bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domesticating Detroit: Art Houses, Blight, and the Image of Care
Authors: Yezbick Julia
Published: August 2020

Public circulations of politicized visualizations and definitions of blight serve not only to define and police an idealized image of care, but also bolster the state’s valorization of creative interventions thatappearto “domesticate” the postindustrial landscape. An image of care of single‐family homes presents an invented morality—one which sets itself as distinct from another manufactured idiom: blight. This duality allows for processes of domestication to be defined, defended, policed, and politicized. Creative interventions on Detroit’s built environment thatappearto “domesticate” the postindustrial landscape become valorized by the state and its neoliberal partners (corporate business leaders, philanthropic foundations, and public‐private partnerships), despite artists’ intentions to subvert the power of such interests. So long as blight is conceived of and imagined as the absence of care, instead of being the end result of decisions made, laws passed, and policies enacted, the racial and economic segregation of the 20th century will continue to shape our urban spaces. So long as artistic and creative interventions are conscripted into this image of care as a domestication of blight, social and aesthetic innovators will be instrumentalized in market‐driven regimes of value.
Efficacy of toluidine blue in the diagnosis and screening of oral cancer and pre‐cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Song Eun A. , Kim Sung Won , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: August 2020

Aims

The accuracy of toluidine blue (TB) and chemiluminescence for diagnosing oral cancer and pre‐cancer was evaluated.

Methods

Two authors (working independently) comprehensively reviewed six databases (PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Google Scholar) from their dates of inception until March 2020. Oral mucosal disorder, as detected by TB, was compared with that detected by chemiluminescence. True‐positive, true‐negative, false‐positive and false‐negative data were extracted for each study. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (ver. 2). The extent of interrater agreement was also assessed.

Results

Twenty‐nine prospective and retrospective studies were included. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of TB was 7.017 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.544; 10.836). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.766. The correlation between the sensitivity and the false‐positive rate was 0.196, indicating the absence of heterogeneity. TB exhibited moderate interrater reliability (0.6777; 95% CI, 0.43; 0.7455). Compared with chemiluminescence, as used in nine studies, TB had a lower sensitivity (0.659 vs 0.841), but a higher specificity (0.809 vs 0.345), negative predictive value (0.766 vs 0.690) and DOR (10.565 vs 5.203). Compared with clinical examination, as used in four studies, TB method had a higher sensitivity (0.891 vs 0.891), specificity (0.739 vs 0.634), negative predictive value (0.920 vs 0.714) and DOR (28.491 vs 8.526). Subgroup analysis showed that screening for severe dysplasia or more severe disease was significantly more sensitive, but less specific, than screening for all dysplasias.

Conclusions

Although the diagnostic accuracy of TB in the diagnostic work‐up of oral cancer and pre‐cancer was higher than that of clinical examination, it was not high enough for TB to reliably be used alone. Instead, it should be combined with chemiluminescence or other diagnostic tools.
Is loss of sense of smell a diagnostic marker in COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rocke John , Hopkins Claire , Philpott Carl , Kumar Nirmal
Published: August 2020

Aims

To systematically review the currently available evidence investigating the association between olfactory dysfunction (OD) and the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19). To analyse the prevalence of OD in patients who have tested positive on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for COVID‐19. To perform a meta‐analysis of patients presenting with olfactory dysfunction, during the pandemic, and to investigate the positive predictive value for a COVID‐19‐positive result in this population. To assess whether olfactory dysfunction could be used as a diagnostic marker for COVID‐19 positivity and aid public health approaches in tackling the current outbreak.

Methods

We systematically searched MedLine (PubMed), Embase, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), Medrxiv, the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane COVID‐19 Study Register, NIHR Dissemination centre, Clinical Evidence, National Health Service Evidence and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence to identify the current published evidence which associates coronaviridae or similar RNA viruses with anosmia. The initial search identified 157 articles. A total of 145 papers were excluded following application of our exclusion criteria. The 12 remaining articles that presented evidence on the association between COVID‐19 and olfactory dysfunction were critically analysed.

Results

Olfactory dysfunction has been shown to be the strongest predictor of COVID‐19 positivity when compared to other symptoms in logistic regression analysis. In patients who had tested positive for COVID‐19, there was a prevalence of 62% of OD. In populations of patients who are currently reporting OD, there is a positive predictive value of 61% for a positive COVID‐19 result.

Conclusion

Our review has shown that there is already significant evidence which demonstrates an association between OD and the novel coronavirus—COVID‐19. It is unclear if this finding is unique to this coronavirus as individual viral phenotypes rarely present in such concentrated large numbers. We have demonstrated that OD is comparatively more predictive for COVID‐19 positivity compared to other associated symptoms. We recommend that people who develop OD during the pandemic should be self‐isolate and this guidance should be adopted internationally to prevent transmission.
Validation of the colostomy impact score in patients ostomized for a benign condition
Authors: Kristensen H. Ø , Krogsgaard M. , Christensen P. , Thomsen T.
Published: August 2020

Aim

The colostomy impact (CI) score is a patient‐reported outcome measure assessing reduction in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) due to a stoma. The score was originally developed and validated in a cohort of rectal cancer survivors with a permanent colostomy. For the CI score to be applied to patients with a colostomy after surgery for a benign condition it must be validated in this patient group. The aim of this study was to assess construct validity and known groups validity of the CI score in patients with a colostomy after surgery for a benign condition.

