bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive earthworms reduce chemical defense and increase herbivory and pathogen infection in native trees
Authors: Thakur Madhav P. , Künne Tom , Unsicker Sybille B. , Biere Arjen , Ferlian Olga , Pruschitzki Ulrich , Thouvenot Lise , Türke Manfred , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: September 2020

Recent research shows that earthworms can alter defense traits of plants against herbivores and pathogens by affecting soil biochemistry. Yet, the effects of invasive earthworms on defense traits of native plants from previously earthworm‐free ecosystems as well as the consequences for multitrophic interactions are virtually unknown.

Here we use a combination of an observational study and a complementary experimental study to investigate the effects of invasive earthworms on leaf defense traits, herbivore damage and pathogen infection in two poplar tree species (Populus balsamifera and Populus tremuloides) native to North American boreal forests.

Our observational study showed that earthworm invasion was associated with enhanced leaf herbivory (by leaf‐chewing insects) in saplings of both tree species. However, we only detected significant shifts in the concentration of chemical defense compounds in response to earthworm invasion for P. balsamifera. Specifically, leaf phenolic concentrations, including salicinoids and catechin, were lower in P. balsamifera from earthworm‐invaded sites.

Our experimental study confirmed an earthworm‐induced reduction in leaf defense levels in P. balsamifera for one of the defense compounds, tremulacin. The experimental study additionally showed that invasive earthworms reduced leaf dry matter content, potentially increasing leaf palatability, and enhanced susceptibility of trees to infection by a fungal pathogen, but not to aphid infestation, in the same tree species.

Synthesis. Our results show that invasive earthworms can decrease the concentrations of some chemical defense compounds in P. balsamifera, which could make them susceptible to leaf‐chewing insects. Such potential impacts of invasive earthworms are likely to have implications for tree survival and competition, native tree biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Parasitic ‘Candidatus Aquarickettsia rohweri’ is a marker of disease susceptibility in Acropora cervicornis but is lost during thermal stress
Authors: Klinges Grace , Maher Rebecca L. , Vega Thurber Rebecca L. , Muller Erinn M.
Published: September 2020

Holobiont phenotype results from a combination of host and symbiont genotypes as well as from prevailing environmental conditions that alter the relationships among symbiotic members. Corals exemplify this concept, where shifts in the algal symbiont community can lead to some corals becoming more or less thermally tolerant. Despite linkage between coral bleaching and disease, the roles of symbiotic bacteria in holobiont resistance and susceptibility to disease remains less well understood. This study thus characterizes the microbiome of disease‐resistant and ‐susceptible Acropora cervicornis coral genotypes (hereafter referred to simply as ‘genotypes’) before and after high temperature‐mediated bleaching. We found that the intracellular bacterial parasite ‘Ca. Aquarickettsia rohweri’ was strikingly abundant in disease‐susceptible genotypes. Disease‐resistant genotypes, however, had notably more diverse and even communities, with correspondingly low abundances of ‘Ca. Aquarickettsia’. Bleaching caused a dramatic reduction of ‘Ca. Aquarickettsia’ within disease‐susceptible corals and led to an increase in bacterial community dispersion, as well as the proliferation of opportunists. Our data support the hypothesis that ‘Ca. Aquarickettsia’ species increase coral disease risk through two mechanisms: (i) the creation of host nutritional deficiencies leading to a compromised host‐symbiont state and (ii) the opening of niche space for potential pathogens during thermal stress.
Hope against hope: changing emotions in the Burundian crisis
Authors: Turner Simon
Published: September 2020

Through the lens of Burundians who have been displaced by the recent crisis in Burundi and their anticipations of possible futures for themselves and their country, expressed in the emotions of hope, anxiety, and despair, this article explores the shift from a situation characterized by upheaval towards the crystallization of authoritarian rule in Burundi. Drawing on ethnographic research amongst Burundian refugees in Rwanda, I examine how these individuals negotiate such uncertain and unpredictable circumstances as well as how emotions of hope, anxiety, and despair change accordingly. I argue that the political closure in Burundi has produced a gradual shift from productive anxiety in the Kierkegaardian sense towards despair and a feeling of existential closure. In such situations, when uncertainty gives way to a certainty that there are no futures, the present becomes detached from the flow of time and decisions become impossible to make. The Burundians in Rwanda can only live for the moment and hope against hope, often evoking a distinction between their hopelessness as human beings and the hope that they are compelled to have as Christians.
Government subsidy and aggregate productivity dynamics: Evidence from China
Authors: Yue Wen
Published: September 2020

Based on data for Chinese manufacturing firms from 1999 to 2007, this study explores the dynamic evolution of aggregate total factor productivity (TFP) from the perspective of firmsʼ entry and exit. It also quantifies how government subsidies influence the aggregate productivity growth. By decomposing aggregate productivity growth into components, including technological progress, reallocation, entry, and exit effects, we found that aggregate TFP growth in Chinese manufacturingfollows an upward trend during the sample period. This tendency originates from the contribution of technological progress, reallocation, and exit effects. Moreover, the effects of these four components on aggregate TFP growth of different industries, regions, and ownership types are different. Furthermore, technological progress, reallocation, and exit effects are important pathways for government subsidies to promote aggregate TFP growth in Chinese manufacturing.
A randomized trial of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons with high use of publicly funded services
Authors: Raven Maria C. , Niedzwiecki Matthew J. , Kushel Margot
Published: September 2020

Objective

To examine whether randomization to permanent supportive housing (PSH) versus usual care reduces the use of acute health care and other services among chronically homeless high users of county‐funded services.

