bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Trafficking and the Fertile Spaces of Legality
Authors: Lambert Rita
Published: November 2020

Land trafficking, responsible for the unprecedented rate of urbanization in many Latin American cities, is often conceptualized through corruption as ‘abuses of public office for private gain’. While those involved in the practice rely at times on violence and illegality, their repertoire is sophisticated, allowing them to move in and out of legality as part of their cost–benefit calculations. In this article I argue that land trafficking is based on legalized corruption. I use an ethnographic approach to observe the strategic conduits that are technically embedded in, and opportunistically related to, different municipal processes to legalize illegality. I demonstrate how land traffickers use morphing possibilities between land tenure types (communal, private and government) and mimic development typologies that have gained legitimacy over time. I also show how conflicting, competing and humanitarian rationalities that characterize the state play a crucial role in promoting land trafficking, by grafting illegality and violations onto ‘formal’ practices.
Fibrous bands associated with higher Masaoka stage and poor recurrence‐free survival in patients with thymoma
Authors: Minami Kazuhiro , Jimbo Naoe , Tanaka Yugo , Uchida Takahiro , Okamoto Takeshi , Shimizu Nahoko , Doi Takefumi , Hokka Daisuke , Itoh Tomoo , Maniwa Yoshimasa
Published: November 2020

Background

Fibrous bands (FBs) are one of the histological features in tumors which can be confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides. FBs have been reported to correlate with malignancy in various tumors. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of FBs is associated with malignancy in thymoma.

Methods

A total of 123 consecutive patients with thymoma who underwent microscopically complete resections from January 2000 to December 2018 were enrolled into this study. H&E‐stained slides of all thymoma patients were re‐examined. Study patients were classified into two groups: with FBs (n = 36) and without FBs (n = 87). Clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, multivariate analyses were performed to identify whether the presence of FBs was associated with higher Masaoka stage and poor prognosis in patients with thymoma.

Results

The Masaoka stage was found to be higher and recurrence more likely in thymoma patients with FBs than in those without. RFS was significantly poorer in thymoma patients with FBs than in those without, although no significant difference was observed in OS between them. The presence of FBs was significantly associated with higher Masaoka stage in the multivariate analysis using logistic regression. Additionally, the presence of FBs was an independent prognostic factor for poor RFS in multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards model.

Conclusions

The presence of FBs in patients with thymoma was associated with higher Masaoka stage, higher recurrence rate, and poorer RFS.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Fibrous bands (FBs) are bands of fibrosis dividing tumors into different‐sized irregular islands. The presence of FBs is associated with higher Masaoka stage and poor recurrence‐free survival in patients with thymoma.

What this study adds

The presence of fibrous bands might be associated with the malignant behavior of thymoma. Confirming the presence or absence of FBs may result in personalized medication for patients with thymoma.
graph4lg: A package for constructing and analysing graphs for landscape genetics in R
Authors: Savary Paul , Foltête Jean‐Christophe , Moal Hervé , Vuidel Gilles , Garnier Stéphane
Published: November 2020

In landscape genetics, habitat connectivity and population genetic structure have been analysed using graph‐theoretic approaches to understand how landscape features influence demography (i.e. dispersal and population size).

Despite substantial advances in enhancing both genetic and landscape graph use, a software tool bringing together a large range of construction and analysis parameters for these two types of graphs was lacking in the landscape genetic toolbox. Moreover, although these two types of graphs appear complementary for answering landscape genetic questions, methods for comparing them have not been forthcoming.

We have developed an R package to improve and encourage the use of these graphs. It includes functions for converting and importing genetic data and for genetic distance computing. It also implements time‐efficient geodesic and cost‐distance calculations from spatial data. A large range of parameters can be used to create genetic and landscape graphs from these data, including several graph pruning methods. We made available to R users the command‐line facilitaties of Graphab software to easily model landscape graphs in R. The package functions perform preliminary analysis to adapt methodological choices to research questions. Landscape and genetic graphs created can be analysed with node‐level metrics as well as link‐level and modularity analyses. Users can compare and visualise these graphs and export them to shapefiles to facilitate interpretation and subsequent analyses.

graph4lg contributes to expanding landscape and genetic graph potential for analysing ecological connectivity while encouraging further investigations on methodological implications related to these tools.
Analytical models for β‐diversity and the power‐law scaling of β‐deviation
Authors: Xing Dingliang , He Fangliang
Published: November 2020

β‐diversity is a primary biodiversity pattern for inferring community assembly. A randomized null model that generates a standardized β‐deviation has been widely used for this purpose. However, the null model has been much debated and its application is limited to abundance data.

Here we derive analytical models for β‐diversity to address the debate, clarify the interpretation and extend the application to occurrence data.

The analytical analyses show unambiguously that the standardized β‐deviation is a quantification of the effect size of non‐random spatial distribution of species on β‐diversity for a given species abundance distribution. It robustly scales with sampling effort following a power law with exponent of 0.5. This scaling relationship offers a simple method for comparing β‐diversity of communities of different sizes.

