bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and morphological divergence betweenLittorina fabalisecotypes in Northern Europe
Authors: Galindo Juan , Carvalho João , Sotelo Graciela , Duvetorp Mårten , Costa Diana , Kemppainen Petri , Panova Marina , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni , Johannesson Kerstin , Faria Rui
Published: September 2020

Low dispersal marine intertidal species facing strong divergent selective pressures associated with steep environmental gradients have a great potential to inform us about local adaptation and reproductive isolation. Among these, gastropods of the genusLittorinaoffer a unique system to study parallel phenotypic divergence resulting from adaptation to different habitats related with wave exposure. In this study, we focused on twoLittorina fabalisecotypes from Northern European shores and compared patterns of habitat‐related phenotypic and genetic divergence across three different geographic levels (local, regional and global). Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that individuals from habitats moderately exposed to waves usually present a larger shell size with a wider aperture than those from sheltered habitats. The phenotypic clustering ofL. fabalisby habitat across most locations (mainly in terms of shell size) support an important role of ecology in morphological divergence. A genome scan based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) revealed a heterogeneous pattern of differentiation across the genome between populations from the two different habitats, suggesting ecotype divergence in the presence of gene flow. The contrasting patterns of genetic structure between nonoutlier and outlier loci, and the decreased sharing of outlier loci with geographic distance among locations are compatible with parallel evolution of phenotypic divergence, with an important contribution of gene flow and/or ancestral variation. In the future, model‐based inference studies based on sequence data across the entire genome will help unravelling these evolutionary hypotheses, improving our knowledge about adaptation and its influence on diversification within the marine realm.
Informant Questionnaires in Dedicated Memory Clinics: How Much Do They Contribute?
Authors: Novak Lan , Wyss Patric , Lenouvel Eric , Abdulkadir Ahmed , Klöppel Stefan
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The diagnostic process in a university memory clinic is based largely on cognitive testing. However, input from informants, acquired through interview or questionnaires, may significantly impact diagnosis. We sought to evaluate whether informant questionnaires for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, or for identifying progressive cognitive decline would improve diagnostic predictability of neurodegenerative disorders compared with either the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological test battery or the Mini‐Mental State Examination score alone.

DESIGN

Retrospective data analysis using logit models.

SETTING

University hospital outpatient memory clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 394 patients with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), depression, or subjective cognitive impairment were assessed.

MEASUREMENTS

Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale, Functional Activities Questionnaire, Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, and the Physical Self‐Maintenance Scale questionnaires were obtained. Analyses through logit models were performed to predict outcome diagnoses, based on cognitive scores alone or in combination with one or more informant questionnaires.

RESULTS

The four questionnaires were highly correlated (.31–.86). The addition of informant questionnaires improved diagnostic predictability between differential diagnoses of MCI and dementia, or dementia and depression. However, the misprediction rate was reduced by up to 6 percentage points only. Adding more than one questionnaire or all CERAD subtests instead of their sum score never improved prediction in regularized logit models to a clinically relevant extent.

CONCLUSION

Although questionnaires contribute to a statistically better prediction of the outcome diagnosis, for some sets of differential diagnoses, the benefit may not be clinically pertinent when routine semistructured informant interviews are used by trained personnel. However, standardized assessment, particularly when patients are seen longitudinally, should not be underestimated.
Nurses' experiences and support needs following workplace violence: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Zheng Jing , Cai Yingying , Zheng Kexin , Liu Xingling
Published: September 2020

Aims and objectives

To systematically identify, appraise and synthesise existing qualitative studies exploring nurses' lived experiences of workplace violence by patients, families and hospital visitors, identifying their support needs following workplace violence.

Background

Workplace violence against nurses is a significant concern globally, as it leads to serious negative consequences for nurses, patients and organisations as a whole. Having adequate support is considered significant. While numerous studies have been conducted on workplace violence, few qualitative reviews have focused on identifying nurses' support needs following episodes of workplace violence.

Methods

Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Scopus) were systematically searched. Additionally, hand searching of prominent journals, grey literature and reference lists of included studies was also performed to identify additional research. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies was used to assess all included articles. Thomas and Harden's three‐stage approach to thematic analysis was followed, using the ENTREQ statement for reporting.

Results

Ten studies published in English, conducted across eight countries, met the inclusion criteria. Four analytical themes relating to nurses' experiences were identified: “inevitable and unpredictable trauma in the career” “higher tolerance and understanding of unintentional violence,” “positive learning or passive adjustment” and “struggle with the role and behaviour conflict.” In terms of nurses' support needs, the analysis yielded two themes: “informal support needs” and “formal support needs.”

