bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil properties as key predictors of global grassland production: Have we overlooked micronutrients?
Authors: Radujković Dajana , Verbruggen Erik , Seabloom Eric W. , Bahn Michael , Biederman Lori A. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Boughton Elizabeth H. , Catford Jane A. , Campioli Matteo , Donohue Ian , Ebeling Anne , Eskelinen Anu , Fay Philip A. , Hansart Amandine , Knops Johannes M. H. , MacDougall Andrew S. , Ohlert Timothy , Olde Venterink Harry , Raynaud Xavier , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Schütz Martin , Silveira Maria Lucia , Stevens Carly J. , Van Sundert Kevin , Virtanen Risto , Wardle Glenda M. , Wragg Peter D. , Vicca Sara
Published: October 2021

Fertilisation experiments have demonstrated that nutrient availability is a key determinant of biomass production and carbon sequestration in grasslands. However, the influence of nutrients in explaining spatial variation in grassland biomass production has rarely been assessed. Using a global dataset comprising 72 sites on six continents, we investigated which of 16 soil factors that shape nutrient availability associate most strongly with variation in grassland aboveground biomass. Climate and N deposition were also considered. Based on theory‐driven structural equation modelling, we found that soil micronutrients (particularly Zn and Fe) were important predictors of biomass and, together with soil physicochemical properties and C:N, they explained more unique variation (32%) than climate and N deposition (24%). However, the association between micronutrients and biomass was absent in grasslands limited by NP. These results highlight soil properties as key predictors of global grassland biomass production and point to serial co‐limitation by NP and micronutrients.
Eight‐legged swimmers: Behavioral responses to floods in two South American spiders
Authors: Albín Andrea , González Macarena , Simó Miguel , Kossyrczyk Elizabeth W. , Bidegaray‐Batista Leticia , Aisenberg Anita
Published: October 2021

Arthropods inhabiting floodplains have to cope with regular cycles of wet and dry conditions. Allocosa senex and Allocosa marindia are two sympatric and synchronic sand‐dwelling wolf spiders that construct burrows along South American coasts and are subject to periodic floods. Our objective was to study tolerance to immersion and describe the behavioral responses to that event in A. senex and A. marindia. We placed each spider in a terrarium with sand as substrate to allow burrow construction. Then, we gradually increased water levels and recorded the behavioral responses for 30 min. None of the individuals died during the artificial flood. More adults of A. senex performed “dives” and “floats” compared to A. marindia. Also, A. senex showed higher occurrences of “floats,” “swims,” and swam for longer than A. marindia. Finally, females of both species swam more frequently than males. Our findings indicate that both Allocosa are able to withstand floods, showing differential tactics according to the life histories of each sex and species.
A database of West European headwater macroinvertebrate stoichiometric traits
Authors: Beck Miriam , Billoir Elise , Felten Vincent , Meyer Albin , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe , Danger Michael
Published: October 2021

Motivation

Ecological stoichiometry investigates the equilibrium and the fluxes of chemical elements and energy between organisms and their environment. Several studies have pointed out the value of integrating stoichiometric traits for a better understanding of the mechanisms behind community and ecosystem processes. Especially in the light of globally changing nutrient levels in freshwater systems, the link between stoichiometric traits and nutrient cycling or trophic interactions can improve our investigations of a species' or community's response to these changes. Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages are widely used for biomonitoring in freshwaters, providing a large number of datasets gathering information about their taxonomic diversity at many different spatial and temporal scales. Likewise, an increasing number of large databases gives ready access to information on a variety of macroinvertebrate biological traits. The addition of stoichiometric traits to this pool of available information could thus expand the application of trait approaches and facilitate the study of the links between nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning.

Main types of variables contained

The database contains information on the elemental contents of 188 taxa, in terms of the major nutrients %C, %N and %P and the corresponding molar ratios C:N, C:P and N:P. We provide calculated taxon mean values as well as the underlying raw data at the individual level that were obtained from field sampling, supplemented by a literature search (n = 1,555; 174 taxa).

Major taxa and level of measurements

The database contains information on 188 macroinvertebrate taxa, available at species (n = 33), genus (96), tribe (9), subfamily (6), family (42), order (1) or class (1) levels.

Software format

.csv file.
Help your neighbor, help yourself: The drivers of European Union's climate cooperation in trans‐governmental networks with its neighbors
Authors: Shyrokykh Karina
Published: October 2021

Climate change mitigation and adaptation are among the policy areas covered by the European Union (EU) in trans‐governmental cooperation with the neighboring countries. Although this cooperation is open to all European Neighborhood Policy countries and Russia, there is significant cross‐country variance. This article maps the EU's climate networks in the neighborhood and, building on time‐series cross‐sectional data analysis, explains the cross‐country differences. The study contributes to Europeanization and network governance literatures by demonstrating that the main driver of EU engagement in climate networks in the region is interdependencies stemming from geographic proximity. Meanwhile, state capacity is an important condition for establishing climate cooperation: climate cooperation develops more with closer neighbors that have stronger state capacity. Importantly, contrary to the logic of its international climate commitments, climate vulnerabilities do not define the extent of the EU's engagement in climate networks with its neighborhood.
Enlarging the spectrum of cluster headache: Extracranial autonomic involvement revealed by voice analysis
Authors: Silvestro Marcello , Dovetto Francesca M. , Corvino Virginia , Apisa Pasqualina , Malesci Rita , Tessitore Alessandro , Milizia Paolo , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Marciano Elio , Russo Antonio
Published: October 2021

Background

People with cluster headache (CH) are frequently burdened by misdiagnosis or diagnostic delay. The peculiar somatic and behavioral changes characterizing patients with CH are not useful to improve diagnostic accuracy. In our clinical experience, we noticed a typical voice quality with low and croaking tone in patients with CH.

