bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential prescribing issues among older HIV‐infected subjects in a Mediterranean cohort: Does the current prevalence give cause for concern?
Authors: Loste Cora , Moltó José , Pérez‐Álvarez Núria , Puig Jordi , Echeverría Patricia , Bonjoch Anna , Fumaz Carmina R. , Lemos Begoña , Estany Carla , Clotet Bonaventura , Negredo Eugenia
Published: August 2020

Aims

To determine the prevalence of potential prescribing issues (PPI) in HIV‐infected subjects aged ≥65 years according to the Beers and STOPP/START criteria and antiretroviral drug–drug interactions (Liverpool website). Secondary objectives were to assess the concordance between Beers and STOPP/START criteria in our population, and to identify the drugs most frequently involved in PPI.

Methods

Cross‐sectional cohort study based on a systematic review of the electronic drug prescriptions confirmed by an interview of 91 HIV‐infected patients aged ≥65 years. Discrepancies between prescription criteria were assessed using crosstabs and compared using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test.

Results

The mean age was 72.1 (5.6) years, 75.8% had ≥3 comorbidities and 59.3% polypharmacy. PPI were identified in 87.9%: 71.4% by STOPP/START and 45.1% by Beers. Comparing both criteria, 56.9% of PPI by STOPP/START were detected by Beers, while 92.5% of those detected by the Beers criteria were detected by STOPP/START (P < .001). Amber/red flag interactions between antiretrovirals and comedications were found in 45.1%: 3 severe (red) in 2 patients (2.2%). The most frequent drugs involved in PPI were benzodiazepines (>30%). Cobicistat was the drug most frequently involved in potential interactions (42.2%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of PPI among older HIV‐infected persons gives cause for concern, as it is almost 90%. Optimization strategies, including a critical review of the treatment plan, should be implemented in clinical routine by a multidisciplinary team, in particular in patients with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. The STOPP/START criteria seem to detect more PPI, mainly for European populations.
A random covariance model for bi‐level graphical modeling with application to resting‐state fMRI data
Authors: Zhang Lin , DiLernia Andrew , Quevedo Karina , Camchong Jazmin , Lim Kelvin , Pan Wei
Published: August 2020

We consider a novel problem, bi‐level graphical modeling, in which multiple individual graphical models can be considered as variants of a common group‐level graphical model and inference of both the group‐ and individual‐level graphical models is of interest. Such a problem arises from many applications, including multi‐subject neuro‐imaging and genomics data analysis. We propose a novel and efficient statistical method, the random covariance model, to learn the group‐ and individual‐level graphical models simultaneously. The proposed method can be nicely interpreted as a random covariance model that mimics the random effects model for mean structures in linear regression. It accounts for similarity between individual graphical models, identifies group‐level connections that are shared by individuals, and simultaneously infers multiple individual‐level networks. Compared to existing multiple graphical modeling methods that only focus on individual‐level graphical modeling, our model learns the group‐level structure underlying the multiple individual graphical models and enjoys computational efficiency that is particularly attractive for practical use. We further define a measure of degrees‐of‐freedom for the complexity of the model useful for model selection. We demonstrate the asymptotic properties of our method and show its finite‐sample performance through simulation studies. Finally, we apply the method to our motivating clinical data, a multi‐subject resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging dataset collected from participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, identifying both individual‐ and group‐level graphical models of functional connectivity.
Receiver operating characteristic curves and confidence bands for support vector machines
Authors: Luckett Daniel J. , Laber Eric B. , El‐Kamary Samer S. , Fan Cheng , Jhaveri Ravi , Perou Charles M. , Shebl Fatma M. , Kosorok Michael R.
Published: August 2020

Many problems that appear in biomedical decision‐making, such as diagnosing disease and predicting response to treatment, can be expressed as binary classification problems. The support vector machine (SVM) is a popular classification technique that is robust to model misspecification and effectively handles high‐dimensional data. The relative costs of false positives and false negatives can vary across application domains. The receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve provides a visual representation of the trade‐off between these two types of errors. Because the SVM does not produce a predicted probability, an ROC curve cannot be constructed in the traditional way of thresholding a predicted probability. However, a sequence of weighted SVMs can be used to construct an ROC curve. Although ROC curves constructed using weighted SVMs have great potential for allowing ROC curves analyses that cannot be done by thresholding predicted probabilities, their theoretical properties have heretofore been underdeveloped. We propose a method for constructing confidence bands for the SVM ROC curve and provide the theoretical justification for the SVM ROC curve by showing that the risk function of the estimated decision rule is uniformly consistent across the weight parameter. We demonstrate the proposed confidence band method using simulation studies. We present a predictive model for treatment response in breast cancer as an illustrative example.
Distinct changes in all major components of the neurovascular unit across different neuropathological stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kirabali Tunahan , Rust Ruslan , Rigotti Serena , Siccoli Alessandro , Nitsch Roger M. , Kulic Luka
Published: August 2020

