bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summer thaw duration is a strong predictor of the soil microbiome and its response to permafrost thaw in arctic tundra
Authors: Romanowicz Karl J. , Kling George W.
Published: September 2022

Climate warming has increased permafrost thaw in arctic tundra and extended the duration of annual thaw (number of thaw days in summer) along soil profiles. Predicting the microbial response to permafrost thaw depends largely on knowing how increased thaw duration affects the composition of the soil microbiome. Here, we determined soil microbiome composition from the annually thawed surface active layer down through permafrost from two tundra types at each of three sites on the North Slope of Alaska, USA. Variations in soil microbial taxa were found between sites up to ~90 km apart, between tundra types, and between soil depths. Microbiome differences at a site were greatest across transitions from thawed to permafrost depths. Results from correlation analysis based on multi‐decadal thaw surveys show that differences in thaw duration by depth were significantly, positively correlated with the abundance of dominant taxa in the active layer and negatively correlated with dominant taxa in the permafrost. Microbiome composition within the transition zone was statistically similar to that in the permafrost, indicating that recent decades of intermittent thaw have not yet induced a shift from permafrost to active‐layer microbes. We suggest that thaw duration rather than thaw frequency has a greater impact on the composition of microbial taxa within arctic soils.
Ecological processes differ in community assembly of Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryotes in a biogeographical survey of groundwater habitats in the Quebec region (Canada)
Authors: Groult Benjamin , Bredin Pascal , Lazar Cassandre Sara
Published: September 2022

Aquifers are inhabited by microorganisms from the three major domains of life: Archaea, Eukaryotes and Bacteria. Although interest in the processes that govern the assembly of these microbial communities is growing, their study is almost systematically limited to one of the three domains of life. Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryotes are however interconnected and essential to understand the functioning of their living ecosystems. We, therefore, conducted a spatial study of the distribution of microorganisms by sampling 35 wells spread over an area of 10,000 km2 in the Quebec region (Canada). The obtained data allowed us to define the impact of geographic distance and geochemical water composition on the microbial communities. A null model approach was used to infer the relative influence of stochastic and determinist ecological processes on the assembly of the microbial community from all three domains. We found that the organisms from these three groups are mainly governed by stochastic mechanisms. However, this apparent similarity does not reflect the differences in the processes that govern the phyla assembly. The results obtained highlight the importance of considering all the microorganisms without neglecting their individual specificities.
Social Determinants of Health Influence Future Health Care Costs in the Medicaid Cohort of the District of Columbia Study
Authors: MCCARTHY MELISSA L. , LI YIXUAN , ELMI ANGELO , WILDER MARCEE E. , ZHENG ZHAONIAN , ZEGER SCOTT L.
Published: September 2022

Policy Points

Social determinants of health are an important predictor of future health care costs.

Medicaid must partner with other sectors to address the underlying causes of its beneficiaries’ poor health and high health care spending.

Context

Social determinants of health are an important predictor of future health care costs but little is known about their impact on Medicaid spending. This study analyzes the role of social determinants of health (SDH) in predicting future health care costs for adult Medicaid beneficiaries with similar past morbidity burdens and past costs.

Methods

We enrolled into a prospective cohort study 8,892 adult Medicaid beneficiaries who presented for treatment at an emergency department or clinic affiliated with two hospitals in Washington, DC, between September 2017 and December 31, 2018. We used SDH information measured at enrollment to categorize our participants into four social risk classes of increasing severity. We used Medicaid claims for a 2‐year period; 12 months pre‐ and post‐study enrollment to measure past and future morbidity burden according to the Adjusted Clinical Groups system. We also used the Medicaid claims data to characterize total annual Medicaid costs one year prior to and one year after study enrollment.

Results

The 8,892 participants were primarily female (66%) and Black (91%). For persons with similar past morbidity burdens and past costs (p < 0.01), the future morbidity burden was significantly higher in the upper two social risk classes (1.15 and 2.04, respectively) compared with the lowest one. Mean future health care spending was significantly higher in the upper social risk classes compared with the lowest one ($2,713, $11,010, and $17,710, respectively) and remained significantly higher for the two highest social risk classes ($1,426 and $3,581, respectively), given past morbidity burden and past costs (p < 0.01). When we controlled for future morbidity burden (measured concurrently with future costs), social risk class was no longer a significant predictor of future health care costs.

