bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development co‐operation and the partnership–ownership nexus: Lessons from the Canada–Ghana experience
Authors: Black David
Published: October 2019

Motivation

Ownership and partnership are ubiquitous concepts in development co‐operation and are often treated as symbiotic. Yet, given their multiple forms and meanings, they have always been in tension. This tension is heightened as partnerships diversify in ways that strain traditional bilateral country relationships.

Purpose

This article probes how the proliferation of development actors and new forms of multi‐stakeholder partnership are affecting long‐standing bilateral government‐to‐government ties, and generating new challenges to ownership within them. It highlights the salience of thematic specialization as a response to these challenges.

Approach and Methods

The article distinguishes between instrumental and normative conceptions of partnership and ownership, situating bilateral country partnership in relation to this distinction. It illustrates the difficulties of fostering bilateral partnership/ownership through a “best case” study of the Canada–Ghana development relationship. Analysis is based on secondary and primary sources, as well as 18 semi‐structured interviews and consultations with participants and close observers of the relationship.

Findings

The Ghana–Canada case highlights several challenges to effective bilateral country ownership in a context of proliferating and diversifying partnerships. Some are familiar but deepening; others are more novel. They include renewed challenges of donor proliferation and co‐ordination; problems of recipient capacity and competition; and adapting to recipient “failure” and “success.” Most significantly, the trend towards more disciplined thematic focus in development co‐operation policies, manifested in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, has complicated and compromised country ownership.

Policy implications

In their pursuit of innovative development partnerships and thematic specialization, donors face new challenges in negotiating bilateral relationships and country ownership. Systematic efforts are required to connect thematic priorities with those of groups and governments in recipient countries.
Phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium nutrition on Calonectria leaf blight in eucalypt plants
Authors: Zarpelon Talyta G. , da Silva André C. , Santos André F. , Freitas Camila da S. , Coutinho Marcelo M. , de Barros Nairam F. , de Freitas Rodrigo G. , Alfenas Acelino C.
Published: October 2019

Calonectria pteridis causes Calonectria leaf blight (CLB), and consequently severe defoliation in eucalypt plantations, which results in losses in wood volume. To reduce the negative impacts of this disease in eucalypt, this study aimed to assess the application of different doses and combinations of the macronutrients N, P and K on the percentage of symptomatic leaf area (SLA) and defoliation induced by the pathogen. Cuttings of a clone of Eucalyptus grandis were transplanted to pots containing soil that received different dose combinations of N, P and K, according to an incomplete factorial design. At 200 days after transplanting, leaf samples were analysed for N, P and K contents, and then, the plants were inoculated. Forty‐five days post‐inoculation, SLA and percentage of defoliation were quantified. Potassium doses above 75 mg/dm3 of soil significantly reduced SLA and defoliation. The influence of N and P on defoliation was dependent on K doses, but both reduced symptomatic leaf area. The best control of the disease, expressed by decreased defoliation and symptomatic leaf area, was achieved with leaf content of N, P and K of 9.8, 0.8 and 10.4 g per kg leaf, respectively, obtained with doses of 55, 82.5 and 143 mg/dm3of soil, respectively. Therefore, N, P and K nutrition can be a component of an integrated management programme for the control of CLB in eucalypts.
Soil structure and nutrient supply drive changes in soil microbial communities during conversion of virgin desert soil to irrigated cropland
Authors: Chen Long‐Fei , He Zhi‐Bin , Zhao Wen‐Zhi , Liu Ji‐Liang , Zhou Hai , Li Jing , Meng Yang‐Yang , Wang Li‐Sha
Published: October 2019

Soil microorganisms are critical to soil health and environmental functions; however, the dynamics of microbial communities and their response to soil variables following conversion of desert soils to oasis farmland have not been well documented. We used high‐throughput pyrosequencing to investigate the dynamics of soil microbial communities along an irrigated cultivation chronosequence (cultivated for 16, 33, 45 and 60 years) and in adjacent non‐cultivated soil in a desert‐oasis ecotone in northwestern China. Additionally, we explored which soil variables may be responsible for shifts in microbial communities. Generally, cultivation in desert soil increased microbial community abundance and diversity; however, bacterial abundance and diversity increased along the cultivation chronosequence, whereas fungal abundance and diversity initially increased and then decreased. Continuous crop cultivation also resulted in a shift in microbial community composition, notably with a decrease in nitrogen (N)‐fixing microbes (Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria) and an increase in ammonia‐oxidizing (Nitrosomonadales) and nitrite‐oxidizing microbes (Nitrospirae). Redundancy analysis showed that soil organic carbon, total N, available N, available phosphorus and bulk density explained over 80% of the variation in both bacterial and fungal communities; this indicated the critical roles of nutrient supply and soil structure in shaping the composition and diversity of microbial communities during the conversion of native desert soils to irrigated croplands.

Highlights

Cultivation in desert soil increased microbial community abundance and diversity.

Cultivation decreased N‐fixing microbes.