Assuming log‐series distribution for the metacommunity species abundance distribution, our model allows for calculation of the standardized β‐deviation using occurrence data plus a datum on the total abundance.

Our theoretical model justifies and generalizes the use of the β null model for inferring community assembly rules.
Assessment of knowledge and attitudes regarding organ donation among doctors and students of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Seetharaman Rajmohan V. , Rane Jitesh R. , Dingre Niraj S.
Published: November 2020

Organ donation is a lifesaving treatment option for patients with end‐organ damage. However, many patients are unable to avail this option due to the low availability of viable organs for transplantation. The availability of donor organs can be improved by increasing awareness and resolving organ donation misconceptions among the general population. It can be assumed that healthcare workers are most aware of the value of organ donation. They are also in a position to influence the willingness of the general population to donate organs after death or sign up for an organ donor card. The knowledge and attitudes of current and future healthcare professionals regarding this subject have neither been evaluated nor considered a topic of priority in the existing Indian medical education program.

Objectives

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of licensed medical doctors and undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and analyze differences between the two groups with respect to the above.

Methodology

A total of 650 doctors and MBBS students from a Tertiary care hospital were included in the study and subjected to a questionnaire with 11 questions. Responses to the questionnaire were analyzed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes regarding organ donation. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 24.

Results and conclusions

About 29.9% of doctors and 49.8% of students knew about the law governing organ donation. The concept of brain death was entirely understood by only 31.7% of doctors and 14.7% of students. Only 16% of doctors and 3.2% of students had filled an organ donor card. About 40.9% of doctors and 51% of students favored the opt‐out system, as followed by western nations. Fear of illegal selling or purchase of organs was predominant in 61.9% of doctors and 52.2% of students. The current study reveals that the medical fraternity's knowledge and personal responsibility need improvements. However, the system also needs to be improved to win their trust.
Ex vivo assessment of erythrocyte tolerance to the HeartWare ventricular assist device operated in three discrete configurations
Authors: Kuck Lennart , Simmonds Michael J. , Chan Chris Hoi Houng , Pauls Jo P. , Tansley Geoff D. , Feldmann Friederike , McNamee Antony P.
Published: November 2020

Despite technological advances in ventricular assist devices (VADs) to treat end‐stage heart failure, hemocompatibility remains a constant concern, with supraphysiological shear stresses an unavoidable reality with clinical use. Given that impeller rotational speed is related to the instantaneous shear within the pump housing, it is plausible that the modulation of pump speed may regulate peak mechanical shear stresses and thus ameliorate blood damage. The present study investigated the hemocompatibility of the HeartWare HVAD in three configurations typical of clinical applications: standard systemic support left VAD (LVAD), pediatric support LVAD, and pulmonary support right VAD (RVAD) conditions. Two ex vivo mock circulation blood loops were constructed using explanted HVADs, in which pump speed and external loop resistance were manipulated to reflect the flow rates and differential pressures reported in configurations for standard adult LVAD (at 3150 rev⸱min−1), pediatric LVAD (at 2400 rev⸱min−1), and adult RVAD (at 1900 rev⸱min−1). Using bovine blood, the mock circulation blood loops were tested at 37°C over a period of 6 hours (consistent with ASTM F1841‐97) and compared with static control. Hemocompatibility assessments were conducted for each test condition, examining hematology, hemolysis (absolute and normalized index), osmotic fragility, and blood viscosity. Regardless of configuration, continuous exposure of blood to the VAD over the 6‐hour period significantly altered hematological and rheological blood parameters, and induced increased hemolysis when compared with a static control sample. Comparison of the three operational VAD configurations identified that the adult LVAD condition—associated with the highest pump speed, flow rate, and differential pressure across the pump—resulted in increased normalized hemolysis index (NIH; 0.07) when compared with the lower pump speed “off‐label” counterparts (NIH of 0.04 in pediatric LVAD and 0.01 in adult RVAD configurations). After normalizing blood residence times between configurations, pump speed was identified as the primary determinant of accumulated blood damage; plausibly, blood damage could be limited by restricting pump speed to the minimum required to support matched cardiac output, but not beyond.
Towards a better use of scientific advice for developers of advanced therapies
Authors: Tavridou Anna , Rogers Dolca , Bonelli Milton , Schiel Anja , Hidalgo‐Simon Ana
Published: November 2020

Scientific advice (SA) is an important tool offered by regulators to help developers generate robust evidence on a medicine's benefits and risks. Drawing on accumulated experience and looking at the SA provided by the European Medicines Agency in 2018 to advanced therapy medicinal products originally developed by public bodies, we discuss most commonly raised issues and the complexity and timings of the questions posed. Earlier and more frequent SA could help advanced therapy medicinal product developers to pre‐empt delays at the marketing authorisation stage. Carefully addressing quality and nonclinical issues before entering the pivotal phase of development will clear the path for a smooth clinical development and successful marketing authorisation.
Secondary data analysis of British population cohort studies: A practical guide for education researchers
Authors: Cave Sophie Nicole , von Stumm Sophie
Published: November 2020

Background

Britain is rich in longitudinal population cohort studies that posit valuable data resources for social science. However, education researchers currently underutilize these resources.