In this cross‐sectional study, we evaluated, by digital voice analysis, whether it is possible to identify typical voice quality characterizing patients with CH compared with healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, to investigate whether putative differences in voice characteristics could be underpinned by constitutional aspects or pathological processes of vocal cords, subjects underwent a videolaryngostroboscopy. Smoking habits and alcohol consumption were specifically investigated.

Methods

After conducting digital recording of the voices from both patients with CH and HCs in a soundproof insulated cabin in the laboratory of the Audiology Department, a set of voice parameters was analyzed. We included the measures of fundamental frequency, calculations of jitter and shimmer, and noise‐to‐harmonics ratios as well as quantities related to the spectral tilt (i.e., H1–H2, H1–A1, H1–A2, and H1–A3) in 20 patients with CH and in 13 HCs. A videolaryngostroboscopy was performed in all subjects.

Results

Patients with CH, explored during the cluster bout period, showed significantly lower second harmonic (H1–H2) values compared with HCs (−6.9 ± 7.6 vs. 2.1 ± 6.7, p = 0.002), usually characterizing the so‐called creaky voice. By using a laryngoscopy investigation, a significantly higher prevalence of mild to moderate vocal cord edema and laryngopharyngeal reflux signs were found in patients with CH (100% of patients with CH vs. 15% of HC, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Creaky phonation is a “physiological mode of laryngeal operation” usually underpinned by shortened and thickened vocal folds. Creaky voice phonation can be due to a vocal fold's reduced capability to become slack or flaccid secondary to vocal cord edema underpinned by laryngopharyngeal reflux affecting the phonatory mechanisms in patients with CH. The laryngopharyngeal reflux may represent a dysautonomic sign related to the increased parasympathetic tone during in‐bout period, reinforcing the hypothesis of an extracranial autonomic dysfunction as part of CH clinical picture.
Helicobacter pylori and the intestinal microbiome among healthy school‐age children
Authors: Lapidot Yelena , Reshef Leah , Cohen Dani , Muhsen Khitam
Published: October 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is acquired during childhood and causes chronic gastritis that remains asymptomatic in most infected people. H. pylori alters the gastric microbiota and causes peptic ulcer disease. Evidence on the relationship between asymptomatic H. pylori infection and children's gut microbiota remains elusive.

Aim

We characterized the relationship between H. pylori infection and the intestinal microbiome of healthy children, adjusting for known inter‐personal and environmental exposures.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included stool samples obtained from 163 Israeli Arab children aged 6–9 years from different socioeconomic strata. Sociodemographic information was collected through maternal interviews. H. pylori infection was determined using monoclonal antigen detection stool enzyme immunoassay. The gut microbiome was characterized by implementing 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region and a multivariate downstream analysis.

Results

Overall, 57% of the participants were positive for H. pylori infection and it was significantly associated with low socioeconomic status. There was no significant association between H. pylori infection and bacterial richness of fecal microbiome. H. pylori infection was significantly associated with intestinal bacterial composition, including a strong association with Prevotella copri and Eubacterium biforme. Moreover, socioeconomic status was strongly associated with bacterial composition.

Discussion and Conclusions

H. pylori infection in healthy children was significantly associated with altered intestinal microbiome structure. Socioeconomic determinants exhibit a strong effect, related to both H. pylori infection and intestinal diversity and composition in childhood. These findings are clinically important to the understanding of the role of H. pylori infection and other intestinal microbes in health and disease.
Optimal management of lenvatinib therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma by balancing the therapeutic effect with the relative dose intensity
Authors: Tokunaga Takayuki , Tateyama Masakuni , Tanaka Kentaro , Narahara Satoshi , Inada Hiroki , Kurano Sotaro , Hayashi Sanae , Yoshimaru Yoko , Nagaoka Katsuya , Watanabe Takehisa , Setoyama Hiroko , Tanaka Motohiko , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: October 2021

Aims

We aimed to assess the optimal management of first or later‐line lenvatinib therapy (LEN) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), by clarifying the difference of degree between relative dose intensity (RDI) to achieve objective response (OR) and disease control (DC) by aiming at stable disease (SD), taking dose modifications into consideration.

Methods

One hundred uHCC patients who received LEN in first‐ or later‐line settings, between April 2018 and December 2020 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The factors associated with overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), OR and DC were assessed. The optimal cut‐off values of RDI 4 weeks after initiation of LEN (RDI during cycle 1) and total RDI (RDI during all cycles) to predict achievement of OR and DC by aiming at SD were determined by receiver operator curve analysis.