Data Sources

Between 2015 and 2019, we assessed service use from Santa Clara County, CA, administrative claims data for all county‐funded health care, jail and shelter, and mortality.

Study Design

We conducted a randomized controlled trial among chronically homeless high users of multiple systems. We compared postrandomization outcomes from county‐funded systems using multivariate regression analysis.

Data Collection

We extracted encounter data from an integrated database capturing health care at county‐funded facilities, shelter and jails, county housing placement, and death certificates.

Principal Findings

We enrolled 423 participants (199 intervention; 224 control). Eighty‐six percent of those randomized to PSH received housing compared with 36 percent in usual care. On average, the 169 individuals housed by the PSH intervention have remained housed for 28.8 months (92.9 percent of the study follow‐up period). Intervention group members had lower rates of psychiatric ED visits IRR 0.62; 95% CI [0.43, 0.91] and shelter days IRR 0.30; 95% CI [0.17, 0.53], and higher rates of ambulatory mental health services use IRR 1.84; 95% CI [1.43, 2.37] compared to controls. We found no differences in total ED or inpatient use, or jail. Seventy (37 treatment; 33 control) participants died.

Conclusions

The intervention placed and retained frequent user, chronically homeless individuals in housing. It decreased psychiatric ED visits and shelter use, and increased outpatient mental health care, but not medical ED visits or hospitalizations. Limitations included more than one‐third of usual care participants received another form of subsidized housing, potentially biasing results to the null, and loss of power due to high death rates. PSH can house high‐risk individuals and reduce emergent psychiatric services and shelter use. Reductions in hospitalizations may be more difficult to realize.
Effects of preheat treatments on the composition, rheological properties, and physical stability of soybean oil bodies
Authors: Fu Liwei , He Zhiyong , Zeng Maomao , Qin Fang , Chen Jie
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the effects of preheat treatments on the composition, rheological properties, and the physical stability of soybean oil bodies and examined the stability of coffee containing those oil bodies. Three preheat treatment methods were compared, including heating (at 65, 75, and 85 °C for 30 min) of raw soymilk, high‐pressure steam heating (at 110, 120, and 130 °C for 10 s, ultra high temperature [UHT] treated) of dry soybeans, and milling of soaked soybeans in boiling water. Three UHT samples showed the highest oil body yields (13.59 to 13.87%) and protein yield (2.47 to 3.03%), while oil content in extracts was the lowest (30.97 to 46.25%). Soymilk heated at 65 or 75 °C for 30 min showed high oil body extraction yields (13.38 and 11.46%) and the highest oil extraction yields (6.38 to 8.38%) among all the samples. Three UHT samples had a higher average particle size and higher apparent viscosity compared with those of all the other samples. The results from sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and particle size distribution suggested heat treatment at 65 to 85 °C just lead to the partially denaturation and unfolding of storage protein instead of severe aggregation, while UHT (samples 5, 6, and 7) could lead to large amount soluble aggregates within oleosins and storage proteins via disulfide bonds. The diluted emulsion with 12% fat content remained stable during a 15‐day storage period at 4 °C. The coffee stability of the diluted oil body emulsion indicated high oleosins and low storage protein content in the oil body was a benefit for the coffee stability.

Practical Application

Soybean oil bodies are natural sources of pre‐emulsified oil derived from soybean and can be dispersed in an aqueous medium to form a stable emulsion system. This study provides the foundation for the preparation and application of soybean oil bodies with differing emulsion stabilities and extraction yields in the food industry.
Pharmacological treatment of pain among persons with opioid addiction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis with implications for drug development
Authors: De Aquino Joao P. , Flores José M. , Avila‐Quintero Victor J. , Compton Peggy , Sofuoglu Mehmet
Published: September 2020

The clinical features and neurobiology of pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) are inextricably linked. Despite emerging evidence supporting the negative impact of ongoing pain in the treatment of OUD, the pharmacological management of pain in the presence of OUD has received limited attention. We sought to systematically review the studies investigating pharmacotherapies for pain among persons with OUD. Eligible studies had participants with OUD and outcomes including evoked or spontaneous pain. We searched Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline, and Embase. Out of 1,097 studies that met the search criteria, 12 studies provided data relevant to the research question—five laboratory studies and seven clinical trials. Random effects pooled estimates suggested no significant difference between groups at baseline but a response favoring the active treatment group over placebo, with nonsignificant heterogeneity between studies. Findings from these studies provide preliminary evidence for analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of gabapentin, GABA agonists, and NMDA antagonists among persons with OUD. To establish the tradeoffs between the analgesic effects and abuse liability of these compounds, further well‐controlled clinical trials are required among persons with OUD. This review also underscores the need for methodological enhancement in drug development for pain in OUD. Future research should address the clinical and neurobiological overlap between pain‐ and addiction‐related phenomena. Transdisciplinary approaches may identify biomarkers of these shared phenomena and their neural substrates. The development of novel therapeutics for pain in OUD may be accelerated by such integration of pain and addiction research.
Economic Injury Level and Economic Threshold as required by Forest Stewardship Council for management of leaf‐cutting ants in forest plantations
Authors: Jiménez Nadia Lis , Fosco Ignacio Raúl , Nassar Gustavo César , Sánchez‐Restrepo Andrés Fernando , Danna Matías Santiago , Calcaterra Luis Alberto
Published: September 2020