In the brain capillaries, endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes and microglia form a structural and functional complex called neurovascular unit (NVU) which is critically involved in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. In the present study, we applied a comprehensive immunohistochemical approach to investigate the structural alterations in the NVU across different Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological stages. Post‐mortem human cortical and hippocampal samples derived from AD patients and non‐demented elderly control individuals were immunostained using a panel of markers representing specific components of the NVU including Collagen IV (basement membrane), PDGFR‐β (pericytes), GFAP (astrocytes), Iba1 (microglia), MRC1 (perivascular macrophages) and lectin as an endothelial cell label. Astrocytes (GFAP) and microglia (Iba1) were quantified both in the whole visual‐field and specifically within the NVU, and the sample set was additionally analyzed using anti‐tau (AT8) and three different anti‐Aβ (clones G2‐10, G2‐11, 4G8) antibodies. Analyses of lectin labeled sections showed an altered vascular distribution in AD patients as revealed by a reduced nearest distance between capillaries. Within the NVU, a Braak‐stage dependent reduction in pericyte coverage was identified as the earliest structural alteration during AD progression. In comparison to non‐demented elderly controls, AD patients showed a significantly higher astrocyte coverage within the NVU, which was paralleled by a reduced microglial coverage around capillaries. Assessment of perivascular macrophages moreover demonstrated a relocation of these cells from leptomeningeal arteries to penetrating parenchymal vessels in AD patients. Collectively, the results of our study represent a comprehensive first in‐depth analysis of AD‐related structural changes in the NVU and suggest distinct alterations in all components of the NVU during AD progression.
Thymine DNA glycosylase‐regulated TAZ promotes radioresistance by targeting nonhomologous end joining and tumor progression in esophageal cancer
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhang Lin , Chen Pengxiang , Li Song , Cheng Yufeng
Published: August 2020

Radiation resistance is a major cause of esophageal cancer relapse or metastasis. Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding domain (TAZ) is a final effector of the Hippo signaling pathway and plays critical roles in several types of cancer, but how it participates in the progression and radiation resistance of esophageal cancer remains unclear. Here, we revealed that TAZ was the strongest prognostic factor among Hippo pathway members. Overexpression of TAZ predicted poor outcome and adverse pathological features. In cell and animal models, TAZ facilitated cell proliferation, motility, and radiation resistance. Additionally, TAZ promoted expression of nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)‐related genes, which are the main contributors to repair irradiation‐induced DNA breaks and result in radiation resistance. Amplification of the TAZ gene occurred in 2.5%‐3.2% of esophageal cancers. In addition, the CpG islands of the TAZ gene were demethylated in esophageal cancer under thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) regulation. Knockdown of TDG inhibited cell growth, motility, and radiation resistance, which were overridden by TAZ overexpression. Collectively, these findings suggest that the TDG/TAZ/NHEJ axis is a critical player in esophageal cancer progression and radiation resistance, as well as a potential target for radiotherapy.
Early Emotion Knowledge and Later Academic Achievement Among Children of Color in Historically Disinvested Neighborhoods
Authors: Ursache Alexandra , Kiely Gouley Kathleen , Dawson‐McClure Spring , Barajas‐Gonzalez R. Gabriela , Calzada Esther J. , Goldfeld Keith S. , Brotman Laurie M.
Published: August 2020

This study examined longitudinal relations between emotion knowledge (EK) in pre‐kindergarten (pre‐K; Mage = 4.8 years) and math and reading achievement 1 and 3 years later in a sample of 1,050 primarily Black children (over half from immigrant families) living in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Participants were part of a follow‐up study of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Controlling for pre‐academic skills, other social–emotional skills, sociodemographic characteristics, and school intervention status, higher EK at the end of pre‐K predicted higher math and reading achievement test scores in kindergarten and second grade. Moderation analyses suggest that relations were attenuated among children from immigrant families. Findings suggest the importance of enriching pre‐K programs for children of color with EK‐promotive interventions and strategies.
Peanut allergy impact on productivity and quality of life (PAPRIQUA): Caregiver‐reported psychosocial impact of peanut allergy on children
Authors: Acaster Sarah , Gallop Katy , de Vries Jane , Ryan Robert , Vereda Andrea , Knibb Rebecca C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Limited research has examined the impact of peanut allergy (PA) on children using validated instruments to assess psychosocial burden and the factors influencing burden.

Objective

The PAPRIQUA study aimed to assess the caregiver‐reported impact of living with PA on children's health‐related quality of life (HRQL), correlations between PA severity and child's sex, and associations of caregivers’ sex and anxiety with the proxy report of their child's HRQL and to identify significant predictors of a child's HRQL.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of caregivers of children with mild, moderate and severe PA, based on caregiver perception, was conducted in the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited through a survey recruitment panel; a maximum quota of 20% who rated their child's PA as mild was set to ensure population diversity; however, the quota was not required as few participants considered their child's PA mild. The survey, funded by Aimmune Therapeutics, included sociodemographic and clinical questions, the EQ‐5D‐Y, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF) and Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM).

