bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma concentrations of syndecan‐1 are dependent on kidney function
Authors: Hahn Robert G. , Zdolsek Markus , Zdolsek Joachim
Published: February 2021

Background

Elevated plasma concentrations of syndecan‐1 and heparan sulfate in studies of trauma, sepsis, and major surgery are commonly assumed to indicate acute glycocalyx degradation. We explored a possible role of the kidneys for these elevations.

Methods

Plasma and urine concentrations of syndecan‐1, heparan sulfate, and biomarkers of inflammation were measured over 5 hours in 15 hospital patients treated for post‐burn injury. The renal clearances of syndecan‐1 and heparan sulfate (CLR) were calculated and their influence on the plasma concentration predicted by simulation.

Results

The urine/plasma concentration ratio was 0.9 (0.3‐3.0) for syndecan‐1 and 2.8 (2.0‐4.3) for heparan sulfate. The CLR varied 250‐fold for syndecan‐1 and 10‐fold for heparan sulfate. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CLR for syndecan‐1 was positively associated with the creatinine clearance (P < .0032) and the urine flow (P < .015). CLR for heparan sulfate increased with interleukin‐6 (P < .003) and the urine flow (P < .01). Simulations suggested that a change in CLR from the mean of the highest 3 to the lowest three values would double plasma syndecan‐1 within 4 hours and cause a 7‐fold rise after 24 hours. A similar change in CLR for heparan sulfate would triple the plasma level within 24 hours, even if no increased shedding of the glycocalyx takes place.

Conclusions

The renal elimination of syndecan‐1 and heparan sulfate varied greatly. A change in kidney function, which is common after trauma and major surgery, might alone induce several‐fold changes in their plasma concentrations.
Comparison of cost and resource utilization between firearm injuries and motor vehicle collisions at pediatric hospitals
Authors: Fraser Doh Kiesha , Sheline Erica , Wetzel Martha , Simon Harold K. , Morris Claudia R.
Published: February 2021

Background/Objectives

Firearm injuries are converging with motor vehicle collisions (MVC) as the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Thus we examine differences in hospital cost and hospital resource utilization between motor vehicle and firearm injury.

Methods

This retrospective, cross‐sectional study compares hospital costs and resource utilization of motor vehicle and firearm‐injured children aged 0 to 19 years of age over a 5‐year time frame (January 1, 2013–December 31, 2017) in 35 freestanding children's hospitals that submitted data to the Pediatric Health Information System. The primary outcome was hospital‐adjusted comparative cost per patient presentation. Generalized linear mixed models were used to quantify the relationship between the type of injury and each outcome, adjusting for patient characteristics and hospital.

Results

There were 89,133 emergency department (ED) visits attributed to MVCs and 3,235 for firearm injury. Of the youths who presented for firearm injury, 49% were hospitalized versus 14% of youths presenting with MVC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.1 to 7.2). Youths with firearm injury were more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit (aOR = 6.7, 95% CI = 5.9 to 7.7) and had longer lengths of stays (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.9 to 2.6) compared to their MVC counterparts. Children admitted for firearm injury had more imaging and ED return visits, along with subsequent inpatient admission within 3 days (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1 to 5.5) and 1 year (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.1 to 2.9). The mean relative per‐patient costs were nearly fivefold higher for the firearm‐injured group.

Conclusions

Hospital costs and markers of resource utilization were higher for youths with firearm injury compared to MVC. High medical resource utilization is one of several important reasons to advocate for a comparable national focus and funding on firearm‐related injury prevention.
Why are some drought‐affected farmers less distressed than others? The association between stress, psychological distress, acceptance, behavioural disengagement and neuroticism
Authors: Gunn Kate M. , Turnbull Deborah A. , Dollman Jim , Kettler Lisa , Bamford Luke , Vincent Andrew D.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To identify the modifiable psychological and behavioural coping strategies associated with low levels of psychological distress, independent of more stable personality and demographic factors, in a sample of farmers who reported being exposed to a recent stressful event during an extended drought.

Design/setting/participants

Three hundred and nine South Australian, drought‐affected grain, sheep and/or cattle farmers completed printed or online questionnaires. Only those who reported experiencing a stressful event in the past month that they rated ≥7 on a scale ranging from 1 (not stressful at all) to 10 (extremely stressful) were included in the analyses (n = 175, 65.06%). Participants ranged in age from 24 to 85 years and 40% were female.

Main outcome measures

Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and coping strategies were measured using a situational version of the COPE inventory. Five personality factors (extraversion, neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness) were assessed using the Quickscales‐R.

Results

In the final multivariable model, distress was elevated among individuals reporting higher neuroticism and behavioural disengagement, and lower in individuals reporting greater use of acceptance. These 3 variables explained 44% of the variance in distress.

