bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyanobacterial bloom associated with a complete turnover of a Daphnia population in a warm‐temperate eutrophic lake in Eastern China
Authors: Ma Xiaolin , Deng Zhixiong , Blair David , Bi Yonghong , Hu Wei , Yin Mingbo
Published: December 2021

The effect of cyanobacterial blooms on aquatic ecosystems has received wide attention, yet little is known about their impacts on zooplankton genetic structure.

For 26 months (April 2012–May 2014), we monitored zooplankton in a warm‐temperate ice‐free lake in Eastern China, with an emphasis on seasonal population dynamics of the cladoceran, Daphnia galeata. There was a seasonal succession in the zooplanktonic community (composed of Cladocera, Copepoda, and Rotifera).

Genetic analysis (based on 14 microsatellite loci) of the 21 monthly samples in which D. galeata was present demonstrated that several clones could successfully overwinter and/or persist for many months. However, all clones, including these long‐lived clones, were completely replaced by new ones after October 2013, probably due to cyanobacteria blooms in that summer. A high clonal richness coupled with high turnover rate was observed in the D. galeata population overall, suggesting frequent sexual reproduction.

Daphnia galeata experimentally fed with a diet of Microcystis aeruginosa (the most abundant toxic cyanobacterial species in the lake) had a substantially reduced survivorship, consistent with the field observations.

Our findings highlight the changes of zooplanktonic population dynamics in terms of both community and clonal structure in a warm‐temperate ice‐free lake, and call for further investigation on ecological responses of zooplankton to cyanobacterial blooms.
Two birds with one stone: A combined environmental and economic performance assessment of rapeseed‐based biodiesel production
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Liu Yang , Bezama Alberto , Thrän Daniela
Published: December 2021

Rapeseed is the dominant feedstock for biodiesel production in Germany; however, significant decline in crop yields observed during the 2018 drought in Europe poses economic and environmental risks for its sustained use as a fuel crop. Many Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies were conducted to quantify the potential environmental impacts of biodiesel production; however, only a few studies have considered the spatial and temporal heterogeneities of the studied regions. Furthermore, previous studies have usually only focused on the greenhouse gas (GHG) savings of biodiesel and have ignored the environmental burden and economic profits of biodiesel production. For the first time, we combined the Regional Environmental LCA model with an economic analysis to evaluate both the environmental impact and the economic benefits of biodiesel production in Central Germany (CG). Our results showed that emissions from rapeseed cultivation were the largest contributor to both global and regional environmental impact categories. In our study region, we found that GHG emissions were around 56%–71% lower for rapeseed‐based biodiesel than for fossil fuels. Due to the drought in 2018, we also observed that the regional rapeseed supply could not meet the demand of biodiesel production in CG. An economic analysis of biodiesel production found significant economies of scale effect in the biodiesel industry. In addition, none of the studied biodiesel plants were able to operate at their designed installed capacities without causing indirect land‐use change. Furthermore, the profitability of biodiesel production was closely related to the feedstock cultivation cost. Based on these findings, we concluded that a regionalized LCA model would be able to more accurately evaluate the environmental influence of biodiesel production by taking site‐specific conditions into consideration. We also suggest that potential biodiesel plant operators take the regional biodiesel production density and feedstock cultivation conditions into account when deciding on plant size.
How might diabetes organisations address diabetes‐related stigma? Findings from a deliberative democratic case study
Authors: Pillen Heath , Ward Paul R.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study sought to identify how diabetes organisations conceptualize the problem of diabetes‐related stigma and how this shapes the selection of stigma‐reduction interventions.

Methods

A qualitative deliberative democratic methodology was used to access an informed dialogue about what should be done by diabetes organisations to address diabetes‐related stigma, drawing from the perspectives of board members, healthcare services staff, and communications and marketing staff from a single state‐wide diabetes organisation in Australia (n = 25).

Results

Participants navigated the stigma concept along two axes: one that drew attention to either disease attributes or personal moral attributes as the object of stigmatisation, and one that positioned stigma as an individual or structural problem. This shaped the selection of stigma‐reduction interventions, which included interventions to: (i) reduce the prevalence of stigmatized attributes, (ii) correct misunderstandings about diabetes, (iii) modify representations of persons with diabetes, (iii) enhance coping amongst persons with diabetes and (iv) make healthcare more person‐centred and democratic.

Conclusion

This study identified several grievances with ‘diabetes‐related stigma’, which are grievances that can be conceptualized and addressed at both individual and structural levels, and involve correcting misinformation about diabetes or challenging and communicating alternative representations of persons living with diabetes.