Results

Achievement of OR and SD were favorable factors for OS (HR, 0.080 and 0.20) and TTP (HR, 0.052 and 0.073), with progressive disease defined as the reference. RDI ≥ 0.8 during cycle 1 and RDI ≥ 0.4 during cycle 1 contributed to achievement of OR (odds ratio, 3.28) and DC (odds ratio, 4.85), respectively. Experience of dose interruption was associated with a favorable TTP (HR, 0.58). The therapeutic line of LEN did not contribute to OS, TTP or best response.

Conclusions

To achieve OR and SD for a favorable outcome of first‐ or later‐line LEN, high and moderate early‐phase RDI are required, respectively. The degree of RDI during LEN and tolerance need compatible by dose modifications.
Strength and thermal shock resistance of fiber‐bonded Si‐Al‐C‐O and Si‐Ti‐C‐O ceramics
Authors: Vera Maria Carmen , Martínez‐Fernández Julian , Singh Mrityunjay , Ramirez‐Rico Joaquin
Published: October 2021

Silicon carbide‐based fiber‐bonded ceramics, obtained from hot pressing of woven silicon carbide fibers, are a cost‐effective alternative to ceramic‐matrix composites due to their ease of fabrication, involving few processing steps, and competitive thermomechanical properties. In this work, we studied the high‐temperature strength and thermal shock resistance of Si‐Al‐C‐O and Si‐Ti‐C‐O fiber‐bonded SiC ceramics obtained from hot pressing of two types of ceramic fibers, by mechanical testing in four‐point bending. The bending strength of Si‐Al‐C‐O‐based fiber‐bonded ceramics at room temperature is ∼250–260 MPa and remains constant with temperature, while the bending strength of Si‐Ti‐C‐O increases slightly from the initial 220 to ∼250 MPa for the highest temperature. Both materials retain up to 90% of their room temperature strength after thermal shocks of 1400°C and show no reduction in elastic moduli. After thermal shock, failure mode is the same as in the case of as‐received materials.
In situ synthesis of cobalt silicide particle reinforcing and coloring Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Liu Ning , Hu Tengfei , Duan Yusen , Zhang Jingxian , Li Xiaoguang , Dong Shaoming
Published: October 2021

In this paper, silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics with black color and high toughness were fabricated by gas pressure sintering and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, EDS, and transmission electron microscopy. The in situ formed cobalt silicide was confirmed to contribute to the black color through the introduction of CoO. Due to the addition of CoO, the growth of β‐Si3N4 grains is promoted, forming elongated grains, and eventually forms the self‐reinforcing microstructure. However, with adding excessive CoO, interfacial debonding is found between cobalt silicide and Si3N4 matrix and a decrease in strength was resulted. The optimum composition is 1 mol% CoO in Si3N4, with the fracture toughness of 9.9 ± 0.3 MPa m1/2, flexural strength of 826.1 ± 46.0 MPa, and a much darker black color. The mechanism of color formation is discussed where the black color derives mainly from the metallic silicon and additionally the porosity.
Association between oral care challenges and sensory over‐responsivity in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Stein Duker Leah I. , Martinez Melissa , Lane Christianne J. , Polido José C. , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Sensory over‐responsivity has been linked to oral care challenges in children with special healthcare needs. Parents of children with Down syndrome (cDS) have reported sensory over‐responsivity in their children, but the link between this and oral care difficulties has not been explored.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between sensory over‐responsivity and oral care challenges in cDS.

Design

An online survey examined parent‐reported responses describing the oral care of their cDS (5–14 years; n = 367). Children were categorized as either sensory over‐responders (SORs) or sensory not over‐responders (SNORs). Chi‐square analyses tested associations between groups (SORs vs. SNORs) and dichotomous oral care variables.

Results

More parents of SOR children than of SNOR reported that child behavior (SOR:86%, SNOR:77%; p < .05) and sensory sensitivities (SOR:34%, SNOR:18%; p < .001) make dental care challenging, their child complains about ≥3 types of sensory stimuli encountered during care (SOR:39%, SNOR:28%; p = .04), their dentist is specialized in treating children with special healthcare needs (SOR:45%, SNOR:33%; p = .03), and their child requires full assistance to brush teeth (SOR:41%, SNOR:28%; p = .008). No intergroup differences were found in items examining parent‐reported child oral health or care access.

Conclusions

Parents of SOR children reported greater challenges than parents of SNOR children at the dentist’s office and in the home, including challenging behaviors and sensory sensitivities.
Structural origin of the weak germanate anomaly in lead germanate glass properties
Authors: Alderman Oliver L. G. , Hannon Alex C. , Holland Diane , Dupree Ray , Feller Steve
Published: October 2021