Conclusion

Nurses experience significant and lasting psychological trauma due to workplace violence; however, the support for nurses remains seriously inadequate. Establishing an effective and robust support system based on nurses' needs must be viewed as a priority for organisations, as well as researchers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Institutions and managers have a duty to maintain an awareness of nurses' experiences and support needs regarding workplace violence. There is a need for further policymaking and research, based on clinical practice, in order to develop effective preventive and interventive strategies regarding workplace violence.
A Breath‐Holding Index Applied to the Internal Carotid Artery Siphon in Transcranial Doppler Studies
Authors: Jung Kyu‐On , Lee Seung‐Jae , Lee Tae‐Kyeong
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The breath‐holding index (BHI) is a useful method to assess cerebrovascular reactivity. It is calculated based on the mean flow velocities of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using transcranial Doppler (BHIMCA). Therefore, it is not feasible in patients with poor temporal windows. This study tested the feasibility of a BHI using the internal carotid artery (ICA) siphon flow velocity (BHIICA).

METHODS

Twenty‐four patients (aged 38‐79 years) with unilateral or bilateral stenosis of the cervical ICAs were prospectively recruited. The 48 examined bilateral ICAs were divided into three groups according to the stenosis degree: <50%, 50‐99%, and occlusion. We investigated the reproducibility of both BHI methods (BHIMCA and BHIICA), the correlation between the two BHI methods, and the tendency for the BHIs to decrease with increasing degree of cervical ICA stenosis.

RESULTS

For the BHIMCA, we found a good reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, rI  > .9) and a significantly decreased BHI with increasing stenosis of the ICA (P = .001). For the BHIICA, good reproducibility was demonstrated (rI > or ≒ .9), but there was no significant decrease in the BHI related to the increasing degree of ICA stenosis (P = .952). Furthermore, the correlation between the two BHI methods was not robust (kappa coefficient, right .259; left .619).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the BHIICA is not a feasible alternative method to the BHIMCA.
Effect of Anti‐Rotational Abutment Features and Novel Computerized Fabrication Techniques on the Marginal Fit of Implant‐Supported Metal Copings
Authors: Aktas Guliz , Guncu Mustafa Baris , Akcin Elif Tuba , Cakan Umut , Canay Senay
Published: September 2020

Purpose

An in vitro study to compare the marginal fit of cobalt‐chromium (Co‐Cr) metal copings fabricated with selective laser melting (SLM), computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling, and lost‐wax (LW) techniques, on abutments with two different antirotational features.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 stainless steel abutments with the same length and convergence angles were fabricated using a numerical control machining. Half of the abutments had one flat plane, while the other half had three grooves as an antirotation feature. Thirty abutments of each kind were then divided into three subgroups, and metal copings were fabricated with SLM, CAD/CAM milling, or the LW technique (n = 10). The metal copings were cemented with polycarboxylate cement. Marginal gap measurements were performed using a stereomicroscope at a magnification of × 45 and data were analyzed with two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests.

Results

The LW (p = 0.002) and CAD/CAM (p < 0.001) techniques exhibited increased marginal gaps on the abutments with a three groove antirotational feature; however, no significant difference was detected with the SLM technique (p = 0.259). The copings fabricated with the SLM technique demonstrated significantly lower gap values in both abutment types (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

While all marginal gap values were within the clinically acceptable range (<120 µm), abutments with more antirotational grooves exhibited wider marginal gaps with the LW and CAD/CAM techniques.
Examining five pathways on how self‐control is associated with emotion regulation and affective well‐being in daily life
Authors: Wenzel Mario , Rowland Zarah , Kubiak Thomas
Published: September 2020

Objective

Self‐control is positively connected to well‐being, but less is known about what, on the mechanistic level, explains this association. We hypothesized five pathways how this connection could be explained by emotion regulation, that is, by facilitating (a) strategy effectiveness, (b), adaptive strategy selection, (c) situation selection, (d) strategy variability, or (e) social sharing.

Method

To explore these pathways, we integrated two ambulatory assessment data sets (N = 250 participants, N = 22,796 observations) that included assessments of participants' emotions and their emotion regulation efforts.

Results

We found that self‐control was positively associated with affective well‐being. Moreover, momentary but not trait self‐control was associated with favoring adaptive and interpersonal strategy selection and less emotion regulation in general as well as with increased variability across strategies. However, these emotion regulation facets could not sufficiently explain the association between self‐control and affective well‐being.

Conclusions

Our main conclusion is that emotion regulation is not a mediator of the strong relation between self‐control and affective well‐being. Instead, we found evidence for the affective benefits of employing ways of emotion regulation that are less taxing mentally, which we discuss in light of current knowledge about self‐control and emotion regulation.
Current legal and clinical framework for treatment of trans and gender diverse youth in Australia
Authors: Jowett Stephanie , Mathews Ben
Published: September 2020

