Search

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), is one of the most important coffee pests, and is present in almost all countries producing this crop, causing annual losses of US$350 million. Natural factors regulate H. hampei populations in coffee crops. Ecological life table analysis is a robust tool that allows the estimation of the mortality caused by these factors. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the critical stage and the key mortality factors affecting H. hampei in the field. Data for constructing life tables were collected over 2 years in six coffee plantations in the regions of Paula Cândido and Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The average mortality of H. hampei was 75.34% ± 5.85%. The mortality at each developmental stage was 24.32% ± 2.83% (eggs), 7.29% ± 1.01% (first instar), 11.58% ± 1.46% (second instar), 9.68% ± 1.10% (third instar), 7.45% ± 1.01% (pupa), and 15.02% ± 1.29% (adult; n = 124). The mortality factors observed and quantified in this study were parasitism by Prorops nasuta (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), predation by ants (Crematogaster spp., Pheidole spp. and Solenopsis spp.), physiological disorders and fungal infection by Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The critical mortality stage of H. hampei was the adult stage. The key factors for mortality of H. hampei adults were predatory ants, followed by B. bassiana and malformations (these insects had deformities in the head, wings, legs, or abdomen). This information is essential to conserve the activities of natural enemies and, thus maintain H. hampei natural mortality factors in coffee plantations, reducing damage to the crops and the need for excessive insecticide interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric morphometrics (GMM) have been applied to understand morphological variation in biological structures. However, research studying cortical bone through geometric histomorphometrics (GHMM) is scarce. This research aims to develop a landmark‐based GHMM protocol to depict osteonal shape variation in the femoral diaphysis, exploring the role of age and biomechanics in bone microstructure. Proximal, midshaft, and distal anatomical segments from the femoral diaphysis of six individuals were assessed, with 864 secondary intact osteons from eight periosteal sampling areas being manually landmarked. Observer error was tested using Procrustes ANOVA. Average osteonal shape and anatomical segment‐specific variation were explored using principal component analysis. Osteon shape differences between segments were examined using canonical variate analysis (CVA). Sex differences were assessed through Procrustes ANOVA and discriminant function analysis (DFA). The impact of osteonal size on osteonal shape was investigated. High repeatability and reproducibility in osteon shape landmarking were reported. The average osteon shape captured was an elliptical structure, with PC1 reflecting more circular osteons. Significant differences in osteon shape were observed between proximal and distal segments according to CVA. Osteon shape differed between males and females, with DFA showing 52% cross‐validation accuracies. No effect of size on shape was reported. Osteonal shape variation observed in this study might be explained by the elderly nature of the sample as well as biomechanical and physiological mechanisms playing different roles along the femoral diaphysis. Although a larger sample is needed to corroborate these findings, this study contributes to the best of our knowledge on human microanatomy, proposing a novel GHMM approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major component of the tumor environment, promoting the establishment of a pro-invasive behavior. Such environment is supported by both tumor- and stromal-derived metabolites, particularly lactate. In prostate cancer (PCa), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major contributors of secreted lactate, able to impact on metabolic and transcriptional regulation in cancer cells. Here, we describe a mechanism by which CAF-secreted lactate promotes in PCa cells the expression of genes coding for the collagen family. Lactate-exploiting PCa cells rely on increased α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) which activates the α-KG-dependent collagen prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4HA1) to support collagen hydroxylation. De novo synthetized collagen plays a signaling role by activating discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), supporting stem-like and invasive features of PCa cells. Inhibition of lactate-induced collagen hydroxylation and DDR1 activation reduces the metastatic colonization of PCa cells. Overall, these results provide a new understanding of the link between collagen remodeling/signaling and the nutrient environment exploited by PCa. Synopsis: Lactate, which is highly enriched in the prostate cancer environment, supports collagen remodeling and sensing in prostate cancer cells. Lactate-dependent metabolic rewiring sustains collagen hydroxylation via P4HA1 activation. De novo synthetized collagen activates discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1). P4HA1-DDR1-STAT3 axis is crucial for stemness and invasiveness of prostate cancer cells. Lactate, which is highly enriched in the prostate cancer environment, supports collagen remodeling and sensing in prostate cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has limited therapeutic options, is highly metastatic and characterized by early recurrence. Lipid metabolism is generally deregulated in TNBC and might reveal vulnerabilities to be targeted or used as biomarkers with clinical value. Ferroptosis is a type of cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation which is facilitated by the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Here we identify fatty acid desaturases 1 and 2 (FADS1/2), which are responsible for PUFA biosynthesis, to be highly expressed in a subset of TNBC with a poorer prognosis. Lipidomic analysis, coupled with functional metabolic assays, showed that FADS1/2 high-expressing TNBC are susceptible to ferroptosis-inducing agents and that targeting FADS1/2 by both genetic interference and pharmacological approach renders those tumors ferroptosis-resistant while unbalancing PUFA/MUFA ratio by the supplementation of exogenous PUFA sensitizes resistant tumors to ferroptosis induction. Last, inhibiting lipid droplet (LD) formation and turnover suppresses the buffering capacity of LD and potentiates iron-dependent cell death. These findings have been validated in vitro and in vivo in mouse- and human-derived clinically relevant models and in a retrospective cohort of TNBC patients. Synopsis: The availability of intracellular polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) depends on fatty acid desaturases 1 and 2 (FADS1/2), expressed at higher levels in aggressive triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) highly susceptible to ferroptosis. FADS1/2 are highly expressed in a subset of TNBC with a poorer prognosis. FADS1/2 high-expressing TNBC are susceptible to ferroptosis-inducing agents. FADS1/2 ablation decreases PUFA/MUFA ratio and renders TNBC insensitive to pro-ferroptosis agents. Lipid droplets (LD) maintain PUFA/MUFA intracellular balance and when targeted enhance cell death triggered by ferroptosis induction. The availability of intracellular polyunsaturated fatty acids depends on FADS1/2 desaturases, expressed at higher levels in aggressive triple-negative breast cancers highly susceptible to ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The appearance of striae gravidarum (SG) during pregnancy is a common problem. The most common SG are abdominal striae, which can cause the greatest sequelae after pregnancy, and in the long term. There are several solutions to prevent and treat these striae, but not all are completely effective, and not without side effects. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment that applies an electromagnetic field under vacuum (V‐EMF therapy) on the abdominal SG. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 26 women affected by abdominal SG and treated with V‐EMF therapy. The results were evaluated using two different 5‐point Likert Scales: one administered to the treated subjects to evaluate their satisfaction, and one to the doctors who performed the treatment, to evaluate the improvement of the striae. The presence of side effects, and the effects of sun exposure after treatment were also considered. Results: Only two treated subjects rated their level of satisfaction with a Score III on the Liker Scale. Everyone else expressed higher levels of satisfaction. Only one doctor rated the improvement of the striae with a Liker scale score of III. All the others reported greater improvements. No discomfort or side effects were noted either during the individual treatment sessions, or at the end of the treatment. The striae showed a newfound ability to tan. Conclusions: V‐EMF therapy proves to be a valid, safe, and effective treatment modality for SG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic ability in detecting oral lesions among dentists, dental hygienists, dentistry students, oral hygiene students, and non‐healthcare subjects. Materials and Methods: Participants were invited to classify 30 images of oral lesions in "benign" or "suspected malignant" only based on the visual appearance of the lesion. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by calculating sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals and stratified by population group and image features (color, shape, and size of the lesions). Results: A total of 16,590 examinations by 553 subjects were analyzed. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 57% (95% confidence interval 56%–58%) and 64% (95% confidence interval 63%–65%). Diagnostic accuracy varied among population groups, with experienced dentists showing the lowest sensitivity (52%) and the highest specificity (71%). Red lesions, flat lesions, and large lesions had the lowest sensitivity (42%, 36%, 57%) but the highest specificity (70%, 75%, 76%). Conclusions: We found worrying low ability to detect suspected malignant oral lesions by both healthcare workers and non‐healthcare subjects. Lesion‐specific characteristics may lead to differences in recognition. Specific courses and more adequate teaching methods should be proposed to increase identification of oral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a common protocol across seven countries in the European Union/European Economic Area, we estimated XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death in booster‐eligible ≥ 65‐year‐olds, during October–November 2023. We linked electronic records to construct retrospective cohorts and used Cox models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and derive VE. VE for COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death was, respectively, 67% (95%CI: 58–74) and 67% (95%CI: 42–81) in 65‐ to 79‐year‐olds and 66% (95%CI: 57–73) and 72% (95%CI: 51–85) in ≥ 80‐year‐olds. Results indicate that periodic vaccination of individuals ≥ 65 years has an ongoing benefit and support current vaccination strategies in the EU/EEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are many aesthetic treatments aimed at combating aging. In the most common and frequently used ones there are often side effects, albeit minor ones. However, sometimes it is necessary to use medications before or after treatments. Objectives: To evaluate the anti‐aging efficacy and application safety of a therapy based on the combination of vacuum and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the aesthetic effects of the treatment on 217 subjects. Before treatment (T0) and after the last session (T1), skin hydration levels, the amount of sebum present and the pH were measured. The presence of discomfort during the sessions and side effects at T1 was verified. At T1, the levels of satisfaction of the patients and of the doctors who performed the treatment were assessed. At 3 and 6 months of follow‐up the aesthetic results were re‐evaluated. Results: For all treated subjects, an evident qualitative improvement was observed in the quality of the skin of the neck and face, with an increase in tone and a reduction in wrinkles. The instrumental tests highlighted a normalization of skin hydration, pH, and sebum values. High levels of satisfaction at T0 and good stability of results up to 6 months of follow‐up were reported. No discomfort was referred during the treatment sessions, nor any side effects after the entire treatment. Conclusions: The treatment that exploits the synergy between vacuum and EMFs is very promising given the effectiveness and safety of the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within the ECDC‐VEBIS project, we prospectively monitored vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and COVID‐19‐related death using electronic health registries (EHR), between October 2021 and November 2022, in community‐dwelling residents aged 65–79 and ≥80 years in six European countries. Methods: EHR linkage was used to construct population cohorts in Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Navarre (Spain), Norway and Portugal. Using a common protocol, for each outcome, VE was estimated monthly over 8‐week follow‐up periods, allowing 1 month‐lag for data consolidation. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and VE = (1 − aHR) × 100%. Site‐specific estimates were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: For ≥80 years, considering unvaccinated as the reference, VE against COVID‐19 hospitalisation decreased from 66.9% (95% CI: 60.1; 72.6) to 36.1% (95% CI: −27.3; 67.9) for the primary vaccination and from 95.6% (95% CI: 88.0; 98.4) to 67.7% (95% CI: 45.9; 80.8) for the first booster. Similar trends were observed for 65–79 years. The second booster VE against hospitalisation ranged between 82.0% (95% CI: 75.9; 87.0) and 83.9% (95% CI: 77.7; 88.4) for the ≥80 years and between 39.3% (95% CI: −3.9; 64.5) and 80.6% (95% CI: 67.2; 88.5) for 65–79 years. The first booster VE against COVID‐19‐related death declined over time for both age groups, while the second booster VE against death remained above 80% for the ≥80 years. Conclusions: Successive vaccine boosters played a relevant role in maintaining protection against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death, in the context of decreasing VE over time. Multicountry data from EHR facilitate robust near‐real‐time VE monitoring in the EU/EEA and support public health decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing need to improve the sustainability of industrial processes requires more flexible and intensified solutions. For this purpose, nowadays lots of efforts are made to switch from batch to continuous processes, the latter being able to ensure the same processing history to all fluid elements, with a consequent better control of the operating conditions and product quality. The present work aims at developing a continuous flow reactor for the production of several fine chemicals, including medical‐surgical aids, but also other substances for specific industrial sectors. The plant is basically an inline reactor equipped with various static mixers and side inlets, and it is conceived to ensure on‐site production. This is an important feature also in light of the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, which asked for flexible and distributed production of chemicals. Numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics are employed to study the performance, in terms of pressure drops and degree of mixing, of different static mixers, that is, the Lightnin Inliner Series 50 and Ross low pressure drop (LPD), combining various elements of mixing and injections in different operating conditions in both laminar and turbulent regimes. The results highlighted how numerical simulations may represent a valid tool for supporting the detailed design of such flow reactors by allowing the evaluation of the optimal design solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the impact of nocturnal polyuria (NP) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, mental health, fatigue, bother, and daytime sleepiness. Materials and Methods: This large‐scale, US population‐representative epidemiologic study was conducted in two parts: a web‐based survey and 3‐day bladder diary. Consenting participants completed the baseline Epidemiology of NP (EpiNP) survey online (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [LUTS] Tool, comorbidities, burden, and multiple HRQoL measures). Participants who reported ≥2 voids/night, and a random sample of 100 respondents each reporting 0 or 1 void/night, were sent urine measurement containers and asked to complete the 3‐day bladder diary. NP was defined as Nocturnal Polyuria Index >0.33 (NPI33) or nocturnal urine production >90 ml/h (NUP90). Five subgroups were created: Idiopathic NP (NP with no underlying cause), NP associated with symptoms of overactive bladder (NPOAB) or bladder outlet obstruction (NPBOO; men only), NP associated with other comorbidities (NPCOM; e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea), and no NP (did not meet NP criteria). Results: A total of 4893 men and 5297 women completed the EpiNP survey; mean age was 54.4 (SD = 14.7). Significantly greater patient burden (p < 0.0001) was evidenced in the nocturia group (≥2 voids/night) versus no nocturia group (0–1 void/night) on daily impact of nocturia, LUTS Bother, prostate symptoms (men only), work productivity, physical and mental health component scores, depression, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. NP subgroup analyses showed men in the NPBOO group and women in the NPOAB group reported the greatest impact on LUTS bother, fatigue, physical health, work productivity impairment, daytime sleepiness, and depression (women only). Conclusion: This was the first large‐scale, epidemiologic study to explore the impact of different forms of NP on patients' HRQoL. Findings demonstrate that NP associated with other urologic or comorbid conditions appears to have greater patient burden than idiopathic NP, in particular for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an unmet medical need for effective treatments for hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral with demonstrated in vitro activity against multiple viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This trial evaluated the potential of ribavirin inhalation solution (ribavirin aerosol) to reduce COVID-19 disease severity in adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and a diagnosis of respiratory distress. This phase I, multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized trial was conducted from February 2021 through August 2021. Patients received ribavirin aerosol (100 mg/ml for 30 min or 50 mg/ml for 60 min) twice daily for up to 6 days. The