bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological trait‐matching in plant–Hymenoptera and plant–Diptera mutualisms across an elevational gradient
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Hui , Lázaro Amparo , Li Hai‐Dong , Tao Zhi‐Bin , Liang Huan , Zhou Wei , Ren Zong‐Xin , Xu Kun , Li De‐Zhu , Wang Hong
Published: October 2021

Morphological trait‐matching and species abundance are thought to be the main factors affecting the frequency and strength of mutualistic interactions. However, the relative importance of trait‐matching and species abundance in shaping species interactions across environmental gradients remains poorly understood, especially for plant–insect mutualisms involving generalist species.

Here, we characterised variation in species and trait composition and the relative importance of trait‐matching and species abundance in shaping plant–Hymenoptera and plant–Diptera mutualisms in four meadows across an elevational gradient (2,725–3,910 m) in Yulong Snow Mountain, Southwest China. We also evaluated the effects of morphological traits of flower visitors and plant composition on their foraging specialisation (d' and normalised degree).

There was a high degree of dissimilarity in the composition of Hymenoptera and Diptera visitors and their visited plants between communities. This variation was mainly driven by the spatial replacement of species. Both for plant–Hymenoptera and plant–Diptera networks, trait‐matching between nectar tube depth and proboscis length was a stronger predictor of the interactions between temporally co‐occurring plants and flower visitors than species abundance. Fourth‐corner analyses revealed statistically significant trait‐matching between nectar tube depth and proboscis length in plant–Hymenoptera networks at all sites, suggesting that Hymenoptera consistently foraged on plant species with nectar tube depths matching their proboscis lengths. By contrast, significant trait‐matching in plant–Diptera networks was only observed at the two lower elevation sites. The species‐level specialisation d' of flower visitors increased significantly as the proboscis length and the difference in nectar tube depth between the plant community and the plants visited by flower visitors increased.

Our results highlight that the importance of trait‐matching in shaping pairwise interactions and niche partitioning depends on the specific features (e.g. species composition and trait availability) of the plant–pollinator system. For specialised plant–Hymenoptera systems, trait‐matching is an important determinant of species interactions, whereas for generalist plant–Diptera systems, trait‐matching is relatively unimportant.
The Law of Central Bank Reserve Creation
Authors: Bateman Will , Allen Jason
Published: October 2021

This article explores legal and constitutional dimensions of central banks’ powers to create money, ‘central bank reserves’, through monetary policy operations. Despite the prominence of monetary authority since the Financial Crisis, the law supporting the creation of central bank reserves is very obscure, as is the role of law in structuring constitutional authority over money. We de‐mystify those important matters in three steps. First, we explain, for a legal audience, the role of central bank reserves in the financial system and broader economy. Secondly, we analyse the legal basis for the creation of central bank reserves in three prominent ‘North Atlantic’ monetary jurisdictions: the US Dollar, Euro and Sterling systems. Thirdly, we show how the legal structure of central banking intermediates the constitutional state's authority over money through parts of the financial system, focusing on high‐profile policy proposals, including ‘QE for the people’, and the creation of central bank digital currencies.
The EU‐UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement – Exceptional Circumstances or a new Paradigm for EU External Relations?
Authors: Eckes Christina , Leino‐Sandberg Päivi
Published: October 2021

In the final days of 2020, the European Union and the United Kingdom concluded a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) covering a broad range of policy areas, including cooperation of law enforcement authorities and social security systems. The EU‐UK TCA is unique as concerns the circumstances of its negotiation and adoption, as well as its substance. However, contrary to the argument of the EU institutions, the agreement will have broad implications for the understanding of the EU's external competence and Member States’ ability to act in areas that are national competence and rely on national budgets. We are critical of the legitimacy of the TCA's conclusion process, consider that the lack of a deep constitutional analysis of the consequences of EU‐only conclusion of the TCA, and of the TCA itself, are problematic, and believe that the choices made are likely to create difficulties for the implementation and enforcement of the agreement.
Circ_0016760 accelerates non‐small‐cell lung cancer progression through miR‐646/AKT3 signaling in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Chen Shan , Zhou Long , Ran Ruizhi , Huang Jinqi , Zheng Yong , Xing Maohui , Cai Yanli
Published: October 2021

Background

Currently, the prognosis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains dismal due to recurrence and metastasis. The purpose of our study was to explore the role of circular RNA_0016760 (circ_0016760) in NSCLC progression and its associated mechanism.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was implemented to measure the expression of circ_0016760, microRNA‐646 (miR‐646) and AK strain thymoma serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3). The protein level of AKT3 was examined by Western blot assay. Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, transwell assays, and flow cytometry were conducted to analyze cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interactions that were predicted by bioinformatics software (Circular RNA Interactome and TargetScan). A xenograft tumor model was built to investigate the role of circ_0016760 in vivo.