Cultivation increased ammonia‐oxidizing and nitrite‐oxidizing microbes.

Soil structure and nutrient supply shaped the diversity of microbial communities.
High‐throughput analysis of vocalizations reveals sex‐specific changes in Fmr1 mutant pups
Authors: Nolan Suzanne O. , Hodges Samantha L. , Lugo Joaquin N.
Published: October 2019

There have been several reports that individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and animal models of FXS have communication deficits. The present study utilized two different call classification taxonomies to examine the sex‐specificity of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production on postnatal day (PD8) in the FVB strain of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. One classification protocol requires the investigator to score each call by hand, while the other protocol uses an automated algorithm. Results using the hand‐scoring protocol indicated that male Fmr1 KO mice exhibited longer calls (P = .03) than wild types on PD8. Male KOs also produced fewer complex, composite, downward, short and two‐syllable call‐types, as well as more frequency steps and chevron call‐types. Female heterozygotes exhibited no significant changes in acoustic or temporal aspects of calls, yet showed significant changes in call‐type production proportions across two different classification taxonomies (P < .001). They exhibited increased production of harmonic and frequency steps calls, as well as fewer chevron, downward and short calls. According to the second high‐throughput analysis, female heterozygotes produced significantly fewer single‐type and more multiple‐type syllables, unlike male KOs that showed no changes in these aspects of syllable production. Finally, we correlated both scoring methods and found a high level of correlation between the two methods. These results contribute further knowledge of sex differences in USV calling behavior for Fmr1 heterozygote and KO mice and provide a foundation for the use of high‐throughput analysis of neonatal USVs.
Conceptualizing soil organic matter into particulate and mineral‐associated forms to address global change in the 21st century
Authors: Lavallee Jocelyn M. , Soong Jennifer L. , Cotrufo M. Francesca
Published: October 2019

Managing soil organic matter (SOM) stocks to address global change challenges requires well‐substantiated knowledge of SOM behavior that can be clearly communicated between scientists, management practitioners, and policy makers. However, SOM is incredibly complex and requires separation into multiple components with contrasting behavior in order to study and predict its dynamics. Numerous diverse SOM separation schemes are currently used, making cross‐study comparisons difficult and hindering broad‐scale generalizations. Here, we recommend separating SOM into particulate (POM) and mineral‐associated (MAOM) forms, two SOM components that are fundamentally different in terms of their formation, persistence, and functioning. We provide evidence of their highly contrasting physical and chemical properties, mean residence times in soil, and responses to land use change, plant litter inputs, warming, CO2 enrichment, and N fertilization. Conceptualizing SOM into POM versus MAOM is a feasible, well‐supported, and useful framework that will allow scientists to move beyond studies of bulk SOM, but also use a consistent separation scheme across studies. Ultimately, we propose the POM versus MAOM framework as the best way forward to understand and predict broad‐scale SOM dynamics in the context of global change challenges and provide necessary recommendations to managers and policy makers.
Soil fauna diversity increases CO2 but suppresses N2O emissions from soil
Authors: Lubbers Ingrid M. , Berg Matty P. , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , van der Putten Wim H. , van Groenigen Jan Willem
Published: October 2019

Soil faunal activity can be a major control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soil. Effects of single faunal species, genera or families have been investigated, but it is unknown how soil fauna diversity may influence emissions of both carbon dioxide (CO2, end product of decomposition of organic matter) and nitrous oxide (N2O, an intermediate product of N transformation processes, in particular denitrification). Here, we studied how CO2 and N2O emissions are affected by species and species mixtures of up to eight species of detritivorous/fungivorous soil fauna from four different taxonomic groups (earthworms, potworms, mites, springtails) using a microcosm set‐up. We found that higher species richness and increased functional dissimilarity of species mixtures led to increased faunal‐induced CO2 emission (up to 10%), but decreased N2O emission (up to 62%). Large ecosystem engineers such as earthworms were key drivers of both CO2 and N2O emissions. Interestingly, increased biodiversity of other soil fauna in the presence of earthworms decreased faunal‐induced N2O emission despite enhanced C cycling. We conclude that higher soil fauna functional diversity enhanced the intensity of belowground processes, leading to more complete litter decomposition and increased CO2 emission, but concurrently also resulting in more complete denitrification and reduced N2O emission. Our results suggest that increased soil fauna species diversity has the potential to mitigate emissions of N2O from soil ecosystems. Given the loss of soil biodiversity in managed soils, our findings call for adoption of management practices that enhance soil biodiversity and stimulate a functionally diverse faunal community to reduce N2O emissions from managed soils.
How much heat can we grow in our cities? Modelling UK urban biofuel production potential
Authors: Grafius Darren R. , Hall Stephen , McHugh Nicola , Edmondson Jill L.
Published: October 2019