Conclusion

Farmers recently exposed to a significant stressor, who used acceptance as a coping strategy, did not engage in behavioural disengagement and scored low on neuroticism, were least likely to experience distress. Given the stability of personality factors, interventions that foster farmers' use of acceptance and prevent behavioural disengagement as coping strategies might assist them with the management of future stressors, particularly in times of drought.
Association between ambient air pollution and development and persistence of atopic and non‐atopic eczema in a cohort of adults
Authors: Lopez Diego J. , Lodge Caroline J. , Bui Dinh S. , Waidyatillake Nilakshi T. , Su John C. , Perret Jenny L. , Knibbs Luke D. , Erbas Bircan , Thomas Paul S. , Hamilton Garun S. , Thompson Bruce R. , Abramson Michael J. , Walters E. Haydn , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Bowatte Gayan , Lowe Adrian J.
Published: February 2021

Background

There is limited information on risk factors for eczema in adults. Recent evidence suggests that air pollution may be associated with increased incidence of eczema in adults. We aimed to assess this possible association.

Methods

Ambient air pollution exposures (distance from a major road, nitrogen dioxide [NO2], fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm [PM2.5]) were assessed for the residential address of Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study participants at ages 43 and 53 years. Eczema incidence (onset after age 43 years), prevalence (at 53 years), and persistence were assessed from surveys, while IgE sensitization was assessed using skin prick tests. The presence or absence of eczema and sensitization was classified into four groups: no atopy or eczema, atopy alone, non‐atopic eczema, and atopic eczema. Adjusted logistic and multinomial regression models were fitted to estimate associations between ambient air pollution and eczema, and interaction by sex was assessed.

Results

Of 3153 participants in both follow‐ups, 2369 had valid skin prick tests. For males, a 2.3 ppb increase in baselineNO2was associated with increased odds of prevalent eczema (OR = 1.15 [95% CI 0.98–1.36]) and prevalent atopic eczema (OR = 1.26 [1.00–1.59]). These associations were not seen in females (p for interaction = 0.08, <0.01). For both sexes, a 1.6 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure at follow‐up was associated with increased odds of aeroallergen sensitization (OR = 1.15 [1.03–1.30]).

Conclusion

Increased exposure to residential ambient air pollutants was associated with an increased odds of eczema, only in males, and aeroallergen sensitization in both genders.
Modelling and prognostication of growth in the number of patients treated for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Potapenko Ivan , la Cour Morten
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The number of patients receiving anti‐VEGF therapy has increased rapidly since its introduction in Denmark in 2007, placing an enormous pressure on the public healthcare system. In this study, we attempt to describe this growth and identify the factors driving it.

Methods

Data on treatment of the entire population of neovascular AMD patients in the Capital Region of Denmark between 2007 and 2019 was retrieved. The age and sex standardized incidences of first time treatment and changes in duration of treatment were analysed.

Results

The number of patients in active treatment increased from 576 in 2007 to 3684 in 2019. The growth was initially driven by accumulation of patients continuing anti‐VEGF therapy for extended periods of time (259 patients/year). As larger numbers of patients began to be discharged, the increase slowed to 181 patients/year in late 2010s, with demographic change becoming the main growth driving factor. The incidence of first treatment increased slightly during the study period, mainly for individuals over 85 years. For patients under 85 years, treatment incidences closely followed neovascular AMD incidences from population studies. The likelihood of remaining in anti‐VEGF treatment after the initial injection followed exponential decay curve (t1/2 = 3.6 years). Based on this observation, a model was created to describe the number of patients in active treatment, which accurately described historical data (R2 = 0.999), and forecast a linear growth of 138 patients/year until 2030.

Conclusion

Treatment incidences and modelling reported in this study might facilitate a more informed and accurate planning of future ophthalmology services.
The key role of physical activity against the neuromuscular deterioration in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martignon Camilla , Ruzzante Federico , Giuriato Gaia , Laginestra Fabio G. , Pedrinolla Anna , Di Vico Ilaria A. , Saggin Paolo , Stefanelli Donato , Tinazzi Michele , Schena Federico , Venturelli Massimo
Published: February 2021

Aim

Decreased muscle strength has been frequently observed in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, this condition is still poorly examined in physically active patients. This study compared quadriceps (Q) maximal force and the contribution of central and peripheral components of force production during a maximal isometric task between physically active PD and healthy individuals. In addition, the correlation between force determinants and energy expenditure indices were investigated.

Methods

Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), resting twitch (RT) force, pennation angle (θp), physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) and Q volume were assessed in 10 physically active PD and 10 healthy control (CTRL) individuals matched for age, sex and daily energy expenditure (DEE) profile.

Results

No significant differences were observed between PD and CTRL in MVC (142 ± 85; 142 ± 47 N m), Q volume (1469 ± 379; 1466 ± 522 cm3), PCSA (206 ± 54; 205 ± 71 cm2), θp (14 ± 7; 13 ± 3 rad) and voluntary muscle‐specific torque (MVC/PCSA [67 ± 35; 66 ± 19 N m cm−2]). Daily calories and MVC correlated (r = 0.56, P = .0099). However, PD displayed lower maximal voluntary activation (MVA) (85 ± 7; 95 ± 5%), rate of torque development (RTD) in the 0‐0.05 (110 ± 70; 447 ± 461 N m s−1) and the 0.05‐0.1 s (156 ± 135; 437 ± 371 N m s−1) epochs of MVCs, whereas RT normalized for PCSA was higher (35 ± 14; 20 ± 6 N m cm−2).

