bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New‐onset inflammatory arthritis after COVID‐19 vaccination: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Che , Chen Chung‐Jen
Published: November 2022

Aim

To analyze the clinical patterns of new‐onset inflammatory arthritis after COVID‐19 vaccination among patients without pre‐existing rheumatic or autoimmune diseases.

Method

Case reports and series of new‐onset inflammatory arthritis after COVID‐19 vaccination were collected before April 2022. Clinical characteristics including diagnosis, age, gender, vaccine types, time interval between events, joint involvement (poly‐ or oligo−/monoarthritis), and laboratory data reflecting inflammatory status were sorted and P values between these parameters are calculated with independent sample Student's t test or 2 × 2 Fisher's exact test.

Results

Among 39 cases with new‐onset post‐vaccination arthritis including 25 females and 13 males (1 unknown), the most common diagnosis is adult‐onset Still's disease (AoSD, 10 cases), and the most common vaccine types are BNT162b2 (16 cases) and AZD‐1222 (or ChAdOx1‐nCoV19, 15 cases). Sub‐analysis reveals that post‐vaccination polyarthritis is more common among females (P = .016, by 2 × 2 Fisher's exact test, compared with male patients) and older patients (P = .006, by Student's t test). The C‐reactive protein level is significantly higher in cases with post‐vaccination inflammatory polyarthritis than oligoarthritis (P = .029), as well as in cases with AoSD than other causes of post‐vaccination arthritis (P = .004). However, serum level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with post‐vaccination AoSD are independent of other clinical variables in the analysis.

Conclusion

New‐onset post‐vaccination polyarthritis are more common in females and older patients. Although COVID‐19 vaccines may lead to inflammatory arthritis, the benefits of vaccination substantially outweigh the potential risks of such serious adverse effects due to their rarity.
Evaluation of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome subsequently COVID‐19 vaccinations: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Karakaş Özlem , Erden Abdulsamet , Armağan Berkan , Güven Serdar Can , Atalar Ebru , Polat Bünyamin , Omma Ahmet , Küçükşahin Orhan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate development of side effects, thrombotic or obstetric complications in our antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patient group, after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A cohort was formed from patients who have previously been followed up with a diagnosis of APS. The patients of the cohort were evaluated retrospectively to find out if they were vaccinated with CoronaVac and/or BNT162b2 vaccines which are being used in our country. To evaluate the side effects seen after the vaccination, the information was collected by the patients in their outpatient appointments or making a phone call. Thirty‐five APS patients who had received at least 1 dose of any of the COVID‐19 vaccines were included in the study. Median (min–max) number of vaccine doses per patient was 2 (1–3). Eleven patients had a booster dose after primary vaccination. Twenty patients were ever vaccinated with BNT162b2 and 18 with CoronaVac. Among BNT162b2 recipients, 9 (45.0%) and among CoronaVac recipients 15 (42.9%) reported an adverse event after a vaccine administration. The most common adverse events were myalgia and malaise after any dose of both vaccines. No vaccine‐related new thrombotic events or APS flares were observed. Our results were comparable with those reported in the literature. Comprehensive large‐scale studies are needed for more accurate results on the evaluation of side effects after COVID‐19 vaccination in APS patients.
Leflunomide: Traditional immunosuppressant with concurrent antiviral effects
Authors: Zheng Kunyu , Chen Yiran , Liu Suying , He Chengmei , Yang Yunjiao , Wu Di , Wang Li , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Fengchun
Published: November 2022

Leflunomide is a classic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug that is widely used to treat autoimmune diseases. Studies also show its antiviral effects in in vitro and/or in vivo experiments. Considering glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and newly emerged antibodies commonly used in autoimmune diseases and autoinflammatory disorders bring risk of infection such as viral infection, leflunomide with combination of anti‐viral and immunosuppressive features to maintain the balance between infection and anti‐inflammation are attractive. Here we summarize the actions and mechanisms of leflunomide in immunoregulatory and antiviral effects.
“Nature” and territories as victims: Decolonizing Colombia's transitional justice process
Authors: Lyons Kristina
Published: November 2022

Across different national contexts, liberal legal frameworks have primarily focused on war crimes and violence against human victims as violations of human rights and international law. In Colombia, there is growing legal recognition that “nature” and territories are also casualties of war, requiring punitive sanctioning and reparative treatment in the country's transitional justice process. This article examines how local communities inhabiting the epicenters of violence, along with officials responsible for administering transitional justice, are attempting to expand the tenets of this dominant postconflict paradigm. Informed by fieldwork among magistrates, bureaucrats, and Indigenous, Afro‐descendent, and campesino victim organizations, it attends to the tensions and ontological openings that occur during a criminal investigation process when multiple concepts of nature, territory, crime, and harm are held in frictive tandem. It also demonstrates the challenges of doing ethnography during times of explicit political transition and in collaboration with open judicial cases. While the anthropology of law has relied on concepts of coordination and hybridity to describe the interactions between diverse realities and legal systems, this article proposes analyzing the more radical work and limits of progressivism that are unfolding simultaneously within temporary tribunals.
Physical activity and screen time in Swedish children and adolescents: The generation pep study 2018–2021
Authors: Delisle Nyström Christine , Carlander Anders , Cassel Sophie , Rosell Magdalena , J‐Son Höök Malin , Löf Marie
Published: November 2022

Aim

To analyse physical activity and screen time trends annually between 2018 and 2021 in large population‐based samples of Swedish children and adolescents.