The most commonly used method to control insect pests, such as leaf‐cutting ants (LCA) in forest plantations, is the application of chemical insecticides, but their use was forbidden in plantations certified by the Forest Stewardship Council because of their negative effect on the environment.

A 5‐year derogation of their prohibition was obtained in 2016 in Argentina, on the condition that forestry companies reduce pesticide doses by 5% per year and inform the Economic Injury Level (EIL).

The EIL and the Economic Threshold (ET) were estimated for the first time for the Acromyrmex genus in a Salicaceae forestation. As a model, we used the damage caused by the most detrimental LCA species of Argentina (Acromyrmex lundii) in the first, most critical year of a willow plantation (Salix nigra) in the lower basin of the Paraná River.

The EIL (8–15 nest/ha) was useful to demonstrate the real magnitude of the damage caused by A. lundii, which justified the need for its control. The ET for profitable production (∼3 nests/ha) would not be operatively applicable in a long‐term management program in our study site. This methodology could be extrapolated to other Neotropical forest plantations attacked by Acromyrmex species.
Recurrent cutaneous necrotising eosinophilic vasculitis
Authors: Lin Teng‐Li , Yang Chi‐Shun , Chen Yi‐Ju
Published: September 2020

Recurrent cutaneous necrotising eosinophilic vasculitis (RCNEV) is a rare disease that was first described in 1994. We report a case of RCNEV treated with corticosteroid, and 18 cases that we identified in the literature. Our review of the literature shows that RCNEV was frequently identified in middle‐aged females from Asia and usually presents as erythematous to purpuric papuloplaques, angio‐oedema on the extremities, as well as peripheral eosinophilia. Histopathologically, RCNEV is characterised by exclusively eosinophilic infiltration around the vascular plexus, the absence of leukocytoclasis and fibrinoid degeneration of vascular walls. Although, RCNEV responds to corticosteroid treatment, relapses have occurred during dose tapering. We also discuss the mechanisms of vascular destruction, the differential diagnosis and steroid‐sparing therapies for RCNEV.
‘One Stop Prostate Clinic’: prospective analysis of 1000 men attending a public same‐day prostate cancer assessment and/or diagnostic clinic
Authors: Hawks Cynthia , Moe Andrew , McCombie Steve , Hamid Akhlil , Brown Matthew , Hayne Dickon
Published: September 2020

Background

This study reported the outcomes of the first 1000 men to attend the One Stop Prostate Clinic, a consultant‐led same‐day prostate cancer assessment and diagnostic clinic at a tertiary public hospital.

Methods

Prospective audit of demographic and clinical data between August 2011 and November 2017 was conducted for same‐day urological assessment and/or trans‐rectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsies with peri‐prostatic infiltration local anaesthetic (PILA) and antibiotic prophylaxis.

Results

A total of 466 (47%) rural and 534 (53%) metropolitan men attended. Rural mean (range) age was 63 years (38–86) and 65 years (37–89) for metro men (P = 0.006). Rural median (range) prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was 6.7 g/mL (0.2–450) and 7.3 ng/mL (0.5–860) for metro men (P = 0.011). Twenty‐five men (2.5%) refused/could not tolerate TRUS‐guided biopsy using PILA. One hundred and fifty‐one (15%) men had multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging prior to TRUS biopsy and 876 (88%) men had prostate biopsies, with a new cancer diagnostic rate of 51% (443 men). Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 339 (34%) men. The overall infective complication rate requiring hospital admission rose from 1.4% to 2.9% after the prophylactic antibiotic regimen changed from six doses of 500 mg ciprofloxacin to a single dose of 500 mg (P = 0.398).

Conclusion

This is the largest single institution prospective TRUS prostate biopsy series in Australasia. Biopsies using PILA were well tolerated with low complication rates and diagnosed a high rate of clinically significant prostate cancer. The ‘One Stop’ pathway generates efficiencies with combined assessment and diagnostic process, lessens demand on outpatient clinic appointments and reduces travel time and costs for rural men.
Transnational care circulations, changing intergenerational relations and the ageing aspirations of Chinese grandparenting migrants in Singapore
Authors: Chiu Tuen Yi , Ho Elaine Lynn‐Ee
Published: September 2020