Results

Circ_0016760 and AKT3 were highly expressed in NSCLC tissue specimens and cell lines. Circ_0016760 interference suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Circ_0016760 interacted with miR‐646 and negatively regulated its expression. MiR‐646 silencing partly counteracted circ_0016760 knockdown‐mediated influences in NSCLC cells. MiR‐646 bound to the AKT3 3′ untranslated region in NSCLC cells, and miR‐646 overexpression‐induced effects in NSCLC cells were partly overturned by the addition of AKT3 overexpression plasmid. Circ_0016760 silencing reduced the expression of AKT3 through enhancing miR‐646 expression. Circ_0016760 knockdown suppressed NSCLC tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0016760 played an oncogenic role to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion and restrained the apoptosis of NSCLC cells via miR‐646/AKT3 signaling.
Urinary tract infections in children: Testing a novel, noninvasive, point‐of‐care diagnostic marker
Authors: Lubell Tamar R. , Barasch Jonathan M. , King Benjamin , Ochs Julie B. , Fan Weijia , Duong Jimmy , Chitre Manasi , Dayan Peter S.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL) appears highly accurate to identify urinary tract infections (UTIs) when obtained via catheterization. Our primary aim was to determine the agreement in uNGAL levels between paired catheter and bag urine specimens. Our secondary aim was to compare the diagnostic test characteristics of quantitative uNGAL, dipstick uNGAL (a potential point‐of‐care test), and urinalysis (UA).

Methods

This was a prospective study of febrile children < 24 months evaluated for UTIs. We evaluated quantitative uNGAL at a previously identified threshold of 39.1 ng/mL, dipstick uNGAL at its built‐in threshold of >50 ng/mL, and UA at standard thresholds for leukocyte esterase (LE). A positive urine culture was defined as >100,000 CFUs/mL of a pathogen.

Results

A total of 211 patients were included (10% with positive urine cultures); 116 had paired catheterized and bagged samples. The agreement between catheterized and bagged samples at a quantitative uNGAL cutoff of ≥39.1 ng/mL was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.67 to 0.83) and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.68 to 0.84) at a uNGAL dipstick threshold of >50 ng/mL. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for uNGAL from a catheterized sample was 0.96 (95% CI = 0.89 to 1.00) compared to 0.93 (95% CI = 0.87 to –0.99) from a bagged sample. The sensitivities of catheterized sample quantitative and dipstick uNGAL (90.5%) were higher than UA at a LE threshold of ≥1+ (57.1%). Bagged‐sample uNGAL had lower quantitative and dipstick specificities (both 73.8%) than from catheterized samples (94.3% and 95.3% respectively), similar to UA.

Conclusions

uNGAL from bagged and catheterized samples showed insufficient agreement to be used interchangeably. The low specificity of uNGAL from bagged samples suggests that sampling technique affects uNGAL levels.
Renal hemofiltration prevents metabolic acidosis and reduces inflammation during normothermic machine perfusion of the vascularized composite allograft: A preclinical study
Authors: Stone John P. , Amin Kavit R. , Geraghty Abbey , Kerr Jak , Shaw Matthew , Dabare Dilan , Wong Jason K. , Brough David , Entwistle Timothy R. , Montero‐Fernandez Angeles , Fildes James E.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Recent experimental evidence suggests normothermic machine perfusion of the vascularized composite allograft results in improved preservation compared to static cold storage, with less reperfusion injury in the immediate post‐operative period. However, metabolic acidosis is a common feature of vascularized composite allograft perfusion, primarily due to the inability to process metabolic by‐products. We evaluated the impact of combined limb‐kidney perfusion on markers of metabolic acidosis and inflammation in a porcine model.

Methods

Ten paired pig forelimbs were used for this study, grouped as either limb‐only (LO, n = 5) perfusion, or limb‐kidney (LK, n = 5) perfusion. Infrared thermal imaging was used to determine homogeneity of perfusion. Lactate, bicarbonate, base, pH, and electrolytes, along with an inflammatory profile generated via the quantification of cytokines and cell‐free DNA in the perfusate were recorded.

Results

The addition of a kidney to a limb perfusion circuit resulted in the rapid stabilization of lactate, bicarbonate, base, and pH. Conversely, the LO circuit became progressively acidotic, correlating in a significant increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Global perfusion across the limb was more homogenous with LK compared to LO.

Conclusion

The addition of a kidney during limb perfusion results in significant improvements in perfusate biochemistry, with no evidence of metabolic acidosis.
A comparison of child and adolescent psychiatry in the Far East, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe
Authors: Nielsen Martine Stecher , Clausen Carolyn E. , Hirota Tomoya , Kumperscak Hojka , Guerrero Anthony , Kaneko Hitoshi , Skokauskas Norbert
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Despite the high proportion of children and adolescents living in low‐ and middle‐income countries, 95% of all specialized child and adolescent mental health resources are located in high‐income countries. To strengthen child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), first it is necessary to complete an assessment of the available services and training programs to determine what is needed, particularly in regions with young populations, such as Southeast Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East. The aim of this article is to compare the status of child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) training programs and the workforce in CAMHS in three geographical regions, to identify similar problems, highlight success stories, and to make recommendations for future studies.

Methods

This study compared CAP training programs and CAMHS workforce using the World Psychiatric Association, CAP Section's regional studies data.