Conclusion

Physically active PDs show a preserved strength of the lower limb. This resulted by increasing skeletal muscle contractility, which counterbalances neuromuscular deterioration, likely due to their moderate level of physical activity.
Investigating associations between hoarding symptoms and affective and cognitive empathy
Authors: Chen Wenting , McDonald Skye , Wearne Travis , Grisham Jessica
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Hoarding is associated with poor interpersonal functioning, such as social isolation and difficulties in forming relationships, but the reasons for these social problems are not well understood. Previous studies have identified empathy as an important precursor to social functioning, particularly for clinical disorders characterized by social deficits. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate associations between measures of cognitive and emotional empathy and hoarding symptoms.

Method

A total of 278 participants recruited via MTurk completed online self‐report questionnaires on hoarding, empathy (including cognitive and affective components), and depression. All participants subsequently completed The Awareness of Social Inference Test‐Short version (TASIT‐S), a behavioural measure of theory of mind, a concept used interchangeably with cognitive empathy.

Results

Hoarding symptoms were associated with greater self‐reported emotional empathy, specifically emotional contagion, and less self‐reported cognitive empathy. Emotional empathy predicted hoarding even after controlling for depression symptoms. Hoarding symptoms were also associated with poorer performance on the TASIT‐S with respect to both emotion recognition and theory of mind, with theory of mind remaining a unique predictor of hoarding symptoms after controlling for depression. Participants who reported clinically significant hoarding symptoms were impaired in emotion recognition and theory of mind according to TASIT‐S norms.

Conclusions

Hoarding symptoms are associated with increased emotional contagion and decreased cognitive empathy. Empathy may be an avenue for understanding and treating interpersonal difficulties in hoarding disorder.

Practitioner points

As hoarding increased, self‐reported emotional contagion increased

As hoarding increased, self‐reported and behavioural cognitive empathy decreased

Self‐reported emotional empathy and behavioural cognitive empathy predicted hoarding even after controlling for depression

Empathy may be an avenue for understanding social difficulties in hoarding disorder
FDG PET‐CT imaging in head and neck paragangliomas: A centre experience
Authors: Boughdad Sarah , O'Connor Ann , Cook Gary J. , Pike Lucy , Connor Steve , Obholzer Rupert , Warbey Victoria
Published: February 2021

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare tumours with ~ 30% genetic mutations, mainly in succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) genes. The utility of FDG PET‐CT in HNPGLs is questioned by recent developments in novel radiotracers. We therefore performed a retrospective study in a single tertiary referral centre to address the utility of FDG PET/CT in HNPGLs.

Methods

Clinical data on genetic testing and follow‐up were collected for patients who had FDG PET‐CT scans from 2004 to 2016. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare standardized uptake values (SUVs), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) between lesions in patients who had a clinically related event: event (+) and those who did not: event (−). Similarly, we compared PET parameters between SDHx+ patients and a control group with low probability of mutation.

Results

Of 153 HNPGL patients, 73 (29 SDHx+) with 93 FDG‐positive lesions were identified: 53.8% of lesions were assessed in a pre‐therapeutic setting. In comparison with a reference extracted from clinicoradiological database, FDG PET‐CT showed good performance to detect HNPGLs (96.6% accuracy). In this study population, 16 disease progression, 1 recurrence and 1 death were recorded and event (+) patients had lesions with higher SUVmax (p = .03 and p = .02, respectively). Conversely, there were no differences in PET parameters between lesions in SDHx+ patients and controls with low probability of SDHx+ mutations.

Conclusions

FDG PET‐CT has clinical utility in HNPGLs, mostly before local treatment. There were no significant differences in PET parameters between SDHx patients and a sporadic HNPGL population. However, regardless of SDHx mutation status, a high SUVmax was associated with more clinical events and prompts to a closer follow‐up.
Building financial capability in youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood
Authors: Salazar Amy M. , Lopez Jacquelene M. , Spiers Sara S. , Gutschmidt Sara , Monahan Kathryn C.
Published: February 2021

Financial capability is crucial for youth in foster care to develop prior to transitioning to independence. However, little is known about how these youth fare regarding financial capability. This study assesses whether youth in foster care in the United States who are over age 18 have better financial capability and related supports compared with younger youth and whether there are associations between supports and financial capability. Survey data from 97 youth aged 14 to 20 in foster care were analysed. Participants aged 18 and older had more advanced financial capability than younger youth on several indicators. Older youth were more likely to check in with caring adults about financial‐related issues and to have been enrolled in an independent living programme, both of which were associated with better financial capability. However, many youth over 18 were found to not have achieved financial capability in many areas. Older youth in care do appear to be making meaningful gains towards financial capability; however, more policy and practice enhancements are needed to fully prepare youth for independence.
Giant spotted grouped pigmented nevus: A case report
Authors: Hassab‐El‐Naby Hussein M. M. , Amer Mohamed , Rageh Mahmoud A.
Published: February 2021