primary end point was change from baseline in clinical status severity, rated on a 7-point scale (1 [death]; 7 [not hospitalized; no limitations on activities]), at day 7 (or end-of-treatment/early termination) and day 30 (follow-up). Fifty-one patients were treated with ribavirin aerosol (mean age, 51.5 years; 78.4% men); mean number of doses was 9.7 (range, 1-12). Improvement of =1 level in clinical status severity was observed in 31.4% (16/51) and 78.4% (40/51) of patients at end-of-treatment and day 30, respectively. Of 21 patients who required a ventilator, 16 (76.2%) were able to discontinue ventilator use. Five patients (9.8%) died between end-of-treatment and day 30. Three patients (5.9%) discontinued study treatment due to adverse events. No deaths were considered related to study treatment. These data provide preliminary evidence that ribavirin aerosol may be an efficacious treatment for respiratory distress in adults with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate practice transformation team (PTT) members' perceptions of the Flip the Pharmacy (FtP) initiative as a strategy for implementing and improving community pharmacy‐based patient care. Methods: FtP is a national 2‐year practice transformation initiative for implementing enhanced patient care and medication optimization services at community pharmacies, launched in 2019 with 28 PTTs including over 500 pharmacy locations. Key informant interviews were conducted with team leads, coaches, and pharmacy champions from four PTTs that participated in the first FtP cohort. The interviews were conducted using semistructured interview guides based on the RE‐AIM framework and focused on participants' experiences in the first year of FtP. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a rapid content analysis approach. Results: Four leads, 8 coaches, and 8 pharmacy champions were interviewed from 4 PTTs from May to October 2021 and resulted in 10 themes: (1) community pharmacy practice experience is important when selecting coaches; (2) team readiness supports successful pharmacy practice transformation; (3) measures of patient care quality are needed; (4) payment and practice transformation opportunities happen in parallel; (5) successful practice transformation requires strategic involvement of the entire pharmacy team; (6) FtP practice transformation domains are synergistic; (7) change packages, coaching, and performance monitoring are core practice transformation supports; (8) pharmacy teams value opportunities to share and learn from each other; (9) sustaining patient care services is continuous; and (10) COVID‐19 accelerated practice transformation while creating new stress points. Conclusion: Participants in this study perceived the FtP initiative as a helpful strategy implementing and improving community pharmacy‐based patient care. Future research should explore the sustainability of the FtP initiative and similar community pharmacy practice transformation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central granular cell odontogenic tumour (CGCOT) is a rare odontogenic benign neoplasm with only 39 cases reported in the literature. This report describes an unusual case of CGCOT as it was associated with severe signs of local and systemic infection. The patient was hospitalised for sepsis, high fever and facial swelling. The intraoral examination and the radiographic images led to the clinical diagnosis of periapical abscess caused by a severely decayed left maxillary third molar. After the surgical extraction of the tooth, a periapical lesion and fragments of the alveolar process were sent for histopathologic examination and immune‐phenotypic characterisation. The pathological findings became crucial for the definitive diagnosis of CGCOT, osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis. The purpose of this report is to provide knowledge about this tumour and highlight the importance of sending samples collected during oral surgery for histopathologic examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex multisystemic inflammatory disorder and part of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). About 20% of the subjects affected by IBDs are paediatric patients and 21% of them present extraintestinal manifestations. Among the extraintestinal manifestations of CD, oral manifestations are rather frequent (20–50% of affected people) and can be difficult to identify, being frequently aspecific and not pathognomonic. Their early diagnosis by the dentist is extremely important, because extraintestinal manifestations can precede intestinal symptoms, in all patients but especially in children. The aim of this paper is to report the case of a CD adolescent patient that presented a gingival manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread Neotropical genus Melocactus of approximately 42 currently recognized species, is most diverse in eastern Brazil and the Greater Antilles, especially Cuba. Species delimitation is notoriously problematic in the group, although this is due in part to a lack of detailed systematic studies, as well as a severely cluttered nomenclatural history. To date, no comprehensive phylogenetic hypotheses have been generated for the clade, although some population genetic and morphological studies exist. We generated the largest phylogenetic dataset of Melocactus to date based on plastome data derived from a genome‐skimming approach for 26 taxa, which provided a framework for understanding species limits and relationships among Caribbean species. Our time‐calibrated phylogeny revealed a mid‐Pleistocene origin for Melocactus, and we resolved three major clades, a Cuban clade, a mostly South American clade, and a widespread Caribbean clade, which also included some South American taxa. Our topology recovered the Cuban clade as sister to the rest of the species, although this placement was poorly supported, and several other Cuban species are scattered throughout the rest of the tree. Biogeographic analyses suggested multiple dispersal events from South America leading to the current diversity on Cuba, as well as other parts of the Antilles. Based on our phylogenetic results, previous hypotheses of species numbers and relationships in the Caribbean generated solely on morphology have, in some cases, been greatly underestimated. Our study shows that plastome data are effective for resolving clades and species limits in Melocactus, although future work will need to include broader sampling and larger datasets to fully resolve relationships in this complicated group of cacti. We describe one new cryptic species for Cuba, Melocactus santiagoensis sp. nov., and provide a new combination (Melocactus lagunaensis comb. & stat. nov.), based on our phylogenetic results and morphological data and typify numerous names in the genus. The genus Melocactus is another striking example of the exceptional diversity that has been generated in the poorly studied, seasonally dry tropical forest of the Greater Antilles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here describe two new species endemic to the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, that belong to different clades within Miconia s.lat. Miconia quartzicola is presumably part of the Leandra s.str. clade, as indicated by its terminal inflorescences and petals with an acute apex. It has been collected only once in the municipality of Vargem Alta in disturbed vegetation on loose quartzitic substrate ('morros de sal'). Miconia spiritusanctensis belongs to Miconia sect. Cremanium, as indicated by its small white and obovate anthers with four apical pores. The latter encompasses populations previously identified as M. hirtella that are morphologically, geographically and climatically segregated from typical populations of the species from more dry and inland regions of Brazil. In addition to the descriptions of the new species, we present comments, conservation status and plates for both, as well as climatic modelling analyses on the populations of M. spiritusanctensis and M. hirtella. We recommend that Miconia quartzicola and M. spiritusanctensis should both be considered as threatened, 'critically endangered' and 'endangered', respectively, according to the IUCN extinction risk criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atta Fabricius is an ecologically dominant leaf‐cutting ant genus, the major herbivore of the Neotropics, and an agricultural pest of great economic importance. Phylogenetic relationships within Atta have until now remained uncertain, and the delimitation and identification of a subset of Atta species are problematic. To address these phylogenetic uncertainties, we reconstruct the most comprehensive phylogenetic estimate to date of Atta by employing ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We recovered 2340 UCE loci from 224 Atta specimens, which include 14 out of the 15 identifiable species from across their geographic distributions, and 49 outgroup specimens. Our results strongly support the monophyly of Atta and of the four clades that coincide with the previously recognized subgenera Archeatta Gonçalves, Atta s.s. Emery, Epiatta Borgmeier, and Neoatta Gonçalves. The Archeatta clade contains three species occurring in North and Central America and the Caribbean and is the sister group of the remainder of all other Atta species. The Atta s.s. clade is composed of two species occupying North, Central, and South America. The Epiatta clade contains seven entirely South American species and the two species of the