bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of selection function, sample contamination and mass calibration in galaxy cluster samples
Authors: Grandis S , Klein M , Mohr J J , Bocquet S , Paulus M , Abbott T M C , Aguena M , Allam S , Annis J , Benson B A , Bertin E , Bhargava S , Brooks D , Burke D L , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Carretero J , Capasso R , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , De Vicente J , Desai S , Dietrich J P , Doel P , Eifler T F , Evrard A E , Flaugher B , Fosalba P , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gerdes D W , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Hartley W G , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Jeltema T , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lima M , Maia M A G , Marshall J L , Melchior P , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Ogando R L C , Palmese A , Paz-Chinchón F , Plazas A A , Romer A K , Roodman A , Sanchez E , Saro A , Scarpine V , Schubnell M , Serrano S , Sheldon E , Smith M , Stark A A , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Thomas D , Tucker D L , Varga T N , Weller J , Wilkinson R
Published: August 2020

We construct and validate the selection function of the MARD-Y3 galaxy cluster sample. This sample was selected through optical follow-up of the 2nd ROSAT faint source catalogue with Dark Energy Survey year 3 data. The selection function is modelled by combining an empirically constructed X-ray selection function with an incompleteness model for the optical follow-up. We validate the joint selection function by testing the consistency of the constraints on the X-ray flux–mass and richness–mass scaling relation parameters derived from different sources of mass information: (1) cross-calibration using South Pole Telescope Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SPT-SZ) clusters, (2) calibration using number counts in X-ray, in optical and in both X-ray and optical while marginalizing over cosmological parameters, and (3) other published analyses. We find that the constraints on the scaling relation from the number counts and SPT-SZ cross-calibration agree, indicating that our modelling of the selection function is adequate. Furthermore, we apply a largely cosmology independent method to validate selection functions via the computation of the probability of finding each cluster in the SPT-SZ sample in the MARD-Y3 sample and vice versa. This test reveals no clear evidence for MARD-Y3 contamination, SPT-SZ incompleteness or outlier fraction. Finally, we discuss the prospects of the techniques presented here to limit systematic selection effects in future cluster cosmological studies.
Decrease in sleep depth is associated with higher cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light levels in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Targa Adriano , Dakterzada Faride , Benítez Ivan , López Ricard , Pujol Montserrat , Dalmases Mireia , Arias Alfonso , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Pamplona Reinald , Jové Mariona , Barbé Ferran , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard
Published: August 2020

Study Objectives

The majority of studies investigating the association between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers have been performed in healthy participants. Our objective was to investigate the association between sleep and several biomarkers that reflect distinct aspects of AD physiopathology.

Methods

The cohort included 104 individuals with mild-moderate AD. The participants were submitted to one-night polysomnography, and cerebrospinal fluid was collected in the following morning to measure the selected biomarkers associated with amyloid deposition, tau pathology, neurodegeneration, axonal damage, synaptic integrity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative damage.

Results

There was a positive correlation between neurofilament light (NF-L) and the time spent in stage 1 of non-rapid eyes movement (NREM) (N1) sleep and a negative correlation between this marker and the time spent in stage 3 of NREM (N3) sleep. Accordingly, we observed that deep sleep was associated with lower levels of NF-L, whereas light sleep increased the probability of having higher levels of this marker. Furthermore, chitinase-3-like-1 (YKL-40) was negatively correlated with sleep efficiency, the time spent in stage 2 of NREM (N2) sleep, and the time spent in N3 sleep. Conversely, there was a positive correlation between N3 sleep and the oxidative protein damage markers N-ε-(carboxyethyl)lysine and N-ε-(malondialdehyde)lysine.

Conclusions

There were significant correlations between sleep parameters and AD biomarkers related to axonal damage and neuroinflammation, such as NF-L and YKL-40. A lack of deep sleep was associated with higher levels of NF-L. This highlights a potential role for NF-L as a biomarker of sleep disruption in patients with mild-moderate AD in addition to its role in predicting neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Advancing implementation frameworks with a mixed methods case study in child behavioral health
Authors: Barwick Melanie , Barac Raluca , Kimber Melissa , Akrong Lindsay , Johnson Sabine N , Cunningham Charles E , Bennett Kathryn , Ashbourne Graham , Godden Tim
Published: August 2020