Patient or Public Contribution

The organisation's management and board were consulted throughout all stages of research development, analysis and reporting. The information and vignettes presented to participants drew from illness narratives obtained from earlier research involving adults with type 2 diabetes. Research participants included adults with various diabetes types.
Health‐related quality of life and chronic wound characteristics among patients with chronic wounds treated in primary care: A cross‐sectional study in Singapore
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Olsson Maja Magdalena , Bajpai Ram , Järbrink Krister , Tang Wern Ee , Car Josip
Published: December 2021

Chronic wounds commonly decrease patients' quality of life. Understanding how chronic wounds impact a patient's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is important for healthcare service delivery and treatment management. This study explored HRQoL among patients suffering from chronic wounds and investigated associations with patients' socio‐demographics and wound characteristics. Two hundred and thirty‐three patients across six primary care clinics were assessed and responded to a survey that collected information on socio‐demographic, wound characteristics, and HRQoL using the EQ‐5D‐5L instrument. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and generalised linear models. The mean age of patients was 61.2 (SD: 14.6) years; 68.2% were males; and 61.8% were of Chinese origin. Arterial ulcers had the greatest negative impact on HRQoL related to mobility, self‐care, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression, and the lowest VAS mean score 62.31 (SD: 28.3; range: 0‐100) indicating the worst health. HRQoL related to mobility was significantly associated with age (β = 0.008, P < .001), non‐Chinese ethnicity (β = 0.25, P = .001), mixed ulcers (β = −0.41, P = .022), atypical hard‐to‐heal wounds (β = −0.38, P = .021), wounds with low (β = 0.24, P = .044) to moderate (β = 0.29, P = .018) exudate level, and a wound duration ≥6 months (β = 0.19, P = .033). The findings can be used to improve healthcare delivery for patients with chronic wound to optimise their HRQoL.
Mutations associated with Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance in the Ecuadorian population
Authors: Zurita Jeannete , Sevillano Gabriela , Paz y Miño Ariane , Zurita-Salinas Camilo , Peñaherrera Vicente , Echeverría Manuel ,   Helicobacter pylori Research Group, Navarrete Hugo , Silva Casares María Ángeles , Orellana Narvaez Ivonne , Yépez Juan Esteban , Zaldumbide Serrano Francisco , Oviedo Valdiviezo César
Published: December 2021

Aims

We described the presence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) and estimated the prevalence of primary and secondary resistance using molecular detection in gastric biopsies of Ecuadorian patients.

Methods and Results

66.7% (238/357) of the patients demonstrated the presence of HP using CerTest qPCR. Of these, 69.79% (104/149) were without previous HP eradication treatment and 64.42% (134/208) with prior HP eradication treatment. The mutation-associated resistance rate for clarithromycin was 33.64% (primary resistance) and 32.82% (secondary resistance), whereas that in levofloxacin the primary and secondary resistance was 37.38% and 42%, respectively. For tetracycline and rifabutin, primary and secondary resistance was 0%. Primary and secondary resistance for metronidazole and amoxicillin could not be evaluated by genotypic methods (PCR and sequencing).

Conclusions

The analysis of mutations in gyrA, 23S rRNA and 16S rRNA is useful to detect bacterial resistance as a guide for eradication therapy following failure of the first-line regimen.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study carried out in an Ecuadorian population indicates that the resistance of HP to first-line antibiotics is high, which may contribute to the high rates of treatment failure, and other treatment alternatives should be considered.
Bayesian network meta‐analysis comparing cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and antiarrhythmic drugs as initial therapies for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Elsayed Mahmoud , Abdelfattah Omar M. , Sayed Ahmed , Prasad Rohan Madhu , Barakat Amr F. , Elgendy Islam Y. , Andrade Jason , Jared Bunch Thomas , Thosani Amit , Saliba Walid I. , Wazni Oussama M. , Hussein Ayman A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation are first line treatments of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), however, there exists a paucity of data regarding the potential benefit of different catheter ablation technologies versus AADs as an early rhythm strategy.

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of cryoablation versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus AADs as a first line therapy of PAF.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and CENTRAL were searched to retrieve randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing cryoablation, RFA or AADs to one another as first line therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF). The primary outcome was overall freedom from arrhythmia recurrence (AF, atrial flutter [AFL], atrial tachycardia). Secondary outcomes included freedom from symptomatic arrhythmia recurrence, hospitalization, and serious adverse events. A random‐effects Bayesian network meta‐analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrI).

Results

Six RCTs (N = 1212) met the inclusion criteria (605 AADs, 365 Cryoablation, and 245 RFA). Compared with AADs, overall recurrence was reduced with RFA (OR: 0.31; 95% CrI: 0.10–0.71) and cryoablation (OR: 0.39; 95% CrI: 0.16–1.00). Comparing ablation (cryoablation and RFA) with AADs in respect to freedom from symptomatic AF recurrence, neither cryoablation (OR: 0.35; 95% CrI: 0.06–1.96) nor RFA (OR: 0.34; 95% CrI: 0.07–1.27) resulted in statistically significant reductions individually compared to AADs, though pooled ablation with both technologies showed lower odds of arrhythmia recurrence (OR: 0.35; 95% CrI: 0.13–0.79). In terms of serious adverse events rates, neither cryoablation (OR: 0.77; 95% CrI: 0.44–1.39) nor RFA (OR: 1.45; 95% CrI: 0.67–3.23) were significantly different to AADs. RFA resulted in a statistically significant reduction in hospitalizations compared to AAD (OR: 0.08; 95% CrI: 0.01–0.99), whereas cryoablation did not (OR: 0.77; 95% CrI: 0.44–1.39). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve showed RFA to be the most effective treatment at reducing overall rates of recurrence, symptomatic recurrence and hospitalizations; whereas cryoablation was most likely to reduce serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Cryoablation and RFA are both effective and safe first line therapies for AF compared to AADs, with RFA being the most effective at reducing recurrences.
Relationship between luminal esophageal temperature and volume of esophageal injury during RF ablation: In silico study comparing low power‐moderate duration vs. high power‐short duration
Authors: Pérez Juan J. , González‐Suárez Ana , Maher Timothy , Nakagawa Hiroshi , d'Avila Andre , Berjano Enrique
Published: December 2021

