bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Younger age and early puberty are associated with cognitive function decline in children with Cushing disease
Authors: Keil Margaret F. , Kang Joo Y. , Liu Aiyi , Wiggs Edythe A. , Merke Deborah , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of hypercortisolism on the developing brain we performed clinical, cognitive, and psychological evaluation of children with Cushing disease (CD) at diagnosis and 1 year after remission.

Study Design

Prospective study of 41 children with CD. Children completed diverse sets of cognitive measures before and 1 year after remission. Neuropsychological evaluation included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, California Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test, the combined subset scores of Wide Range Achievement Test and Woodcock‐Johnson Psychoeducational Battery Test of Achievement, and the Behavioral Assessment System for Children.

Results

Comprehensive cognitive evaluations at baseline and 1 year following cure revealed significant decline mostly in nonverbal skills. Decrements occurred in most of the various indices that measure all aspects of cognitive function and younger age and early pubertal stage largely contributed to most of this decline. Results indicated that age at baseline was associated with positive regression weights for changes in scores for verbal, performance, and full intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and for subtests arithmetic, picture completion, coding, block design, scores; indicating that older age at baseline was associated with less of a deterioration in cognitive scores from pre‐ to posttreatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that chronic glucocorticoid excess and accompanying secondary hormonal imbalances followed by eucortisolemia have detrimental effects on cognitive function in the developing brain; younger age and pubertal stage are risk factors for increased vulnerability, while older adolescents have cognitive vulnerabilities like that of adult patients affected with CD.
Darier and Hailey‐Hailey disease: update 2021
Authors: Rogner Danielle Franziska , Lammer Judith , Zink Alexander , Hamm Henning
Published: October 2021

The autosomal‐dominant genodermatoses Darier disease and Hailey‐Hailey disease present special challenges to dermatologists. Despite their similar pathogenesis featuring impaired adhesion of suprabasal keratinocytes as a result of defective ATPases in epidermal calcium channels, the two diseases differ considerably in clinical presentation and therapeutic options. Darier disease is characterized by reddish brown, keratotic papules in seborrheic and intertriginous areas, which may coalesce into extensive lesions. Individuals affected with Hailey‐Hailey disease primarily develop intertriginous papulovesicles and small blisters, which often evolve into erythematous plaques with erosions and painful fissures. Quality of life is significantly reduced because of complaints (itch, burning sensation, pain), body malodor and chronicity. Therapeutic options remain limited. Antiseptics and intermittent topical corticosteroids are a cornerstone of therapy, and systemic anti‐infective treatment is often required in cases of superinfection. Ablative surgical interventions such as dermabrasion and CO2 laser surgery can lead to long‐term remissions in intertriginous Hailey‐Hailey disease, while temporary relief may also be achieved by intralesional injections of botulinum toxin. Of the systemic medications available for Darier disease, acitretin, which is approved for this purpose, has the best supporting evidence. The efficacy of immunosuppressants and immune modulators is inconsistent. Low‐dose naltrexone produces more satisfactory results in Hailey‐Hailey than Darier disease. The present CME article summarizes current knowledge of the two dermatoses, taking recent developments into account.
Influence of sex on tic severity and psychiatric comorbidity profile in patients with pediatric tic disorder
Authors: Girgis Joseph , Martino Davide , Pringsheim Tamara
Published: October 2021

Aim

To investigate sex‐related differences in tic severity, tic‐related impairments, and psychiatric comorbidities in childhood.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, tic severity/impairment and demographic factors were collected from 270 children and young people (aged 5–17y, mean 10y 6mo, SD 3y 4mo; 212 males and 58 females) with a tic disorder diagnosis at a specialty clinic. Psychiatric diagnoses and corresponding screening questionnaire scores were collected for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. Logistic regression was used to compare the effect of sex and age on psychiatric comorbid diagnoses. The Mann–Whitney U test and t‐tests were used to assess differences in questionnaire score distribution between sexes.

Results

Females had more severe motor tics (12.55 vs 10.81, p=0.01) and higher global severity scores (38.79 vs 32.66, p=0.03) on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Females were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD (odds ratio=0.48, 95% confidence interval=0.26–0.89). No significant sex difference was observed in diagnosis rates or symptom severity scores for anxiety or OCD. Females had significantly higher scores than males on the Children’s Depression Inventory, Second Edition.