Method

In a cross‐sectional survey among ostomates in the Capital Region of Denmark, patients completed the CI score and the SF‐36 v2 questionnaires. Construct validity was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients and known groups validity was assessed by t‐test when dividing patients into groups of minor or major CI.

Results

The CI score showed a moderate negative correlation with the Physical Component Summary (PCS) of −0.41 and a weak negative correlation with the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of −0.39. The strength of the correlation depended on the underlying condition leading to stoma formation. Differences were significant between the minor and major CI groups in mean PSC and MCS with t‐values of 5.32 and 3.86, respectively.

Conclusion

The CI score is a valid instrument for assessing stoma‐related impact on HRQL regardless of the underlying condition leading to stoma formation, and the CI score discriminates meaningfully between groups with known differences in stoma‐related reduced HRQL.
Quality assurance in dermatopathology: A review of report amendments
Authors: Cocks Margaret , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Systematic review of amended reports in surgical pathology has been recommended as a valuable exercise in promoting quality assurance and improvement. Examination of report amendments can identify defects in the surgical pathology process and inspire new approaches to decreasing error rates and improving overall patient care.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all amended dermatopathology reports over a 1.5‐year period at a large academic institution.

Results

During the study period, 86 amended reports out of a total 7950 skin‐specific reports were issued (1.08%). Of these amended reports, about 59% (51/86) were because of non‐interpretative errors (eg, wrong site, chin vs shin, etc.) while 41% (35/86) were diagnostic misinterpretations. Of these 35, 24 were considered major diagnostic changes while six were minor. Five amendments provided additional diagnostic information. Of those amended reports with diagnostic misinterpretations, 14/35 involved melanocytic lesions, 8/35 involved non‐melanoma skin cancers or keratinocyte atypia, 10/35 were inflammatory lesions and 3/35 involved other tumors.

Conclusion

Our review points to several quality improvement areas that can be targeted to potentially avoid diagnostic errors in dermatopathology, including standardizing certain anatomic sites to prevent misidentification and seeking out clinicopathologic correlation in challenging melanocytic cases.
Expression of palladin is associated with disease progression in metastatic high‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Bock Annika Jøntvedt , Holth Arild , Nymoen Dag Andre
Published: August 2020

Objective

To analyse the expression and clinical role of the actin‐associated molecule palladin in serous effusions.

Methods

PALLD mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 83 high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) effusions. Fifteen malignant mesothelioma (MM) effusions and 18 surgical HGSC specimens from the ovary were studied for comparative purposes. Palladin protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analysed in another series consisting of 261 HGSC effusions.

Results

PALLD mRNA was significantly overexpressed in HGSC compared to MM effusions (P < .001). Palladin expression by immunohistochemistry was found in HGSC cells in 106/261 (41%) effusions, most commonly focally (<5% of cells). PALLD expression was additionally higher in ovarian HGSC specimens compared to HGSC effusions (P < .001). However, immunohistochemistry showed only stromal expression of this protein in surgical specimens. PALLD mRNA expression in HGSC effusions was unrelated to clinicopathological parameters, chemotherapy response or survival. Palladin protein expression was higher in post‐chemotherapy, mainly disease recurrence, specimens compared to chemo‐naïve effusions tapped at diagnosis (P = .018), although it was unrelated to other clinicopathological parameters or survival.

Conclusion

PALLD mRNA is overexpressed in HGSC compared to MM effusions, and its protein product is overexpressed in post‐chemotherapy compared to pre‐chemotherapy HGSC effusions, suggesting upregulation along tumour progression. The presence of this molecule in HGSC effusions, at the mRNA or the protein level, is unrelated to disease outcome.
Assessment of the effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes using flash glucose monitoring
Authors: Dover A. R. , Ritchie S. A. , McKnight J. A. , Strachan M. W. J. , Zammitt N. N. , Wake D.J. , Forbes S. , Stimson R. H. , Gibb F. W.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To describe the effect of the stringent lockdown measures, introduced in the UK on 23 March 2020 to curtail the transmission of COVID‐19, on glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes using flash glucose monitoring.

Methods

We undertook an observational study of 572 individuals with type 1 diabetes for whom paired flash glucose monitoring data were available between early March and May 2020. The primary outcome was change in flash glucose monitoring variables. We also assessed clinical variables associated with change in glycaemic control.