Contrary to the perception that older adults are passive care dependents of their children, some Chinese older adults are becoming primary caregivers in migrant families. Using the case of Chinese older migrants who move temporarily to Singapore for grandparenting duties, this article examines the grandparenting migrants’ contributions to social reproduction through transnational care circulation and underscores how their migratory experience changes their perspectives of intergenerational familial contract. While previous studies on older migrants tend to consider the impacts of welfare support in the migrant‐receiving context, we extend that body of work by integrating analyses of the private sphere with the public sphere across the migrant‐sending and ‐receiving contexts to examine how transformations in both domains impact the grandparenting migrants’ ageing subjectivities. Our findings reveal gradual changes to the intergenerational familial contract in Chinese migrant families. The grandparenting migrants minimise their expectations of intergenerational reciprocity and instead emphasise the well‐being of the next generation and maintaining their autonomy in later life. Their aspiration for independent ageing, we argue, is made possible by the expanded state social protection in the homeland and the realisation that depending on their migrant children for old age care could be impractical and unfavourable for both generations
A class of proportional win‐fractions regression models for composite outcomes
Authors: Mao Lu , Wang Tuo
Published: September 2020

The win ratio is gaining traction as a simple and intuitive approach to analysis of prioritized composite endpoints in clinical trials. To extend it from two‐sample comparison to regression, we propose a novel class of semiparametric models that includes as special cases both the two‐sample win ratio and the traditional Cox proportional hazards model on time to the first event. Under the assumption that the covariate‐specific win and loss fractions are proportional over time, the regression coefficient is unrelated to the censoring distribution and can be interpreted as the log win ratio resulting from one‐unit increase in the covariate. U‐statistic estimating functions, in the form of an arbitrary covariate‐specific weight process integrated by a pairwise residual process, are constructed to obtain consistent estimators for the regression parameter. The asymptotic properties of the estimators are derived using uniform weak convergence theory for U‐processes. Visual inspection of a “score” process provides useful clues as to the plausibility of the proportionality assumption. Extensive numerical studies using both simulated and real data from a major cardiovascular trial show that the regression methods provide valid inference on covariate effects and outperform the two‐sample win ratio in both efficiency and robustness. The proposed methodology is implemented in the R‐package WR, publicly available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).
Isatuximab monotherapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A Japanese, multicenter, phase 1/2, safety and efficacy study
Authors: Sunami Kazutaka , Suzuki Kenshi , Ri Masaki , Matsumoto Morio , Shimazaki Chihiro , Asaoku Hideki , Shibayama Hirohiko , Ishizawa Kenichi , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Ikeda Takashi , Maruyama Dai , Kaneko Hitomi , Uchiyama Michihiro , Kiguchi Toru , Iyama Satoshi , Murakami Hirokazu , Takahashi Keishiro , Tada Keisuke , Macé Sandrine , Guillemin‐Paveau Hélène , Iida Shinsuke
Published: September 2020

Isatuximab, an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody, targets cells that strongly express CD38 including malignant plasma cells. This open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter, phase 1/2 trial investigated the tolerability/safety and efficacy of isatuximab monotherapy in Japanese patients with heavily pretreated, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In Phase 1, patients were sequentially assigned to receive isatuximab once weekly (QW) in cycle 1 (4 weeks) and every 2 weeks (Q2W) in subsequent cycles. Cohort 1 (n = 3) received 10 mg/kg QW/Q2W; cohort 2 (n = 5) received 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W. No dose‐limiting toxicities occurred; the recommended dose for the single‐arm phase 2 study (n = 28) was 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W. The overall safety profile was consistent with the current knowledge of isatuximab. The most common adverse events were infusion reactions (42.9%; 12/28); all were grade 1/2 and generally occurred during the first infusion. The overall response rate with 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W isatuximab was 36.4% (12/33); patients with high‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities had comparable results. In phase 2, the median progression‐free survival was 4.7 (95% confidence interval, 3.75 to not reached) months. Median overall survival was not reached. Isatuximab monotherapy was well tolerated and effective in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM including high‐risk cytogenetic patients. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02812706.
Prognosis of patients with adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in Japan: A nationwide hospital‐based study
Authors: Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Iwanaga Masako , Nosaka Kisato , Ishitsuka Kenji , Ishizawa Kenichi , Ito Shigeki , Amano Masahiro , Ishida Takashi , Uike Naokuni , Utsunomiya Atae , Ohshima Koichi , Tanaka Junji , Tokura Yoshiki , Tobinai Kensei , Watanabe Toshiki , Uchimaru Kaoru , Tsukasaki Kunihiro ,   for collaborative Investigators
Published: September 2020