Interpretation

The higher level of motor tic severity and global severity in females further supports the differential natural history of tic disorders in females. Females with tic disorders may be underdiagnosed for ADHD.
Subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients recovered from COVID‐19
Authors: Italia Leonardo , Ingallina Giacomo , Napolano Antonio , Boccellino Antonio , Belli Martina , Cannata Francesco , Rolando Marco , Ancona Francesco , Melillo Francesco , Stella Stefano , Ripa Marco , Scarpellini Paolo , Tresoldi Moreno , Ortalda Alessandro , Righetti Beatrice , De Cobelli Francesco , Esposito Antonio , Ciceri Fabio , Castagna Antonella , Rovere Patrizia Querini , Fragasso Gabriele , Agricola Eustachio
Published: October 2021

Background

Myocardial injury (MI) can be detected during the acute phase of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) and is associated with a dismal prognosis. Recent imaging studies described the persistence of cardiac abnormalities after the recovery. The aim of the study was to investigate the spectrum of cardiac abnormalities at mid‐term follow‐up in patients recovered from COVID‐19 using clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging evaluation with comprehensive echocardiography.

Methods

This is an observational, cross‐sectional study assessing an unselected cohort of consecutive patients recovered from COVID‐19. MI was defined by elevated plasma levels of high sensitive troponin T (hsTnT). At the follow‐up, a complete examination including echocardiography was performed.

Results

The 123 patients included were divided into two groups according to the presence of MI during hospitalization: group A (without MI) and group B (with MI). After a median of 85 days, group B patients were more frequently symptomatic for dyspnea and had significantly higher values of hsTnT and N‐Terminal prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT‐proBNP), compared to Group A. No differences between the two groups in left nor right ventricle dimension and ejection fraction were found. However, in group B a significant reduction of mean left ventricle global longitudinal strain was observed (‐15.7±.7 vs ‐18.1± .3 in group A, p < 0.001), together with higher frequency of impaired diastolic function and higher values of pulmonary pressure.

Conclusions

In patients recovered from COVID‐19, echocardiography with speckle‐tracking analysis may be an useful imaging tool to identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction and potentially guide management strategies.
Effect of systolic dysfunction and elevated left ventricular end diastolic pressure on 3‐year clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yu HyeYon , Ahn JiHun
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Systolic and diastolic dysfunctions are related to adverse clinical outcomes in patients with sinus rhythm. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of systolic and diastolic dysfunctions in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

We evaluated the data of 114 consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent measurement of LVEDP at our hospital between March 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014. The patients were divided into two groups according to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): LVEF < 50 (reduced ejection fraction, REF group) and LVEF ≥50 (preserved EF, PEF group). The PEF group was further divided into two subgroups according to the left ventricular end‐diastolic filling pressure (LVEDP): LVEDP > 15 mm Hg and LVEDP ≤ 15 mm Hg subgroups. The 3‐year clinical outcomes were compared between the PEF and REF groups and the LVEDP ≥15 mm Hg and LVEDP < 15 mm Hg groups.

Results

During the 3‐year follow‐up period, the rate of heart failure (HF) hospitalization and incidence of AF with rapid ventricular rhythm (RVR) were higher in the REF group than in the PEF group. Multivariate analysis revealed that REF was the only significant predictor of HF hospitalization (hazard ratio, 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.48–15.02; p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Our mid‐term follow‐up data demonstrated that systolic dysfunction was an important predictor of HF hospitalization in patients with AF. However, elevated LVEDP may not be associated with adverse mid‐term clinical outcomes in patients without systolic dysfunction.
Biotic homogenization increases with human intervention: implications for mangrove wetland restoration
Authors: Zhang Yamian , Zhang Lin , Kang Yiyang , Li Yuanxi , Chen Zilong , Li Rong , Tian Changqing , Wang Wenqing , Wang Mao
Published: October 2021

The large‐scale conversion of natural mangroves to aquaculture reduces species richness and diversity. Large areas of abandoned aquaculture ponds in areas where mangroves formerly predominated in China and southeast Asia represent important potential effective targets for mangrove restoration. Here, we empirically assessed the α‐diversity (species richness) and β‐diversity (variation in community composition) of mangrove, macrobenthos, fish and waterbird in a tropical mangrove bay on Hainan Island, China. We compared sites subjected to different pond‐to‐mangrove restoration programs more than 20 years ago (passive restoration without planting and active restoration with planting) to nearby reference site with natural mangrove forests and mudflats. To better understand how β‐diversity responds to restoration, we also distinguished between β‐diversity turnover and nestedness (richness difference). In general, α‐diversity values for both fish and waterbird communities and β‐diversity values for the mangrove, macrobenthos and waterbird communities were lower at the restoration sites than at the reference site, suggesting that the strong homogenizing effects of anthropogenic habitat alternation were still apparent after more than 20 years since aquaculture ceased. In addition, spatial turnover, not nestedness, dominated total β‐diversity both across the whole study area and at individual sites, suggesting that multiple processes, such as environmental filtering, helped to shape multi‐taxa community structures. Moreover, we found no evidence that planting in the abandoned ponds, in addition to standard hydrological restoration, supported greater species diversity of taxa like macrobenthos and waterbird than the naturally regenerated site after more than 20 years' recovery. Our results underline the importance of avoiding the conversion of natural mangrove stands to aquaculture wherever possible and the urgent need to design effective mangrove restoration techniques in tropical Asia.
Human‐mediated dispersal redefines mangrove biogeography in the Anthropocene
Authors: Chen Guogui , Gu Xuan , Lee Shing Yip , Wang Yuxi , Zhang Yamian , Wang Wenqing , Wang Mao
Published: October 2021

