bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mites (Acari) as a Relevant Tool in Trace Evidence and Postmortem Analyses of Buried Corpses
Authors: Rai Jas K. , Amendt Jens , Bernhardt Victoria , Pasquerault Thierry , Lindström Anders , Perotti M. Alejandra
Published: July 2020

This report interprets the presence of mite species in three clandestine graves in Europe, evaluating their potential use as trace evidence or markers. Grave 1 (Sweden): Two mite speciesRhizoglyphus robiniClaparède, 1869 andParasitus loricatus(Wankel, 1861) were recovered from the surface of a body buried in a shallow grave in an area surrounded by trees, in close vicinity to house gardens. Grave 2 (Germany): Phoretic deutonymphs ofGamasodes spiniger(Trägårdh, 1910) were attached to an adult fly (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) found within a shallow grave containing two human bodies covered in soil and dung. Grave 3 (France):P. loricatuswere recovered from the soil around a body buried in a deep grave (80 cm under). In graves 1 and 3 both corpses were undergoing advanced decay and skeletization, the locations match with the subterranean habit ofP. loricatus, highlighting the value of this species as a marker of graves or burials in soil and during late decomposition.R. robiniis a soil mite that feeds on decayed roots and bulbs; this mite species confirms the location of the corpse within top soil, agreeing with a more specific type of superficial burial, a shallow grave. In case 2, the presence of both coprophiles, the miteG. spinigerand the carrier fly confirm association of remains with dung or animal feces. The three mite species are reported for the first time in human graves. There are no previous records ofR. robinifrom Sweden.
Prenatal cranial MR findings in fetuses with suspected CMV infection: Correlation with postnatal outcome and differential diagnostic considerations
Authors: Goergen Stacy , Lim Zhengjie , Clark Jenni , Teoh Mark , Humnabadkar Kedar , Fahey Michael , Giles Michelle
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To: (1) Evaluate intrauterine MRI (iuMRI) findings in fetuses with suspected cCMV and correlate these with final diagnosis(es). (2) Correlate iuMRI in cases of confirmed cCMV with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of iuMRI referrals for suspected cCMV between 2010 and 2018. Confirmed cCMV defined as positive amniotic fluid or postnatal CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and excluded cCMV defined by negative postnatal PCR.

Results

Twenty‐nine singleton fetuses had iuMRI for suspected cCMV (median gestation 28 weeks (IQR 24–32). No postnatal outcome (n = 6) and no cCMV ascertainment (n = 5) provided 18 cases for analysis. cCMV positive (n = 11): three fetal deaths occurred, one spontaneous and two terminations of pregnancy (TOP), one for microcephaly and one for extensive polymicrogyria; 4/ 8 survivors had normal US and iuMRI with normal newborn hearing screen (AABR)/ neurological examination; two had polymicrogyria and cerebral palsy (CP) GMFCS II and V; 1 had isolated ventriculomegaly and failed newborn AABR; 1 had ventriculomegaly with germinolytic cysts, normal AABR and development at 3/12. cCMV negative (n = 7): Germinolytic cysts were present in 4 cases with 2/4 also having callosal hypogenesis and postnatal genetic and clinical diagnosis of mitochondrial disorder. The third and fourth had a normal newborn metabolic screen and neurological examination. Three deaths were due to toxoplasmosis (n = 1), TOP for severe ventriculomegaly (n = 1) and bilateral schizencephaly (n = 1).

Conclusions

Polymicrogyria in fetuses with cCMV, undetected with prenatal US, was associated with CP. Germinolytic cysts were non‐specific for cCMV and due to mitochondrial disorders when callosal hypogenesis was present.
Tumour–capsule interface measured on 18F‐DCFPyL PSMA positron emission tomography/CT imaging comparable to multi‐parametric MRI in predicting extra‐prostatic extension of prostate cancer at initial staging
Authors: Brauchli Damian , Singh Dalveer , Chabert Charles , Somasundaram Arjuna , Collie Leesa
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Nerve‐sparing prostatectomy is recommended in cases of organ‐confined prostate cancer but is generally contraindicated in patients with suspected extra‐prostatic extension (EPE). PSMA ligand imaging has been shown to be valuable in predicting EPE when performed on a hybrid PET/MRI scanner; however, the majority of PSMA PET imaging is performed using PSMA‐PET. To our knowledge, there are no established PET/CT criteria for assessing EPE. In this study, we aim to provide a reproducible method for evaluating EPE on PSMA‐PET/CT imaging and assess its utility compared with MRI.

Methods

Imaging findings and histopathology were reviewed for 100 consecutive patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy after imaging with MRI and 18F‐DCFPyL PSMA‐PET/CT.

