bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating climate change adaptation into marine protected area planning
Authors: Wilson Kristen L. , Tittensor Derek P. , Worm Boris , Lotze Heike K.
Published: March 2020

Climate change is increasingly impacting marine protected areas (MPAs) and MPA networks, yet adaptation strategies are rarely incorporated into MPA design and management plans according to the primary scientific literature. Here we review the state of knowledge for adapting existing and future MPAs to climate change and synthesize case studies (n = 27) of how marine conservation planning can respond to shifting environmental conditions. First, we derive a generalized conservation planning framework based on five published frameworks that incorporate climate change adaptation to inform MPA design. We then summarize examples from the scientific literature to assess how conservation goals were defined, vulnerability assessments performed and adaptation strategies incorporated into the design and management of existing or new MPAs. Our analysis revealed that 82% of real‐world examples of climate change adaptation in MPA planning derive from tropical reefs, highlighting the need for research in other ecosystems and habitat types. We found contrasting recommendations for adaptation strategies at the planning stage, either focusing only on climate refugia, or aiming for representative protection of areas encompassing the full range of expected climate change impacts. Recommendations for MPA management were more unified and focused on adaptative management approaches. Lastly, we evaluate common barriers to adopting climate change adaptation strategies based on reviewing studies which conducted interviews with MPA managers and other conservation practitioners. This highlights a lack of scientific studies evaluating different adaptation strategies and shortcomings in current governance structures as two major barriers, and we discuss how these could be overcome. Our review provides a comprehensive synthesis of planning frameworks, case studies, adaptation strategies and management actions which can inform a more coordinated global effort to adapt existing and future MPA networks to continued climate change.
Not so robust: Robusta coffee production is highly sensitive to temperature
Authors: Kath Jarrod , Byrareddy Vivekananda M. , Craparo Alessandro , Nguyen‐Huy Thong , Mushtaq Shahbaz , Cao Loc , Bossolasco Laurent
Published: March 2020

Coffea canephora(robusta coffee) is the most heat‐tolerant and ‘robust’ coffee species and therefore considered more resistant to climate change than other types of coffee production. However, the optimum production range of robusta has never been quantified, with current estimates of its optimal mean annual temperature range (22–30°C) based solely on the climatic conditions of its native range in the Congo basin, Central Africa. Using 10 years of yield observations from 798 farms across South East Asia coupled with high‐resolution precipitation and temperature data, we used hierarchical Bayesian modeling to quantify robusta's optimal temperature range for production. Our climate‐based models explained yield variation well across the study area with a cross‐validated meanR2 = .51. We demonstrate that robusta has an optimal temperature below 20.5°C (or a mean minimum/maximum of ≤16.2/24.1°C), which is markedly lower, by 1.5–9°C than current estimates. In the middle of robusta's currently assumed optimal range (mean annual temperatures over 25.1°C), coffee yields are 50% lower compared to the optimal mean of ≤20.5°C found here. During the growing season, every 1°C increase in mean minimum/maximum temperatures above 16.2/24.1°C corresponded to yield declines of ~14% or 350–460 kg/ha (95% credible interval). Our results suggest that robusta coffee is far more sensitive to temperature than previously thought. Current assessments, based on robusta having an optimal temperature range over 22°C, are likely overestimating its suitable production range and its ability to contribute to coffee production as temperatures increase under climate change. Robusta supplies 40% of the world's coffee, but its production potential could decline considerably as temperatures increase under climate change, jeopardizing a multi‐billion dollar coffee industry and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
PRICE 2020 guidelines for reporting case reports in Endodontics: explanation and elaboration
Authors: Nagendrababu V. , Chong B. S. , McCabe P. , Shah P. K. , Priya E. , Jayaraman J. , Pulikkotil S. J. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: March 2020

Case reports play a key role in showcasing new, unusual or rare disease(s), and the impact of newer therapeutic approaches or interventions. The Preferred Reporting Items for Case reports in Endodontics (PRICE) 2020 guidelines are being introduced exclusively for Endodontics by adapting and integrating the CAse REport (CARE) guidelines and Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications principles. The PRICE 2020 guidelines have been developed to help authors improve the completeness, accuracy and transparency of case reports in Endodontics and thus enhance the standard of manuscripts submitted for publication. The aim of this document is to provide a comprehensive explanation for each item in the PRICE 2020 checklist along with examples from the literature that demonstrate compliance with these guidelines. This information will highlight the importance of each item and provide practical examples to help authors understand the necessity of providing comprehensive information when preparing case reports. A link to this PRICE 2020 explanation and elaboration document is available on the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology website at http://www.pride-endodonticguidelines.org.
Circadian clock and cancer: From a viewpoint of cellular differentiation
Authors: Tsuchiya Yoshiki , Umemura Yasuhiro , Yagita Kazuhiro
Published: March 2020