Results

Percentage of time in range increased between March and May 2020 [median (interquartile range) 53 (41–64)% vs 56 (45–68)%; P < 0.001], with associated improvements in standard deviation of glucose (P <0.001) and estimated HbA1c (P <0.001). There was a small reduction in the number of individuals meeting the hypoglycaemia target of <5% per day (64% vs 58%; P = 0.004). Comparing changes in flash glucose monitoring data from March to May in 2019 with the same period in 2020 confirmed that these differences were confined to 2020. Socio‐economic deprivation was an independent predictor of a ≥5% reduction in time in range during lockdown (odds ratio 0.45 for people in the two most affluent Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles; P <0.001).

Conclusions

Lockdown was not associated with a significant deterioration in glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes using flash glucose monitoring. However, socio‐economic deprivation appeared to increase the risk of decline in glycaemic control, which has implications for how support is focused in challenging times.
Estimating the diagnostic accuracy of the ankle–brachial pressure index for detecting peripheral arterial disease in people with diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chuter V. H. , Searle A. , Barwick A. , Golledge J. , Leigh L. , Oldmeadow C. , Peterson B. , Tehan P. , Twigg S. M.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To systematically evaluate research investigating the accuracy of the ankle–brachial index (ABI) for diagnosing peripheral artery disease (PAD) in people with diabetes, as the accuracy is thought to be reduced in this cohort.

Methods

A database search of EBSCO Megafile Premier, Embase and The Cochrane Library was conducted to 28 February 2019. Prospective and retrospective investigations of the diagnostic accuracy of the ABI for PAD in people with diabetes using an imaging reference standard were eligible. Sensitivity and specify of the ABI and bivariate meta‐analysis against reference tests, or a standard summary receiver operating curve analysis (SROC) was performed.

Results

Thirty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. ABI was compared with angiography in 12 studies and with colour duplex ultrasound (CDUS) in 21 studies. A SROC analysis of studies using angiography as the reference standard found a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 9.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.61 to 22.69], and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.86). Bivariate analysis of studies using CDUS demonstrated mean sensitivity of 0.60 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.71; P = 0.097) and mean specificity of 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.92; P < 0.001) with a DOR of 9.76 (95% CI 5.24 to 18.20; P < 0.0001) and AUC 0.72.

Conclusions

These results suggest the ABI has a high specificity but lower sensitivity in detecting imaging diagnosed PAD in people with diabetes. The low probability of the testing being able to rule diagnosis in or out suggest that the ABI has limited effectiveness for early detection of PAD in this cohort.
Febrile neutropenia in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: Outcome in relation to qSOFA score, C‐reactive protein, and blood culture findings
Authors: Lappalainen Marika , Hämäläinen Sari , Romppanen Tuomo , Pulkki Kari , Pyörälä Marja , Koivula Irma , Jantunen Esa , Juutilainen Auni
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score during febrile neutropenia (FN) in adult patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

qSOFA score, as well as the association of qSOFA score with ICU admission, infectious mortality, blood culture findings, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) measurements during FN were assessed among 125 adult AML patients with 355 FN periods receiving intensive chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital from November 2006 to December 2018.

Results

The multivariate model for qSOFA score ≥ 2 included CRP ≥ 150 mg/L on d0‐2 [OR 2.9 (95% CI 1.1‐7.3), P = .026], Gram‐negative bacteremia [OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.1‐6.9), P = .034], and treatment according to AML‐2003 vs more recent protocols [OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.0‐7.4), P = .047]. Age or gender did not gain significance in the model. qSOFA score ≥ 2 was associated with ICU treatment and infectious mortality during FN with sensitivity and specificity of 0.700 and 0.979, and 1.000 and 0.971, respectively.

Conclusion

qSOFA offers a useful tool to evaluate the risk of serious complications in AML patients during FN.
Growing in the city: Urban evolutionary ecology of avian growth rates
Authors: Corsini Michela , Schöll Eva Maria , Di Lecce Irene , Chatelain Marion , Dubiec Anna , Szulkin Marta
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Rapid environmental change driven by urbanization offers a unique insight into the adaptive potential of urban‐dwelling organisms. Urban‐driven phenotypic differentiation is increasingly often demonstrated, but the impact of urbanization (here modelled as the percentage of impervious surface (ISA) around each nestbox) on offspring developmental rates and subsequent survival remains poorly understood. Furthermore, the role of selection on urban‐driven phenotypic divergence was rarely investigated to date.

Methods and Results

Data on nestling development and body mass were analysed in a gradient of urbanization set in Warsaw, Poland, in two passerine species: great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Increasing levels of impervious surface area (ISA) delayed the age of fastest growth in blue tits. Nestling body mass was also negatively affected by increasing ISA 5 and 10 days after hatching in great tits, and 10 and 15 days in blue tits, respectively. High levels of ISA also increased nestling mortality 5 and 10 days after hatching in both species. An analysis of selection differentials performed for two levels of urbanization (low and high ISA) revealed a positive association between mass at day 2 and survival at fledging.