Conclusions

SDH are statistically significant predictors of future morbidity burden and future costs controlling for past morbidity burden and past costs. Further research is needed to determine whether current payment systems adequately account for differences in the care needs of highly medically and socially complex patients.
Fluid Charging and Paleo‐pressure Evolution in the Ledong Slope Zone of the Yinggehai Basin, South China Sea
Authors: ZHAO Jing , HUANG Zhilong , MA Jian , WANG Rui , YANG Yizhuo , FAN Caiwei , ZHOU Ying , XU Maguang
Published: September 2022

Large numbers of gas reservoirs have been discovered in overpressure basins. Fluid charging has a close relationship with paleo‐pressure evolution, affecting the migration of gas reservoirs. To study fluid charging and the related pressure system, we analyzed burial histories and fluid inclusion (PVTx) simulations and conducted basin modeling of the Ledong Slope Zone in the Yinggehai Basin as an example. On the basis of fluid‐inclusion assemblages (FIAs), homogenization temperature (Th), final melting temperature (Tm, ice) and Raman spectroscopy in fluid inclusions, there are three stages of fluid charging: during the first and second stage, methane‐dominated fluid was charged at 2.2–1.7 Ma and 1.7–0.9 Ma, respectively. In the third stage, CO2‐rich hydrothermal fluid was charged since 0.9 Ma. It could be concluded from the well‐logging data that the disequilibrium compaction in the Yinggehai Fm., along with the fluid expansion and clay diagenesis in the Huangliu and Meishan formations, resulted in the overpressure in the Ledong slope zone. The evolution of paleo‐pressure was affected by the sedimentation rate of the Yinggehai Fm., as well as the hydrocarbon generation rate. Additionally, the Ledong Slope Zone is less affected by diapir activity than the nearby diapir area. Based on fluid inclusions, paleo‐pressure, basin modeling and geological background, the gas migration history of the Ledong Slope Zone can be divided into four stages: in the first stage, excess pressure was formed around 5 Ma; from 2.2 to 1.7 Ma, there was a reduction in the charging of hydrocarbon fluid and steadily increasing excess pressure; during the 1.7–0.9 Ma period a large amount of hydrocarbon was generated, excess pressure increasing significantly and hydraulic fractures forming in mudstones, With gas reservoirs developing in structural highs; since 0.9 Ma, CO2‐rich hydrothermal fluid accumulated in reservoirs adjacent to faults and the pressure coefficient remained stable. The research results are helpful in the study of fluid migration and accumulation mechanisms in overpressure basins.
Sown wildflowers between vines increase beneficial insect abundance and richness in a British vineyard
Authors: Griffiths‐Lee Janine , Davenport Balin , Foster Bradley , Nicholls Elizabeth , Goulson Dave
Published: September 2022

Traditional vineyards are generally intensive monocultures with high pesticide usage. Viticulture is one of the fastest‐growing sectors of English agriculture, although there is currently limited research on habitat management practices.

In a vineyard in East Sussex, England, we tested five inter‐row ground cover treatments on their potential in supporting beneficial insects: two commercially available seed mixes (meadow mix and pollen and nectar mix), a wild bee seed mix (formulated based on pollinator foraging preferences), natural regeneration, and regularly mowed grass.

Over two years, from May to August, we conducted monthly floral surveys and insect surveys using transect walks and pan traps.

The abundance and richness of flowers in the natural regeneration treatment were twice that of the regularly mown inter‐row treatment. By year 2, the abundance of “total insects” sampled was significantly higher in the wild bee mix compared to mown. Likewise, there was a significant effect of treatment type on pollinator richness, with a higher mean richness found in wild bee mix. Solitary wasp family richness was highest in the natural regeneration treatment and lowest in the mown treatment.

Given the rapid growth and lack of specific environmental recommendations for British viticulture, we demonstrate a simple and effective approach for supporting beneficial insects and ecosystem services. Promotion of perennial wildflowers through sowing or allowing natural regeneration in inter‐row ground cover in vineyards has the potential to boost biodiversity in vineyards on a large scale if widely adopted.
Diagnostic value of a medical algorithm for investigation of perioperative hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Sverrild Asger , Carruthers John , Murthee Kavitha Garuna , Moore Alice , O'Hehir Robyn Elizabeth , Puy Robert , Hew Mark , Zubrinich Celia
Published: September 2022

Background

Evaluation of perioperative hypersensitivity (POH) is challenging, and accurate screening tools are needed to optimize the diagnostic process. We aimed to assess and validate the diagnostic value of a published algorithm (using tryptase and clinical presentation) to identify appropriate individuals for further testing for IgE‐mediated POH.