Methods

This is a repeated cross‐sectional study using data collected over 4 years (2018–2021) using simple probability sampling of Swedish children and adolescents aged 4–17 years. The web‐based questionnaire, including questions on physical activity and screen time, was filled out by a parent if the child was <12 years of age and by the adolescents themselves if they were ≥ 12 years. Sociodemographic data was collected from the parents.

Results

No significant difference in physical activity was observed in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019. However, older children/adolescents and girls have higher odds to be in a lower physical activity category (p‐values<0.001). With regards to screen time, there was a significant increase in reported screen time from 2018 to 2021 for children and adolescents, with screen time peaking in 2020 (p‐values<0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study in Sweden evaluating trends in physical activity and screen time in large population‐based samples spanning from pre‐school to adolescence. Interventions to promote physical activity, especially in the older age groups and to reduce screen time in a Swedish context are warranted.
An analysis on basic income: Evidence using data from experimental projects throughout the world
Authors: Kim Sang Kyun , Ahn SeoYeon
Published: November 2022

Basic income was a hot issue in the recent Korean presidential election. Its pros and cons were used to scramble for the electorate's votes. However, their arguments largely relied on political rhetoric and lacked scientific facts. The problem is that politics without the backing of science is not only prone to a misguided conviction but also going to deal a blow to the future development of basic income. This study aims to narrow the gap between rhetoric and facts through evidence‐based research on basic income. By employing methods of fact‐finding and effect evaluation, we analyze using four aspects of assessment, namely, general information about basic income experiments; details on the experiments; development of the experiments; and the effect of the experiments. Basic income‐related data are drawn from the World Bank and the Basic Income Laboratory at Stanford University. Significant results of the review are that some positive effects were identified at the micro level but any meaningful macro‐level impact was impossible to confirm. To sum up, the outcomes are so erratic that it is difficult to detect any clear pattern in policy impacts. To approach basic income more scientifically, further research is urgently needed.
The influence of government support over environmental protection investment on SMEs: R&D collaboration and financial aspects
Authors: Benito‐Hernández Sonia , López‐Cózar‐Navarro Cristina , Priede‐Bergamini Tiziana
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to improve knowledge about the main factors influencing firm environmental commitment, by examining empirically the relationship between public support for R&D for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their investment in environmental protection. The empirical analysis was developed using a sample of 1594 Spanish firms, and a binary logistic regression to evaluate the existence of dependency relationships between the analyzed variables. The results show that those companies receiving direct funding from local public entities and those collaborating with research centers and universities, invest more in environmental actions to protect the natural ecosystem. The paper contributes to the academic literature by analyzing the main factors that influence the SMEs environmental commitment. Moreover, showing practitioners and policy makers the effectiveness of different types of financial support depending on the origin of the funds and the form of action taken; showing managers the advantages of collaborating with public administrations, as well as with other research organizations, to obtain better ECSR results.
Learning analytics application to examine validity and generalizability of game‐based assessment for spatial reasoning
Authors: Kim Yoon Jeon , Knowles Mariah A. , Scianna Jennifer , Lin Grace , Ruipérez‐Valiente José A.
Published: November 2022

Game‐based assessment (GBA), a specific application of games for learning, has been recognized as an alternative form of assessment. While there is a substantive body of literature that supports the educational benefits of GBA, limited work investigates the validity and generalizability of such systems. In this paper, we describe applications of learning analytics methods to provide evidence for psychometric qualities of a digital GBA called Shadowspect, particularly to what extent Shadowspect is a robust assessment tool for middle school students' spatial reasoning skills. Our findings indicate that Shadowspect is a valid assessment for spatial reasoning skills, and it has comparable precision for both male and female students. In addition, students' enjoyment of the game is positively related to their overall competency as measured by the game regardless of the level of their existing spatial reasoning skills.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic:

Digital games can be a powerful context to support and assess student learning.

Games as assessments need to meet certain psychometric qualities such as validity and generalizability.

Learning analytics provide useful ways to establish assessment models for educational games, as well as to investigate their psychometric qualities.

What this paper adds:

How a digital game can be coupled with learning analytics practices to assess spatial reasoning skills.

How to evaluate psychometric qualities of game‐based assessment using learning analytics techniques.

Investigation of validity and generalizability of game‐based assessment for spatial reasoning skills and the interplay of the game‐based assessment with enjoyment.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

Game‐based assessments that incorporate learning analytics can be used as an alternative to pencil‐and‐paper tests to measure cognitive skills such as spatial reasoning.

More training and assessment of spatial reasoning embedded in games can motivate students who might not be on the STEM tracks, thus broadening participation in STEM.