Objective

To model the evolution of peak temperature and volume of damaged esophagus during and after radiofrequency (RF) ablation using low power‐moderate duration (LPMD) versus high power‐short duration (HPSD) or very high power‐very short duration (VHPVSD) settings.

Methods

An in silico simulation model of RF ablation accounting for left atrial wall thickness, nearby organs and tissues, as well as catheter contact force. The model used the Arrhenius equation to derive a thermal damage model and estimate the volume of esophageal damage over time during and after RF application under conditions of LPMD (30 W, 20 s), HPSD (50 W, 6 s), and VHPVSD (90 W, 4 s).

Results

There was a close correlation between maximum peak temperature after RF application and volume of esophageal damage, with highest correlation (R2 = 0.97) and highest volume of esophageal injury in the LPMD group. A greater increase in peak temperature and greater relative increase in esophageal injury volume in the HPSD (240%) and VHPSD (270%) simulations occurred after RF termination. Increased endocardial to esophageal thickness was associated with a longer time to maximum peak temperature (R2 > 0.92), especially in the HPSD/VHPVSD simulations, and no esophageal injury was seen when the distances were >4.5 mm for LPMD or >3.5 mm for HPSD.

Conclusion

LPMD is associated with a larger total volume of esophageal damage due to the greater total RF energy delivery. HPSD and VHPVSD shows significant thermal latency (resulting from conductive tissue heating after RF termination), suggesting a requirement for fewer esophageal temperature cutoffs during ablation.
Aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a hydroxyurea‐ and ruxolitinib‐pretreated patient with polycythaemia vera
Authors: Gambichler T. , Stockfleth E. , Susok L.
Published: December 2021

Hydroxyurea and ruxolitinib are frequently used to treat myeloproliferative disorders, including polycythaemia vera, and chronic treatment is associated with many cutaneous adverse effects such as the development of aggressive non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We report an 85‐year‐old man with a history of hydroxyurea‐ and ruxolitinib‐treated polycythaemia vera who was referred for the management of progressively growing tumours on his scalp. Histopathology of the largest scalp lesion revealed a partly desmoplastic cutaneous squamous carcinoma with perineural invasion. Initial imaging revealed metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes, bones and lungs. The scalp lesions were successfully treated with bleomycin‐based electrochemotherapy. Under initial systemic therapy using four cycles of cetuximab, metastatic disease progressed. Following the approval by the health insurance, compassionate use of pembrolizumab monotherapy was initiated. After three cycles of pembrolizumab, however, metastatic disease further progressed and the patient finally died from global respiratory insufficiency. The present case exemplifies the cutaneous adverse effects of long‐term hydroxyurea and ruxolitinib therapy, frequently resulting in highly aggressive NMSCs that are usually not responsive to systemic treatments even such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Evaluating the strength of western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies fed pollen substitutes over winter
Authors: Noordyke Emily R. , van Santen Edzard , Ellis James D.
Published: December 2021

Western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) need good nutrition to combat multiple stressors. Beekeepers often feed artificial protein diets (i.e. pollen substitutes) when their colonies lack natural pollen resources. However, it is unclear whether pollen substitutes improve honey bee colony strength and health during pollen dearths and when no pollen stores are available, as can occur during late fall and winter. We fed 56 managed honey bee colonies one of two commercially available pollen substitutes (AP23® and MegaBee®) or no diet (control) over the late fall and winter in north‐central Florida under a simulated pollen dearth and when the colonies lacked pollen stores. We determined the change in adult bee mass and the final brood mass of each colony throughout the feeding period. On average, colonies in each of the three treatment groups experienced a loss in total adult bee mass during the feeding period, which is typical of colonies during winter. Nevertheless, colonies that received AP23 lost significantly less adult bee mass than did control colonies, with colonies that received MegaBee having a loss in adult bee mass intermediate to those of the other two groups. The AP23 and MegaBee colonies had significantly greater brood mass than did control colonies. When accounting for total change in colony biomass (adult bee mass + brood mass), the AP23 group lost significantly less mass than did control colonies, with the MegaBee colonies having a mass loss intermediate to those of the other two groups. Colonies consumed significantly more AP23 than they consumed MegaBee. Collectively, our data suggest that it may be beneficial for beekeepers in warm climates to feed pollen substitutes to stressed honey bee colonies over winter to lessen the loss in total colony biomass.
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination delivery in older Hispanic populations in the United States
Authors: Heintzman John , Hwang Jun , Quiñones Ana R. , Guzman Cirila Estela Vasquez , Bailey Steffani R. , Lucas Jennifer , Giebultowicz Sophia , Chan Brian , Marino Miguel
Published: December 2021

Introduction

National reports suggest that Hispanic patients may underutilize influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, although studies sometimes conflict on this point. A clearer picture of adult immunization utilization in older Hispanic patients is necessary to ensure equity in adult vaccinations.