Results

One hundred caregivers of children with PA (aged 4‐15 years) completed the survey. Child's sex was not associated with proxy‐reported burden. For younger children (aged 4‐10 years), there was no effect of PA severity; parents of older children (aged 11‐15 years) reported low to higher burden for their child on the EQ‐5D‐Y and FAQLQ‐PF dependent upon PA severity. For all measures of child burden except the EQ‐5D‐Y, two or more reactions in the past 12 months and parental anxiety significantly predicted higher levels of burden for the child (P < .05–P < .001). Experiencing a life‐threatening event in the past 12 months significantly predicted EQ‐5D‐Y proxy utility (P < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Caregivers report that children with PA experience high levels of psychosocial burden, particularly those with more severe PA and a reaction history. Interventions to decrease caregiver anxiety and reaction frequency may help reduce the child's burden. Self‐report studies in children with PA would help confirm these findings.
An Evaluation of Biometric Monitoring Technologies for Vital Signs in the Era of COVID‐19
Authors: Manta Christine , Jain Sneha S. , Coravos Andrea , Mendelsohn Dena , Izmailova Elena S.
Published: August 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) global pandemic has shifted how many patients receive outpatient care. Telehealth and remote monitoring have become more prevalent, and measurements taken in a patient’s home using biometric monitoring technologies (BioMeTs) offer convenient opportunities to collect vital sign data. Healthcare providers may lack prior experience using BioMeTs in remote patient care, and, therefore, may be unfamiliar with the many versions of BioMeTs, novel data collection protocols, and context of the values collected. To make informed patient care decisions based on the biometric data collected remotely, it is important to understand the engineering solutions embedded in the products, data collection protocols, form factors (physical size and shape), data quality considerations, and availability of validation information. This article provides an overview of BioMeTs available for collecting vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate) and discusses the strengths and limitations of continuous monitoring. We provide considerations for remote data collection and sources of validation information to guide BioMeT use in the era of COVID‐19 and beyond.
Statins: Epidrugs with effects on endothelial health?
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Nooshin , Montecucco Fabrizio , Carbone Federico , Xu Suowen , Al‐Rasadi Khalid , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2020

Background

Epigenetic events involving the methylation of CpG cites in DNA, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs correlated with many essential processes in human cells and diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)—the LDL cholesterol‐lowering drugs—are broadly used in cardio‐ and cerebro‐vascular diseases. It is well established that statins exert pleiotropic functions, but how they exert effects on epigenetic modifications independently of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibition is not yet clear. Thereby, understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for further clinical application of statin therapy.

Design

Following and electronic database search, studies reporting substantial effects of statins on epigenetic reprogramming in both cultured cells and in vivo models were retrieved and reviewed.

Results

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in cellular development and function, and data collected in the past few years have revealed that many of the pleiotropic properties of statins are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, those ‘nonclassical’ effects are not limited to CV field but they would extend to other conditions such as malignancies.

Conclusion

This review suggests that the epigenetic effects of statins mediate, at least in part, the pleiotropic actions of these drugs but further validation of such effects in clinical studies is yet to be provided.
Dentigerous cyst formation following trauma to the primary incisors: A case report
Authors: Bowdin Lisa Michelle , Anthonappa Robert Prashanth , King Nigel Martyn
Published: August 2020

Although usually considered to be of developmental origin, dentigerous cysts (DCs) have been reported to form in response to chronic periapical inflammation associated with primary teeth that have necrotic, infected pulps. This article describes the management of a DC associated with tooth 21 in a seven‐year‐old Caucasian child with a history of multiple TDIs to the primary maxillary incisors. Chronic periapical inflammation associated with a necrotic pulp in tooth 61 was identified as the likely cause of the lesion. Initial conservative management involved marsupialization of the lesion by extracting the necrotic tooth 61. Following significant decompression of the cyst, surgical enucleation was carried out under general anaesthesia and an orthodontic attachment was bonded to the crown of the unerupted tooth 21 to facilitate traction. Histopathological assessment of the enucleated tissue confirmed it to be a DC. Two years after the initial presentation, teeth 21 and 22 had erupted into the oral cavity, improving patient aesthetics. However, the root of tooth 22 was transposed with the crown of the unerupted tooth 23. This case highlights the undesirable sequelae that may occur following delayed and inappropriate management of TDIs.
Undergraduate endodontic clinical training in Malaysia: A National survey
Authors: Baharin Safura Anita , Omar Siti Hajar
Published: August 2020

Aim

Online survey was conducted to investigate the state of undergraduate endodontic clinical training in Malaysian dental schools.