Game‐based learning and assessment researchers should consider possible factors that affect how certain populations of students enjoy educational games, so it does not further marginalize specific student populations.
Comparison of conventional impression making and intraoral scanning for the study of unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Okazaki Tomoyo , Kawanabe Hitoshi , Fukui Kazunori
Published: November 2022

Patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) encounter various problems, including disorders related to feeding, esthetics, and pronunciation. We compared two impression methods, conventional impression making and intraoral scanning, to study unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Patients with UCLP (n = 7) were selected, and palatal impressions were taken by two steps: (1) impressions were obtained using an addition silicone rubber impression material, and a plaster model was prepared and (2) optical impressions were obtained using a desktop three‐dimensional (3D) scanner and stereolithography (STL). Data were generated by two impression system combinations through STL. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney U test. There were no significant differences in the dimensions of the models between both groups. The measured depth of the alveolar cleft defects was deeper in the plaster model group (STL) than in the intraoral scanner group (STL). Digital models may prevent the risk of aspiration and respiratory disorders by using impression materials for preoperative jaw treatment of newborns and infants. We compared the results of both impression methods in the same patient and found that a shift to the 3D printer model is a safe alternative for preoperative jaw correction, as evidenced from the amount of tissue displaced due to the pressure applied during impression taking. In the future, we would like to conduct clinical research with a larger sample size of CLP patients to further corroborate these findings.
Loss‐of‐function mutations in CST6 cause dry skin, desquamation and abnormal keratosis without hypotrichosis
Authors: Wang Xuan , Liu Jun , Chen Junyi , Xu Xueyan , Zhong Yadan , Xu Yingping , Lu Ping , Zhou Jiajian , Lin Zhimiao , Yang Bin , Yang Chao
Published: November 2022

Cystatin M/E (encoded by the CST6 gene) is a cysteine protease inhibitor, that exerts regulatory and protective effects against uncontrolled proteolysis mainly by directly regulating cathepsin V, cathepsin L, and legumain activities. Previous studies have suggested that CST6 may exert a regulatory role in epidermal differentiation and hair follicle formation by inhibiting the activity of respective cognate target proteases. However, until recently, studies have revealed that loss‐ or gain‐of‐function of the CST6 gene causes dry skin with hypotrichosis in humans. Here, we reported two siblings of Chinese origin with dry skin, desquamation and abnormal keratosis without hypotrichosis. By applying whole‐exome sequencing, we identified homozygous loss‐of‐function mutation c.251G > A (p.Gly84Asp) in the CST6 gene as the underlying genetic cause. Further fluorimetric enzyme assays demonstrated the mutant cystatin M/E protein lost its inhibitory function on the protease activity of cathepsins. Moreover, the corresponding mutation in mice resulted in excessive cornification, desquamation, impaired skin barrier function, and abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. In conclusion, the homozygous missense mutation c.251G > A in CST6 gene resulted in dry skin, desquamation, as well as abnormal keratosis of the skin, promoting our understanding of the role of protease‐antiprotease balance in human skin disorders.
Evolving capacity of children and their best interests in the context of health research in South Africa: An ethico‐legal position
Authors: Labuschaigne Melodie , Mahomed Safia , Dhai Ames
Published: November 2022

The existing ethico‐legal regulation of adolescent children's participation in health research in South Africa is currently unclear. The article interrogates the existing framework governing children's consent to research participation, with specific emphasis on discrepancies in consent norms in law and ethical guidelines. Against the backdrop of the constitutional directive that requires that a child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child, the article assesses whether sufficient consideration is given to children's evolving maturity and capacities when consent to their participation in health research is sought. The article provides specific recommendations and proposes a legislative change to consent provisions in the National Health Act 61 of 2003 in order to address the existing lacunae and to align the framework with constitutional imperatives and international fundamental rights considerations.
Burden of established cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes and matched controls: Hospital‐based care, days absent from work, costs and mortality
Authors: Persson Sofie , Nilsson Kristoffer , Karlsdotter Kristina , Skogsberg Josefin , Gustavsson Staffan , Jendle Johan , Steen Carlsson Katarina
Published: November 2022

Aims

To assess hospital‐based care, work absence, associated costs, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without established cardiovascular disease (eCVD) compared to matched controls.

Materials and methods

In a population‐based cohort study, we analysed individual‐level data from national health, social insurance and socio‐economic registers for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 70 years and controls (5:1) in Sweden. Regression analysis was used to attribute costs and days absent due to eCVD. Mortality was analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression, stratified by birth year and adjusted for sex and education.

Results

Thirty percent (n = 136 135 of 454 983) of people with type 2 diabetes had ≥1 person‐year with eCVD (women 24%; men 34%). The mean annual costs of hospital‐based care for diabetes complications were EUR 2629 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2601‐2657) of which EUR 2337 (95% CI 2309‐2365) were attributed to eCVD (89%). The most costly person‐years (10th percentile) were observed in a broad subgroup, 42% of people with type 2 diabetes and eCVD. People with type 2 diabetes had on average 146 days absent (95% CI 145‐147) per year, of which 68 days (47%; 95% CI 67‐70) were attributed to eCVD. The mortality hazard ratio for type 2 diabetes with eCVD was 4.63 (95%CI 4.58‐4.68) and without eCVD was 1.86 (95% CI 1.84‐1.88) compared to controls without eCVD.