Results

A broad tumour–capsule interface measured using a standardised technique on fused PSMA‐PET/CT imaging is associated with a higher risk for established EPE (P < 0.001). In our cohort, applying the criteria of tumour–capsule contact ≥ 10 mm measured on PET/CT was as sensitive as applying PI‐RADS version 2 criteria to mpMRI imaging for predicting EPE (74% and 79%, respectively, P = 0.11) and had superior specificity (86% and 61%, respectively, P = 0.035). 93% of MRI‐occult lesions were visualised on PSMA‐PET/CT. Applying the proposed PET/CT criteria for EPE to this subgroup of 14 patients yielded a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 92%.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that tumour–capsule interface measured on fused F18‐DCFPyL PSMA‐PET/CT imaging is comparable to MRI criteria for predicting the presence of EPE. Applying PET/CT criteria may be of particular benefit in predicting EPE in patients with MRI‐occult prostate cancer.
Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with an increased risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ponvilawan Ben , Charoenngam Nipith , Rittiphairoj Thanitsara , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and risk of dementia.

Methods

Potentially eligible studies that compared the risk of developing dementia between patients with AS and individuals without AS were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to May 2019 using a search strategy that comprised terms for “dementia” and “ankylosing spondylitis”. Eligible studies could be either cohort studies or case‐control studies. For cohort design, eligible studies included patients with AS and comparators without AS and followed them for incident dementia. For case‐control design, eligible studies included cases with dementia and controls without dementia and explored prior history of AS in both groups. Effect estimate and standard error from each study were extracted and combined together using the random effect, generic inverse variance. Funnel plot was used to assess for publication bias.

Results

A total of 7091 articles were identified using the aforementioned search strategy. After 2 rounds of independent review by 3 investigators, 4 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included into the meta‐analysis. The risk of developing dementia was significantly higher among patients with AS than individuals without AS with the pooled relative risk of 1.19 (95% CI 1.01‐1.41; I2 = 76%). The funnel plot was relatively symmetric and was not suggestive of presence of publication bias.

Conclusion

A significantly 1.2 fold higher risk of developing dementia among patients with AS was demonstrated by this systematic review and meta‐analysis.
The conundrum of juvenile spondyloarthritis classification: Many names for a single disease? Lesson learned from an instructive clinical case
Authors: Maniscalco Valerio , Marrani Edoardo , Lamot Lovro , Lionetti Paolo , Simonini Gabriele
Published: July 2020

Pediatric rheumatic diseases are often characterized by an evolving phenotype, resulting in diagnostic dilemma for physicians involved in their management. Although several classification criteria are used in childhood to uniform patients’ diagnoses, several conditions share similar clinical features and therefore their classifications may overlap or be ambiguous. This is particularly paradigmatic for the classification of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA), as the currently available criteria do not encompass their complexity. The differential diagnosis of sacroiliitis is often challenging for clinicians and requires considering several conditions, which include infective, neoplastic and rheumatic diseases. We report the case of a 13‐year‐old boy with an evolving clinical phenotype; its progression shows the wide differential diagnosis required in pediatric rheumatic diseases and emphasizes the issues of the actual classification system.
Trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in Inner Mongolia, 2010–2015
Authors: Xi Yunfeng , Dong Weiqi , Qiao Liying , Han Ke , Chen Wenjie , Wang Wenrui
Published: July 2020

Background

Esophageal cancer is among the leading cancer types in Inner Mongolia. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in 2015 and the trends in these rates in the 2010–2015 period in this region.

Methods

National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCR) screening methods and criteria were used to extract data from 10 cancer registries stratified by area (urban/rural), sex, and age group. The Chinese standard population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used to calculate age‐standardized rates. The annual percentage change (APC) in these rates was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Program.

Results

In 2015, Inner Mongolia had 4324 new cases (4027 male vs. 297 female patients) and 3559 deaths (3300 male vs. 259 female patients) from esophageal cancer. The crude incidence, age‐standardized incidence by Chinese population, age‐standardized incidence by world population, and cumulative incidence were 13.45/100 000, 9.92/100 000, 10.18/100 000, and 1.30%, respectively. The corresponding figures for mortality were 11.32/100 000, 8.35/100 000, 8.53/100 000, and 1.04%. The incidence and mortality increased with age between 40 and 80 years. The rates in rural dwellers, especially men, showed negative APC (−13.25% vs. −11.08%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in Inner Mongolia increased between 2010 and 2015. The rates were higher in men in rural areas, middle‐aged and elderly individuals. Prevention and control programs focused on these groups, in addition to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, are needed to reduce these rates.

Key points

Significant findings of the study: In Inner Mongolia, incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer were higher in urban areas than in rural areas and in men than in women between 2010 and 2015, and in middle‐aged and elderly than in younger people.