Neoatta clade occur in Central and South America. Divergence‐dating analyses identify a series of major events in the Miocene, such as the divergence of Acromyrmex Mayr and Atta 16.7 million years ago (Ma) and the crown‐group origin of Atta around 8.5 Ma. Extant Atta species evolved very recently, originating in the early Pleistocene, approximately 1.8–0.3 Ma (crown‐group ages). We provide the first evidence that Atta goiana Gonçalves belongs to the Epiatta clade and that Atta robusta Borgmeier is the species with the youngest crown‐group age of 0.3 Ma. The very young ages of Atta and its component species indicate a recent, rapid radiation. Biogeographic analyses suggest that the range of the most recent common ancestor of Atta consisted of the combined North/Central America and NW South America bioregions and that one daughter lineage subsequently dispersed into South America, rapidly diversifying in the newly formed Cerrado biome and Chaco, and further dispersing into the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and Pampas bioregions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obligate mutualistic basidiomycete fungus, Leucocoprinus gongylophorus, mediates nutrition of leaf‐cutting ants with carbons from vegetal matter. In addition, diazotrophic Enterobacteriales in the fungus garden and intestinal Rhizobiales supposedly mediate assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen, and Entomoplasmatales in the genus Mesoplasma, as well as other yet unidentified strains, supposedly mediate ant assimilation of other compounds from vegetal matter, such as citrate, fructose, and amino acids. Together, these nutritional partners would support the production of high yields of leafcutter biomass. In the present investigation, we propose that three phylogenetically distinct and culturable diazotrophs in the genera Ralstonia, Methylobacterium, and Pseudomonas integrate this symbiotic nutrition network, facilitating ant nutrition on nitrogen. Strains in these genera were often isolated and directly sequenced in 16S rRNA libraries from the ant abdomen, together with the nondiazotrophs Acinetobacter and Brachybacterium. These five isolates were underrepresented in libraries, suggesting that none of them is dominant in vivo. Libraries have been dominated by four uncultured Rhizobiales strains in the genera Liberibacter, Terasakiella, and Bartonella and, only in Acromyrmex ants, by the Entomoplasmatales in the genus Mesoplasma. Acromyrmex also presented small amounts of two other uncultured Entomoplasmatales strains, Entomoplasma and Spiroplasma. The absence of Entomoplasmatales in Atta workers implicates that the association with these bacteria is not mandatory for ant biomass production. Most of the strains that we detected in South American ants were genetically similar with strains previously described in association with leafcutters from Central and North America, indicating wide geographic dispersion, and suggesting fixed ecological services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present study, we investigated differences in amyloid (Aβ) burden and personality traits in cognitively‐select older adults compared to average‐functioning older adults. Conscientiousness, in particular, has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology, and we hypothesized that adults who were high in cognition would exhibit enhanced conscientiousness. Of additional interest was whether high functioning older adults in the Dallas Lifespan Brain Study would evidence reduced AD pathology. Method: We tested 285 cognitively‐normal participants (ages 55‐90) and collected conscientiousness scores using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI‐R). Participants also underwent PET imaging with radiotracer AV‐45, 18F‐Florbetapir, a radiotracer that is used to measure Aβ protein in the brain. Mean cortical SUVR was computed across 8 cortical regions of interest, normalized to cerebellar gray matter. In addition, participants completed a cognitive battery, underwent an MRI scan, and completed self‐reports for depression and fitness. We designated those participants scoring at or above the mean episodic memory of a middle‐aged (ages 35‐54) reference group, as "cognitively‐select" (N = 69), and those scoring below the mean, as "cognitively‐normal" (N = 216). Dependent variables of interest included global and regional amyloid (Aβ), cortical morphometry, depression, fitness, conscientiousness, and various cognitive measures. Result: Cognitively select participants were younger (p =.043), more educated (p =.021), and had higher positive personality traits, including self‐discipline (p =.01), openness to ideas (p =.013), and competence (p =.015), compared to cognitively‐normal. Although the groups did not differ in global Aβ pathology load (p =.083), cognitively select exhibited less pathology in specific regions including lateral temporal areas (p =.049). Regression analysis controlling for sex, age, education, and MMSE, revealed a significant group by global Aβ interaction on fluid ability (p =.034), where greater Aβ load predicted lower scores in cognitively normal older adults only. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that cognitively privileged adults show resistance to decline across many domains and demonstrate resilience to amyloid pathology. Discussion will focus on longitudinal change in amyloid accumulation, cortical thinning, and cognitive decline, as well as the concept of reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interpretations of brain and cognitive reserve were tested by assessing the parallel, longitudinal relationship between grey matter atrophy and cognitive decline in an adult lifespan sample. Method: Cognitive battery and structural MRI images were assessed in 463 healthy participants of age 20‐89. Participants were assessed up to 3 times over up to 10 years. Change‐over‐time in cortical grey mater, subcortical grey matter, and general cognitive ability were modeled via latent growth curve modeling, and covariance of these latent change scores were assessed via parallel‐process latent change modeling. Result: Latent change in general cognition was found to significantly covary with latent change in both cortical grey matter. Cortical grey matter volume, subcortical grey matter volume, and cognition at baseline were found to significantly relate to longitudinal cognitive decline, such that individuals with higher volume and better cognitive performance experienced less decline over the observation period. Conclusion: Individual differences in cognitive and grey matter decline are demonstrably related. Both cognitive and grey matter resources at baseline reserve to differentiate longitudinal patterns of cognitive decline. Grey matter volume appears to provide a good estimate of what some refer to as "brain reserve" and the latent cognition factor estimated "cognitive reserve." Overall, these latent measures may be parsimoniously viewed as measures of neoro‐cognitive resource that do not require invoking the construct of "reserve" to explain individual differences in brain structure and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior work has shown that individuals with higher levels of neuroticism are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Increasing evidence has indicated an association of increased neuroticism to increased amyloid‐beta (Aβ) and tau burdens, suggesting that this personality trait is a risk factor for increased pathological accumulations. However, the cross‐sectional nature of these studies do not offer the ability to infer causality. Here, we replicate and extend upon previous work, assessing the relationship of neuroticism to AD pathologies in 60 older adults across three time‐points. Method: This study included 60 cognitively normal participants from the Dallas LifeSpan Brain Study, aged 50+, that completed three time‐points of cortical Aβ scanning and a baseline personality assessment. Linear regressions were used to model the relationship of neuroticism to cortical Aβ burden (n = 60) and cortical tau burden (n = 48). Utilizing linear mixed effects models, neuroticism was used to predict cortical Aβ accumulation over 7‐10 years. Result: We found that the effects of neuroticism on AD pathologies differs by brain regions and facets of neuroticism. Most notably, increased neuroticism predicted increased global Aβ burden (p =.042) beyond the effects of baseline age, sex, education, and depressive symptoms. When we further investigated this relationship using the facets comprising the neuroticism score, only the anger‐hostility facet of neuroticism predicted increased global Aβ burden (p =.003). Regional investigations demonstrated a significant effect of neuroticism on Aβ burden in the anterior cingulate cortex (p =.028), lateral parietal cortex (p =.035), and the posterior cingulate cortex (p =.021) and a trending effect in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (p =.054). Contrary to our hypotheses, we did not find a significant effect of neuroticism on global or regional Aβ accumulation. Tau analyses detected an effect of neuroticism on tau burden in the DLPFC (p =.03), a predetermined region of interest. Additionally, only the anger‐hostility facet of neuroticism significantly predicted global tau burden (p =.036). Conclusion: This work demonstrates that certain regions of the brain may be at an increased risk for AD pathologies in individuals with higher neuroticism. Specific facets of neuroticism, such as anger‐hostility, may also confer additional risk for these augmented accumulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objective: As pharmacists work to ensure reimbursement for chronic disease management services on the national level, evidence of their impact on important health metrics, such as medication adherence, is needed. However, summative evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of pharmacists to improve medication adherence in older adults. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of pharmacist‐led interventions on medication adherence in older adults (65+ years). Design/setting/participants: Using a systematic review and meta‐analytic approach, a comprehensive search of publications in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar was conducted through April 2, 2020 for randomized clinical trials of pharmacist‐led interventions to improve medication adherence in older adults. A standardized mean difference effect size (Cohen's d) was calculated for medication adherence in each study. Study effect sizes were pooled using a random‐effects model, with effect sizes weighted by inverse of its total variance. Measurements Medication adherence using any method of measurement. Results: Among 40 unique randomized trials of pharmacist‐led interventions with data from 8822 unique patients (mean age, range: 65–85 years), the mean effect size was 0.57 (k = 40; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.38–0.76). When two outlier studies were excluded from the analysis, the mean effect size reduced to 0.41 (k = 38; 95% CI: 0.27–0.54). A sensitivity analysis of medication adherence outcome by time point resulted in a mean effect size of 0.64 at 3 months (k = 12; 95% CI: 0.32–0.97), 0.30 at 6 months (k = 13; 95% CI: 0.11–0.48), 0.22 at 12 months (k = 12; 95% CI: 0.08–0.37), and 0.36 for outcome time points beyond 12 months (k = 5; 95% CI: 0.02–0.70). Conclusion: This meta‐analysis found a significant improvement in medication adherence among older adults receiving pharmacist‐led interventions. Implementation of pharmacist‐led interventions supported by Medicare reimbursement could ensure older adults' access to effective medication adherence support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) name, define, and operationalize an implementation strategy utilized to teach the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP) within a first‐year pharmacy practice course series and (2) evaluate the strategy's impact on students' self‐reported competence in providing the PPCP and subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) note performance. Methods: The implementation strategy was described using the Expert Recommendations for Implementation Change (ERIC) terminology and the reporting recommendations developed by Proctor and colleagues. The implementation strategy consisted of developing educational material and conducting training via 7 in‐class workshops and auditing and providing feedback via a 6‐part longitudinal assignment. The validated Comprehensive Medication Management Patient Care Process Fidelity Assessment (CMM PCPFA) was adapted to the educational context and administered to students in March 2020 after completion of the course series to retrospectively assess their self‐perceived change in competence in providing the PPCP. Items were aggregated at the essential function (EF) level. Mean retrospective pre and post EF scores were compared using paired sample t‐tests. Students' performance on SOAP note submissions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: One hundred seven students (98%) completed the adapted CMM PCPFA and were included in this analysis. The paired t tests showed a statistically significant change in students' self‐reported competence for each essential function. The mean individual student score on their SOAP note was 87.6% ± 11%. Conclusions: Findings suggest the implementation strategy was successful in increasing students' perceived competence in providing the PPCP. Employing an effective implementation strategy across pharmacy curricula is key to developing competent pharmacists and consistency in patient care delivery in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reported incidence of pertussis in European countries varies considerably. We aimed to study specific Bordetella pertussis seroprevalence in Europe by measuring serum IgG antibody levels to pertussis toxin (anti‐PT IgG). Fourteen national laboratories participated in this study including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Each country collected approximately 250 samples (N = 7903) from the age groups 20–29 years (N = 3976) and 30–39 years (N = 3927) during 2010–2013. Samples were anonymous residual sera from diagnostic laboratories and were analyzed at the national laboratories by a Swedish reference method, a commercial ELISA kit, or were sent to Sweden for analysis. The median anti‐PT IgG concentrations ranged from 4 to 13.6 IU/mL. The proportion of samples with anti‐PT IgG ≥100 IU/mL, indicating a recent infection ranged from 0.2% (Hungary) to 5.7% (Portugal). The highest proportion of sera with anti‐PT IgG levels between 50 and <100 IU/mL, indicating an infection within the last few years, was found in Portugal (12.3%) and Italy (13.9%). This study shows that the circulation of B. pertussis is quite extensive in adults, aged 20–39 years, despite well‐established vaccination programs in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral structures, such as stamen appendages, play crucial roles in pollinator attraction, pollen release dynamics and, ultimately, the reproductive success of plants. The pollen‐rewarding, bee buzz‐pollinated flowers of Melastomataceae often bear conspicuous staminal appendages. Surprisingly, their functional role in the pollination process remains largely unclear. We use Huberia bradeana Bochorny & R. Goldenb. (Melastomataceae) with conspicuously elongated, twisted stamen appendages to investigate their functional role in the pollination process.We studied the effect of stamen appendages on pollinator behaviour and reproductive success by comparing manipulated flowers (appendages removed) with unmanipulated flowers. To assess bee pollinator behaviour, we measured three properties of buzzes (vibrations) produced by bees on Huberia flowers: frequency, duration and number of buzzes per flower visit. We measured male and female reproductive success by monitoring pollen release and deposition after single bee visits. Finally, we used artificial vibrations and laser vibrometry to assess how flower vibrational properties change with the removal of stamen appendages.Our results show that the absence of staminal appendages does not modify bee buzzing behaviour. Pollen release was higher in unmanipulated flowers, but stigmatic pollen loads differ only marginally between the two treatments. We also detected lower vibration amplitudes in intact flowers as compared to manipulated flowers in artificial vibration experiments.The presence of connective appendages are crucial in transmitting vibrations and assuring optimal pollen release. Therefore, we propose that the high diversity of colours, shapes and sizes of connective appendages in buzz‐pollinated flowers may have evolved by selection through male fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disguises are commonly used to mask a person's facial appearance in areas under closed‐circuit television (CCTV) surveillance. While many studies attempted to understand the effects of disguises, such as hats and glasses, on facial recognition, limited studies have looked at disguises in forensic facial comparison. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of forensic facial comparison by morphological analysis (MA) in a CCTV sample with sunglasses and brimmed caps. The sample was obtained from the Wits Face Database and organized into 81 face pools of one target facial image wearing a disguise (cap or sunglasses) and 10 potential matching images. MA was conducted across face pools, and confusion matrices were used to assess the outcomes. Surprisingly, sunglasses had limited effect on MA performance both in accuracy (90.4%) and in reliability (κ = 0.798), while caps markedly decreased both accuracy (68.1%) and reliability (κ = 0.639). Error rates were associated primarily with false negatives in both samples (caps: 42.4%; sunglasses: 16.1%) despite the sample distribution favoring false‐positive errors, which were very low (caps: 0.6%; sunglasses: 0%). Similarly to other studies, hats and caps were more harmful to correct identification when compared to sunglasses, which actually resulted in better accuracy than regular CCTV recordings. The effect of brimmed caps on accuracy was attributed to the overall loss of facial information caused. On training analysts, it may be helpful to instruct purposefully avoiding overreliance on easily disguised facial features, as other regions of the face also contain substantial feature information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A variety of abiotic and biotic factors promoting seasonal variation in the population of insect pests. Knowledge of the timing and magnitude of these factors is important for the study of population dynamics and the development of efficient pest management programs. Currently, there are few studies regarding Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) seasonal dynamics in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, either with or without insecticide