Introduction of species by humans breaks down biogeographic boundaries and results in the homogenization of species composition, yet empirical tests of this impact in marine forest ecosystems are still scarce. Large‐scale planting aimed at reversing losses of mangroves has been the dominant strategy for mangrove restoration adopted by many organizations in the past decades, but there is a lack of quantitative understanding of the impacts of such large‐scale plantings on mangrove biogeography. Here we used data collected before and after large‐scale planting to compare the species richness and compositional similarities among 72 mangrove sites over a biogeographic scale (18–28°N) in China. After the large‐scale planting, 15 of the mangrove species spread toward the higher latitudes, reflecting the geographical barriers of the mangrove plants have been broken. Local species richness of mangrove increased by 44.82% and biogeographic compositional similarity of mangroves increased by 13.33%, reflecting large‐scale introduction and planting increase local diversity of mangrove but enhance biological homogenization. The dispersal limitation of mangrove communities reduced by 11.1%, which indicates that the community assemblage process of mangrove changed obviously. Worryingly, two alien species,Sonneratia apetalaandLaguncularia racemosa, have dispersal across the biogeographic scale studied, reflecting an increase in the risk of biogeographic invasion. It is expected that biological homogeneity and species invasion will further influence the functional biogeography of mangroves. Our results highlight that mangrove biogeography is defined by human activities in the Anthropocene.
Colour biases in learned foraging preferences in Trinidadian guppies
Authors: Toure M. Wyatt , Reader Simon M.
Published: October 2021

Learning allows animals to adaptively adjust their behaviour in response to variable but predictable environments. Stable aspects of the environment may result in evolved or developmental biases in the systems impacting learning, allowing for improved learning performance according to local ecological conditions. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata), like many animals, show striking colour preferences in foraging and mating contexts and guppy artificial selection experiments have found that the form and progress of evolved responses to coloured stimuli differ depending on stimulus colour. Blue colouration is thought to typically be a relatively unimportant food cue in guppies. This raises the possibility that learned foraging associations with blue objects are formed less readily than with other colours. Here, guppies were rewarded for foraging at green or blue objects in two experiments. Guppies readily foraged from these objects, but learning performance differed with rewarded object colour. With equal amounts of training, the preference for green objects became stronger than the preference for blue objects. These differences in performance were not attributable to differences in initial preferences or to foraging more on one colour during training. These findings suggest that associative pairings within a single sensory modality that do not have a historic relevancy can be more difficult for animals to learn even when there is no clear initial bias present.
Context‐sensitive dance–vocal displays affect song patterns and partner responses in a socially monogamous songbird
Authors: Ota Nao , Gahr Manfred
Published: October 2021

Multimodal signaling contributes to efficient communication by improving signal efficacy and increasing signal information. Songbirds often combine dance displays with songs according to the socio‐sexual context; therefore, the song is assumed to function differently depending on dance displays. In this study, we tested how dance displays affect song patterns and the responses of paired partners using male and female blue‐capped cordon‐bleus (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus). Blue‐capped cordon‐bleus are a socially monogamous estrildid finch, and both males and females perform songs and distinct “tap dance”‐like displays. Songs with dance displays were longer and more stereotyped than songs without dance displays in both males and females. Furthermore, both male and female paired partners showed more gestural responses to songs with dance displays than those without dance displays. Songs without dance displays were performed under both isolated and paired conditions, whereas songs with dance displays were only performed when the focal bird was housed with a paired partner. These results suggest that songs had different functions depending on dance displays and social contexts. The multimodal display of blue‐capped cordon‐bleus seems to draw the attention of paired partners to the physical abilities of the performer.
iRhom1 rescues cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis via preventing myelin injury
Authors: Sun Haolu , Yang Hui , Wu Yiwang , Bian Hege , Wang Menglin , Huang Yan , Jin Juan
Published: October 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by myelin sheath injury. A disintegrin and metalloprotease‐17 (ADAM17), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase, is essential in regulating oligodendrocyte (OL) regeneration and remyelination under demyelinating conditions. iRhom1, a highly conserved inactive protease that belongs to the rhomboid family, is one of key regulators for ADAM17 maturation. However, it is unknown whether iRhom1 also plays a role in central neuron system myelination under demyelinating conditions like MS. In this study, we investigated the function of iRhom1/ADAM17 in cognitive capability in MS by establishing the mice with iRhom1 overexpression in the hippocampus.
Foetal tobacco and cannabis exposure, body fat and cardio‐metabolic health in childhood
Authors: Cajachagua‐Torres Kim N. , El Marroun Hanan , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Santos Susana , Jaddoe Vincent W. V.
Published: October 2021

Background

Foetal tobacco and cannabis exposure may have persistent cardio‐metabolic consequences in the offspring.