What this study adds: Prevention and control programs, in addition to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, should be tailored to specifically target men in rural areas and middle‐aged and elderly individuals in order to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this pathology.
Unique Needs for the Implementation of Emergency Department Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in Adolescents
Authors: Gutman Colleen K. , Duda Elizabeth , Newton Naomi , Alevy Ryan , Palmer Katherine , Wetzel Martha , Figueroa Janet , Griffiths Mark , Koyama Atsuko , Middlebrooks Lauren , Simon Harold K. , Camacho‐Gonzalez Andres , Morris Claudia R.
Published: July 2020

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend universal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening starting at 13 years, which has been implemented in many general U.S. emergency departments (EDs) but infrequently in pediatric EDs. We aimed to 1) implement a pilot of routine adolescent HIV screening in a pediatric ED and 2) determine the unique barriers to CDC‐recommended screening in this region of high HIV prevalence.

Methods

This was a prospective 4‐month implementation of a routine HIV screening pilot in a convenience sample of adolescents 13 to 18 years at a single pediatric ED, based on study personnel availability. Serum‐based fourth‐generation HIV testing was run through a central laboratory. Parents were allowed to remain in the room for HIV counseling and testing. Data were collected regarding patient characteristics and HIV testing quality metrics. Comparisons were made using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. Regression analysis was performed to assess for an association between parent presence at the time of enrollment and adolescent decision to participate in HIV screening.

Results

Over 4 months, 344 of 806 adolescents approached consented to HIV screening (57% female, mean ± SD = 15.1 ± 1.6 years). Adolescents with HIV screening were more likely to be older than those who declined (p = 0.025). Other blood tests were collected with the HIV sample for 21% of adolescents; mean time to result was 105 minutes (interquartile range = 69 to 123) and 79% were discharged before the result was available. Having a parent present for enrollment was not associated with adolescent participation (adjusted odds ratio = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.70). Barriers to testing included: fear of needlestick, time to results, cost, and staff availability. One of 344 tests was positive in a young adolescent with Stage 1 HIV.

Conclusions

Routine HIV screening in adolescents was able to be implemented in this pediatric ED and led to the identification of early infection in a young adolescent who would have otherwise been undetected at this stage of disease. Addressing the unique barriers to adolescent HIV screening is critical in high‐prevalence regions and may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment in this vulnerable population.
Corporate social responsibility and information flow
Authors: Chen Gary , Wang Bin , Wang Xiaohong
Published: July 2020

We find that a firm’s greater commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) increases firm‐specific information incorporated into stock prices. We further show that information searches increase around major disclosure events for firms that are more socially responsible, as observed through requests for newly released annual (10‐K) filings on EDGAR and company ticker searches on Google around earnings announcements. Using alternative empirical specifications, we establish a robust and positive relation between CSR and stock price informativeness. Our results are consistent with the ethical and reputational view that a commitment to CSR encourages information acquisition and facilitates information flow into stock prices.
Bio‐ecology of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) within citrus orchards in Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Mkiga Abdullah M. , Mohamed Samira A. , du Plessis Hannalene , Khamis Fathiya M. , Ekesi Sunday
Published: July 2020

False codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta is among the key constraints of the agricultural industry. Little is known about the population dynamics and genetic diversity of this pest in East Africa.

The spatial–temporal population dynamics and genetic diversity of false codling moth were evaluated in citrus orchards in Kenya and Tanzania between May 2017 and August 2018 covering two fruiting seasons. The diversity of false codling moth sampled in these orchards and from solanaceous hosts, as well as from specimens received from Uganda, Sudan, and South Africa were assayed using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene.

A similar spatial–temporal pattern of false codling moth was found in both Kenya and Tanzania, with the most male moths in August 2017 and 2018. In Tanzania, the number of male moths caught at high and mid altitudes did not differ but were significantly higher than those caught at low altitude.

A relatively low false codling moth genetic diversity was recorded at the sites where sampling was done in the respective countries as well as between specimens sampled from different host plants.

The low false codling moth genetic diversity determined in this trial can be exploited in the management of the pest in the studied countries.
Rheumatic immune‐related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Zhong Hui , Zhou Jiaxin , Xu Dong , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: July 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block the major inhibitory pathways in T cells, resulting in an augmented antitumor response. Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are a new class of side effects caused by ICIs and tend to be more prevalent in patients with preexisting autoantibodies and autoimmune diseases. The rheumatic subset of irAEs mainly includes arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia, myositis, vasculitis, sicca syndrome, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common classification system for AEs, the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, is of limited use for irAEs, especially rheumatic irAEs. Therapy with glucocorticoid and temporary or permanent discontinuation of ICIs are the cornerstones of irAE treatment, and can be complemented with immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate), biologic agents (e.g., tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin‐6 receptor antagonists), intravenous immunoglobin and plasma exchange. Thus, the evaluation and treatment of rheumatic irAEs require multidisciplinary cooperation among physicians. Here, we review the most prevalent ICI‐associated rheumatic irAEs.
Icariin modulates eNOS activity via effect on post‐translational protein‐protein interactions to improve erectile function of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Liu Qin‐Wen , Yang Zhi‐Hui , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui
Published: July 2020

Background

Type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5I) has become the first‐line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, its effective rate for hypertension ED is only 60%‐70%. How to improve the efficacy of ED treatment is the focus of current research.