The circadian clock controls and adapts diverse physiological and behavioral processes according to Earth’s 24‐h cycle of environmental changes. The master pacemaker of the mammalian circadian clock resides in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus, but almost all cells throughout the body show circadian oscillations in gene expression patterns and associated functions. Recent studies have shown that the circadian clock gradually develops during embryogenesis. Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells do not show circadian oscillations of gene expression, but gradually develop circadian clock oscillation during differentiation; thus, the developmental program of circadian clock emergence appears closely associated with cellular differentiation. Like embryonic stem cells, certain cancer cell types also lack the circadian clock. Given this similarity between embryonic stem cells and cancer cells, interest is growing in the contributions of circadian clock dysfunction to dedifferentiation and cancer development. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of circadian clock emergence during ontogenesis, and discuss possible associations with cellular differentiation and carcinogenesis. Considering the multiple physiological functions of circadian rhythms, circadian abnormalities might contribute to a host of diseases, including cancer. Insights on circadian function could lead to the identification of biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as novel targets for treatment.
The tasks ahead of the ILO at its centenary
Authors: SUPIOT Alain
Published: March 2020

The principles that define the normative missions of the ILO – as set out in its Constitution and in the Declaration of Philadelphia – have lost none of their value or relevance. The circumstances in which those missions are carried out have, however, changed profoundly. The global organization of labour is currently witnessing major technical, environmental and institutional upheavals which, in turn, pose legal challenges for the ILO in each of these areas. The ILO's answer to these challenges should be based on three principles whose implementation is encompassed by its constitutional mandate: the principles of solidarity, economic democracy and social and environmental responsibility.
Assessing the quality of mobile applications targeting postpartum depression in China
Authors: Li Ying , Zhao Qian , Cross Wendy M. , Chen Jiarui , Qin Chunxiang , Sun Mei
Published: March 2020

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illnessdisorder that occurs after delivery and is one of the most common post‐partum complications. With the increasing popularity and extensive use of smartphones worldwide and the fact that China has become the country with the largest number of smartphone users, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the use and influence of smartphones and discuss the role of smartphone applications in postpartum depression. This study evaluated and analysed the contents of all postpartum depression applications available in China, applying the US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement (Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression) and expert consensus on the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. We used the keywords ‘postpartum depression; and ‘PPD’ to search Android, iOS, and WeChat in the Chinese application market. Two reviewers agreed on the coding guidelines and coded the content and functionality of the application through content analysis to determine its intervention and adherence to the guidelines. In addition, we used the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to evaluate the application for engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information domains and recorded the features of the postpartum depression application. The current findings suggest that despite the recent expansion of smartphone platforms and increased availability of applications, existing Chinese apps for postpartum depression have low levels of adherence to clinical practice‐based guidelines. New apps need to be developed, and existing apps need to be revised following evidence‐based principles.
A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles on early childhood caries
Authors: Patil Sneha S. , Sarode Sachin C. , Sarode Gargi S. , Gadbail Amol R. , Gondivkar Shailesh , Kontham Ujwal R. , Alqahtani Khaled M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Bibliometric analysis aids to quantify the research prolificacy. The citation count acquired by a scientific article is one of the measures of its influence within a field.

Aim

To employ bibliometrics to offer a quantitative‐qualitative analysis of publications on early childhood caries (ECC) published between 1950 and 2019.

Design

Two researchers independently read all the titles and abstracts of articles retrieved from Scopus database on 16 October 2019. The articles were categorized according to citation and study characteristics. Collaboration network amongst authors, countries, and keywords were generated using VOSviewer software.

Results

Amongst a total of 10 578 articles published on ECC, 100 most cited articles were sorted. The top‐cited articles appeared in 34 journals, with Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology journal (n = 18) contributing maximum number of articles. The papers originated from 25 countries, with the United States (n = 54) accounting for largest number. Amid the papers with high levels of evidence, 11 were systematic reviews and 8 were randomized clinical trials. The topic most commonly addressed was aetiology/associated factors (63%). Amongst a total of 990 keywords, ‘dental caries' appeared 89 times.

Conclusion

The findings of this paper will help researchers, academicians, and students for appropriate article referrals for evidence‐based clinical decision‐making.
Sixty‐eight consecutive patients assessed for COVID‐19 infection: Experience from a UK Regional infectious diseases Unit
Authors: Easom Nicholas , Moss Peter , Barlow Gavin , Samson Anda , Taynton Thomas , Adams Kate , Ivan Monica , Burns Phillipa , Gajee Kavitha , Eastick Kirstine , Lillie Patrick J.
Published: March 2020

Background

Assessment of possible infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID‐19 illness, has been a major activity of infection services since the first reports of cases in December 2019.