Binary PbO–GeO2 glasses have been studied in detail from 5 to 75 mol% PbO using high‐resolution neutron diffraction, high‐energy X‐ray diffraction, 207‐Pb NMR, pycnometry, and thermal analysis. The Ge–O coordination number displays a broad maximum nGeO = 4.14(3) close to 27 mol% PbO. This is smaller than the maximum nGeO = 4.3 reported in CaO–GeO2 glasses but occurs at a similar composition. This structural behavior appears to explain the relatively weak germanate anomaly manifest in lead germanate glasses, for example as a maximum in the measured atom number density and a plateau in the glass transition temperatures. The structural role of Pb(II) is complex. On the one hand, short covalent Pb–O bonds and small Pb–O coordination numbers of ∼3 to 4 indicate glass network former character for Pb(II), associated with a stereochemically active electron lone pair. On the other hand, the presence of some GeO5 or GeO6 units, in addition to the majority GeO4 tetrahedral species, indicates some modifier character of Pb(II) at low PbO contents, giving rise to the observed weak germanate anomaly, as well as elongation and enhanced ionicity of the Pb–O bonds. Overall, the observed structural behavior of Pb(II) in lead germanate glasses appears as intermediate between that observed in lead silicate and lead borate glasses. Despite rapid quenching, at low PbO contents, the glasses studied exhibited nanoscale heterogeneity, evidenced by small‐angle X‐ray scattering consistent with the early stages of spinodal decomposition.
Improved electrical and optical properties in epitaxial Cd2SnO4 films
Authors: Zhao Li , Li Kaifeng , Lv Kai , Zhang Jinfeng , Liu Zhongliang , Wang Haifeng , Liu Qinzhuang
Published: October 2021

Epitaxial Cd2SnO4 films were fabricated on MgO(00l) single crystalline substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique at various substrate temperatures and growth oxygen pressures. The microstructure, transport, and optical properties of the films were studied in detail. High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results demonstrate that all the Cd2SnO4 films are grown epitaxially on MgO(00l) substrates. Atomic force microscope images indicate that the films have smooth surface morphologies. Hall‐effect measurements reveal that the epitaxial film grown at 680°C and 40 Pa presents the minimum resistivity value of 0.61 mΩcm and maximal Hall mobility of 32.87 cm2 V−1 s−1. The metal–semiconductor transitions of Cd2SnO4 films were observed and explained by competitive effects of two conductive mechanisms. The optical transmittance of the Cd2SnO4 films is higher than 75% in the visible and near‐infrared range, and the optical bandgap was determined to be about 3.09 eV for the film grown at optimal condition. The band structure and density of states of the Cd2SnO4 were calculated by the density functional theory.
Gene replacement therapy restores RCBTB1 expression and cilium length in patient‐derived retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Huang Zhiqin , Zhang Dan , Chen Shang‐Chih , Jennings Luke , Carvalho Livia S. , Fletcher Sue , Chen Fred K. , McLenachan Samuel
Published: October 2021

Biallelic mutations in the RCBTB1 gene cause retinal dystrophy. Here, we characterized the effects of RCBTB1 gene deficiency in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from a patient with RCBTB1‐associated retinopathy and restored RCBTB1 expression in these cells using adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors. Induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with compound heterozygous RCBTB1 mutations (c.170delG and c.707delA) and healthy control subjects were differentiated into RPE cells. RPE cells were treated with AAV vectors carrying a RCBTB1 transgene. Patient‐derived RPE cells showed reduced expression of RCBTB1. Expression of NFE2L2 showed a non‐significant reduction in patient RPE cells compared with controls, while expression of its target genes (RXRA, IDH1 and SLC25A25) was significantly reduced. Trans‐epithelial electrical resistance, surface microvillus densities and primary cilium lengths were reduced in patient‐derived RPE cells, compared with controls. Treatment of patient RPE with AAV vectors significantly increased RCBTB1, NFE2L2 and RXRA expression and cilium lengths. Our study provides the first report examining the phenotype of RPE cells derived from a patient with RCBTB1‐associated retinopathy. Furthermore, treatment of patient‐derived RPE with AAV‐RCBTB1 vectors corrected deficits in gene expression and RPE ultrastructure, supporting the use of gene replacement therapy for treating this inherited retinal disease.
Displays of negative facial affect during parent–adolescent conflict and the bidirectional transmission of social anxiety
Authors: Woody Mary L. , Kaurin Aleksandra , McKone Kirsten M.P. , Ladouceur Cecile D. , Silk Jennifer S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Symptoms of social anxiety rise rapidly during adolescence, particularly for girls. Pervasive displays of parental negative affect may increase adolescents' fear of negative evaluation (FNE), thereby increasing risk for social anxiety symptoms. Adolescent displays of negative affect may also exacerbate parents' social anxiety symptoms (via FNE of their child or their parenting skills), yet little research has tested transactional pathways of transmission in families. By early adolescence, rates of parent–child conflict rise, and offspring become increasingly independent in their own displays of negative affect, increasing opportunities for hypothesized transactional pathways between parent–adolescent displays of negative affect and social anxiety symptoms.

Methods

This study included 129 parents and daughters (11–13; no baseline social anxiety disorder), two‐thirds of whom were at high risk for social anxiety due to a shy/fearful temperament. We used actor–partner interdependence models (APIM) to test whether displays of negative facial affect, assessed individually for each parent and daughter during a conflict discussion, would predict their partner's social anxiety symptoms two years later. Automated facial affect coding assessed the frequency of negative affect during the discussion. Clinician ratings of social anxiety symptoms were completed at baseline and two‐year follow‐up.