Discussion

This study confirms the considerable negative impact of imperviousness—a proxy for urbanization level—on offspring development, body mass and survival, and highlights increased selection on avian mass at hatching in a high ISA environment.
How does contemporary selection shape oak phenotypes?
Authors: Alexandre Hermine , Truffaut Laura , Klein Etienne , Ducousso Alexis , Chancerel Emilie , Lesur Isabelle , Dencausse Benjamin , Louvet Jean‐Marc , Nepveu Gérard , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Lagane Frédéric , Musch Brigitte , Delzon Sylvain , Kremer Antoine
Published: August 2020

Most existing forests are subjected to natural and human‐mediated selection pressures, which have increased due to climate change and the increasing needs of human societies for wood, fibre and fuel resources. It remains largely unknown how these pressures trigger evolutionary changes. We address this issue here for temperate European oaks (Quercus petraea and Q. robur), which grow in mixed stands, under even‐aged management regimes. We screened numerous functional traits for univariate selection gradients and for expected and observed genetic changes over two successive generations. In both species, growth, leaf morphology and physiology, and defence‐related traits displayed significant selection gradients and predicted shifts, whereas phenology, water metabolism, structure and resilience‐related traits did not. However, the direction of the selection response and the potential for adaptive evolution differed between the two species. Quercus petraea had a much larger phenotypic and genetic variance of fitness than Q. robur. This difference raises concerns about the adaptive response of Q. robur to contemporary selection pressures. Our investigations suggest that Q. robur will probably decline steadily, particularly in mixed stands with Q. petraea, consistent with the contrasting demographic dynamics of the two species.
Pedal to the metal: Cities power evolutionary divergence by accelerating metabolic rate and locomotor performance
Authors: Chick Lacy D. , Waters James S. , Diamond Sarah E.
Published: August 2020

Metabolic rates of ectotherms are expected to increase with global trends of climatic warming. But the potential for rapid, compensatory evolution of lower metabolic rate in response to rising temperatures is only starting to be explored. Here, we explored rapid evolution of metabolic rate and locomotor performance in acorn‐dwelling ants (Temnothorax curvispinosus) in response to urban heat island effects. We reared ant colonies within a laboratory common garden (25°C) to generate a laboratory‐born cohort of workers and tested their acute plastic responses to temperature. Contrary to expectations, urban ants exhibited a higher metabolic rate compared with rural ants when tested at 25°C, suggesting a potentially maladaptive evolutionary response to urbanization. Urban and rural ants had similar metabolic rates when tested at 38°C, as a consequence of a diminished plastic response of the urban ants. Locomotor performance also evolved such that the running speed of urban ants was faster than rural ants under warmer test temperatures (32°C and 42°C) but slower under a cooler test temperature (22°C). The resulting specialist–generalist trade‐off and higher thermal optimum for locomotor performance might compensate for evolved increases in metabolic rate by allowing workers to more quickly scout and retrieve resources.
Medication non‐adherence after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adult and pediatric recipients: a cross sectional study conducted by the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Authors: Belaiche Stephanie , Décaudin Bertrand , Caron Alexandre , Depas Nicolas , Vignaux Claire , Vigouroux Stephane , Coiteux Valérie , Magro Leonardo , Sirvent Anne , Huynh Anne , Turlure Pascal , Farge Dominique , Lioure Bruno , Bruno Bénédicte , De Berranger Eva , Maillard Natacha , Bourhis Jean‐Henri , Bay Jacques‐Olivier , Bulabois Claude‐Eric , Ceballos Patrice , Fegueux Nathalie , Hicheri Yosr , Vincent Laure , Rialland Fanny , Gandemer Virginie , Taque Sophie , Cornillon Jérôme , Contentin Nathalie , Galambrun Claire , Plantaz Dominique , Odou Pascal , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

Medication non‐adherence (NA) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) can lead to serious complications. This study assesses NA in French adult and pediatric recipients and identifies factors associated with NA. In accordance with the EMERGE and STROBE guidelines, a cross sectional multicentric survey was conducted. We used a self‐reported questionnaire that was adapted to adults and pediatrics and that could provide a picture of all three phases of medication adherence: initiation, implementation, persistence. We enrolled 242 patients, 203 adults (mean age: 51 years old, 50.7% male) and 39 children (mean age: 9 years old, 56.4% female). Reported NA was estimated at about 75% in both populations, adults and pediatrics. In adults, the univariate analysis showed that patients less than 50 years old (P = 0.041), (i) treated with cyclosporine (P = 0.02), (ii) treated with valacyclovir/acyclovir (P = 0.016), and (iii) experiencing side effects (P = 0.009), were significantly more non‐adherent. In multivariate analysis, only recipient age was significantly associated to NA (P = 0.05). The limited size of the pediatric population did not allow us to draw any statistical conclusion about this population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in France on NA in allo‐HCT recipients. Our results highlight the age factor as the only factor related to NA. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations and refine results in pediatric populations, currently most at risk of medication NA.
Transcriptomic approach predicts a major role for transforming growth factor beta type 1 pathway in L‐Dopa‐induced dyskinesia in parkinsonian rats
Authors: Dyavar Shetty Ravi , Potts Lisa F. , Beck Goichi , Dyavar Shetty Bhagya Laxmi , Lawson Benton , Podany Anthony T. , Fletcher Courtney V. , Amara Rama Rao , Papa Stella M.
Published: August 2020