Despite a growing policy push for the provision of services based on evidence, evidence-based treatments for children and youth with mental health challenges have poor uptake, yielding limited benefit. With a view to improving implementation in child behavioral health, we investigated a complementary implementation approach informed by three implementation frameworks in the context of implementing motivational interviewing in four child and youth behavioral health agencies: the Active Implementation Frameworks (AIF) (process), the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (factors), and the Implementation Outcomes Framework (evaluation). The study design was mixed methods with embedded interrupted time series and motivational interviewing (MI) fidelity was the primary outcome. Focus groups and field notes informed perspectives on the implementation approach, and a questionnaire explored the salience of Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) factors. Findings validate the process guidance provided by the AIF and highlight CIFR factors related to implementation success. Novel CFIR factors, not elsewhere reported in the literature, are identified that could potentially extend the framework if validated in future research. Introducing fidelity measurement in practice proved challenging and was not sustained beyond the study. A complementary implementation approach was successful in implementing MI in child behavioral health agencies. In contrast with the typical train and hope approach to implementation, practice change did not occur immediately post-training but emerged over a 7 month period of consultation and practice following a discrete interactive training period. The saliency of CFIR constructs aligned with findings from studies conducted in other contexts, demonstrating external validity and highlighting common factors that can focus planning and measurement.
Community delivery of brief therapy for depressed older adults impacted by Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Sirey Jo Anne , Raue Patrick J , Solomonov Nili , Scher Clara , Chalfin Alexandra , Zanotti Paula , Berman Jacquelin , Alexopoulos George S
Published: August 2020

Older adults frequently under-report depressive symptoms and often fail to access services after a disaster. To address unmet mental health needs, we developed a service delivery program (SMART-MH) that combines outreach, assessment, and therapy and implemented it in New York City after Hurricane Sandy. This study aimed to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and patients’ engagement of our brief psychotherapy (“Engage”). We predicted that Engage would result in reductions of depression, and that the benefits would be comparable to those of a historical comparison group who received Engage in a controlled experimental setting. A total of 2,831 adults (age ≥ 60) impacted by Hurricane Sandy were screened for depression. Assessments and therapy were conducted in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Russian. Depressed individuals (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) who were not in treatment were offered Engage therapy in their native language at local senior center/nutrition sites. Twelve percent of the participants reported depression (N = 333). Of these 333 participants, 201 (60%) were not receiving treatment and 143 agreed to receive Engage therapy. Linear mixed-effects model showed that depression severity decreased significantly over time. More than two thirds had a five-point reduction in PHQ-9 scores and post-treatment scores ≤9. Post-hoc comparison of standardized slopes of change found patterns of depression reductions equivalent to Engage provided in a controlled setting. Partnerships to integrate mental health care into community settings can increase detection of mental-health needs and access to services in patients’ native language. Brief reward exposure-based psychotherapy delivered in the community can provide comparable benefits to those achieved in research settings.
Enhancing the scalability of the collaborative care model for depression using mobile technology
Authors: Carleton Kelly E , Patel Urvashi B , Stein Dana , Mou David , Mallow Alissa , Blackmore Michelle A
Published: August 2020

The collaborative care model (CoCM) has substantial support for improving behavioral health care in primary care. However, large-scale CoCM adoption relies on addressing operational and financial implementation challenges across health care settings with varying resources. An academic medical center serving socioeconomically and racially diverse patients implemented the CoCM in seven practices. A smartphone application was introduced to facilitate CoCM care management during depression treatment (app-augmented CoCM). App features included secure texting, goal/appointment reminders, symptom monitoring, and health education material. A nonrandomized convenience patient sample (N = 807) was enrolled in app-augmented CoCM and compared with patients in standard CoCM (N = 3,975). Data were collected on clinical contact frequency, engagement, and clinical outcomes. App-augmented CoCM patients received more health care team contacts (7.9 vs. 4.9, p < .001) and shorter time to follow up compared with the standard CoCM sample (mean = 11 vs. 19 days, p < .001). App-augmented CoCM patients had clinical outcomes similar to the standard CoCM group (47% vs. 46% with ≥50% depression improvement or score <10), despite app-augmented patients having more prior depression treatment episodes. Further, the app-augmented group with greater app engagement demonstrated increased behavioral health appointment compliance, including more completed appointments and fewer no shows, and greater depression symptom improvement than those with less app engagement. App-augmented CoCM may improve patient engagement in treatment and provide opportunities to implement key CoCM elements without overburdening practice resources. CoCM sustainability and scalability in primary care may be enhanced by using this technology.
Integration of an evidence-based tobacco cessation program into a substance use disorders program to enhance equity of treatment access for northern, rural, and remote communities
Authors: Smith Patricia M , Seamark Lisa D , Beck Katie
Published: August 2020

Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into substance use disorder (SUD) programs is recommended, yet few are implemented into practice. This translational research implementation study was designed to integrate an evidence-based tobacco cessation intervention into a 2-week hospital outpatient SUD program that served a rural municipality and 33 remote Indigenous communities. Objectives included determining tobacco use prevalence, intervention uptake, and staffing resources required for intervention delivery.

A series of 1-hr tobacco and health/well-being interactive education and behavior-change groups were developed for the SUD program to create a central access point to offer an evidence-based, intensive tobacco cessation intervention that included an initial counseling/planning session and nine post-SUD treatment follow-ups (weekly month 1; biweekly month 2; and 3, 6, and 12 months). Group sign-in data included age, gender, community, tobacco use, and interest in receiving tobacco cessation help.