Conclusion

The sizable burden of eCVD on both the individual with type 2 diabetes and society calls for efficient management in order to reduce the risks for those living with eCVD and to postpone its onset.
Model‐based predictions on health benefits and budget impact of implementing empagliflozin in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease
Authors: Nilsson Kristoffer , Andersson Emelie , Persson Sofie , Karlsdotter Kristina , Skogsberg Josefin , Gustavsson Staffan , Jendle Johan , Steen Carlsson Katarina
Published: November 2022

Aim

To perform a model‐based analysis of the short‐ and long‐term health benefits and costs of further increased implementation of empagliflozin for people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease (eCVD) in Sweden.

Materials and Methods

The validated Institute for Health Economics Diabetes Cohort Model (IHE‐DCM) was used to estimate health benefits and a 3‐year budget impact, and lifetime costs per quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) gained of increased implementation of adding empagliflozin to standard of care (SoC) for people with type 2 diabetes and eCVD in a Swedish setting. Scenarios with 100%/75%/50% implementation were explored. Analyses were based on 30 model cohorts with type 2 diabetes and eCVD (n = 131 412 at baseline) from national health data registers. Sensitivity analyses explored the robustness of results.

Results

Over 3 years, SoC with empagliflozin (100% implementation) versus SoC before empagliflozin resulted in 7700 total life years gained and reductions in cumulative incidence of cardiovascular deaths by 30% and heart failures by 28%. Annual costs increased by 15% from higher treatment costs and increased survival. Half of these benefits and costs are not yet reached with current implementation below 50%. SoC with empagliflozin yielded 0.37 QALYs per person, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of 16 000 EUR per QALY versus SoC before empagliflozin.

Conclusions

Model simulations using real‐world data and trial treatment effects indicated that a broader implementation of empagliflozin, in line with current guidelines for treatment of people with type 2 diabetes and eCVD, would lead to further benefits even from a short‐term perspective.
Lyme neuroborreliosis with antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid but not in serum
Authors: Zomer Tizza P. , Bruinsma Reitze , van Samkar Anusha , Vermeeren Yolande M. , Wieberdink Renske G. , van Kooten Barend , van Bemmel Thomas
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

To diagnose Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is tested for pleocytosis and intrathecal antibody production. The Dutch guideline for Lyme borreliosis indicates a lumbar puncture in the case of positive Borrelia serology or a strong clinical suspicion of LNB. This suggests that LNB might be underdiagnosed in patients with negative Borrelia serology and/or a minor clinical suspicion. The objective was to assess how often negative Borrelia serology occurs in the case of LNB.

Method

A retrospective study was performed among patients with LNB visiting Gelre Hospitals between January 2007 and December 2020. Electronic medical records of patients with pleocytosis were reviewed to identify patients with LNB. Data were collected from medical records.

Results

Included were 127 patients with LNB, 58 of whom were children. In 67 patients Borrelia antibodies were present in both serum and CSF. In 53 of 67 patients there was intrathecal antibody production. In 28 patients there was intrathecal antibody production but serum antibodies were absent. Of patients with positive serology 77% had antibodies in CSF versus 83% of patients with negative serology (p = 0.435). Of patients with positive serology 61% had intrathecal antibody production versus 78% of patients with negative serology (p = 0.073).

Conclusions

Twenty‐eight LNB patients had intrathecal antibody production but no antibodies in serum. In this specific patient population, positive serum serology was not associated with antibodies in CSF nor with intrathecal antibody production. In Lyme endemic areas, in patients with symptoms suggestive for LNB, there is a need to lower the threshold for a lumbar puncture.
Cost‐effectiveness of surgical treatment compared to medical treatment in patients with drug‐refractory epilepsy: A systematic review
Authors: Kitschen Anne , Aleknonytė‐Resch Milda , Sakalytė Gabija , Diederich Freya
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients develop a drug‐refractory epilepsy, that is, seizures cannot be controlled with antiepileptic drugs. Surgery has been evaluated as an effective but costly form of treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the available evidence on the cost‐effectiveness of surgical treatment compared to medical treatment for these patients.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database until September 2022. Title, abstract and full‐text screening were conducted by two researchers. Original studies published in English or German analyzing the cost‐effectiveness of surgical compared to medical treatment were included. Study characteristics, effectiveness measures, costs and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were extracted. The quality of studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. Most studies evaluated surgery as cost‐effective. The ICER per patient seizure free ranged from dominant to purchasing power parity US dollars (PPP‐USD) 479,275. The ICER per 1% seizure reduction ranged from PPP‐USD 227 to PPP‐USD 342. The ICER per year without seizures was PPP‐USD 4202 and the ICER per quality‐adjusted life‐year ranged from dominant to PPP‐USD 90,874. The studies varied greatly in their methodology and time horizon.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment is cost‐effective compared to medical treatment, especially when a lifetime horizon is adopted. It is concluded that all disease‐specific costs should be considered over a long period when assessing the cost‐effectiveness of epilepsy treatment. From an economic perspective, efforts should be made to improve access to surgical treatment for patients with drug‐refractory epilepsy.
Comparing radiographic scores for prediction of complications and outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Which performs best?
Authors: Said Maryam , Odensass Svenja , Gümüs Meltem , Rodemerk Jan , Chihi Mehdi , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Dinger Thiemo Florin , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Dammann Philipp , Wrede Karsten Henning , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality proceeding from the initial severity and following complications of aSAH. Various scores have been developed to predict these risks. We aimed to analyze the clinical value of different radiographic scores for prognostication of aSAH outcome.