Dyskinesia induced by long‐term L‐Dopa (LID) therapy in Parkinson disease is associated with altered striatal function whose molecular bases remain unclear. Here, a transcriptomic approach was applied for comprehensive analysis of distinctively regulated genes in striatal tissue, their specific pathways, and functional‐ and disease‐associated networks in a rodent model of LID. This approach has identified transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGFβ1) as a highly upregulated gene in dyskinetic animals. TGFβ1 pathway is a top aberrantly regulated pathway in the striatum following LID development based on differentially expressed genes (> 1.5 fold change and P < 0.05). The induction of TGFβ1 pathway specific genes, TGFβ1, INHBA, AMHR2 and PMEPA1 was also associated with regulation of NPTX2, PDP1, SCG2, SYNPR, TAC1, TH, TNNT1 genes. Transcriptional network and upstream regulator analyses have identified AKT‐centered functional and ERK‐centered disease networks revealing the association of TGFβ1, IL‐1β and TNFα with LID development. Therefore, results support that TGFβ1 pathway is a major contributor to the pathogenic mechanisms of LID.
A century of fish growth in relation to climate change, population dynamics and exploitation
Authors: Denechaud Côme , Smoliński Szymon , Geffen Audrey J. , Godiksen Jane A. , Campana Steven E.
Published: August 2020

Marine ecosystems, particularly in high‐latitude regions such as the Arctic, have been significantly affected by human activities and contributions to climate change. Evaluating how fish populations responded to past changes in their environment is helpful for evaluating their future patterns, but is often hindered by the lack of long‐term biological data available. Using otolith increments of Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) as a proxy for individual growth, we developed a century‐scale biochronology (1924–2014) based on the measurements of 3,894 fish, which revealed significant variations in cod growth over the last 91 years. We combined mixed‐effect modeling and path analysis to relate these growth variations to selected climate, population and fishing‐related factors. Cod growth was negatively related to cod population size and positively related to capelin population size, one of the most important prey items. This suggests that density‐dependent effects are the main source of growth variability due to competition for resources and cannibalism. Growth was also positively correlated with warming sea temperatures but negatively correlated with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, suggesting contrasting effects of climate warming at different spatial scales. Fishing pressure had a significant but weak negative direct impact on growth. Additionally, path analysis revealed that the selected growth factors were interrelated. Capelin biomass was positively related to sea temperature and negatively influenced by herring biomass, while cod biomass was mainly driven by fishing mortality. Together, these results give a better understanding of how multiple interacting factors have shaped cod growth throughout a century, both directly and indirectly.
Plant biomes demonstrate that landscape resilience today is the lowest it has been since end‐Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions
Authors: Wang Yue , Shipley Benjamin R. , Lauer Daniel A. , Pineau Rozenn M. , McGuire Jenny L.
Published: August 2020

Resilient landscapes have helped maintain terrestrial biodiversity during periods of climatic and environmental change. Identifying the tempo and mode of landscape transitions and the drivers of landscape resilience is critical to maintaining natural systems and preserving biodiversity given today's rapid climate and land use changes. However, resilient landscapes are difficult to recognize on short time scales, as perturbations are challenging to quantify and ecosystem transitions are rare. Here we analyze two components of North American landscape resilience over 20,000 years: residence time and recovery time. To evaluate landscape dynamics, we use plant biomes, preserved in the fossil pollen record, to examine how long a biome type persists at a given site (residence time) and how long it takes for the biome at that site to reestablish following a transition (recovery time). Biomes have a median residence time of only 230–460 years. Only 64% of biomes recover their original biome type, but recovery time is 140–290 years. Temperatures changing faster than 0.5°C per 500 years result in much reduced residence times. Following a transition, biodiverse biomes reestablish more quickly. Landscape resilience varies through time. Notably, short residence times and long recovery times directly preceded the end‐Pleistocene megafauna extinction, resulting in regional destabilization, and combining with more proximal human impacts to deliver a one‐two punch to megafauna species. Our work indicates that landscapes today are once again exhibiting low resilience, foreboding potential extinctions to come. Conservation strategies focused on improving both landscape and ecosystem resilience by increasing local connectivity and targeting regions with high richness and diverse landforms can mitigate these extinction risks.
Rapid turnover of transcription factor Rim101 confirms a flexible adaptation mechanism against environmental stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Obara Keisuke , Higuchi Mai , Ogura Yuki , Nishimura Kohei , Kamura Takumi
Published: August 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells activate the Rim101 pathway to adapt to alkaline and salt stresses. On activation of this pathway, the transcription factor Rim101 undergoes proteolytic activation and regulates the expression of responsive genes. We found Rim101 to be a short‐lived protein with a half‐life of approximately 15 min. Its rapid turnover was supposedly mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Excess accumulation of the processed active Rim101 through its over‐expression conferred tolerance to both alkaline and salt stresses in yeast cells; in contrast, it had detrimental effects under cadmium stress condition. Cadmium ion inhibited proteolytic activation of Rim101, implying reciprocal interaction between the Rim101 pathway and cadmium stress. Our results showed yeast cells to be equipped with two protective systems to prevent overaccumulation of the processed active Rim101; Rim101 processing is inhibited when Rim101 level is high, and turnover of processed Rim101 is accelerated when it is abundant. Collectively, the results confirmed the flexible aspect of stress response in yeast cell; the cells not only prevent excess activation of one stress‐responsive pathway but also facilitate its attenuation to cope with other environmental stresses.
Early wound complications after orthopaedic surgery for haemophilia: What can we do more
Authors: Feng Bin , Li Zeng , Feng Cheng , Zeng Ang , Gao Peng , Liu Yong , Weng Xisheng
Published: August 2020