Objectives

We report a series of 68 patients assessed at a Regional Infection Unit in the UK.

Methods

Between 29 January 2020 and 24 February 2020, demographic, clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were collected. We compared clinical features between patients not requiring admission for clinical reasons or antimicrobials with those assessed as needing either admission or antimicrobial treatment.

Results

Patients assessed were aged from 0 to 76 years; 36/68 were female. Peaks of clinical assessments coincided with updates to the case definition for suspected COVID‐19. Microbiological diagnoses included SARS‐CoV‐2, mycoplasma pneumonia, influenza A, non‐SARS/MERS coronaviruses and rhinovirus/enterovirus. Nine of sixty‐eight received antimicrobials, 15/68 were admitted, 5 due to inability to self‐isolate. Patients requiring admission on clinical grounds or antimicrobials (14/68) were more likely to have fever or raised respiratory rate compared to those not requiring admission or antimicrobials.

Conclusions

The majority of patients had mild illness, which did not require clinical intervention. This finding supports a community testing approach, supported by clinicians able to review more unwell patients. Extensions of the epidemiological criteria for the case definition of suspected COVID‐19 lead to increased screening intensity; strategies must be in place to accommodate this in time for forthcoming changes as the epidemic develops.
Characterization and risk assessment of the invasive papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus, in Kenya under changing climate
Authors: Heya Helen Msigo , Khamis Fathiya Mbarak , Onyambu Gladys Kemunto , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim , Kimathi Emily Kajuju , Ombura Fidelis Levi Odhiambo , Ekesi Sunday , Dubois Thomas , Subramanian Sevgan , Tanga Chrysantus Mbi
Published: March 2020

The present study was conducted to characterize the newly invasive papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink in Kenya using molecular techniques and to establish the potential risk of spread of the pest. Although abundant literature of P. marginatus outbreaks exists in other parts of the world, studies from Africa are rare. Our results revealed significant similarity between Kenyan samples with GenBank accession number KP692333.1 of P. marginatus. Phylogenetic analyses generated a tree that was paraphyletic with two clusters showing low genetic distance values for the P. marginatus sequences, which diverged from that of Planococcus citri. Our models displayed an optimal performance with mean area under the curve value of 0.82 and 0.98 for Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐Set Production (GARP) and maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt), respectively. Isothermality was the most influential variable in determining the potential distribution of P. marginatus with a 69% contribution to the models. Other variables included temperature mean diurnal range temperature seasonality, temperature annual range and annual precipitation in decreasing order of contribution. Current prediction by both models exceeded the existing range of P. marginatus, exacerbating the potential threat of the pest. GARP was more conservative in predicting suitable areas for P. marginatus, while MaxEnt showed further expansion by the year 2050. Our findings provide important information to guide biosecurity agencies in decision‐making to prevent the spread and enhance control efforts of P. marginatus.
First record of albinism in the lanternshark family, Etmopteridae
Authors: Finucci Brittany
Published: March 2020

A single albino specimen of the lanternshark, Lucifer's dogfish (Etmopterus lucifer), is reported here. The specimen was found among museum collections, having been captured near Cape Palliser, off the North Island of New Zealand in 1984. Morphometrics are reported, and with no retainment of pigmentation, the specimen is considered a complete albino. This is the first record of albinism for the family Etmopteridae and one of a handful of records for any deep‐sea chondrichthyans.
Modifying effects of a cobble substrate on thermal environments and implications for embryonic development in lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)
Authors: Thome Christopher , Laframboise Taylor , Mitz Charles , Clancy Eric , Bates Jacob , Somers Christopher M. , Manzon Richard G. , Wilson Joanna Y. , Gunn John M. , Boreham Douglas R.
Published: March 2020

A laboratory flume was constructed to examine substrate effects on aquatic development. The flume was designed as a once‐through system with a submerged cobble‐filled corebox. Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) embryos and temperature probes were deployed at multiple sites within the cobble and in the open water channel. Embryos were incubated in the flume for two different experimental periods: one to examine substrate impacts during natural lake cooling (37 days: 5 December 2016 to 10 January 2017) and the second to investigate substrate effects while administering a twice weekly 1 h heat shock (51 days: 11 January to 2 March 2017). During incubation, no significant difference was found in the average temperature between locations; however, temperatures were more stable within the cobble. Following both incubation periods, embryos retrieved from the cobble were significantly smaller in both dry mass and body length by up to 20%. These results demonstrate differences between embryos submerged in a cobble substrate and in the open water column, highlighting the need to consider the physical influences from the incubation environment when assessing development effects as part of any scientific study or environmental assessment.
Local‐Migrant Gaps in Healthcare Utilization Between Older Migrants and Local Residents in China
Authors: Xi Sida , Song Yang , Li Xinghui , Li Mengying , Lu Zhongnan , Yang Yinghua , Wang Ying
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Older migrants in China without local resident registration (hukou) are a vulnerable population and face barriers to receiving local healthcare.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to quantify the disparities in healthcare utilization between older migrants and local residents in Shanghai, China.