Biofuel provides a globally significant opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependence; however, its sustainability can only be meaningfully explored for individual cases. It depends on multiple considerations including: life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, air quality impacts, food versus fuel trade‐offs, biodiversity impacts of land use change and socio‐economic impacts of energy transitions. One solution that may address many of these issues is local production of biofuel on non‐agricultural land. Urban areas drive global change, for example, they are responsible for 70% of global energy use, but are largely ignored in their resource production potential; however, underused urban greenspaces could be utilized for biofuel production near the point of consumption. This could avoid food versus fuel land conflicts in agricultural land and long‐distance transport costs, provide ecosystem service benefits to urban dwellers and increase the sustainability and resilience of cities and towns. Here, we use a Geographic Information System to identify urban greenspaces suitable for biofuel production, using exclusion criteria, in 10 UK cities. We then model production potential of three different biofuels: Miscanthus grass, short rotation coppice (SRC) willow and SRC poplar, within the greenspaces identified and extrapolate up to a UK‐scale. We demonstrate that approximately 10% of urban greenspace (3% of built‐up land) is potentially suitable for biofuel production. We estimate the potential of this to meet energy demand through heat generation, electricity and combined heat and power (CHP) operations. Our findings show that, if fully utilized, urban biofuel production could meet nearly a fifth of demand for biomass in CHP systems in the United Kingdom's climate compatible energy scenarios by 2030, with potentially similar implications for other comparable countries and regions.
Silicon infiltrated silicon carbide from extruded thermoplastic wood polymer composites
Authors: Liensdorf Tom , Schoch Rebecca , Lang Marieluise , Langhof Nico , Hochrein Thomas , Bastian Martin , Krenkel Walter
Published: October 2019

Silicon‐infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC) is an important technical ceramic material for several demanding applications such as heat exchangers, nozzles or mechanical seals. However, shaping and machining tools are quickly worn down, due to the application of hard abrasive silicon carbide (SiC) particles as part of the conventional starting compounds for monolithic SiSiC ceramics. Within this work, an alternative route fabricating SiSiC without primary SiC particles and with low residual carbon contents derived from thermoplastic wood polymer composites (WPC) is described. By varying the proportions of the raw materials, the phase compositions of the SiC ceramic could be modified. A reduction in the average wood particle size from 120 to 60 µm led to a homogenous SiSiC with high SiC content. SiSiC with flexural strengths up to 230 MPa and a Weibull modulus of 16 were developed. The residual carbon content could be reduced below 1 wt%.
Anion exchange polymeric sorbent coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV diode array detection for the determination of ten N‐nitrosamines in meat products: a validated approach
Authors: Iammarino Marco , Mangiacotti Michele , Chiaravalle Antonio E.
Published: October 2019

Among mechanisms and molecules presumably involved in the carcinogenicity induced by meat consumption, the N‐nitrosamines (N‐NAs) are a class of compounds characteristic of processed meats. In this work, an analytical method for the determination of ten N‐nitrosamines (N‐nitrosomorpholine, N‐nitrosomethylethylamine, N‐nitrosopyrrolidine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosopiperidine, N‐nitrosodipropylamine, N‐nitrosodimethylaniline, N‐nitrosodibutylamine, N‐nitrosodiphenylamine and N‐nitrosodibenzylamine) in fresh meats and meat products was developed, optimised and validated. The method is based on optimised sample purification by solid‐phase extraction (anion exchange polymeric sorbent) and separation/detection by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV diode array detection. The validation procedure allowed to ascertaining good analytical performances in terms of sensitivity, selectivity towards interfering compounds, accuracy and robustness. The values obtained for precision (range: 4.3–14.4%) and recovery percentages (range: 80.8–95.1%) were compared to reference values indicated in the Decision No. 657/2002/EC, resulting as compliant. The measurement uncertainty (lower than 14.6%) was satisfactory for each N‐NA as well.
Placement of SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer for prostate cancer patients treated with iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy
Authors: Morita Masashi , Fukagai Takashi , Hirayama Kidai , Yamatoya Jin , Noguchi Tetsuo , Ogawa Yu , Igarashi Atsushi , Niiya Akifumi , Kato Masako , Morota Madoka , Oshinomi Kazuhiko , Ogawa Yoshio , Lederer John L
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to report on our early experience with hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR) placement in combination with iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Methods

From April 2018, SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer was placed in 100 consecutive patients undergoing iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. Complications and the status of the placement were evaluated. Deformation of the prostate by the spacer was examined measuring prostate diameters and evaluating the change from preoperative status. The position of the prostate was similarly examined by evaluating the change in distance between the pubic symphysis and the prostate. Post‐plan dosimetric data were compared with 200 patients treated without a spacer.