Background

The characteristics of the haemophilia may endanger the patient with haemophilia (PWH) to higher ratio of wound complication, even lead to the refractory wound problem. The early wound complication in PWH has not been well studied in literature.

Methods

Between the period from 2002 to 2018, 250 patients underwent 323 elective orthopaedic surgical procedures for the treatment of haemophilic musculoskeletal disorders. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated for postoperative wound complications within 30 days. Risk factors related to wound complications were further analysed. The patients underwent vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) for refractory wound healing problem were further analysed.

Results

Twenty‐four patients of 250 patients experienced early wound complication within postoperative 30 days. The incidence of wound complication in the patients without preoperative infection was 6.5%. Positive inhibitor and surgery for pseudotumour were associated with higher rate of wound complication after logistic regression, with the odds ratios (OR) of 5.7 (95% CI, 1.08 to 30.3) and 4.9 (95% CI, 1.3 to 18.5), respectively. Eight patients underwent VSD treatment for refractory wound healing problem and recovered uneventfully. The total VSD treatment cycle was 2.25 (from 2 to 4). The average factor consumption was 26.1 IU kg−1 d−1. The patients complicated with infection had higher, but not statistically significantly, treatment duration, factor consumption and peri‐VSD total blood loss than the patients without infection.

Conclusions

PWH had an incidence of 6.5% of early wound healing problem after elective orthopaedic surgery for musculoskeletal disorder in the present study. The presence of positive inhibitor and surgical procedure for haemophiliac pseudotumour are associated with higher incidence of wound healing problem. The VSD is an effective alternative for the treatment of refractory wound healing problem for PWH, especially for the patients complicated with infection.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Migraine as a Function of Headache Activity
Authors: Rogers Daniel G. , Bond Dale S. , Bentley John P. , Smitherman Todd A.
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study sought to compare ambulatory physical activity (PA) between young adults with migraine, tension‐type headache (TTH), and non‐headache controls and determine if differences in PA were attributable to headache activity or other relevant covariates.

Background

PA has been implicated in the development, manifestation, and treatment of various headache disorders. However, objective quantification of PA across headache types is lacking, and no study has quantified both prospective PA and the influence of headache occurrence on PA.

Methods

A prospective cohort study followed university participants with migraine, with TTH, or without headache for 7 days using an Omron HJ‐112 pedometer and daily headache diaries. Daily free‐living PA was compared between groups, and differences in PA as a function of headache day vs non‐headache day were compared among those with migraine and TTH.

Results

The final sample consisted of 516 observations from 100 young adults (81/100 female, mean age = 19.0 ± 1.7) comprised of 28 individuals with migraine, 37 individuals with TTH, and 35 non‐headache controls. On average, individuals with migraine engaged in less total PA than non‐headache controls (6847 vs 8573 steps/day; mean difference = −1726 [95% CI: −3135 to −318],P = .017) across the 7‐day monitoring period. After adjusting for relevant covariates (psychological symptoms, body mass index, weekend vs weekday), this difference was evident on both non‐headache days (adjusted mean = 5987 vs 8610,P = .002) and headache days (adjusted mean = 6986 vs 9958,P = .017). In contrast, PA of individuals with TTH (mean = 7691 steps/day) did not significantly differ from those with migraine. PA within groups as a function of headache day (vs non‐headache day) did not significantly differ for individuals with migraine (mean = 7357 vs 6191,P = .061) or individuals with TTH (mean = 7814 vs 7641,P = .736).

