bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene palaeoenvironmental evolution in the SE Baltic region: a new approach based on chironomid, geochemical and isotopic data from Kamyshovoye Lake, Russia
Authors: Druzhinina Olga , Kublitskiy Yuriy , Stančikaitė Miglė , Nazarova Larisa , Syrykh Liudmila , Gedminienė Laura , Uogintas Domas , Skipityte Raminta , Arslanov Khikmatulla , Vaikutienė Giedrė , Kulkova Marianna , Subetto Dmitry
Published: July 2020

The Kamyshovoye Lake sedimentary record in the southeastern Baltic Sea region was studied to reconstruct climatic fluctuations and the abiotic responses to them during the Lateglacial and Early Holocene. New results from chironomid, isotopic, palaeomagnetic and geochemical data analyses were correlated with earlier evidence of lithological and palynological changes in the Kamyshovoye Lake record. The section of the record that was studied covered the interval between 15 200 and 6500 cal. a BP. Palaeoclimatic reconstructions showed that during the Younger Dryas there was a two‐step decrease in the mean July temperature. The temperature dropped by 3 °C in the period from ̃12 650 to 12 300 cal. a BP, and then it dropped by another 0.5 °C to a minimum of 11.5 °C at 11 900 cal. a BP. During the Younger Dryas–Holocene transition, a temperature increase of 3 °C can be seen over a period of several centuries, inferred from the chironomid data. Further, the temperature curve showed that significant fluctuations continued until ̃9500 cal. a BP. During the coolings, the average July temperature dropped to values that were typical for the Younger Dryas, while values characteristic for the Allerød were only reached at around 9700 cal. a BP. After 9500 cal. a BP, a more stable, gradual increase in temperature was recorded. The short‐term Early Holocene climatic oscillations are clearly traced in the Kamyshovoye sequence, although the responses of the natural components are sometimes asynchronous. In the case of the Kamyshovoye study, the geochemical data seem to be a sensitive indicator of the climatic and environmental changes despite the absence of an evident response to the Holocene onset at ̃11 700 cal. a BP. Considerable changes in the geochemical pattern are recorded later, at ̃11 500 cal. a BP, coinciding with noticeable changes in the development of vegetation. The results obtained in this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how global climatic trends are manifested on a local scale.
Preservation of common soil phytoliths in the northern temperate region: a case study from northeast China
Authors: Liu Li‐Dan , Jie Dong‐Mei , Liu Hong‐Yan , Gao Gui‐Zai , Li De‐Hui , Li Nan‐Nan
Published: July 2020

We investigated the phytolith assemblage characteristics and preservation of soil phytoliths in nine soil types at 83 sites in northeast China. The results indicate that the phytolith assemblages from the nine soils are similar, particularly in terms of the content of the dominant short cell phytoliths, and elongate and lanceolate phytoliths. The phytolith indexes of aridity and water stress (Iph and Fs, respectively) have been proven to be effective in the temperate zone, and we find that values of Iph and Fs higher than 0.45 and 0.24, respectively, are characteristic of meadow steppe. However, there are differences in phytolith indexes amongst the different soil types. In addition, the preservation characteristics of phytoliths in different soil types are different, with phytolith preservation in zonal soils being better than in azonal soils. Morphotypes such as rondel, bilobate, lanceolate, blocky, tabular and bulliform are well preserved in the studied soils; however, other morphotypes, such as microhair, conical epidermal, silicified stomata and epidermal, are poorly preserved. Morphotypes such as saddle, trapeziform sinuate and elongate are moderately well preserved in the soils. The preservation characteristics of the same type of phytolith differ between the soil types. Thus, there are differences in the preservation of soil phytoliths amongst different soil types, which needs to be considered when soil phytoliths are used to produce quantitative palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Whispers, echoes, friends and fears: forms and functions of voice‐hearing in adolescence
Authors: Parry Sarah , Varese Filippo
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite the high prevalence of voice‐hearing in childhood, research with adolescents aged under 16 years is scarce. Theoretical connections between clinical and developmental conceptualizations of voice‐hearing are limited, resulting in missed opportunities to explore unusual sensory experiences with young people.

Methods

Demographic, contextual and qualitative data were collected through a web‐based survey with 68 adolescents (M = 14.91; SD = 2.77) from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and United States of America. A Foucauldian‐informed narrative analysis captured phenomenologically meaningful individual accounts and systemically informed narratives. Analytic layers attended specifically to the form and function of voices, including relational, protective, distressing and nuanced experiences, offering new insights into individual, systemic and cultural interpretative narratives surrounding voice‐hearing to inform research, policy and tailored support.

Results

The average self‐reported age of onset of voices was 9 years, 5 months. Reciprocal relationships with pleasant voices were evidenced through the narratives and characterization of voices, while distressing voices were described without reciprocity and the voices held greater power over the young person. Positive aspects of negative voices were discussed and are illustrated with a continuum matrix reflecting interpretation and related affect.