DESIGN

This was a cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

The study was conducted in Shanghai, China, in 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults (aged ≥60 years) were recruited based on a three‐stage stratified cluster sampling method (2571 older locals and 1920 older migrants).

MEASUREMENTS

We compared utilization of outpatient care, inpatient care, preventive care, emergency room (ER) admission, and dental care, as well as medication use between older migrants and local residents. The local‐migrant gap was parsed into observed and unobserved components using the Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition method.

RESULTS

Older migrants were less likely to utilize outpatient (odds ratio [OR] = 0.757; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.617‐0.928), inpatient (OR = 0.642; 95% CI = 0.443‐0.931), and preventive care (OR = 0.743; 95% CI = 0.643‐0.858) and were more likely to use medication (OR = 1.254; 95% CI = 1.089‐1.445) than local residents. Differences in ER admissions and dental care utilization were not significant in the regression analysis. The decomposition results indicated that 55% and 71% of the local‐migrant gap in outpatient and preventive care utilization were attributable to individual characteristics, like health insurance. Unobserved components, including hukou‐related factors and personal heterogeneous preferences, contributed 59% and 63% to utilization of inpatient care and medication use, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We identified local‐migrant gaps in healthcare utilization among older adults in China. Further research is needed into integration of the health insurance system, accessibility of public health welfare benefits, and reconstruction of social networks among older migrants. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1560‐1567, 2020.
Mediolateral Episiotomy: Technique, Practice, and Training
Authors: Hersh Sally Rollow , Emeis Cathy L.
Published: March 2020

Episiotomy is one of the most common obstetric procedures. However, restrictive use of episiotomy has led to a decrease in its use in the United States. Historically, mediolateral episiotomy has been performed less often than median episiotomy in the United States, but both have purported advantages and disadvantages. Emerging research on episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injuries has led to an examination of the effects of mediolateral episiotomy. This article describes performance of a mediolateral episiotomy in a situation of fetal bradycardia. Technical aspects of the incision and repair are described, and outcome data and knowledge gaps are summarized. Implications for practice, clinical competency, and education are reviewed.
Neurocognitive functioning in patients with conversion disorder/functional neurological disorder
Authors: de Vroege Lars , Koppenol Iris , Kop Willem Johan , Riem Madelon M.E. , van der Feltz‐Cornelis Christina Maria
Published: March 2020

Neurocognitive symptoms are common in individuals with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD), but little is known about the specific impairments in neurocognitive domains in patients with conversion disorder (CD)/functional neurological disorder (FND). This study examines neurocognitive functioning in patients with CD/FND compared to patients with other SSRD. The sample consisted of 318 patients. Twenty‐nine patients were diagnosed with CD/FND, mean age 42.4, standard deviation (SD) = 13.8 years, 79.3% women, and 289 patients had other SSRD (mean age 42.1, SD = 13.3, 60.2% women). Patients completed a neuropsychological test battery that addressed a broad range of neurocognitive domains, including information processing speed, attention and executive functioning. Patients with CD/FND had clinically significant neurocognitive deficits in all neurocognitive domains based on normative data comparison. Patients with CD/FND also performed significantly worse than patients with other SSRD on information processing speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test (V = .115, p = .035), Stroop Color–Word Test (SCWT) card 1 (V = .190, p = .006), and SCWT card 2 (V = .244, p < .001). No CD/FND vs. other SSRD differences were observed in other neurocognitive domains. These findings indicate the patients with CD/FND perform worse on information processing speed tests compared to patients with other SSRD.
Relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well‐being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Helvaci Aylin , Izgu Nur , Ozdemir Leyla
Published: March 2020

Aims and objectives

To investigate the relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well‐being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

The relationship between spirituality and medication adherence has been investigated in different chronic conditions. However, the relationship between symptom burden, medication adherence and spiritual well‐being in patients with COPD has not been explored.

Design

A descriptive correlational study design was adopted.

Methods

A total of 112 patients with COPD were included in the study. Data were collected using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale‐7 (ARMS‐7) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being Scale (FACIT‐Sp). The data were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist was used.

Results

The CAT score was significantly higher in patients on long‐term oxygen therapy and those who had more than three comorbid conditions (p < .05). The mean score of ARMS‐7 was significantly associated with age (p < .05). Current smokers had higher ARMS‐7 and lower FACIT‐Sp scores (p < .001). The FACIT‐Sp score was negatively and moderately associated with the CAT and ARMS‐7 scores (p < .001).