Conclusions

Consistent with other studies, individuals with migraine reported lower levels of PA compared to non‐headache controls. Notably, relative reductions in PA occurred even on days in which headache was not experienced and were not attributable to the examined covariates, instead supporting a more global pattern of reduced PA. Further research is needed to isolate the mechanisms underlying interictal reductions in PA among those with migraine.
PIN‐like ductal carcinoma of the prostate has frequent activating RAS/RAF mutations
Authors: Kaur Harsimar B , Salles Daniela C , Paulk Adina , Epstein Jonathan I , Eshleman James R , Lotan Tamara L
Published: August 2020

Aims

Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia‐like (PIN‐like) ductal carcinoma is a rare tumour characterised by often cystically dilated glands architecturally resembling high‐grade PIN, but lacking basal cells. These tumours are frequently accompanied by grade group 1 acinar cancer and behave relatively indolently. In contrast, conventional ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate is an aggressive variant comparable to grade group 4 acinar cancer. Here, we used targeted next‐generation sequencing to molecularly profile PIN‐like ductal carcinoma cases at radical prostatectomy.

Methods and results

Five PIN‐like ductal carcinoma samples at radical prostatectomy with sufficient tumour tissue available were analysed for genomic alterations by targeted next‐generation sequencing using the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) solid tumour panel. DNA was captured using SureSelect for 640 genes and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Three of five (60%) of the PIN‐like ductal carcinomas showed activating mutations in the RAS/RAF pathways, which are extraordinarily rare in conventional primary prostate carcinoma (<3% of cases), including an activating hot‐spot BRAF mutation (p.K601E), an activating hot‐spot mutation in HRAS (p.Q61K) and an in‐frame activating deletion in BRAF (p.T488_Q493delinsK). An additional two cases lacked BRAF or HRAS mutations, but harboured in‐frame insertions of uncertain significance in MAP2K4 and MAP3K6. One case had sufficient acinar tumour for sequencing, and showed a similar molecular profile as the concurrent PIN‐like ductal carcinoma, suggesting a clonal relationship between the two components.

Conclusions

PIN‐like ductal carcinoma represents a molecularly unique tumour, enriched for potentially targetable oncogenic driver mutations in the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway. This molecular profile contrasts with that of conventional ductal adenocarcinoma, which is typically enriched for pathogenic mutations in the mismatch repair (MMR) and homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathways.
Methamphetamine and cardiac disease among people with HIV infection
Authors: Martin TCS , Gianella S , Franklin D , Hsue P , Smith DM
Published: August 2020

Objectives

People living with HIV (PWH) are at elevated risk of cardiac disease compared to the general population. Methamphetamine use has been associated with structural heart disease and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease but has not been explored as a cause of cardiac disease among PWH. We sought to evaluate the association of methamphetamine use and cardiac disease among PWH.

Methods

We performed a case–control study of participant data in the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program. Cases were defined as PWH with a history of myocardial infarction or a history of heart failure (systolic or diastolic). Covariates, including methamphetamine abuse/dependence, were assessed using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Among 3747 PWH, there was a history of myocardial infarction in 115 subjects (3.1%), and a history of heart failure in 41 (1.1%). Current or prior methamphetamine abuse/dependence was reported in 1036 (27.9%) and was not associated with myocardial infarction (P = 0.27) or heart failure (P = 0.84). In addition to traditional risk factors, variables associated with myocardial infarction included the presence of HIV infection (P = 0.01) and duration of HIV infection (P = 0.05). Variables associated with heart failure among PWH included older age, hypertension and myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

No association between methamphetamine abuse/dependence and a diagnosis of myocardial infarction or heart failure was found among PWH. Significant covariates for myocardial infarction and heart failure included traditional risk factors, the presence of HIV infection and the duration of HIV infection, emphasizing the need for optimal traditional cardiovascular risk factor management among PWH.
Compressive evaluation of mansory bricks produced with industrial byproduct aggregates
Authors: Martinez‐Amariz Alejandro , Muñoz Leda P. , Posso Fausto , Bellon Daniela
Published: August 2020

This study evaluates the effect upon the compressive strength of ceramic masonry bricks when industrial byproducts known as soot are added. The research includes an analysis of the granulometric properties of the constituent components, performed manually with ASTM C136‐01 screens to determine particle size using apertures sized from large to small; an analysis by XRD of the mineralogical phases present; a compressive strength analysis performed using standard compression testing machinery; and a water absorption measurement calculated according to Colombian Technical Standard: 4017:2015—Methods for the Sampling and Testing of Masonry Elements and other Clay Products. Five trials were performed using different mixtures of clay and soot, at substitution rates of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. These mixtures were prepared under identical conditions in order to ensure validity of the resulting comparisons. The results showed that bricks with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% added soot demonstrated superior structural strength compared to conventional units. Bricks incorporating 60% soot, however, were found to have lower strength and high porosity.
Unveiling mosquito cryptic species and their reproductive isolation
Authors: Zheng XL.
Published: August 2020