Results

Both parents and daughters who displayed more frequent negative facial affect at baseline had partners with higher follow‐up social anxiety symptoms, an effect that was maintained after accounting for actors' and partners' baseline symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings are consistent with intergenerational models positing that parental negative affective behaviors increase risk for adolescent social anxiety symptoms but also suggest that adolescent negative facial affect may exacerbate parental social anxiety symptoms. These bidirectional effects improve understanding of how social anxiety is maintained within a transactional family structure and highlight that displays of negative affect during parent–adolescent interaction may warrant future examination as a potential treatment target for adolescent social anxiety.
The influence of divergent reproductive strategies in shaping modularity and morphological evolution in mammalian jaws
Authors: Conith Andrew J. , Meagher Molly A. , Dumont Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2021

Marsupial neonates are born at an earlier developmental stage than placental mammals, but the rapid development of their forelimbs and cranial skeleton allows them to climb to the pouch, begin suckling and complete their development ex utero. The mechanical environment in which marsupial neonates develop is vastly different from that of placental neonates, which exhibit a more protracted development of oral muscles and bones. This difference in reproductive strategy has been theorized to constrain morphological evolution in the oral region of marsupials. Here, we use 3D morphometrics to characterize one of these oral bones, the lower jaw (dentary), and assess modularity (pattern of covariation among traits), morphological disparity and rates of morphological evolution in two clades of carnivorous mammals: the marsupial Dasyuromorphia and placental fissiped Carnivora. We find that dasyuromorph dentaries have fewer modules than carnivorans and exhibit tight covariation between the angular and coronoid processes, the primary attachment sites for jaw‐closing muscles. This pattern of modularity may result from the uniform action of muscles on the developing mandible during suckling. Carnivorans are free from this constraint and exhibit a pattern of modularity that more strongly reflects genetic and developmental signals of trait covariation. Alongside differences in modularity, carnivorans exhibit greater disparity and faster rates of morphological evolution compared with dasyuromorphs. Taken together, this suggests dasyuromorphs have retained a signal of trait covariation that reflects the outsized influence of muscular force during early development, a feature that may have impacted the ability of marsupial carnivores to explore specialized regions of morphospace.
From “getting things right” to “getting things right now”: Developing COVID‐19 guidance under time pressure and knowledge uncertainty
Authors: Moleman Marjolein , Macbeth Fergus , Wieringa Sietse , Forland Frode , Shaw Beth , Zuiderent‐Jerak Teun
Published: October 2021

Background

At the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, guidance was needed more than ever to direct frontline healthcare and national containment strategies. Rigorous guidance based on robust research was compromised by the emergence of the pandemic and the urgency of need for guidance. Rather than aiming to “get guidance right”, guidance developers needed to “get guidance right now”.

Aim

To examine how guidance developers have responded to the need for credible guidance at the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

An exploratory mixed‐methods study was conducted among guidance developers. A web‐based survey and follow‐up interviews were used to examine the most pertinent challenges in developing COVID‐19 guidance, strategies used to address these, and perspectives on the implications of the COVID‐19 pandemic on future guidance development.

Results

The survey was completed by 46 guidance developers. Survey findings showed that conventional methods of guidance development were largely unsuited for COVID‐19 guidance, with 80% (n = 37) of respondents resorting to other methods. From the survey and five follow‐up interviews, two themes were identified to bolster the credibility of guidance in a setting of extreme uncertainty: (1) strengthening end‐user involvement and (2) conjoining evidence review and recommendation formulation. 70% (n = 32) of survey respondents foresaw possible changes in future guidance production, most notably shortening development time, by reconsidering how to balance between rigour and speed for different types of questions.

Conclusion

“Getting guidance right” and “getting guidance right now” are not opposites, rather uncertainties are always part of guidance development and require guidance developers to balance scientific robustness with usability, acceptability, adequacy and contingency. This crisis points to the need to acknowledge uncertainties of scientific evidence more explicitly and points to mechanisms to live with such uncertainty, thus extending guidance development methods and processes more widely.
A Parachlorella kessleri (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) strain tolerant to high concentration of calcium chloride
Authors: Liu Xudong , Zhao Jinli , Feng Jia , Lv Junping , Liu Qi , Nan Fangru , Xie Tao , Xie Shulian
Published: October 2021

Members of coccoid green algae have been documented in various extreme environments. In this article, a unicellular green alga was found to slowly grow in high concentration (3.6 g/L) and pure calcium chloride solution in the laboratory. It was successfully cultured and a taxonomic study combined approaches of morphological and molecular methods was conducted to determine its classification attribution, which was followed by a preliminary physiology research to explore its unique tolerance characteristics against calcium chloride stress. The strain was identified as Parachlorella kessleri by very similar morphology and the same phylogenetic position. The morphological differences among the three species in genus Parachlorella were then discussed and the characteristic traits of absent or thin mucilaginous envelop and mantel‐shaped chloroplast for P. kessleri were supported. In addition, the almost strictly spherical shape of adult cells could further distinguish the P. kessleri from the other two species. The tolerant characteristics to CaCl2 stress for this strain were confirmed and the limit concentration was revealed as between 2000 and 4000 times than the standard BG11 culture concentration. Therefore, this P. kessleri strain is expected to be a good material to explore the mechanism of resistance to calcium ions stress for eukaryotic microbiology.
The first record of egg masses in tunicates deposited by the snubnose sculpin, Orthonopias triacis, from the Northeastern Pacific: evidence for convergent evolution of an unusual reproductive strategy
Authors: Awata Satoshi , Ito Takeshi , Crow Karen D. , Koya Yasunori , Munehara Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