Conclusion

This study concluded that individuals with higher spiritual well‐being had lower symptom burden and higher medication adherence. The need for long‐term oxygen therapy and a high number of comorbid conditions were associated with increased symptom burden. Current smokers had lower spiritual well‐being and medication adherence.

Relevance to clinical practice

Spiritual well‐being should be evaluated when assessing symptom burden and medication adherence in clinical practice. In addition, further studies examining the causal relationship between symptom burden, spiritual well‐being and medication adherence in different populations are warranted.
You can't flight, you need to fight—A qualitative study of mothers' experiences of feeding extremely preterm infants
Authors: Mӧrelius Evalotte , Kling Kajsa , Haraldsson Eva , Alehagen Siw
Published: March 2020

Aim

To describe mother's experiences of feeding their extremely preterm infant.

Background

When an infant is born extremely preterm, there is a long rocky road for the mother if she wants to breastfeed. Some manage to reach their goals, others do not. Studies of feeding extremely preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are scarce.

Design

A qualitative method with an inductive approach.

Methods

Nine mothers giving birth to extremely preterm infants were interviewed by telephone after discharge from the NICU. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist was followed.

Results

The overall theme was “you can't flight, you need to fight.” The theme reflects the mothers’ will to do the best for their infants even if the struggle with milk expression and breastfeeding practice evoked feelings of helplessness, exposure, worry and disappointment. The categories forming the theme were as follows: The wish to provide own breastmilk; For the infant's best; Loss of control; and Help to reach the goals.

Conclusion

The mothers had a strong will to provide breastmilk to their infants but requested more support in order to be successful.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need for evidence‐based support programmes for mothers of extremely preterm infants to encourage them to persevere with milk expression and breastfeeding over time.
What is the nature of Mental Capacity Act training and how do health and social care practitioners change their practice post‐training? A narrative review
Authors: Jenkins Catharine , Webster Natalie , Smythe Analisa , Cowdell Fiona
Published: March 2020

Aim and objective

To identify training strategies and determine how registered health and social care practitioners change their practice after Mental Capacity Act training.

Design

Narrative literature review.

Data sources

Seventeen databases were searched up to December 2019: CINAHL, Social Care Online, PubMed, Social Policy and Practice, Discover, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Ovid, 0of Science, British Nursing Index, DH‐Data and King's Fund Library Catalogue.

Review Methods

Empirical studies of any design investigating Mental Capacity Act training were searched and screened. Data were extracted to a bespoke spreadsheet and quality assessed. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Results

Of 162 papers identified, 16 were included comprising qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐methods studies. Trainees valued interactive training with close alignment to practice. Training did not lead to demonstrable practice change. Barriers in the context and cultures of care environments were identified.

Conclusion

To facilitate application of Mental Capacity Act legislation, identified barriers should be addressed. Future training should be interactive, scenario‐based and relevant to trainees’ practice.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The Mental Capacity Act is widely misunderstood and implemented poor. Training is proposed as a solution, but the nature of training that will positively affect practice remains unknown. This review aims to address this gap in the evidence base. Interactive training, using scenarios that reflect practice complexities, has the most positive impact. Cultural norms in care environments may impede application of this legislation.

The review has international relevance as there is a global imperative to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The review will inform training design and delivery to ensure that people with impaired capacity to make decisions are given the best opportunity to act autonomously.
Pregnancy and weight monitoring: A feasibility study of weight charts and midwife support
Authors: Sanders Julia , Channon Sue , Cannings‐John Rebecca , Coulman Elinor , Hunter Billie , Paranjothy Shantini , Warren Lucie , Drew Cheney , Phillips Bethan
Published: March 2020

Around half of pregnant women in the United Kingdom are overweight or obese. The antenatal period provides an opportunity for encouraging women to adopt positive lifestyle changes, and in recent years, this has included development of strategies to support women in avoiding excessive gestational weight gain. The objective of this interventional cohort study was to incorporate individualised gestational weight monitoring charts supported by motivational interviewing (MI)‐based conversations into midwifery‐led antenatal care and assess potential of the intervention for further development and evaluation. The study setting was a community midwifery team within a large maternity unit. The study explored the facilitators and barriers to engagement with the intervention as experienced by women and midwives; 52 women were recruited, of whom 48 were included in the analysis. A single training session was found adequate to prepare midwives to use antenatal weight charts but was insufficient to result in the incorporation of motivational interview techniques into clinical practice. We did not find sufficient evidence to recommend effectiveness testing of this intervention, and there is currently insufficient evidence to support reintroducing regular weighing of pregnant women into UK antenatal care. Given the public health importance of reducing rates of obesity, future interventions aimed at controlling gestational weight gain should continue to be developed but need to include innovative strategies particularly for women who are already obese or gain weight above that recommended.
Gene correlation networks reveal the transcriptomic response to elevated nitrogen in a photosynthetic sponge
Authors: Luter Heidi M. , Kenkel Carly D. , Terzin Marko , Peirce Tyler , Laffy Patrick W. , Gibb Karen , Webster Nicole S.
Published: March 2020