Results

No complications were found during either the intraoperative or perioperative periods. The mean displacement distance of 11.64 mm was created, the mean value before spacer placement was 0.28 mm (P < 0.0001). The change of the prostate diameters showed a positive increase in all directions, with no significant negative change in any one direction. Regarding the change in distance between pubic symphysis and the prostate, no significant shortening trend was observed between the two groups (P = 0.14). Whereas the dosimetric parameters showed means of 0.001 and 0.026 cc for RV150 and RV100 in the spacer group, they were 0.025 and 0.318 cc, respectively, in the non‐spacer group, showing a significant decrease in both parameters (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prostate deformation secondary to hydrogel placement might adversely affect dosimetric parameters in patients undergoing low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. However, a significant reduction in the rectal dose can be adopted without adversely affecting the other parameters related to treatment outcome.
Synchrotron x‐ray spectroscopy investigation of the Ca1−xLnxZrTi2−x(Al, Fe)xO7 zirconolite ceramics (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Ho, Yb)
Authors: Ji Shiyin , Su Minhua , Liao Changzhong , Ma Shengshou , Wang Zhiguang , Shih Kaimin , Chang Chung‐Kai , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Chan Ting‐Shan , Li Yuhong
Published: October 2019

When incorporating actinides into zirconolite for high‐level radioactive waste immobilization, Al3+ and Fe3+ ions generally act as charge compensators. In this study, we rationally designed a series of (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Ho, Yb) to unravel the dopant solubility and evolutions of the crystalline phase and local environment of cations through synchrotron X‐ray methods. It was found that single zirconolite phase is difficult to obtain and the fraction of perovskite have an increase with x from 0.1 to 0.9 in . Formation of both zirconolite‐2M and zirconolite‐3O phases was observed in and . Phase transformation from zirconolite‐2M to 3O occurs at x = 0.7 for while x = 0.9 for . The solubility of and to form single zirconolite‐2M can reach to 0.9 f.u. and 0.7 f.u., respectively. The evolution of lattice parameters of zirconolite in is greatly related to the ionic radii of cations and substitution mechanism among the cations. X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy revealed that Fe3+ ions replace both five‐ and six‐coordinated Ti sites and the ratio of TiO5 to TiO6 decreases when increasing dopant concentration in the . For the local environment of Zr4+, the major form is ZrO7 with a trace of ZrO8.
Preparation of one‐part geopolymeric precursors using vanadium tailing by thermal activation
Authors: Luo Yongpeng , Bao Shenxu , Zhang Yimin
Published: October 2019

The main purpose of this study is to develop a user‐friendly one‐part geopolymer using vanadium tailing (VT). Geopolymeric precursor consists of activated VT and metakaolin that can react directly with water to form geopolymers. The roasting temperature plays an important role in the VT activation, which affects the compressive strength of the final geopolymer. The geopolymer with accepted compressive strength, that is 29.0 MPa after 7 days curing in ambient condition, can be prepared using VT after thermal activation at appropriate temperature (400‐600°C). As the roasting temperature is increased to 700°C, the VT is molten and sintered and the ability of providing alkaline and Si4+ is drastically weakened, which results in a poor compressive strength geopolymer.
Exploring rain forest diversification using demographic model testing in the African foam‐nest treefrog Chiromantis rufescens
Authors: Leaché Adam D. , Portik Daniel M. , Rivera Danielle , Rödel Mark‐Oliver , Penner Johannes , Gvoždík Václav , Greenbaum Eli , Jongsma Gregory F. M. , Ofori‐Boateng Caleb , Burger Marius , Eniang Edem A. , Bell Rayna C. , Fujita Matthew K.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Species with wide distributions spanning the African Guinean and Congolian rain forests are often composed of genetically distinct populations or cryptic species with geographic distributions that mirror the locations of the remaining forest habitats. We used phylogeographic inference and demographic model testing to evaluate diversification models in a widespread rain forest species, the African foam‐nest treefrog Chiromantis rufescens.

Location

Guinean and Congolian rain forests, West and Central Africa.

Taxon

Chiromantis rufescens.

Methods

We collected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 130 samples of C. rufescens. After estimating population structure and inferring species trees using coalescent methods, we tested demographic models to evaluate alternative population divergence histories that varied with respect to gene flow, population size change and periods of isolation and secondary contact. Species distribution models were used to identify the regions of climatic stability that could have served as forest refugia since the last interglacial.

Results

Population structure within C. rufescens resembles the major biogeographic regions of the Guinean and Congolian forests. Coalescent‐based phylogenetic analyses provide strong support for an early divergence between the western Upper Guinean forest and the remaining populations. Demographic inferences support diversification models with gene flow and population size changes even in cases where contemporary populations are currently allopatric, which provides support for forest refugia and barrier models. Species distribution models suggest that forest refugia were available for each of the populations throughout the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

Considering historical demography is essential for understanding population diversification, especially in complex landscapes such as those found in the Guineo–Congolian forest. Population demographic inferences help connect the patterns of genetic variation to diversification model predictions. The diversification history of C. rufescens was shaped by a variety of processes, including vicariance from river barriers, forest fragmentation and adaptive evolution along environmental gradients.
Validation of the Patient‐Oriented SCORing for Atopic Dermatitis tool for black skin
Authors: Faye O. , Meledie N'Djong A.P. , Diadie S. , Coniquet S. , Niamba P.A. , Atadokpede F. , Yao Yoboue P. , Thierno Dieng M. , Zkik A. , Castagne C. , Zumaglini F. , Delarue A.
Published: October 2019

Background

SCORing for Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) is a tool developed by the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis (AD) which is used by physicians to assess AD severity during consultations with their patients. Patient‐Oriented SCORAD (PO‐SCORAD) is a self‐assessment tool for use by patients which has been validated in a study performed in European countries. However, there is currently no adapted tool for evaluating AD severity in black skin.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the version of the PO‐SCORAD specifically adapted for black skin patients (children and adults) with AD.

