a similar level over time under land abandonment and grazing plus early season mowing while it changed under other treatments. Vegetation homogenized at the larger scale over time under land abandonment while vegetation remained heterogeneous under all management regimes.

Synthesis. Our experiment suggests that late season mowing may not be sustainable to conserve plant diversity in salt marshes. Other management regimes can maintain plant diversity across spatial scales and vegetation heterogeneity at the larger scale in the long term, but local community composition may change over time.
Study on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of Cd in contaminated rice in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yao Liyun , Wang Yixin , Deng Ziyi , Wu Qian , Fang Min , Wu Yongning , Gong Zhiyong
Published: July 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal pollutant in the environment that damages human health. In this study, the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of Cd in different Cd‐contaminated rice (low pollution level cadmium rice (Rice‐L, 0.111 mg/kg), medium pollution level cadmium rice (Rice‐M, 0.400 mg/kg), and high pollution level cadmium rice (Rice‐H, 0.655 mg/kg)) were estimated and determined by an in vitro digestion model Rijksinstituut voor volksgezondheiden milieu (RIVM), Caco‐2 cell model, and mouse model. The results indicated that Cd in the oral cavity (15.65–28.28%) displayed the lowest bioaccessibility comparing with small intestine (90.04–94.73%) and the stomach (99.30–100.70%) in vitro after cooking. In addition, the results showed that the bioaccessibility of Cd in CdCl2, CdCl2+normal rice (Rice‐N), Rice‐H, Rice‐M, Rice‐L group were 99.29%, 92.57%, 90.04%, 94.73%, and 91.11%, respectively; the in vitro bioavailability of Cd in CdCl2, CdCl2+Rice‐N, Rice‐H, Rice‐M, and Rice‐L group were 27.50%, 20.78%, 21.90%, 26.90%, 36.46%, respectively, we found that the group of CdCl2 is significantly higher than CdCl2+Rice‐N and Rice‐H (p < 0.05), while the targets hazard quotient (THQ) value of rice ingested without considering the in vitro bioavailability is 2.7–4.6 times than the THQ value with considered and the relative bioavailability (RBA) of Cd in Rice‐L, Rice‐M, Rice‐H are 80.25%, 64.32%, and 60.91%, respectively. These results indicate that the rice substrate has impact on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of Cd, and might overestimate the health risks of Cd if bioavailability was not considered.

Practical Application

Studying the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of cadmium in rice is a promising strategy to obtain a more accurate human health risk assessment of cadmium exposure in rice, as well as provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of cadmium limit standard in grain, which was also conducive to the rational and full utilization of rice resources in China.
Combination of an engineered Lactococcus lactis expressing CXCL12 with light‐emitting diode yellow light as a treatment for scalded skin in mice
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxiao , Li Shengjie , Ding Jianing , Wei Jing , Tian Puyuan , Wei Hong , Chen Tingtao
Published: July 2021

Impaired wound closure is an increasingly crucial clinical challenge. Recently, wound healing has shifted towards innovative treatments that exploit nanotechnology, biomaterials, biologics and phototherapy. Here, we constructed an engineered MG1363‐pMG36e‐mCXCL12 strain with pMG36e plasmid encoding stromal cell‐derived factor 1α (named CXCL12) and evaluated the synergistic effects of light‐emitting diode (LED) yellow light and MG1363‐pMG36e‐mCXCL12 on scald wounds in mice. The results indicated that the combined treatment with LED yellow light with mCXCL12 delivering strain accelerated wound closure, tissue remodelling, re‐epithelialization and hair follicle regeneration and inhibited over‐inflammation oppositely in the central and surrounding wounds by macroscopic, histopathologic and immunohistochemistry parameters. Furthermore, combination therapy increased the epidermal growth factor and Ki67‐positive cells and upregulated beta‐catenin (β‐catenin), cellular‐myelocytomatosis (c‐Myc), wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 1 (Wnt1), Jagged 1, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (Notch 1) and hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes 1) protein levels of the Wnt and Notch signalling pathways. It also facilitated collagen fibrogenesis and deposition and improved the activities of hydroxyproline, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in scalded granulation tissue, in addition to reducing the inflammatory factors interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The combined treatment effectively reduced skin pathogens Ralstonia and Acinetobacter to further reduce the risk of infection. Overall, combination of LED yellow light and MG1363‐pMG36e‐mCXCL12 represents a potential strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds.
Enhanced production of neoagarobiose from agar with Corynebacterium glutamicum producing exo‐type and endo‐type β‐agarases
Authors: Jeon Eun Jung , Choi Jae Woong , Cho Min Soo , Jeong Ki Jun
Published: July 2021