Objective

We examined the associations of maternal and paternal tobacco and cannabis use during pregnancy with offspring body fat and cardio‐metabolic outcomes.

Methods

In a population‐based prospective cohort study among 4792 mothers, fathers, and children, we assessed parental substance use by questionnaires. Childhood outcomes included body mass index (BMI), body fat, blood pressure, and lipid, glucose and insulin concentrations at 10 years.

Results

Children exposed to maternal tobacco use during pregnancy had a higher android/gynoid fat mass ratio (difference 0.22 SDS, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13, 0.30), fat mass index (difference 0.20 SDS, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.28), triglyceride concentrations (difference 0.15 SDS, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.26), and a higher risk of overweight (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.71), compared to non‐exposed. Children exposed to maternal cannabis during pregnancy had a higher BMI (difference 0.26 SDS, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.44), android/gynoid fat mass ratio (difference 0.21 SDS, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.39), and fat‐free mass index (difference 0.24 SDS, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.41), compared to non‐exposed. The associations for paternal substance use with child cardio‐metabolic health outcomes were similar as those for maternal use.

Conclusions

Similar associations for maternal and paternal substance use during pregnancy suggest that these findings may be explained by shared family‐based social and lifestyle factors, rather than by direct foetal programming.
The variation of relative water content, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, stomatal conductance, leaf area, and specific leaf area of Jerusalem artichoke genotypes under different durations of terminal drought in tropical region
Authors: Chaimala Aunchana , Jogloy Sanun , Vorasoot Nimitr , C. Holbrook Corley , Kvien Craig K. , Laohasiriwong Suwit
Published: October 2021

This work assessed the responses of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) genotypes experienced to different durations of terminal drought for relative water content (RWC), SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA), investigated the significant contributor of physiological traits to yield and yield reduction and diversity of physiological traits in terminal drought tolerance genotypes. Field research was conducted during the late‐rainy season for 2 years using a split‐plot design with four replications. The three irrigation treatments involved no‐drought (SD0), short (SD1) and long (SD2) durations of terminal drought were arranged as main plots, and sub‐plots were six genotypes of JA. The current study revealed that RWC, SC, LA, and SLA, were drastically reduced whilst SCMR values slightly increased under SD1 and SD2 compared to SD0. According to multiple linear regression indicated that SLA (SD0), and RWC (SD1 and SD2) had high contributions to tuber fresh weight (TFW), whereas SC had a high contribution to TFW reduction under terminal drought. Principal component analysis also confirmed that the diversity of LA, RWC, and SLA had maximized contributing traits, followed by HI, SCMR and SC in these breeding materials of JA under three irrigation treatments. Our finding emphasized that JA125 (low SLA), HEL256 and JA37 (high SLA) lead to the high performance of TFW under SD0, and they exhibited high TFW under SD1 by performing medium RWC. Likewise, JA4 and JA37 had high TFW under SD2 caused by medium RWC. HEL253 and JA60 were identified as terminal drought‐tolerant genotypes because of performed medium SC, which contributed to a low reduction in TFW. Our promising results are the basis for further studies, SLA, RWC and SC are an important keys for screening drought tolerance (low economic yield reduction) and these genotypes studied could be used for parental lines to improved drought tolerance progenies through breeding programs under different durations of terminal drought‐prone areas.
Soybean base saturation stress: Selecting populations for multiple traits using multivariate statistics
Authors: Pantaleão Ariane de Andrea , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Martínez Leandris Argentel , Aguilera Jorge Gonzáles , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , Baio Fábio Henrique Rojo , Silva Júnior Carlos Antonio da , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: October 2021

One of the main objectives of soybean breeding programs is the search for genotypes that are both high yielding and tolerant to abiotic stresses. Brazilian Cerrado, the main grain‐producing region in the country, is characterised by naturally acidic and low fertility soils that consequently have low base saturation. Therefore, identifying genotypes with good performance for favourable and low base saturation stress conditions is of fundamental importance for crop improvement. The objective of this study was to select F3 soybean populations for multiple traits under contrasting base saturation conditions. Field experiments were carried out in two crop seasons in randomised block design with three replicates and 10 F3 populations (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9 and P10). In the first experiment, F3 populations were evaluated without base saturation correction (V = 30%, low saturation), while in the second experiment, limestone was applied 3 months before the start to raise the base saturation to 60% (recommended saturation). We evaluated physiological, nutritional, agronomic and spectral variables. Multivariate analysis was performed to know the populations’ performance and the interrelationship between variables and populations in the saturation conditions evaluated. The F3 populations showed differential performance for all traits across the conditions tested, enabling the identification of the best populations for each specific condition and both base saturation environments. Population P2 stood out under both low and recommended base saturation conditions and can be used in F4 plant selection to obtain superior lines for physiological and agronomic traits and vegetation indices.
The effects of different antihypertensive drugs on pain and joint space width of knee osteoarthritis – A comparative study with data from Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Li Mingyang , Zeng Yi , Nie Yong , Wu Yuangang , Liu Yuan , Wu Limin , Xu Jiawen , Shen Bin
Published: October 2021