Methods

An online questionnaire and a cover letter were emailed to the deans of 13 Malaysian dental schools. The questionnaire covers various aspects of endodontic clinical training including teaching methods, endodontic clinical procedures, minimum requirements, clinical sessions and teaching staff.

Results

The response rate was 69%. Similarities in teaching methods were observed in all responding schools. All schools taught contemporary root canal treatment procedures, including the utilisation of radiograph and electronic apex locator for working length determination, the crown‐down approach for canal preparation and the cold lateral compaction for obturation. Sodium hypochlorite solution and non‐setting calcium hydroxide medicament were used in most dental schools. Variations were observed in terms of the number of clinical requirements, supervisor: student ratio, and availability of endodontic specialists. The use of engine‐driven instruments was observed mainly in government‐funded dental schools.

Conclusions

The majority of dental schools in Malaysia are adopting the European Society Endodontology recommendation for undergraduate endodontic training, particularly in relation to the surveyed aspects. Most of the government‐funded dental schools have progressed towards engaging contemporary endodontics with their increasing application of engine‐driven Ni‐Ti instruments and 3D imaging techniques. Appointments of full‐time endodontic specialists would further enhance the quality of endodontic teaching and permit the utilisation of contemporary endodontic materials.
Tree growth sensitivity to climate is temporally variable
Authors: Peltier Drew M. P. , Ogle Kiona
Published: August 2020

Despite a long history of discussion of ‘non‐stationarity’ in dendrochronology, researchers and modellers in diverse fields commonly rely on the implicit assumption that tree growth responds to climate drivers in the same way at any given time. Synthesising recent work on drought legacies and other climate‐related phenomena, we show tree growth responses to climate are temporally variable, and that abrupt variability is commonly observed in response to diverse events. Thus, we put forth a ‘growth‐climate sensitivity’ framework for understanding temporal variability (including non‐stationarity) in the sensitivity of tree growth to climate. We argue that temporal variability is ubiquitous, illustrating limits to the ways in which tree growth is often conceptualised. We present two conceptual hypotheses (homoeostatic sensitivity and dynamic sensitivity) for how tree growth sensitivity to climate varies, and evaluate the evidence for each. In doing so, we hope to motivate increased investigation of the temporal variability in tree growth through innovative disturbance or drought experiments, particularly via the inclusion of recovery treatments. Focusing on growth‐climate sensitivity and its temporal variability can improve prediction of the future states and functioning of trees under climate change, and has the potential to be incorporable into predictive dynamic vegetation models.
The effectiveness of flower strips and hedgerows on pest control, pollination services and crop yield: a quantitative synthesis
Authors: Albrecht Matthias , Kleijn David , Williams Neal M. , Tschumi Matthias , Blaauw Brett R. , Bommarco Riccardo , Campbell Alistair J. , Dainese Matteo , Drummond Francis A. , Entling Martin H. , Ganser Dominik , Arjen de Groot G. , Goulson Dave , Grab Heather , Hamilton Hannah , Herzog Felix , Isaacs Rufus , Jacot Katja , Jeanneret Philippe , Jonsson Mattias , Knop Eva , Kremen Claire , Landis Douglas A. , Loeb Gregory M. , Marini Lorenzo , McKerchar Megan , Morandin Lora , Pfister Sonja C. , Potts Simon G. , Rundlöf Maj , Sardiñas Hillary , Sciligo Amber , Thies Carsten , Tscharntke Teja , Venturini Eric , Veromann Eve , Vollhardt Ines M.G. , Wäckers Felix , Ward Kimiora , Westbury Duncan B. , Wilby Andrew , Woltz Megan , Wratten Steve , Sutter Louis
Published: August 2020

Floral plantings are promoted to foster ecological intensification of agriculture through provisioning of ecosystem services. However, a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of different floral plantings, their characteristics and consequences for crop yield is lacking. Here we quantified the impacts of flower strips and hedgerows on pest control (18 studies) and pollination services (17 studies) in adjacent crops in North America, Europe and New Zealand. Flower strips, but not hedgerows, enhanced pest control services in adjacent fields by 16% on average. However, effects on crop pollination and yield were more variable. Our synthesis identifies several important drivers of variability in effectiveness of plantings: pollination services declined exponentially with distance from plantings, and perennial and older flower strips with higher flowering plant diversity enhanced pollination more effectively. These findings provide promising pathways to optimise floral plantings to more effectively contribute to ecosystem service delivery and ecological intensification of agriculture in the future.
Macrophages expedite cell proliferation of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia through their downstream target ERK
Authors: Thomas Mikalah U. , Messex Justin K. , Dang Tu , Abdulkadir Sarki A. , Jorcyk Cheryl L. , Liou Geou‐Yarh
Published: August 2020