Thirty-two groups (April 2018 to February 2019) were attended by 105 people from 22 communities—56% were female, mean age = 30.9 (±7.3; 93% <45 years), 86% smoked, and 38% enrolled in the intensive tobacco cessation intervention. The age-standardized tobacco use ratio was two times higher than would be expected in the general rural population in the region. Average staff time to provide the intervention was 1.5–2.5 hr/week.

Results showed that a Healthy Living group integrated into SUD programming provided a forum for tobacco education, behavior-change skills development, and access to an intensive tobacco cessation intervention for which enrollment was high yet the intervention could be delivered with only a few staff hours a week.
Older and Less Deviant? The Paths Through Emotional Labor and Organizational Cynicism
Authors: Peng Yisheng , Ma Jie , Zhang Wenqin , Jex Steve
Published: August 2020

Previous research suggests that workplace deviance, one of the most pressing problems for today’s organizations, tends to decline as employees age. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the age-deviance relationship. Using aggregated 5-day daily diary data in a sample of 158 Chinese full-time employees, the present study examined age differences in the use of emotional labor strategies (i.e., surface acting and deep acting) and how these age differences relate to employee workplace deviance via organizational cynicism. Results found that age was negatively related to the use of both surface acting and deep acting. Emotional labor strategies (i.e., surface acting and deep acting) and organizational cynicism serially mediated the relationship between employee age and workplace deviance. The current research deepens our understanding of the process by which employee age relates to workplace deviance. This study also has implications for the management of an increasingly age-diverse workforce and can guide future interventions aiming at reducing workplace deviance, an issue of increasing concern to both organizations and society in general.
10Religion and Representation
Authors: Rzepa Joanna
Published: August 2020

This review is divided into three sections: 1. Jeffrey T. Zalar, Reading and Rebellion in Catholic Germany, 1770–1914; 2. Edward Baring, Converts to the Real: Catholicism and the Making of Continental Philosophy; 3. ‘Translation and Religion: Crafting Regimes of Identity’, a thematic issue of Religion edited by Hephzibah Israel and Matthias Frenz. Taken together, these works provide an overview of approaches that demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary research into religion and representation. Drawing on the disciplines of social, political, and cultural history, literary studies, book history, theology, religious studies, translation studies, and postcolonial studies, they highlight the importance of research that contextualizes the relationship between religion and representation, bringing attention to its historically overlooked aspects.
Outbreak of Leaf Spot and Fruit Rot in Florida Strawberry Caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp.
Authors: Baggio Juliana S. , Forcelini Bruna B. , Wang Nan-Yi , Ruschel Rafaela G. , Mertely James C. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: August 2020

Pestalotiopsis-like species have been reported affecting strawberry worldwide. Recently, severe and unprecedented outbreaks have been reported in Florida commercial fields where leaf, fruit, petiole, crown, and root symptoms were observed, and yield was severely affected. The taxonomic status of the fungus is confusing because it has gone through multiple reclassifications over the years. Morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analyses, and pathogenicity tests were evaluated for strawberry isolates recovered from diseased plants in Florida. Phylogenetic analyses derived from the combined internal transcribed spacer, β-tub, and tef1 regions demonstrated that although there was low genetic diversity among the strawberry isolates, there was a clear separation of the isolates in two groups. The first group included isolates recovered over a period of several years, which was identified as Neopestalotiopsis rosae. Most isolates recovered during the recent outbreaks were genetically different and may belong to a new species. On potato dextrose agar, both groups produced white, circular, and cottony colonies. From the bottom, colonies were white to pale yellow for Neopestalotiopsis sp. and pale luteous to orange for N. rosae. Spores for both groups were five-celled with three median versicolored cells. Mycelial growth and spore production were higher for the new Neopestalotiopsis sp. isolates. Isolates from both groups were pathogenic to strawberry roots and crowns. However, the new Neopestalotiopsis sp. proved more aggressive in fruit and leaf inoculation tests, confirming observations from the recent outbreaks in commercial strawberry fields in Florida.
“I Was Worried About the Patient, but I Wasn’t Feeling Worried”: How Physicians Judge Their Comfort in Settings of Uncertainty
Authors: Ilgen Jonathan S. , Bowen Judith L. , de Bruin Anique B.H. , Regehr Glenn , Teunissen Pim W.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Clinical educators often raise concerns that learners are not comfortable with uncertainty in clinical work, yet existing literature provides little insight into practicing clinicians’ experiences of comfort when navigating the complex, ill-defined problems pervasive in practice. Exploring clinicians’ comfort as they identify and manage uncertainty in practice could help us better support learners through their discomfort.