Methods

In this multicenter, cross‐sectional and non‐interventional study, children and adults with AD were recruited during regular consultations. This international study was performed in seven sub‐Saharan countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali and Senegal). During the consultation, AD severity was assessed by the physician using SCORAD score and by the patients or parents using PO‐SCORAD.

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients were included, 72 children and 41 adults, mainly females (61.6%). SCORAD assessed by physicians and PO‐SCORAD assessed by patients/parents were well correlated (r = 0.66, P < 0.0001). Correlation coefficients for SCORAD and PO‐SCORAD subscale scores were also good, except for symptom intensity criteria.

Conclusion

Altogether, these data indicate that PO‐SCORAD for black skin correlates well with SCORAD and is therefore a valuable tool, which requires no specific level of education, for use by black skin patients with AD.
Postoperative radiotherapy provides better local control and long‐term outcome in selective cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with perineural invasion
Authors: Cañueto J. , Jaka A. , Corchete L.A. , González‐Pérez A.Mª. , García‐Castro R. , Fuente Mª.J. , Membrive I. , March Á. , Mañes A. , Posada R. , Pujol R.M. , Román‐Curto C. , Toll A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a feature of poor prognosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The benefit of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in the management of CSCC with PNI is still not well established.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of PORT in the treatment of CSCC with PNI so as to determine which patients would best benefit from this type of treatment.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter cohort of 110 CSCCs with PNI was evaluated. Eighteen recurrent cases were excluded for subsequent analysis. We searched for the types of PNI associated with poor outcome and analysed the effectiveness of PORT on different groups of CSCC with PNI. We also assessed for the usefulness of PORT depending on the surgical margin status (either clear or positive).

Results

Postoperative radiotherapy showed clear benefit over observation in CSCC with PNI and positive margins after surgery, where the management by observation increased the risk of poor outcome events 2.43 times (P = 0.025), and especially in those with positive margins and PNI ≥0.1 mm, where the risk of poor prognosis is eight times greater following a management by observation (P = 0.0065). Multivariate competing risk analysis preserved statistical significance.

Conclusions

The use of PORT on patients with CSCC with PNI and positive margins after surgery, especially in PNI ≥0.1 mm, significantly improves long‐term outcome. The benefit of PORT in cases with clear margins is not as evident, especially in those with PNI of small‐calibre nerves. Clinical trials are imperative.
Isotretinoin and risk factors for suicide attempt: a population‐based comprehensive case series and nested case–control study using 2010–2014 French Health Insurance Data
Authors: Droitcourt C. , Poizeau F. , Kerbrat S. , Balusson F. , Drezen E. , Happe A. , Travers D. , Oger E. , Dupuy A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Although the causal role of isotretinoin in suicidal behaviour is controversial, suicide attempts (SA) do occur among patients taking isotretinoin.

Objectives

To describe patient profiles and the management of isotretinoin among patients who committed or attempted suicide under treatment. To assess the risk factors for SA under isotretinoin.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive case series of suicides and SAs under isotretinoin, and a case–control study, using Nationwide French Health Insurance database. The main analysis compared cases (subjects with a SA during a course of isotretinoin) to controls, individually matched for age, gender and rank of the current course; controls were to be exposed to isotretinoin at the index date (date of SA for the corresponding cases). The patients’ psychiatric history at isotretinoin initiation was studied. In a secondary analysis, patients who continued their isotretinoin treatment after their SA were compared to patients who discontinued it.

Results

In all, 328 018 subjects started a course of isotretinoin between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 and 184 patients were hospitalized for a SA; half of them had a psychiatric history at initiation. In the multivariate analysis, psychiatric history and history of anxiety alone were risk factors for SA [Odds ratio (OR), 18.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.96–33.30 and 4.78; 95% CI, 2.44–9.33, respectively]. Among 176 cases of SA with sufficient follow‐up, 103 (58.5%) carried on with their treatment after their SA. Treatment initiation by a dermatologist was inversely associated with the continuation of the treatment after a SA (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18–0.80).

Conclusions

Suicide attempts under isotretinoin are rare events, and our results suggest that most of the patients concerned have a risk‐prone profile detectable at the time of treatment initiation. The risk–benefit ratio of continuing isotretinoin after a SA warrants further careful evaluation.
Stage IV cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: treatment outcomes in a series of 42 patients
Authors: Chapalain M. , Baroudjian B. , Dupont A. , Lhote R. , Lambert J. , Bagot M. , Lebbe C. , Basset‐Seguin N.
Published: October 2019

Background

The prevalence and incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are increasing due to the ageing of the population and sun exposure. Advanced cSCC forms (locally advanced and/or locoregional metastatic and/or distant metastatic) account for approximately 3% of cSCC and can result in death.