Objective

To explore whether icariin can improve the erectile function of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by affecting post‐translational protein‐protein interactions to regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) activity.

Method

Twelve‐week‐old healthy male SHR rats and Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY) were randomly divided into four groups: SHR control group, SHR + icariin (10 mg/kg·d gavage) treatment group, WKY control group, and WKY + icariin (10 mg/kg·d gavage) treatment group (n = 5). After 4 weeks, the maximum penile intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICPmax/MAP), the expression of heat‐shock protein 90 (Hsp90), caveolin‐1, calmodulin, p‐eNOS, and eNOS in penile cavernous tissue and the content of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP were measured. The interaction between eNOS and Hsp90, caveolin‐1, and calmodulin were detected by immunoprecipitation.

Result

The ICPmax/MAP in the SHR + icariin treatment group (0.08 ± 0.01, 0.23 ± 0.07, 0.40 ± 0.05) was significantly higher than the SHR group (0.03 ± 0.01, 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.21 ± 0.02) under 3V and 5V electrical stimulations (P < .05). Compared with the SHR group, the expression of HSP90, calmodulin, P‐eNOS, eNOS, and P‐eNOS/eNOS in the penile cavernous tissue of rats in the WKY group and the SHR + icariin treatment group were significantly increased (P < .05), and the expression of caveolin‐1 was significantly decreased (P < .05). The NO content (2.16 ± 0.22 μmol/g) and cGMP concentration (3.69 ± 0.12 pmol/mg) in the SHR + icariin treatment group were significantly higher than those in the SHR group (1.01 ± 0.14 μmol/g, 2.31 ± 0.22 pmol/mg) (P < .05). Compared with the SHR group, the interaction between eNOS and HSP90 in the cavernosa of the rats in the SHR + icariin treatment group was significantly increased (P < .05), the interaction between eNOS and caveolin‐1 was significantly decreased (P < .01), and the interaction between eNOS and calmodulin did not significantly change.

Discussion and Conclusion

Up‐regulating the expression of HSP90 and calmodulin and inhibiting caveolin‐1 in SHR corpus cavernosum, promoting the interaction between eNOS and HSP90, inhibiting the interaction between eNOS and caveolin‐1, increasing p‐eNOS/eNOS, may be the mechanism of icariin that improves SHR erectile function.
10Carceral Heritage and the Gendered Politics of Display in Caria (4th century BCE) and Korea (Present)
Authors: Kim Patricia Eunji
Published: July 2020

This article analyzes two distinct bronze sculptural monuments, one from the fourth‐century BCE Mediterranean and the other from present‐day South Korea, to examine how the politics of gender and difference shape heritage and heritage work. Although different in historical and geographic contexts, the monuments both represent women whose gendered and ethnic differences were mobilized by opposing political actors first to justify the violence enacted against them and then to contain or cover their monuments to engender what I call “carceral heritage”—heritage that is physically and symbolically policed by historical powerholders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: A feasibility and proof of concept study
Authors: Waters Cerith S. , Annear Benjamin , Flockhart Gillean , Jones Ian , Simmonds Jessica R. , Smith Sue , Traylor Claire , Williams Jessica F.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a newly developed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention developed specifically to address the unique context of pregnancy and parenthood. The intervention was delivered to women accessing a specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Service (PCMHS).

Design

An open‐label pilot study was conducted of an 8‐week, group‐delivered ACT intervention targeting women with moderate‐to‐severe mood and/or anxiety disorders during pregnancy and/or postpartum.

Methods

Outcomes included session attendance rates, dropout rates, crisis/inpatient service use, and standardized symptom scales. Participant's responses to open‐ended questions contained in an end of therapy questionnaire were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Seventy‐four women were referred to the intervention with 65 (88%) completing treatment. The median number of sessions attended was 7. No women required input from crisis/inpatient services. All reported finding the intervention helpful. The implementation of ACT in daily life, therapist support, and group processes were cited as helpful aspects of the intervention. At post‐treatment, there was a significant reduction in global distress (d = 0.99) and depressive symptoms (d = 1.05), and an increase in psychological flexibility (d = 0.93). On the secondary outcome of global distress, 38% of women were classified as recovered, 31% had reliably improved, 27% remained the same, and 4% had reliably deteriorated.

Conclusions

The delivery of ACT in a routine practice setting is feasible, safe, and effective. A randomized control trial (RCT) is needed to establish the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of this group‐delivered ACT intervention.

Practitioner points

Group‐delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is acceptable for women with moderate‐to‐severe perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorders and can be feasibly delivered in a routine practice setting.