Legal and clinical complexities surrounding consent to medical treatment for trans and gender diverse (TGD) youth in Australia continue to develop. New Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines have also introduced substantial clinical developments. Significant changes to legal principles from court decisions require doctors and health authorities, youth and parents, and legal advisors, to make and administer treatment decisions in compliance with the new legal requirements. Recent developments in the law relating to consent for medical treatment of TGD youth are clarified, with focus on the 2017 case Re: Kelvin and its implications for clinical practice. This article presents a new medico‐legal analysis of clinical practice for treating TGD youth, mapping Australian clinical guidelines and legal principles against three stages of clinical treatment. Clinical scenarios are used to demonstrate situations where the legal framework no longer presents a barrier to clinical practice, as well as those where ambiguity remains. The aim of this paper is to ensure that clinicians working with TGD youth understand what the law currently requires in term of consent, with reference to the stages of treatment, and where the law fails to provide clear guidance for patients, parents and health professionals. Residual uncertainty in the applicable legal principles requires legislative or judicial resolution and policy clarity.
Calprotectin levels in gingival crevicular fluid and serum of patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus before and after initial periodontal therapy
Authors: Gao Hongyu , Xu Jingling , He Lu , Meng Huanxin , Hou Jianxia
Published: September 2020

Background

This study is aimed to compare the total amount of calprotectin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the concentration of calprotectin in serum among the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis (DM‐P), the patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and the healthy controls, as well as the variation of these indicators before and three months after the initial periodontal therapy for the DM‐P patients.

Methods

35 patients with DM‐P patients, 32 patients with CP patients, and 43 healthy controls were recruited. Calprotectin levels in serum and GCF, periodontal parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and HbA1c were measured at baseline for all the groups and three months after the initial periodontal therapy for the DM‐P patients.

Results

At baseline, the calprotectin levels in GCF and serum were the highest in DM‐P, followed by CP, and the lowest in healthy controls. GCF calprotectin was significantly and positively correlated with serum calprotectin and probing depth (PD), while serum calprotectin had a significant positive correlation with GCF calprotectin and HbA1c. Periodontal parameters, HbA1c, and serum and GCF calprotectin became significantly reduced after the initial periodontal treatment. The reduction of serum calprotectin was consistent with that of HbA1c, while the decrease of GCF calprotectin was in agreement with that of PD, attachment loss (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP).

Conclusions

The levels of calprotectin in serum and GCF in the DM‐P patients are significantly higher than those in CP patients and healthy controls, which significantly reduced 3 months after the initial periodontal therapy. Furthermore, it suggests diabetic patients might exhibit more pronounced inflammation periodontally and systemically.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal sac in two cats
Authors: Kopke M. A. , Gal A. , Piripi S. A. , Poirier V. J.
Published: September 2020

This report describes two cases of feline anal sac squamous cell carcinoma. Cat 1 was managed with a multimodal approach combining surgical resection, radiation therapy and systemic therapy (toceranib phosphate; Palladia™) until local recurrence was identified at 236 days postsurgery. At that time, the cat received carboplatin. With the tumour being progressive, the cat was euthanased 552 days post initial surgery. Cat 2 was managed palliatively with a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory (meloxicam) and supportive medications. Unfortunately, with further decline in quality of life following initial diagnosis, the cat was euthanased 28 days later. Squamous cell carcinoma should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis when a cat is presented for investigation of an anal sac mass.
PDCD1 and IFNL4 genetic variants and risk of developing hepatitis C virus‐related diseases
Authors: De Re Valli , Tornesello Maria Lina , De Zorzi Mariangela , Caggiari Laura , Pezzuto Francesca , Leone Patrizia , Racanelli Vito , Lauletta Gianfranco , Zanussi Stefania , Repetto Ombretta , Gragnani Laura , Rossi Francesca Maria , Dolcetti Riccardo , Zignego Anna Linda , Buonaguro Franco M. , Steffan Agostino
Published: September 2020

Background

Genetic variants of IFNL4 and PDCD1 genes have been shown to influence the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the IFNL4 rs12979860 and the PDCD1 polymorphisms in 734 HCV‐positive patients, including 461 cases with liver disease of varying severity and 273 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders to determine the association of these genes with patient's outcome.

Methods

Expression levels of PDCD1 mRNA encoded by haplotypes were investigated by quantitative PCR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect PD‐1 and its ligand PD‐L1.

Results

The frequency of IFNL4 rs12979860 C/T or T/T genotypes was significantly higher in patients with HCV‐related diseases than blood donors (P < .0001). Patients expressing the IFNλ4 variant with one amino acid change that reduces IFNλ4 secretion was found increased in frequency in HCV‐related diseases compared to HCC PDCD1 mRNA levels in HCC tissue were significantly higher in cases carrying the PD‐1.3 A or the PD‐1.7 G allele (P = .0025 and P = .0167). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between PD‐1.3 and IFNL4 was found in patients with mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) only (LD = 0 in HCC; LD = 72 in MC). PBMCs of MC patients expressed low levels of PD‐L1 in CD19+IgM+B cells and of PD‐1 in CD4+T cells suggesting the involvement of regulatory B cell‐T cell interaction to the pathogenesis of MC.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data indicate an important contribution of IFNλ4 expression to the development of HCV‐related HCC and an epistatic contribution of IFNL4 and PDCD1 in MC.