Neoagarobiose (NA2) derived from agar marine biomass is a rare reagent that acts as an anti‐melanogenesis reagent and moisturizer. Here, for the economical manufacturing of NA2, we developed the co‐secretory production system of endo‐type β‐agarases (DagA) and exo‐type β‐agarases (EXB3) in Corynebacterium glutamicum. For this purpose, we first developed a secretory system of DagA via Tat pathway. To improve the secretion efficiency, we coexpressed two Tat pathway components (TatA and TatC), and to improve the purity of secreted DagA in the culture supernatant, two endogenous protein genes (Cg2052 and Cg1514) were removed. Using the engineered strain (C. glutamicum SP002), we confirmed that DagA as high as 1.53 g l‐1 was successfully produced in the culture media with high purity (72.7% in the supernatant protein fraction). Next, we constructed the expression system (pHCP‐CgR‐DagA‐EXB3) for the simultaneous secretion of EXB3 via Sec‐pathway together with DagA, and it was clearly confirmed that DagA and EXB3 were successfully secreted as high as 54% and 24.5%, respectively. Finally, using culture medium containing DagA and EXB3, we successfully demonstrated the conversion of high‐concentration agar (40 g l‐1) into NA2 via a two‐stage hydrolysis process.
Transcriptome‐wide SNPs for Botrychium lunaria ferns enable fine‐grained analysis of ploidy and population structure
Authors: Mossion Vinciane , Dauphin Benjamin , Grant Jason , Kessler Michael , Zemp Niklaus , Croll Daniel
Published: July 2021

Ferns are the second most diverse group of land plants after angiosperms. Extant species occupy a wide range of habitats and contribute significantly to ecosystem functioning. Despite the importance of ferns, most taxa are poorly covered by genomic resources and within‐species studies based on high‐resolution markers are entirely lacking. The genus Botrychium belongs to the family Ophioglossaceae, which includes species with very large genomes and chromosome numbers (e.g., Ophioglossum reticulatum 2n = 1520). The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with 35 species, half of which are polyploids. Here, we establish a transcriptome for Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw., a diploid species with an extremely large genome of about ~19.0–23.7 Gb. We assembled 25,677 high‐quality transcripts with an average length of 1,333 bp based on deep RNA‐sequencing of a single individual. We sequenced 11 additional transcriptomes of individuals from two populations in Switzerland, including the population of the reference individual. Based on read mapping to reference transcript sequences, we identified 374,463 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) segregating among individuals for an average density of 14 SNPs per kilobase. We found that all 12 transcriptomes were most likely from diploid individuals. The transcriptome‐wide markers provided unprecedented resolution of the population genetic structure, revealing substantial variation in heterozygosity among individuals. We also constructed a phylogenomic tree of 92 taxa representing all fern orders to ascertain the placement of the genus Botrychium. High‐quality transcriptomic resources and SNP sets constitute powerful population genomic resources to investigate the ecology, and evolution of fern populations.
Alternative polyadenylation events differ dramatically between Tongcheng and Large White pigs in response to PRRSV infection
Authors: Meng X. , Kuang K. , Zhang Y. , Guan K. , Liu B. , Zhou X.
Published: July 2021

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread post‐transcriptional regulation mechanism that increases the biological complexity of transcriptome and proteome. However, it is unclear whether APA regulation plays a role in genetic resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Here, we reported genome‐wide APA regulation of porcine alveolar macrophages in PRRSV‐resistant Tongcheng (TC) pigs and PRRSV‐susceptible Large White (LW) pigs upon PRRSV infection. Using 3′ mRNA sequencing strategy, we detected 75 981 high‐quality APA sites in porcine alveolar macrophages of TC and LW pigs. Furthermore, 1202 and 1089 differentially expressed APA sites, as well as 79 and 117 untranslated region‐APA switching genes were identified in TC pigs and LW pigs upon PRRSV infection respectively. The APA events in TC pigs and LW pigs were involved in different biological pathways, while APA events in TC pigs are directly associated with the immune response to PRRSV infection. In addition, we identified genetic variations affecting polyadenylation signal between TC pigs and LW pigs. These findings would provide helpful information on APA regulation for further understanding of genetic resistance to PRRSV.
The influence of contract length on the performance of sequential conservation auctions
Authors: Glebe Thilo W.
Published: July 2021