Nutrient levels in coastal environments have been increasing globally due to elevated inputs of sewage and terrigenous sediments carrying fertilizers. Yet, despite their immense filtering capacities, marine sponges appear to be less affected by elevated nutrients than sympatric benthic organisms, such as corals. While the molecular‐level stress response of sponges to elevated seawater temperatures and other toxicants has been defined, this study represents the first global gene expression analysis of how sponges respond to elevated nitrogen. Gene correlation network analysis revealed that sponge gene modules, coded by colours, became either highly upregulated (Blue) or downregulated (Turquoise, Black, Brown) as nitrogen treatment levels increased. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of the different modules revealed genes involved in cell signalling, immune response and flagella motility were affected by increasing nitrogen levels. Notably, a decrease in the regulation of NF‐kappaB signalling and an increase in protein degradation was identified, which is comparable to metabolic pathways associated with the sponge thermal stress response. These results highlight that Cymbastela stipitata can rapidly respond to changes in the external environment and identifies pathways that probably contribute to the ability of C. stipitata to tolerate short‐term nutrient pulses.
Gene duplications, divergence and recombination shape adaptive evolution of the fish ectoparasite Gyrodactylus bullatarudis
Authors: Konczal Mateusz , Przesmycka Karolina J. , Mohammed Ryan S. , Phillips Karl P. , Camara Francisco , Chmielewski Sebastian , Hahn Christoph , Guigo Roderic , Cable Jo , Radwan Jacek
Published: March 2020

Determining the molecular basis of parasite adaptation to its host is an important component in understanding host–parasite coevolution and the epidemiology of parasitic infections. Here, we investigate short‐ and long‐term adaptive evolution in the eukaryotic parasite Gyrodactylus bullatarudis infecting Caribbean guppies (Poecilia reticulata), by comparing the reference genome of Tobagonian G. bullatarudis with other Platyhelminthes, and by analysing resequenced samples from local Trinidadian populations. At the macroevolutionary timescale, we observed duplication of G‐protein and serine proteases genes, which are probably important in host–parasite arms races. Serine protease also showed strong evidence of ongoing, diversifying selection at the microevolutionary timescale. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that a hybridization event, involving two divergent genomes, followed by recombination has dramatically affected the genetic composition of Trinidadian populations. The recombinant genotypes invaded Trinidad and replaced local parasites in all populations. We localized more than 300 genes in regions fixed in local populations for variants of different origin, possibly due to diversifying selection pressure from local host populations. In addition, around 70 genes were localized in regions identified as heterozygous in some, but not all, individuals. This pattern is consistent with a very recent spread of recombinant parasites. Overall, our results are consistent with the idea that recombination between divergent genomes can result in particularly successful parasites.
Genetic polymorphisms of transient receptor potential melastatin 1 correlate with voriconazole‐related visual adverse events
Authors: Jiang Ying‐Kui , Wang Rui‐Ying , Wang Xuan , Zhao Hua‐Zhen , Zhou Ling‐Hong , Huang Li‐Ping , Yip Ching‐Wan , Cheng Jia‐Hui , Que Chun‐Xing , Jiang Chen , Zhu Li‐Ping
Published: March 2020

Background

Causes of voriconazole‐related visual adverse events (VVAE) remained controversial.

Objectives

We aimed to explore the relationship between voriconazole serum concentrations and VVAE as well as the potential influence of transient receptor potential melastatin 1 (TRPM1) on VVAE.

Patients/methods

This prospective observational cohort study was done in two stages. Patients who received voriconazole for invasive fungal diseases were consecutively enrolled. Correlations between voriconazole trough levels and VVAE were explored in 76 patients. Genotyping was further conducted for 17 tag SNPs of TRPM1 in a larger population of 137 patients. Genotype distributions were compared between patients with and without VVAE.

Result

Of the 76 patients, a total of 229 steady‐state voriconazole trough levels were evaluated, 69.9% of which were within the target range (1‐5.5 mg/L). No correlations were found between voriconazole trough levels and VVAE. Of the total 137 patients, VVAE occurred in 37 (27.0%) patients, including visual hallucination (13.9%, 19/137) and visual disturbances (19.0%, 26/137). Significant difference in TRPM1 genotype distribution was only observed in patients with visual hallucination but not with visual disturbances. We found that rs890160 G/T genotype was under‐presented (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.84; P = .011) and rs1378847 C/C genotype was more frequently detected (OR, 8.89; 95% CI, 1.14‐69.02; P = .013) in patients with visual hallucination when compared with those without.