Aims

The current paper (1) outlines the power and benefits of secondary data analyses for educational science and (2) provides a practical guide for education researchers on the characteristics, data, and accessibility of British population cohort studies.

Methods

We identified eight British population cohort studies from the past 40 years that collected scholastic performance data during primary and secondary schooling, including (1) Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents And Children (ALSPAC), (2) Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), (3) Effective Pre‐School, Primary and Secondary Education Project (EPPSE), (4) Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), (5) Born in Bradford (BiB), (6) Next Steps (LYSPE1), (7) Understanding Society (US), and (8) Our Future (LYSPE2). Participants across these studies were born between 1989 and 2010, and followed up at least once and up to 68 times, over periods of 7 to 29 years. For each study, we summarize here the context and aims, review the assessed variables, and describe the process for accessing the data.

Conclusions

We hope this article will encourage and support education researchers to widely utilize existing population cohort studies to further advance education science in Britain and elsewhere.
Long‐term complications in uniformly treated paediatric Langerhans histiocytosis patients disclosed by 12 years of follow‐up of the JLSG‐96/02 studies
Authors: Sakamoto Kenichi , Morimoto Akira , Shioda Yoko , Imamura Toshihiko , Imashuku Shinsaku ,   the Japan LCH Study Group (JLSG)
Published: November 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare inflammatory myeloid neoplasia derived from immature myeloid dendritic cells with the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway gene mutation. LCH is rarely fatal, but patients develop various permanent consequences (PCs). We report the frequencies of LCH‐related PCs in paediatric patients (n = 317) treated by the JLSG‐96/02 AraC‐containing regimens. One‐third of LCH patients had at least one PC at a median follow‐up of 12 years. Central nervous system (CNS)‐related PCs (neurological and endocrinological) accounted for 21·5%, non‐CNS‐related 16·7%. We require novel therapeutic measures to further reduce the frequency of LCH‐related PCs.
Health information helps mitigate adolescent depression: A multivariate analysis of the links between health information use and depression management
Authors: Zhong Bu , Chen Juan
Published: November 2020

Background

Depression has brought a range of detrimental effects on adolescents. Despite the identified adverse outcomes, it is unclear what mechanisms contribute to the onset of adolescent depression. The limitation calls for innovative ways of managing the mental disorder, including embedding the methods and concepts from the humanities and social sciences into caring depressed teens. This study analyses how adolescents' health information use helps mitigate depressive symptoms.

Methods

Guided by the information processing theories, this study proposes the health information processing model and uses it to analyse the impact of health information use on self‐management of depressive symptoms among Chinese urban adolescents aged 10–18. A total of 310 urban teens were recruited from elementary, middle and high schools in Changchun in North China. The data collection was part of a project conducted jointly by China's National Health Commission and the United Nations Children's Fund.

Results

Chinese teens' health knowledge and health literacy helped alleviate depressive symptoms. More health knowledge and self‐efficacy predicted positive health behaviour changes, leading to better depression management. Older teens were more depressive and had more health knowledge than younger ones. Depressive symptoms were also associated with gender, school performance, family income and parents' education. Both parents' education levels significantly affected their children's depression, but in different ways. The more urban adolescents trusted health information from parents or teachers, the less they felt depressive, while the health information from peers did not have the same effect.

Conclusion

The study indicates that health information use may represent a unique form of intervention that could help mitigate the mental health issues Chinese youth experience. The findings add new insights to the knowledge of adolescents' depression management and health decision‐making.
Fully Convolutional Graph Neural Networks for Parametric Virtual Try‐On
Authors: Vidaurre Raquel , Santesteban Igor , Garces Elena , Casas Dan
Published: November 2020

We present a learning‐based approach for virtual try‐on applications based on a fully convolutional graph neural network. In contrast to existing data‐driven models, which are trained for a specific garment or mesh topology, our fully convolutional model can cope with a large family of garments, represented as parametric predefined 2D panels with arbitrary mesh topology, including long dresses, shirts, and tight tops. Under the hood, our novel geometric deep learning approach learns to drape 3D garments by decoupling the three different sources of deformations that condition the fit of clothing: garment type, target body shape, and material. Specifically, we first learn a regressor that predicts the 3D drape of the input parametric garment when worn by a mean body shape. Then, after a mesh topology optimization step where we generate a sufficient level of detail for the input garment type, we further deform the mesh to reproduce deformations caused by the target body shape. Finally, we predict fine‐scale details such as wrinkles that depend mostly on the garment material. We qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrate that our fully convolutional approach outperforms existing methods in terms of generalization capabilities and memory requirements, and therefore it opens the door to more general learning‐based models for virtual try‐on applications.
Facial and hearing outcomes in transmastoid nerve decompression for Bell's palsy, with preservation of the ossicular chain
Authors: Inagaki Akira , Takahashi Mariko , Murakami Shingo
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Facial nerve decompression is a salvage treatment for Bell's palsy patients for whom a poor prognosis is anticipated with standard medical treatment. The transmastoid approach is a frequently performed approach, but it remains unknown if this surgery is effective when the ossicular chain is preserved. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of facial nerve decompression using the transmastoid approach in Bell's palsy.