The present article explores the extent to which the performance of a sequential conservation auction can be improved by changing the duration of conservation contracts. Optimal bidding in the context of a sequential conservation auction is modeled as a dynamic optimization problem and solved through backward induction. We show that a longer duration of conservation contracts increases not only the privately optimal bid of a risk‐neutral bidder but also the probability that a land plot is included in a conservation program. Whether a longer duration of conservation contracts increases or decreases the budgetary cost effectiveness and economic efficiency of a sequential auction depends on the scale of variation for the cutoff bid.
Metal stents are safe and cost‐effective for preoperative biliary drainage in resectable pancreaticobiliary tumours
Authors: Roberts Andrew T. , Jaya Joseph , Ha Phil , Thakur Udit , Aldridge Oscar , Pilgrim Charles H. C. , Tan Eren , Wong Enoch , Fox Adrian , Choi Julian , Liew Danny , Le Suong T. T. , Croagh Daniel
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds

To compare the complication rates and overall costs of self‐expandable metal stents (SEMS) and plastic stents (PS) in clinically indicated preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) prior to a pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

We conducted an Australian multicentre retrospective cohort study using the databases of four tertiary hospitals. Adult patients who underwent clinically indicated endoscopic PBD prior to PD from 2010 to 2019 were included. Rates of complications attributable to PBD, surgical complications and pre‐operative endoscopic re‐intervention were calculated. Costing data were retrieved from our Financial department.

Results

Among the 157 included patients (mean age 66.6 ± 9.8 years, 45.2% male), 49 (31.2%) received SEMS and 108 received PS (68.8%). Baseline bilirubin was 187.5 ± 122.6 μmol/L. Resection histopathology showed mainly adenocarcinoma (93.0%). Overall SEMS was associated less complications (12.2% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.02) and a lower pre‐operative endoscopic re‐intervention rate (4.3 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.03) compared with PS. There was no difference in post‐PD complication rates. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, stent type was an independent risk factor of PBD complication (OR of SEMS compared to PS 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.79, p = 0.02) but not for any secondary outcome measures. Upfront material costs were $56USD for PS and $1991USD for SEMS. Accounting for rates of complications, average costs were similar ($3110USD for PS and $3026USD for SEMS).

Conclusion

In resectable pancreaticobiliary tumours, SEMS for PBD was associated with reduced risk of overall PBD‐related complications and pre‐surgical endoscopic reintervention rates and was comparable to PS in terms of overall cost.
Decellularized tracheal prelamination implant: A proposed bilateral double organ technique
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Néstor J. , Díaz‐Cuevas Ana , Milián‐Medina Lara , Sancho‐Tello María , Roselló‐Ferrando Joan , Morcillo‐Aixelá Alfonso , Campo‐Cañaveral José Luis , Roig‐Bataller Amparo , Mata‐Roig Manuel
Published: July 2021

In tracheal replacement transplantation, prelamination is a critical stage. Nowadays, the most widely used prelamination technique is the prethoracic fascia flap with lateral thoracic artery. We propose a flap based on the internal thoracic artery, which allows a relatively non‐aggressive double organ implant, and we have tested its efficacy in decellularized tracheas. Tracheas of albino New Zealand rabbits were decellularized following a protocol that uses detergents and cryogenization, sterilized with 1kGy gamma radiation, and tutorized with a stent. Bilateral pedicled flaps made of pectoral fascia and a muscular component were harvested through a longitudinal 3‐cm central thoracic incision, wrapping the tracheas with them in 16 rabbits, remaining them implanted for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The tracheas were then studied histologically using standard stainings plus immunohistochemistry (CD31). The models were adjusted with Bayesian statistics using ordinal regression; results as odds ratios and credibility intervals. All analysis were performed using R software. Acute inflammatory cell invasion was observed at 2 weeks, which almost disappeared at week 8 after implant. Only macrophages and giant cells increased between Weeks 8 and 12 (OR 10.487, CI [1.603‐97.327]). The cartilage maintained its structure, with slight signs of ischemia in a few cases. New CD31‐positive vessels were observed from Week 2 and increasing thereafter, reaching a maximum peak at Week 8. We propose a bilateral implant technique that is viable and effective as a prelamination option for two concurrent tracheas, achieving perfect vascularization and integration of the organ with hardly any inflammatory response in the medium or long term.
Impact of vision disorders and vision impairment on motor vehicle crash risk and on‐road driving performance: A systematic review
Authors: Wood Joanne M. , Black Alex A. , Dingle Kaeleen , Rutter Cameron , DiStefano Marilyn , Koppel Sjaan , Charlton Judith L. , Bentley Sharon A.
Published: July 2021