Conclusions

Voice‐hearing is a heterogeneous and often complex relational experience for young people, with structural inequalities, relational traumas and social isolation attributed causes of voice‐hearing. Developing personal meaning‐making mitigated voice‐related distress through contextualizing the origin of the voices in past experiences, without attribution to mental illness. Recommendations are proposed for assessment, formulation and relational interventions that recognize the potential impact of the voice–child–other relationship upon psychosocial functioning and wellbeing.
Childhood allergy is preceded by an absence of gut lactobacilli species and higher levels of atopy-related plasma chemokines
Authors: Björkander S , Carvalho-Queiroz C , Hallberg J , Persson J-O , Johansson M A , Nussbaum B , Jenmalm M C , Nilsson C , Sverremark-Ekström E
Published: July 2020

Alterations in the composition and reduced diversity of the infant microbiome are associated with allergic disease in children. Further, an altered microbiota is linked to immune dysregulation, including skewing of different T helper (Th) subsets, which is also seen in atopic individuals. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the associations between gut lactobacilli and Th-related plasma factors in allergy development during childhood. A total of 194 children with known allergy status at 1 year of age were followed to 10 years of age. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the presence of three lactobacilli species (Lactobacillus casei, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus) in infant fecal samples (collected between 1 week and 2 months of age) from a subgroup of children. Plasma chemokines and cytokines were quantified at 6 months and at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years of age with Luminex or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) was measured and spirometry performed at 10 years of age. The data were analysed by non-parametric testing and a logistic regression model adjusted for parental allergy. An absence of these lactobacilli and higher levels of the chemokines BCA-1/CXCL13, CCL17/TARC, MIP-3α/CCL20 and MDC/CCL22 in plasma at 6 months of age preceded allergy development. The presence of lactobacilli associated with lower levels of atopy-related chemokines during infancy, together with higher levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and lower FeNO during later childhood. The results indicate that the presence of certain lactobacilli species in the infant gut may influence allergy-related parameters in the peripheral immune system, and thereby contribute to allergy protection.
Relationships among host microbiota, parasite resistance or tolerance, and host fitness
Authors: Eleftheriou Andreas
Published: July 2020

Article impact statement: Parasite‐induced shifts in host microbiota that lead to parasite resistance or tolerance may have unintended consequences for host fitness.
Exploring the motives of Israeli Jews who were living kidney donors to strangers
Authors: Kurleto Paulina , Skorupska‐Król Agnieszka , Broniatowska Elżbieta , Bramstedt Katrina A.
Published: July 2020

Non‐directed living donors are individuals who donate a kidney to a recipient with whom they have neither a genetic nor emotional relationship. Israel legalized this type of donation in 2008. After this law was implemented, living donations significantly expanded. The aim of this article was to determine the motivations, characteristics, and perioperative experiences of non‐directed living donors in Israel. Three online questionnaires (own questionnaire, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES), Rushton Self‐Report Altruism Scale) were distributed to 180 Jewish kidney donors with the help of Matnat Chaim organization. One hundred and fifteen responses were received (69.3% response rate). The motivation for most donors (60%) was a strong willingness to help and a desire to do good. The majority of donors (78.3%) reported their health status as unchanged after donation; however, 16.5% experienced clinical problems (eg, wound infection, more pain than expected), and 5.2% experienced psychological complications. About 18% reported their health to improve after donation. Most (80%) inspired someone else to also become a kidney donor. This study breaks the myth that Jews do not support organ donation. In fact, their high level of altruism and their positive experience with donation has propelled the practice of non‐directed donation in Israel.
Nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression in scars
Authors: Goto Keisuke , Ishikawa Misawo , Aizawa Daisuke , Muramatsu Koji , Naka Miho , Sugino Takashi
Published: July 2020

Background

Histopathologically, scars can mimic superficial fibromatoses. Superficial fibromatoses are known to show nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression, although the tumor types do not harbor CTNNB1 or APC alterations. This study aimed to evaluate nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression in scars compared to that in superficial fibromatoses.

Methods

Immunostaining with an anti‐β‐catenin antibody, clone 14, was performed on 8 superficial fibromatoses and 22 scars. The extent of β‐catenin nuclear staining was classified as negative (<10%), focally positive (10‐49%), or diffusely positive (50‐100%). β‐catenin staining intensity was semi‐quantitatively graded as weak, moderate, or strong.

Results

In 21 (95%) scars, nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression was detected in fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, with mainly diffuse (16/21) and moderate (14/21) to strong (5/21) staining. In contrast, seven (88%) of the eight superficial fibromatoses expressed β‐catenin in the nuclei of the lesional spindle cells, at varying levels of staining intensity. Fibroblasts in normal papillary dermis always showed nuclear β‐catenin expression to varying degrees but those in the reticular dermis did not.