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T‐cell neoplasm and is classified into four subtypes (acute, lymphoma, chronic, and smoldering) according to the Shimoyama classification, established in 1991 through several nationwide surveys based on the clinical diversity of patients diagnosed in 1983‐1987 in Japan. Thereafter, no such studies have been conducted. Recently, we conducted a nationwide hospital survey using the method of the 1980s studies, collected baseline data on 996 ATL patients diagnosed in 2010‐2011 from 126 hospitals, and reported their unique epidemiological characteristics. Here, we report the follow‐up results of registered ATL patients with the goal of evaluating current prognoses and treatment modalities as of 2016‐2017. Of 770 evaluable patients, 391 (50.8%) had acute‐type, 192 (24.9%) had lymphoma‐type, 106 (13.8%) had chronic‐type, and 81 (10.5%) had smoldering‐type ATL. The initial therapy regimens used for acute/lymphoma‐type ATL were vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone, followed by doxorubicin, ranimustine, and prednisone and then by vindesine, etoposide, carboplatin, and prednisone (VCAP‐AMP‐VECP)‐like in 38.5/41.7% and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)‐like in 14.6/13.7% of patients. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was used to treat 15.9/10.4% of acute/lymphoma‐type ATL patients. The 4‐year survival rates (the median survival time, days) for acute‐, lymphoma‐, unfavorable chronic‐, favorable chronic‐, and smoldering‐type ATL were 16.8% (252), 19.6% (305), 26.6% (572), 62.1% (1937), and 59.8% (1851), respectively. The 4‐year survival rates for acute‐ and lymphoma‐type ATL improved compared with those reported in 1991, but those for chronic‐ and smoldering‐type ATL were not. Further efforts are warranted to develop more efficient therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of ATL in Japan.
Histomorphometric and micro‐CT analyses of calvarial bone grafts used to reconstruct the extremely atrophied maxilla
Authors: Wortmann Dagmar E. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke , van Ruijven Leo J. , Vissink Arjan , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Schortinghuis Jurjen
Published: September 2020

Background

Calvarial bone grafts are successful in the reconstruction of the severely atrophied maxilla as a pre‐implant procedure. However, not much is known about graft incorporation at the microscopic level.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess calvarial bone conversion 4 months after being grafted in the edentulous maxillary bone.

Materials and methods

In 13 patients (age:65.3 ± 8.7 years) the atrophic maxilla was reconstructed with autologous calvarial bone. Biopsies were taken from fresh calvarial bone grafts and from the reconstructed maxillae after 4 months of healing. Micro‐CT, histomorphometric, and histological analysis were performed. From three patients biopsies were obtained after 9, 11, or 45 months.

Results

The micro‐CT analysis revealed that in the maxilla the calvarial bone was well preserved even after 45 months. Histology showed progressive incorporation of grafted bone within a maxillary bone. Osteoid and osteocytes were present in all biopsies indicating new bone formation and vital bone. Histomorphometrically, the percentage of grafted bone volume over total volume decreased from 79.8% (IQR78.7‐83.3) in fresh calvarial grafts to 59.3% (IQR44.8‐64.6) in healed grafts. The biopsies were taken after 9, 11, and 45 months showed similar values.

Conclusions

Calvarial bone grafts result in stable and viable bone, good incorporation into native maxillary bone, and a minor decrease in bone volume after healing. Consequently, they provide a solid base for implant placement in severely atrophied edentulous maxillary bone.
Blood glucose level prediction for diabetes based on modified fuzzy time series and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Nizam Ozogur Hatice , Ozogur Gokhan , Orman Zeynep
Published: September 2020

Blood glucose control is an essential goal for the patients who have Type‐1 diabetes (T1D). The prediction of the blood glucose levels for the next 30‐minute is crucial. If the predicted blood glucose level is in the critical ranges, and these predictions can be known in advance, then the patients can take the necessary cautions to prevent from it. In this article, we propose a modified fuzzy particle swarm optimization algorithm for the prediction of blood glucose levels of 30‐minute after the last measurement. We form the average and patient‐specific models to predict the blood glucose level of the patients. Both models are tested on two different datasets which contain patients with T1D. The experimental results are evaluated in terms of root mean squared error and Clarke error grid analysis metrics. The results indicate that our proposed modified algorithm is feasible to be applied to the prediction of blood glucose levels. In addition, this approach can assist patients with T1D for their blood glucose control.
KRAS 117N positive Rosai‐Dorfman disease with atypical features
Authors: Jafri Zainab A. , Reddy Shivani P. , Cassarino David S.
Published: September 2020

Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD), also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare disease typically characterized by a histiocytic proliferation within lymph nodes, which is due to an unknown etiology. Extranodal involvement can occur, and it more rarely can involve the skin. RDD generally presents with an indolent nature and follows a benign disease course, although more aggressive cases have been reported. The condition predominately affects children and young adults. It is classically characterized by massive, bilateral painless lymphadenopathy and accumulation of CD68‐positive, S100‐positive, CD1a‐negative histiocytes, with the presence of emperipolesis as a hallmark. Herein, we present an aggressive case in a 76‐year‐old male with past medical history significant for prostate cancer, who presented with a 7‐month history of lymphadenopathy and new onset of multiple large abdominal wall, cutaneous, lymph node, liver, and lung masses, all of which were histopathologically atypical, but showed features consistent with RDD, including emperipolesis and strong S100 positivity. Molecular studies showed a KRAS 117N mutation, which has been recently reported in RDD. While most cases present as a benign tumor, this case demonstrated aggressive features clinically, showed partial response to MEK inhibitor immunotherapy in the setting of a KRAS mutation, and demonstrated atypical cytologic features on histopathology.
Addressing educational attainment inequities in rural Ethiopia: Leave no adolescent behind
Authors: Devonald Megan , Jones Nicola , Yadete Workneh
Published: September 2020

Motivation

Although many countries have made progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and equitable education for all, vulnerable children and adolescents in low‐income countries often face significant barriers to realizing educational opportunities, especially at secondary and post‐secondary or tertiary levels.