application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tomato phenology, climatic factors, and insecticide spraying on the seasonal dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, using data from monitoring performed for 3 years. RESULTS: Insecticide, host plant, and climatic conditions can affect T. absoluta life cycles directly over time, resulting in shifts of peaks of the pest. Insecticides for T. absoluta control reduced injury caused by larvae; however, this was not enough to reduce the density below economic injury levels (EIL) during periods of climatic conditions more suitable for population growth. Tuta absoluta densities surpassed EIL more frequently during the tomato plant fruiting stage. The highest densities of mines and damaged fruits occurred during periods of August to January and September to January in crops without and with the application of insecticides, respectively. Regarding the climatic factors, the highest densities of T. absoluta occurred during periods of increasing air temperature and low rainfall. CONCLUSION: This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation and the decision‐making process of control of this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is little consensus on which environmental variables are best at predicting multiple dimensions of diversity. We ask whether there are common environmental correlates of diversity, despite ecological differences, across nine clades of plants and animals distributed along a single rainforest domain. For that, we compare the environmental correlates of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic endemism. Location: Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Taxon:Five clades of plants (Bromelioideae, Miconieae, Bertolonia, Cambessedesieae, and the Fridericia and allies) and four clades of animals (butterlies in the tribe Ithomiini, frogs in the genera Boana and Proceratophrys, and birds in the subfamily Thraupinae). Methods: Using curated occurrence localities and phylogenetic data, we generated maps of (a) species richness, (b) phylogenetic diversity, (c) residuals of phylogenetic diversity regressed on species richness, and (d) phylogenetic endemism for all groups. We also compiled a set of 30 environmental descriptors, including records of current temperature and precipitation, climatic stability over time, and topography. Through a machine learning framework, we explored the environmental correlates of each of these diversity measures for each group. Results: The environmental variables used here were strong predictors of diversity for all studied groups. However, models for phylogenetic endemism had lower predictive power. Although patterns of diversity are different among groups, correlates of diversity are consistent across taxa. For both species richness and phylogenetic diversity, current precipitation and precipitation stability over time were consistently ranked among the variables that strongly correlate with diversity patterns. The correlates of phylogenetic endemism were less homogeneous across groups. The results suggest that including climate stability over time is important when predicting diversity measures that reflect historical components. Main conclusions: Investigating environmental correlates of diversity for multiple clades and diversity measures in a single geographic area allows for a better understanding of common patterns across taxa. This study shows that environmental conditions, particularly precipitation, are good predictors of the patterns of species richness and phylogenetic diversity‐but not phylogenetic endemism‐across different Atlantic Forest groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa is a country overwhelmed by crime and violence, with very high incidences of abuse against women and children. It is not often that a case of intimate partner homicide is seen in a forensic anthropological context. Here, we report on such a case where the remains of the victim had been buried for some time. The victim was a middle‐aged female, while the suspect was a younger adult male. The deceased had suffered massive, repeated trauma during her lifetime with healed fractures and evidence of soft tissue trauma to virtually all parts of her body. A partly healed rib fracture indicates that the abuse continued until shortly before her death. She ultimately succumbed after suffering trauma to her head and face after reportedly being hit by a brick, evidence of which can be seen as perimortem fractures of the face. It is important for forensic anthropologists to identify specific patterns and report on the presence of healed fractures, as they can raise suspicion as to the possibility of chronic abuse. In this case, the evidence suggests a very long period of extreme and repeated trauma, which were apparently not reported or noticed by family members or the medical fraternity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Preconditioning of endothelial cells from different vascular beds has potential value for re‐endothelialization and implantation of engineered tissues. Understanding how substrate stiffness and composition affects tissue‐specific cell response to shear stress will aid in successful endothelialization of engineered tissues. We developed a platform to test biomechanical and biochemical stimuli. Methods: A novel polydimethylsiloxane‐based parallel plate flow chamber enabled application of laminar fluid shear stress of 2 dynes/cm2 for 12 hours to microvascular cardiac and lung endothelial cells cultured on cardiac and lung‐derived extracellular matrix. Optical imaging of cells was used to quantify cell changes in cell alignment. Analysis of integrin expression was performed using flow cytometry. Results: Application of fluid shear stress caused the greatest cell alignment in cardiac endothelial cells seeded on polystyrene and lung endothelial cells on polydimethylsiloxane. This resulted in elongation of the lung endothelial cells. αv and β3 integrin expression decreased after application of shear stress in both cell types. Conclusion: Substrate stiffness plays an important role in regulating tissue‐specific endothelial response to shear stress, which may be due to differences in their native microenvironments. Furthermore, cardiac and lung endothelial cell response to shear stress was significantly regulated by the type of coating used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mount Lofty Ranges koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in South Australia has a high prevalence of the renal disease oxalate nephrosis, for which an underlying genetic cause is suspected. South Australian koalas primarily originate from those in French Island, Victoria; however, oxalate nephrosis has not previously been reported in Victorian koalas. Examination of kidney tissue sections from 63 koalas across Victoria found that nine koalas were affected by oxalate nephrosis (14.3%). These included 2/5 koalas from French Island (40%), 4/14 koalas from the western regions (29%), 2/11 Raymond Island koalas (18%), and 1/13 Cape Otway koalas (8%). There were no cases of oxalate nephrosis identified in the Strzelecki koalas (n = 12). These findings suggest that oxalate nephrosis occurs in koalas from French Island and populations that have received significant influx of koalas from French Island, but not in the Strzelecki region, which has little to no French Island input. This lends support to the theory that an inherited abnormality of oxalate metabolism could underlie the high prevalence of oxalate nephrosis in the Mount Lofty Ranges koala population, and molecular investigations are currently underway to investigate a genetic cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET)s can be aggressive, thus presenting local invasion, postsurgical recurrence and/or resistance to treatment, responsible for significant morbidity. The study aimed at identifying prognostic factors of postsurgical outcome using data‐driven classification of patients. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Clinicopathological and radiological data of patients with PitNET treated via endoscopic endonasal surgery were collected. Tumour recurrence/progression and progression‐free survival were assessed by classification tree analysis (CTA) and Kaplan‐Meier curves, respectively. Histological subtype, cavernous/sphenoid sinus invasion, mitosis, Ki‐67, p53, Trouillas' grading, degree of tumour exeresis and postsurgery disease activity were also evaluated. Results: A total of 1066 (466 gonadotroph, 287 somatotroph, 148 lactotroph, 157 corticotroph and 8 thyrotroph) tumours were included; 21.7% invaded the cavernous/sphenoid sinus. Based on Trouillas' classification, 64.3% were grade 1a, 14.2% 1b, 16.1% 2a, and 5.4% 2b; 18.3% had >2/10 HPF mitoses, 24.9% had Ki‐67 ≥3%; 15.8% were positive for p53. Exeresis was radical in 81.2% of the cases. Median follow‐up was 59.2 months. At last evaluation, 79.4% of the patients were cured; 20.6% had disease persistence, controlled by medical treatment in 18.3% of them. Disease recurrence/progression was recorded in 10.9% of the cases. CTA identified 5 distinct patient subgroups with different risk of disease recurrence/progression. Grade 2 of the Trouillas' grading, >2/10 HPF mitoses, Ki‐67 ≥3%, p53 protein expression (P <.001), tumour invasion (P =.002) and ACTH‐subtype (P =.003) were identified as risk factors of disease recurrence/progression. Conclusions: The combined evaluation of Trouillas' grading, proliferation indexes and immunohistochemistry appears promising in the prediction of surgical outcome in PitNET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: De‐differentiated chordoma is an uncommon and incompletely characterised aggressive neoplasm. Only a few cases originating from the skull base have been reported. Methods and results: All consecutive cases of skull‐base de‐differentiated chordomas treated surgically in a referral centre from January 1990 to June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated to assess peculiar pathological, radiological and clinical features. Patient data were retrieved from paper and electronic records. Six cases (two male, four female; mean age at surgery = 46 years, range = 35–64), treated surgically at our institution were identified. Transformation to de‐differentiated chordomas occurred after radiation therapy in three cases (mean = 13.6 years after treatment, range = 5–25), two during tumour progression, while one was de‐novo. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical examination revealed the presence of two different tumour components, corresponding to the conventional and de‐differentiated portion on histological examination. The de‐novo case presented a PIK3CA mutation. DNA methylation analysis revealed consistent epigenetic changes in TERT, MAGEA11 and UXT. Prognosis was poor, as five of six patients died after surgery and radiation therapy, with a mean overall survival of 29 months (range = 11–52). Conclusions: Skull‐base de‐differentiated chordomas are extremely rare and aggressive neoplasms with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging, surgical and histological features. Therefore, an early and accurate histological diagnosis is of paramount relevance. Molecular analysis appears promising to define mechanisms involved in tumour de‐differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Raphe Pallidus (RPa) is a region of the brainstem that was shown to modulate the sympathetic outflow to many tissues and organs involved in thermoregulation and energy expenditure. In rodents, the pharmacological activation of RPa neurons was shown to increase the activity of the brown adipose tissue, heart rate, and expired CO2, whereas their inhibition was shown to induce cutaneous vasodilation and a state of hypothermia that, when prolonged, leads to a state resembling torpor referred to as synthetic torpor. If translatable to humans, this synthetic torpor‐inducing procedure would be advantageous in many clinical settings. A first step to explore such translatability, has been to verify whether the neurons within the RPa play the same role described for rodents in a larger mammal such as the pig. In the present study, we show that the physiological responses inducible by the pharmacological stimulation of RPa neurons are very similar to those observed in rodents. Injection of the GABAA agonist GABAzine in the RPa induced an increase in heart rate (from 99 to 174 bpm), systolic (from 87 to 170 mm Hg) and diastolic (from 51 to 98 mm Hg) arterial pressure, and end‐tidal CO2 (from 49 to 62 mm Hg). All these changes were reversed by the injection in the same area of the GABAA agonist muscimol. These results support the possibility for RPa neurons to be a key target in the research for a safe and effective procedure for the induction of synthetic torpor in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The diagnosis of radial scars/complex sclerosing lesions (RSs/CSLs) onpercutaneous biopsy carries a risk of histological underestimation. Consequently, surgical excision is often performed in order to exclude a possible associated malignancy. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of 'upgrade to carcinoma' upon subsequent surgical excision of RS/CSL cases diagnosed on vacuum‐assisted large‐core biopsy (VALCB). We also analysed the risk factors for upgrade in order to determine a subset of patients who could avoid surgery and benefit from conservative management with clinical and imaging follow‐up. Methods and results: This was a retrospective observational single‐centre study on 174 consecutive RS/CSL cases diagnosed on VALCB from May 2008 to October 2015. Univariate analysis was performed to identify clinical, radiological and histological risk factors for upgrade. Surgical excision was performed following VALCB diagnosis of 88 RS/CSL cases with or without associated atypia. The overall rate of surgical upgrade to carcinoma was 9.1% (8/88). None of the benign biopsies without atypia was surgically upgraded. Additional to atypia, risk factors for upgrade were non‐incidental finding of the RS/CSL, the mammographic appearance, and the number of fragments obtained during the biopsy procedure (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrate that VALCB revealing an RS/CSL is reliable for excluding malignancy when there is no associated atypia and when radiological and histological findings are concordant. In such cases, surgery can be avoided in favour of clinical and imaging follow‐up. When an RS/CSL is associated with atypia, the decision to perform surgical excision depends on other associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: acquired platelet function disorders; Glanzmann thrombasthenia; delta storage pool disease; immune-mediated platelet disorder; rituximab Management of these disorders, including haemostatic therapies for the control of bleeding, relies on the treatment of the primary disease and/or immunosuppressive treatment, with variable and unpredictable response. In conclusion, we suggest that rituximab should be considered as a second-line treatment in patients with immune-mediated aPFDs when other immunosuppressive treatments have failed in the control of bleeding symptoms and/or in the stable remission of platelet dysfunction. Acquired platelet function disorders, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, delta storage pool disease, immune-mediated platelet disorder, rituximab. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Saprochaete clavata is a rare cause of fungaemia with deep organ involvement in patients with haematological malignancies with reported mortality rates of 60%‐80%. We describe four cases of S clavata infection in a haematology unit over several months that were treated with voriconazole‐based regimens. We also review the literature on factors that could contribute to earlier recognition and effective treatment of S clavata. We included all cases of culture‐positive S clavata from sterile sites with associated signs of infection in patients undergoing treatment for a haematological malignancy. Isolates were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS, and spectrum profiles were used to prepare clustering analysis of isolates. Susceptibility testing was performed using a commercial microtitre methods. Saprochaete clavata was isolated from the bloodstream in three cases and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in one case. Clustering analysis suggested strains of S clavata were clonal without evidence of divergence although a common source was not identified. Susceptibility testing yielded elevated MICs to fluconazole (8 mg/L) and echinocandins (>1‐8 mg/L). All patients were treated with voriconazole‐based regimens resulting in survival of 3/4 patients, who continued chemotherapy for their underlying malignancy without evidence of relapse. Saprochaete clavata is a rare but aggressive cause of breakthrough yeast infection in patients undergoing treatment for haematological malignancies, particularly patients with a prior history of echinocandin treatment. Timely initiation of appropriate treatment, aided by more rapid identification in microbiology laboratory, can reduce the risk of deep organ dissemination and patient death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus‐growing ants and their fungal cultivars constitute a classic example of a mutualism that has led to complex coevolutionary dynamics spanning c. 55–65 Ma. Of the five agricultural systems practised by fungus‐growing ants, higher‐attine agriculture, of which leaf‐cutter agriculture is a derived subset, remains poorly understood despite its relevance to ecosystem function and human agriculture across the Neotropics and parts of North America. Among the ants practising higher‐attine agriculture, the genus Trachymyrmex Forel, as currently defined, shares most‐recent common ancestors with both the leaf‐cutter ants and the higher‐attine genera Sericomyrmex Mayr and Xerolitor Sosa‐Calvo et al. Although previous molecular‐phylogenetic studies have suggested that Trachymyrmex is a paraphyletic grade, until now insufficient taxon sampling has prevented a full investigation of the evolutionary history of this group and limited the possibility of resolving its taxonomy. Here we describe the results of phylogenetic analyses of 38 Trachymyrmex species, including 27 of the 49 described species and at least 11 new species, using four nuclear markers, as well as phylogenetic analyses of the fungi cultivated by 23 species of Trachymyrmex using two markers. We generated new genetic data for 112 ants (402 new gene sequences) and 95 fungi (153 new gene sequences). Our results corroborate previous findings that Trachymyrmex, as currently defined, is paraphyletic. We propose recognizing two new genera, Mycetomoelleriusgen.n. and Paratrachymyrmexgen.n., and restricting the continued use of Trachymyrmex to the clade of nine largely North American species that contains the type species [Trachymyrmex septentrionalis (McCook)] and that is the sister