Objective

Analysis of the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in stage IV cSCC with unresectable locoregional extension and/or the presence of metastases.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a single‐centre university hospital for stage IV cSCC patients followed between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2015. Descriptive analyses (demographic, anatomo‐clinical characteristics, treatment sequences, response to treatment and survival analysis) were performed.

Results

The study included 42 patients (median age = 75.5 years) with a diagnosis of stage IV cSCC who were treated with at least one line of chemotherapy and/or cetuximab. At the time of diagnosis, 85.7% of the patients had locoregional extension (19% of locally advanced and 67% of locoregional metastatic) and 14.3% had distant metastatic disease. Regarding treatment, 40% and 36% of patients received no more than 1 and 2 systemic treatment lines, respectively. The 4‐year overall survival was 6%, and the median follow‐up was 18.6 months. The objective response rate was 55% after the first line of treatment with a median progression‐free survival (PFS) of 6.18 months and 12% after the second line with a median PFS of 6.51 months. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were observed for 33% of patients.

Conclusion

Our study confirms a very poor prognosis of stage IV cSCC and a poor response to conventional therapies, indicating that the stage IV cSCC patient population remains with unmet medical needs.
Facultative amphidromy involving estuaries in an annual amphidromous fish from a subtropical marginal range
Authors: Murase Iki , Iguchi Kei'ichiro
Published: October 2019

Variation in the life cycle of diadromous fishes can be explained by differential food availability between marine and freshwater habitats, since migration is often interpreted as a mechanism for exploiting food resources. Theoretically, a migration pattern of mainly remaining in freshwater occurs in tropical and subtropical habitats where fluvial productivity possibly exceeds marine productivity. However, in Yakugachi River, Amami‐Oshima Island, southern Japan, low nutrient concentrations in the river suggest that food availability is limited for the subtropical Ryukyu‐ayu Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis. Since Ryukyu‐ayu is an amphidromous fish that mainly grows in rivers after spending 2 months in the sea, limited food availability in rivers would force this species to migrate to other habitats with better food availability. Otolith increment and Sr:Ca analyses of 48 adult Ryukyu‐ayu collected from the Yakugachi River revealed that all individuals visited estuaries more than three times after moving upstream. Although the specific growth rates of this species in the river had no correlation with the salinity profile in the fluvial period, this movement may be an adaptive choice because the salinity profile significantly affected the body size at maturity. Our results highlighted individual‐based variations in amphidromous migration for utilizing estuaries, which could be explained by relatively higher productivity in estuarine than in freshwater and marine habitats.
Use of triazoles for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis: A three‐year cohort analysis
Authors: Cheng Matthew P. , Orejas José L. , Arbona‐Haddad Esther , Bold Tyler D. , Solomon Isaac H. , Chen Kaiwen , Pandit Alisha , Kusztos Amanda E. , Cummins Kaelyn C. , Liakos Alexis , Marty Francisco M. , Koo Sophia , Hammond Sarah P.
Published: October 2019

In a 3‐year cohort study of adult patients with proven or probable IA, fewer patients initially treated with isavuconazole experienced adverse events compared with voriconazole, but more patients required a change in therapy due to lack of clinical efficacy.
Transplant associated infections—The role of the gastrointestinal microbiota and potential therapeutic options
Authors: Chan Samuel , Hawley Carmel M. , Campbell Katrina L. , Morrison Mark , Campbell Scott B. , Isbel Nicole M. , Francis Ross S. , Playford Elliot G. , Johnson David W.
Published: October 2019

Infectious complications are common following kidney transplantation and rank in the top five causes of death in patients with allograft function. Over the last 5 years, there has been emerging evidence that changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota following kidney transplantation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of transplant‐associated infections. Different factors have emerged which may disrupt the interaction between the gastrointestinal microbiota and the immune system, which may lead to infective complications in kidney transplant recipients. Over the last 5 years, there has been emerging evidence that changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota following kidney transplantation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of transplant‐associated infections. This review will discuss the structure and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota, the changes that occur in the gastrointestinal microbiota following kidney transplantation and the factors underpinning these changes, how these changes may lead to transplant‐associated infectious complications and potential treatments which may be instituted to mitigate this risk.
The effect of smoking on gingival crevicular fluid peptidoglycan recognition protein‐1 level following initial periodontal therapy in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Karsiyaka Hendek Meltem , Kisa Ucler , Olgun Ebru
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of smoking on peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)‐1 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in smokers and non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP) following initial periodontal therapy.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 40 patients with CP (20 smokers (S + CP) and 20 non‐smokers (S‐CP)) and 40 subjects with healthy periodontium (20 smokers (S + PH) and 20 non‐smokers (S‐PH)), comprising 80 subjects, were included in this study. Baseline GCF samples were obtained from all subjects, and clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. In patients who had received initial periodontal therapy, GCF samples were obtained and all clinical periodontal measurements were recorded again during the 6th–8th weeks. GCF PGRP‐1 levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

At baseline, GCF PGRP‐1 levels were significantly higher in both groups with CP than in both groups with healthy periodontium, whereas these levels were significantly lower in S + CP than in S‐CP. GCF PGRP‐1 levels decreased significantly in both CP groups after periodontal therapy, and this reduction was significantly greater in non‐smokers than in smokers.