In this study, the authors report the first record of egg masses deposited in solitary tunicates by the snubnose sculpin, Orthonopias triacis, from the Northeastern Pacific. Four egg masses were discovered in the tunicate Ascidia ceratodes that were genetically determined to be O. triacis. Female O. triacis had long ovipositors that allow deposition of their eggs inside the atrium of the tunicates. A comparison of host‐tunicate size with ovipositor length of sculpins from the Northwestern Pacific, including the genera Furcina and Pseudoblennius, revealed that O. triacis had shorter ovipositors and spawned in the atrium of smaller species of tunicates. Ancestral state reconstruction of egg deposition in solitary tunicates using 1.86Mbp RNAseq data of 20 sculpin species from Northeastern and Northwestern Pacific revealed that this unusual spawning behaviour may have evolved convergently in different species occurring in the Northeastern vs. the Northwestern Pacific.
Development of a species‐specific monoclonal antibody for rapid detection and identification of foodborne pathogen Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Wangman Pradit , Surasilp Thanai , Pengsuk Chalinan , Sithigorngul Paisarn , Longyant Siwaporn
Published: October 2021

Vibrio vulnificus is one of the major cause of foodborne illness related to seafood consumption. This study aimed to develop monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to enable rapid detection and monitoring food contamination of this pathogen. Five groups of MAbs against V. vulnificus were generated from a mouse immunized with a clinical isolate of V. vulnificus, heat and formalin‐inactivated whole cells. The first two groups of MAbs were species‐specific to V. vulnificus, recognized all 40 isolates of the bacterium without cross‐reactivity to other Vibiro and non‐Vibrio species, but bound to different protein antigens. The MAbs in the third group recognized four of nine clinical isolates and two isolates from seafood samples and bound to lipopolysaccharide antigens. The MAbs in the fourth group bound only to all isolates of V. vulnificus and Vibrio alginolyticus, and the MAb in the fifth group was genus‐specific bound to all isolates of Vibrio species tested. Based on Dot‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the range of detection sensitivity limits of these MAbs were 105 to 107 CFU/ml, which is 10–1,000 times less than that of direct PCR detection (104 CFU/ml). However, after pre‐enrichment of an oyster sample in tryptic soy broth for 6 hr, the detection limit was improved to 1 CFU/ml. This detection sensitivity limit is comparable to that of PCR protocols, which mostly require a pre‐enrichment step in sample preparation. The sets of MAbs could provide valuable tools for simple, fast, and low‐cost detection of V. vulnificus and Vibrio species in seafood, clinical, and environmental samples.
Randomized clinical trial: 7‐day vonoprazan‐based versus 14‐day omeprazole‐based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bunchorntavakul Chalermrat , Buranathawornsom Arunluk
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim

Vonoprazan has more potent and sustained acid inhibitory effects than proton pump inhibitors; therefore, Helicobacter pylori eradication rates are expected to improve with the use of vonoprazan‐based regimens. To date, no randomized trial has compared the efficacy of 7‐day vonoprazan‐based triple therapy (7‐VAC) with 14‐day omeprazole‐based triple therapy (14‐OAC). This study aimed to compare the H. pylori eradication rates of 7‐VAC and 14‐OAC.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was performed at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok. Patients with active H. pylori infection who were naive to treatment were included and randomized (1:1) into either a 7‐VAC group (vonoprazan 20 mg bid. pc., amoxicillin 1000 mg bid. pc., and clarithromycin 500 mg bid. pc.) or a 14‐OAC group (omeprazole 20 mg bid. ac., amoxicillin 1000 mg bid. pc., and clarithromycin 500 mg bid. pc.). Eradication success was evaluated by urea breath test 4–6 weeks after completion of treatment.

Results

A total of 122 subjects were randomized to receive 7‐VAC (n = 61) or 14‐OAC (n = 61). The H. pylori eradication rates of the 7‐VAC and 14‐OAC groups were 96.7% and 88.5% (P = 0.083), respectively, by intention‐to‐treat analysis and 98.3% and 93.1% (P = 0.159), respectively, by per‐protocol analysis. All treatment‐related adverse events were mild and not significantly different between the two groups. Common side effects included bitter taste, nausea, and dizziness.