group of the leaf‐cutting ants. Our fungal cultivar phylogeny generally corroborates previously observed broad patterns of ant–fungus association, but it also reveals further violations of those patterns. Higher‐attine fungi are divided into two groups: (i) the single species Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Möller); and (ii) its sister clade, consisting of multiple species, recently referred to as Leucoagaricus Singer 'clade B'. Our phylogeny indicates that, although most non‐leaf‐cutting higher‐attine ants typically cultivate species in clade B, some species cultivate L. gongylophorus, whereas still others cultivate fungi typically associated with lower‐attine agriculture. This indicates that the attine agricultural systems, which are currently defined by associations between ants and fungi, are not entirely congruent with ant and fungal phylogenies. They may, however, be correlated with as yet poorly understood biological traits of the ants and/or of their microbiomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have identified the positive impact of community pharmacist patient care services. Identifying the most effective implementation strategies and performing robust research are critical to sustaining evidence‐based patient care in this setting. This systematic review aimed to describe: (1) implementation strategies, and (2) dissemination and implementation (D&I) outcomes used to evaluate the implementation of patient care services in community pharmacies. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched for articles that were: (1) written in English and published in 1985 or later, (2) described a peer‐reviewed empirical study or practice experience implementing a patient care service in a community pharmacy, and (3) described the strategies used to implement and/or evaluate the implementation of the service. Two investigators reviewed the abstract, and full‐text when necessary, of each article to assess eligibility. Data were extracted from each article by two investigators using a standardized form. Implementation strategies were categorized using the Expert Recommendations for Implementation Change (ERIC) study terminology. The D&I outcomes were classified using the Proctor and colleagues terminology. All data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Two hundred and thirty‐seven articles were included, 223 of which described at least one implementation strategy and 224 described at least one D&I outcome. "Train and educate stakeholders" and "engage consumer" were the most common and "provide interactive assistance" and "adapt and tailor to context" were the least commonly reported implementation strategies. Reach, acceptability, and adoption were the most common and fidelity and sustainability were the least commonly evaluated D&I outcomes. Most studies used quasi‐experimental or observational designs. Conclusions: This systematic review used published manuscripts to identify the breadth and depth of implementation and evaluation strategies being utilized in various community pharmacies. Findings suggest opportunities for further research and innovation via collaboration between pharmacists and implementation practitioners and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cells need oxygen for homeostasis; it is known for adjusting cellular functioning and the energy obtainment have a broad relationship with cellular respiration, through the O2 bioavailability. O2 homeostasis regulation in the kidney is mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs). HIF is divided into three α isoforms, represented by HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, and HIF‐3α in addition to three paralogs of HIF‐1β; these are involved in some metabolic processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Renal biopsy analyses of patients and experimental animal models aim to understand the relationship between HIF and protection against developing renal diseases or the induction of their onset, being thus this molecule can be considered a potential biomarker of renal disease. We carried out a systematic review to which we included studies on HIF‐1α and renal disease in the last 5 years (2013‐2018) in researches with humans and/or animal model through searches in three databases: LILACS, PubMed, and SciELO by two researchers. We obtained 22 articles that discussed the relationship with HIF as inductor or protector against renal disease and no relation between HIF and renal. We observed controversies remain regarding the relation between of HIF with renal diseases; this may be related to the different intracellular pathways mediated by HIF‐1α, thereby determining differentiated cellular responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corneal sub‐basal nerve (SBN) plexus is destroyed during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and its recovery is still a matter of debate. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was used to evaluate SBN plexus in 23 patients at a distance of 10–25 years (mean 15.6 years) from myopic PRK. Because 8 out of the 23 PRK patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, IVCM was also performed on those patients 6 months after PPV. Thirteen patients matched for age and myopia served as controls (non‐PRK). SBN plexus was markedly reduced after PRK compared with non‐PRK eyes and showed a slow, continuous but incomplete recovery up to the end of our follow‐up (range 10–25 years). PRK and non‐PRK eyes showed a marked reduction in SBN density 6 months after PPV, thus demonstrating a detrimental effect exerted by PPV on SBN plexus. The aim of the study is to evaluate corneal sub‐basal nerves (SBN) a mean of 15.6 years after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and the effects on them of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). PRK eyes showed reduced SBN plexus compared with non‐PRK eyes. In addition, SBN density showed a slow but continuous recovery process up to the end of our follow‐up (25 years) after PRK. Both PRK and non‐PRK eyes showed a marked reduction in SBN density 6 months after PPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoleucinodes elegantalis is a serious pest for tomato producers that generates significant economic losses. Its occurrence depends on biotic factors involved in natural control. The influence of seasonal climate on N. elegantalis population density, taking into account mortality factors, has not been studied. The ecological life table is considered a comprehensive and reliable method to determine agroecosystem factors involved in insect pest population dynamics. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to identify the critical stages and key mortality factors for N. elegantalis during spring, summer, autumn and winter in open field tomato cultivation. The most important key mortality factor in the spring was the bird, Zonotrichia sp. In the summer, Trichogramma pretiosum and Solenopsis sp. had the most impact on mortality. During autumn, T. pretiosum and Zonotrichia sp. were deemed most important. During winter, the most important mortality factors were physiological disturbances, T. pretiosum, and predation by arthropods, including Solenopsis sp. The results of the study suggest that key mortality factors based on these findings may be useful during the decision‐making processes. The objective of the present study was to identify the critical stages and key mortality factors for Neoleucinodes elegantalis during spring, summer, autumn and winter in open field tomato cultivation. The most important key mortality factor during spring was Zonotrichia sp. In summer, Trichogramma pretiosum and Solenopsis sp.; in autumn, T. pretiosum and Zonotrichia sp. During winter, physiological disturbances, T. pretiosum, and predation by arthropods, including Solenopsis sp. were the most important key mortality factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little importance has been given to the role of natural mortality factors (biotic and abiotic) in the regulation of tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) populations. The present study determined the action of mortality factors on T. absoluta populations infesting cultivated tomato crops. Eighty ecological life tables for T. absoluta in field cultivated tomato plants were constructed and analyzed. Results: Total T. absoluta mortality was 99.08%, with 38.76% mortality during the egg phase, 57.20% in the larva phase and 3.12% in the pupal phase. The main mortality factors during the egg stage were predation, parasitism and egg inviability. In the larval stage, the main mortality factors were predation, parasitism, entomopathogenic agents and physiological disorders. In the pupal stage, the main mortality factor was predation. The larvae of the third and fourth instar were more susceptible to the action of mortality factors and the predatory wasp, Protonectarina sylveirae, was the main insect predator of these larvae. Conclusions: The T. absoluta population is regulated under field conditions by the action of natural enemies of the larvae. The predatory wasp P. sylveirae is very important in the regulation of T. absoluta populations in open‐field tomato crops in Brazil. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry Bottom‐up and top‐down forces are the main regulators of the insect population in agroecosystems. This article represents a detailed analysis of these forces on population dynamics of tomato leafminer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]