The risk factors for prostate cancer include a high‐fat diet and obesity, both of which are associated with an altered cell environment including increased inflammation. It has been shown that chronic inflammation due to a high‐fat diet or bacterial infection has the potential to accelerate prostate cancer as well as its precursor, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), development. However, the underlying mechanism of how chronic inflammation promotes prostate cancer development, especially PIN, remains unclear. In this study, we showed that more macrophages were present in PIN areas as compared to the normal areas of human prostate. When co‐culturing PIN cells with macrophages in 3D, more PIN cells had nuclear localized cyclin D1, indicating that macrophages enhanced PIN cell proliferation. We identified ICAM‐1 and CCL2 as chemoattractants expressed by PIN cells to recruit macrophages. Furthermore, we discovered that macrophage‐secreted cytokines including C5a, CXCL1, and CCL2 were responsible for increased PIN cell proliferation. These three cytokines activated ERK and JNK signaling in PIN cells through a ligand‐receptor interaction. However, only blockade of ERK abolished macrophage cytokines‐induced cell proliferation of PIN. Overall, our results provide a mechanistic view on how macrophages activated through chronic inflammation can expedite PIN progression during prostate cancer development. The information from our work can facilitate a comprehensive understanding of prostate cancer development, which is required for improvement of current strategies for prostate cancer therapy.
Executive risk incentives, product market competition, and R&D
Authors: Abdoh Hussein , Liu Yu
Published: August 2020

Prior studies have examined the relation between product market competition (PMC) and research and development (R&D) investments, while the impact of executive risk incentives on this relation remains unexplored. In this study, we find that Vega (the sensitivity of executives’ wealth to stock return volatility) weakens the negative relation between PMC and R&D. We also find that Vega strengthens the negative relation between PMC and firm performance when R&D investments grow higher. In sum, our results suggest that high‐Vega compensation portfolios in competitive environments may induce executives to overinvest in R&D projects, therefore hurting firm performance.
The older plant gets the sun: Age‐related changes in Miscanthus × giganteus phenology
Authors: Tejera Mauricio D. , Miguez Fernando E. , Heaton Emily A.
Published: August 2020

Age‐related changes are usually overlooked in perennial grass research; when they are considered it is usually as a change in plant size (e.g., biomass). Whether other physiological or developmental aspects change as stands age, and how those aspects may impact long‐term stand dynamics, remains unclear. Conventional experimental designs study a single stand over multiple growing seasons and thereby confound age‐related changes with growing season conditions. Here we used a staggered‐start experimental design with three repeated planting years over two growing seasons to isolate growing season effects. We studied changes in Miscanthus × giganteus phenology during its yield‐building stage (first 3 years) and estimated age, growing season and nitrogen (N) effects on development using nonlinear regression parameters. Stand age clearly changed plant growth; faster developmental rates were usually seen in 1‐year‐old stands (young), but because 2‐ and 3‐year‐old stands (mature) emerged 3 months earlier than newly planted stands they produced 30% more stems with 30%–60% more leaves. Nitrogen fertilization modulated some age‐related phenological changes. Fertilized 2‐year‐old stands reached similar stem densities as unfertilized 3‐year‐old stands and had fewer number of senesced leaves like 1‐year‐old stands. In addition, N fertilization had no effect on young M. × giganteus, but extended mature stands’ growing season more than 2 weeks by hastening emergence and delaying senescence. It also delayed flowering regardless of stand age. Our results suggest that, along with changes in size, M. × giganteus stands showed shifts in developmental strategies: young stands emerged later and developed faster, while mature stands grew for longer but more slowly. In temperate regions, where hard frost events are likely to interrupt development in late autumn, rapid early development is critical to plant survival. Nonlinear regression parameter differences proved effective in identifying phenological shifts.
A changing climate is snuffing out post‐fire recovery in montane forests
Authors: Rodman Kyle C. , Veblen Thomas T. , Battaglia Mike A. , Chambers Marin E. , Fornwalt Paula J. , Holden Zachary A. , Kolb Thomas E. , Ouzts Jessica R. , Rother Monica T.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Climate warming is increasing fire activity in many of Earth’s forested ecosystems. Because fire is a catalyst for change, investigation of post‐fire vegetation response is critical to understanding the potential for future conversions from forest to non‐forest vegetation types. We characterized the influences of climate and terrain on post‐fire tree regeneration and assessed how these biophysical factors might shape future vulnerability to wildfire‐driven forest conversion.

Location

Montane forests, Rocky Mountains, USA.

Time period

1981–2099.

Taxa studied

Pinus ponderosa; Pseudotsuga menziesii.

Methods

We developed a database of dendrochronological samples (n = 717) and plots (n = 1,301) in post‐fire environments spanning a range of topoclimatic settings. We then used statistical models to predict annual post‐fire seedling establishment suitability and total post‐fire seedling abundance from a suite of biophysical correlates. Finally, we reconstructed recent trends in post‐fire recovery and projected future dynamics using three general circulation models (GCMs) under moderate and extreme CO2 emission scenarios.