Purpose

In line with the aim of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “leave no one behind”, the article explores the factors that shape the educational trajectories of vulnerable population groups and contributes to evidence‐informed policy and programming to tackle school dropout in rural Ethiopia.

Approach and Methods

The article draws on qualitative research on 150 girls and boys aged 10–19 years, along with their caregivers and key informants, in communities from three diverse regions in Ethiopia: pastoralist Afar, highland Amhara, and lowland Oromia.

Findings

Although Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in increasing secondary enrolment since 2000, intersecting barriers put vulnerable adolescents’ educational opportunities at risk. Children and adolescents from poor households, those with disabilities, and who are internally displaced, out‐of‐school or working face a range of challenges at the household, community and system levels. These barriers are also shaped by gender norms that restrict adolescent girls’ and boys’ education, often in contrasting ways.

Policy Implications

A multi‐pronged approach is critical to promoting educational opportunities that leave no adolescent behind, including investments in school quality, positive disciplinary approaches, competency‐based grade progression, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and school‐feeding programmes; the wider enabling environment, including social protection and safe, subsidized transport; initiatives to tackle age‐ and gender‐based violence that discourages school attendance; and tailored strategies to support the most vulnerable young people.
Visually and olfactorily enhanced attractive devices for thrips management
Authors: van Tol Robert W. H. M. , Davidson Melanie M. , Butler Ruth C. , Teulon David A. J. , de Kogel Willem Jan
Published: September 2020

‘Lure‐and‐infect’ is an insect pest management strategy with high potential but so far there are few examples of its application. Using traps as surrogates for auto‐dissemination devices, we tested the attractiveness to naturally occurring thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) of three trap types differing in colour and structure, with and without the thrips lure methyl isonicotinate (MI), and sticky plate traps as a control. The aim was to find more effective traps that could be further developed into devices for auto‐dissemination and lure‐and‐infect of thrips. The number of thrips captured varied substantially with trap type and the presence of the MI lure. We found a high visual response to a sticky ‘white ruffle’ trap (i.e., a 30‐cm‐long cylindrical outline of folded fabric), compared to a commonly used blue sticky plate trap (Bug‐scan) as the control. This effect was seen both in a greenhouse with roses (Rosa spp.), where we encountered western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and in a grass field, where we encountered onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, and New Zealand flower thrips, Thrips obscuratus (Crawford). In the absence of MI, the white ruffle trap caught 7–22× more thrips than the control Bug‐scan trap. A similarly designed blue ruffle trap and a modified Lynfield trap caught lower thrips numbers than the white ruffle and the control Bug‐scan traps. Presence of MI substantially increased the captures of T. tabaci in all three trap types in the field (2.5–18×). In the greenhouse, without MI the white ruffle trap caught 3.5–14× more thrips than the Bug‐scan, blue ruffle, or modified Lynfield traps. Presence of MI increased the captures of F. occidentalis males and females in the Lynfield and blue ruffle traps (1.4–2.8×), but not in the white ruffle trap in the greenhouse (ca. 1.1×). The importance of visual and olfactory factors for the design of effective auto‐dissemination and lure‐and‐infect strategies for thrips management is discussed.
Kant and the concept of an object
Authors: Stang Nicholas F.
Published: September 2020

“Object” is one of the most important concepts in Kant's philosophy. I argue that Kant's concept of an object involves a hitherto neglected distinction, between what I call the “quantificational” concept of an object (q‐object) and what I call the “representational” concept of an object (r‐object). I examine the relation between these two concepts and argue that there is a close connection, even in the case of q‐objects we cannot sensibly intuit (negative noumena) and the r‐objects of non‐sensible intuition (positive noumena). Even in the non‐sensible case, our only way of representing a concept as having non‐sensible instances (q‐objects) is by conceiving of a kind of intellect that would intuit those objects. We cannot know that such intuition or such objects are possible, but it is only by thinking of such intuition that we can think of such objects as instances of concepts (e.g., the concept “negative noumena”).
Ecological and conceptual consequences of Arctic pollution
Authors: Kirdyanov Alexander V. , Krusic Paul J. , Shishov Vladimir V. , Vaganov Eugene A. , Fertikov Alexey I. , Myglan Vladimir S. , Barinov Valentin V. , Browse Jo , Esper Jan , Ilyin Viktor A. , Knorre Anastasia A. , Korets Mikhail A. , Kukarskikh Vladimir V. , Mashukov Dmitry A. , Onuchin Alexander A. , Piermattei Alma , Pimenov Alexander V. , Prokushkin Anatoly S. , Ryzhkova Vera A. , Shishikin Alexander S. , Smith Kevin T. , Taynik Anna V. , Wild Martin , Zorita Eduardo , Büntgen Ulf
Published: September 2020