Methods

Initial computed tomography scans (≤48 h after ictus) of 745 aSAH cases treated between January 2003 and June 2016 were reviewed with regard to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES), and Claassen, Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI), Hijdra, original Graeb and Fisher scale scores. The primary endpoints were development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), in‐hospital mortality and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >3) at 6 months after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Secondary endpoints included the different complications that can occur during aSAH. Clinically relevant cutoffs were defined using receiver‐operating characteristic curves. The radiographic scores with the highest values for area under the curve (AUC) were included in the final multivariate analysis.

Results

The Hijdra sum score had the most accurate predictive value and independent associations with all primary endpoints: DCI (AUC 0.678, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.83; p < 0.0001); in‐hospital mortality (AUC 0.704, aOR 2.83; p < 0.0001) and unfavorable outcome (AUC 0.726, aOR 2.91; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses confirmed the independent predictive value of the radiographic scales for risk of decompressive craniectomy (SEBES and Fisher score), cerebral vasospasm (SEBES, BNI score and Fisher score) and shunt dependency (Hijdra ventricle score and Fisher score) after aSAH.

Conclusions

Initial radiographic severity of aSAH was independently associated with occurrence of different complications during aSAH and the final outcome. The Hijdra sum score showed the highest diagnostic accuracy and robust predictive value for early detection of risk of DCI, in‐hospital mortality and unfavorable outcome after aSAH.
Apparent thermal acclimation of soil heterotrophic respiration mainly mediated by substrate availability
Authors: He Yanghui , Zhou Xuhui , Jia Zhen , Zhou Lingyan , Chen Hongyang , Liu Ruiqiang , Du Zhenggang , Zhou Guiyao , Shao Junjiong , Ding Junxia , Chen Kelong , Hartley Iain P.
Published: November 2022

Multiple lines of existing evidence suggest that increasing CO2 emission from soils in response to rising temperature could accelerate global warming. However, in experimental studies, the initial positive response of soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) to warming often weakens over time (referred to apparent thermal acclimation). If the decreased RH is driven by thermal adaptation of soil microbial community, the potential for soil carbon (C) losses would be reduced substantially. In the meanwhile, the response could equally be caused by substrate depletion, and would then reflect the gradual loss of soil C. To address uncertainties regarding the causes of apparent thermal acclimation, we carried out sterilization and inoculation experiments using the soil samples from an alpine meadow with 6 years of warming and nitrogen (N) addition. We demonstrate that substrate depletion, rather than microbial adaptation, determined the response of RH to long‐term warming. Furthermore, N addition appeared to alleviate the apparent acclimation of RH to warming. Our study provides strong empirical support for substrate availability being the cause of the apparent acclimation of soil microbial respiration to temperature. Thus, these mechanistic insights could facilitate efforts of biogeochemical modeling to accurately project soil C stocks in the future climate.
Switching defective/sucrose non‐fermenting chromatin remodeling complex coordinates meiotic gene activation via promoter remodeling and Meiosin activation in female germline
Authors: Ito Toshiaki , Ohta Masami , Osada Atsuki , Nishiyama Akira , Ishiguro Kei‐Ichiro , Tamura Tomohiko , Sekita Yoichi , Kimura Tohru
Published: November 2022

In mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) enter meiosis and differentiate into primary oocytes in embryonic ovaries. Previously, we demonstrated that meiotic gene induction and meiotic initiation were impaired in female germline cells of conditional knockout (CKO) mice lacking the Smarcb1 (Snf5) gene, which encodes a core subunit of the switching defective/sucrose non‐fermenting (SWI/SNF) complex. In this study, we classified meiotic genes expressed at lower levels in Snf5 CKO females into two groups based on promoter accessibility. The promoters of 74% of these genes showed lower accessibility in mutant mice, whereas those of the remaining genes were opened without the SWI/SNF complex. Notably, the former genes included Meiosin, which encodes a transcriptional regulator essential for meiotic gene activation. The promoters of the former and the latter genes were mainly modified with H3K27me3/bivalent and H3K4me3 histone marks, respectively. A subset of the former genes was precociously activated in female PGCs deficient in polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs). Our results point to a mechanism through which the SWI/SNF complex coordinates meiotic gene activation via the remodeling of PRC‐repressed genes, including Meiosin, in female germline cells.
Controlled synthesis of Bi2O3–YSZ composite powders and their sintering behavior for high‐performance electrolytes
Authors: Tian Yuhang , Liu Shuangshuang , Zhang Xu , Xiao Shikang , Sun Jian , Zhang Jingde , Han Guifang
Published: November 2022

Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) is a promising additive to decrease the sintering temperature of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ)‐based electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cell application. However, Bi2O3 tends to grow into large column bars (>50 µm) in a chemical coprecipitation method, which dramatically limits the mixing uniformity of Bi2O3 and YSZ, even much worse than that of mechanical mixing. In this study, the reaction temperature was increased from room temperature to 90°C to increase the number of nucleation during the violate reaction between Bi3+ solution and YSZ suspension in NaOH. On this basis, the violence of the reaction was further moderated by adding half of NaOH first, then YSZ powders and the other half of an NaOH solution. The size of Bi2O3 was further decreased to sub‐micrometer and Bi2O3 was homogeneously mixed with YSZ particles, even when its addition amount was as large as 20 mol%. These composite powders effectively promoted the sintering behavior of YSZ. The sintering temperature of YSZ was decreased to 900 and 1000°C with 10 and 5 mol% Bi2O3 doping, respectively. Increasing the doping ratio induced severe volatilization of Bi2O3 and pore formation. Raising the sintering temperature (no more than 1200°C) enhanced the doping effect of Bi2O3 into the YSZ lattice but induced instability in the YSZ crystal structure.
Easy control of surface morphology through a natural phenomenon
Authors: Ishikawa Toshihiro , Niidome Katsuya
Published: November 2022

This paper provides an innovative controlling process of surface morphology. The contact area between a liquid and a solid is strongly affected by the critical surface tension (cft) of both materials. Using this phenomenon, a wide range of morphologies, from flat surface layers to sea‐grape‐like surface structures, were created. Due to the bleed‐out phenomenon, low‐molecular‐mass additive (liquid) oozed out of a precursor polymer (solid), leading to different surface morphologies depending on the cft values of the liquid (Mcft) and solid (Pcft). When Mcft < < Pcft, a flat surface layer was obtained; however, in the case of Pcft < < Mcft, the formation of a sea‐grape‐like surface layer was created. Tetra‐butoxy‐titanium and polydimethylsiloxane were used as low‐molecular‐mass additive and precursor polymer, respectively. After coating on titanium metal and calcination, sea‐grape‐like materials composed of titanium oxide and silicon oxide were obtained. Furthermore, unique characteristics (bioactivity, photocatalytic activity, and prevention of atomic diffusion) were observed. A remarkable increase in the wettability, bioactivity, and catalytic activity of materials was achieved using our simple process to create unique surface morphologies. Our proposed process is applicable to a wide range of materials and morphologies, and can be used in catalysts, biomaterials, and environmental barrier coatings.
Combination repair of nasal ala and nasolabial fold defects following Mohs micrographic surgery
Authors: Cervantes Jose A. , Deen Sidra , Shimizu Ikue
Published: November 2022

Background

Repair of excisional defects involving the nose and cheek requires thoughtful planning to maintain the natural contour of the anatomical sites and optimize cosmetic outcomes. We aim to demonstrate that a combination repair of defects involving the ala and nasolabial fold with a full‐thickness skin graft and a local flap can be used with good cosmesis and minimal complications.

Methods

This is a case report of a patient with skin cancer on the left ala and left nasolabial fold who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery for tumor extirpation.

Results

The patient and the Mohs surgeon reported satisfaction with the cosmetic and functional outcomes at the 6‐month postoperative follow‐up with no complications.

Conclusion

The use of a full‐thickness skin graft from a standing tissue cone and a cheek crescentic advancement flap is a viable repair option for Mohs micrographic surgery defects involving the ala and nasolabial fold.
Australia and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapies (ANZTCT) position statement: COVID‐19 management in patients with haemopoietic stem cell transplant and chimeric antigen receptor T cell
Authors: Perram Jacinta , Purtill Duncan , Bajel Ashish , Butler Jason , O'Brien Tracey , Teh Benjamin , Gilroy Nicole , Ho Phoebe J. , Doocey Richard , Hills Thomas , Perera Travis , Douglas Genevieve , Ramachandran Shanti , Chee Lynette , Trotman Judith , Weinkove Robert , Keogh Steven , Fraser Chris , Cochrane Tara , Watson Anne‐Marie , Diamond Peter , Latimer Maya , Irving Ian , Blyth Emily , Cheah Chan , Cole Theresa , Milliken Sam , Yang Hung , Greenwood Matthew , Bardy Peter , Kennedy Glen , Larsen Stephen , Conyers Rachel , Hamad Nada
Published: November 2022