Spotted grouped pigmented nevus is a distinct form of non‐giant congenital melanocytic nevi. Histopathologically, it tends to proliferate around the skin appendages. We report a case of a 10‐year‐old boy with clinical and pathological findings consistent with the diagnosis of spotted grouped pigmented nevus of more than 20 cm diameter, which is considered giant.
Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue with eccrine differentiation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sezer Engin , Çeliker Pelin , Yalçın Özben , Erdem Zeynep Betül
Published: February 2021

Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (CCSST) is a deep soft tissue tumor presenting in the extremities of young adults. Histopathologically, nests and sheets of polygonal cells with clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm separated by fibrous septa as well as occasional “wreath‐like” giant cells are visualized. However, CCSST has been noted to have atypical histopathological features, such as epidermotropism or myxoid differentiation, or occurrence at unusual sites. Here, we present a case of eccrine ductal differentiation in CCSST. The patient, a 21‐year‐old woman, presented with a lump of 10‐year duration sized 3 × 5 cm on the plantar surface of the fourth and fifth interdigital spaces. There had been an increase in size as well as pain and redness over 6 years. Besides the characteristic findings, there were ductal structures in continuity with the upper dermis indicative of ductal differentiation. The tumor stained positively for S100, HMB45, and succinic dehydrogenase; ducts stained positively for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CCSST was confirmed with cytogenetic analysis showing the translocation associated with EWSR1‐ATF1 fusion gene. Therefore, ductal differentiation is a unique finding that should be considered when evaluating for CCSST.
Verwendung von Lokalanästhetika mit Adrenalinzusatz an den Fingern und am Penis – Dogma und Realität
Authors: Schnabl Saskia Maria , Ghoreschi Franziska Carola , Scheu Alexander , Kofler Lukas , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Breuninger Helmut
Published: February 2021

Im klinischen Alltag werden Adrenalinzusätze in Lokalanästhetika regelmäßig verwendet, um an Endstromgebieten zu operieren. Die Anwendung von Adrenalin als Zusatz zu Lokalanästhetika an Endstromgebieten ist bisher laut Fachinformation kontraindiziert. Diese Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen umfassenden Überblick über die aktuelle wissenschaftliche Datenlage und zeigt die neuen klinischen Entwicklungen in verschiedenen Fachbereichen auf. Außerdem wird die Problematik der Revision dieses Dogmas aufgrund der rechtlichen Situation erläutert.

Es erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche zur Darstellung der wissenschaftlichen Datenlage, sowie schriftliche Anfragen bei verschiedenen Institutionen (Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit, Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, Zentrum für klinische Studien Universität Tübingen, Institut für Arzneimittleinformation) zur Klärung der rechtlichen Situation.

In der Literatur kann ein Zusammenhang zwischen Adrenalin als Vasokonstriktor und der Entwicklung von Finger‐ oder Penisnekrosen nicht bewiesen werden. Studien und Übersichtsarbeiten belegen, dass die Verwendung eines Lokalanästhetikums mit Adrenalinzusatz an Fingern und Penis ein sicheres Verfahren mit klinischen und wirtschaftlichen Vorteilen ist. Im klinischen Alltag haben die WALANT‐Methode sowie die steigende Inzidenz von Hauttumoren an den Akren zu einer tendenziell ansteigenden Verwendung geführt. Rechtlich gilt die Anwendung weiterhin als kontraindiziert. Eine Arzneimittelstudie scheitert am fehlenden Interesse der pharmazeutischen Hersteller. Auch weitere Studien – unabhängig in welcher Evidenzstärke – ersetzen bezüglich einer Änderung der Zulassungsindikation rechtlich keine Arzneimittelstudie.
Towards a new agenda for vocation
Authors: Snyder Timothy
Published: February 2021

This article addresses the contemporary use of Luther's theology of vocation as a theological script for meaning‐making. Lived experiences of modern work demonstrate that many social structures and constraints challenge the notion of vocation in its classic form. A new agenda is called for and initial steps are taken to suggest a new way forward.
“Securitized” UK aid projects in Africa: Evidence from Kenya, Nigeria and South Sudan
Authors: Petrikova Ivica , Lazell Melita
Published: February 2021

Motivation

In 2020, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) was merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This policy move strengthens the trend to “securitize” development, whereby the provision of aid is motivated by national security concerns.

Purpose

Many researchers have raised concerns about the securitization of aid and its consequences for development, but little research has examined its impact on aid‐recipient countries.

Approach and Methods

This study evaluates 144 securitized aid projects implemented by DFID between 2000 and 2018 in Kenya, Nigeria and South Sudan, using the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) evaluation criteria of relevance, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability.

Findings

Our analysis finds that although most of the projects assessed were “relevant”, i.e. formally aligned with recipient and funders’ objectives, many struggled to achieve their intended outputs (“effectiveness”). Few of the projects had a positive “impact”. We conclude that the securitized projects reviewed did not significantly strengthen the recipient countries’ institutions, stability, or security but had some negative side effects.