The trans‐diagnostic nature of ACT enables the concurrent treatment of depressive and anxiety symptoms within the same intervention which is particularly helpful in the perinatal context given the comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders.

With training and supervision, mental health practitioners without extensive education in the delivery of psychological therapies can facilitate the ACT group programme.

As this was a feasibility study, there was no control group, adherence to the manual was not assessed, and the absence of a follow‐up period limits our knowledge of the longer‐term benefits of the ACT group programme.
Management of COMPlicAted intra‐abdominal collectionS after colorectal Surgery (COMPASS): protocol for a multicentre, observational, prospective international study of drain placement practices in colorectal surgery
Authors:   EuroSurg Collaborative
Published: July 2020

Aim

Postoperative drains have historically been used for the prevention and early detection of intra‐abdominal collections. However, current evidence suggests that prophylactic drain placement following colorectal surgery has no significant clinical benefit. This is reflected in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines, which recommend against their routine use. The Ileus Management International study found more than one‐third of participating centres across the world routinely used drains in the majority of colorectal resections. The aim of the present study is to audit international compliance with ERAS guidelines regarding the use of postoperative drains in colorectal surgery.

Method

This prospective, multicentre audit will be conducted via the student‐ and trainee‐led EuroSurg Collaborative network across Europe, South Africa and Australasia. Data will be collected on consecutive patients undergoing elective and emergency colorectal surgery with 30‐day follow‐up. This will include any colorectal resection, formation of colostomy/ileostomy and reversal of stoma. The primary end‐point will be adherence to ERAS guidelines for intra‐abdominal drain placement. Secondary outcomes will include the following: time to diagnosis of intra‐abdominal postoperative collections; output and time to removal of drains; and 30‐day postoperative complications defined by the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Conclusion

This protocol describes the methodology for the first international audit of intra‐abdominal drain placement after colorectal surgery. The study will be conducted across a large collaborative network with quality assurance and data validation strategies. This will provide a clear understanding of current practice and novel evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of intra‐abdominal drain placement in colorectal surgical patients.
Kidney transplantation using lymphocyte depleting induction and standard maintenance immunosuppression at the height of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in New York City: A single‐center experience
Authors: Santeusanio Andrew D. , Zendel Alexey , Fenig Yaniv , Mahamid Ahmad , Bhansali Arjun , De Boccardo Graciela , Delaney Veronica , Farouk Samira S. , Dunn Dallas , Rana Meenakshi , Florman Sander , Shapiro Ron
Published: July 2020

Background

Concerns have been raised regarding proceeding with kidney transplantation using standard immunosuppression in COVID‐19 endemic areas.

Methods

We performed a single‐center review of all adult kidney transplants performed during the COVID‐19 pandemic in New York City. Patients were managed with standard immunosuppression protocols, including lymphocyte depleting induction and trough‐guided tacrolimus. Retrospective data were collected for 3 months from the date of transplantation or until study conclusion (5/7/2020). The primary outcomes assessed included patient and allograft survival as well as COVID‐19 related hospital readmission.

Results

30 kidney transplants were performed during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic. After a median follow‐up of 51.5 days, 93.3% of patients were alive with 100% death‐censored allograft survival. 9 patients were readmitted to the hospital during the study period, 4 (13.3%) related to infection with COVID‐19. Infections were mild in 3/4 patients, with one patient developing severe disease leading to respiratory failure. Patients readmitted with COVID‐19 were numerically more likely to be African American, have a BMI > 30 kg/m2, have a lymphocyte count ≤ 300 cells/mL, and be on maintenance corticosteroids.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation in areas endemic to COVID‐19 using standard induction and maintenance immunosuppression appears to be associated with a modest risk for severe COVID‐19 related disease.
A rare case of invasive melanoma likely arising from passenger melanocytes of a basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Paladichuk Hana , Talbott L. Brent
Published: July 2020

Neoplasms consisting of different cell lineages within a single skin specimen are rare, yet well documented in the literature. However, to date, there appears to be no report of invasive melanoma arising directly from the passenger melanocytes of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We present a case of a 91‐year‐old male with a suspicious lesion on the ear. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining revealed BCC closely intertwined with invasive melanoma that exhibited foci of chondroid differentiation. The melanoma appeared to arise from the benign‐appearing passenger melanocytes of the BCC and lacked connection to the overlying epidermis or an in situ component. Multiple dermatopathologists reviewed the case and agreed that the most likely explanation for the histopathologic findings was that the invasive melanoma arose from the passenger melanocytes within the BCC.
Continuing medical and student education in dermatology during the coronavirus pandemic – a major challenge
Authors: Martin Alice , Lang Estefanía , Ramsauer Babett , Gröning Thilo , Bedin Gustavo L. , Frank Jorge
Published: July 2020