Method

Between December 2018 and April 2019, the authors employed a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore experiences of uncertainty in emergency medicine faculty. The authors used a critical incident technique to elicit narratives about decision making immediately following participants’ clinical shifts, exploring how they experienced uncertainty and made real-time judgments regarding their comfort to manage a given problem. Two investigators analyzed the transcripts, coding data line-by-line using constant comparative analysis to organize narratives into focused codes. These codes informed the development of conceptual categories that formed a framework for understanding comfort with uncertainty.

Results

Participants identified multiple forms of uncertainty, organized around their understanding of the problems they were facing and the potential actions they could take. When discussing their comfort in these situations, they described a fluid, actively negotiated state. This state was informed by their efforts to project forward and imagine how a problem might evolve, with boundary conditions signaling the borders of their expertise. It was also informed by ongoing monitoring activities pertaining to patients, their own metacognitions, and their environment.

Conclusions

The authors’ findings offer nuances to current notions of comfort with uncertainty. Uncertainty involved clinical, environmental, and social aspects, and comfort dynamically evolved through iterative cycles of forward planning and monitoring.
Reported Pediatrics Milestones (Mostly) Measure Program, Not Learner Performance
Authors: Hu Kimberly , Hicks Patricia J. , Margolis Melissa , Carraccio Carol , Osta Amanda , Winward Marcia L. , Schwartz Alan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Semiannually, U.S. pediatrics residency programs report resident milestone levels to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Pediatrics Milestones Assessment Collaborative (PMAC, consisting of the National Board of Medical Examiners, American Board of Pediatrics, and Association of Pediatric Program Directors) developed workplace-based assessments of 2 inferences: readiness to serve as an intern with a supervisor present (D1) and readiness to care for patients with a supervisor nearby in the pediatric inpatient setting (D2). The authors compared learner and program variance in PMAC scores with ACGME milestones.

Method

The authors examined sources of variance in PMAC scores and milestones between November 2015 and May 2017 of 181 interns at 8 U.S. pediatrics residency programs using random effects models with program, competency, learner, and program × competency components.

Results

Program-related milestone variance was substantial (54% D1, 68% D2), both in comparison to learner milestone variance (22% D1, 14% D2) and program variance in the PMAC scores (12% D1, 10% D2). In contrast, learner variance represented 44% (D1) or 26% (D2) of variance in PMAC scores. Within programs, PMAC scores were positively correlated with milestones for all but one competency.

Conclusions

PMAC assessments provided scores with little program-specific variance and were more sensitive to differences in learners within programs compared with milestones. Milestones reflected greater differences by program than by learner. This may represent program-based differences in intern performance or in use of milestones as a reporting scale. Comparing individual learner milestones without adjusting for programs is problematic.
Emerging From the COVID-19 Crisis With a Stronger Health Care Workforce
Authors: Dow Alan W. , DiPiro Joseph T. , Giddens Jean , Buckley Peter , Santen Sally A.
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the limitations of the current health care workforce. As health care workers across the globe have been overwhelmed by the crisis, oversight entities and training programs have sought to loosen regulations to support ongoing care. Notably, however, workforce challenges preceded the current crisis. Now may be the time to address these underlying workforce challenges and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with a stronger health care workforce.

Building upon historical exemplars in the context of the current crisis, the authors of this Perspective provide a roadmap to rapidly and safely increase the workforce for COVID-19 and beyond. The authors recommend the following: (1) a comprehensive approach to guide health care workforce development, (2) streamlining transitions to the next level of practice, (3) reciprocity among state licensing boards or national licensure, (4) payment reform to support a strengthened health care workforce, and (5) efforts by employers to ensure the ongoing safety and competence of the bolstered workforce. These steps require urgent collaboration among stakeholders commensurate with the acuity of the pandemic. Implemented together, these actions could address not only the novel challenges presented by COVID-19 but also the underlying inadequacies of the health care workforce that must be remedied to create a healthier society.
Intraoperative hypotension and neurological outcomes
Authors: Yu Qiong , Qi Jiangtao , Wang Yingwei
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review

Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) may render patients at a risk of cerebral hypoperfusion with decreasing cerebral blood flow (CBF), and lead to postoperative neurological injury. On the basis of the literature in recent years, this review attempts to refine the definition of IOH and evaluate its impact on neurological outcomes.

Recent findings

Although both absolute and relative blood pressure (BP) thresholds, with or without a cumulative period, have been used in collective clinical studies, no definitive threshold of IOH has been established for neurological complications, including perioperative stroke, postoperative cognitive disorder and delirium. The CBF is jointly modulated by multiple pressure processes (i.e. cerebral pressure autoregulation) and nonpressure processes, including patient, surgical and anaesthesia-related confounding factors. The confounding factors and variability in cerebral pressure autoregulation might impede evaluating the effect of IOH on the neurological outcomes. Furthermore, the majority of the evidence presented in this review are cohort studies, which are weak in demonstrating a cause--effect relationship between IOH and neurological complications. The maintenance of target BP based on the monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) or cerebral pressure autoregulation seems to be associated with the decreased incidence of postoperative neurological complications.