Policy Implications

In view of the merger of DFID with the FCO and the decision to reduce aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI), the UK is likely to draw an even closer connection between domestic security priorities and its development aid. In view of our empirical findings, the UK government needs to be more aware of the limitations of development interventions undertaken in the name of security and consider other means of enabling development.
Tumour markers with clinically controlled cut‐offs for suspected cancer
Authors: Bosch Xavier , Molina Rafael , Marrades Ramon , Augé Josep M. , Pellicé Martina , López‐Soto Alfonso
Published: February 2021

Background

Due to insufficient scientific evidence, panels of tumour markers (TMs) are currently not recommended for use in suspected cancer. However, recent well‐designed studies have revealed a potential clinical value in lung cancer. We analysed the diagnostic accuracy of a panel of 11 circulating TMs with clinically controlled thresholds in the differentiation of cancer from nonmalignant diseases.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 4776 consecutive patients presenting with focal or nonspecific symptoms suggestive of cancer who underwent testing for 11 serum TMs before diagnosis was known. The study abided by 2015 STARD guidelines. Tumour markers included, among others, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9, carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha‐fetoprotein, squamous cell carcinoma‐associated antigen, prostate‐specific antigen (males), neuron‐specific enolase, progastrin‐releasing peptide and carbohydrate antigen 125. Thresholds were adjusted for the presence of kidney failure, liver disease, effusions and dermatological disorders. Results showing ≥1 TMs with concentrations above threshold were considered positive.

Results

Benign diseases were diagnosed in 3281 (68.7%) patients and cancer in 1495 (31.3%), with epithelial cancers in 1214 (77% at stage IV). When applying criteria for controlled thresholds, overall specificity was 98%. Overall sensitivity of the panel in epithelial cancers was 72.2%, positive predictive value 93% and negative predictive value 90.5%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.920 (95% confidence interval, 0.902‐0.924).

Conclusions

By using clinically controlled cut‐offs, the combined panel demonstrated an excellent ability to discriminate epithelial cancers from nonmalignant diseases. However, its use in clinical practice would need formal validation through a multicentre controlled trial assessing a panel‐guided strategy vs. standard diagnosis.
Elevation and body size drive convergent variation in thermo‐insulative feather structure of Himalayan birds
Authors: Barve Sahas , Ramesh Vijay , Dotterer Toni M. , Dove Carla J.
Published: February 2021

Globally, high elevation habitats have been independently colonized by taxa separated by millions of years of evolution. Mountains thus represent excellent systems to study how distantly related species adapt to the same environmental challenges. Cold temperatures influence the elevational distribution of birds along montane gradients. Yet the eco‐physiological adaptations that may explain this pattern, such as variation in insulative feather structure across high elevation and low elevation species has not been quantified. We used a comparative approach to understand if elevation, evolutionary history and body size drive variation in thermo‐insulative feather traits across 1715 specimens of 249 Himalayan passerines. Controlling for phylogenetic relationships between species, we found that the proportion of the feather's plumulaceous (downy) section increased with elevation. Body size also had a predictable effect on thermo‐insulative variables with small birds having relatively longer feathers and thus a more insulative plumage than large birds. We show that an increase in the proportion of the feather's downy section at colder temperatures is an evolutionarily widespread response across temperate and tropical taxa, and overall, smaller‐bodied birds tend to have longer and more insulative feathers. Our results reveal convergent patterns in feather structure variation as a response to cold temperatures across species separated by millions of years of evolution.
Eating versus heating: a study of the allocation of workers between foraging and nest incubation in bumble bees
Authors: Stewart Tamsin , Bolton‐Patel Nikhil , Cresswell James E.
Published: February 2021

1. Bumble bees are important eusocial pollinators whose worker caste, fuelled by nectar sugar, accelerate colony growth through brood incubation, but allocating workers to nectar foraging could compromise nest thermoregulation in daytime and produce ‘incubator limitation’.

2. We hypothesise that colonies in nectar‐poor habitats experience stronger incubator limitation by diverting workers from incubation to foraging, but this potential effect of habitat quality on colony fitness via task allocation is not fully understood.

3. We therefore modelled levels of nectar foraging in relation to forage richness and theoretically estimated the impact of incubator‐limitation on colony fitness. Additionally, we investigated whether live colonies of bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) responded to manipulation of their sugar supply as if incubator‐limited.

4. Model solutions for environmentally realistic scenarios showed that colonies allocate up to one third of workers to nectar foraging in order to avoid sugar starvation during sustained incubation. The incubator‐limitation that results can strongly reduce colony reproduction, but its impact depends on the temperature regime of the nesting habitat.

5. Live colonies allocated between one sixth and one third of daytime worker effort to foraging and responded to sugar supplementation as if incubator‐limited.