Design, setting and participants

This retrospective study included patients who had undergone transmastoid facial nerve decompression with ossicular chain preservation and patients who met the criteria for surgery, but received only medical treatment between January 2007 and May 2019, at a single centre.

Main outcome measures

Attainment of House‐Brackmann grade I at 12 months after onset of facial palsy.

Results

The recovery rate to House‐Brackmann grade I in the decompression group in the early phase (≤18 days after onset) was higher than that of the medical treatment group, although the difference was not significant (70% vs 47%, P = .160). However, within this early surgery group, a subgroup of cases with ≥95% facial nerve degeneration demonstrated a significant improvement in recovery rate (73% vs 30%, P = .018). Among surgeries performed in the late phase (≥19 days), only a subgroup with ≥95% facial nerve degeneration was available for analysis, and the difference in recovery rate was not significant compared with medical treatment alone (26% vs 30%, P = 1.00). Post‐surgical hearing evaluation demonstrated that average hearing deterioration was 1.3 dB which was non‐significant, suggesting this procedure does not cause hearing loss.

Conclusions

Transmastoid facial nerve decompression with ossicular chain preservation in the early phase after symptom‐onset is an effective salvage treatment for severe Bell's palsy with ≥95% facial nerve degeneration.
Singing voice range profile: New objective evaluation methods for voice change after thyroidectomy
Authors: Seok Jungirl , Ryu Youn Mi , Jo Seong Ae , Lee Chang Yoon , Jung Yuh‐Seog , Ryu Junsun , Ryu Chang Hwan
Published: November 2020

Background

After surgery in the thyroid region, patients may present with phonation or singing difficulty, even within their vocal range. We designed a novel voice evaluation method that reflects subjective and objective voice complications of the surgery.

Methods

This tool recorded patients' voice ranges while singing, which was named the singing voice range profile (singing VRP). Patients were asked to sing “Happy Birthday,” which has a one‐octave scale, at a comfortable tone and intensity. The singing VRP, standard VRP and voice handicap index‐10 (VHI‐10) results were recorded before thyroidectomy and 1 and 3 months after thyroidectomy for 128 patients. For subgroup analysis, a group where the maximum F0 of standard VRP in 1 month postoperatively was lower than the highest singing F0 of the preoperative singing VRP was defined as “Collapsed group” and the other group was “Preserved group.”

Results

The changes in the highest, lowest and range of singing fundamental frequency (F0) had decreased at 1 month postoperatively. Subsequently, they had improved significantly at 3 months postoperatively but were lower than those preoperatively (all P < .05, except for the change in the lowest singing F0 between 1 and 3 months postoperatively, P = .274). In the subgroup analysis, the singing range of the collapsed group (n = 65) showed significantly lower VHI‐10 scores, range of vocal F0 and singing F0 than those of the preserved group (n = 63) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (all P < .001). At 3 months postoperatively, the singing F0 range in the preserved group had recovered to the range before surgery (13.0 ± 1.3 vs. 13.1 ± 1.4, P = .746 for the preserved group, and 13.0 ± 1.3 vs 11.5 ± 2.4, P < .001 for the collapsed group).

Conclusions

Parameters measured by singing VRP showed a trend similar to the change in VHI‐10 and the maximum F0 of standard VRP. In addition, singing VRP allowed a qualitative classification of the postoperative voice function when combined with standard VRP. Therefore, it can be used as a supplementary voice evaluation tool to reflect the physiologic and functional aspects of voice.
Outcomes of colostomy takedown following Hartmann's procedure: successful restoration of continuity comes with a high risk of morbidity
Authors: Mirza Kasim L. , Wickham Carey J. , Noren Erik R. , Hwang Grace S. , Ault Glenn T. , Ortega Adrian E. , Jafari Mehraneh D. , Cologne Kyle G.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Restoration of bowel continuity following a Hartmann's procedure is a major surgical undertaking associated with significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to review the authors' experience with Hartmann's reversal.

Method

This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients from institutional databases who were selected to undergo open or laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal at two tertiary academic referral centres and a public safety net hospital (2010–2019). The main outcome measure was the rate of successful stoma reversal. Secondary outcomes included 30‐day postoperative outcomes and procedural details.