Results

This study included data from 44 countries: 18 countries in the Far East, 15 countries in the Middle East, and 11 countries in Southeast Europe. There were significant differences both within, and between, the three included regions with regards to availability and infrastructure of CAP training programs. Besides Greece, all included countries reported the need for more child and adolescent psychiatrists and allied child and adolescent mental health professionals.

Discussion

There is an urgent need for more qualified child and adolescent psychiatrists and allied professionals in a very large group of countries in three different geographic regions with great differences in religion, culture, and economy.
Potential application of Fe‐methionine as a feed supplement on improving the quality of broilers breast meat
Authors: Behroozlak Mohammad Ali , Daneshyar Mohsen , Farhoomand Parviz , Nikoo Abbas
Published: October 2021

A total of 250 one‐day‐old Ross 308 male chicks were used to investigate the effects of Fe‐methionine (Fe‐met) and iron sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) on performance, mineral concentration, meat quality, and oxidative stability of breast. The feeding experiment was performed with five dietary groups including group I (basal diet [BD] + 80 mg/kg FeSO4), group II (BD + 60 mg/kg FeSO4 + 20 mg/kg Fe‐met), group III (BD + 40 mg/kg FeSO4 + 40 mg/kg Fe‐met), group IV (BD + 20 mg/kg FeSO4 + 60 mg/kg Fe‐met), and group V (BD + 80 mg/kg Fe‐met). The results showed that Fe and Cu content in the breast muscle increased by dietary supplementation of organic and inorganic iron from II to V groups. Dietary groups of II, IV, and V increased L* value and b* value of breast meat. Additionally, redness of breast meat enhanced linearly and quadratically by dietary supplementation of 80 mg/kg Fe as FeSO4. In addition, dietary supplementation Fe from II to V groups led to a significant increase in pHu at 24‐h postmortem while it was negatively correlated with L* value of breast muscle. This study demonstrates that replacing FeSO4 with Fe‐Met could improve breast meat yield of broilers. Although 80 mg of Fe‐Met improved the iron content of meat, it showed detrimental effects on the lipid oxidation of breast meat.
Milk let‐down in goats can be influenced by the type of stimuli applied or to which goats are exposed during suckling and hand milking
Authors: González‐Quirino Teodulo , Delgadillo José Alberto , Flores José Alfredo , Vielma Jesús , Duarte Gerardo , Flores Manuel de Jesús , Terrazas Angélica , Zarazaga Luis Angel , Vargas‐Cruz Alexis Adrián , Avilés Ricardo , Hernández Horacio
Published: October 2021

The present experiments on goats were conducted with the aim of verifying (a) whether the identity of the goat kids can affect the characteristics of milk let‐down during suckling (Study 1) and (b) whether the presence of the goat kids may improve the milk let‐down during hand milking (Study 2). In Study 1, 16 lactating goats with twins and 12 with single kids were used. Dams with single goat kids ejected more milk when suckling their kids at Days 5 and 20 of lactation, than when suckling aliens. Dams with twins ejected more milk when suckling their own kids than aliens only at Day 5 of lactation. Taking into account all the dams, they ejected more milk with more fat, protein, and lactose during suckling their own litter than when suckling aliens. In Study 2, when dams (n = 13) were hand milked in the presence of their own litter or in its absence, they ejected more milk with more fat, protein, and lactose than when milked in the presence of alien kids. We conclude that milk let‐down in goats can be influenced by the type of stimuli applied or to which they are exposed to during suckling and milking.
Impact of education on APOL1 testing attitudes among prospective living kidney donors
Authors: Nestor Jordan G. , Li Amber J. , King Kristen L. , Husain S. Ali , McIntosh Tristan J. , Sawinski Deirdre , Iltis Ana S. , Goodman Melody S. , Walsh Heidi A. , DuBois James M. , Mohan Sumit
Published: October 2021

It is unknown how providing prospective living donors with information about APOL1, including the benefits and drawbacks of testing, influences their desire for testing. In this study, we surveyed 102 participants with self‐reported African ancestry and positive family history of kidney disease, recruited from our nephrology waiting room. We assessed views on APOL1 testing before and after presentation of a set of potential benefits and drawbacks of testing and quantified the self‐reported level of influence individual benefits and drawbacks had on participants’ desire for testing in the proposed context of living donation. The majority of participants (92%) were aware of organ donation and more than half (56%) had considered living donation. And though we found no significant change in response following presentation of the potential benefits and the drawbacks of APOL1 testing by study end significance, across all participants, “becoming aware of the potential risk of kidney disease among your immediate family” was the benefit with the highest mean influence (3.3±1.4), while the drawback with the highest mean influence (2.9±1.5) was “some transplant centers may not allow you to donate to a loved one”. This study provides insights into the priorities of prospective living donors and suggests concern for how the information affects family members may strongly influence desires for testing. It also highlights the need for greater community engagement to gain a deeper understanding of the priorities that influence decision making on APOL1 testing.
Predictors of early and late mortality after the treatment for early gastric cancers
Authors: Ogata Yohei , Hatta Waku , Ohara Yuki , Koike Tomoyuki , Abe Hiroko , Saito Masahiro , Jin Xiaoyi , Kanno Takeshi , Uno Kaname , Asano Naoki , Imatani Akira , Yamamura Akihiro , Tanaka Naoki , Kamei Takashi , Unno Michiaki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Nakaya Naoki , Masamune Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Although many patients with early gastric cancers (EGCs) die of non‐gastric cancer‐related causes, the association of the risk categories of lymph node metastasis (LNM) with all‐cause mortality remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the predictors of early and late mortality, separately.