Methods

Using electronic health records from 648 community health centers (CHCs) across 21 states, we compared English‐preferring Hispanic patients, Spanish‐preferring Hispanic patients, and Non‐Hispanic White (NHW) adults aged ≥50 years across five outcomes between 2012–2017: (1) Odds of ever receiving pneumococcal vaccination after age 65, (2) Odds of ever receiving ≥2 pneumococcal vaccinations for those ≥65, (3) odds of vaccination between the ages of 50 and 64 for those with diabetes or heart disease, (4) odds of influenza vaccine, and (5) annual rate of influenza vaccination.

Results

Of our total study sample (N = 143,869), 85,562 were age 50–64 during the entire study period, and 65,977 were ≥65 at some point during the study period. In patients aged 50–64, Spanish‐preferring Hispanic patients were more likely to have ever had an influenza vaccination (covariate‐adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.29–1.37), had higher rates of annual influenza vaccination (covariate‐adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.38–1.44), and higher odds of pneumococcal vaccination (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.76–1.98) than NHW patients. These findings were similar in Spanish‐preferring Hispanic patients ≥65. English‐preferring Hispanics ≥65 were less likely than NHW patients to ever have an influenza vaccination (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85–0.98) and to have ever received at least one (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86–0.99) or two (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.77–0.95) pneumococcal vaccine doses.

Conclusions

In a multistate CHC network, Spanish‐preferring Hispanic patients were more likely to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations than NHW patients; older English‐preferring Hispanic patients were often less likely than NHW patients to receive these vaccinations. In vaccine initiatives, English‐preferring Hispanic patients may be at higher risk of vaccination inequity.
Streptococcus anginosus group infections in hospitalised children and young people
Authors: Ismail Khairul , Hughes Ian , Moloney Susan , Grimwood Keith
Published: December 2021

Aim

The Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) comprises three bacterial species colonising the mouth and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and capable of serious pyogenic infections. Although well‐described in adults, studies in children are limited. Here, we characterise paediatric SAG infections from a single Australian centre.

Methods

Hospitalised patients aged ≤18 years with positive SAG cultures from January 2009 to December 2019 were identified from Pathology Queensland's Gold Coast Laboratory database and their medical records were reviewed.

Results

Two‐hundred children (62% male), median age 12 years (interquartile range 6–16), with positive SAG cultures were identified. Overall, 90% received intravenous antibiotics, 89% underwent surgical drainage, 23% were readmitted and 15% required additional surgery. The most common sites were the abdomen (39%), soft tissues (36%) and head and neck regions (21%). Since 2011, Pathology Queensland reported SAG at the species level (n = 133). Of these, S. anginosus was the most prevalent (39%), then S. constellatus (34%) and S. intermedius (27%). Compared with the other two species, S. intermedius was most commonly associated with head and neck infections (relative risk (RR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.5), while S. constellatus (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.4) and S. anginosus (RR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.0) were each associated with a higher risk of intra‐abdominal infection than S. intermedius. Since February 2015, the number of children admitted with SAG‐associated intra‐abdominal infection per 1000 hospitalisations increased by 29% annually compared with an annual decline of 8% in previous years.

Conclusions

SAG infections occur at various anatomical sites. Despite antibiotics and surgical management, almost one‐quarter are re‐hospitalised for further treatment.
Evaluation of various sample sources for the cytologic diagnosis ofCytauxzoon felis
Authors: Sleznikow Casey R. , Granick Jennifer L. , Cohn Leah A. , Nafe Laura A. , Rendahl Aaron , Burton Erin N.
Published: December 2021

Background

Cytauxzoon felisis a life‐threatening protozoan disease of cats. Identification of schizont‐laden macrophages is a point‐of‐care diagnostic test for acute cytauxzoonosis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary objective determined cytologic agreement between sample types to diagnose acute cytauxzoonosis. The secondary objective evaluated novices' ability to identify cytauxzoon organisms in blood films and tissue aspirates.

Animals

Thirty‐eight cats with suspected acute cytauxzoonosis and 5 controls examined postmortem.

Methods

Cases were prospectively submitted and collected. Blood film, lymph node, and splenic aspirates were blindly reviewed for sample quality, presence of schizont‐laden macrophages, and agreement between sample types. A subset of cases and controls were evaluated by 12 blinded novice observers to determine sensitivity and specificity for identifying organisms in various sample types.