Conclusion

Smoking might have a suppressive effect on GCF PGRP‐1 levels in CP. Initial periodontal therapy is effective in decreasing GCF PGRP‐1 levels in both smokers and non‐smokers with CP.
Neonatal intensive care unit patients recovering in the post anesthesia care unit: An observational analysis of postextubation complications
Authors: Long Justin B. , Fiedorek Michael C. , Oraedu O'Dez , Austin Thomas M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Neonatal patients are at higher risk in the perioperative period than older infants and children. Extubation as an early goal for noenatal intensive care unit patients presenting for surgery is undergoing a renaissance period, and an exploration of adverse events following selection for extubation immediately after general anesthesia has not specifically been undertaken in this population.

Aims

The objective of this study is to determine the adverse events most commonly encountered in neonatal intensive care unit patients recovering from anesthesia in the post anesthesia care unit, quantify the risk of event occurrence, and identify risk factors that may increase the risk of postoperative adverse events.

Methods

All neonatal intensive care unit patients presenting to the operating room 6/1/2014‐5/31/2018 who recovered in the  post anesthesia care unit were included for analysis. Univariate analyses were conducted utilizing the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test or Fisher exact test. Due to the low event rate, a small‐sample generalized estimating equation model was created with a major event composite as the outcome and explanatory variables with P values < .1 on univariate analysis. Statistically significant continuous variables were then dichotomized based on Youden index.

Results

There were 707 operative cases in 607 patients. There were 81 total events recorded, and 64/81 were considered to be major events; all of which were respiratory. The risk of any postoperative event was 11.5%, major respiratory event requiring intervention by a nurse or provider was 9.1%, and reintubation was 0.8%. Birth weight < 1.58 kg (OR 3.71; 95% CI 2.11‐6.53; P < .001) and postmenstrual age at surgery <41 weeks (OR 3.20; 95% CI 1.54‐6.63; P < .001) were strongly associated with an increased risk of a major postoperative respiratory event.

Conclusion

The most important factors associated with major events in the post anesthesia care unit following extubation of neonatal intensive care unit patients were birth weight < 1.58 kg and postmenstrual age at surgery < 41 weeks. A patient with both features has a 7‐fold increase in the odds of a major respiratory event in the post anesthesia care unit. Careful consideration of the postoperative ventilation and monitoring strategy must be given to patients with low birth weight (<1.58 kg) or who are <41 weeks postmenstrual age at the time of surgery.
Differentiation of schizophrenia using structural MRI with consideration of scanner differences: A real‐world multisite study
Authors: Nemoto Kiyotaka , Shimokawa Tetsuya , Fukunaga Masaki , Yamashita Fumio , Tamura Masashi , Yamamori Hidenaga , Yasuda Yuka , Azechi Hirotsugu , Kudo Noriko , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Kido Mikio , Takahashi Tsutomu , Koike Shinsuke , Okada Naohiro , Hirano Yoji , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Yamasue Hidenori , Suzuki Michio , Kasai Kiyoto , Hashimoto Ryota , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: October 2019

Aim

Neuroimaging studies have revealed that patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced gray matter volume in various regions. With these findings, various studies have indicated that structural MRI can be useful for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, multisite studies are limited. Here, we evaluated a simple model that could be used to differentiate schizophrenia from control subjects considering MRI scanner differences employing voxel‐based morphometry.

Methods

Subjects were 541 patients with schizophrenia and 1252 healthy volunteers. Among them, 95 patients and 95 controls (Dataset A) were used for the generation of regions of interest (ROI), and the rest (Dataset B) were used to evaluate our method. The two datasets were comprised of different subjects. Three‐dimensional T1‐weighted MRI scans were taken for all subjects and gray‐matter images were extracted. To differentiate schizophrenia, we generated ROI for schizophrenia from Dataset A. Then, we determined volume within the ROI for each subject from Dataset B. Using the extracted volume data, we calculated a differentiation feature considering age, sex, and intracranial volume for each MRI scanner. Receiver–operator curve analyses were performed to evaluate the differentiation feature.

Results

The area under the curve ranged from 0.74 to 0.84, with accuracy from 69% to 76%. Receiver–operator curve analysis with all samples revealed an area under the curve of 0.76 and an accuracy of 73%.