Vision is important for safe driving, but there is limited understanding regarding the impact of vision disorders on driving ability and safety. This systematic review evaluated and summarized evidence on the impact of vision disorders and impairment on motor vehicle crash (MVC) risk and on‐road driving performance across seven databases, was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020180135), and study quality rated using a standard tool. Forty‐eight studies met the inclusion criteria for MVC risk (N = 36), on‐road performance (N = 9), and both MVC risk and on‐road performance (N = 3). Of these studies, less than half were rated as ‘good’ quality. Due to the small number of studies and often conflicting findings, it was not possible to draw firm conclusions for most vision disorders. However, evidence from several ‘good’ and ‘fair’ quality studies suggested increased MVC risk with binocular visual field impairment. There was mixed evidence regarding the impact of cataract, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration and homonymous field loss on MVC risk and no evidence of increased MVC risk with mild VA impairment. This review highlights the need for well‐designed future studies to further explore the impact of vision disorders and impairment on driving outcomes to inform evidence‐based policy and fitness to drive guidelines.
Diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography in the detection of neovasculature in age‐related macular degeneration: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Maesa José‐María , Baños‐Álvarez Elena , Rosario‐Lozano María‐Piedad , Blasco‐Amaro Juan‐Antonio
Published: July 2021

This work is a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in the identification of choroidal neovascularization due to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in comparison with fluorescein angiography (FA). A systematic search of the literature was carried out on Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Center for Reviews and Dissemination. Studies comparing OCTA with FA for the diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization due to AMD that included data on the diagnostic validity of the test or the data necessary for its calculation were selected. The QUADAS‐2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in selected studies. The quantitative analysis of the results was performed by meta‐analysis. Seven primary studies were included. The quality of the evidence was good. The total population included in the meta‐analysis comprised 553 eyes, with a cumulative sensitivity and specificity of 85.9% (95% CI 81.9–89.3%) and 89% (95% CI 83.5–93.2%), respectively, cumulative positive and negative likelihood ratios of 8.36 and 0.15, respectively (95% CI of 3.05–22.890 and 0.09–0.24, respectively), and a cumulative diagnostic odds ratio of 67.21 (95% CI 22.58–200.05). The evidence obtained does not demonstrate the superiority of OCTA over FA. Its use as a support technique could improve patient flow and reduce the number of FA.
Effects of femtosecond laser‐assisted trephination on donor tissue in liquid interface as compared to applanated interface
Authors: Donner Ruth , Schmidinger Gerald
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of femtosecond laser‐assisted keratoplasty using a liquid patient interface (L‐PI) as opposed to an applanated interface (A‐PI) on graft quality and functionality markers.

Methods

Pressure measurements during femtosecond laser‐assisted trephination were performed using two groups of 10 porcine eyes. Trephination was performed either in an L‐PI or in an A‐PI setting. Pressure sensor needles placed intravitreally continuously recorded intraocular pressure during trephination. Twenty paired human donor eyes were used to test the morphological quality of donor tissue after trephination in L‐PI and A‐PI settings. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed before and after trephination. Images were processed using ImageJ and pixel2.

Results

During trephination, pressure measurements with an L‐PI were significantly lower than with an A‐PI (p = 0.0121). Mean pressure during trephination was 78.1 mmHg ± 37.6 mmHg with L‐PI and 188.6 mmHg ± 17.7 mmHg with A‐PI. Trephination in A‐PI produced a significantly larger increase (p < 0.00001) in donor pachymetry than trephination in L‐PI. Significantly lower areas of Descemet folds were achieved in L‐PI trephination than in A‐PI trephination (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in circularity between A‐PI and L‐PI (p = 0.27). Total time required for trephination was comparable between L‐PI and A‐PI (p = 0.45). Time taken to reach working vacuum was achieved significantly more quickly in L‐PI (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Femtosecond laser‐assisted L‐PI keratoplasty appears to be a promising method to decrease stress to donor and recipient tissue during femtosecond laser‐assisted trephination. Results showed favourable donor tissue morphology markers after L‐PI trephination.
Effect of vitrification at different meiotic stages on epigenetic characteristics of bovine oocytes and subsequently developing embryos
Authors: Yodrug Thatawat , Parnpai Rangsun , Hirao Yuji , Somfai Tamas
Published: July 2021