Despite the lack of a known threshold value, IOH is a modifiable risk factor targeted to improve neurological outcomes. Ideal BP management is recommended in order to maintain target BP based on the monitoring of rScO2 or cerebral pressure autoregulation.
Accuracy of Patient-Specific Meshes as a Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Blow-Out Fractures
Authors: Kormi Eeva , Männistö Ville , Lusila Niilo , Naukkarinen Hanna , Suojanen Juho
Published: August 2020

Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM)-based techniques are developing fast in facial reconstruction and osteosynthesis. Patient-specific implant (PSI) production is already sufficiently fast for everyday use and can be utilized even for primary trauma surgery such as orbital floor reconstruction after blowout fracture. Purpose of our study is to retrospectively analyze the 3-dimensional (3D) success of PSI reconstructions of orbital floor fractures in our unit. The authors analyzed retrospectively a 1-year cohort (n = 8) of orbital floor blow-out fractures that have been reconstructed using virtual surgical plan and CAD-CAM PSI. Postoperative computed topographies of patients were compared to their original virtual surgical plans. The 3D outcome and fitting of the PSI was good in all patients. Mean error for 3D position of the PSI was 1.3 to 1.8 mm (range 0.4 to 4.8 mm) and postoperative orbital volume was successfully restored in all of the patients. Use of CAD-CAM PSI for reconstruction of orbital floor blow out fracture is reliable method and thus recommended.
A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis: Hypopharyngeal Leech
Authors: Aslan Mehmet
Published: August 2020

A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology department with acute hemoptysis. In his history, it was understood that he drank natural water 2 days ago. The patient had hemoptysis, which occurred with spitting. The patient had difficulty swallowing and discomfort when swallowing. Endoscopic examination revealed a blackish live foreign object in the hypopharynx with right local posterior hypopharyngeal oozing. Hypopharyngeal leech was suspected and removed immediately using forceps. After the leech was removed, the bleeding stopped immediately and the patient started swallowing and breathing comfortably. Pharyngeal leeches should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with hemoptysis, especially in patients with a history of drinking unfiltered water from sources where aquatic leeches are commonly found.
Reconstruction of a Hemirhinectomy Defect Using a Three-Dimensional Printed Custom Soft Tissue Cutting Guide
Authors: Brower Jonathan P. , Crozier Joseph W. , McIntire Damon R. T. , Boyajian Michael K. , Woo Albert S.
Published: August 2020

The 3-stage paramedian forehead flap is the gold standard for subtotal and complete nasal defects, but significant surgeon artistry and experience are required to achieve good, consistent results. The authors describe the use of virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional printing to create a patient-specific soft tissue cutting guide for the design of a forehead flap in the reconstruction of a hemirhinectomy defect. Application of this technology to these challenging reconstructive scenarios promises to improve accessibility and consistency of results.
Hematopoietic stem cells self-renew symmetrically or gradually proceed to differentiation
Authors: Barile Melania , Busch Katrin , Fanti Ann-Kathrin , Greco Alessandro , Wang Xi , Oguro Hideyuki , Zhang Qin , Morrison Sean J. , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , Höfer Thomas
Published: August 2020

It is not known whether hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) undergo symmetric or asymmetric cell divisions in the unperturbed bone marrow. Here, we integrate data from HSC fate mapping and cell-cycle-dependent labeling through mathematical inference and thus gain insight into how HSCs coordinate self-renewal with differentiation. We find that most HSC divisions in adult mice are symmetric self-renewing, replacing HSCs lost by direct differentiation and death, and slowly expanding the HSC population. This expansion maintains constant HSC output to multipotent progenitors (MPPs), despite declining HSC differentiation rate with age. We identify a linear hierarchy of differentiation states between tip HSCs and MPPs, whereTie2-driven HSC fate mapping fully covers the progression of the differentiating cells. A turning point from self-renewal to accelerated cell differentiation occurs between early-stage and late-stage MPPs, just before lineage differentiation becomes manifest in single-cell transcriptomes. This stem cell hierarchy precedes lineage differentiation and may limit mutation accumulation in the hematopoietic system.
Computational Hot-Spot Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain / ACE2 Complex
Authors: Rosario Pedro A. , McNaughton Brian R.
Published: August 2020