Results

One hundred and fifty patients underwent attempted reversal during the study period, which was successful in all but three patients (98%). Patients were 59% Hispanic and 73% male, with a mean age of 48.7 ± 14.1 years, mean American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 2.2 ± 0.6 and mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.6 ± 5.3 kg/m2, with 39% of patients having a BMI > 30 kg/m2. The mean time interval between the index procedure and reversal was 14.4 months, 53% of the index cases were performed at outside institutions and the most common index diagnoses were diverticulitis (54%), abdominal trauma (16%) and colorectal malignancy (15%). In 22% of cases a laparoscopic approach was used, with 42% of these requiring conversion to open. Proximal diverting stomas were created in 32 patients (21%), of which 94% were reversed. The overall morbidity rate was 54%, comprising ileus (32%), wound infection (15%) and anastomotic leak (6%), with a major morbidity rate (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3) of 23%.

Conclusion

Hartmann's reversal remains a highly morbid procedure. Our results suggest that operative candidates can be successfully reversed, but there is significant morbidity associated with restoration of intestinal continuity, particularly in obese patients. A laparoscopic approach may decrease morbidity in selected patients but such cases have a high conversion rate.
Fabric dyeing with colorimetric pH‐responsive colours
Authors: Peila Roberta , Varesano Alessio , Vineis Claudia , Bobba Vittorio , Bobba Jacopo , Piriou Anne , Barazzotto Michele
Published: November 2020

This paper explores the possibility of dyeing textile fabrics with halochromic dyes. Five different halochromic dyes were tested: bromocresol purple, m‐cresol purple, chlorophenol red, curcumin and bromothymol blue. Preliminary dyeing was carried out on wool, polyacrylonitrile, polyester, polyamide 6.6, cotton and cellulose acetate at 100°C for 40 minutes to evaluate affinity. All the dyes showed good affinity to wool and polyamide 6.6. Cotton required a mordant phase before dyeing. Washing and light fastness were evaluated for the dyed fabrics, as well as colour changes at different pH values. Some fibres displayed good dye fastness and halochromic properties. Bromothymol blue was selected to dye polyamide 6.6 and cotton fabrics. The dyed fabrics displayed good halochromic properties across a pH range of 4 to 10. Cotton fabrics exhibited an immediate colour change; polyamide 6.6 changed colour after several minutes. An industrial dyeing process was performed on natural cellulosic fibres. The results confirmed the possibility of scaling up the process with regard to textile applications of halochromic dyes.
Contingency management for tobacco smoking during opioid addiction treatment: Implementation challenges
Authors: Ainscough Tom S. , Brose Leonie S. , Strang John , McNeill Ann
Published: November 2020

Introduction and Aims

Tobacco smoking prevalence in opioid addiction patients is approximately six times that of the general population, highlighting the need for novel interventions. A pilot/feasibility study was conducted to investigate whether a contingency management (CM) intervention could be added to UK standard smoking cessation treatment. The aim of this report is to describe the challenges experienced during the implementation of this CM intervention.

Design and Methods

A two‐armed, randomised, pilot/feasibility study of a 5‐week escalating with reset CM intervention, conducted as an adjunct to smoking cessation treatment in an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment centre.

Results

Forty participants were recruited, but only 19 attended the baseline session. Ten participants attended all treatment sessions (25% retention), with only one contactable at 6‐month follow‐up. While smoking cessation clinic engagement was higher than previously, implementation issues included limited operating hours of the smoking treatment clinic, ineffective biochemical verification of abstinence and overly restrictive inclusion criteria.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study highlighted not only the difficulty of integrating CM interventions into standard smoking cessation treatment for this population, but also the potential of CM to engage this group with smoking cessation treatment. Future research in this area should consider increasing the availability and flexibility of smoking cessation treatment, and relaxing inclusion criteria to be more reflective of the opioid‐treatment‐seeking population.

This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03015597, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03015597).
Host diversity outperforms climate as a global driver of symbiont diversity in the bird‐feather mite system
Authors: Gusmão Reginaldo A. F. , Hernandes Fabio A. , Vancine Maurício H. , Naka Luciano N. , Doña Jorge , Gonçalves‐Souza Thiago
Published: November 2020

Aim

The simultaneous influence of abiotic and biotic factors as main drivers of global species distributions remains poorly understood, especially in host‐dependent groups. In this study, we diverge from traditional macroecological approaches by considering both biotic (avian species diversity) and abiotic (climatic) factors in determining the global distribution pattern of feather mite species richness, one of the most abundant and diverse bird ectosymbionts.

Location

Global.

Methods

We used a global dataset of feather mite–bird interactions published in 2016, complemented with an up‐to‐date literature survey. We created statistical models designed to explain the effect of abiotic (i.e., temperature, precipitation and energy‐related variables) and biotic factors (bird species richness) on the species richness of feather mites. We used these models to predict global distribution patterns of mites and estimate each explanatory variable's relative importance in temperate and tropical regions.