Conclusions

Scars typically exhibit nuclear β‐catenin expression similar to that in superficial fibromatoses. Thus, β‐catenin immunohistochemistry is not suitable for distinguishing superficial fibromatoses from scars.
Hypoxia‐inducible factors in arteriovenous fistula maturation: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Eroglu Eray , Kocyiğit Ismail , Karakukcu Cigdem , Tuncay Aydin , Zararsiz Gokmen , Eren Davut , Kahriman Guven , Hayri Sipahioglu Murat , Tokgoz Bulent , Tasdemir Kutay , Oymak Oktay
Published: July 2020

Background

Neointimal hyperplasia is the main cause of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) factors are associated with neointimal hyperplasia. Thus, we investigated the association between HIF‐2 alpha (HIF‐2α) and AVF maturation in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted in 21 voluntary healthy subjects and 50 patients with ESKD who were eligible for AVF creation. Inclusion criteria were being ESKD patients without a history of AVF surgery and dialysis. Eight patients excluded from the study due to having unavailable veins six patients were excluded due to acute thrombosis after surgery. One patient lost to follow‐up. A total of 35 patients were included in final analysis. The blood samples were collected a day before the AVF surgery for biochemical parameters and HIF‐2α measurement. HIF‐2α levels were measured by the ELISA method.

Results

Compared with healthy subjects, ESKD patients had a significantly higher level of HIF‐2α. [1.3 (1.0‐1.9) vs 2.2 (1.6‐3.0)] (P = .002). Patients were divided into two groups after the evaluation of AVF maturation, as the mature group (n = 19) and the failure group (n = 16). Serum HIF‐2α level was 1.7 (1.1‐1.8) in the mature group; however, it was 3.1 (2.8‐3.3 in failure group (P < .001). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that HIF‐2α independently predicted AVF maturation. The ROC curve analysis showed that HIF‐2α > 2.65 predicted AVF maturation failure with the 87% sensitivity and 94% specificity [AUC:0.947, 95% CI (0.815‐0.994), P < .001].

Conclusions

HIF‐2‐α levels were higher in ESKD patients than healthy subjects. HIF‐2‐α could be a marker of AVF maturation failure.
A zebrafish model of tuberculosis comorbidity and the effects of HIF‐activating intervention
Authors: Oehlers Stefan H. , Hortle Elinor , Cook Kristina M.
Published: July 2020

Comorbidities are an important factor in tuberculosis pathophysiology and treatment but are understudied in animal models. Schild et al. present a zebrafish model of Mycobacterium marinum infection and wound comorbidity that retains responsiveness to protective hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α activation as an example of a host‐directed therapy. This platform is a new paradigm for the zebrafish–M. marinum infection model and provides a blueprint to test therapeutic interventions on infection and comorbid pathologies.

Comment on: https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.15433
Ecological forecasts to inform near‐term management of threats to biodiversity
Authors: Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Hagger Valerie , Greenville Aaron C.
Published: July 2020

Ecosystems are being altered by rapid and interacting changes in natural processes and anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Uncertainty in historical, current and future effectiveness of actions hampers decisions about how to mitigate changes to prevent biodiversity loss and species extinctions. Research in resource management, agriculture and health indicates that forecasts predicting the effects of near‐term or seasonal environmental conditions on management greatly improve outcomes. Such forecasts help resolve uncertainties about when and how to operationalize management. We reviewed the scientific literature on environmental management to investigate whether near‐term forecasts are developed to inform biodiversity decisions in Australia, a nation with one of the highest recent extinction rates across the globe. We found that forecasts focused on economic objectives (e.g. fisheries management) predict on significantly shorter timelines and answer a broader range of management questions than forecasts focused on biodiversity conservation. We then evaluated scientific literature on the effectiveness of 484 actions to manage seven major terrestrial threats in Australia, to identify opportunities for near‐term forecasts to inform operational conservation decisions. Depending on the action, between 30% and 80% threat management operations experienced near‐term weather impacts on outcomes before, during or after management. Disease control, species translocation/reintroduction and habitat restoration actions were most frequently impacted, and negative impacts such as increased species mortality and reduced recruitment were more likely than positive impacts. Drought or dry conditions, and rainfall, were the most frequently reported weather impacts, indicating that near‐term forecasts predicting the effects of low or excessive rainfall on management outcomes are likely to have the greatest benefits. Across the world, many regions are, like Australia, becoming warmer and drier, or experiencing more extreme rainfall events. Informing conservation decisions with near‐term and seasonal ecological forecasting will be critical to harness uncertainties and lower the risk of threat management failure under global change.
Nitrous oxide fluxes over establishing biofuel crops: Characterization of temporal variability using the cross‐wavelet analysis
Authors: Zeri Marcelo , Yang Wendy H. , Cunha‐Zeri Gisleine , Gibson Christy D. , Bernacchi Carl J.
Published: July 2020

Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) over croplands are a major source of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The precise accounting of sources of N2O is essential to national and global budgets, as well as the understanding of the spatial and temporal relationships with environmental variables such as rainfall, air and soil temperature, and soil moisture. The objective of this work was to investigate the temporal correlations of N2O fluxes with soil and air temperatures, as well as soil moisture. N2O fluxes were measured over four biofuel crops in Central Illinois during their establishment phase. Measurements were carried out from 2009 to 2011 using a trace gas analyzer (TGA) with tunable laser technology. Measurements of concentrations of N2O and CO2 were taken at the center of four plots of maize/soybean rotation, miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and a mixture of native prairie plants. Cumulative fluxes indicate an average emission of nitrogen via N2O fluxes on the order of 1.5 kg N ha−1 year−1, in agreement with chamber measurements previously reported for the site. N2O fluxes were associated with peaks in soil and air temperature, and soil moisture, particularly during spring and winter thaws. Cross‐wavelet analysis was used to investigate the correlation between N2O fluxes and those variables. Results indicate that N2O fluxes and meteorological variables have significant covariance in time scales ranging from 4 to 32 days. In addition, temporal delays of 1–8 days were found in those relationships. Cross‐wavelet patterns were similar when relating N2O fluxes with soil temperature, air temperature and soil moisture. The temporal patterns of fluxes and environmental variables reported here support the modeling of emissions and highlight the importance of considering the timing of fluxes in relation to trends in meteorological variables.
Mouse double minute 2 amplification in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with better outcome
Authors: Jiang Dongxian , Chen Lingli , Huang Jie , Wang Hao , Song Qi , Shi Peng , Wang Haixing , Hou Yingyong
Published: July 2020

Aims

This study aimed to determine the frequency of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) amplification in oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and to clarify its prognostic significance.

Methods and results

We investigated MDM2 amplification on tissue microarrays using fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and analysed its correlations with clinicopathological features and outcomes in 515 Chinese ESCC patients. MDM2 amplifications were found in 37 of 515 ESCC patients (7.2%). They were significantly negatively correlated with tumour size (P = 0.045), disease progression (P = 0.002) and death (P = 0.003). Univariate analysis showed that the following clinicopathological factors were associated with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS): differentiation (P = 0.025 for DFS and P = 0.061 for OS), vessel invasion (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002), nerve invasion (P = 0.009 and P = 0.001), clinical stage (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) and MDM2 amplification (P = 0.012 and P = 0.014). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that MDM2 amplification was an independent prognostic factor for improved outcomes (P = 0.023 for DFS, P = 0.027 for OS) and the clinical stage was an independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes (P < 0.001). When survival analyses were conducted at different clinical stages, MDM2 amplification was associated with longer DFS and OS in stages I–II ESCC (P = 0.003 for DFS and P = 0.003 for OS), but there was no significant survival difference in stages III–IVa ESCC.

Conclusions

MDM2 amplification was significantly correlated with an improved patient outcome, especially in stage I and II disease, and was verified as an independent prognostic factor in our patients. Therefore, MDM2 amplification may be a potential biomarker for risk stratification of the lower stages of ESCC.
Effects of catechins on the polymerisation behaviour, conformation and viscoelasticity of wheat gluten
Authors: Pan Junxian , Zhang Haihua , Liu Jun , Jiang Yulan , Lv Yangjun , Han Jianzhong
Published: July 2020

The effects of catechins on the structural properties of wheat gluten were investigated in terms of their polymerisation behaviour, conformation and viscoelasticity. Depolymerisation of glutenin macropolymers was analysed by size‐exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography (SE‐HPLC) of gluten with catechins, revealing major variation in sulfhydryl (SH) content. Compared with controls, the SH content of catechin‐enhanced gluten was significantly increased due to breakage of disulphide (SS) bonds. Reversed‐phase HPLC revealed that catechins had minimal effect on subunit distribution of gliadin and glutenin. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that catechins induced the transformation of α‐helices to β‐sheets, β‐turns and antiparallel β‐sheets. Rearrangement of secondary structure when supplemented with catechins might be a consequence of altered non‐covalent interactions. Catechins increased tan δ, indicating enhanced gluten fluid properties. These results imply that catechins might weaken the network structure of gluten and change the rheological properties by inhibiting SS cross‐linkage formation and influencing non‐covalent bonds.
Some rainbow problems in graphs have complexity equivalent to satisfiability problems
Authors: Hudry Olivier , Lobstein Antoine
Published: July 2020

In a vertex‐colored graph, a set of vertices  is said to be a rainbow set if every color in the graph appears exactly once in . We investigate the complexities of various problems dealing with domination in vertex‐colored graphs (existence of rainbow dominating sets, of rainbow locating‐dominating sets, and of rainbow identifying sets), including when we ask for a unique solution: we show equivalence between these complexities and those of the well‐studied Boolean satisfiability problems.
In situ reaction and solid solution induced hardening in (Ti,Zr)B2‐(Zr,Ti)C composites
Authors: Huo Sijia , Wang Yujin , Kong Qingyi , Chen Lei , Yao Mianyi , Gu Hui , Ouyang Jiahu , Fu Yudong , Zhou Yu
Published: July 2020

(Ti,Zr)B2‐(Zr,Ti)C ceramics were synthesized by reactive hot‐pressing and solid solution coupling effect using ZrB2 and TiC powders as starting materials. Effects of sintering temperature on phase relations, microstructure and mechanical properties were reported. The equimolar ZrB2 and TiC reactants ensured a complete in situ reaction to form (Ti,Zr)B2 and (Zr,Ti)C solid solutions. The (Ti,Zr)B2‐(Zr,Ti)C composite sintered at 1750°C was fully densified, and exhibited a high hardness of 29.1 GPa due to fine‐grain hardening and solid solution hardening. The optimized comprehensive mechanical properties such as a hardness of 27.9 GPa, a strength of 705 MPa and an indentation fracture toughness of 5.3 MPa m1/2 were achieved in (Ti,Zr)B2‐(Zr,Ti)C composites sintered at 1800°C for 1 hour.
Comparative in silico design and validation of GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test
Authors: Martínez-Murcia A. , Bru G. , Navarro A. , Ros-Tárraga P. , García-Sirera A. , Pérez L.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Providing a ready-to-use reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) method fully validated to detect the SARS-CoV-2 with a higher exclusivity than this shown by early published RT-qPCR designs.