Methods

We analysed the clinical presentation (tryptase elevation, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin involvement) of patients proceeding to testing for possible IgE‐mediated POH at a single tertiary referral centre, relative to subsequent skin testing and specific IgE results. Clinical presentations by drug class were also determined.

Results

In 293 consecutive patients, the use of a published algorithm based on one or more of; (i) defined increase in serum tryptase, (ii) involvement of at least two‐organ systems, or (iii) presentation with new urticaria and/or angioedema; was highly sensitive [98.8% (CI95: 95.7–99.9%)] but less specific [34.6% (CI95: 25.7–44.4%)] in identifying patients testing positive on skin testing and/or specific IgE. Presentation with cardiovascular symptoms was also sensitive [89.8%(CI95: 84.2–94.0%)], while the combination of respiratory symptoms and increased tryptase was most specific [85.9%(CI95:76.6–92.5%)]. Respiratory involvement was more common in neuromuscular blocking agent allergy, while urticaria/angioedema was more common in antibiotic allergy.

Conclusion

The published algorithm (of tryptase rise, two‐organ involvement or new urticaria/angioedema) is highly sensitive, and appropriate as a screening tool to identify patients suitable for testing for IgE‐mediated POH.
Hemisphere opposite to central retinal vascular trunk deviation is earlier affected by glaucomatous damage in primary angle‐closure glaucoma
Authors: Oh Richul , Lee Kyoung Min , Kim Martha , Oh Sohee , Kim Seok Hwan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the position of the central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT), as a surrogate for lamina cribrosa (LC) offset, is associated with the dominant hemisphere of visual field defect in primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes.

Methods

Central retinal vascular trunk deviation was measured from Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) centre, which was delineated by OCT imaging, using the horizontal midline as a reference. The dominant hemisphere developing visual field defect was defined as three connected abnormal points (having a p‐value < 5% probability of being normal) appearing in only one hemisphere or each point of the hemisphere having a statistically worse value compared with its mirrored point in the opposite hemisphere on pattern deviation plots.

Results

One hundred five (80%) of 132 eyes with PACG had dominant hemisphere of visual field defect initially: 70 eyes (67%) in the superior and 35 eyes (33%) in the inferior hemisphere. The CRVT was located superiorly in the dominant superior visual field defect group (p < 0.001). A logistic regression analysis revealed that superior deviation of the CRVT was the only factor associated with dominant superior visual field defect (p < 0.001). Externally oblique border (EOB) presence was associated with larger BMO (p = 0.005) and angular deviation of CRVT (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Central retinal vascular trunk deviation was associated with the dominant hemisphere of visual field defect in PACG eyes. This finding implies that the LC position relative to the BMO centre (LC/BMO offset) may incur structural vulnerability in the optic nerve head of PACG eyes.
Calcium‐channel blockers: Clinical outcome associations with reported pharmacogenetics variants in 32 000 patients
Authors: Türkmen Deniz , Masoli Jane A. H. , Delgado João , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Bowden Jack , Melzer David , Pilling Luke C.
Published: September 2022

Aims

Pharmacogenetic variants impact dihydropyridine calcium‐channel blockers (dCCBs; e.g., amlodipine) treatment efficacy, yet evidence on clinical outcomes in routine primary care is limited. Reported associations in pharmacogenomics knowledge base PharmGKB have weak supporting evidence. We aimed to estimate associations between reported pharmacogenetic variants and incident adverse events in a community‐based cohort prescribed dCCB.

Methods

We analysed up to 32 360 UK Biobank participants prescribed dCCB in primary care (from UK general practices, 1990–2017). We investigated 23 genetic variants. Outcomes were incident diagnosis of coronary heart disease, heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease, oedema and switching antihypertensive medication.