Results

Acute cytauxzoonosis diagnosis was made on at least 1 sample type in 28/38 cats. Schizont‐laden macrophages were seen on 33% (10/30) of blood films, 56% (19/34) lymph node aspirates, 77% (26/34) splenic aspirates. Schizont‐laden macrophages were more likely seen on splenic than lymph node aspirates (McNemar's,P = .03) or blood film (McNemar's,P = <.001). Novice observers were more likely to agree with experts when identifying schizont‐laden macrophages in splenic aspirates (sensitivity = 77.1%, specificity = 94.4%) versus lymph node aspirates (sensitivity = 52.8%, specificity = 96.4%) or blood films (sensitivity = 41.7%, specificity = 96.9%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Schizont‐laden macrophages are most frequently identified in spleen, even by novice observers. If the diagnosis of acute cytauxzoonosis cannot be confirmed via blood film, then splenic, followed by peripheral lymph node aspirates can be considered.
Business cycles, financial conditions, and nonlinearities
Authors: Mendieta‐Muñoz Ivan , Sündal Doğuhan
Published: December 2021

Using a Bayesian threshold vector autoregression model for the US economy, this paper tests whether nonlinear dynamics can arise from the endogenous interactions between traditional business cycles, depicted by investment decisions, profitability levels and aggregate demand levels, and financial conditions, depicted by credit market conditions, thus considering that the latter are important sources of instability and possible nonlinear propagators of other shocks. The results support the characterization of nonlinear dynamics in the transmission of shocks since there is evidence of asymmetric responses of the variables across two different regimes of financial stress, responding more strongly during loose financial conditions.
Mikania mellosilvae sp. nov. (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and lectotypification of Mikania candolleana
Authors: Antar Guilherme Medeiros , Oliveira Caetano Troncoso , Pirani José Rubens
Published: December 2021

A new species, Mikania mellosilvae, from Bahia and Minas Gerais States, is described and illustrated. Until now, herbarium material of this species has been misidentified, as well as in articles referring to the collections, as Mikania candolleana Gardner. The similarities and differences between the two taxa are discussed. Although both species share a lianescent habit, similar leaf shape and inflorescence structure, they differ mainly in the leaf base form, stem indumentum, peduncle and flower measurements and by their geographical distribution, as M. mellosilvae is endemic to the Atlantic Forest domain and M. candolleana is endemic to the Cerrado domain, both in eastern Brazil. We also provide a distribution map for both species, a lectotypification for the name M. candolleana, as well as a detailed description of the new taxon, along with illustrations including habitat pictures, a preliminary conservation assessment and comments on its ecology.
Asplenium appressifolium (Aspleniaceae), a new species from Thailand
Authors: Petchsri Sahanat , Boonkerd Thaweesakdi
Published: December 2021

Asplenium appressifolium Boonkerd & S. Petchsri, a new lithophytic fern species from Surat Thani province, Peninsular Thailand, is described and illustrated. The affinities with the similar species A. crinicaule Hance, A. pellucidum Lam. and A. tenerum G. Forst. are discussed.
The compound topology of host–parasite networks is explained by the integrative hypothesis of specialization
Authors: Felix Gabriel Moreira , Pinheiro Rafael Barros Pereira , Poulin Robert , Krasnov Boris R. , Mello Marco Aurelio Ribeiro
Published: December 2021

What is the prevalent topology among interaction networks? How do consumers balance between generalism and performance when exploiting different resources? These two long‐standing, still open questions have been unified under a common framework by the integrative hypothesis of specialization (IHS). According to the IHS, ecological specialization is structured by different processes at small and large network hierarchical levels, from an entire network to its modules and nodes. From those hierarchical processes, two patterns are expected. First, a modular network with internally nested modules, i.e. a compound topology. Second, different relationships between consumer performance and generalism on different network hierarchical levels. We confirmed those predictions using an extensive data set of host–parasite interactions, compiled from several studies, and spanning decades of fieldwork in the Palearctic Region. We used a set of topological analyses combined in a novel protocol based on the IHS to disentangle the complexity of this data set at different geographic scales, from local to regional. As predicted, the studied network indeed has a compound topology at both local and regional geographic scales. In addition, the relationship between parasite generalism and performance changes from negative in an entire network to positive within its modules. But, as expected, this shift in the signal of the generalism versus performance relationship happens only in local networks with a compound structure. Our results shed light on two central debates about topology and performance and provide insight into their solution.
Tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Mazumder Mastakim Ahmed , Gulati Sanjeev , Narula Ajit Singh , Shehwar Durre , Mir Ishrat Majid
Published: December 2021

Background

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are often associated with abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism. Tacrolimus is the most potent CNI which is nowadays used almost universally as a part of triple‐drug immunosuppression after kidney transplantation. Tacrolimus can cause islet cell damage and decrease in insulin secretion which can lead to post‐transplant diabetes mellitus and rarely diabetic ketoacidosis. Although rare, acute pancreatitis has also been implicated by a few case reports to be associated with tacrolimus. However, tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis has not been reported in pediatric kidney transplant recipient till date.

Case Description

We report the first case of tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis in association with hypertriglyceridemia and DKA in a child early after kidney transplant. The patient was managed with supportive treatment, and tacrolimus was stopped for three days and then switched to cyclosporine‐based regimen. The patient became euglycemic within 8 weeks of switching to cyclosporine and did not have any recurrence of pancreatitis.