Results

According to our models, bird species richness accounts for ~63% of the global distribution pattern of mites, which is ten times more relevant than climatic variables. Among abiotic drivers, precipitation intensity and seasonality were the most important variables, accounting for 10% of mite species richness. This figure is lower in tropical regions, where biotic factors are seven times more important than in temperate regions.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that global mite diversity was primarily determined by biotic and, to a lesser extent, abiotic factors. The relative importance of the predictive variables, however, varied between tropical and temperate regions. The strong association between bird species richness and feather mite species diversity at a global scale raises concerns about the potential for future co‐extinctions.
Internal biliary drainage using double‐balloon endoscopy in a patient with complete obstruction of the hepaticojejunostomy site
Authors: Mitsuyama Toshiyuki , Shimatani Masaaki , Naganuma Makoto
Published: November 2020

Watch a video of this article
In a cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes using the drug sulfasalazine, HbA1c lowering is associated with haematological changes
Authors: N’Dow Samira M. S. , Donnelly Louise A. , Pearson Ewan R. , Rena Graham
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Several small studies indicate the sulphonamide component of the drug sulfasalazine lowers HbA1c. We investigated reduction of HbA1c following incident prescription of sulfasalazine and related aminosalicylates, lacking the sulphonamide group, in an observational cohort.

Research Design and Methods

Individuals in the Scottish Care Information Diabetes Collaboration (SCI‐Diabetes) with type 2 diabetes and incident prescription for an aminosalicylate drug (sulfasalazine, mesalazine, olsalazine or balsalazide) were identified. Baseline and 6‐month HbA1c were required for eligibility, to calculate HbA1c response. To investigate association with haemolysis, change in components of full blood count was assessed. Paired t‐tests compared difference in baseline and treatment HbA1c measures and other clinical variables.

Results

In all, 113 individuals treated with sulfasalazine and 103 with mesalazine (lacking the sulphonamide group) were eligible, with no eligible individuals treated with olsalazine or balsalazide. Baseline characteristics were similar. Mean (SD) HbA1c reduction at 6 months was −9 ± 16 mmol/mol (−0.9 ± 1.4%) (p < 0.0001) in those taking sulfasalazine with no reduction in those taking mesalazine (2 ± 16 mmol/mol (0.2 ± 1.4%). Sulfasalazine but not mesalazine was associated with a mean (SD) increase in mean cell volume of 3.7 ± 5.6 fl (p < 0.0001) and decrease in red cell count of −0.2 ± 0.4 × 10−12/L (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this observational, population‐based study, sulfasalazine initiation was associated with a 6‐month reduction in HbA1c. This correlated with haematological changes suggesting haemolytic effects of sulfasalazine. Haemolysis is proposed to contribute to HbA1c lowering through the sulphonamide pharmacophore. This suggests that HbA1c is not a reliable measure of glycaemia in individuals prescribed sulfasalazine.
Plasma adipokines and glycaemic progression among African Americans: Findings from the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Kaze Arnaud D. , Musani Solomon K. , Bidulescu Aurelian , Joseph Joshua J. , Correa Adolfo , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Bertoni Alain G. , Ahima Rexford S. , Golden Sherita H. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate the association between plasma biomarkers including leptin, adiponectin, adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratio and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) with risk of glycaemic progression and incident dysglycaemia (pre‐diabetes or diabetes) in a community‐based sample of African American (AAs).

Methods

We analysed data from 3223 participants without type 2 diabetes at baseline (2000–2004) who attended ≥1 follow‐up visit. Poisson regression was used to generate risk ratios (RRs) for glycaemic progression and incident dysglycaemia.

Results

Over a median of 7 years, 46.4% developed glycaemic progression (n=1495). After adjusting for demographic and lifestyle variables, the RRs (95% CI) for glycaemic progression comparing highest (Q4) to lowest (Q1) quartiles were 1.30 (1.10–1.54), 0.74 (0.65–0.84), 0.70 (0.62–0.80) and 1.22 (1.07–1.38) for leptin, adiponectin, adiponectin–leptin ratio and hsCRP, respectively. Upon additional adjustment for BMI, the corresponding RRs (95% CIs) were 1.15 (0.94–1.42), 0.76 (0.67–0.86), 0.72 (0.62–0.84) and 1.14 (0.99–1.31) respectively. Among participants with normal glycaemia, the RRs (95% CIs) for incident pre‐diabetes in Q4 vs Q1 were 1.37 (1.13–1.67), 0.73 (0.63–0.85), 0.70 (0.59–0.82) and 1.28 (1.10–1.48) for leptin, adiponectin, adiponectin–leptin ratio and hsCRP, respectively; equivalent RRs for incident diabetes were 5.15 (2.63–10.10), 0.36 (0.20–0.68), 0.21 (0.12–0.38) and 3.04 (1.70–5.44), respectively.