Conclusion

Transient receptor potential melastatin 1 was genetically associated with voriconazole‐related visual hallucination. The correlation was failed to found between voriconazole trough levels and VVAE.
Intestinal resident macrophages: Multitaskers of the gut
Authors: Viola Maria Francesca , Boeckxstaens Guy
Published: March 2020

Background

Intestinal resident macrophages play a crucial role in homeostasis and have been implicated in numerous gastrointestinal diseases. While historically believed to be largely of hematopoietic origin, recent advances in fate‐mapping technology have unveiled the existence of long‐lived, self‐maintaining populations located in specific niches throughout the gut wall. Furthermore, the advent of single‐cell technology has enabled an unprecedented characterization of the functional specialization of tissue‐resident macrophages throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to provide a panorama on intestinal resident macrophages, with particular focus to the recent advances in the field. Here, we discuss the functions and phenotype of intestinal resident macrophages and, where possible, the functional specialization of these cells in response to the niche they occupy. Furthermore, we will discuss their role in gastrointestinal diseases.
Soil fungal guilds as important drivers of the plant richness–productivity relationship
Authors: Hannula S. Emilia , Träger Sabrina
Published: March 2020

This article is a Commentary on Chen et al., 226: 1129–1143.
Psoralen Derivatives with Enhanced Potency
Authors: Buhimschi Alexandru D. , Gooden David M. , Jing Hongwu , Fels Diane R. , Hansen Katherine S. , Beyer Wayne F. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Walder Harold , Gasparro Francis P.
Published: March 2020

Psoralen is a furocoumarin natural product that intercalates within DNA and forms covalent adducts when activated by ultraviolet radiation. It is well known that this property contributes to psoralen’s clinical efficacy in several disease contexts, which include vitiligo, psoriasis, graft‐versus‐host disease and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Given the therapeutic relevance of psoralen and its derivatives, we attempted to synthesize psoralens with even greater potency. In this study, we report a library of 73 novel psoralens, the largest collection of its kind. When screened for the ability to reduce cell proliferation, we identified two derivatives even more cytotoxic than 4′‐aminomethyl‐4,5′,8‐trimethylpsoralen (AMT), one of the most potent psoralens identified to date. Using MALDI‐TOF MS, we studied the DNA adduct formation for a subset of novel psoralens and found that in most cases enhanced DNA binding correlated well with cytotoxicity. Generally, our most potent derivatives contain positively charged substituents, which we believe increase DNA affinity and enhance psoralen intercalation. Thus, we provide a rational approach to guide efforts toward further optimizing psoralens to fully capitalize on this drug class’ therapeutic potential. Finally, the structure–activity insights we have gained shed light on several opportunities to study currently underappreciated aspects of psoralen’s mechanism.
Long‐term Effects of 222‐nm ultraviolet radiation C Sterilizing Lamps on Mice Susceptible to Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Yamano Nozomi , Kunisada Makoto , Kaidzu Sachiko , Sugihara Kazunobu , Nishiaki‐Sawada Aiko , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Yoshioka Ai , Igarashi Tatsushi , Ohira Akihiro , Tanito Masaki , Nishigori Chikako
Published: March 2020

Germicidal lamps that emit primarily 254 nm ultraviolet radiation (UV) are routinely utilized for surface sterilization but cannot be used for human skin because they cause genotoxicity. As an alternative, 222‐nm UVC has been reported to exert sterilizing ability comparable to that of 254‐nm UVC without producing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the major DNA lesions caused by UV. However, there has been no clear evidence for safety in chronic exposure to skin, particularly with respect to carcinogenesis. We therefore investigated the long‐term effects of 222‐nm UVC on skin using a highly photocarcinogenic phenotype mice that lack xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (Xpa‐) gene, which is involved in repairing of CPDs. CPDs formation was recognized only uppermost layer of epidermis even with high dose of 222‐nm UVC exposure. No tumors were observed in Xpa‐knockout mice and wild‐type mice by repetitive irradiation with 222‐nm UVC, using a protocol which had shown to produce tumor in Xpa‐knockout mice irradiated with broad‐band UVB. Furthermore, erythema and ear swelling were not observed in both genotype mice following 222‐nm UVC exposure. Our data suggest that 222‐nm UVC lamps can be safely used for sterilizing human skin as far as the perspective of skin cancer development.
Emerging from the darkness: interplay between light and plastid signaling during chloroplast biogenesis
Authors: Hernández‐Verdeja Tamara , Vuorijoki Linda , Strand Åsa
Published: March 2020