Lay summary

Studies of IFNL4 and PDCD1 genes are helpful to better understand the role of host genetic factors and immune antigens influencing the outcome of HCV‐related diseases. Our data support an association between the expression of IFNλ4, which prevents the expression of IFNλ3, with all the different HCV‐related diseases studied, and besides, evidence that a higher IFNλ4 expression is associated with hepatocellular at a younger age. The expression pattern of low PD‐L1 on B cells and high PD‐1 on CD4+T‐cells in patients with HCV‐positive cryoglobulinaemia suggests a critical role of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 signaling in modulating B cell‐T cell interaction in this lymphoproliferative disease.
Neuropathological findings in two patients with fatal COVID‐19
Authors: Jensen M. P. , Le Quesne J. , Officer‐Jones L. , Teodòsio A. , Thaventhiran J. , Ficken C. , Goddard M. , Smith C. , Menon D. , Allinson K. S. J.
Published: September 2020

Aims

To describe the neuropathological findings in two cases of fatal Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with neurological decline.

Methods

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection was confirmed in both patients by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) from nasopharyngeal swabs antemortem. Coronial autopsies were performed on both patients and histological sampling of the brain was undertaken with a variety of histochemical and immunohistochemical stains. RNAscope® in situ hybridization (ISH) using the V‐nCoV2019‐S probe and RT‐PCR SARS‐CoV‐2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) was performed in paraffin‐embedded brain tissue sampled from areas of pathology.

Results

Case 1 demonstrated severe multifocal cortical infarction with extensive perivascular calcification and numerous megakaryocytes, consistent with a severe multi‐territorial cerebral vascular injury. There was associated cerebral thrombotic microangiopathy. Case 2 demonstrated a brainstem encephalitis centred on the dorsal medulla and a subacute regional infarct involving the cerebellar cortex. In both cases, ISH and RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA were negative in tissue sampled from the area of pathology.

Conclusions

Our case series adds calcifying cerebral cortical infarction with associated megakaryocytes and brainstem encephalitis to the spectrum of neuropathological findings that may contribute to the neurological decompensation seen in some COVID‐19 patients. Viral RNA was not detected in post‐mortem brain tissue, suggesting that these pathologies may not be a direct consequence of viral neuroinvasion and may represent para‐infectious phenomena, relating to the systemic hyperinflammatory and hypercoagulable syndromes that both patients suffered.
Invited Review: The spectrum of neuropathology in COVID‐19
Authors: Al‐Sarraj S. , Troakes C. , Hanley B. , Osborn M. , Richardson M. P. , Hotopf M. , Bullmore E. , Everall I. P.
Published: September 2020

There is increasing evidence that patients with Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) present with neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Anosmia, hypogeusia, headache, nausea and altered consciousness are commonly described, although there are emerging clinical reports of more serious and specific conditions such as acute cerebrovascular accident, encephalitis and demyelinating disease. Whether these presentations are directly due to viral invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) or caused by indirect mechanisms has yet to be established. Neuropathological examination of brain tissue at autopsy will be essential to establish the neuro‐invasive potential of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus but, to date, there have been few detailed studies. The pathological changes in the brain probably represent a combination of direct cytopathic effects mediated by SARS‐CoV‐2 replication or indirect effects due to respiratory failure, injurious cytokine reaction, reduced immune response and cerebrovascular accidents induced by viral infection. Further large‐scale molecular and cellular investigations are warranted to clarify the neuropathological correlates of the neurological and psychiatric features seen clinically in COVID‐19. In this review, we summarize the current reports of neuropathological examination in COVID‐19 patients, in addition to our own experience, and discuss their contribution to the understanding of CNS involvement in this disease.
Effect of obesity and body mass index on coronavirus disease 2019 severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chang Tu‐Hsuan , Chou Chia‐Ching , Chang Luan‐Yin
Published: September 2020

We conducted a systematic review of observational studies to examine the effects of body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Sixteen articles were finally included in the meta‐analysis, and a random effects model was used. BMI was found to be higher in patients with severe disease than in those with mild or moderate disease (MD 1.6, 95% CI, 0.8–2.4; p = .0002) in China; however, the heterogeneity was high (I2 = 75%). Elevated BMI was associated with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) use (MD 4.1, 95% CI, 2.1–6.1; p < .0001) in Western countries, and this result was consistent across studies (I2 = 0%). Additionally, there were increased odds ratios of IMV use (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.4–2.9; p < .0001) and hospitalization (OR 1.4, 95% CI, 1.3–1.60; p < .00001) in patients with obesity. There was no substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). In conclusion, obesity or high BMI increased the risk of hospitalization, severe disease and invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID‐19. Physicians must be alert to these early indicators to identify critical patients.
Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in an explanted liver after Kasai operation for biliary atresia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Uno Shunsuke , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Okajima Hideaki , Taura Kojiro , Sakurai Takaki , Haga Hironori
Published: September 2020