Continuing medical education (CME) is the essential basis for student teaching and for training and further development of physicians. Without it, modern and adequate patient care is unthinkable. Recently, the coronavirus pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2), forced the entire medical community to change its usual habits of advanced medical training, teaching and learning. As a result, digital training and teaching via social media, online medical encyclopedias, web‐based learning platforms and educational podcasts moved to the fore. Here, we give an overview on current concepts for online medical education, with special consideration of dermatology.
COVID‐19 and implications for dermatological and allergological diseases
Authors: Buhl Timo , Beissert Stefan , Gaffal Evelyn , Goebeler Matthias , Hertl Michael , Mauch Cornelia , Reich Kristian , Schmidt Enno , Schön Michael P. , Sticherling Michael , Sunderkötter Cord , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Werfel Thomas , Wilsman‐Theis Dagmar , Worm Margitta
Published: July 2020

COVID‐19, caused by the coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, has become pandemic. A further level of complexity opens up as soon as we look at diseases whose pathogenesis and therapy involve different immunological signaling pathways, which are potentially affected by COVID‐19. Medical treatments must often be reassessed and questioned in connection with this infection.

This article summarizes the current knowledge of COVID‐19 in the light of major dermatological and allergological diseases. It identifies medical areas lacking sufficient data and draws conclusions for the management of our patients during the pandemic. We focus on common chronic inflammatory skin diseases with complex immunological pathogenesis: psoriasis, eczema including atopic dermatitis, type I allergies, autoimmune blistering and inflammatory connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, and skin cancers. Since several other inflammatory skin diseases display related or comparable immunological reactions, clustering of the various inflammatory dermatoses into different disease patterns may help with therapeutic decisions. Thus, following these patterns of skin inflammation, our review may supply treatment recommendations and thoughtful considerations for disease management even beyond the most frequent diseases discussed here.
The usefulness of contrast‐enhanced echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of intramural hematoma and aortic dissection: A case report
Authors: Chen Xia , Cao Yukun , Li Yue , Yao Jing , Zhang Hongchao
Published: July 2020

Contrast‐enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) plays an important role in the diagnosis of intramural hematoma (IMH) and aortic dissection (AD), and is also necessary for the adequate management from the assessment of findings. We hereby present an interesting case in which cTTE provides additional value over contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and the morphological characterization of IMH and AD. A 58‐year‐old man presented to the emergency department with intermittent chest pain. After emergency consultation, an enhanced CT scan showed an acute aortic intramural hematoma involving aortic arch and descending aorta. Nevertheless, the entry tear and false lumen flow direction were identified by cTTE, which suggested an acute type B AD.
Fire characteristics and environmental conditions shape plant communities via regeneration strategy
Authors: Day Nicola J. , White Alison L. , Johnstone Jill F. , Degré‐Timmons Geneviève É. , Cumming Steven G. , Mack Michelle C. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Walker Xanthe J. , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: July 2020

Climate change is altering disturbance regimes outside historical norms, which can impact biodiversity by selecting for plants with particular traits. The relative impact of disturbance characteristics on plant traits and community structure may be mediated by environmental gradients. We aimed to understand how wildfire impacted understory plant communities and plant regeneration strategies along gradients of environmental conditions and wildfire characteristics in boreal forests. We established 207 plots (60 m2) in recently burned stands and 133 plots in mature stands with no recent fire history in comparable gradients of stand type, site moisture (drainage) and soil organic layer (SOL) depth in two ecozones in Canada's Northwest Territories. At each plot, we recorded all vascular plant taxa in the understory and measured the regeneration strategy (seeder, resprouter, survivor) in burned plots, along with seedbed conditions (mineral soil and bryophyte cover). Dispersal, longevity and growth form traits were determined for each taxon. Fire characteristics measured included proportion of pre‐fire SOL combusted (fire severity), date of burn (fire seasonality) and pre‐fire stand age (time following fire). Results showed understory community composition was altered by fire. However, burned and mature stands had similar plant communities in wet sites with deep SOL. In the burned plots, regeneration strategies were determined by fire severity, drainage and pre‐ and post‐fire SOL depth. Resprouters were more common in wet sites with deeper SOL and lower fire severity, while seeders were associated with drier sites with thinner SOL and greater fire severity. This led to drier burned stands being compositionally different from their mature counterparts and seedbed conditions were important. Our study highlights the importance of environment–wildfire interactions in shaping plant regeneration strategies and patterns of understory plant community structure across landscapes, and the overriding importance of SOL depth and site drainage in mediating fire severity, plant regeneration and community structure.
Essential but invisible: non‐apparent but widespread ant nests favour soil nutrients and plant growth in semi‐arid areas
Authors: Pirk Gabriela Inés , Elizalde Luciana , Lescano María Natalia , Werenkraut Victoria
Published: July 2020

1. Ants provide multiple ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling. Although most studies on nests effects on soil fertility and plant performance include species with large nests, species with less apparent nests may have a relevant effect, especially if they are widespread, abundant, and/or inhabit nutrient‐poor soils.