Vitrification by the Cryotop method is frequently used for bovine oocyte cryopreservation. Nevertheless, vitrified oocytes still have reduced developmental competency compared with fresh counterparts. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of vitrification either at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage or at the metaphase II (MII) stage on epigenetic characteristics of bovine oocytes and subsequently developing embryos. Our results demonstrated that vitrification of oocytes at each meiotic stage significantly reduced blastocyst development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, vitrification at the GV stage resulted in higher blastocyst development than did vitrification at the MII stage. Irrespective of the meiotic stage, oocyte vitrification did not affect 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) immunostaining intensity in oocyte DNA. However, at both stages, it caused a similar reduction of 5mC levels in DNA of subsequently developing blastocysts. Oocyte vitrification had no effect on the intensity of H3K9me3 and acH3K9 immunostaining in oocytes and subsequent blastocysts. The results suggest that irrespective of meiotic stage, oocyte vitrification alters global methylation in resultant embryos although such alteration in the oocytes was not detected. Oocyte vitrification might not influence histone acetylation and methylation in oocytes and resultant embryos. Vitrification at the immature stage was more advantageous for blastocyst development than at the mature stage.
Resilience and stress in frontline social workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Singapore
Authors: Seng Boon Kheng , Subramaniam Mythily , Chung You Jin , Syed Ahmad Syed Ahmad Mahdi , Chong Siow Ann
Published: July 2021

As social work under normal circumstances is already a stress‐laden helping profession, this study intended to examine the level of psychological distress among the frontline social workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic and whether resilience and organizational support played a part in mitigating their psychological distress. Frontline social workers from various social service sectors across Singapore were surveyed using two standardized measurements to assess resilience (Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale 25) and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21). A self‐designed questionnaire comprising 10 items measured “personal” and “work‐related” support at the organization. Sociodemographic data were captured using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the frontline social workers, although resilient, were psychologically distressed in all the three areas of depression, anxiety and stress. The results indicated that those working in the Family Service Centers (FSC) were the most affected. Significant correlations were observed between psychological distress, resilience, and organizational support. Organizations must be mindful that support can help frontline staff who are usually younger and less experienced during challenging times such as the pandemic. Building the resilience of social workers will prepare them for their daily challenges and those that accompany unexpected situations.
The modified International Society of Urological Pathology system improves concordance between biopsy and prostatectomy tumour grade
Authors: Hennes David M.Z.B. , Sewell James , Kerger Michael , Hovens Christopher M. , Peters Justin S. , Costello Anthony J. , Ryan Andrew , Corcoran Niall M.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the concordance between biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens using the 2005 Gleason score (GS) and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2014/World Health Organization 2016 modified system, accounting for the introduction of transperineal biopsy and pre‐biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Patients and Methods

Between 2002 and 2019, we identified 2431 patients with paired biopsy and RP histopathology from a prospectively recorded and maintained prostate cancer database. Biopsy specimens were graded according to the 2005 GS or ISUP 2014 modified system, according to the year of diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to retrospectively assess the impact of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, age, pre‐biopsy mpMRI, and biopsy method, on the rate of upgraded disease. The kappa coefficient was used to establish the degree of change in concordance between groups.

Results

Overall, 24% of patients had upgraded disease and 8% of patients had downgraded disease when using the modified ISUP 2014 criteria. Agreement in the updated ISUP 2014 cohort was 68%, compared with 55% in the 2005 GS group, which was validated by a kappa coefficient that was good (k = 0.5 ± 0.4) and poor (k = 0.3 ± 0.1), respectively. In multivariable models, a change in grading system independently improved overall disease concordance (P = 0.02), and there were no other co‐segregated patient or pathological factors such as PSA, total number of cores, maximum cancer length, biopsy route or the use of mpMRI that impacted this finding.

Conclusion

The 2014 ISUP modifed system improves overall concordance between biopsy and surgical specimens, and thus allows more accurate prognostication and management in high‐grade disease, independent of more extensive prostate sampling and the use of mpMRI.
Transitions from school to sheltered employment in Norway – Experiences of people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wass Sofie , Safari Mugula Chris , Haugland Silje , Omland Hans Olav
Published: July 2021

Accessible summary

We interviewed people with intellectual disabilities about their experiences of finding a job.

Some of the people we interviewed made decisions about their future job, while others were not part of meetings, planning and decision‐making.

Parents and teachers were important in the planning process.

The people we interviewed advise students to be bold and take chances when searching for a job.

It is important that people with intellectual disabilities are in charge when they go from school to work.

Background

Nordic welfare models are characterised by emphasising both social security and labour market participation. Nevertheless, most people with intellectual disability either receive a disability pension or work in sheltered workshops. While transitions into integrated employment have been studied, transitions from school to sheltered employment have received less attention. We therefore explore the views of people with intellectual disabilities, transitioning from school to a sheltered employment programme.