Hypertension was one common comorbidity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but the effect of different types of antihypertensive drugs on pain and joint space width (JSW) was unclear and not compared. Four hundred ninety KOA patients using one of the beta‐blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), or thiazide diuretics were followed for four years. The blood pressure, cumulative knee replacement rate, Womac pain, and JSW were compared among groups. All data were from the Osteoarthritis Initiative project. The CCBs group has the highest systolic blood pressure, replacement rate, and pain score at most visit timepoints. At baseline, the CCBs group was with significantly higher pain score than the beta‐blockers group (3.3 vs 1.3, p < .05), the angiotensin receptor blockers group (3.3 vs 1.4, p < .05), and the thiazide diuretics group (3.3 vs 1.6, p < .05) in male; the CCBs group was with significantly higher pain score than the beta‐blockers group (3.8 vs 2.0, p < .01), and the angiotensin receptor blockers group (3.8 vs 2.2, p < .05) in female. The results of females at 36 months were similar to the baseline. Among the common antihypertensive drugs, CCBs were associated with high replacement rates, high pain scores, and less JSW in KOA patients.
Comparing blood culture contamination rates by different sampling methods in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Megged Orli , Dorembus Sara , Ben‐Shalom Efrat , Heiman Eyal
Published: October 2021

Aim

Blood culture contamination (BCC) can cause unnecessary hospitalisations and inappropriate use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to find risk factors associated with BCCs in children and to compare contamination rates between open and closed blood culture collection systems.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected regarding blood cultures obtained in the paediatric emergency department from February 26, 2020, to September 30, 2020, based on the method of drawing blood reported by the obtaining physician. A comparison between contaminated and non‐contaminated blood cultures was performed. We also compared the composition of the contaminations in the study period to the same period in 2019.

Results

A total of 512 blood cultures were included, 33 (6.4%) of which were contaminated. The only parameter that was associated with an increased rate of contamination by 2.34 fold (95% CI 1.1–4.99, P = 0.028) was obtaining blood through an ‘open’ system, using a syringe connected to a needle in order to draw blood from an open ended needle. The proportion of contaminations originating from oral flora decreased in the study period by 44.7% as compared to the same period in the previous year (13% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.056).

Conclusions

‘Open system’ method, which is commonly used in paediatric emergency departments for blood culture obtainment, was associated with an increase in BCC. Adherence to blood cultures obtainment guidelines, even at the price of two different blood tests, is important in order to reduce BCC rates in children.
Canine cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumours: a narrative review
Authors: Bellamy E. , Berlato D.
Published: October 2021

Cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumours are common neoplasms in the dog. While the majority can be treated with adequate local therapy alone, a subset demonstrates a biologically aggressive behaviour associated with local recurrence or metastasis. This article reviews the diagnosis and tumour staging of canine mast cell tumours alongside treatment options and the evidence supporting their use. In addition, prognostic markers are evaluated to highlight how one can recognise mast cell tumours that may behave in a biologically aggressive manner as well as the challenges of tumours that are large, infiltrative or in locations not amenable to wide surgical excision.
A revised trapped melt model for iron meteorites applied to the IIIAB group
Authors: Chabot Nancy L. , Zhang Bidong
Published: October 2021

As the largest magmatic iron meteorite group, the IIIAB group is often used to investigate the process of core crystallization in asteroid‐sized bodies. However, previous IIIAB crystallization models have not succeeded in both explaining the scatter among IIIAB irons around the main crystallization trends and using elemental partitioning behavior consistent with experimental determinations. This study outlines a revised approach for modeling the crystallization of irons that uses experimentally determined partition coefficients and can reproduce the IIIAB trends and their associated scatter for 12 siderophile elements simultaneously. A key advancement of this revised trapped melt model is the inclusion of an effect on the resulting solid metal composition due to the formation of troilite. The revised trapped melt model supports the previous conclusion that trapped melt played an important role in the genesis of IIIAB irons and matches the trace element fractionation trends observed in the Cape York suite as due to different amounts of trapped melt. Applying the revised trapped melt model to 16 elements as well as S and Fe, the bulk composition of the IIIAB core is found to have a composition consistent with that expected from a chondritic precursor for refractory siderophile elements but with evidence for depletions of more volatile elements. The bulk S composition of the IIIAB core is estimated as 9 ± 1 wt%, implying that a substantial amount of S‐rich material from the IIIAB core is underrepresented in our meteorite collections. Future applications of the revised trapped melt model to other magmatic iron meteorite groups can enable comparisons between the core compositions and crystallization processes across the early solar system.
Agricultural intensification alters marbled newt genetic diversity and gene flow through density and dispersal reduction
Authors: Gauffre Bertrand , Boissinot Alexandre , Quiquempois Vincent , Leblois Raphael , Grillet Pierre , Morin Sophie , Picard Damien , Ribout Cécile , Lourdais Olivier
Published: October 2021