2. We studied the effects of nests of three abundant and widespread ant species in the Patagonian steppe (the generalist Dorymyrmex tener, and the seed harvesters Pogonomyrmex carbonarius and Pheidole spininodis) on soil properties, plant growth of two native species, and seedling recruitment. Our main hypothesis was that, despite their non‐apparent nests, these species have a positive effect on soils and enhance plant growth.

3. Nest soils showed higher soil conductivity, %K and %Mg than non‐nest soils. In a greenhouse experiment, individuals of the biennial forb Oenothera odorata grew bigger in nest soils of P. carbonarius and D. tener than in non‐nest soils. Individuals of the perennial tussock grass Pappostipa speciosa grew taller and had more tillers in nest versus non‐nest soils. Seedling abundance and richness were the highest in P. carbonarius nest soils and the general trends were similar to those observed in the plant growth experiment.

4. Our results show that ant species with non‐apparent nests in an arid area enhance soil properties, favouring plant growth (nests of P. carbonarius and D. tener) and seedling abundance (nests of P. carbonarius). Due to their high abundance and widespread distribution, these two species could have a relevant role in ecosystem recovery after disturbance.
Unequal access to food during the nutritional transition: evidence from Mediterranean Spain†
Authors: Medina‐Albaladejo Francisco J. , Calatayud Salvador
Published: July 2020

Unequal access to food is one of the main issues in nutritional history, but scarcity of sources has hampered the quantification of this phenomenon. This study uses hospital diets to address this gap. It uses records from between 1852 and 1923 concerning hospital diets in the psychiatric section of the Hospital General de Valencia (Spain), from which it is possible to infer the actual intake of nutrients for six groups of patients and members of staff. The results reveal considerable differences in terms of diet and nutrition. While the most favoured groups (nuns and well‐off patients) had by 1852 reduced their relative intake of cereals and increased that of meat, in line with the general trend of the nutritional transition, the poor and orphans were still behind the trend by 1923. Hospital staff were on a high‐calorie diet that was adequate for carrying out physically demanding tasks, yet still suffered from a significant deficit in nutrient intake. These inequalities indicate that the nutritional transition was an uneven and non‐linear process, with substantial differences according to social group.
Post fetal death development of endometrial cups in a Jenny donkey (Equus asinus)
Authors: Wilsher S. , De Rijck M. , Allen W. R. (Twink)
Published: July 2020

Serial ultrasound examinations of the gravid uterus of a Jenny donkey (Equus asinus) carrying a transferred extraspecies horse (Equus caballus) conceptus between 11 and 33 days of gestation demonstrated that the embryo died before Day 33 even though the conceptus persisted in the uterus and the horse chorionic girdle invaded the maternal endometrium to form a circle of typically large horse endometrial cups in the right uterine horn. The high concentrations of horse CG secreted by these cups with its higher than usual ratio of FSH‐like to LH‐like biological activities of 1.4 compared to the 0.1 ratio of normal donkey CG hyper‐stimulated the donkey’s ovaries to develop multiple large accessory follicles and resulting secondary corpora lutea which secreted high concentrations of progestagens that persisted in her bloodstream for the next 90 days. This case illustrated that, in all likelihood, girdle invasion can happen after the death of the embryo indicating autonomy of the chorionic girdle.
Fishing efficiency of competitive largemouth bass tournament anglers has increased since early 21st century
Authors: Detmer Thomas M. , Broadway Kyle J. , Parkos Joseph J. , Diana Matthew J. , Wahl David H.
Published: July 2020

Tournament fishing has risen in popularity over the last half a century. As such, social and financial incentives combined with technological advancements are expected to drive changes in angler's capacity to exploit tournament‐eligible fish stocks, as has been observed in commercial fisheries. The aim of this study was to quantify temporal trends in angler efficiency and their ability to exploit a given fish stock relative to effort in largemouth bass fishing tournaments. A collective analysis across seven Illinois reservoirs comparing change through time in angler catch rates and relative population abundances indicated that angler efficiency has generally improved through time. For the decade from 2005 to 2015, a greater than threefold increase in the efficiency of anglers to exploit a static population of largemouth bass was estimated. Anglers have become more efficient at exploiting populations, which is likely to influence management decisions in the future, particularly in harvest‐orientated fisheries and those reliant upon fishery‐dependent surveys.
Optimization of the decarbonizing ratio of boron carbide powders by reverse flotation using response surface methodology
Authors: Bai Yu , Sun Shuchen , Tu Ganfeng , Huang Xiaoxiao
Published: July 2020