Results

Though growing season (April–September) precipitation during the recent period (1981–2015) was positively associated with suitability for post‐fire tree seedling establishment, future (2021–2099) trends in precipitation were widely variable among GCMs, leading to mixed projections of future establishment suitability. In contrast, climatic water deficit (CWD), which is indicative of warm, dry conditions, was negatively associated with post‐fire seedling abundance during the recent period and was projected to increase throughout the southern Rocky Mountains in the future. Our findings suggest that future increases in CWD and an increased frequency of extreme drought years will substantially reduce post‐fire seedling densities.

Main conclusions

This study highlights the key roles of warming and drying in declining forest resilience to wildfire. Moisture stress, driven by macroclimate and topographic setting, will interact with wildfire activity to shape future vegetation patterns throughout the southern Rocky Mountains, USA.
Beneficial self‐management support and user involvement in Healthy Life Centres—A qualitative interview study in persons afflicted by overweight or obesity
Authors: Salemonsen Elin , Førland Georg , Sætre Hansen Britt , Holm Anne Lise
Published: August 2020

Background

Relapse is high in lifestyle interventions involving behavioural change and weight loss maintenance. The purpose of lifestyle self‐management interventions offered at Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) is to empower the participants, leading to self‐management and improved health. Exploring beneficial self‐management support and user involvement in HLCs is critical for quality, improving effectiveness and guiding approaches to lifestyle change support in overweight and obesity.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore how persons afflicted by overweight or obesity attending lifestyle interventions in Norwegian HLCs experience beneficial self‐management support and user involvement.

Method

Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 13 service users (5 men and 8 women). Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

One main theme was identified: regaining self‐esteem and dignity through active involvement and long‐term self‐worth support in partnership with others. This main theme comprised four themes: (a) self‐efficacy through active involvement and better perceived health, (b) valued through health‐care professionals (HPs) acknowledgement, equality and individualized support, (c) increased motivation and self‐belief through fellowship and peer support; and (d) maintenance of lifestyle change through accessibility and long‐term support.

Conclusion

Service users’ active involvement, acknowledgement and long‐term self‐worth support from HPs and peers seem to support self‐management and user involvement and may be some of the successful ingredients to lifestyle change. However, prolonged follow‐up support is needed. A collectivistic and long‐term perspective can integrate the importance of significant others and shared responsibility.
The importance of guano birds to the Inca Empire and the first conservation measures implemented by humans
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro , Micael Joana
Published: August 2020

The Inca Empire was the largest ancient civilization in South America, extending across almost 4000 km of distinct environments from the Pacific coast to the Andes, and throughout most of the arid desert between. The present study highlights the importance of guano birds (Guanay CormorantLeucocarbo bougainvillii, Peruvian PelicanPelecanus thagusand Peruvian BoobySula variegata) for the expansion and prosperity of the Inca Empire. The use of guano as a fertilizer was fundamental to sustain the agricultural development of the empire and, it has been argued, was the basis for its rapid growth. The access to guano on coastal islands and its subsequent transportation to highlands provided food security for a population of more than 8 million. The importance of guano birds to the Inca Empire led to the development of management plans based on a penal code aiming to preserve these species and their natural habitats. These protective actions may represent the first conservation measures ever implemented by humans based on the importance of species protection for human activities and livelihoods.
Organizational Resilience: A Valuable Construct for Management Research?
Authors: Hillmann Julia , Guenther Edeltraud
Published: August 2020

Recently, the concept of resilience has gained new momentum in organization studies. It is held to be a very promising concept to explain how organizations can survive and thrive amidst adversity or turbulence. However, findings from an earlier review about resilience in the organizational and business context show that, although empirical research on the concept has increased, there is still a need for more clarity in terms of its measurement. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of the organizational resilience construct that covers both conceptual and operational issues. We discuss why researchers criticize resilience for being fuzzy and move on to identify and analyse existing literature under the lens of construct development and taxonomies. With this study, we aim to point out conceptual problems for future researchers to address conceptual clarity and to develop a clearer, more parsimonious concept. We conclude with a suggestion about future measurement.
Les dépenses de sécurité sociale vont‐elles de pair avec de meilleurs résultats des entreprises? Étude de cas sur les PME indonésiennes
Authors: TORM Nina
Published: August 2020

Le lien entre protection sociale et résultats des entreprises est abondamment étudié, mais on manque d'informations sur la situation des petites et moyennes entreprises des économies en développement. L'auteure examine ce lien à partir de données de recensement indonésiennes portant sur la période 2010‐2014. Elle constate que, lorsque les dépenses de sécurité sociale augmentent de 10 pour cent, le chiffre d'affaires par travailleur progresse de 2 pour cent. De même, l'extension de la couverture sociale n'entraîne pas de baisse du bénéfice, ce qui laisse penser que les entreprises pourraient avoir intérêt à investir dans la sécurité sociale de leur personnel.
Gasto en seguridad social y rendimiento empresarial. El caso de las pymes en Indonesia
Authors: TORM Nina
Published: August 2020