Conclusions

The 7‐VAC regimen was well tolerated and achieved similar eradication rates and side effects to those of 14‐OAC; therefore, 7‐VAC may be considered an alternative regimen for H. pylori treatment with the benefit of shorter duration.
Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp detection rate of water exchange, Endocuff, and cap colonoscopy: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Shao Paul P , Shao Changhan R , Romero Tahmineh , Leung Felix W
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim

Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) may contribute to interval cancer. In a recent meta‐analysis, water exchange (WE) was shown to be superior to Endocuff and cap colonoscopy at adenoma and advanced adenoma detection. The strong positive correlation between adenoma detection rate (ADR), advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), and sessile serrated adenoma/polyp detection rate (SSA/PDR) prompted us to hypothesize that WE could significantly improve SSA/PDR compared with Endocuff and cap colonoscopy.

Methods

The literature was searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported SSA/PDR as an outcome and included the keywords colonoscopy, and water exchange, Endocuff, or cap. We performed traditional network meta‐analyses with random effect models comparing SSA/PDR of each method using air insufflation as the control and reported the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Performances were ranked based on P‐score.

Results

A total of 531 articles resulted from initial keywords search. Eleven RCTs were included in the analysis. A total of 7856 patients underwent air insufflation, WE, Endocuff, or cap colonoscopy. WE significantly increased SSA/PDR (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.33–3.13). Endocuff (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.94–1.41) and cap (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.42–2.74) did not significantly impact SSA/P detection. P‐scores for WE (0.96), Endocuff (0.49), cap (0.37), and air insufflation (0.17) suggested that WE had the highest SSA/PDR. The results did not change after adjusting for mean withdrawal time and indication for colonoscopy.

Conclusion

Water exchange significantly increases SSA/PDR and is superior to Endocuff and cap colonoscopy at detecting SSA/P.
Increased post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis for choledocholithiasis without acute cholangitis
Authors: Saito Hirokazu , Kadono Yoshihiro , Shono Takashi , Kamikawa Kentaro , Urata Atsushi , Nasu Jiro , Imamura Haruo , Matsushita Ikuo , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Tada Shuji
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim

Choledocholithiasis is the most common indication for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Identifying risk factors for post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is important for reducing the risk of developing PEP after common bile duct (CBD) stone removal. However, studies examining the risk factors for PEP for CBD stones are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine whether the presence or absence of acute cholangitis is a clinical risk factor for PEP in patients with CBD stones.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, 1539 patients with naïve papillae were divided into patients without and with acute cholangitis. We compared the incidence of PEP between the two groups using one‐to‐one propensity score matching to adjust for the potential confounding factors of PEP.

Results

In the entire cohort, the rates of PEP in patients without and with acute cholangitis were 9.6% (52/542) and 1.8% (18/997), respectively (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 5.8). In the propensity‐matched cohort, the rates of PEP in patients without and with acute cholangitis were 8.3% (27/326) and 2.5% (8/326), respectively (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 3.6). The rate of PEP was significantly higher in patients without acute cholangitis than in those with acute cholangitis after adjusting for the confounding factors of PEP.

Conclusions

The absence of acute cholangitis may be an important clinical risk factor for PEP due to CBD stone removal. In patients without acute cholangitis, endoscopists should explain the specific risk of PEP carefully and actively implement prophylaxis against PEP.
Racial disparities: The unintended consequence
Authors: Rhodes Ramona L.
Published: October 2021

This editorial comments on the article by Fashaw-Walters et al.
The role of steroid hormones in the sexual differentiation of the human brain
Authors: Bakker Julie
Published: October 2021

Widespread sex differences in human brain structure and function have been reported. Research on animal models has demonstrated that sex differences in brain and behavior are induced by steroid hormones during specific, hormone sensitive, developmental periods. It was shown that typical male neural and behavioral characteristics develop under the influence of testosterone, mostly acting during perinatal development. By contrast, typical female neural and behavioral characteristics may actually develop under the influence of estradiol during a specific prepubertal period. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge on the role of steroid hormones in the sexual differentiation of the human brain. Both clinical and neuroimaging data obtained in patients with altered androgen levels/actions (i.e., congenital adrenal hyperplasia or complete androgen insensitivity syndrome [CAIS]), point to an important role of (prenatal) androgens in inducing typical male neural and psychosexual characteristics in humans. In contrast to rodents, there appears to be no obvious role for estrogens in masculinizing the human brain. Furthermore, data from CAIS also suggest a contribution of sex chromosome genes to the development of the human brain. The final part of this review is dedicated to a brief discussion of gender incongruence, also known as gender dysphoria, which has been associated with an altered or less pronounced sexual differentiation of the brain.
3D visualization and morphometric analysis of spinal motion segments and vascular networks: A synchrotron radiation‐based micro‐CT study in mice
Authors: Guo Zhu , Li Chengjun , Cao Yong , Jiang Liyuan , Zhang Yi , Li Ping , Zhou Yongchun , Duan Chunyue , Hu Jianzhong , Lu Hongbin
Published: October 2021