Conclusions

In this large community‐based cohort of AAs, our results suggest that high plasma leptin and hsCRP, as well as low adiponectin and adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratio, are associated with higher risks of glycaemic progression. The findings point to the potential utility of these biomarkers in predicting and preventing glycaemic progression in this high‐risk population.
Functional spatial distribution and sociometric characteristics of Formica fusca ants during winter dormancy
Authors: Włodarczyk Tomasz
Published: November 2020

1. Ant colonies passing through the period of winter dormancy are subject to the two conflicting selective pressures: (i) on escaping the coldest temperatures during the winter by hiding deep into the soil and (ii) on the reactivation after overwintering as soon as the weather conditions become favourable and the soil surface is warm enough.

2. If selective pressures associated with overwintering are affected differently by the spatial variation in the climate conditions then different overwintering strategies can be expected to occur across geographical gradients.

3. In this study, Formica fusca colonies were excavated in north‐eastern Poland to examine the spatial distribution of overwintering ants. It has been found that queens, accompanied by part of the workers, shelter themselves at a depth close to the colony's lower limit. However, workers were clustered at different depths along the soil profile, including a few centimetres from the soil surface.

4. Natural selection might promote to allocate individuals who are less valuable to the colony to more risky tasks (e.g. those performed outside the nest). Thus, playing the role of a forager should be associated with the occupation of more risky positions during overwintering. However, no statistically significant difference has been found between workers overwintering in the upper and lower soil strata in their propensity to explore the experimental arena.

5. The observed pattern of the spatial distribution of overwintering ants indicates the existence of a trade‐off between winter mortality, costs of physiological adaptations, and the time needed for a colony to reactivate in response to temperature increase.
Bayesian models of human navigation behaviour in an augmented reality audiomaze
Authors: Shikauchi Yumi , Miyakoshi Makoto , Makeig Scott , Iversen John R.
Published: November 2020

We investigated Bayesian modelling of human whole‐body motion capture data recorded during an exploratory real‐space navigation task in an “Audiomaze” environment (see the companion paper by Miyakoshi et al. in the same volume) to study the effect of map learning on navigation behaviour. There were three models, a feedback‐only model (no map learning), a map resetting model (single‐trial limited map learning), and a map updating model (map learning accumulated across three trials). The estimated behavioural variables included step sizes and turning angles. Results showed that the estimated step sizes were constantly more accurate using the map learning models than the feedback‐only model. The same effect was confirmed for turning angle estimates, but only for data from the third trial. We interpreted these results as Bayesian evidence of human map learning on navigation behaviour. Furthermore, separating the participants into groups of egocentric and allocentric navigators revealed an advantage for the map updating model in estimating step sizes, but only for the allocentric navigators. This interaction indicated that the allocentric navigators may take more advantage of map learning than do egocentric navigators. We discuss relationships of these results to simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem.
The ubiquitin E3 ligase Nedd4‐2 relieves mechanical allodynia through the ubiquitination of TRPA1 channel in db/db mice
Authors: Wang Shenglan , Qi Simin , Kogure Yoko , Kanda Hirosato , Tian Lin , Yamamoto Satoshi , Noguchi Koichi , Dai Yi
Published: November 2020

Neural precursor cell‐expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4‐2 (Nedd4‐2) is a member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase family that is highly expressed in sensory neurons and involved in pain modulation via downregulation of ion channels in excitable membranes. Ubiquitination involving Nedd4‐2 is regulated by adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is impaired in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of db/db mice. AMPK negatively regulates the expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a recognised pain sensor expressed on the membrane of DRG neurons, consequently relieving mechanical allodynia in db/db mice. Herein, we studied the involvement of Nedd4‐2 in painful diabetic neuropathy and observed that Nedd4‐2 negatively regulated diabetic mechanical allodynia. Nedd4‐2 was co‐expressed with TRPA1 in mouse DRG neurons. Nedd4‐2 was involved in TRPA1 ubiquitination, this ubiquitination, as well as Nedd4‐2–TRPA1 interaction, was decreased in db/db mice. Moreover, Nedd4‐2 levels were decreased in db/db mice, while an abnormal intracellular distribution was observed in short‐term high glucose‐cultured DRG neurons. AMPK activators not only restored Nedd4‐2 distribution but also increased Nedd4‐2 expression. These findings demonstrate that Nedd4‐2 is a potent regulator of TRPA1 and that the abnormal expression of Nedd4‐2 in DRG neurons contributes to diabetic neuropathic pain.
Evaluating Panelists’ Understanding of Standard Setting Data
Authors: Baron Patricia , Sireci Stephen G. , Slater Sharon C.
Published: November 2020

Since the No Child Left Behind Act (No Child Left Behind [NCLB], 2001) was enacted, the Bookmark method has been used in many state standard setting studies (Karantonis and Sireci; Zieky, Perie, and Livingston). The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the criticism that when panelists are presented with data during the Bookmark standard setting process, these data are often misunderstood. We collected survey responses from eight panels of teachers who worked on an alternate assessment standard setting workshop. We found that although many panelists understood these data, others misunderstood them. For example, when panelists reviewed panel judgment statistics, some extrapolated beyond what these data represent. Our results include themes describing the types of misconceptions we observed, and the need for training and evaluation related to understanding and use of data used in standard setting. We share some suggestions for consideration when implementing the Bookmark method.
Relationship between neural responses to stress and mental health symptoms in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Balachandran Neha , Goodman Adam M. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Martin Amber N. , Tocco Krista , Vogel Valerie , LaFrance W. Curt , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To utilize traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a model for investigating functioning during acute stress experiences in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and to identify neural mechanisms underlying the link between changes in processing of stressful experiences and mental health symptoms in PNES.