Methods

We interviewed nine adults with intellectual disabilities that had made the transition into a service centre that provides both competitive employment with support, and employment in sheltered workshops. The interviews were analysed thematically.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed two main themes: involvement during the transition and adapting to a new role. Most participants described transitions where they had been involved, in varying degrees, in identifying their work preferences, participated in transition activities and made personal choices. Some participants, however, shared experiences where they had not participated in activities, where personal choices were restricted to predefined options, or decisions were made by someone else. The participants further shared experiences of navigating into new contexts, characterised by new situations and new interactions. To navigate successfully in such environment, the support network was important. The participants advised future “transitioners” to be brave and utilise opportunities to find suitable employment even in challenging situations.

Conclusions

Our study emphasises the importance of tailoring the transition to individual preferences and perspectives rather than aiming for a uniform, one size fits all type of transition. It is important to build on the positive aspects of sheltered employment as well as to further develop innovative ways of transitioning into integrated employment.
The thermal environment as a moderator of social evolution
Authors: Moss Jeanette B. , While Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2021

Animal sociality plays a crucial organisational role in evolution. As a result, understanding the factors that promote the emergence, maintenance, and diversification of animal societies is of great interest to biologists. Climate is among the foremost ecological factors implicated in evolutionary transitions in social organisation, but we are only beginning to unravel the possible mechanisms and specific climatic variables that underlie these associations. Ambient temperature is a key abiotic factor shaping the spatio‐temporal distribution of individuals and has a particularly strong influence on behaviour. Whether such effects play a broader role in social evolution remains to be seen. In this review, we develop a conceptual framework for understanding how thermal effects integrate into pathways that mediate the opportunities, nature, and context of social interactions. We then implement this framework to discuss the capacity for temperature to initiate organisational changes across three broad categories of social evolution: group formation, group maintenance, and group elaboration. For each category, we focus on pivotal traits likely to have underpinned key social transitions and explore the potential for temperature to affect changes in these traits by leveraging empirical examples from the literature on thermal and behavioural ecology. Finally, we discuss research directions that should be prioritised to understand the potentially constructive and/or destructive effects of future warming on the origins, maintenance, and diversification of animal societies.
Impact of avulsion of the primary incisors on the occurrence of sequelae in the permanent teeth: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Del Negro Bianca , Lauridsen Eva , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Andreasen Jens O. , Wanderley Marcia Turolla , Hermann Nuno Vibe
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the occurrence of sequelae in the permanent teeth after avulsion of their primary antecessors and to evaluate the factors associated with this occurrence.

Methods

We screened 2922 records of patients with photographic and radiographic images who attended a reference centre for dental trauma in the primary teeth from 1998 to 2019. Among them, 240 were eligible records of children who had suffered avulsion of the primary incisors and were followed up until complete eruption of the permanent successors. Multilevel Poisson regression analyses were conducted between the explanatory variables related to children and avulsed teeth; outcome variables were occurrences of any type of sequelae in the permanent teeth, opacities, hypoplasia and malformation. Relative risks (RRs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Among the 240 children's records, 194 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Finally, we found 266 primary avulsed teeth and 115 (43.2%) permanent teeth presenting with sequelae. Avulsion occurring when children were older than 4 years (RR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.24–0.95) had lower risks for developing sequelae than children aged 0‐2 years of age. Additionally, when avulsion occurred in the lower dental arch (RR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.06–1.99) and when three or more teeth were affected (RR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.02–2.41), the occurrence of sequelae in the permanent teeth was more probable than if avulsion occurred in the upper arch and affected only a single tooth. Age older than 3 years was a protective factor for the occurrence of hypoplasia and age older than 4 years protective for the occurrence of opacities.

Conclusions

The risk of sequelae in the permanent teeth after avulsion of their antecessor is higher when the trauma occurs in young children (<2 years) and in patients with avulsions of greater magnitude, such as when it affects the lower jaw, and more teeth are involved.
Follicular helper and follicular regulatory T cell subset imbalance is associated with higher activated B cells and abnormal autoantibody production in primary anti-phospholipid syndrome patients
Authors: Long Yan , Li Wenyi , Feng Jinghong , Ma Yinting , Sun Yuanyuan , Xu Lijuan , Song Ying , Liu Chen
Published: July 2021