Although the effect of pollution on forest health and decline received much attention in the 1980s, it has not been considered to explain the ‘Divergence Problem’ in dendroclimatology; a decoupling of tree growth from rising air temperatures since the 1970s. Here we use physical and biogeochemical measurements of hundreds of living and dead conifers to reconstruct the impact of heavy industrialisation around Norilsk in northern Siberia. Moreover, we develop a forward model with surface irradiance forcing to quantify long‐distance effects of anthropogenic emissions on the functioning and productivity of Siberia’s taiga. Downwind from the world’s most polluted Arctic region, tree mortality rates of up to 100% have destroyed 24,000 km2 boreal forest since the 1960s, coincident with dramatic increases in atmospheric sulphur, copper, and nickel concentrations. In addition to regional ecosystem devastation, we demonstrate how ‘Arctic Dimming’ can explain the circumpolar ‘Divergence Problem’, and discuss implications on the terrestrial carbon cycle.
Increased risk of acute stroke among patients with severe COVID‐19: a multicenter study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Siepmann T. , Sedghi A. , Simon E. , Winzer S. , Barlinn J. , de With K. , Mirow L. , Wolz M. , Gruenewald T. , Schroettner P. , von Bonin S. , Pallesen L.‐P. , Rosengarten B. , Schubert J. , Lohmann T. , Machetanz J. , Spieth P. , Koch T. , Bornstein S. , Reichmann H. , Puetz V. , Barlinn K.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Recent observations linked coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) to thromboembolic complications possibly mediated by increased blood coagulability and inflammatory endothelial impairment. We aimed to define the risk of acute stroke in patients with severe and non‐severe COVID‐19.

Methods

We performed an observational, multicenter cohort study in four participating hospitals in Saxony, Germany to characterize consecutive patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 who experienced acute stroke during hospitalization. Furthermore, we conducted a systematic review using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and bibliographies of identified papers following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines including data from observational studies of acute stroke in COVID‐19 patients. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and pooled with multicenter data to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for acute stroke related to COVID‐19 severity using a random‐effects model. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42020187194.

Results

Of 165 patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 (49.1% males, median age = 67 years [57–79 years], 72.1% severe or critical) included in the multicenter study, overall stroke rate was 4.2% (95% CI: 1.9–8.7). Systematic literature search identified two observational studies involving 576 patients that were eligible for meta‐analysis. Amongst 741 pooled COVID‐19 patients, overall stroke rate was 2.9% (95% CI: 1.9–4.5). Risk of acute stroke was increased for patients with severe compared to non‐severe COVID‐19 (RR = 4.18, 95% CI: 1.7–10.25; P = 0.002) with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P = 0.82).

Conclusions

Synthesized analysis of data from our multicenter study and previously published cohorts indicates that severity of COVID‐19 is associated with an increased risk of acute stroke.
Fama–French factor timing: The long‐only integrated approach
Authors: Leippold Markus , Rueegg Roger
Published: September 2020

There is ample evidence that factor momentum exists in the standard long–short mixed approach to factor investing. However, the excess returns are put under scrutiny due to the high implementation costs. We present a novel real‐life approach that relies on the long‐only integrated approach to factor investing. Instead of exploiting the potential momentum in factor portfolios, our strategy builds on the momentum of the optimal factor score weights in the integrated approach, which allows us to additionally profit from the serial dependence in the factors' interaction effects. One limitation of short‐term timing strategies is their high turnover. By including the information of the covariance matrix and minimising the strategy's risk to the market portfolio, we can substantially reduce turnover. The resulting timing alpha remains significant even after transaction costs in a robust statistical test framework across the major stock markets.
The evolving relation between dividends and flexible payouts: A different evolution
Authors: Armitage Seth , Gallagher Ronan
Published: September 2020

We study payout by UK listed companies during 1993–2018. Regular dividends remain the dominant channel, but flexible payouts (special dividends and repurchases) have grown, and they make total payout more responsive to earnings. Flexible payouts are used to augment regular dividends: few companies pay out by flexible means only, and tests indicate that they augment rather than replace regular dividends. Comparison with US evidence shows that UK companies make greater use of dividends (including specials) in relation to repurchases, and have a greater willingness to change regular dividend per share.
Schrems II, from Snowden to China: Toward a new alignment on transatlantic data protection
Authors: Rotenberg Marc
Published: September 2020

When the Court of Justice announced the judgment in Schrems I, commentators described the outcome as an "earthquake" that tossed aside the fragile legal framework for transatlantic data flows known as the “Safe Harbor”. The judgment of the Court in Schrems II has now toppled the second framework, the “Privacy Shield”. In this article, I restate recommendations to the US Congress following the first Schrems judgment: (1) enact a comprehensive privacy law, (2) establish an independent data protection agency, and (3) ratify Council of Europe Convention 108. But I also explain that the United States and Europe are more aligned today in the common enterprise of data protection than they were five years ago, as the backdrop has shifted from the disclosures of Edward Snowden to the surveillance ambitions of the Chinese government. A common approach is therefore in the interests of these two key trading partners. There is also today shared urgency in strengthening the foundations of democratic institutions.
Incomplete bioinformatic filtering and inadequate age and growth analysis lead to an incorrect inference of harvested‐induced changes
Authors: Larson Wesley A. , Isermann Daniel A. , Feiner Zachary S.
Published: September 2020