Recent agricultural intensification threatens global biodiversity with amphibians being one of the most impacted groups. Because of their biphasic life cycle, amphibians are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation that often result in small, isolated populations and loss of genetic diversity. Here, we studied how landscape heterogeneity affects genetic diversity, gene flow and demographic parameters in the marbled newt,Triturus marmoratus, over a hedgerow network landscape in Western France. While the northern part of the study area consists of preserved hedged farmland, the southern part was more profoundly converted for intensive arable crops production after WWII. Based on 67 sampled ponds and 10 microsatellite loci, we characterized regional population genetic structure and evaluated the correlation between landscape variables and (i) local genetic diversity using mixed models and (ii) genetic distance using multiple regression methods and commonality analysis. We identified a single genetic population characterized by a spatially heterogeneous isolation‐by‐distance pattern. Pond density in the surrounding landscape positively affected local genetic diversity while arable crop land cover negatively affected gene flow and connectivity. We used demographic inferences to quantitatively assess differences in effective population density and dispersal between the contrasted landscapes characterizing the northern and southern parts of the study area. Altogether, results suggest recent land conversion affectedT.marmoratusthrough reduction in both effective population density and dispersal due to habitat loss and reduced connectivity.
Seasonal migration patterns and the maintenance of evolutionary diversity in a cryptic bird radiation
Authors: Tang Qindong , Burri Reto , Liu Yang , Suh Alexander , Sundev Gombobaatar , Heckel Gerald , Schweizer Manuel
Published: October 2021

Morphological differentiation associated with evolutionary diversification is often explained with adaptive benefits but the processes and mechanisms maintaining cryptic diversity are still poorly understood. Using genome‐wide data, we show here that the pale sand martinRiparia dilutain Central and East Asia consists of three genetically deeply differentiated lineages which vary only gradually in morphology but broadly reflect traditional taxonomy. We detected no signs of gene flow along the eastern edge of the Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau between lowland south‐eastern ChineseR. d. fohkienensisand high‐altitudeR. d. tibetana. Largely different breeding and migration timing between these low and high altitude populations as indicated by phenology data suggests that allochrony might act as prezygotic isolation mechanism in the area where their ranges abut. Mongolian populations ofR. d. tibetana, however, displayed signs of limited mixed ancestries with Central AsianR. d. diluta. Their ranges meet in the area of a well‐known avian migratory divide, where western lineages take a western migration route around the Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau to winter quarters in South Asia, and eastern lineages take an eastern route to Southeast Asia. This might also be the case between westernR. d. dilutaand easternR. d. tibetanaas indicated by differing wintering grounds. We hypothesize that hybrids might have nonoptimal intermediate migration routes and selection against them might restrict gene flow. Although further potential isolation mechanisms might exist in the pale sand martin, our study points towards contrasting migration behaviour as an important factor in maintaining evolutionary diversity under morphological stasis.
A computational framework for selecting the optimal combination of seismic retrofit and insurance coverage
Authors: Gentile Roberto , Pampanin Stefano , Galasso Carmine
Published: October 2021

Economic earthquake losses can be mitigated through either building retrofit strategies and/or, to some extent, risk‐transfer to the (re)insurance market. This paper proposes a computational framework to select the optimal combination of seismic retrofit and insurance policy parameters for buildings. First, a designer selects a suitable retrofit strategy. This is implemented incrementally to define interventions with increasing retrofit performance levels. The cost of each intervention is calculated, along with the cost of property rental while the retrofit is implemented. Alternative insurance options are considered. For each retrofit‐insurance combination, the insured and uninsured economic losses within a given time horizon are estimated. The optimal retrofit and insurance combination minimizes the tail value at risk of the life cycle cost. The selected confidence level for this metric depends on the homeowner's risk aversion. The proposed framework is illustrated for a case‐study archetype Italian reinforced concrete frame building retrofitted with concrete jacketing, also considering the Italian retrofit tax incentives/rebates called “Sismabonus.”
Health equity knowledge development: A conversation with Black nurse researchers
Authors: Cooke Cheryl L. , Boutain Doris M. , Banks JoAnne , Oakley Linda D.
Published: October 2021