Free carbon is the main impurity in boron carbide and has many side effects on the quality of boron carbide. In this study, reverse flotation was used for the first time to remove free carbon in boron carbide. The response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the reverse flotation factors, and the samples were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, laser particle size analyzer, and chemical analysis. The study results reveal that the main factors affecting the decarbonization ratio were slurry concentration, collector dosage, foaming agent dosage and pH value. Furthermore, the results also show that reverse flotation could be applied effectively to the removal of free carbon in boron carbide. Slurry concentration of 25.14%, collector dosage of 567.9 g/t, foaming agent dosage of 199.32 g/t and pH value of 8.4 were found to be the best conditions. Under the optimal conditions, the decarbonization ratio is 84.23%. Mass ratio of free carbon in boron carbide reduced from 2.98 to 0.47.
Management of chronic seromas: A novel surgical approach with the use of vacuum assisted closure therapy
Authors: Marangi Giovanni F. , Segreto Francesco , Morelli Coppola Marco , Arcari Lucrezia , Gratteri Marco , Persichetti Paolo
Published: July 2020

Postoperative seroma is a common complication of many surgical procedures in which anatomical dead space has been created. A particular case of lesion in which seroma occurs is the Morel‐Lavallée lesion (MLL), which is an uncommon closed soft‐tissue degloving injury that develops after high‐energy trauma or crush injury where shearing forces separate the subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. The diagnostic evaluation begins with an adequate history and physical examination, followed by instrumental research with ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative seromas and MLLs share a similar pathology and natural evolution as both injuries, once chronic, develop a pseudobursa; thus, the authors think that the same treatment algorithm may be suitable for both the lesions. Several strategies for the treatment of post‐surgical and post‐traumatic seromas have been described in the literature, ranging from conservative measures for acute and small injuries to surgical management and sclerotherapy for chronic and large ones. Despite some seromas resolving with conventional management, lesion recurrence is a matter of concern. The authors present their experience in the treatment of both post‐surgical and post‐traumatic chronic seromas not responsive to conservative treatments by surgical drainage of the seroma, capsulectomy, and application of vacuum‐assisted closure therapy to allow granulation tissue formation, dead spaces obliteration, and wound healing. Primary wound closure with closed suction drain placement and an elastic compression bandaging are finally performed. From 2014 to 2019, a total of 15 patients (9 females and 6 males) were treated for recurrent chronic seromas with the proposed surgical approach. Five cases were MLLs, while 10 cases were postoperative seromas. The patients were between 33 and 79 years old, and they were followed up at 4 weeks and 3 and 6 months after surgery. All 15 patients with chronic seromas not responsive to conservative treatment showed a complete resolution of the lesions with the proposed treatment approach with no evidence of lesion recurrence, proving its effectiveness.
Transcriptome alterations of field‐evolved resistance in Pectinophora gossypiella against Bt Bollgard II cotton in India
Authors: Agrawal Aditi , Venkatesan Thiruvengadam , Ramasamy Gandhi Gracy , Ramesan Syamala Ramya , Muthugounder Mohan , Rai Anil
Published: July 2020

Pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gossypiella, is one of the most destructive insect pests of cotton worldwide. In India, PBW has developed widespread resistance to the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins of Bt Bollgard II cotton. To understand the molecular mechanism of Bt resistance, the midgut transcriptome of an Indian strain of Bt‐susceptible (PBW‐BtS) and Bt‐resistant (PBW‐BtR) PBW larvae were sequenced using Illumina platform to identify the genes and pathways associated with Bt resistance. A total of 31,764 unique unigenes were assembled from all the four samples, and 1,741 unigenes were found to be differentially expressed between PBW‐BtS and PBW‐BtR, out of which 1,024 unigenes were down‐regulated and 717 were up‐regulated. Down‐regulated genes associated with already known Bt resistance genes in different organisms included APN, ABCA, ABCG8 and cadherin. On the other hand, unigenes related to metabolic resistance such as cytochrome P450, GST and carboxylesterase were up‐regulated in PBW‐BtR when compared with PBW‐BtS. Moreover, real‐time quantitative results of randomly selected genes confirmed the transcriptome response. This is the first comparative transcriptome study to identify the candidate genes involved in Bt BG II resistance in pink bollworm. We believe that the assembled and annotated transcriptome will serve as a valuable resource for future studies to discern the molecular basis of PBW Bollgard II resistance.
DO STOCK MARKET FLUCTUATIONS AFFECT SUICIDE RATES?
Authors: Wisniewski Tomasz Piotr , Lambe Brendan John , Shrestha Keshab
Published: July 2020

In this study, we extend the standard economic model of suicide by considering a new influential factor driving the voluntary death rate. Using an international sample, we estimate the model and document a robust and significant inverse relation between stock market returns and the percentage increase in suicide rates. Trends in male and female suicide are affected by market fluctuations, both contemporaneously and at a lag. This predictive quality of stock returns offers the potential to implement pro‐active suicide prevention strategies for those who could be affected by the vagaries of the market and general economic downturns.