Methods and Results

The specificity of the GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test by analysis of sequence alignments was approached and compared with other RT-qPCR designs. The GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test was validated following criteria of UNE/EN ISO 17025:2005 and ISO/IEC 15189:2012. Diagnostic validation was achieved by two independent reference laboratories, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, (Madrid, Spain), the Public Health England (Colindale, London, UK), and received the label CE-IVD. The GPS design showed the highest exclusivity and passed all parameters of validation with strict acceptance criteria. Results from reference laboratories 100% correlated with these obtained by using reference methods and showed 100% of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

The CE-IVD GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test, available worldwide with full analytical and diagnostic validation, is the more exclusive for SARS-CoV-2 by far.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Considering the CoVID-19 pandemic status, the exclusivity of RT-qPCR tests is crucial to avoid false positives due to related coronaviruses. This work provides of a highly specific and validated RT-qPCR method for detection of SARS-CoV-2, which represents a case of efficient transfer of technology successfully used since the pandemic was declared.
Feasibility and needs for simultaneous or staged bone augmentation to place prosthetically guided dental implants after extraction or exfoliation of first molars due to severe periodontitis
Authors: Fok Melissa Rachel , Pelekos George , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess bone volumes, healed ridge topography and possibility to plan prosthetically guided implants (PGI) at least 6 months after extraction or exfoliation of first molars as a consequence of terminal periodontitis (EEFMP).

Materials and Methods

45 subjects with stage III‐IV periodontitis providing 74 extraction sites (maxillary = 51 and mandibular = 23) were included. The degree of residual periodontal support on each root was assessed by combining periodontal and radiographic data. Digital planning of PGI with 4.8/4.1 mm diameter, 8 mm long, root‐form dental implant and need for bone augmentation (BA) were performed using CBCT with a radiographic stent. Possibility of standard implant placement (STANDARD) and need for simultaneous or staged BA were assessed.

Results

Planning PGI placement was possible in all cases. For a 4.8 mm diameter implant, STANDARD was possible in 37.8% of the sites, 33.8% required BA at the time of implant placement, and 28.4% required staged BA before PGI. The use of 4.1 mm rather than 4.8 mm diameter implant allowed STANDARD in an additional 8.1% of cases that originally required simultaneous BA/osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE). The level of periodontal bone loss did not predict the complexity of implant placement, but significant differences were observed comparing maxillary with mandibular sites.

Conclusion

PGI planning at sites with first molar loss due to terminal periodontitis is possible but poses great challenge to rehabilitation, often requiring advanced augmentation procedures and sinus augmentation.
‘Well, if I don't show up and go through with the fertility treatment, I won't have a baby’; Patient involvement in clinical practice: Option or condition?
Authors: Seibæk Lene , Handberg Charlotte , Beedholm Kirsten
Published: July 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Worldwide, the concept of patient involvement has a growing impact on health care. Involvement in care represents a benefit to many patients, but while being involved is inevitable for the patient, we assume that getting involved is not in all cases obtainable. On this background, we aimed to investigate patients' perceptions and experiences concerning their treatment and care in a clinical fertility treatment setting, and discuss how these may influence their possibilities for involvement in care.

Method

Based on findings from focus‐group interviews with women undergoing fertility treatment, we have dealt with two aspects that impact the patients' possibilities for getting involved in their care: Imbalanced power relations in clinical settings, and patients' experiences of their physical vulnerability. Framed by phenomenological‐hermeneutic text interpretation theory key condensations were analysed and critically discussed.

Results

We found that (a) to the individual patient it did not represent a free choice to seek and undergo treatment; (b) patients experienced substantial dependency, vulnerability, and anxiety during their clinical pathway.

Conclusion

We conclude that it is essential to integrate also the influence of the clinical setting and the bodily aspects of care in the understanding of patient involvement in clinical practice.
Physicians' and Public Attitudes Toward Euthanasia in People with Advanced Dementia
Authors: Brinkman‐Stoppelenburg Arianne , Evenblij Kirsten , Pasman H. Roeline W. , van Delden Johannes J.M. , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen Bregje D. , van der Heide Agnes
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To explore the opinion of the Dutch general public and of physicians regarding euthanasia in patients with advanced dementia.

DESIGN

A cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING

The Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

Random samples of 1,965 citizens (response = 1,965/2,641 [75%]) and 1,147 physicians (response = 1,147/2,232 [51%]).