Results

Participants were aged 40–79 years at first dCCB prescription. Carriers of rs877087 T allele in RYR3 had increased risk of hazard ratio (HF 1.13: 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.25, P = .02). Although nonsignificant after multiple testing correction, the association is consistent with prior evidence. We estimated that if rs877087 T allele could experience the same treatment effect as noncarriers, the incidence of HF in patients prescribed dCCB would reduce by 9.2% (95% confidence interval 3.1 to 15.4). In patients with a history of heart disease prior to dCCB (n = 2296), rs877087 homozygotes had increased risk of new coronary heart disease or HF compared to CC variant. rs10898815 in NUMA1 and rs776746 in CYP3A5 increased likelihood of switching to an alternative antihypertensive. The remaining variants were not strongly or consistently associated with studied outcomes.

Conclusion

Patients with common genetic variants in NUMA1, CYP3A5 and RYR3 had increased adverse clinical outcomes. Work is needed to establish whether outcomes of dCCB prescribing could be improved by prior knowledge of pharmacogenetics variants supported by clinical evidence of association with adverse events.
Dental implant proximity to adjacent teeth: A retrospective study
Authors: Han Hee‐seung , Kim Pil‐Jong , Kim Ki‐Tae , Kim Sungtae , Ku Young , Cho Young‐Dan
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence and prognosis of dental implant proximity or direct contact with the adjacent tooth and to evaluate the symptoms and complications in both the implant and the adjacent tooth. We then elaborate on treatment modalities and discuss the prevention of this phenomenon.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was conducted based on the dental clinical and radiographic records of 43 patients with implant‐tooth proximity of <1.0 mm or direct implant‐tooth contact. Multivariate Bayesian logistic regression was performed to examine the influence of individual variables on correcting major clinical variables.

Results

In the multivariate regression analysis, the rate of occurrence of tooth symptom decreased by about 95% with every increase of 1.0 mm distance between implant and tooth (odds ratio [OR] = 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.004–0.680, p = 0.024). In the case of implant‐tooth root proximity in the anterior area, the OR of peri‐implantitis occurrence was 30.4‐fold greater than in posterior sites (OR = 30.4, 95% CI: 1.189–785.914, p = 0.040).

Conclusion

Implant‐tooth root proximity or direct implant‐tooth contact is an iatrogenic factor that causes various complications, including devitalization of the adjacent tooth and peri‐implantitis. Proactive prevention with surgical stents and intra‐operative periapical radiographs is needed. If proximity or contact is found during surgery, repositioning of the fixture to the correct location is recommended in order to maintain peri‐implant health and prevent complications.
Dental implants in dentate primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome patients: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Maarse Floor , Fennis Willem M. M. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Korfage Anke , Santing Hendrik J. , den Hartog Laurens , Muradin Marvick S. M. , Maningky Melvin S. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Vissink Arjan , Brand Henk S. , Jager Derk Hendrik Jan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To prospectively assess the clinical performance and patient‐reported outcomes of dental implants in dentate patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS and sSS, respectively) compared to patients without SS.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐seven implants were placed in 17 patients with pSS/sSS and 26 implants in 17 non‐SS patients to replace missing (pre)molars. Clinical performance, marginal bone‐level changes, patient satisfaction, and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed at 1 (T1), 6 (T6), 12 (T12), and 18 (T18) months after placement of the superstructure. Marginal bone‐level changes were measured on standardized dental radiographs. Clinical parameters included implant and crown survival, plaque, bleeding and gingival indices, and probing depth. Patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were assessed with validated questionnaires.

Results

Implant survival at T18 was 100% in the patients with pSS/sSS and 96.2% in the non‐SS group. Mean marginal bone loss at T18 did not differ between patients with pSS/sSS and non‐SS patients, 1.10 ± 1.04 and 1.04 ± 0.75 mm, respectively (p = .87). Clinical performance was good with no differences between the groups for all outcome measures (p > .05). OHRQoL in patients with pSS/sSS had improved significantly after placement of implant supported crowns at all measuring moments compared to baseline (p < .05). Nevertheless, patient satisfaction and OHRQoL remained significantly higher for patients without SS at all measuring moments (p < .05).