Patients with post‐haemopoietic stem cell transplant or chimeric antigen receptor T ‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy face a significant risk of morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 because of their immunosuppressed state. As case numbers in Australia and New Zealand continue to rise, guidance on management in this high‐risk population is needed. Whilst we have learned much from international colleagues who faced high infection rates early in the pandemic, guidance relevant to local health system structures, medication availability and emerging therapies is essential to equip physicians to manage our patients optimally.
TLR9 activation is required for cytotoxic response elicited by baculovirus capsid display
Authors: Molinari Paula , Crespo María Inés , Molina Guido N. , Dho Nicolás D. , Marinho Fábio V. , Maletto Belkys , Leclerc Claude , Oliveira Sergio C. , Taboga Oscar , Cebrian Ignacio , Morón Gabriel
Published: November 2022

Although the baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) infects lepidopteran invertebrates as natural hosts, represents an efficient vector for vaccine development. Baculovirus surface display induces strong humoral responses against viruses and parasites. A novel strategy based on capsid display carrying foreign antigens in the AcMNPV particle further improved the immune response by eliciting CD8+ T cell activation. In this study, we analyze the intracellular mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in CD8+ T cell activation by capsid display. Our results show that baculovirus can attach to the cell surface, enter dendritic cells (DCs), transit within endocytic vesicles and escape to the cytosol for further degradation by the proteasome. We found that the availability of viral proteins, endosomal acidification, and proteasome activity are needed for efficient Major Histocompatibility Complex class‐I presentation by baculovirus carrying Ovalbumin in the viral capsid. Importantly, we demonstrated with this strategy that the induction of cytotoxic T cells and IL‐12 production by DCs are TLR9‐dependent and STING‐independent. Finally, our study shows differential intracellular processing for capsid and surface baculovirus proteins in DCs and highlights the role of different danger receptors during cytotoxic T cell priming through the capsid display delivery system, which could lead to improved baculovirus‐based vaccines development.
Flash self‐joining of Y‐TZP ceramics assisted with an AC electric field
Authors: Nambu Kohta , Kitaoka Taisuke , Morita Koji , Soga Kohei , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Yamamoto Takahisa , Masuda Hiroshi , Yoshida Hidehiro
Published: November 2022

In this study, flash joining experiments were conducted using an AC field on 3 mol% Y2O3‐stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 polycrystal (Y‐TZP) bodies. Furthermore, the necessary conditions to obtain an almost complete self‐joining of Y‐TZP bodies were clarified. The specimens were successfully joined by applying an AC field at 60 mA mm−2 for 80 s at a furnace temperature of 1000°C, thus resulting in a successfully joined specimen with 92% of the flexural strength of the as‐sintered Y‐TZP body. Almost complete self‐joining of Y‐TZP was achieved at current densities above 30 mA mm−2, and input energy densities of >24 J mm−3. Both the input energy density and electric current were critical factors for producing the reliable joining of ceramics.
Crystal structure, Raman spectra, and modified dielectric properties of pure‐phase ZnZrNb2O8 ceramics at low temperature
Authors: Wang Gang , Chen Zhipeng , Yan Hui , Xuan Tao , Wu Mengyan , Zhu Xue , Ding Tong , Ding Li , Ren Xingang , Wu Xianliang , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: November 2022

Low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics technology (LTCC) exhibits enormous superiorities in packaging, integration, and interconnection. However, the complex compositions of low‐melting point sintering aids may react with ceramic matrix, which increases the difficulties of phase control and tape casting. In this work, the Li2CO3–B2O3–Bi2O3–SiO2 (LBBS) sintering aid was adopted to sinter ZnZrNb2O8 ceramics with single phase at low temperatures. The LBBS glass could be used to fabricate pure‐phase ZnZrNb2O8 ceramics at a low sintering temperature, promote the grain growth, and increase the densification of ZnZrNb2O8 ceramics. Furthermore, the unit cell volume, NbO6 octahedral distortion, Raman shift, and FWHM changed along with LBBS addition, thereby affecting the microwave dielectric properties. Remarkably, ZnZrNb2O8 ceramics doped with 0.75 wt.% LBBS at 950°C were chemically compatible with the silver electrode and exhibited excellent microwave dielectric characteristics: εr = 27.1, Q × f = 54 500 GHz, and τf = −48.7 ppm/°C, providing candidates for LTCC applications.
Orange‐emitting MgO–(Sr,Ba)3SiO5:Eu composite phosphor ceramics for turn signals and warm white laser lighting
Authors: Peng Xinglin , Li Shuxing , Zhang Buhao , Tian Rundong , Yao Xiumin , Huang Zhengren , Xie Rong‐Jun , Liu Xuejian
Published: November 2022