Kasai operation is widely performed for biliary atresia (BA), as it improves the prognosis. Biliary tract cancer has rarely been reported as a complication after Kasai operation. A 17‐year‐old man underwent liver transplantation for progressive jaundice and liver dysfunction after Kasai operation for BA. A macroscopic examination of the explanted liver revealed a 3.6‐cm‐diameter mass in the hilus of the explanted liver. The tumor consisted of an atypical proliferation of glandular cells in the collagenous stroma. The differential diagnosis included a florid ductular reaction and primary adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the glandular cells were diffusely positive for IGF2BP3 and S100P, but negative for CDX2. A diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma arising from the liver hilus was made. To our knowledge, this is the third case of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma after Kasai operation for BA. The previously reported cases had a poor prognosis, but the current case did not recur during a 15‐year follow‐up. Cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma can occur as a late complication of BA after Kasai operation, and early detection and liver transplantation may improve the prognosis.
Expected Implications of Globally Coordinated Cessation of Serotype 3 Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) Before Serotype 1 OPV
Authors: Kalkowska Dominika A. , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: September 2020

Globally coordinated cessation of all three serotypes of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) represents a critical part of a successful polio endgame, which the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) plans to conduct in phases, with serotype 2 OPV cessation completed in mid 2016. Although in 2016 the GPEI expected to globally coordinate cessation of the remaining OPV serotypes (1 and 3) by 2021, continuing transmission of serotype 1 wild polioviruses to date makes those plans obsolete. With increasing time since the last reported polio case caused by serotype 3 wild poliovirus (in November 2012) leading to high confidence about its successful global eradication, the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication recently certified its eradication. Questions now arise about the optimal timing of serotype 3 OPV (OPV3) cessation. Using an integrated global model that characterizes the risks, costs, and benefits of global polio policy and risk management options, we explored the implications of different options for coordinated cessation of OPV3 prior to COVID‐19. Globally coordinating cessation of OPV3 as soon as possible offers the opportunity to reduce cases of vaccine‐associated paralytic polio globally. In addition, earlier cessation of OPV3 should reduce the risks of creating serotype 3 circulating vaccine‐derived polioviruses after OPV3 cessation, which represents a significant threat to the polio endgame given current GPEI plans to reduce preventive OPV supplemental immunization activities starting in 2019.
Portfolio Seismic Loss Estimation and Risk‐based Critical Scenarios for Residential Wooden Houses in Victoria, British Columbia, and Canada
Authors: Goda Katsuichiro , Zhang Lizhong , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: September 2020

This study presents a city‐wide seismic risk assessment of single‐family wooden houses in Victoria, British Columbia, and Canada. The novelty and uniqueness of this study include considerations of detailed building‐by‐building exposure model for residential houses, current national seismic hazard model for Canada, and rigorous seismic fragility modeling of wooden houses based on nonlinear dynamic analysis of structures subjected to mainshock‐aftershock sequences. A full consideration of stochastic event scenarios in probabilistic seismic risk analysis allows the identification of critical scenarios from overall regional seismic risk perspectives and provides valuable insights in informing earthquake disaster risk management actions. Outputs from the developed catastrophe model for Victoria are compared with the empirical model that was developed based on insurance claim data from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Results of the seismic loss calculations highlight the importance of seismic resistance of the existing houses and of aftershock effects. The integrated use of the outputs from the advanced catastrophe model facilitates risk‐based identification of critical earthquake scenarios, which are useful for different stakeholders for earthquake risk management purposes.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 inhibits angiotensin II‐induced aortic smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch and matrix metalloproteinase expression
Authors: Chen Suwei , Chen Hong , Zhong Yongliang , Ge Yipeng , Li Chengnan , Qiao Zhiyu , Zhu Junming
Published: September 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 and its major binding protein insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) are involved in collagen deregulation in several cardiovascular diseases: what is the role of IGFBP3 in thoracic aortic dissection and does it regulate aortic smooth muscle cells’ phenotypic switch?

What is the main finding and its importance?

IGFBP3 inhibits aortic smooth muscle cells’ phenotypic switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype, decreases matrix metalloproteinase 9 activation and suppresses elastin degradation. These findings provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection.