MEASUREMENTS

The general public was asked to what extent they agreed with the statement “I think that people with dementia should be eligible for euthanasia, even if they no longer understand what is happening (if they have previously asked for it).” Physicians were asked whether they were of the opinion that performing euthanasia is conceivable in patients with advanced dementia, on the basis of a written advance directive, in the absence of severe comorbidities. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the acceptance of euthanasia.

RESULTS

A total of 60% of the general public agreed that people with advanced dementia should be eligible for euthanasia. Factors associated with a positive attitude toward euthanasia were being female, age between 40 and 69 years, and higher educational level. Considering religion important was associated with lower acceptance. The percentage of physicians who considered it acceptable to perform euthanasia in people with advanced dementia was 24% for general practitioners, 23% for clinical specialists, and 8% for nursing home physicians. Having ever performed euthanasia before was positively associated with physicians considering euthanasia conceivable. Being female, having religious beliefs, and being a nursing home physician were negatively associated with regarding performing euthanasia as conceivable.

CONCLUSION

There is a discrepancy between public acceptance of euthanasia in patients with advanced dementia and physicians' conceivability of performing euthanasia in these patients. This discrepancy may cause tensions in daily practice because patients' and families' expectations may not be met. It urges patients, families, and physicians to discuss mutual expectations in these complex situations in a comprehensive and timely manner. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2319–2328, 2020.
Temporal contiguity and ageing: The role of memory organization in cognitive decline
Authors: Talamonti Deborah , Koscik Rebecca , Johnson Sterling , Bruno Davide
Published: July 2020

The temporal contiguity effect is the tendency to form associations between items presented in nearby study positions. In the present study, we explored whether temporal contiguity predicted conversion to cognitively unimpaired‐declining (CUD) status from a baseline of unimpaired older adults. Data from 419 participants were drawn from the Wisconsin Registry of Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) data set and analysed with binary logistic regressions. Temporal contiguity was calculated using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Other predictors included age, years of education, sex, APOE‐ε4 status, and other measures of memory recall. Lower temporal contiguity predicted conversion to CUD after accounting for covariates. These findings support the hypothesis that temporal organization in memory is related to cognitive decline and suggest that temporal contiguity may be used for studies of early detection.
A topical naltrexone formulation for surgical wound healing: A case report
Authors: Dunn Jack , Liu Yi , Banov Fabiana , Denison Sebastian , Banov Daniel
Published: July 2020

Background

In current guidelines, there is no specific therapeutic recommendation for promoting surgical wound healing. Proper postsurgical wound care regimen can speed up wound healing and prevent abnormal scarring.

Aims

The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a compounded topical formulation containing naltrexone in managing surgical wound in a patient after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).

Patients/Methods

A patient started to apply the topical naltrexone formulation two days after the MMS on his hand. Images of the wound and a Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Results

The wound completely healed, and the hand function was fully recovered following application of the formulation for 2 weeks. No abnormal scarring was formed, and the scar was only slightly noticeable after 2 months.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrated the effectiveness of the topical naltrexone formulation in surgical wound management.
Long‐term effectiveness of lycopene in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF): A 3‐years follow‐up study
Authors: Arakeri Gururaj , Patil Shankargouda , Maddur Nagaraj , Rao US Vishal , Subash Anand , Patil Shekar , Gao Shan , Brennan Peter A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Long‐term follow‐ups after receiving lycopene therapy for management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) are scarce. The study aimed to assess the long‐term efficacy of lycopene for management of OSMF symptoms.

Methods

In this prospective clinical study, 400 clinically diagnosed early OSMF patients were assessed for the efficacy of lycopene in alleviation of burning sensation (BS) and reduced mouth opening (MO) symptoms in comparison to placebo. After 1‐year follow‐up, group A (lycopene group) was divided equally into group A1 and group A2. group A1 patients were retreated with lycopene and the A2 group was followed without retreatment. After 2‐year follow‐up, the Group A2 patients were advised retreatment but not followed as most of the patient did not agree for follow‐up. However, group A1 patients were continued to follow‐up every 6 months for a total three years. Statistical analysis was by independent sample t‐test and P‐value <.05 were considered as significant.

Results

A statistically significant difference (P < .05) in BS and MO was found between group A and B with lycopene showing better results. At one‐year follow‐up, a statistically significant recurrence in the symptoms was found (P < .05) in the lycopene group (group A). After the second intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the improvement of symptoms between the group A1 and A2 at 6 months and 1 year (P < .05) with group A1 (retreatment) showing better results.