Conclusion

Tacrolimus‐induced pancreatitis is rare in the setting of kidney transplants and prompt diagnosis and management can lead to a successful outcome.
Expression and roles of GRAS gene family in plant growth, signal transduction, biotic and abiotic stress resistance and symbiosis formation—a review
Authors: Khan Y. , Xiong Z. , Zhang H. , Liu S. , Yaseen T. , Hui T.
Published: December 2021

The GRAS (derived from GAI, RGA and SCR) gene family consists of plant‐specific genes, works as a transcriptional regulator and plays a key part in the regulation of plant growth and development. The past decade has witnessed significant progress in understanding and advances on GRAS transcription factors in various plants. A notable concern is to what extent the mechanisms found in plants, particularly crops, are shared by other species, and what other characteristics are dependent on GRAS transcription factor (TFS)‐mediated gene expression. GRAS are involved in many processes that are intimately linked to plant growth regulation. However, GRAS also perform additional roles against environmental stresses, allowing plants to function more efficiently. GRAS increase plant growth and development by improving several physiological processes, such as phytohormone, biosynthetic and signalling pathways. Furthermore, the GRAS gene family plays an important role in response to abiotic stresses, e.g. photooxidative stress. Moreover, evidence shows the involvement of GRAS in arbuscule development during plant–mycorrhiza associations. In this review, the diverse roles of GRAS in plant systems are highlighted that could be useful in enhancing crop productivity through genetic modification, especially of crops. This is the first review to report the role and function of the GRAS gene family in plant systems. Furthermore, a large number of studies are reviewed, and several limitations and research gaps identified that must be addressed in future studies.
Leaf trait modification in European beech trees in response to climatic and edaphic drought
Authors: Weithmann G. , Schuldt B. , Link R. M. , Heil D. , Hoeber S. , John H. , Müller‐Haubold H. , Schüller L.‐M. , Schumann K. , Leuschner C.
Published: December 2021

Leaf morphological and physiological traits control the carbon and water relations of mature trees and are determinants of drought tolerance, but it is not well understood how they are modified in response to water deficits.

We analysed five sun‐canopy leaf traits (mean leaf size (LS), specific leaf area (SLA), Huber value (HV), water potential at turgor loss point (Ψtlp) and foliar carbon isotope signature (δ13C)) in European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) across three precipitation gradients sampled in moist (2010), dry (2019) and very dry (2018) summers, and tested their response to short‐term water deficits (climatic water balance (CWB) preceding sample collection) and long‐term water availability (mean annual precipitation (MAP), plant‐available soil water capacity (AWC) and neighbourhood competition).

Across the 34 sites, LS varied seven‐fold (3.9−27.0 cm2), SLA four‐fold (77.1−306.9 cm²·g−1) and HV six‐fold (1.0−6.65 cm2·m−2). In the 2018 dataset, LS showed a negative and HV a positive relationship to MAP, which contradicts relations found in multi‐species samples. AverageΨtlpranged from −1.90 to −2.62 MPa and decreased across the sites with decreasing CWB in the month prior to measurement, as well as with decreasing MAP and AWC in 2019. Studied leaf traits varied considerably between years, suggesting that mast fruiting and the severe 2018 drought caused the formation of smaller leaves.

We conclude that sun‐canopy leaf traits of European beech exhibit considerable plasticity in response to climatic and edaphic aridity, and that osmotic adjustment may be an important element in the drought response strategy of this anisohydric tree species.
Silencing mark H3K27me3 is differently reprogrammed in bovine embryos with distinct kinetics of development
Authors: Ispada Jessica , Milazzotto Marcella Pecora
Published: December 2021

The kinetics of the first cleavages is a predictor of blastocyst development and implantation. For bovine embryos, this attribute was previously related to distinct metabolic, molecular and epigenetic profiles, including DNA and histone modifications. In the present work, we described the dynamics of trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) in fast and slow developing embryos and verified if this epigenetic mark was also influenced by the speed of the first cleavages. In vitro‐produced bovine embryos were classified as fast (4 or more cells) or slow (2 cells) at 40 hr post fertilization (hpf) and either collected or cultured until 96 hpf or 186 hpf. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed in these three time points and showed that although both groups presented the same levels of H3K27me3 at 40 hpf, slow embryos presented a pronounced increase in this mark at 186 hpf when compared to fast embryos, resulting in blastocysts with remarkable differences in H3K27me3 levels. In conclusion, the increased levels of this repressive histone post‐translation modification (PTM) might be an attempt of slow embryos to promote gene expression control and chromatin integrity, since it was already reported that these embryos present reduced levels of other epigenetic repressive marks as DNA methylation and trimethylation of lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9me3).
Towards a theory of communion‐in‐caring
Authors: Tuppal Cyruz P. , Vega Paolo D. , Tuppal Shanine Mae P.
Published: December 2021

Background

When nursing practice assumes a fix‐it view model, it limits the growing capacity of practice. The theory of communion‐in‐caring emerged as a hopeful response to the call to offer a new vista. This theory unifies caring and the endless potential of human care.