Infection and replication of SARS CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) requires entry to the interior of host cells. In humans, a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) between the SARS CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) and the extracellular peptidase domain of ACE2, on the surface of cells in the lower respiratory tract, is an initial step in the entry pathway. Inhibition of the SARS CoV-2 RBD / ACE2 PPI is currently being evaluated as a target for therapeutic and/or prophylactic intervention. However, relatively little is known about the molecular underpinnings of this complex. Employing multiple computational platforms, we predicted ‘hot-spot’ residues in a positive control PPI (PMI / MDM2) and the CoV-2 RBD/ACE2 complex. Computational alanine scanning mutagenesis was performed to predict changes in Gibbs’ free energy that are associated with mutating residues at the positive control (PMI/MDM2) or SARS RBD/ACE2 binding interface to alanine. Additionally, we used the Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver to calculate macromolecular electrostatic surfaces at the interface of the positive control PPI and SARS CoV-2 / ACE2 PPI. Collectively, this study illuminates predicted hot-spot residues, and clusters, at the SARS CoV-2 RBD / ACE2 binding interface, potentially guiding the development of reagents capable of disrupting this complex and halting COVID-19.
Upgrades of coastal protective infrastructure affect benthic communities
Authors: Mamo Lea T. , Porter Augustine G. , Tagliafico Alejandro , Coleman Melinda A. , Smith Stephen D. A. , Figueira Will F. , Kelaher Brendan P.
Published: August 2020

Sea‐level rise, storm surges, ageing and wear are forcing upgrades to breakwaters and sea walls to protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation. Such upgrades involve the introduction of new material which may consequently act as an ecological disturbance that can alter established marine communities and ecosystem function. Mitigating ecological impacts requires an understanding of how species assemblages are affected by such works.

Here, we use the major upgrade of a regularly wave‐overtopped breakwater as a case study to evaluate the impacts of upgrades to hard coastal protective infrastructure on benthic rocky reef communities. An asymmetrical Before‐After Control‐Impact (BACI) experimental design was used to test interactive effects of the infrastructure upgrades on benthic communities.

While benthic assemblages were not significantly different from controls prior to the upgrade, improving the defensive capacity of the breakwater significantly changed community structure. Notably, most taxonomic groups showed higher cover at the control sites than at the impacted site post‐upgrade, with articulated calcareous algae (e.g. Corallina officinalis and Amphiroa anceps) showing an opposite trend.

Synthesis and applications. Ecological implications and structural limitations make regular upgrading of existing infrastructure unsuitable as a long‐term management strategy. More sustainable alternatives need to be considered, such as decommissioning of structures and retreat from flood‐prone areas. This transition, however, will take time and requires a change of mindset and policies. Where upgrades are urgent, eco‐engineering techniques can mitigate impacts to habitats and associated taxa.
On mutualism, models, and masting: The effects of seed‐dispersing animals on the plants they disperse
Authors: Moore Christopher M. , Dittel Jacob W.
Published: August 2020

Species interactions are context dependent, in that their direction and magnitude can vary across ecological conditions. For seed dispersal interactions—especially interactions between plants and seed‐caching animals—the direction of the interactions is often obscured because of seed mortality inherent in seed handling and the delayed effects of fitness benefits received by plants. It is, therefore, an open question in ecology to understand the ecological contexts under which seed dispersal interactions are facilitative, antagonistic or null.

We review the fitness benefits of animal‐mediated seed dispersal, extend a recently published model to include negative density‐dependent effects, and review the feedback between seed production (with a focus on masting) and seed‐caching animal populations.

Negative density‐dependent effects are pervasive and strongly affect the direction of plant‐seed‐disperser interactions, and including them into models will give a more accurate understanding of the direction of the interaction. Including negative density‐dependent effects also makes the interpretation of interaction more mutualistic since seed dispersers decrease seed densities. Additionally, there is substantial interannual variability in seed production in most nut‐producing plant species, and the lags between seed production and seed‐disperser population sizes complicate and limit inferences made about the direction of interactions in any given short‐term study.

Synthesis. If we wish to know the direction of species interactions in real ecological communities, we need models that contain a minimum level of biological realism. For complex and long‐term phenomena such as context‐dependent species interactions we should embrace a multifaceted approach of short‐term field research, long‐term field research, simple models, and complex models to form a more robust understanding of the ecological problem of context dependency.
First description of betalains biosynthesis in an aquatic organism: characterization of 4,5‐DOPA‐extradiol‐dioxygenase activity in the cyanobacteria Anabaena cylindrica
Authors: Guerrero‐Rubio María Alejandra , García‐Carmona Francisco , Gandía‐Herrero Fernando
Published: August 2020

The biosynthesis of betalamic acid, the structural unit of pigments betalains, is performed by enzymes with 4,5‐DOPA‐extradiol‐dioxygenase activity. These enzymes were believed to be limited to plants of the order Caryophyllales and to some fungi. However, the discovery of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus as the first betalain‐forming bacterium opened a new field in the search for novel biological systems able to produce betalains. This paper describes molecular and functional characterization of a novel dioxygenase enzyme from the aquatic cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica. The enzyme was found to be a homodimer of a polypeptide of 17.8 kDa that, opposite to previous related enzymes, showed a strong inhibition by excess of the precursor L‐DOPA. However, its heterologous expression has allowed detecting the formation of the main compounds in the biosynthetic pathway of betalains. In addition, phylogenetic analysis has shown that this enzyme is not close related to enzymes from plants, fungi or proteobacteria such as G. diazotrophicus. The presence of enzymes that produce these health‐promoting compounds is more diverse than expected. The discovery of this novel dioxygenase in the phylum cyanobacteria expands the presence of betalamic acid‐forming enzymes in organisms of different nature with no apparent relationship among them.
Clinical Course and Factors Associated With Hospitalization and Critical Illness Among COVID‐19 Patients in Chicago, Illinois
Authors: Gottlieb Michael , Sansom Sarah , Frankenberger Casey , Ward Edward , Hota Bala
Published: August 2020

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 is a global pandemic associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, information from United States cohorts is limited. Understanding predictors of admission and critical illness in these patients is essential to guide prevention and risk stratification strategies.