Chloroplast biogenesis is a highly complex process that requires carefully coordinated communication between the nucleus and the chloroplast to integrate light signaling and information about the state of the plastid through retrograde signals. Most studies on plastid development have been performed using dark‐grown seedlings and have focused on the transition from etioplast to chloroplast in response to light. Some advances are now also being made to understand the transition directly from proplastids to chloroplasts as it occurs in the shoot apical meristems. Recent reports have highlighted the importance of repressive mechanisms to block premature chloroplast development in dark, both at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional level. A group of new proteins with dual plastid and nuclear localization were shown to take part in the light triggered degradation of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs) in the nucleus and thereby release the suppression of the nuclear photosynthesis associated genes. These dually localized proteins are also required to activate transcription of photosynthesis genes in the plastid in response to light, emphasizing the close link between the nucleus and the plastids during early light response. Furthermore, development of a fully functional chloroplast requires a plastid signal but the nature of this signal(s) is still unknown. GENOMES UNCOUPLED1 (GUN1) is a plastid protein pivotal for retrograde signal(s) during early seedling development, and recent reports have revealed multiple interactors of GUN1 from different plastid processes. These new GUN1 interactors could reveal the true molecular function of the enigmatic character, GUN1, under naturally occurring adverse growth conditions.
Next‐generation sequencing of HLA: validation and identification of new polymorphisms in a Brazilian population
Authors: Fabreti‐Oliveira Raquel A. , Oliveira Cintia K. F. , Vale Eliane M. G. , Nascimento Evaldo
Published: March 2020

Background

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is the most modern sequencing technique that has revolutionized HLA typing, providing high‐resolution results with low ambiguity rates. This study aimed to show the experiences and challenges of an HLA laboratory in the validation process of the NGS methodology for HLA typing and show the use of this method for the study of HLA genetic diversity.

Methods

We used 115 samples that comprised a comprehensive testing panel for validation of the NGS methodology using the AllType kit (One Lambda, Canoga Park, California) on the Ion Torrent S5 NGS platform. All quality metrics were analyzed. During validation, two new HLA sequences were identified and named by the HLA Nomenclature Committee.

Results

A total of 1380 alleles from the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, and ‐DPB1 loci were examined by NGS. This validation panel provided a wide range of HLA sequence variations, including non‐CWD HLA alleles, new variants, and homozygous alleles. The concordance rate with Sanger sequencing‐based typing was 100.0% for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, and 99.93% for HLA‐DPB1. The newly identified HLA alleles were HLA‐B*14:69N and HLA‐DQB1*02:145.

Conclusion

We have successfully validated NGS HLA typing despite numerous challenges, contributing to the identification of novel alleles that impact on HLA matching and antibody evaluation in organ and tissue transplantation.
Monte Carlo Ray Tracing-Coupled Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling and Experimental Testing of a 1-kW Solar Cavity Receiver Radiated via 7-kW HFSS
Authors: Ophoff Cedric , Ozalp Nesrin , Moens David
Published: March 2020

Current state-of-the-art development of concentrated solar power (CSP) applications targets cost-effective and highly efficient processes in order to establish commercialization of these technologies. The design of solar receivers/reactors and their respective flow configuration have a direct impact on the operational performance of the solar thermochemical processes. Thermal efficiencies, reaction kinetics, and other key output metrics are the intrinsic result of the chosen configuration. Therefore, reactor design optimization plays a crucial role in the development of solar thermochemical applications. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a directly-irradiated cavity receiver has been developed. The CFD-domain is coupled with incoming radiation that is obtained by using Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT). Experimental campaigns of the cavity receiver were carried out using a 7-kW high flux solar simulator (HFSS) as a radiative source. Temperature readings were obtained at different locations inside the cavity receiver for both wall and gas temperatures. In order to mimic naturally changing insolation conditions, the HFSS was run at different power levels. Heat flux at the aperture of the solar receiver was experimentally characterized. The acquired heat flux maps validated the intermediate results obtained with the MCRT method. The coupled computational model was validated against the measured temperatures at different locations inside the receiver. Computed temperature contours inside the receiver confirmed the experimentally observed non-uniformity of the axial temperature distribution. The validated analysis presented in this paper was then used as a baseline case for a parametric study. Design optimization efforts were undertaken toward obtaining temperature uniformity and achieving efficient heat transfer within the fluid domain. Enhanced flow circulation was achieved which yielded temperature uniformity of the receiver at steady-state conditions. The outcome of this parametric analysis provided valuable insights into the development of thermal efficient solar cavity receivers. Hence, findings of this study will serve as a starting point for the future solar reactor design. For example, it was found that reversing flow direction has an adverse effect on the temperature uniformity inside the receiver. Similarly, increasing the inlet angle does not positively affect the temperature distribution and hence should be chosen carefully when designing a solar reactor.