Aim

The aim of the paper is to describe the theory of communion‐in‐caring grounded in the human science philosophical perspective. Generated from a focused review of scholarly literature from classical caring theories in nursing to contemporary theoretical viewpoints in nursing published within the last decade guided by a creative theory‐building process. This paper presents the theory of communion‐in‐caring with theoretical concepts and theoretical assumptions illuminating and supporting the contextual design and epistemological viewpoints of a caring‐based theory of nursing.

Findings

Communion‐in‐caring is defined as a deliberate and a momentary occurrence of a nursing‐caring encounter in which the nurse and person nursed, together, design and express unique practice processes toward affirming and celebrating being human in a unitary‐transformative world. The theory further illuminates the foundational acts (i.e. love, hope, faith and charity) emulated into the embodied processes of communion‐in‐caring (i.e., caring‐nurturing encounter, caring‐nurturing inquiry and caring‐nurturing capacity). Such cyclical, rhythmical and moving processes yield a nurtured caring environment with ethical standpoints, resonate the meaning‐essence of caring through participation‐in‐being and offer culturally congruent care.

Conclusion

This theory also realises that the discipline is overly influenced by technological advancements, digitalisation of care, the medicalisation of practice and a mechanistic lens of care. Thus, this theory calls for moral enrichment towards an identity that embodies participation‐in‐being, seeing self‐in‐others and communion‐of‐being.
A biomimetic S
H
2 cross-coupling mechanism for quaternary sp
3
-carbon formation
Authors: Liu Wei , Lavagnino Marissa N. , Gould Colin A. , Alcázar Jesús , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: December 2021

Radical substitution

Nucleophilic substitution is a venerable reaction in organic chemistry. Typically, an incoming ion delivers two electrons to a carbon center while a departing ion takes two electrons away with it. The one-electron analog, homolytic substitution, is more rarely used, in part because the incoming neutral radicals can self-couple instead of bonding to the intended target. Liu
et al
. report that an iron porphyrin catalyst can direct homolytic substitution between primary and tertiary carbon radicals by selectively activating the primary partners. —JSY
Short-circuiting respiration
Authors: Baksh Sanjeethan C. , Finley Lydia W. S.
Published: December 2021

Fumarate siphons electrons to keep metabolism running
In Science Journals
Authors: Smith H. Jesse , Torres Miguel , Yeston Jake , Smith Keith T. , Zahn Laura M. , Hines Pamela J. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Jiang Di , Alderton Gemma , Purnell Beverly A. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Stajic Jelena , Osborne Ian S. , Maroso Mattia , Isles Hannah M.
Published: December 2021

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Poor trials of health steps are worse than none, scientists say
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: December 2021

Others say small COVID-19 studies accumulate into a clear picture over time
China tightens its grip on Hong Kong universities
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: December 2021

As dissent is stifled, a wave of departures at all levels is “mainlandizing” the higher education system
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
sp. Strain IITD106, Isolated from Oil-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Zargar Arif Nissar , Mishra Saroj , Kumar Manoj , Srivastava Preeti
Published: December 2021

Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
Bacillus
sp. strain IITD106. The bacterium has the unique ability to produce saponins. The complete nucleotide sequence will provide insights into the various genes and regulators involved in the biosynthesis of saponin.
Genome Sequence of
Halobacterium
sp. Strain BOL4-2, Isolated and Cultured from Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Authors: DasSarma Priya , Anton Brian P. , von Ehrenheim Hedvig A. L. , Martinez Fabiana L. , Guzmán Daniel , Roberts Richard J. , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: December 2021

Halobacterium
sp. strain BOL4-2 was isolated from an Andean salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, in Bolivia. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing revealed a 2.4-Mbp genome with a 2.0-Mbp chromosome and four plasmids (2 to 299 kb). Its isolation from an environment experiencing multiple extremes makes the strain interesting for astrobiology.
Supplemental Material: Rapid retreat of the southwestern Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Bølling-Allerød interval
Authors: Norris Sophie L. , al. et
Published: December 2021

Description of laboratory techniques, age calculation, complication of preexisting chronology, and model setup.
Severe neonatal autoimmune thrombocytopenia secondary to maternal Evans syndrome
Authors: Beryl Shafini , Ross Benjamin Jeyanth , Tergestina Mintoo , Kumar Manish
Published: December 2021