Can the institutional systems that prepare Black nurse researchers question the ways their systemic pathways have impacted health equity knowledge development in nursing? We invite our readers to keep this question in mind and engage with our conversation as Black nurse researchers, scholars, educators, and clinicians. The purpose of our conversation, and this article, is to explore the transactional impact of knowledge development pathways and Black faculty retention pathways on the state of health equity knowledge in nursing today. Over a series of conversations, we discuss the research exploitation of communities of color, deficit research funding, knowledge capitalization, the marginalization of diversity as a continuous process, a lack of sociocultural authority, and our thoughts on solutions. We conclude by using the wisdom of a generation to answer our initial question.
Modified Hidden Blood Loss Based on Drainage in Posterior Surgery on Lumbar Stenosis Syndrome with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xu Shuai , Meng Fan‐qi , Guo Chen , Liang Yan , Zhu Zhen‐qi , Liu Hai‐ying
Published: October 2021

Objective

Publications on hidden blood loss (HBL) after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for lumbar spine stenosis syndrome (LSS) have been reported, but the modified HBL (mHBL) was different from HBL obtained by classical formula and there are few studies on lumbar spine hemorrhage with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the aim of our study is to respectively evaluate the importance of hidden blood loss (HBL) and modified HBL (mHBL) after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients diagnosed with LSS and RA, to explore the correlation between RA activity and HBL as well as mHBL.

Methods

A total of 61 patients (nine males and 52 females) diagnosed with LSS and RA who underwent PLIF were included. Data contained demographics, RA‐related parameters such as duration of RA, Steinbrocker classification (used to evaluated RA activity), the disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), osteoporosis and total knee arthroplasty; operation and hemorrhage parameters. Then HBL and mHBL were calculated by Gross formula and modified formula, respectively. Subgroup analysis on HBL and mHBL was performed based on gender, age (≤60 years and ˃60 years), different number of surgical segments (single segment, double segment, and ≥3 segments), and taking DMARDs or not. ANOVA analysis was performed on HBL and mHBL in different surgery segment number and Steinbrocker classification of RA. Independent sample t‐test was used in comparison of gender and age, as well as in comparison between HBL and mHBL based on whether the patient took DMARDs or not. Furthermore, paired t‐test was used to compare the volume between HBL and mHBL.

Results

The mean age and duration of RA was 65.2 ± 9.3 years and 14.3 ± 10.7 years, respectively. There were 13 grade I cases, 34 grade II cases, and 14 grade III cases as assessed by Steinbrocker classification and the most common anti‐RA drugs were DMARDs (57.4%). The mean intraoperative bleeding, drainage, and blood loss in drainage (DBL) was 453.3 ± 377.8 mL, 489.1 ± 253.8 mL, and 304.6 ± 156.3 mL, respectively. There was no difference on HBL and mHBL in gender. HBL and mHBL was larger in patients over 60 years (P = 0.040 and P = 0.023). There were differences in intraoperative blood loss, drainage, and DBL based on different number of segments but not in HBL and mHBL, or on Steinbrocker classification. DBL was lower in DMARDs group than non‐drugged group (P = 0.03), while HBL and mHBL were both of no significance. The comparison of HBL and mHBL showed statistical difference (P < 0.001), suggesting that mHBL volume is larger than HBL.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed as LSS with RA have amounts of HBL or mHBL after PLIF. HBL or mHBL is not associated with RA activity, which may not increase in RA patients compared with common ones. Taking DMARDs may reduce postoperative DBL. The fact that mHBL is larger than HBL provides an all‐round basis for measuring factual HBL.
Identification and characterization of zero population growth (zpg) gene in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Cai Li‐Jun , Li Tian‐Pu , Lin Xi‐Jian , Huang Yu‐Ping , Qin Jiang‐Mei , Xu Wei , You Min‐Sheng
Published: October 2021

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, is one of the most destructive insect pests on cruciferous plants, which causes huge economic losses annually across the world. Due to its resistance to all classes of insecticides, new effective management approaches are urgently needed. The innexin genes encode gap junction proteins in invertebrates, which play critical roles in cell‐to‐cell interactions for electrical currents, small molecules and ions. Zero population growth (zpg), one germline‐specific innexin protein, is required for survival of differentiating early germ cells during gametogenesis in many insect species. In this study, nine innexin genes were identified from the P. xylostella genome, and named as Pxylinx1.1, Pxylinx1.2, Pxylinx2, Pxylinx3, Pxylinx4, Pxylinx7.1, Pxylinx7.2, PxylshakB.1 and PxylshakB.2. The expression profiles of P. xylostella innexin genes in different developmental stages and tissues were examined, revealing Pxylinx4 was specifically expressed in eggs and female ovaries, which is the candidate zpg gene in P. xylostella. RNA interference (RNAi) was utilized to investigate the functions of Pxylinx4 in egg‐laying and egg‐hatching. The results showed that RNAi treatment on Pxylinx4 in female P. xylostella, lead to the decrease of the egg‐laying but not the egg‐hatching. This study improves our understanding of P. xylostella innexin genes and provides a candidate molecular target (Pxylinx4) for developing new approaches to control this economically important pest.
Acute effects of oral delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on autonomic cardiac activity and their relation to subjective and anxiogenic effects
Authors: Pabon Elisa , Rockwood Frederica , Norman Greg J. , de Wit Harriet
Published: October 2021