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is characterized by aortic media degeneration and is a highly lethal disease. An aortic smooth muscle cell (AoSMC) phenotypic switch is considered a key pathophysiological change in TAD. Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) was found to be downregulated in aortic tissues of TAD patients. The present work aimed to study the function of IGFBP3 in AoSMCs’ phenotypic switch and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. We established a mouse model of TAD by angiotensin (Ang) II infusion to β‐aminopropionitrile‐administrated mice, and found decreased IGFBP3 expression accompanied by aortic dilatation and elastin degradation in vivo. Further, mouse (m)AoSMCs were isolated from mouse thoracic aorta and treated with Ang II. Ang II induced downregulation of IGFBP3 in vitro. To further study the function of IGFBP3, primary mAoSMCs were infected with adenovirus expressing IGFBP3 followed by Ang II induction. Enforced upregulation of IGFBP3 decreased MMP9 expression and activation as well as increasing tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 expression in Ang II‐induced mAoSMCs. No difference was observed in MMP2 and TIMP3 expression. IGFBP3 suppressed subsequent Ang II‐induced elastin degradation in vitro. IGFBP3 inhibited Ang II‐induced mAoSMCs’ phenotypic switch as evidenced by increased smooth muscle actin α‐2 (ACTA2) and myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11) expression and decreased secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and vimentin expression. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the role of IGFBP3 in preserving AoSMCs’ contractile state and reducing MMP9 activation and thus promoting elastic fibre synthesis, which provides a better understanding of the pathogenesis of TAD.
Performance of ion chromatography to measure picomole amounts of magnesium in nanolitre samples
Authors: Figueres Lucile , Prot‐Bertoye Caroline , Morla Luciana , Ferriere Elsa , Griveau Camille , Brideau Gaëlle , Baron Stéphanie , Houillier Pascal
Published: September 2020

Key points

An UHPLC method to measure picomole amounts of magnesium has been developed.

The method is sensitive, specific, accurate and reproducible.

The method is suitable for quantifying magnesium transport across intact epithelia.

Magnesium is involved in many biological processes. Extracellular magnesium homeostasis mainly depends on the renal handling of magnesium, the study of which requires measurement of low concentrations of magnesium in renal tubular fluid. We developed an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method to measure millimolar concentrations of magnesium in nanolitre samples. Within‐assay and between‐assay coefficients of variation were lower than 5% and 6.6%, respectively. Measurement of magnesium concentration was linear (r2 = 0.9998) over the range 0–4 mmol/l. Absolute bias ranged from −0.03 to 0.05 mmol/l. The lower limit of quantification was 0.2 mmol/l. Recovery was 97.5–100.3%. No significant interference with calcium, another divalent cation present in the same samples, was detected. The method was successfully applied to quantify transepithelial magnesium transport by medullary and cortical thick ascending limbs during ex vivo microperfusion experiments. In conclusion, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography is suitable for measurement of picomole amounts of magnesium in renal tubular fluid. The method allows detailed studies of transepithelial magnesium transport across native epithelium.
Proper hunger increased the lethal efficiency of the ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes zhonghuajia
Authors: Tian Tai-An , Yu Li-Chen , Yu Xiao-Fei , Li Li-Tao , Sun Guang-Jun , Zhang Hai-Yan , Yang Mao-Fa , Liu Jianfeng
Published: September 2020

Starvation is defined as a failure to ingest and digest food under some extrinsic limitation. Starvation could induce the behavioral consequences, such as searching, movement, parasitism efficiency of arthropods. In this study, we try to evaluate the hunger tolerance and movement rates of P. zhonghuajia on corn and sorghum, and observed the time of P. zhonghuajia biting S. frugiperda and the lethal efficiency of P. zhonghuajia on S. frugiperda under different starvation periods (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h). The results showed that without host the survival rates of P. zhonghuajia was significantly reduced over the 96 h. Starvation significantly increased the movement rates of P. zhonghuajia with increasing starvation from 6 to 24 h on the sorghum and corn leaves. When starved for 12 h, starvation significantly decreased the time P. zhonghuajia spent biting S. frugiperda. Proper hunger in P. zhonghuajia caused a 100% mortality rate in S. frugiperda within 2 hours, while a 96-h starved P. zhonghuajia parasited S. frugiperda for 16 hours to achieve a 100% mortality rate. In conclusion, a shorter period of starvation (24 h) could improve the movement rates and lethal efficiency of P. zhonghuajia against S. frugiperda, and ultimately enhance the biological control of P. zhonghuajia.
“I Can’t Teach You to Be Taller”: How Canadian, Collegiate-Level Coaches Construct Talent in Sport
Authors: Jones Justine , Johnston Kathryn , Baker Joseph
Published: September 2020

Talent identification and development are two of the most critical, yet underexplored, areas in sport sciences. Despite its importance to a host of sport stakeholders, there is a void in our understanding of how coaches construct talent. In an effort to learn more, semistructured interviews were conducted with nine (one female and eight male) collegiate-level coaches from a single Canadian institution. Social constructionism was utilized as the theoretical framework to guide this research. Reflexive thematic analysis generated two main themes: “what talent looks like” and “how talent behaves.” For the former, two subthemes, physical and psychological attributes, were highlighted through the coaches’ experiences as qualities they believe talented athletes may present. The latter reflected opinions that talent may be multidimensional and context-specific in nature. Interestingly, the coaches suggested the context and circumstances of collegiate sport may nudge them to consider other elements (i.e., academic standing, years to degree completion) during talent identification that are unique to this context. Future work in this area could seek to study other populations of coaches to provide a deeper analysis of how talent is situated in relation to different sociocultural worlds.
A Shh/Gli-driven three-node timer motif controls temporal identity and fate of neural stem cells
Authors: Dias José M. , Alekseenko Zhanna , Jeggari Ashwini , Boareto Marcelo , Vollmer Jannik , Kozhevnikova Mariya , Wang Hui , Matise Michael P. , Alexeyenko Andrey , Iber Dagmar , Ericson Johan
Published: September 2020