Methods

Patients with endoscopic resection or gastrectomy for EGCs between 2003 and 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. We analyzed predictors for early and late mortality, including risk categories of LNM, treatment method, and nine non‐cancer‐related indices, separately, with a cut‐off value of 3 years.

Results

We enrolled 1439 patients with a median follow‐up period of 79 months. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 86.8%. In the multivariate Cox analysis, the most important predictors for early and late mortality were age ≥85 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.88 and 4.54, respectively) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥2 (HR 3.00 and 4.19, respectively). Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 (HR 2.76 and 1.99, respectively), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status ≥3 (HR 2.35 and 1.79, respectively), and C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio ≥0.028 (HR 2.30 and 1.58, respectively) were also predictors for both early and late mortality. Male (HR 2.26), intermediate‐ (HR 2.12)/high‐risk (HR 1.85) of LNM in eCura system, and sarcopenia evaluated by the psoas muscle mass index (HR 1.70) were predictors for early mortality.

Conclusion

The combined assessment of multiple predictors might help to predict early and/or late mortality in patients with EGCs. The eCura system was associated with early mortality.
Unmet support needs relating to hypoglycaemia among adults with type 1 diabetes: Results of a multi‐country web‐based qualitative study
Authors: Chatwin Hannah , Broadley Melanie , Hendrieckx Christel , Carlton Jill , Heller Simon , Amiel Stephanie A. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Hermanns Norbert , Finke‐Groene Katharina , Speight Jane , Pouwer Frans ,   the Hypo‐RESOLVE Consortium
Published: October 2021

Objective

Hypoglycaemic episodes and fear of hypoglycaemia can be burdensome for adults with type 1 diabetes. This study explored support needs relating to hypoglycaemia among adults with type 1 diabetes living in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Research design and methods

Respondents participated in a web‐based qualitative study involving four open‐ended questions that asked what they wished other people understood about hypoglycaemia and what other people could do differently to support them with hypoglycaemia. Responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were 219 adults with type 1 diabetes (mean ± SD age 39 ± 13 years; mean ± SD diabetes duration 20 ± 14 years). They described unmet needs relating to: (1)Clinical support, involving access to new diabetes technologies, training on hypoglycaemia prevention, personalised care and psychological support; (2)Practical support, involving family and friends better supporting them with hypoglycaemia management and prevention; (3)Education for other people, involving others becoming more informed about hypoglycaemia; and (4)An appreciation of the burden, involving others recognizing the experience and impact of episodes, and the burden of living with the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Adults with type 1 diabetes report several unmet support needs relating to hypoglycaemia. Service delivery should be person‐centred and prioritise the individual's support needs. Clinical conversations are needed to identify the individual's support needs and develop tailored support plans. People with diabetes and their family members should be offered hypoglycaemia‐specific education and training.
Science education and labor market outcomes in a developing economy
Authors: Jain Tarun , Mukhopadhyay Abhiroop , Prakash Nishith , Rakesh Raghav
Published: October 2021

We examine the association between studying science in higher secondary school and labor market earnings in India. Studying science in high school is associated with 22% greater earnings than studying business or humanities. Earnings for science students are further enhanced with some fluency in English. Science education is also associated with more years of education, completing a professional degree, returns to entrepreneurship and working in public sector positions. Primary survey of high school students shows no discernible differences in behavioral characteristics of science students compared to others.
Human wildtype tau expression in cholinergic pedunculopontine tegmental neurons is sufficient to produce PSP‐like behavioural deficits and neuropathology
Authors: King Gabriella , Veros Kaliana M. , MacLaren Duncan Archibald Allan , Leigh Martin Peter Konrad , Spernyak Joseph A. , Clark Stewart D.
Published: October 2021

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is the most common atypical parkinsonism and exhibits hallmark symptomology including motor function impairment and dysexecutive dementia. In contrast to Parkinson's disease, the underlying pathology displays aggregation of the protein tau, which is also seen in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments for PSP, and drug discovery efforts are hindered by the lack of an animal model specific to PSP. Based on previous results and clinical pathology, it was hypothesized that viral deposition of tau in cholinergic neurons within the hindbrain would produce a tauopathy along neural connections to produce PSP‐like symptomology and pathology. By using a combination of ChAT‐CRE rats and CRE‐dependent AAV vectors, wildtype human tau (the PSP‐relevant 1N4R isoform; hTau) was expressed in hindbrain cholinergic neurons. Compared to control subjects (GFP), rats with tau expression displayed deficits in a variety of behavioural paradigms: acoustic startle reflex, marble burying, horizontal ladder and hindlimb motor reflex. Postmortem, the hTau rats had significantly reduced number of cholinergic pedunculopontine tegmentum and dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons, as well as abnormal tau deposits. This preclinical model has multiple points of convergence with the clinical features of PSP, some of which distinguish between PSP and Parkinson's disease.
Repeated ethanol exposure following avoidance conditioning impairs avoidance extinction and modifies conditioning‐associated prefrontal dendritic changes in a mouse model of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Lguensat Asmae , Boudjafad Zineb , Giorla Elodie , Bennis Mohamed , Baunez Christelle , Garcia René , Ba‐M'hamed Saadia
Published: October 2021

Treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder is complicated by the presence of alcohol use disorder comorbidity. Little is known about the underlying brain mechanisms. We have recently shown, in mice, that the post‐traumatic stress disorder‐like phenotype is characterised by the increase and decrease in total dendritic number and length in the prelimbic and infralimbic areas of the medial prefrontal cortex, respectively. Here, we examined whether repeated ethanol exposure would exacerbate these changes and whether this would be associated with difficulty to extinguish passive avoidance behaviour, as an indicator of treatment resistance. We also analysed whether other known trauma‐associated changes, like increased or decreased corticosterone and decreased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels, would also be exacerbated. Male mice underwent trauma exposure (1.5‐mA footshock), followed, 8 days later, by a conditioned place preference training with ethanol. Tests for fear sensitization, passive avoidance, anxiety‐like behaviour, extinction acquisition and relapse susceptibility were used to assess behaviour changes. Plasma corticosterone and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels and prefrontal dendritic changes were subsequently measured. Trauma‐susceptible mice exposed to ethanol acquired a strong place preference and behaved differently from those not exposed to ethanol, with delayed avoidance extinction and higher avoidance relapse vulnerability. Ethanol potentiated trauma‐associated dendritic changes in the prelimbic area and suppressed trauma‐associated dendritic changes in the infralimbic area. However, ethanol had no effect on trauma‐induced increased corticosterone and decreased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels. These data suggest that the modification of prefrontal trauma‐related changes, due to alcohol use, can characterise, and probably support, treatment‐resistant post‐traumatic stress disorder.
Neurological autoimmune diseases following vaccinations against SARS‐CoV‐2: a case series
Authors: Kaulen Leon D. , Doubrovinskaia Sofia , Mooshage Christoph , Jordan Berit , Purrucker Jan , Haubner Carmen , Seliger Corinna , Lorenz Hanns‐Martin , Nagel Simon , Wildemann Brigitte , Bendszus Martin , Wick Wolfgang , Schönenberger Silvia
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

Population‐based studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines may trigger immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) raising concerns for other autoimmune responses. The aim was to characterize neurological autoimmunity after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations.

Methods

In this single‐centre prospective case study patients with neurological autoimmunity in temporal association (≤6 weeks) with SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations and without other triggers are reported. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected with a median follow‐up of 49 days.

Results

In the study period 232,603 inhabitants from the main catchment area of our hospital (Rhein‐Neckar‐Kreis, county) received SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations. Twenty‐one cases (new onset n = 17, flares n = 4) diagnosed a median of 11 days (range 3–23) following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations (BNT162b2 n = 12, ChAdOx1 n = 8, mRNA‐1273 n = 1) were identified. Cases included VITT with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (n = 3), central nervous system demyelinating diseases (n = 8), inflammatory peripheral neuropathies (n = 4), myositis (n = 3), myasthenia (n = 1), limbic encephalitis (n = 1) and giant cell arteritis (n = 1). Patients were predominantly female (ratio 3.2:1) and the median age at diagnosis was 50 years (range 22–86). Therapy included administration of steroids (n = 15), intravenous immunoglobulins in patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome or VITT (n = 4), plasma exchange in cases unresponsive to steroids (n = 3) and anticoagulation in VITT. Outcomes were favourable with partial and complete remissions achieved in 71% and 24%, respectively. Two patients received their second vaccination without further aggravation of autoimmune symptoms under low‐dose immunosuppressants.

Conclusions

In this study various neurological autoimmune disorders encountered following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations are characterized. Given the assumed low incidence and mostly favourable outcome of autoimmune responses, the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the comparatively small risks.
Right ventral stream damage underlies both poststroke aprosodia and amusia
Authors: Sihvonen Aleksi J. , Sammler Daniela , Ripollés Pablo , Leo Vera , Rodríguez‐Fornells Antoni , Soinila Seppo , Särkämö Teppo
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to determine and compare lesion patterns and structural dysconnectivity underlying poststroke aprosodia and amusia, using a data‐driven multimodal neuroimaging approach.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients with right or left hemisphere stroke were enrolled in a cohort study and tested for linguistic and affective prosody perception and musical pitch and rhythm perception at subacute and 3‐month poststroke stages. Participants listened to words spoken with different prosodic stress that changed their meaning, and to words spoken with six different emotions, and chose which meaning or emotion was expressed. In the music tasks, participants judged pairs of short melodies as the same or different in terms of pitch or rhythm. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at both stages, and machine learning‐based lesion–symptom mapping and deterministic tractography were used to identify lesion patterns and damaged white matter pathways giving rise to aprosodia and amusia.