Methods

This was a retrospective, registry‐based cohort study including all patients presenting to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, with COVID‐19 from March 4, 2020 to June 21, 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were obtained from the registry and compared between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients as well as those with critical illness. We used logistic regression modeling to explore risk factors associated with hospitalization and critical illness.

Results

A total of 8,673 COVID‐19 patients were included in the study, of whom 1,483 (17.1%) were admitted to the hospital and 528 (6.1%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Risk factors for hospital admission included advanced age, male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44 to 1.98), Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.92), hypertension (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.46 to 2.16), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.53 to 2.22), prior CVA (OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.99 to 5.14), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.06), heart failure (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.23 to 2.61), chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.77 to 3.83), end‐stage renal disease (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.12 to 4.41), cirrhosis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.42 to 2.91), fever (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.19 to 1.71), and dyspnea (OR = 4.53, 95% CI = 3.75 to 5.47). Factors associated with critical illness included male sex (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.88), congestive heart failure (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.00 to 2.12), obstructive sleep apnea (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.33), blood‐borne cancer (OR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.26 to 9.86), leukocytosis (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.17), elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.20 to 2.17), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.39 to 2.32), elevated AST (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.20 to 2.29), elevated lactate (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.40 to 2.73), elevated D‐Dimer (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.97), and elevated troponin (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 2.03 to 6.57).

Conclusion

There are a number of factors associated with hospitalization and critical illness. Clinicians should consider these factors when evaluating patients with COVID‐19.
Clinical features and outcomes of endovascular treatment of latent pseudoaneurysmal bleeding after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Hwang Kyungyeon , Lee Jae Hoon , Hwang Dae Wook , Song Ki Byung , Kwon Jaewoo , Gwon Dong Il , Shin Ji Hoon , Kim Song Cheol
Published: August 2020

Background

The endovascular treatment is the first‐line therapy for late massive arterial haemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of patients who experienced pseudoaneurysm (PA) bleeding after PD and treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and stent‐graft placement (SGP).

Methods

A total of 37 patients (TAE = 16, stent graft = 16, both = 5) had an endovascular treatment due to hepatic artery PA bleeding after PD at our institution from January 2008 to December 2018.

Results

There were 35 men and two women with a mean age of 62 years (range 45–82 years). The latency of bleeding ranged from postoperative days 3 to 46 (median day 21). The most common site of bleeding was gastroduodenal artery stump (n = 22). In TAE group (n = 16), the technical success rate was 100% and the clinical success rate was 87.5%. In SGP group (n = 16), the technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 93.8%. Five patients underwent SGP and TAE simultaneously; TAE was performed to prevent endoleak. A total of three patients experienced hepatic ischaemia (TAE = 2, SGP = 1). However, there was no statistically significant difference of hepatic ischaemia occurrence between the two groups P = 0.55).

Conclusions

In patients with suspected PA, urgent angiography should be considered immediately for diagnosis and treatment. The SGP can be performed first if it is technically feasible. However, TAE is also a safe and effective treatment in patients with intact portal flow, as well as those with preserved collateral pathways after hepatobiliary surgery.
Occupational allergy to phytase: case series of eight production workers exposed to animal feed additives
Authors: Kuske Marvin , Berndt Katja , Spornraft‐Ragaller Petra , Neumeister Volker , Raulf Monika , Sander Ingrid , Koschel Dirk , Bickhardt Jakob , Beissert Stefan , Bauer Andrea
Published: August 2020

Background

In agricultural meat production, adding enzymes such as phytase to animal feed is widespread, but there is little awareness of the allergenic potential and health risks of these fungal enzymes.

Patients and Methods

We report on eight patients working in a plant producing phytase granulates. All patients complained about work‐related rhinitis occurring within six months of the onset of exposure to phytase dust. Asthmatic symptoms and contact urticaria also occurred. To detect sensitizations to phytase, skin prick‐, patch‐, and basophil activation test were carried out with the factory product. Levels of IgE and IgG against phytase were also measured.

Results

There was a positive reaction to phytase with skin prick testing in seven of the eight patients. IgE specific to phytase was detectable in four of the eight patients, and IgG specific to phytase was detectable in six of the eight patients. The basophil activation test was positive in four out of seven patients tested, but the patch test was negative in all patients tested. Transfer to a different workplace with no exposure to phytase completely eliminated the symptoms.