A Shh/Gli-driven incoherent feed-forward loop circuit encodes time and counterbalances noise in temporal neural patterning.
Atomic-scale characterization of mature HIV-1 capsid stabilization by inositol hexakisphosphate (IP
6
)
Authors: Yu Alvin , Lee Elizabeth M. Y. , Jin Jaehyeok , Voth Gregory A.
Published: September 2020

All-atom simulations reveal the molecular mechanisms of inositol hexakisphosphate binding to HIV capsids.
F4- and F18-Positive Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Diarrhea of Postweaning Pigs: Genomic Characterization
Authors: García Vanesa , Gambino Michela , Pedersen Karl , Haugegaard Svend , Olsen John Elmerdahl , Herrero-Fresno Ana
Published: September 2020

Diarrhea in the postweaning period due to enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC) is an economically relevant disease in pig production worldwide. In Denmark, prevention is mainly achieved by zinc oxide administration (to be discontinued by 2022). In addition, a breeding program has been implemented that aims to reduce the prevalence of this illness. Treatment with antimicrobials contributes to the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development. As a novelty, this study aims to deeply understand the genetic population structure and variation among diarrhea-associated isolates by whole-genome sequencing characterization. ST100-F4ac is the dominant clonal group circulating in Danish herds and showed high similarity to ETEC ST100 isolates from China, the United States, and Spain. High rates of AMR and high diversity of virulence genes were detected. The characterization of diarrhea-related ETEC is important for understanding the disease epidemiology and pathogenesis and for implementation of new strategies aiming to reduce the impact of the disease in pig production.
Genetic Basis Underlying the Hyperhemolytic Phenotype of Streptococcus agalactiae Strain CNCTC10/84
Authors: Zhu Luchang , Beres Stephen B. , Yerramilli Prasanti , Pruitt Layne , Cantu Concepcion C. , Olsen Randall J. , Musser James M.
Published: September 2020

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. GBS strain CNCTC10/84 is a highly virulent blood isolate that has been used extensively to study GBS pathogenesis for over 20 years. Strain CNCTC10/84 has an unusually strong hemolytic activity, but the genetic basis is unknown. In this study, we discovered that a single-nucleotide insertion in an intergenic homopolymeric tract is responsible for the elevated hemolytic activity of CNCTC10/84.
A Novel Real-Time PCR-Based Screening Test with Pooled Fecal Samples for Bovine Johne’s Disease
Authors: Kawaji Satoko , Nagata Reiko , Minegishi Yasutaka , Saruyama Yumi , Mita Akiko , Kishizuka Shingo , Saito Masahiro , Mori Yasuyuki
Published: September 2020

Johne’s disease (JD) is an economically important infectious disease in livestock farming caused by
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. As an alternative to serological tests, which are used mainly for the screening of whole herds, we developed a novel ResoLight-based real-time PCR (RL-PCR) assay with pooled fecal samples for the detection of fecal shedders in cattle herds. The RL-PCR assay included an internal amplification control (IC) which was amplified using the same primer pair as the target molecule
M. avium
subsp.
Genomic Sequences of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains with Various Fluoroquinolone Resistance Profiles
Authors: Okumura Kayo , Kaido Masako , Yamasaki Eiki , Akai Yasumasa , Kurazono Hisao , Yamamoto Shingo
Published: September 2020

The emergence of drug-resistant uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) has hampered antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. To elucidate the resistance mechanisms of UPEC, we performed whole-genome sequencing of eight UPEC strains with different fluoroquinolone resistance levels. Here, we report our sequencing data, providing a valuable resource for understanding such mechanisms.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Arcanobacterium
sp. Strain 2701, Isolated from a Harbor Seal
Authors: Borowiak Maria , Alssahen Mazen , Hassan Abdulwahed Ahmed , Lämmler Christoph , Sammra Osama , Malorny Burkhard , Uelze Laura , Kreitlow Antonia , Prenger-Berninghoff Ellen , Siebert Ursula , Plötz Madeleine , Abdulmawjood Amir
Published: September 2020