Results

Both aprosodia and amusia were behaviorally strongly correlated and associated with similar lesion patterns in right frontoinsular and striatal areas. In multiple regression models, reduced fractional anisotropy and lower tract volume of the right inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus were the strongest predictors for both disorders, over time.

Conclusions

These results highlight a common origin of aprosodia and amusia, both arising from damage and disconnection of the right ventral auditory stream integrating rhythmic–melodic acoustic information in prosody and music. Comorbidity of these disabilities may worsen the prognosis and affect rehabilitation success.
Unraveling the enigma of new‐onset refractory status epilepticus: a systematic review of aetiologies
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Leitinger Markus , Rocchi Chiara , Salvemini Sergio , Matricardi Sara , Brigo Francesco , Meletti Stefano , Trinka Eugen
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

New‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a clinical presentation, neither a specific diagnosis nor a clinical entity. It refers to a patient without active epilepsy or other pre‐existing relevant neurological disorder, with a NORSE without a clear acute or active structural, toxic or metabolic cause. This study reviews the currently available evidence about the aetiology of patients presenting with NORSE and NORSE‐related conditions.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out for clinical trials, observational studies, case series and case reports including patients who presented with NORSE, febrile‐infection‐related epilepsy syndrome or the infantile hemiconvulsion‐hemiplegia and epilepsy syndrome.

Results

Four hundred and fifty records were initially identified, of which 197 were included in the review. The selected studies were retrospective case–control (n = 11), case series (n = 83) and case reports (n = 103) and overall described 1334 patients both of paediatric and adult age. Aetiology remains unexplained in about half of the cases, representing the so‐called ‘cryptogenic NORSE’. Amongst adult patients without cryptogenic NORSE, the most often identified cause is autoimmune encephalitis, either non‐paraneoplastic or paraneoplastic. Infections are the prevalent aetiology of paediatric non‐cryptogenic NORSE. Genetic and congenital disorders can have a causative role in NORSE, and toxic, vascular and degenerative conditions have also been described.

Conclusions

Far from being a unitary condition, NORSE is a heterogeneous and clinically challenging presentation. The development and dissemination of protocols and guidelines to standardize diagnostic work‐up and guide therapeutic approaches should be implemented. Global cooperation and multicentre research represent priorities to improve the understanding of NORSE.
Patch testing versus interferon‐gamma release assay in evaluation of drug eruptions
Authors: Kaplan Yehonatan , Goldberg Ilan , Sprecher Eli , Slodownik Dan
Published: October 2021

Delayed‐onset T‐cell‐mediated cutaneous adverse drug reactions are an uncommon but potentially serious result of medication exposures. Identification of culprit medications is crucial, but clinical diagnosis is often difficult. Patch tests and interferon‐gamma release assays (IFNγ‐RA) were previously reported as potentially useful ancillary tests, while rechallenges remain the reference standard test. We compared the number of positive test results with patch testing and IFNγ‐RA for drugs implicated as possible causes of cutaneous reactions. Fifty‐one patients with a suspected cutaneous drug eruption underwent patch testing and IFNγ‐RA for suspected drugs. Participants were followed up at least 9 months after the onset of the rash with results compared with the clinical diagnosis. Forty‐two patients presented with morbilliform/eczematous eruptions; five were diagnosed with fixed drug eruption (FDE) and four with erythema multiforme. None had positive patch testing to the drugs tested. A total of 8/51 (15.6%) patients had positive reaction by the IFNγ‐RA, and an additional 11 (21.6%) patients had borderline results. Positive or borderline results were more likely in patients with FDE (80%) than morbilliform/eczematous eruptions (30.9%) or erythema multiforme (25%). Our study emphasizes the necessity of additional effective ancillary tests in the evaluation of drug eruptions and supports the use of IFNγ‐RA for drug testing as a tool for identifying medications associated with cutaneous drug eruptions.
Climate warming promotes deterministic assembly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Qiu Yunpeng , Zhang Kangcheng , Yang Fei , Chen Mengfei , Luo Xi , Yan Xuebin , Wang Peng , Zhang Yi , Chen Huaihai , Guo Hui , Jiang Lin , Hu Shuijin
Published: October 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) significantly contribute to plant resource acquisition and play important roles in mediating plant interactions and soil carbon (C) dynamics. However, it remains unclear how AMF communities respond to climate change. We assessed impacts of warming and precipitation alterations (30% increase or decrease) on soil AMF communities, and examined major ecological processes shaping the AMF community assemblage in a Tibetan alpine meadow. Our results showed that warming significantly increased root biomass, and available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soil. While precipitation alterations increased AMF abundances, they did not significantly affect the composition or diversity of AMF communities. In contrast, warming altered the composition of AMF communities and reduced their Shannon–Wiener index and Pielou's evenness. In particular, warming shifted the AMF community composition in favor of Diversisporaceae over Glomeraceae, likely through its impact on soil N and P availability. In addition, AMF communities were phylogenetically random in the unwarmed control but clustered in warming plots, implying more deterministic community assembly under climate warming. Warming enhancement of root growth, N and P availability likely reduced plant C‐allocation to AMF, imposing stronger environmental filtering on AMF communities. We further proposed a conceptual framework that integrates biological and geochemical processes into a mechanistic understanding of warming and precipitation changes’ effects on AMF. Taken together, these results suggest that soil AMF communities may be more sensitive to warming than expected, highlighting the need to monitor their community structure and associated functional consequences on plant communities and soil C dynamics under the future warmer climate.
Mortality of inactive hepatitis B virus carriers in Japan is similar to that of the general population
Authors: Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Ito Takanori , Tanaka Junko
Published: October 2021