6. These findings suggest that forage richness and nest temperature relations could interact to affect the fitness of wild bumble bee colonies through incubator limitation. Our testable theory promises an integrative understanding of how forage quality and climate could govern the distribution and abundance of bumble bees and other eusocial insects that utilise brood incubation by their worker caste.
Synaptic excitation underlies processing of paired stimulation in the mouse inferior colliculus
Authors: Wu Chaochen , Peng Yunyi , liu Yun , Wei Jinxing , Xiao Zhongju
Published: February 2021

The inferior colliculus (IC) receives inputs from the ascending auditory pathway and helps localize the sound source by shaping neurons' responses. However, the contributions of excitatory or inhibitory synaptic inputs evoked by paired binaural stimuli with different inter‐stimulus intervals to auditory responses of IC neurons remain unclear. Here, we firstly investigated the IC neuronal response to the paired binaural stimuli with different inter‐stimulus intervals using in vivo loose‐patch recordings in anesthetized C57BL/6 mice. It was found that the total acoustic evoked spikes remained unchanged under microsecond interval conditions, but persistent suppression would be observed when the time intervals were extended. We further studied the paired binaural stimuli evoked excitatory/inhibitory inputs using in vivo whole‐cell voltage‐clamp techniques and blockage of the auditory nerve. The amplitudes of the contralateral excitatory inputs could be suppressed, unaffected or facilitated as the interaural delay varied. In contrast, contralateral inhibitory inputs and ipsilateral synaptic inputs remained almost unchanged. Most IC neurons exhibited the suppression of contralateral excitatory inputs over the interval range of dozens of milliseconds. The facilitative effect was generated by the summation of contralateral and ipsilateral excitation. Suppression and facilitation were completely abolished when ipsilateral auditory nerve was blocked pharmacologically, indicating that these effects were exerted by ipsilateral stimulation. These results suggested that the IC would inherit the binaural inputs integrated at the brainstem as well as within the IC and synaptic excitations, modulated by ipsilateral stimulation, underlie the binaural acoustic response.
Stem and progenitor cells in sebaceous gland development, homeostasis and pathologies
Authors: Geueke Anna , Niemann Catherin
Published: February 2021

Sebaceous glands (SGs), typically associated with hair follicles, are critical for the homeostasis and function of mammalian skin. The main physiological function of SGs is the production and holocrine secretion of sebum to lubricate and protect the skin. Defective SGs have been linked to a variety of skin disorders, including acne, seborrheic dermatitis and formation of sebaceous tumors. Thus, a better understanding how SGs are formed and maintained is important to unravel the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of SG pathologies and to find better and effective therapies. Over the last two decades, research has come a long way from the initial identification of skin epithelial stem cells to the isolation and functional characterization of multiple stem cell pools as well as a better understanding of their unique and complex activities that drive skin homeostasis and operate in skin pathologies. Here, we discuss recent progress in unravelling cellular mechanisms underlying SG development, homeostasis and sebaceous tumor formation and assess the role of stem and progenitor cells in controlling SG physiology and disease processes. The development of elegant in vivo imaging as well as various in vitro and ex vivo stem cell and SG tissue models will advance mechanistic studies on SG function and allow drug screening and testing for efficient and successful targeting SG pathologies.
Epigenetic and metabolic regulation of epidermal homeostasis
Authors: Wagner Roland N. , Piñón Hofbauer Josefina , Wally Verena , Kofler Barbara , Schmuth Matthias , De Rosa Laura , De Luca Michele , Bauer Johann W.
Published: February 2021

Continuous exposure of the skin to environmental, mechanical and chemical stress necessitates constant self‐renewal of the epidermis to maintain its barrier function. This self‐renewal ability is attributed to epidermal stem cells (EPSCs), which are long‐lived, multipotent cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis. Epidermal homeostasis – coordinated proliferation and differentiation of EPSCs – relies on fine‐tuned adaptations in gene expression which in turn are tightly associated with specific epigenetic signatures and metabolic requirements. In this review, we will briefly summarize basic concepts of EPSC biology and epigenetic regulation with relevance to epidermal homeostasis. We will highlight the intricate interplay between mitochondrial energy metabolism and epigenetic events – including miRNA‐mediated mechanisms – and discuss how the loss of epigenetic regulation and epidermal homeostasis manifests in skin disease. Discussion of inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and disorders of cornification will focus on evidence for epigenetic deregulation and failure in epidermal homeostasis, including stem cell exhaustion and signs of premature ageing. We reason that the epigenetic and metabolic component of epidermal homeostasis is significant and warrants close attention. Charting epigenetic and metabolic complexities also represents an important step in the development of future systemic interventions aimed at restoring epidermal homeostasis and ameliorating disease burden in severe skin conditions.
Structural and thermodynamic insights into the novel dinucleotide‐binding protein of ABC transporter unveils its moonlighting function
Authors: Chandravanshi Monika , Samanta Reshama , Kanaujia Shankar Prasad
Published: February 2021

Substrate (or solute)‐binding proteins (SBPs) selectively bind the target ligands and deliver them to the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transport system for their translocation. Irrespective of the different types of ligands, SBPs are structurally conserved. A wealth of structural details of SBPs bound to different types of ligands and the physiological basis of their import are available; however, the uptake mechanism of nucleotides is still deficient. In this study, we elucidated the structural details of an SBP endogenously bound to a novel ligand, a derivative of uridylyl‐3′‐5′‐phospho‐guanosine (U3G); thus, we named it a U3G‐binding protein (U3GBP). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of U3G (and a dinucleotide) binding to the SBP of ABC transport system, and thus, U3GBP is classified as a first member of subcluster D‐I SBPs. Thermodynamic data also suggest that U3GBP can bind phospholipid precursor sn‐glycerophosphocholine (GPC) at a site other than the active site. Moreover, a combination of mutagenic and structural information reveals that the protein U3GBP follows the well‐known ‘Venus Fly‐trap’ mechanism for dinucleotide binding.