Primary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (pAPS) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease, and autoantibodies are involved in its pathogenesis. Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) are critical for B cell maturation and antibody production, but their roles in pAPS remain unknown. We enrolled 32 pAPS patients and 23 healthy controls (HCs) and comprehensively analyzed circulating Tfh and Tfr, as well as their subsets, using flow cytometry. Clinical data including autoantibody levels were collected and their correlations with Tfh and Tfr subsets were analyzed. In addition, correlation analyses between B cell functional subsets and Tfh and Tfr were performed. Changes and potential effects of serum cytokines on Tfr and Tfh were further explored. We found the circulating Tfr was significantly decreased while Tfh and Tfh/Tfr ratios were increased in pAPS patients. Tfh2, inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS)+ programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ Tfh and Ki-67+ Tfh percentages were elevated, while CD45RA−forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)hi, Helios+, T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM (TIGIT)+ and Ki-67+ Tfr percentages were decreased in pAPS patients. New memory B cells and plasmablasts were increased and altered B cell subsets and serum autoantibodies were positively correlated with Tfh, Tfh2, ICOS+PD-1+ Tfh cells and negatively associated with Tfr, CD45RA−FoxP3hi Tfr and Helios+ Tfr cells. In addition, pAPS with LA/aCL/β2GPI autoantibodies showed lower functional Tfr subsets and higher activated Tfh subsets. Serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-21, IL-12 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were up-regulated and associated with Tfh and Tfr subset changes. Our study demonstrates that imbalance of circulating Tfr and Tfh, as well as their functional subsets, is associated with abnormal autoantibody levels in pAPS, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of pAPS.
Free thyroxine, brain frailty and clock drawing test performance in patients with acute minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Guo Zhiliang , Xu Guoli , Wang Ruojun , Hou Jie , Yu Shuhong , Wang Huaishun , Yu Shuai , Xu Jiaping , You Shoujiang , Huang Zhichao , Xiao Guodong , Cao Yongjun , Liu Chun‐Feng
Published: July 2021

Objective

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with an elevated risk of cognitive decline, but the mechanism underlying this relationship is elusive. In this study, we investigate the relationships between free thyroxine (FT4), brain frailty and clock drawing test (CDT) performance in patients with acute minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Design, Patients and Measurements

A total of 204 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital within 72 h after the onset of acute minor stroke or TIA were prospectively enroled and categorized in terms of quartiles of FT4 between March 2018 and August 2019. Brain frailty on magnetic resonance imaging was rated according to previously published criteria. Cognitive performance was assessed with the CDT.

Results

Generalized linear analysis revealed that FT4 was independently associated with higher brain frailty score after adjusting potential confounders (β, 0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00–0.06; p = 0.0205), which is consistent with the result of FT4 (quartile) as a categorical variable (β, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.01–0.68; p = 0.0059; ptrend = 0.0807). A nonlinear relationship was detected between FT4 and brain frailty score, which had an inflection point of 1.19. FT4 was also associated with poor CDT performance (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04–1.26; p = 0.0051). And mediation analysis found that brain frailty partially mediated the positive relationship between FT4 and poor CDT performance (indirect effect = 0.0024; 95% CI, 0.0003–0.01, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that a higher FT4 level was associated with a higher brain frailty score and poorer CDT performance, and brain frailty might play an important effect on the association between FT4 and cognitive decline.
Trauma then and now: Implications of adoption reform for First Nations children
Authors: Turnbull‐Roberts Vanessa , Salter Michael , Newton B. J.
Published: July 2021

Currently, Aboriginal children are significantly over‐represented in the out‐of‐home‐care system. Drawing on Aboriginal trauma scholarship and decolonizing methodologies, this paper situates the contemporary state removal of Aboriginal children against the backdrop of historical policies that actively sought to disrupt Aboriginal kinship and communities. The paper draws on submissions to the 2018 Australian Senate Parliamentary Inquiry into Adoption Reform from Aboriginal community controlled organizations and highlights four common themes evident throughout these submissions: (i) the role of intergenerational trauma in high rates of Aboriginal child removal; (ii) the place of children within Aboriginal culture, kinship and identity; (iii) the centrality of the principles of self‐determination and autonomy for Aboriginal communities and (iv) Aboriginal community controlled alternatives to child removal. Acknowledging the failure of both federal and state reforms to address the issues raised in these submissions, the paper reflects on the marginalization of Aboriginal voices and solutions within contemporary efforts to address the multiple crises of the child protection system and the implications for the future of Aboriginal children.
Rising incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals younger than 50 years and increasing mortality from rectosigmoid cancer in England
Authors: Ng Oon‐Hui , Lunevicius Raimundas , Arthur James D.
Published: July 2021

Aim

The aim was to describe changes in incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) in England by analysing data available from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS, 2001–2017).

Methods

Data analysis was undertaken to interpret trends and patterns in age‐standardized incidence and death rates from CRC, including sub‐analyses by six age groups (0–24, 25–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80+) and three sites of cancer—colonic, rectosigmoid and rectal.