Aims

Data on the long‐term outcomes of individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who are hepatitis envelope antigen (HBeAg)‐negative inactive carriers (ICs) are limited due to small numbers. We compared the long‐term prognosis of well‐defined ICs with that of age‐ and gender‐matched general population controls.

Methods

A total of 526 HBeAg‐negative patients who demonstrated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level ≤40 U/L and HBV DNA level ≤4.3 log IU/ml at least three times within 1 year after the start of follow‐up were enrolled as ICs. Inactive carriers were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 332), whose ALT level was ≤30 U/L and HBV DNA level was ≤3.3 log IU/ml, and Group B (remaining patients, n = 194). We determined the long‐term prognosis of ICs and compared it with that of general population controls. We also analyzed factors associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance and phase transition in ICs.

Results

There were no significant differences in hepatocellular carcinoma development or all‐cause, liver‐related, or non–liver‐related mortality between Groups A and B. There was no significant difference in all‐cause mortality between ICs and the general population. Low HBsAg level (≤3.0 log IU/ml) and the presence of fatty liver were associated with HBsAg clearance and high alpha‐fetoprotein level was associated with phase transition.

Conclusions

The long‐term prognosis of well‐defined ICs was similar to that of general population controls. In addition, the ICs had a high HBsAg clearance rate and low phase transition rate.
Development of a skin microbiome diagnostic method to assess skin condition in healthy individuals: Application of research on skin microbiomes and skin condition
Authors: Kotakeyama Yuki , Nakamura Rie , Kurosawa Masaharu , Ota Seiko , Suzuki Ruka , Nakanishi Miki , Kanno Kohei , Watanabe Kosuke , Ishitsuka Yukiko
Published: October 2021

Objective

Skin microbiomes vary across individuals. They are known to play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis and preventing infectious pathogens. In recent years, cosmetic product development has begun to focus on the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin conditions. However, the statistical methods used in many studies include the standard t‐test and small‐scale correlation analysis, which do not take into account the internal correlation structure in data on skin microbiomes and skin features. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin features by analysing complex microbiomes and skin data.

Methods

We obtained data on 19 skin characteristics and skin microbiomes based on 16s ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene analysis of 276 healthy Japanese women. We then performed the principal component analysis (PCA), a method that takes into account the internal correlation structure, on 234 panels of them that did not contain outliers or missing values. We confirmed the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin features with principal component regression analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA).

Results

The principal component regression analysis showed strong relationships between skin microbiomes and sebum‐related skin characteristics and skin pH. In the HCA, the female panel was classified into two major groups based on the skin microbiome. Furthermore, there were significant differences in sebum‐related skin characteristics and the way skin condition changes with ageing between those groups, suggesting the possibility of measuring skin condition and age‐related skin risk based on microbiome data. In addition, sebum‐related characteristics differed significantly among middle‐aged participants, suggesting a strong relationship between skin microbiomes and sebum‐related characteristics.

Conclusion

Analysis of skin condition and skin microbiome in Japanese women, taking into account the correlation between variables, showed that skin microbiome was significantly related to the number of pores and the amount of sebum. Furthermore, it was suggested that the skin condition and the way the skin condition changes with ageing may differ depending on the type of skin microbiome. The finding of a relationship between skin condition and skin microbiome suggests the possibility of proposing a new beauty method focusing on the skin microbiome in the future.
Enhanced mechanical properties of lightweight Al2O3‐C refractories reinforced by combined one‐dimensional ceramic phases
Authors: Chen Zhe , Yan Wen , Schafföner Stefan , Li Yawei , Nath Mithun , Zhu Chengyi
Published: October 2021