Evans syndrome is a rare and chronic autoimmune disease seen in both paediatric and adult age groups. We present a case of severe thrombocytopenia in a neonate born to a mother with Evans syndrome who showed no response to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy initially and improved after treatment with methylprednisolone.
Post-thymectomy myasthenia gravis: a case report and systematic review of literature
Authors: Gurowich Louise , Maxwell Adam , Rice Alexandra , Yiin Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition affecting the neuromuscular junction characterised by weakness and fatiguability, carrying a high morbidity if treatment is delayed. A clear association with thymoma has led to management with thymectomy as a common practice, but MG presenting post-thymectomy has rarely been reported. We present a case of an 82- year-old woman developing fatigue, ptosis and dysarthria 3 months after thymectomy. After a clinical diagnosis of MG was made, she responded well to prompt treatment with prednisolone and pyridostigmine. Her anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (anti-AChR) subsequently came back positive. Our systematic review reveals that post-thymectomy MG can be categorised as early-onset or late-onset form with differing aetiology, and demonstrated correlation between preoperative anti-AChR titres and post-thymectomy MG. The postulated mechanisms for post-thymectomy MG centre around long-lasting peripheral autoantibodies. Clinicians should actively look for MG symptoms in thymoma patients and measure anti-AChR preoperatively to aid prognostication.
Giant leiomyosarcoma of the transverse colon
Authors: Nguyen Crystal , Athigaman Murugan , Qureshi Abdul
Published: December 2021

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the colon accounts for <1% of all colorectal malignancies. Our patient was a 72-year-old man with a history of aortic valvular disorder and congestive heart failure, who presented with an abdominal mass and no constitutional symptoms. The CT scan finding suggested a large tumour with both solid and cystic components. Intraoperatively, a portion of the involved colon was resected along with the tumour. Microscopically, the tumour was found to invade the muscularis propria layer of the transverse colon. The final diagnosis was LMS, FNCLCC grade 2 of 3 based on the histology and immunochemistry.
Neighbourhood-level income and Zika virus infection during pregnancy in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil: an ecological perspective, 2015–2017
Authors: Lobkowicz Ludmila , Power Grace M , De Souza Wayner Vieira , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , de Araùjo Thalia Velho Barreto , Bezerra Luciana Caroline Albuquerque , Dhalia Rafael , Marques Ernesto T A , Miranda-Filho Demócrito de Barros , Brickley Elizabeth B , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes de Alencar
Published: December 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections during pregnancy can lead to adverse neurodevelopmental and clinical outcomes in congenitally infected offspring. As the city of Recife in Pernambuco State, Brazil—the epicentre of the Brazilian microcephaly epidemic—has considerable disparities in living conditions, this study used an ecological approach to investigate the association between income at the neighbourhood level and the risk of ZIKV infections in pregnant individuals between December 2015 and April 2017. The spatial distribution of pregnant individuals with ZIKV infection was plotted on a map of Recife stratified into four categories based on mean monthly income of household heads. Additionally, a Poisson regression model with robust variance was fitted to compare proportions of ZIKV infections among pregnant individuals in relation to the mean monthly income of household heads, based on the 2010 census data, across 94 neighbourhoods in Recife. The results provide evidence that the risk of ZIKV infection to pregnant individuals was higher among those residing in lower-income neighbourhoods: relative to neighbourhoods that had a mean monthly income of ≥5 times minimum wage, neighbourhoods with <1 and 1 to <2 times minimum wage had more than four times the risk (incidence rate ratio, 95% CI 4.08, 1.88 to 8.85 and 4.30, 2.00 to 9.20, respectively). This study provides evidence of a strong association between neighbourhood-level income and ZIKV infection risks in the pregnant population of Recife. In settings prone to arboviral outbreaks, locally targeted interventions to improve living conditions, sanitation, and mosquito control should be a key focus of governmental interventions to reduce risks associated with ZIKV infections during pregnancy.
Burden of cystic fibrosis in children <12 years of age prior to the introduction of CFTR modulator therapies
Authors: Bresnick Kathryn , Arteaga-Solis Emilio , Millar Stefanie J , Laird Glen , LeCamus Cecile
Published: December 2021

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, multisystemic, progressive and life-shortening disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Different genotypes have been linked to variations in disease progression among people with CF. The burden of illness (BOI) in children with CF is incompletely characterised, particularly as it relates toCFTRgenotypes prior to the availability of the first CFTR modulators. This retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study evaluated the BOI in US children with CF <12 years of age prior to the first approval of CFTR modulators.

Methods

Data from the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry from 2011 were used to summarise key patient and disease characteristics using descriptive statistics, overall and grouped by age (0 to <2 years, 2 to <6 years and 6 to <12 years) and genotype (F508del/F508del,F508del/minimal function (MF), MF/MF, gating mutation on ≥1 allele, residual function mutation on ≥1 allele andR117Hon ≥1 allele) group.

Results

The analysis included 9185 children. Among 6-year-olds to <12-year-olds, mean (SD) per cent predicted FEV1in 1 s was 92.6% (17.5%). Among all children <12 years of age, the mean (SD) all-cause hospitalisation and pulmonary exacerbation rates in 2011 were 0.4 (1.0) and 0.3 (0.8), respectively. Most (93.6%) had ≥1 positive lung microbiology culture. CF-related medication and nutritional supplementation use was common across all ages and genotypes. More than half (54.7%) had ≥1 CF-related complication. Evidence of disease burden was observed across the age and genotype groups studied.

Conclusions

Prior to the approval of the first CFTR modulator therapies in children <12 years of age, CF was associated with substantial BOI from an early age—including respiratory infections, hospitalisations/pulmonary exacerbations, need for supplemental nutrition and pharmacological treatments—irrespective of genotype.