The structure of spinal motion segments and spinal vasculature is complicated. Visualizing the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the spine may provide guidance for spine surgery. However, conventional imaging techniques fail to simultaneously obtain 3D images of soft and hard tissues, and achieving such coimaging states of the spine and its vascular networks remains a challenge. Synchrotron radiation micro‐CT (SRμCT) provides a relatively effective and novel method of acquiring detailed 3D information. In this study, specimens of the thoracic spine were obtained from six mice. SRμCT was employed to acquire 3D images of the structure, and histologic staining was performed for comparisons with the SRμCT images. The whole spinal motion segments and the spinal vascular network were simultaneously explored at high resolution. The mean thickness of the cartilaginous end plates (CEPs) and the volume of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) were calculated. The surface of the CEPs and the facet joint cartilage (FJC) were presented as heat maps, which allowed for direct visualization of the thickness distribution. Regional division revealed heterogeneity among the ventral, central, and dorsal parts of the CEPs and between the superior and inferior parts of the facet processes. Moreover, the connections and spatial morphology of the spinal vascular network were visualized. Our study indicates that SRμCT imaging is an ideal method for high‐resolution visualization and 3D morphometric analysis of the whole spinal motion segments and spinal vascular network.
Pustular psoriasis flare‐up in a patient with COVID‐19
Authors: Miladi Ronak , Janbakhsh Alireza , Babazadeh Arefeh , Aryanian Zeinab , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Barary Mohammad , Sio Terence T. , Wollina Uwe , Goldust Mohamad , Mohseni Afshar Zeinab
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The various cutaneous manifestations have lately appeared in the setting of COVID‐19. Psoriasis flare‐ups have been reported during a COVID‐19 infection.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 32‐year‐old woman with COVID‐19 who presented with generalized pustular psoriasis. She received oral prednisolone, hydroxyzine, and topical clobetasol. The patient received follow‐up two weeks later and found that her lesions were favorably desquamating.

Methods

The PubMed, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched for English studies reporting psoriasis flare‐ups following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Ten case reports/series were included after screening.

Conclusions

Our case report brings awareness to clinicians for the possible cutaneous manifestation of COVID‐19, which should be considered part of the differential diagnoses.
The efficacy and safety of 20% urea cream and 10% urea cream in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans in adolescents, a randomized comparative double‐blind study
Authors: Treesirichod Arucha , Chuenboonngarm Sorrawis , Kritsanaviparkporn Chawan
Published: October 2021

Background

Acanthosis nigricans is commonly associated with obesity. It is characterized by brown‐black skin thickening on the neck and the flexural areas. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of topical 20% urea cream compared to 10% urea cream in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans in adolescents.

Material and Methods

A randomized comparative, double‐blind study was conducted on participants aged 12–18 years with acanthosis nigricans of the neck. Treatment efficacy was assessed via narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer, while the overall success rates at weeks 2, 4, and 8 were evaluated by the investigator‐ and participant‐assessed global evaluation scales.

Results

A total of 40 participants with acanthosis nigricans were enrolled and completed the study. Throughout the period of 8 weeks of treatment, 20% urea showed greater improvement of hyperpigmentation compared to 10% urea (p = 0.001), with 22.5 ± 11.9% and 10.7 ± 8.1% improvements, respectively. Findings from the overall global evaluation scales were consistent with the results from the narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer. Treatment with 10% urea and 20% urea was well‐tolerated without any local serious adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Urea cream improves neck hyperpigmentation associated with acanthosis nigricans in adolescents, in which the 20% concentration shows superior efficacy to the 10% concentration.
“Living Fossils”: The Politics of Language Preservation in Huangshan, China
Authors: Ingebretson Britta
Published: October 2021

This article examines the politics of language maintenance in Huangshan, China, home of the Huizhou topolects. I show how, under the guise of celebrating local heritage, local language documentation efforts encourage language demise throughpreemptive eulogization,the act of portraying a language or culture as being more moribund than it is. This has the effect of hastening language loss by portraying it as inevitable and already well underway. I argue that intentional or unintentional acts of preemptive eulogization may be quite prevalent in minority language efforts worldwide and may help explain the lack of success of language protection projects.
Survey of Australian general paediatricians regarding insulin initiation practices in children with new onset of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Coppin Brian , Hamood Nicola , Tan Felix , Scholar Matthew , Goss Peter
Published: October 2021

Aim

Australian and New Zealand (NZ) paediatric endocrinologists' and NZ general paediatricians' insulin initiation strategies for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) was recently described. The aim of this study was to document the insulin initiation practices of Australian general paediatricians in newly diagnosed children with T1D.

Methods

An online survey was sent to Australian general paediatricians identified through the Australian Paediatric Society diabetes database.

Results

Twenty four general paediatricians participated on behalf of their Australian regional and metropolitan diabetes units managing 2059 patients. The diabetes units averaged 86 patients and all practices were multidisciplinary models of care. Intensive insulin therapy regimens were initiated at diagnosis for children age 2–10 years by 93% respondents compared with 73% Australian endocrinologists, 17% NZ endocrinologists and 36% NZ general paediatricians. Carbohydrate counting as part of flexible bolus dosing was usual practice for 83% of respondents, which was substantially more than Australian endocrinologists (63%), NZ endocrinologists (64%) and NZ general paediatricians (33%).

Conclusion

Almost all Australian general paediatricians who completed the survey initiate intensive insulin therapy regimes with carbohydrate counting in newly diagnosed children with T1D, consistent with the 2018 evidence‐based recommendations of the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes. A substantial proportion of children with T1D within Australia are managed by general paediatricians who tend to align with international peak body guidelines.