We prepared a new lightweight Al2O3‐C refractory material with a higher strength by using microporous corundum aggregates instead of dense tabular corundum aggregates, which was reinforced by in situ formed SiC whiskers, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and mullite rods. A comparative study of the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture behavior was carried out for dense and lightweight Al2O3‐C refractories coked at 1200°C and 1400°C, respectively. By using the microporous corundum aggregates, a better aggregate/matrix interface bonding and an optimized distribution of SiC whiskers were obtained. The SiC whiskers formed inside the microporous corundum aggregates and simultaneously in the matrix by a vapor‐solid reaction mechanism, resulting in an enhancement at the microporous aggregate/matrix interface. Furthermore, the in situ formed MWCNTs and well‐developed mullite rods at 1200°C in the matrix also contributed to the better interface structure. Thus, due to the improved microporous aggregate/matrix interface, the crack propagation along the aggregate/matrix interface was suppressed, resulting in an increased crack propagation within the aggregates. Consequently, the synergy between microporous corundum aggregates and combined one‐dimensional ceramic phases caused a lower bulk density but a markedly higher strength, a higher fracture energy, and a higher toughness of lightweight Al2O3‐C refractories compared to the dense ones. Overall, our study allows to overcome the traditional concept that a higher strength of refractories is reached by a higher density.
Ability of photocurable gelatin to prevent stricture recurrence after urethral dilation in rabbits
Authors: Ojima Kenichiro , Kushibiki Toshihiro , Mayumi Yoshine , Miyai Kosuke , Shinchi Masayuki , Hirano Yusuke , Azuma Ryuichi , Ito Keiichi , Ishihara Miya , Horiguchi Akio
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the ability of photocurable gelatin to prevent stricture recurrence after urethral dilation in a rabbit urethral stricture model.

Methods

We created urethral strictures in the bulbar urethras of 10 male Japanese white rabbits using electrocoagulation. After 1 month, the rabbits were randomly divided into Group A (n = 5; urethral stricture dilation and the local application of photocurable gelatin using a ruthenium photoinitiator and irradiation with a light‐emitting diode light [λ = 455 nm, 50 mW/cm2] for 1 min) and Group B (n = 5; dilation only). Urethral stricture status was evaluated 1–2 months later by retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy. The lumen ratio (urethral width at the stricture site to the normal urethral width on retrograde urethrography) was calculated. Urethral patency was considered to be improved when the urethral lumen could accommodate a 10‐Fr urethroscope without resistance. Urethral specimens were harvested for histopathological examination.

Results

The mean lumen ratio did not differ significantly between Groups A and B before dilation (25.8% vs 23.4%; P = 0.40), but differed significantly after dilation (65.5% vs 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.03). Urethral patency improved in all rabbits in Group A (100%) versus one rabbit in Group B (20%; P = 0.02). The mean circumference of the regenerated urethral epithelium at the stricture site was larger in Group A than in Group B (14 mm vs 6.6 mm; P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Photocurable gelatin can reduce urethral stricture recurrence after dilation in a rabbit model.
Diagnosis, management and follow up of peripheral T‐cell lymphomas: a consensus practice statement from the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance
Authors: Hapgood Greg , Latimer Maya , Lee Sze Ting , Kuss Bryone , Lade Stephen , Tobin Joshua W. D. , Purtill Duncan , Campbell Belinda A. , Prince H. Miles , Hawkes Eliza A. , Shortt Jake , Radeski Dejan
Published: October 2021

Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) represent a heterogeneous disease group accounting for 10% of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. PTCL patients have typically poorer outcomes compared with aggressive B‐cell lymphomas. However, such outcomes are heavily dependent on subtype. Although anthracycline‐based regimens such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone remain the standard first‐line treatment for most aggressive PTCL, there are important variations including incorporation of novel agents, use of radiotherapy and judicious consideration of stem cell transplantation. Relapsed or refractory disease represents a significant area of unmet need where chemotherapy intensification has limited efficacy and novel agents such as brentuximab vedotin and pralatrexate provide additional opportunities for attainment of remission and potential stem cell transplant. In the future, pre‐therapy prognostic biomarkers including genomic characterisation, may aid in risk stratification and help guide initial patient management to improve survival. There is an urgent need to understand better the pathogenesis of PTCL to facilitate novel drug combinatorial approaches to improve survival. This position statement represents an evidence‐based synthesis of the literature for application in Australian and New Zealand practice.
Retention and caries‐preventive effect of four different sealant materials: A 2‐year prospective split‐mouth study
Authors: Reić Tihana , Galić Tea , Negovetić Vranić Dubravka
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aim of this observational split‐mouth study was to compare the retention and caries protective effect of four different sealant materials in children aged 6–13 years during a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Design

Eighty children were included in this study, which was conducted in Blato (Korčula island), Croatia. Each participant received at least two different sealant materials on caries‐free permanent molars in two different quadrants. Sealant materials (M1 – glass‐ionomer cement; M2, M4 – resin‐based filled sealants; M3 – resin‐based unfilled sealant) were delivered in a random order.

Results

The results of this study showed that M2 (30 teeth, 46.2%) and M4 (27 teeth, 46.6%) showed statistically significantly higher number of teeth with total retention after 2‐year follow‐up period, in comparison with M1 (10 teeth, 19.2%) or M3 (12 teeth, 20.7%) (p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in caries occurrence between different groups in which the sealant material was totally retained.

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, filled resin‐based sealant materials showed better retention during the 2‐year follow‐up period while both resin‐based and glass‐ionomer sealants demonstrated protection against dental caries if totally retained on the occlusal surface.