Results

Overall CRC incidence remained relatively stable—70.1 cases per 100 000 individuals (95% CI 69.3–71.0) in 2001 and 68.8 cases (95% CI 68.0–69.5) in 2017. Sub‐analysis demonstrates a quarter fewer incidence of rectosigmoid cancer (−27%). This is counterbalanced by a 3% rise in colon cancers. The age‐standardized incidence rate of CRC increased by 59% in the 25–49 age group. In the over 50s, CRC incidence remained stable, with reductions seen in rectosigmoid cancer (50–59 years, −19%; 60–69, −26%; 70–79, −39%; 80+, −27%). Overall, mortality improved (−18.7%), primarily as a result of the reduction in deaths from colon (−31.6%) and rectal cancers (−25.1%). Deaths from the small incident number of rectosigmoid cancers, however, demonstrated a significant increase overall (+166.7%). Grouped age‐standardized death rate analyses showed increasing death rates in the under 50s (+28.3%) compared to declining rates in the over 50s (−15.8%).

Conclusions

There is a clear trend in increased incidence and mortality in individuals under 50 years old. There is also a trend to increased mortality from rectosigmoid cancer. These findings should have implications for national screening programme extension to under 50s and a call to arms for appropriate identification, staging and treatment of rectosigmoid cancers.
Defunctioning stomas may reduce chances of a stoma‐free outcome after anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Holmgren Klas , Häggström Jenny , Haapamäki Markku M. , Matthiessen Peter , Rutegård Jörgen , Rutegård Martin
Published: July 2021

Aim

To investigate the conflicting consequences of faecal diversion on stoma outcomes and anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer, including interaction effects determined by the extent of mesorectal excision.

Method

Anterior resections between 2007 and 2016 were identified using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. National Patient Registry data were added to determine stoma outcome 2 years after surgery. Tumour distance from the anal verge constituted a proxy for extent of mesorectal excision [total mesorectal excision (TME): ≤10 cm; partial mesorectal excision (PME): 13–15 cm]. With confounder‐adjusted probit regression, the total effect of defunctioning stoma on permanent stoma, and the interaction effect of extent of mesorectal excision, were estimated together with the indirect effect through anastomotic leakage. Baseline risks, risk differences (RDs) and relative risks (RRs) were reported.

Results

The main study cohort included 4529 patients. Defunctioning stomas influenced the absolute permanent stoma risk (TME: RD 0.11 [95% CI 0.09–0.13]; PME: RD 0.15 [95% CI 0.13–0.16]). The baseline risk was higher in TME, with a resulting greater RR in PME (2.23 [95% CI 1.43–3.02] vs 4.36 [95% CI 3.05–5.68]). The indirect reduction in permanent stoma rates, due to the alleviating effect of faecal diversion on anastomotic leakage, was small (TME: 0.89 [95% CI 0.81–0.96]; PME: 0.96 [95% CI 0.91–1.00]).

Conclusion

In anterior resection for rectal cancer, defunctioning stomas may reduce chances of a stoma‐free outcome. Considering leakage reduction benefits, consequences of routine diversion in TME might be fairly balanced, while this seems questionable in PME.
IRTA1 positivity helps identify a MALT‐lymphoma‐like subset of primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas, largely but not exclusively defined by IgM expression
Authors: Carlsen Eric D. , Bhavsar Shweta , Cook James R. , Swerdlow Steven H.
Published: July 2021

Background

It has been proposed that primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas (PCMZLs) include a MALT‐lymphoma‐like IgM+ subset and a class‐switched subset, which is unlike most other MALT lymphomas. Whether expression of the MALT lymphoma‐associated biomarkers IRTA1 and MNDA would support this concept and whether they might help explain why some patients have both subtypes is uncertain.

Methods

Twenty‐five PCMZLs from 21 patients were stained for IRTA1 by in situ hybridization and for MNDA by immunohistochemistry. In two patients, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based B‐cell clonality studies were performed on biopsy specimens of metachronous lesions, which expressed different heavy chains. All results were correlated with the histopathologic and clinical findings.

Results

Five of six IgM+ PCMZLs were IRTA1+ vs three of 18 evaluable class‐switched cases (P = 0.0069). Two of the class‐switched IRTA1+ cases were in patients with clonally‐related IRTA1+ IgM+ PCMZLs. IRTA1 positivity showed a statistically significant correlation with several MALT‐lymphoma‐associated histopathologic findings. In contrast, all PCMZL cases showed at least some MNDA expression with no differences between IgM+ and class‐switched cases.

Conclusions

IRTA1 identifies MALT‐lymphoma‐like PCMZLs that are largely but not exclusively IgM+. This supports the concept of two PCMZL subsets but suggests their distinction should not be based solely on their heavy chain expression.