Conclusion

Dental implants can be successfully applied in dentate patients with pSS/sSS and have a positive effect on OHRQoL.
Rational engineering of adeno‐associated virus capsid enhances human hepatocyte tropism and reduces immunogenicity
Authors: Han Jiabao , Zhu Liyu , Zhang Jingwen , Guo Lu , Sun Xuehan , Huang Cheng , Xu Kai , Zhang Ying , Li Wei , Zhou Qi
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Gene therapy based on recombinant adeno‐associated viral (rAAV) vectors has been proved to be clinically effective for genetic diseases. However, there are still some limitations, including possible safety concerns for high dose delivery and a decreasing number of target patients caused by the high prevalence of pre‐existing neutralizing antibodies, hindering its application. Herein, we explored whether there was an engineering strategy that can obtain mutants with enhanced transduction efficiency coupled with reduced immunogenicity.

Methods

We described a new strategy for AAV capsids engineering by combining alterations of N‐linked glycosylation and the mutation of PLA2‐like motif. With this combined strategy, we generated novel variants derived from AAV8 and AAVS3.

Results

The variants mediated higher transduction efficiency in human liver carcinoma cell lines and human primary hepatocytes as well as other human tissue cell lines. Importantly, all the variants screened out showed lower sensitivity to neutralizing antibody in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the in vivo antibody profiles of variants were different from their parental AAV capsids.

Conclusions

Our work proposed a new combined engineering strategy and engineered two liver‐tropic AAVs. We also obtained several AAV variants with a higher transduction efficiency and lower sensitivity of neutralizing antibodies. By expanding the gene delivery toolbox, these variants may further facilitate the success of AAV gene therapy.
Metastasis of a basosquamous carcinoma arising in a nevus sebaceus
Authors: Ye Qian , Shen Xiao , Wang Jie , Li Feng‐Zeng , Fang Sheng
Published: September 2022

Nevus sebaceus (NS) is a congenital hamartoma of skin structures including the epidermis, sweat sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. It is known that secondary tumors can occur in NS. However, secondary metastatic malignancies are rare. Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is an aggressive type of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) characterized by squamous differentiation. Herein, we report a case of metastatic BSC that developed in a 73‐year‐old male with NS. The clinical presentation of this patient was that of an ulcerative nodule developing in a longstanding plaque‐like lesion consistent with NS. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic features of BCC with some areas of squamous differentiation in addition to the structure of a typical NS. Immunohistochemical expression of Ber‐EP4, AE1/AE3, and epithelial membrane antigen helped to make the diagnosis of BSC.
An artificial neural network for the prediction of the risk of malignancy in category III Bethesda thyroid lesions
Authors: Saini Tarunpreet , Saikia Uma Nahar , Dey Pranab
Published: September 2022

Background

The diagnosis of cases of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is challenging for both cytopathologists and clinicians. It is extremely difficult to predict the risk of malignancy based on cytological features alone.

Aims and Objectives

In this study, we attempted to construct an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the risk of malignancy in FNAC cases of AUS/FLUS in thyroid lesions based on cytological features.

Materials and Methods

We included two groups of AUS/FLUS cases: (1) 29 cases of histopathologically proven malignancy, and (2) 32 cases that had either been histopathologically proven to be benign, or for which no progress of malignancy on follow‐up had been observed in the last 2 years. Cytological characteristics were analysed semi‐quantitatively by two independent observers (TS and PD). Based on these data, we tried to generate an artificial neural network (ANN) model to differentiate between malignant and benign cases. The performance of the ANN was assessed using the confusion matrix and receiving operator curve.

Results

There were 29 malignant cases of AUS/FLUS (histopathologically proven) and 32 benign/follow‐up cases in this study. There were 41 cases in the training set, 9 cases in the validation set and 11 cases in the test set. In the test group, the ANN model successfully distinguished between all benign (5/5) and malignant cases (6/6). The area under the receiver operating curve was 1.

Conclusion

The present ANN model is well structured and coherent to distinguish malignant from benign outcomes in AUS/FLUS cases on cytology smears with no error. This is an open‐ended ANN model, and additional parameters and more cases could be included to make the model more robust.
The borderland of multiple sclerosis and functional neurological disorder: A call for clinical research and vigilance
Authors: Aybek Selma , Chan Andrew
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) have attracted much attention from the neurological medical community over the last decades as new developments in neurosciences have reduced stigma around these by showing brain network dysfunctions. An overlap with other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is well known by clinicians but there is a lack of clinical and fundamental research in this field to better define diagnosis and therapeutic decisions, as well as a lack of deep understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.