Cannabis is the most commonly used psychotropic drug in the United States, after alcohol. Despite its apparent sedative and calming effects, cannabis and its main psychoactive constituent, ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can produce serious adverse effects including tachycardia and anxiety. These effects can be especially pronounced in women, who remain underrepresented in clinical cannabinoid research. The present study is one of the first to characterize the effects of single doses of oral THC on autonomic nervous system function in healthy adult women. Occasional female cannabis users participated in three laboratory sessions in which they received oral THC (7.5 and 15 mg) and placebo. Autonomic measures included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pre‐ejection period (PEP) a measure of cardiac sympathetic functioning, and high frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) a measure of parasympathetic cardiac control. Autonomic responses were examined in relation to subjective drug effects. THC dose‐dependently increased HR, decreased HF‐HRV, and increased ratings of feeling a drug effect, cannabis‐like intoxication, and anxiety. Although the drug did not significantly affect BP or PEP, HR was negatively related to both PEP and HF‐HRV. HF‐HRV, the measure of parasympathetic activity, was significantly negatively related to subjective measures of cannabis intoxication (but not anxiety) at the 15 mg dose only. PEP was not significantly related to any subjective measure. These results extend our knowledge of the autonomic effects of THC in relation to subjective drug experience. This and future studies will help us to understand risk factors related to cannabis use.
Nonlinear mirror image method for nonlinear Schrödinger equation: Absorption/emission of one soliton by a boundary
Authors: Caudrelier Vincent , Crampé Nicolas , Dibaya Carlos Mbala
Published: October 2021

We perform the analysis of the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the half‐line with time‐dependent boundary conditions along the lines of the nonlinear method of images with the help of Bäcklund transformations . The difficulty arising from having such time‐dependent boundary conditions at is overcome by changing the viewpoint of the method and fixing the Bäcklund transformation at infinity as well as relating its value at to a time‐dependent reflection matrix. The interplay between the various aspects of integrable boundary conditions is reviewed in detail to brush a picture of the area. We find two possible classes of solutions. One is very similar to the case of Robin boundary conditions whereby solitons are reflected at the boundary, as a result of an effective interaction with their images on the other half‐line . The new regime of solutions supports the existence of one soliton that is not reflected at the boundary but can be either absorbed or emitted by it. We demonstrate that this is a unique feature of time‐dependent integrable boundary conditions.
Long‐term effects of face masks on skin characteristics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Park Sae‐Ra , Han Jiyeon , Yeon Yeong Min , Kang Na Young , Kim Eunjoo , SUH Byung‐Fhy
Published: October 2021

Background

Nowadays, face masks are a crucial part of our daily life. Previous studies on their impact on the skin usually focused on the adverse effects of face masks. Few studies have assessed their influence on skin characteristics. In a previous study, we identified the short‐term effects of wearing face masks. Herein, we describe the long‐term skin effects of face masks, for a period of 6 months.

Materials and methods

Healthy volunteers (19 men and women), who wore face masks, participated in the study from June 2020 to December 2020. In all participants, skin characteristics such as trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, skin elasticity, skin pore area, skin keratin amount, skin temperature, skin redness, skin temperature, skin redness, and skin color were measured three times.

Results

TEWL, skin hydration, skin elasticity, skin pore area, skin keratin amount, and skin color changed significantly after 6 months. TEWL, skin hydration, skin pore area, skin keratin amount, and skin color were significantly different between the mask‐wearing and non‐mask‐wearing areas.

Conclusion

Long‐term daily use of face masks can alter skin characteristics. Special care should be focused on the mask‐wearing regions.
Self‐encountering exercises in theology classroom
Authors: Kang Hanna
Published: October 2021

This essay addresses the importance of in‐class exercises that intentionally lead students into moments of self‐encounter, and demonstrates how theology classes can incorporate such exercises. It does so by outlining three specific examples from three different class settings. These exercises facilitate students getting to know themselves deeply as subjects who develop their own authentic theological reflections. While not disregarding the importance of honing students' learning abilities and academic competence, these exercises nevertheless reflect an integrated approach to theological education, one that engages with students as complex human beings who bring not only their brains to the classroom, but their emotions, wounds, and life experiences.