A pesar de la amplia bibliografía sobre la relación entre cotización social y rendimiento empresarial, la evidencia relativa a las pymes de las economías en desarrollo es escasa. Se examina aquí el caso de Indonesia utilizando datos censales empresariales de 2010 a 2014. Un aumento del gasto en seguridad social del 10 por ciento se asocia a un aumento del ingreso empresarial por trabajador de hasta el 2 por ciento. Los beneficios no disminuyen con el aumento del gasto en protección social, lo que sugiere que la ampliación de las prestaciones sociales puede ser una inversión empresarial que vale la pena.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme as a new immunologic target for the new SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Hallaj Shahin , Ghorbani Anahita , Mousavi‐Aghdas Seyed Ali , Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Sevbitov Andrey , Hashemi Vida , Hallaj Tooba , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected the daily lives of millions of people worldwide and had caused significant mortality; hence, the assessment of therapeutic options is of great interest. The leading cause of death among COVID‐19 patients is acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by hyperinflammation secondary to cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10, are the main mediators of CRS. Based on recent evidence, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) II is known to be the target of the COVID‐19 spike protein, which enables the virus to penetrate human cells. ACE II also possesses an anti‐inflammatory role in many pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other conditions, which are the main risk factors of poor prognosis in COVID‐19 infection. Changes in tissue ACE II levels are associated with many diseases and hyperinflammatory states, and it is assumed that elevated levels of ACE II could aggravate the course of COVID‐19 infection. Therefore, the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RASis) in COVID‐19 patients could be hypothetically considered, though sufficient evidence is not presented by the scientific community. In this work, based on the most recent pieces of evidence, the roles of RAS and RASi in immunologic interactions are addressed. Furthermore, the molecular and immunologic aspects of RASi and their potential significance in COVID‐19 are discussed.
Relationships between parental education, choice of child dentifrice, and their children's caries experience
Authors: Buckeridge Anna , King Nigel , Anthonappa Robert
Published: August 2020

Background

The influence of parental education, choice of child dentifrice, and its impact on their children's dental caries experience remain unclear.

Aim

To investigate (a) dentifrice types used by Australian pre‐school children, (b) demographic factors that influence parents’ dentifrice choice, and (c) whether dentifrice type is related to pre‐schooler's caries experience.

Design

155 parent‐child dyads were recruited from five random metropolitan childcare centres. Parents completed a questionnaire recording relevant demographics and child dietary preferences, oral hygiene practice, and dental visits. One calibrated operator performed a clinical examination of their pre‐schooler for evidence of carious lesions. Data were analysed, and comparisons between variables made using chi‐square tests and regression models.

Results

50% of pre‐schoolers used <1000 ppm fluoride dentifrice and 29% used non‐fluoridated dentifrice. Higher parental education level was associated with the use of non‐fluoridated dentifrice (P = .02, χ2 = 0.034). Children with higher brushing frequency were more likely to use fluoridated dentifrice (P = .03, χ2 < 0.001).

Conclusion

The proportion of Australian pre‐schoolers using non‐fluoridated dentifrice was higher than in other world regions. Higher parental education level was strongly associated with choosing non‐fluoridated toothpaste, which warrants further qualitative analysis to assess determinants for parents’ choice of child dentifrice.
Gag Precursors of HIV and SIV Are Cleaved Into Six Proteins Found in the Mature Virions
Authors: Henderson Louis E. , Sowder Raymond C. , Copeland Terry D. , Oroszlan Stephen , Benveniste Raoul E.
Published: August 2020

During retroviral maturation gag precursors are protcolytically cleaved to mature gag proteins. The number of mature gag proteins and their order in the gag precursors of HIV‐13B, SIVMne. (captive macaque isolate), and SIVCat (wild mangabey isolate) has been determined by N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis of mature gag proteins and alignment with predicted sequences of homologous gag precursors. For H1V‐1 and SIVs maturation proteolysis results in six gag proteins and the gag precursor cleavage pattern is distinctive and different from cleavage patterns for all other known retroviruses.
Understanding thermal expansion of pressurized silica glass using topological pruning of ring structures
Authors: Yang Yongjian , Tokunaga Hirofumi , Hayashi Kazutaka , Ono Madoka , Mauro John C.
Published: August 2020

We investigate the structural origin of the large thermal expansion coefficient of hot‐compressed silica glass upon heating to a threshold temperature using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. While the simulated thermal expansion at low temperature correlates well with the elongation of the average interatomic separation distance of the Si–O or Si–Si pair, the excess thermal expansion due to hot compression mainly results from change in medium range order, including a decrease in the population of large rings upon heating, without significant modification of the small ring population and without changing the short range ordering, such as the Si‐O coordination number. The reduction in the characteristic ring size can be connected to the high thermal expansion through the topological pruning mechanism. Such large thermal expansion is suppressed when the silica glasses are held at their respective quench pressures. The suppression of this excess thermal expansion is consistent with the pressure stabilization of the large ring structures.
Scale(s) matter: Deconstructing an area of endemism for Middle American freshwater fishes
Authors: Elías Diego J. , McMahan Caleb D. , Matamoros Wilfredo A. , Gómez‐González Adan E. , Piller Kyle R. , Chakrabarty Prosanta
Published: August 2020