The research and development of orange‐emitting phosphor ceramics with excellent performance are significant for improving the optical quality of laser lighting and developing‐related emerging applications. For the first time, we prepared an orange‐emitting MgO–(Sr,Ba)3SiO5:Eu composite phosphor ceramic with high thermal conductivity, high thermal stability, and excellent luminescence properties. The thermal conductivity of the phosphor ceramic is as high as 32 W/(m K), and the luminescence intensity decreases by only 20% at 200°C, both of which are better than other orange‐emitting phosphor ceramics reported so far. The luminous efficacy of the phosphor ceramic (41.6 lm/W) is also close to the highest value of orange‐emitting phosphor ceramics until now. In addition, we also explored the application prospects of the composite phosphor ceramics in automotive turn signals and warm white laser lighting. This work provides inspiration for the preparation of other excellent orange‐emitting phosphor ceramics in the future.
Do endemic mushrooms on oceanic islands and archipelagos support the theory of island biogeography?
Authors: Stallman Jeffery K. , Robinson Kyra , Knope Matthew L.
Published: November 2022

Aim

Terrestrial plant species on islands have a long history of study to determine how they evolved and what explains their levels of endemicity, but studies on fungi are lacking. Here, we examine: (1) how percent endemism of non‐lichenized class Agaricomycetes; hereafter, ‘mushrooms’ compares to angiosperms, ferns, bryophytes and lichens from oceanic islands/archipelagos; (2) whether endemic mushrooms evolved from an ancestor diversifying into multiple species after island colonization (cladogenesis) or over time evolved into a single endemic species unique from its ancestral mainland counterpart (anagenesis); and (3) if mushroom percent endemism and cladogenesis are correlated to geographic variables that help explain these phenomena in other species groups.

Location

Hawaiʻi, Galápagos, Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, Cabo Verde, Christmas Island.

Taxon

Mushrooms, angiosperms, ferns, bryophytes, lichens.

Methods

Checklists of mushrooms and other species groups from seven oceanic islands/archipelagos were compared. Having multiple endemic congeners from a single island/archipelago was used to infer cladogenesis versus anagenesis in endemic mushrooms. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between an island/archipelago's percent endemism and percent cladogenesis, and their distance to the nearest mainland, area, maximum elevation and latitude from the equator.

Results

Hawaiʻi has the highest mushroom endemicity at 83%, of which 50% are potentially derived from cladogenesis. Considering mushrooms on all islands/archipelagos, speciation by cladogenesis leads to fewer endemic species (37%) than anagenesis (63%). We find positive and statistically significant relationships between distance to mainland and island area with percent endemism among mushrooms, and cladogenesis is positively and significantly correlated with island size and maximum elevation.

Main conclusions

Mushrooms show greater percent endemism on larger, more isolated islands/archipelagos. However, they display the lowest percent species derived from cladogenesis among the organismal groups examined. Both the lack of data and unreliability of data are impediments to studying fungal endemism on islands, making drawing decisive conclusions challenging.
Larval stages of the Antarctic dragonfish Akarotaxis nudiceps (Waite, 1916), with comments on the larvae of the morphologically similar species Prionodraco evansii Regan 1914 (Notothenioidei: Bathydraconidae)
Authors: Corso Andrew D. , McDowell Jan R. , Biesack Ellen E. , Muffelman Sarah C. , Hilton Eric J.
Published: November 2022

The notothenioid family Bathydraconidae is a poorly understood family of fishes endemic to the Southern Ocean. There is especially little information on Akarotaxis nudiceps, one of the deepest‐dwelling and least fecund bathydraconid species. Using genetic and morphological data, we document and describe the larval stages of this unique species, offer a novel characteristic to distinguish it from the morphologically similar bathydraconid Prionodraco evansii and use the sampling locations to infer a possible spawning area of A. nudiceps along the western Antarctic Peninsula. These results provide important baseline information for locating, identifying and studying the biology of A. nudiceps, an important component of the Southern Ocean ecosystem.
Detection of the threatened snail darter Percina tanasi in the Tennessee River system using environmental DNA
Authors: Shollenberger Kurtis R. , Janosik Alexis M. , Johnston Carol
Published: November 2022

The distribution of many fishes that occupy large rivers is poorly known, in part due to the difficulties of sampling for them. This is especially true for small‐bodied or rare species, such as the snail darter Percina tanasi, 44, 469–488; 1976). This federally listed (threatened) species has a limited distribution in the Tennessee River system in Alabama and Tennessee, where it is known from a few large tributaries or small rivers. In Alabama, P. tanasi was previously known from only one locality, but has recently been found in two additional, widely separated systems. These new records raise questions regarding the accuracy of our current understanding of the range for this species. Particularly, is P. tanasi present throughout the main stem Tennessee River, and is this species dispersing into new areas from source populations in the river? To clarify the distribution of P. tanasi in Alabama, 83 unique sites were surveyed using environmental DNA analysis. This cost‐effective detection tool reduces the difficulty associated with empirically sampling large rivers for small fishes. Approximately 42% of sites sampled were positive for P. tanasi DNA. This study confirmed the known localities of P. tanasi in the Bear Creek, Elk River and Paint Rock River. Several new localities were also discovered throughout the main stem Tennessee River and in Shoal Creek, near Florence, Alabama. These findings can inform biologists about where to prioritize conservation efforts and further could lead to studies assessing movement and relatedness between populations in this system.