Databases

Structural data are available in RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession number(s) 7C0F, 7C0K, 7C0L, 7C0O, 7C0R, 7C0S, 7C0T, 7C0U, 7C0V, 7C0W, 7C0X, 7C0Y, 7C0Z, 7C14, 7C15, 7C16, 7C19, and 7C1B.
Reduction in the potential distribution of bumble bees (Apidae:Bombus) in Mesoamerica under different climate change scenarios: Conservation implications
Authors: Martínez‐López Oscar , Koch Jonathan B. , Martínez‐Morales Miguel A. , Navarrete‐Gutiérrez Darío , Enríquez Eunice , Vandame Rémy
Published: February 2021

Bumble bees are an ecologically and economically important group of pollinating insects worldwide. Global climate change is predicted to affect bumble bee ecology including habitat suitability and geographic distribution. Our study aims to estimate the impact of projected climate change on 18 Mesoamerican bumble bee species. We used ecological niche modeling (ENM) using current and future climate emissions scenarios (representative concentration pathway 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) and models (CCSM4, HadGEM2‐AO, and MIROC‐ESM‐CHEM). Regardless of the scenario and model applied, our results suggest that all bumble bee species are predicted to undergo a reduction in their potential distribution and habitat suitability due to projected climate change. ENMs based on low emission scenarios predict a distribution loss ranging from 7% to 67% depending on the species for the year 2050. Furthermore, we discovered that the reduction of bumble bee geographic range shape will be more evident at the margins of their distribution. The reduction of suitable habitat is predicted to be accompanied by a 100–500 m upslope change in altitude and 1–581 km shift away from the current geographic centroid of a species' distribution. On average, protected natural areas in Mesoamerica cover ~14% of each species' current potential distribution, and this proportion is predicted to increase to ~23% in the high emission climate change scenarios. Our models predict that climate change will reduce Mesoamerican bumble bee habitat suitability, especially for rare species, by reducing their potential distribution ranges and suitability. The small proportion of current and future potential distribution falling in protected natural areas suggests that such areas will likely have marginal contribution to bumble bee habitat conservation. Our results have the capacity to inform stakeholders in designing effective landscape management for bumble bees, which may include developing restoration plans for montane pine oak forests habitats and native flowering plants.
On‐ and offstage: Encountering entangled waste–tourism relations on the Vietnamese Island of Phu Quoc
Authors: Kerber Heide , Kramm Johanna
Published: February 2021

Vietnam’s most popular island, Phu Quoc, is undergoing rapid social‐ecological change. Two crucial drivers of this are tourism development and plastic‐intensive everyday practices. The growing amount of wasted single‐use plastics is increasingly shaping the appearance of places on the island and challenging the creation of tourist imaginaries of a pristine tropical landscape. Very few qualitative empirical studies have analysed the place‐making quality of waste in tourism settings, along with everyday waste management practices and their social‐spatial implications. The paper draws on Goffman’s theatre metaphor of front‐ and backstage places to explore waste‐tourism relations as an ongoing place‐making practice aimed at creating the image tourists are seeking. We scrutinise the place‐making efforts of both the international tourism industry and local authorities. Our empirical findings reveal that the frontstage paradise makes backstage places necessary to accumulate or store discarded items. As our research shows, this has led to increasing spatial fragmentation of the island into clean places for tourists and dirty places for residents, reflecting an unequal distribution of the waste burden.
Understanding the structures of transnational youth im/mobility: A qualitative network analysis
Authors: Herz Andreas , Altissimo Alice
Published: February 2021

Social network research on migration and mobility suffers from two drawbacks. On the one hand, network studies are often confined to specific types of relationships (e.g. to persons, to organizations) and do not see relationships of different types as part of the same structure. On the other hand, qualitative network approaches are only just beginning to address supradyadic structures. Presenting our study on transnational youth mobility, we show how qualitative network analysis allows researchers to study how mobility is dynamically interrelated to social network structures consisting of different types of relationships. Taking the example of youth mobility in Europe, we apply qualitative structural analysis (QSA) to analyse relationships not only with others but also between others. The article presents a qualitative network approach for migration and mobility research and shows how im/mobility is structured by relationships with and between various entities.
A pain in the ear: Two case reports of nervus intermedius neuralgia and narrative review
Authors: Robblee Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Objective

Present two cases of nervus intermedius neuralgia (NIN) in which patients described unilateral deep ear pain as their primary complaint and present a summary of NIN cases reported in the literature.