Conclusions

Treatment with lycopene led to improvement in the symptoms of OSMF in the present study. The results highlight the importance of retreatment of lycopene for its long‐term effect on alleviation the symptoms of OSMF.
Endo‐allopolyploidy of autopolyploids and recurrent hybridization—A possible mechanism to explain the unresolved Y‐genome donor in polyploidElymusspecies (Triticeae: Poaceae)
Authors: Liu Quan‐Lan , Liu Lu , Ge Song , Fu Li‐Ping , Bai Shi‐Qie , Lv Xin , Wang Qian‐Kun , Chen Wang , Wang Fan‐Ye , Wang Li‐Hong , Yan Xue‐Bing , Lu Bao‐Rong
Published: July 2020

The genusElymusL. in the tribe Triticeae (Poaceae) includes economically and ecologically important forage grasses. The genus contains the pivotal St genome fromPseudoroegneriain combination with other genomes in the tribe. ManyElymusspecies are tetraploids containing the StY genomes. It is thought that polyploidization characterizes the speciation of the genus in which the Y is considered as another key genome. Based on data from cytological, genomein situhybridization, and molecular studies, we hypothesized an endo‐allopolyploidy origin of the StY‐genome species from the autotetraploidPseudoroegneriaspecies. To test this hypothesis, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced five single‐copy nuclear genes (i.e., alcohol dehydrogenase 1–3,Adh1–Adh3, RNA polymerase II,Rpb2; andWaxy) fromElymus, Pseudoroegneria, andHordeumspecies. The phylogenetic trees constructed based on the sequencing analyses of all genes indicated that diploid and autotetraploidPseudoroegneriaspecies were closely related, although with considerable genetic variation in tetraploids. In addition, the StY‐genomeElymusspecies tended to have a close relationship with the diploid and autotetraploidPseudoroegneriaspecies, although different phylogenetic relationships among the gene trees were detected. These results indicated that the StY‐genome species may have an autotetraploid origin and experienced recurrent hybridization. The complex St genomes inPseudoroegneriain the polyploid state may gain more opportunities for within‐species differentiation and recurrent hybridization. As a result, series modified versions of St genomes evolved into the StY genomes in someElymusspecies.
Gen‐morph species concept—A new and integrative species concept for outbreeding organisms
Authors: Hong De‐Yuan
Published: July 2020

The present article briefly reviewed the prevailing species concepts, especially biological, genetic, evolutionary, phylogenetic, ecological, and several taxonomic species concepts. The former five reflect the properties of species from diverse aspects and in different degrees, while taxonomic species concepts all contain more or less subjective elements, except for Hedberg's taxonomic method (not species concept). So far, there is no species concept that is both theoretically rational and practically operable. The present article outlined recent studies on the genus Paeonia L. (Paeoniaceae) in biology, particularly in morphology, biogeography, molecular phylogeny, and reproductive behavior, which provided insight into the relationship between variation of morphological characteristics and phylogeny. Taking the study on Paeonia L. as a case, referring to studies on some other plant groups, and incorporating the merits of the prevailing species concepts into our consideration, “gen‐morph species concept” is proposed here formally as new for outbreeding organisms. The new species concept has three special features: (i) a bridge linking morphological aspect with genetic and other aspects of species; (ii) proposal of a concrete morphological criterion for species definition, and (iii) considering quantitative and qualitative characteristics as equally valuable for species definition and introducing statistics into the concept to handle such characteristics. Therefore, the gen‐morph species concept is an integrative species concept, both theoretically objective and practically operable.
Animal‐mediated long‐distance dispersals and migrations shaping the intercontinental disjunctions of Celastrus (Celastraceae) among five continents
Authors: Zhu Yi‐Xuan , Lei Feng‐Wei , Tong Ling , Mu Xian‐Yun , Wen Jun , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang
Published: July 2020

The mechanisms underlying the origin, evolution, and distributional patterns of organisms are a major focus of biogeography. Vicariance and long‐distance dispersal (LDD) are two important explanations for disjunctive distribution patterns among lineages. In‐depth biogeographic studies of taxa that exhibit wide‐ranging disjunctions can provide valuable information for addressing the relative importance of these biogeographic mechanisms. The genus Celastrus contains ca. 30 species that are disjunctly distributed in five continents of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, providing an excellent system for historical biogeographic analyses. Here, we used sequence data from five markers (nuclear external transcribed spacer and internal transcribed spacer, and plastid psbA‐trnH, rpl16, and trnL‐F) to reconstruct the phylogeny of Celastrus and investigate its phylogenetic relationships with Tripterygium, estimate clade divergence times using the fossil‐calibrated method, and infer its ancestral distribution range. Celastrus and Tripterygium were each supported as monophyletic. The morphology‐based classification systems were not supported by the phylogenetic results. The divergence time between Celastrus and Tripterygium was estimated to be 26.22 Ma (95% highest posterior density: 24.46–28.17 Ma), and the diversification of Celastrus were suggested to be linked to global warming events during the Miocene. Celastrus was suggested to have a tropical Asian origin, and dispersed to Central and South America, North America, Oceania, and Madagascar at different periods, most probably through LDD. Birds may have facilitated transoceanic migrations of Celastrus because of its bicolored fruits, which contain red and fleshy arils. Our results highlight the importance of key morphological innovations and animal‐mediated dispersals for the rapid diversification of plant lineages across vast distributional ranges.
The Upper Contact Unit of the Sudbury Igneous Complex in the Garson region: Constraints on the depth of origin of a peak ring at the Sudbury impact structure
Authors: Grieve Richard A. F. , Osinski Gordon R.
Published: July 2020