Methods

We recruited 94 participants: 50 with TBI only (TBI‐only) and 44 with TBI and PNES (TBI + PNES). Participants completed mood (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom (PTSD Checklist‐Specific Event) assessments before undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging during an acute psychosocial stress task. Linear mixed‐effects analyses identified clusters of significant interactions between group and neural responses to stressful math performance and stressful auditory feedback conditions within limbic brain regions (volume‐corrected α = .05). Spearman rank correlation tests compared mean cluster signals to symptom assessments (false discovery rate–corrected α = .05).

Results

Demographic and TBI‐related measures were similar between groups; TBI + PNES demonstrated worse clinical symptom severity compared to TBI‐only. Stressful math performance induced relatively greater reactivity within dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and right hippocampal regions and relatively reduced reactivity within left hippocampal and dorsolateral PFC regions for TBI + PNES compared to TBI‐only. Stressful auditory feedback induced relatively reduced reactivity within ventral PFC, cingulate, hippocampal, and amygdala regions for TBI + PNES compared to TBI‐only. Changes in responses to stressful math within hippocampal and dorsal PFC regions were correlated with increased mood, anxiety, and PTSD symptom severity.

Significance

Corticolimbic functions underlying processing of stressful experiences differ between patients with TBI + PNES and those with TBI‐only. Relationships between these neural responses and symptom assessments suggest potential pathophysiologic mechanisms in PNES.
Inter‐group conflict in a cooperatively breeding bird: New insights into “home field advantage”
Authors: Almstead Danielle K. , Savagian Amanda G. , Smith Maria G. , Riehl Christina
Published: November 2020

Conflicts between groups of animals have individual‐level fitness consequences that can influence the evolution of social behaviour. In the cooperatively breeding greater ani (Crotophaga major), groups occasionally destroy the eggs of their neighbours, causing the attacked group to abandon their nest. Prior research suggested that such conflicts occur when two groups build nests in close proximity, and that established groups tend to evict newcomers. However, inter‐group conflict had never been directly observed. Here, we report the first photographic evidence of egg destruction by greater anis. Twelve artificial nests containing clay eggs were placed in the field with the intent of attracting nest predators. Camera footage revealed that although only two nests were discovered by heterospecific predators (white‐faced capuchins,Cebus capucinus), five nests were visited by resident anis, who in three cases damaged the clay eggs by grasping them with their bills and ejecting them from the nest cup. Nests were discovered between 2 and 96 hr after being placed in the field (mean = 34 hr) and were visited up to 18 times by up to 4 individuals simultaneously. The distance between artificial nests and the nearest known ani territory ranged from 0.13 to 0.28 km (mean = 0.2 km). Resident groups did not subsequently breed at the nest sites that they attacked, consistent with the hypothesis that the main benefit of inter‐group conflict is to reduce competition for local resources rather than to usurp nest sites. This accidental experiment reveals that greater anis closely monitor nesting activity near their territories, which may contribute to the strong “home field advantage” that resident groups hold over intruders.
Molecular and spatial mechanisms governing STING signalling
Authors: Balka Katherine R. , De Nardo Dominic
Published: November 2020

Detection of microbial nucleic acids via innate immune receptors is critical for establishing host defence against pathogens. The DNA‐sensing cGAS‐STING pathway has gained increasing attention in the last decade as a key pathway for combating viral and bacterial infections. cGAS‐STING activation primarily promotes the secretion of antiviral type I IFNs via the key transcription factor, IRF3. In addition, cGAS‐STING signalling also elicits proinflammatory cytokines through NF‐κB activity. Activation of IRF3 and NF‐κB is mediated by the chief signalling receptor protein STING. Interestingly, STING undergoes significant trafficking events across multiple subcellular locations, which regulates both the activation of downstream signalling pathways, as well as appropriate termination of the responses. Studies to date have provided a comprehensive view of the regulation and role of the IRF3‐IFN pathway downstream of STING. However, many aspects of STING signalling remain relatively poorly defined. This review will explore the current understanding of the mechanisms through which STING elicits inflammatory and antimicrobial responses, focusing on the precise signalling and intracellular trafficking events that occur. We will also discuss exciting and emerging concepts in the field, including the importance of IFN‐independent STING responses for host defence and during STING‐related disease.