Background

The nervus intermedius is a tiny branch of the facial nerve that, with neuralgia, can present as a deep ear pain (NIN). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, (ICHD‐3) criteria for an NIN diagnosis include a unilateral deep ear pain with possible radiation that occurs in paroxysms with sharp pain and a tactile trigger.

Methods

A PubMed search was conducted for NIN and geniculate neuralgia. Two patients recently diagnosed with NIN at a single clinic were selected for case reports to highlight the variability of symptom presentation.

Results

The two cases reported here and the 127 cases reported in the literature show a wider range of presentations than included in the ICHD‐3 criteria, including variable pain radiation sometimes diagnosed as concurrent trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, or occipital neuralgia. Pain was reported as constant or paroxysmal, as well as dull, sharp, or neuralgiform with inconsistent presence of triggers. While ICHD‐3 does mention reported taste change, lacrimation, and salivation, the literature reports a much wider range of potential features associated with NIN. Optimal medical treatment is unclear given the predominance of surgical reporting of positive response to microvascular decompression, nerve sectioning, or other procedures. The two cases described here were successfully managed medically.

Conclusion

NIN can present as described in the ICHD‐3, but a more variable presentation may be possible. More studies are needed to clarify presentation, optimal medical treatment, and surgical indications for patients with NIN, especially when patients have no clear neurovascular conflict on neuroimaging.
Review – Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection 2020
Authors: O'Connor Anthony , Furuta Takahisa , Gisbert Javier P. , O'Morain Colm
Published: February 2021

This review summarizes important studies regarding Helicobacter pylori therapy published from April 2019 to April 2020. The main themes that emerge involve studies assessing antibiotic resistance, and there is also growing momentum behind the utility of vonoprazan as an alternative to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and also bismuth‐based regimens as a first‐line regimen. Antibiotic resistance is rising wherever it is being assessed, and clarithromycin resistance in particular has reached a point where it may no longer be a viable therapy without previous testing in many regions of the world. The evidence for the efficacy of a bismuth‐based quadruple therapy as a first‐line therapy is now very clearly established, and there is substantial evidence that it is the best performing first‐line therapy. The utility of vonoprazan as an alternative to PPI therapy, especially in resistant and difficult‐to‐treat groups, has also been considered in great detail this year, and it may offer an opportunity in the near future to reduce the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Enigmatic inflammasomes
Authors: Triantafilou Kathy
Published: February 2021

Inflammasomes are generally thought of as large protein complexes that assemble in the cytosol in response to danger such as tissue damage or infection; once activated, they trigger production of inflammatory cytokines and drive cells towards a pro‐inflammatory death – termed pyroptosis. Inflammasome activation is a two‐step process; priming or Signal 1 (typically via Toll or other receptors that activate NF‐kB) induces transcription of pro‐forms of IL‐1β and IL‐18, while activation or Signal 2 (by many effectors, including a number of bacterial toxins that form pores in cell membranes) comprises activation of caspase‐1 in the inflammasome that in turn cleaves pro‐IL‐1β and pro‐IL‐18 and induces release of the active pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The most studied inflammasome is the NLRP3 inflammasome, but in addition to NLRP3, there are several lesser‐known or enigmatic inflammasomes whose functions seem to range from non‐canonical inflammasome activation, pathogen/damage, suppression or modulation of inflammation and even embryonic development. In this review series, which will be presented in two parts, we will focus on lesser‐known inflammasomes, such as NLRP6 (non‐canonical inflammasome activation), NLRP9 (restricting rotavirus infection in intestinal epithelial cells), NLRX1 (negative regulators of inflammation), NLRC5 (regulating antigen presentation) and NLRP7 (sensing of bacterial lipoproteins). Although the function of NLRP3 is understood, the functions of these lesser‐studied inflammasomes are largely unstudied. Given that after a decade of research, new inflammasome and new inflammasome activators are still being discovered indicates that there is a lot more that we need to find out in the NLR field. Only by understanding all of the members of the NLR family, will we be able to target them therapeutically in the future.
Maternal dynamic respiratory sinus arrhythmia during toddlers’ interactions with novelty
Authors: Kiel Elizabeth J. , Phelps Randi A. , Brooker Rebecca J.
Published: February 2021

Maternal psychophysiological responses to toddlers’ distress to novelty may have important implications for parenting during early childhood that are relevant to children's eventual development of social withdrawal and anxiety. Likely, these responses depend on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual factors. The current study investigated the time course of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) across two laboratory novelty episodes, one low threat and one moderate threat, in 120 mothers of 2‐year‐old toddlers. Growth models tested context differences in and correlates of dynamic patterns of RSA. Dynamic patterns differed between tasks and according to mothers’ perceptions of and distress about toddler shyness. Thus, changes in mothers’ RSA across toddlers’ interactions with novelty seem to depend on the context as well as how mothers perceive and respond to their toddlers’ shyness.