Aim

The processes that generate biodiversity occur at finer scales than are often studied, particularly in freshwater systems of the northern Neotropics. We investigate whether fine‐scale biogeographic patterns are present within the larger Grijalva–Usumacinta Area of Endemism (AoE) —a region in Middle America where nearly 60% of freshwater fishes are endemic—and if present‐day river basins are single historical units.

Location

Northern Central America and southern Mexico.

Taxon

Freshwater fishes (e.g., Cichlidae, Poeciliidae, Ostariophysi)

Methods

We used fine‐scale distributional data for freshwater fishes in northern Middle America (based on museum records and fieldwork) and performed cluster analyses on a presence/absence data matrix of 117 species. We assessed statistical support of geographic clusters using global one‐way analysis of similarity and recovered endemic areas that were further supported by species indicator analyses. Endemic areas were diagnosed by the distribution of endemic species within these areas. For a broader scale we also performed phylogeographic analyses for widespread species representing the dominant families of the region.

Results

We found unrecognized biogeographic structure within the Grijalva‐Usumacinta AoE. Different lineages possess varying degrees of geographic structuring and endemic species were not homogeneously distributed across the riverscape.

Main conclusions

We redefine the geographic boundaries of two northern Middle American areas of endemism. We identify five endemic areas nested within the larger Grijalva‐Usumacinta AoE. We demonstrate that the upper reaches of the Usumacinta and Grijalva river basins are independent historical biogeographic units and can be differentiated from their lower reaches based on their assemblage and molecular diversity. The recognition of these endemic areas can help us define the geographic landscape and develop hypotheses about the processes that generated the ichthyofauna of northern Middle America.
The phenotypic changes of γδ T cells in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Lei Lei , Qian Hongbo , Yang Xiaofang , Zhang Xingzhe , Zhang Dan , Dai Tongxin , Guo Rui , Shi Lin , Cheng Yanbin , Zhang Baojun , Zhou Xiaobo , Hu Jinsong , Guo Yaling
Published: August 2020

A novel pneumonia‐associated respiratory syndrome named coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19), which was caused by SARS‐CoV‐2，broke out in Wuhan, China, in the end of 2019. Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral agent or vaccine available to treat SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. The information regarding the immunological characteristics in COVID‐19 patients remains limited. Here, we collected the blood samples from 18 healthy donors (HD) and 38 COVID‐19 patients to analyze changes on γδ T cell population. In comparison with HD, the γδ T cell percentage decreased, while the activation marker CD25 expression increased in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Interestingly, the CD4 expression was upregulated in γδ T cells reflecting the occurrence of a specific effector cell population, which may serve as a biomarker for the assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Extracellular vesicle‐carried microRNA‐27b derived from mesenchymal stem cells accelerates cutaneous wound healing via E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH
Authors: Cheng Shihuan , Xi Zhiyu , Chen Guang , Liu Kai , Ma Renshi , Zhou Chen
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been highlighted as promising candidate cells in relation to cutaneous wound healing. The current study aimed to investigate whether MSC‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) could transfer microRNA‐27b (miR‐27b) to influence cutaneous wound healing. The miR‐27b expression was examined in the established cutaneous wound mouse model, and its correlation with the wound healing rate was evaluated by Pearson's correlation analysis. The identified human umbilical cord MSC‐derived EVs were co‐cultured with human immortal keratinocyte line HaCaT and human skin fibroblasts (HSFs). The mice with cutaneous wound received injections of MSC‐derived EVs. The effects of EVs or miR‐27b loaded on wound healing and cellular functions were analysed via gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches in the co‐culture system. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to verify the relationship between miR‐27b and Itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (ITCH). Rescue experiments were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms associated with the ITCH/JUNB/inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) axis. miR‐27b was down‐regulated in the mouse model, with its expression found to be positively correlated with the wound healing rate. Abundant miR‐27b was detected in the MSC‐derived EVs, while EV‐transferred miR‐27b improved cutaneous wound healing in mice and improved proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells and HSFs in vitro. As a target of miR‐27b, ITCH was found to repress cell proliferation and migration. ITCH enhanced the JUNB ubiquitination and degradation, ultimately inhibiting JUNB and IRE1α expressions and restraining wound healing. Collectively, MSC‐derived EVs transferring miR‐27b can promote cutaneous wound healing via ITCH/JUNB/IRE1α signalling, providing insight with clinical implications.