Conclusion

We moderately successfully differentiated schizophrenia from control using structural MRI from differing scanners from multiple sites. This could be useful for applying neuroimaging techniques to clinical settings for the accurate diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Infection profile in children and adolescents with bone marrow failures treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zaucha‐Prażmo Agnieszka , Zawitkowska Joanna , Lejman Monika , Kowalczyk Jerzy R. , Czyżewski Krzysztof , Dziedzic Magdalena , Pieczonka Anna , Zając‐Spychała Olga , Goździk Jolanta , Frączkiewicz Jowita , Salamonowicz Małgorzata , Gorczyńska Ewa , Kałwak Krzysztof , Wachowiak Jacek , Styczyński Jan
Published: October 2019

Background

The objective of the study was to analyze the profile of infections in children with BMF following alloHCT.

Methods

Data of 169 consecutive children with inherited and acquired BMF treated with alloHCT between 2012 and 2017 in Polish pediatric transplant departments were analyzed in registry‐based retrospective study, with respect to the type of infection, and clinical outcome.

Results

At least 1 infection was diagnosed in 107/169 patients (60.4%). In total, 182 infections were diagnosed. The most common were VI (96; 52.7%), followed by BI (71; 39.0%), and FI (15; 8.2%), P < .001. The most common etiological factors of VI were as follows: CMV (38.5%), EBV (22.9%), and BK virus (24%); while of BI were as follows: Staphylococcus spp. (17; 23.9%), Enterococcus faecium (10; 14.1%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9; 12.7%). No difference was found between the occurrence of infections with respect to donor type, graft source, and conditioning type. GvHD had no impact on the incidence of VI, BI, and FI. Fifteen FI were diagnosed in 12 patients, of which 14 FI were diagnosed in children transplanted for FA. Of total 107 children, 9 died (8.4%), of which 4 (3.7%) due to infections: bacterial sepsis (2) and invasive FI (2).

Conclusion

Infections in children with BMF following alloHCT remain an important cause of morbidity. Children with FA had high incidence of FI. In our analysis, aGvHD had no impact on the occurrence on infections, although the study was not strong enough to prove such a difference.
Persistence of post‐operative color Doppler abnormalities is linked to reduced graft survival in pediatric patients after liver transplantation
Authors: Herrmann Jochen , Tozakidou Magdalini , Busch Jasmin , Herden Uta , Fischer Lutz , Groth Michael , Petersen Kay U. , Helmke Knut
Published: October 2019

Color Doppler US is a readily available imaging modality for the evaluation of liver transplants. The aim of our study was to evaluate the temporal course of color Doppler US findings in children after LTX and to investigate the effect of resolving and persisting abnormalities during follow‐up on long‐term outcome. All children who underwent LTX during January 2000 until December 2003 (155 LTX in 137 patients, 75 male and 62 female; mean age at LTX 4.1 ± 4.8 years; range, 0.1‐16.3 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Following a predefined ultrasound protocol with prospective documentation, intraoperative, post‐operative, and follow‐up examinations were evaluated for color Doppler abnormalities. The time of occurrence and temporal course of the findings were recorded. Graft survival rates and graft survival times were compared. Abnormal color Doppler US examinations were noted in 98 of 155 grafts during the entire observational period (63.2%). In 57 of 98 grafts (58.2%), abnormalities were limited to the perioperative period (<30 days after LTX). Survival of grafts with transient perioperative abnormalities was similar to transplantations with regular color Doppler US examinations (graft survival rates, 80.7% vs 84.2%, P = .622; mean graft survival time, 2596.92 vs 2511.40 days, P = .67). Grafts with persisting color Doppler US abnormalities in the follow‐up period (>30 days after LTX; 37/98 LTX, 37.8%) showed reduced survival compared with regular courses (graft survival rate 62.2% vs 80.7%, P = .047), indicating underlying organ‐specific alterations. Standardized longitudinal evaluation during the perioperative and the follow‐up period can enhance the prognostic capabilities of color Doppler US in children following LTX.
Immune response to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and role of IgT
Authors: Buchmann Kurt
Published: October 2019

The parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis causes white spot disease in freshwater fish worldwide. The theront penetrates external surfaces of the naïve fish where it develops into the feeding trophont stage and elicits a protective immune response both at the affected site as well as at the systemic level. The present work compiles data and presents an overall model of the protective reactions induced. A wide spectrum of inflammatory reactions are established upon invasion but the specific protection is provided by adaptive factors. Immunoglobulin IgT is involved in protection of surfaces in several fish species and is thereby one of the first adaptive immune molecules reacting with the penetrating theront. IgT producing lymphocytes occur in epithelia, dispersed or associated with lymphoid cell aggregations (skin epidermis, fins, gills, nostrils and buccal cavities) but they are also present in central immune organs such as the head kidney, spleen and liver. When theronts invade immunized fish skin, they are encountered by host factors which opsonize the parasite and may result in complement activation, phagocytosis or cell‐mediated killing. However, antibody (IgT, IgM and IgD) binding to parasite cilia has been suggested to alter parasite behaviour and induce an escape reaction, whereby specific IgT (or other classes of immunoglobulin in fish surfaces) takes a central role in protection against the parasite.