Arcanobacterium
spp. are Gram-positive bacteria which can be found in a wide range of hosts and can be associated with disease in humans and animals. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of
Arcanobacterium
sp. strain 2701, isolated from a harbor seal from the North Sea.
Draft Genome Sequences of 13 Plant-Associated Actinobacteria of the Family
Microbacteriaceae
Authors: Tarlachkov Sergey V. , Starodumova Irina P. , Dorofeeva Lubov V. , Prisyazhnaya Natalia V. , Leyn Semen A. , Zlamal Jaime E. , Albu Sebastian , Nadler Steven A. , Subbotin Sergei A. , Evtushenko Lyudmila I.
Published: September 2020

Draft genome sequences of 13 bacterial strains from the family
Microbacteriaceae
were generated using Illumina technology. The genome sizes varied from 3.0 to 4.8 Mb, and the DNA G+C content was 68.1 to 72.5%. The sequences obtained will contribute to the development of genome-based taxonomy and understanding of molecular interactions between bacteria and plants.
Draft Genome Sequences of 20 Aspergillus flavus Isolates from Corn Kernels and Cornfield Soils in Louisiana
Authors: Gebru Solomon T. , Mammel Mark K. , Gangiredla Jayanthi , Tartera Carmen , Cary Jeffrey W. , Moore Geromy G. , Sweany Rebecca R.
Published: September 2020

Aspergillus flavus
is a common saprophyte and opportunistic fungal pathogen that infects plants, animals, and humans. It also produces numerous toxic and nontoxic secondary metabolites. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 20
A. flavus
isolates, belonging to 16 vegetative compatibility groups, from Louisiana corn kernels and cornfield soils.
Genome Sequences of Vesicular Stomatitis Indiana Viruses from the 2019 Outbreak in the Southwest United States
Authors: O’Donnell V. K. , Pauszek S. J. , Xu L. , Moran K. , Vierra D. , Boston T. , Dodd K. A. , Faburay B. , Barrette R. W.
Published: September 2020

We report the genomes of three vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus (VSIV) isolates collected from naturally infected bovines in Wyoming and Colorado during the 2019 outbreak in the United States. These genomes support molecular diagnostic efforts and provide data on the spread and ecology of VSIV in the United States.
Putative Membrane Receptors Contribute to Activation and Efficient Signaling of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascades during Adaptation of Aspergillus fumigatus to Different Stressors and Carbon Sources
Authors: Silva Lilian Pereira , Frawley Dean , Assis Leandro José de , Tierney Ciara , Fleming Alastair B. , Bayram Ozgur , Goldman Gustavo Henrique
Published: September 2020

Aspergillus fumigatus
is an important human-pathogenic fungal species that is responsible for a high incidence of infections in immunocompromised individuals.
A. fumigatus
high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) and cell wall integrity pathways are important for the adaptation to different forms of environmental adversity such as osmotic and oxidative stresses, nutrient limitations, high temperatures, and other chemical and mechanical stresses that may be produced by the host immune system and antifungal drugs. Little is known about how these pathways are activated in this fungal pathogen. Here, we characterize four
A. fumigatus
putative homologues that are important for the activation of the yeast HOG pathway.
A. fumigatus
SlnA
Sln1p
, ShoA
Sho1p
, MsbA
Msb2p
, and OpyA
Opy2p
are genetically interacting and are essential for the activation of the HOG and cell wall integrity pathways. Our results contribute to the understanding of
A. fumigatus
adaptation to the host environment.
Supplemental Material: Longest continuously erupting large igneous province driven by plume-ridge interaction
Authors: Jiang Qiang , al. et
Published: September 2020

Methods, supplemental data, Figures S1–S8, and Tables S1–S5.
Supplemental Material: Thin crème brûlée rheological structure for the Eastern California Shear Zone
Authors: Liu Shaozhuo , al. et
Published: September 2020

Supplemental details on data analysis, modeling methods, and modeling results, as well as supplemental figures and table.
Supplemental Material: Microbial sulfate reduction plays an important role at the initial stage of subseafloor sulfide mineralization
Authors: Nozaki Tatsuo , al. et
Published: September 2020

Supplemental figures and tables.
Principles of immunisation in children with solid organ transplant
Authors: Kelgeri Chayarani , Kelly Dominic F , Brant Alexandra , Patel Mitul , Gupte Girish L
Published: September 2020

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) are a significant risk to paediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients on lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Children progressing to end-stage organ dysfunction are unable to mount a robust immune response. Hence, it is important to plan vaccination early in the course of disease, especially if a child is anticipated to be a SOT candidate. Vaccine recommendations need to be individualised in this population based on vaccine history and serology. Catch-up or accelerated schedules may be used to complete vaccinations before transplant. Post-transplant, immunisation is recommenced in consultation with the transplant team taking into context the time since transplant and the intensity of the immunosuppressive regime. Inactivated vaccines are safe post-transplant but postexposure prophylaxis may still be required in children with inadequate immunity to VPD. Specific vaccines may be advised for SOT recipients travelling abroad (in consultation with a travel clinic) or those entering high-risk professions. Additionally, the vaccination status of all household members and close contacts should be reviewed and optimised, offering additional protection to the transplant recipient.