Mosquitoes are major vectors of many infectious pathogens or parasites. Understanding cryptic species and the speciation of disease vectors has important implications for vector management, evolution and host‐pathogen and/or host–parasite interactions. Currently, mosquito cryptic species have been reported in many studies, most of which focus on the reproductive isolation of cryptic species and mainly on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato complex. Emerging species within the primary malaria vector Anopheles gambiae show different ecological preferences and significant prezygotic reproductive isolation, while Aedes mariae and Aedes zammitii show postmating reproductive isolation. However, data reporting the reproductive isolation in Culex and Aedes albopictus mosquito cryptic species is absent. The lack of systematic studies leaves many questions open, such as whether cryptic species are more common in particular habitats, latitudes or taxonomic groups; what mosquito cryptic species evolutionary processes bring about reproductive isolation in the absence of morphological differentiation? How does Wolbachia infection affect in mosquitoes' reproductive isolation? In this review, we provide a summary of recent advances in the discovery and identification of sibling or cryptic species within mosquito genera.
Immune profiling of influenza‐specific B‐ and T‐cell responses in macaques using flow cytometry‐based assays
Authors: Koutsakos Marios , Sekiya Toshiki , Chua Brendon Y , Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh , Wheatley Adam K , Juno Jennifer A , Ohno Marumi , Nomura Naoki , Ohara Yuki , Nishimura Tomohiro , Endo Masafumi , Suzuki Saori , Ishigaki Hirohito , Nakayama Misako , Nguyen Cong T , Itoh Yasushi , Shingai Masashi , Ogasawara Kazumasa , Kino Yoichiro , Kent Stephen J , Jackson David C , Brown Lorena E , Kida Hiroshi , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: August 2020

Influenza remains a significant global public health burden, despite substantial annual vaccination efforts against circulating virus strains. As a result, novel vaccine approaches are needed to generate long‐lasting and universal broadly cross‐reactive immunity against distinct influenza virus strains and subtypes. Several new vaccine candidates are currently under development and/or in clinical trials. The successful development of new vaccines requires testing in animal models, other than mice, which capture the complexity of the human immune system. Importantly, following vaccination or challenge, the assessment of adaptive immunity at the antigen‐specific level is particularly informative. In this study, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cynomolgus macaques, we describe detection methods and in‐depth analyses of influenza virus‐specific B cells by recombinant hemagglutinin probes and flow cytometry, as well as the detection of influenza virus‐specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells by stimulation with live influenza A virus and intracellular cytokine staining. We highlight the potential of these assays to be used with PBMCs from other macaque species, including rhesus macaques, pigtail macaques and African green monkeys. We also demonstrate the use of a human cytometric bead array kit in detecting inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from cynomolgus macaques to assess cytokine/chemokine milieu. Overall, the detection of influenza virus‐specific B and T cells, together with inflammatory responses, as described in our study, provides useful insights for evaluating novel influenza vaccines. Our data deciphering immune responses toward influenza viruses can be also adapted to understanding immunity to other infections or vaccination approaches in macaque models.
The role of O‐GlcNAcylation in immunity against infections
Authors: Quik Marjolein , Hokke Cornelis H. , Everts Bart
Published: August 2020

Mounting an effective immune response is crucial for the host to protect itself against invading pathogens. It is now well appreciated that reprogramming of core metabolic pathways in immune cells is a key requirement for their activation and function during infections. The role of several ancillary metabolic pathways in shaping immune cell function is less well understood. One such pathway, for which interest has recently been growing, is the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) that generates uridine diphosphate N‐acetylglucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc), the donor substrate for a specific form of glycosylation termed O‐GlcNAcylation. O‐GlcNAc is an intracellular post‐translational modification that alters the functional properties of the modified proteins, in particular transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. An increasing number of studies suggest a central role for the HBP and O‐GlcNAcylation in dictating immune cell function, including the response to different pathogens. We here discuss the most recent insights regarding O‐GlcNAcylation and immunity, and explore whether targeting of O‐GlcNAcylation could hold promise as a therapeutic approach to modulate immune responses to infections.
High‐temperature electromagnetic wave absorption properties of Cf/SiCNFs/Si3N4 composites
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Yang , Long Lan , Luo Heng , Wang Yichen
Published: August 2020

Carbon fibers reinforced Si3N4 composites with SiC nanofiber interphase (Cf/SiCNFs/Si3N4) were prepared by combining catalysis chemical vapor deposition and gel‐casting process. Microstructures, mechanical properties, and electromagnetic wave absorption properties within X‐band at 25°C‐800°C of Cf/SiCNFs/Si3N4 composites were investigated. Results show that SiC nanofibers are combined well with Si3N4 matrix and carbon fibers, the fracture toughness is thus increased more than double from 3.51 MPa·m1/2 of the Si3N4 ceramic to 7.23 MPa·m1/2 of the as‐prepared composites. As the temperature increases from 25°C to 800°C, Cf/SiCNFs/Si3N4 composites show a temperature‐dependent complex permittivity, attenuation constant, and impedance. The relatively high attenuation capability of Cf/SiCNFs/Si3N4 composites at elevated temperature results in a great minimum reflection loss of −20.3 dB at 800°C with a thin thickness of 2.0 mm. The superior electromagnetic wave absorption performance mainly originates from conductive loss, multi‐reflection, and strong polarization formed by the combined effects of carbon fibers and SiC nanofibers.