Conclusions

Mold enzymes such as phytase are highly potent occupational allergens. Occupational safety measures must be strictly implemented in order to protect the health of workers.
The rise of market power and Ramsey‐optimal policy implications
Authors: Kiarsi Mehrab
Published: August 2020

De Loecker, Eeckhout, and Unger document that since 1980 aggregate markups in the U.S. economy have significantly increased from 21% above cost to 61% now. In light of this evidence, this paper revisits optimal fiscal and monetary policy recommendations of standard New Keynesian models and shows that under empirically relevant calibrations of market power they radically change: the optimal inflation rate becomes significantly positive and its optimal volatility sharply rises. Moreover, inflation behaves like a random walk in response to unexpected fiscal shocks. Thus, price stability ceases to be the optimal policy outcome.
Continuing education activities improve dentists’ self‐efficacy to manage oral mucosal lesions and oral cancer
Authors: Braun Liliana W. , Martins Marco A. T. , Romanini Juliana , Rados Pantelis V , Martins Manoela D. , Carrard Vinicius C.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This cross‐sectional study aims to evaluate whether Continuing Education Activities (CEA) influence dentists’ behaviour in relation to oral lesions. The secondary aim is to assess the association between dentists’ perception of learning adequacy and self‐efficacy for oral mucosal lesion management.

Methods

A self‐administered online questionnaire was conducted on dentists working at the public health system of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to perception of adequacy for oral diagnosis classes upon graduation, participation in oral cancer CEA and self‐efficacy in managing oral mucosal lesions.

Results

221 dentists from 91 municipalities answered the questionnaire. Most participants were female (71.5%) with a mean age of 38.3 years. Perception of learning as adequate during undergraduate coursework was associated with self‐efficacy to diagnose, biopsy, and treat oral mucosal lesions (P < .05, Chi‐squared test). However, 83.3% of dentists considered the time devoted to these topics prior to graduation insufficient. The frequency of oral lesion detection was related to self‐efficacy to treat oral lesions and detecting oral cancer (P < .05, Chi‐squared test). Among dentists who detected oral lesions frequently, 88.9% had attended CEA, whereas 11.1% of them had never attended these activities.

Conclusions

CEA may improve awareness and efficacy of primary healthcare professional's detection of oral cancer.
Impacts of ENERGY STAR Appliances on U.S. Multifamily Rents
Authors: Hopkins Erin A. , Carswell Andrew T. , Love Kim R.
Published: August 2020

Implementation of ENERGY STAR appliances can be a significant source of energy efficiency within the multifamily rental industry. While there are many positive environmental outcomes by reducing energy consumption, there are also potential positive financial outcomes including lower operating costs, increased asset valuation, and higher rent potential. This study, through a rental hedonic estimation using the American Housing Survey (AHS) dataset, examines the rent impacts of ENERGY STAR appliances in multifamily rental units in the United States. The results suggest that there is a 1.6% average rent premium per ENERGY STAR product included in a rental unit. Knowing that these types of ENERGY STAR appliance changes may actually warrant rent increases could help improve the chances of changes taking place, but more research is needed with other datasets to further account for other rental unit features and location.
Latitudinal differences in early growth of largehead hairtail (Trichiurus japonicus) in relation to environmental variables
Authors: Sun Peng , Chen Qi , Fu Caihong , Xu Yi , Sun Runlong , Li Jianchao , Yu Haiqing , Zhang Chi , Liu Yang , Ye Zhenjiang , Tian Yongjun , Heino Mikko
Published: August 2020

Largehead hairtail (Trichiurus japonicus) in the China Seas shows an increasing catch trend, despite continued overexploitation, which could be attributed to improved recruitment as a result of strengthened early growth. To understand the early growth variability of largehead hairtail, we examined the linkages between early growth, as revealed by otolith microstructure, and the associated environmental variables over both spatial and temporal scales. Young‐of‐the‐Year largehead hairtail were collected from three regions in the Bohai, Yellow and East China Seas between 29° and 39° N. Daily increment widths of sagittal otoliths were measured and used as a proxy for somatic growth. We found two spawning cohorts, Spring‐ and Summer‐spawned cohorts, that showed latitudinal differences in both mean growth and growth pattern. The transition time from larval to juvenile stage was identified at around 40 days. Daily increment widths of two cohorts showed similar growth pattern in the first 40 days, while location had a marked effect on daily growth over 41–110 days. This suggests physiologically constrained growth pattern in larval stage, but more plastic growth subject to habitat‐specific influences in juvenile stage. The gradient forest analysis identified sea bottom temperature, vertical temperature gradient, and sea surface salinity, as the most important variables in determining early growth. Latitudinal differences in early growth pattern and their response to environmental variables suggest adaptive plasticity of early growth, which has notable implication for the management and sustainable utilization of this important but heavily exploited resource in the China Seas.