Observational and logical arguments are presented for the lithology formerly named the Garson Member of the Onaping Formation being the clast‐bearing, fine‐grained, chilled Upper Contact Unit (UCU) of the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) in the Garson region of the Sudbury impact structure. It differs considerably, however, from the UCU in the North Range of the SIC with respect to the character of its clasts. Namely, the clasts are essentially monomict (quartzites), much larger (up to 100 m across), and much more abundant (up to 80% in places). These differences indicate a different source than “fallback” material for the clasts in the UCU in the Garson region. Their character requires a “coherent,” singular source that was topographically above the SIC melt pool. Such a source would correspond to that of an emergent peak ring of fractured target rocks. The clasts are identified as Huronian Mississagi quartzite, which is estimated to have been at a nominal depth of 7.5 ± 2.5 km at the time of impact. This provides a constraint on the depth of origin of the peak ring. This depth estimate is closest to the lower depth estimate from current numerical models of Sudbury and the similar‐sized Chicxulub impact structures.
Positive selection and convergent evolution shape molecular phenotypic traits of innate immunity receptors in tits (Paridae)
Authors: Těšický Martin , Velová Hana , Novotný Marian , Kreisinger Jakub , Beneš Vladimír , Vinkler Michal
Published: July 2020

Despite widespread variability and redundancy abounding animal immunity, little is currently known about the rate of evolutionary convergence (functionally analogous traits not inherited from a common ancestor) in host molecular adaptations to parasite selective pressures. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) provide the molecular interface allowing hosts to recognize pathogenic structures and trigger early danger signals initiating an immune response. Using a novel combination of bioinformatic approaches, here we explore genetic variation in ligand‐binding regions of bacteria‐sensing TLR4 and TLR5 in 29 species belonging to the tit family of passerine birds (Aves: Paridae). Three out of the four consensual positively selected sites in TLR4 and six out of 14 positively selected positions in TLR5 were located on the receptor surface near the functionally important sites, and based on the phylogenetic pattern evolved in a convergent (parallel) manner. This type of evolution was also seen at one N‐glycosylation site and two positively selected phosphorylation sites, providing the first evidence of convergence in post‐translational modifications in evolutionary immunology. Finally, the overall mismatch between phylogeny and the clustering of surface charge distribution demonstrates that convergence is common in overall TLR4 and TLR5 molecular phenotypes involved in ligand binding. Our analysis did not reveal any broad ecological traits explaining the convergence observed in electrostatic potentials, suggesting that information on microbial symbionts may be needed to explain TLR evolution. Adopting state‐of‐the‐art predictive structural bionformatics, we have outlined a new broadly applicable methodological approach to estimate the functional significance of positively selected variation and test for the adaptive molecular convergence in protein‐coding polymorphisms.
Modeling and interpreting road geometry from a driver's perspective using variational autoencoders
Authors: Wang Fan , Chen Yuren , Wijnands Jasper S. , Guo Jingqiu
Published: July 2020

Quantitative description of perspective geometries is a challenging task due to the complexities of geometric shapes. In this paper, we address this gap by proposing a new methodology based on variational autoencoders (VAE) to derive low‐dimensional and exploitable parameters of the perspective road geometry. First, road perspective images were generated based on different alignment scenarios. Then, a VAE was built to create a regularized and exploitable latent space from the data. The latent space is a compressed representation of perspective geometry, from which six latent parameters were derived. Without prior expert knowledge, four of the latent parameters were found to represent distinctive attributes of the geometry, such as visual curvature, slope, sight distance, and curve direction. The latent parameters provided quantitative measurements of how the design scheme looks like in perspective view. It was found that a road with low accident rate has low values for codes 4 and 5, high values for code 3, and low variance for codes 3 and 6. The trained VAE model also ensured accurate generation of the perspective images by decoding the latent parameters. Overall, this research advances the understanding of road design by considering the driver's perception.
Genomic analyses reveal the genetic basis of early maturity and identification of loci and candidate genes in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Li Libei , Zhang Chi , Huang Jianqin , Liu Qibao , Wei Hengling , Wang Hantao , Liu Guoyuan , Gu Lijiao , Yu Shuxun
Published: July 2020

Although upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutism L.) originated in the tropics, this early maturity cotton can be planted as far north as 46°N in China due to the accumulation of numerous phenotypic and physiological adaptations during domestication. However, how the genome of early maturity cotton has been altered by strong human selection remains largely unknown. Herein, we report a cotton genome variation map generated by the resequencing of 436 cotton accessions. Whole‐genome scans for sweep regions identified 357 putative selection sweeps covering 4.94% (112 Mb) of the upland cotton genome, including 5184 genes. These genes were functionally related to flowering time control, hormone catabolism, ageing and defence response adaptations to environmental changes. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for seven early maturity traits identified 307 significant loci, 22.48% (69) of which overlapped with putative selection sweeps that occurred during the artificial selection of early maturity cotton. Several previously undescribed candidate genes associated with early maturity were identified by GWAS. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of early maturity in upland cotton as well as breeding resources for cotton improvement.