Understanding the evolutionary impacts of harvest on fish populations is important for informing fisheries management and conservation and has become a growing research topic over the last decade. However, the dynamics of fish populations are highly complex, and phenotypes can be influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors. Therefore, it is vital to collect robust data and explore multiple alternative hypotheses before concluding that fish populations are influenced by harvest. In their recently published manuscript, Bowles et al, Evolutionary Applications, 13(6):1128 conducted age/growth and genomic analysis of walleye (Sander vitreus) populations sampled 13–15 years (1–2.5 generations) apart and hypothesized that observed phenotypic and genomic changes in this time period were likely due to harvest. Specifically, Bowles et al. (2020) documented differential declines in size‐at‐age in three exploited walleye populations compared to a separate, but presumably less‐exploited, reference population. Additionally, they documented population genetic differentiation in one population pair, homogenization in another, and outlier loci putatively under selection across time points. Based on their phenotypic and genetic results, they hypothesized that selective harvest had led to fisheries‐induced evolution (referred to as nascent changes) in the exploited populations in as little as 1–2.5 generations. We re‐analyzed their data and found that (a) sizes declined across both exploited and reference populations during the time period studied and (b) observed genomic differentiation in their study was the result of inadequate data filtering, including retaining individuals with high amounts of missing data and retaining potentially undersplit and oversplit loci that created false signals of differentiation between time points. This re‐analysis did not provide evidence for phenotypic or genetic changes attributable to harvest in any of the study populations, contrasting the hypotheses presented by Bowles et al. (2020). Our comment highlights the potential pitfalls associated with conducting age/growth analyses with low sample sizes and inadequately filtering genomic datasets.
Sero‐molecular survey and risk factors of equine piroplasmosis in horses in Spain
Authors: Camino Eliazar , Buendia Aranzazu , Dorrego Abel , Pozo Pilar , de Juan Lucía , Dominguez Lucas , Cruz‐Lopez Fatima
Published: September 2020

Background

Theileria equi and Babesia caballi cause equine piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important tick‐borne diseases of horses due to its high negative impact to the equine industry. Although infections with these parasites have been reported for decades in Spain, epidemiological studies have only been carried out in certain regions.

Objectives

To determine the (sero)prevalence of these parasites in asymptomatic horses nationwide in Spain and to identify potential individual and environmental factors associated with seropositivity to EP.

Study design

Sample size was calculated according to the horses registered in Spain in 2013 and by autonomous community using a random stratified sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data on factors associated with EP seropositivity.

Methods

Serological (cELISA and complement fixation test) and molecular (real‐time PCR) analyses were carried out in 740 horses. Risk factors were identified computing two independent logistic regression models with the collated data.

Results

Antibodies against EP were detected in 42.9% (95% CI 39.4‐46.5) of horses, whereas 30.3% (95% CI 27.0‐33.6) were EP positive by PCR. A substantial strength of agreement (k = 0.721) was estimated between serological tests. Exposure to T. equi was significantly higher than to B. caballi and the highest (sero)prevalence was detected in the northern communities. Increasing horse age, presence of ticks and contact with cows were factors related to EP seropositivity in the horses, whereas tetanus vaccination and fairs attendance were associated with lower seropositivity.

Conclusions

Almost half of the horses residing in Spain had antibodies against EP or circulating parasitaemia. Appropriate prevention measures and implementation of a EP surveillance programme should be considered in order to reduce and control the infection.
Comparison of working equid welfare across three regions of Mexico
Authors: Haddy Emily , Burden Faith , Prado‐Ortiz Omar , Zappi Humberto , Raw Zoe , Proops Leanne
Published: September 2020

Background

Factors affecting working equid welfare are wide‐ranging and reflect cultural, economic and climatic conditions, the type of work equids are used for, and individual differences in the practices of their handlers. In Mexico working equids are widely used for facilitating agricultural activities, however, welfare issues are common.

Objectives

To assess working equids across three communities in Mexico, identify predominant welfare problems and document how these problems vary across locations, associated working roles and species type.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The study combined the administration of a wide‐ranging questionnaire to equid handlers/owners and a welfare assessment of their animal. 120 equid owners were asked about their equid management practices, the working conditions and health status of their animal. The welfare of their equids (56 donkeys, 7 mules, 57 horses) was assessed by evaluating body condition, signs of illness or injury and behavioural indicators.

Results

Welfare varied by species, working role, sex and location. The poorest welfare was seen in one of the two arid regions (the third location having a tropical climate). Donkeys had poorer welfare than horses, and equids used for packing had poorer welfare than those used for riding and agroforestry. Overall poor body condition and wounds were the most common problems seen.

Main limitations

Work type, species type and location strongly co‐varied, thus the impact of each factor could not be assessed in isolation. The sample size was relatively small.

Conclusions

Results showed significant regional variations in welfare, suggesting that environmental and/or cultural variations are producing a major effect on welfare.