Aim

We aimed to provide a critical commentary on the state of knowledge about the borderland between FNDs and MS.

Methods

We based our commentary on a joint point of view between an FND specialist and an MS expert.

Results

A brief review of the previous literature and relevant new studies covering the overlap between FNDs and MS is presented, along with suggestions for future research directions.

Conclusion

There are clear diagnostic criteria for both FNDs and MS and a strict application of these will help better diagnosis and prevent unnecessary treatment escalation in MS or absence of referral to multimodal therapy in FND. Better teaching of younger neurologists is needed as well as prospective research focusing on pathophysiology.
Mate choice in a promiscuous poison frog
Authors: Peignier Mélissa , Bégué Lauriane , Gieseke Alina , Petri Diana , Ringler Max , Ringler Eva
Published: September 2022

In many animal species, members of one sex, most often females, exhibit a strong preference for mating partners with particular traits or resources. However, when females sequentially mate with multiple partners, strategies underlying female choice are not very well understood. Particularly, little is known if under such sequential polyandry females mate truly randomly, or if they actively try to spread mating events across multiple partners. In the present study, we used the highly promiscuous poison frog Allobates femoralis to investigate whether promiscuity could result from a preference for novel mates. Furthermore, we examined the importance of call characteristics for mate choice. We conducted mate choice experiments in a laboratory setup, by presenting females with recent mating partners or novel males. We recorded call characteristics of both males and the time females spent close to each male. In our trials, females preferred previous mating partners over novel males and also males with shorter advertisement calls. Results from previous studies on A. femoralis suggest that females in our trials recognized previous partners based on individual call characteristics. While mating decisions in the wild and in the laboratory might differ, our study provides first evidence for female mate choice in a poison frog with sequential polyandry.
RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptome profile of the atopic prurigo nodularis with severe itching
Authors: Shao Yixin , Zhu Yiqi , Xiao Zijing , Shen Yanyun , Dai Beiying , Tang Hui , Wang Duoqin
Published: September 2022

Prurigo nodularis (PN), characterized by inevitable chronicity and severe pruritus, is most frequently associated with atopy compared with other origins. However, the skin transcriptomic profiling of PN arising from atopic dermatitis (AD), so‐called atopic PN (APN), remains unclear. We sought to explore the cutaneous transcriptome of APN with severe pruritus and compare it with classic AD. RNA sequencing was performed on the lesional skin from 13 APN to 11 AD patients with severe pruritus (itch numerical rating scale score ≥ 7) and normal skin from 11 healthy subjects. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunochemistry were used for validation. We detected 1085 and 1984 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in lesional APN skin and lesional AD skin versus normal skin, respectively. In total, 142 itch/inflammation‐related DEGs were identified. Itch/inflammation‐related DEGs, such as IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐13, oncostatin M, and IL‐4 receptor, had elevated gene transcript levels in both diseases. The itch/inflammation‐related DEGs that increased only in APN were mainly neuroactive molecules, while many inflammatory mediators such as T helper 22‐related genes were found to be increased only in AD. Both disorders showed mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 polarisation and impaired skin barrier. In contrast to AD, M1/M2 macrophage activation, tumor necrosis factor production, fibrosis, revascularization and neural dysregulation are unique features of APN. The study findings broaden our understanding of the pathogenesis underlying APN, which provides insights into novel pathogenesis with potential therapeutic implications.
An effective points of interest recommendation approach based on embedded meta‐path of spatiotemporal data
Authors: Song Rui , Li Tong , Dong Xin , Ding Zhiming
Published: September 2022

With the development of mobile networks and the rapid prevalence of location‐based social networks (LBSN), a massive volume of spatiotemporal data has been generated, which is valuable for points of interest (POI) recommendation. However, current studies have not unleashed the full power of such spatiotemporal data, which either explore only a single dimension of the data or consider multiple factors in an asynchronous fashion. In this article, we propose a novel spatiotemporal network‐based recommender framework (STNBR) to effectively recommend POIs for users. Specifically, we first establish a comprehensive conceptual model of spatiotemporal data, involving various essential factors for POIs recommendation. On top of the conceptual model, we design a series of meaningful meta‐paths that simultaneously consider the time and location factors to precisely capture the semantics of user behaviours. By profiling users based on their embedded meta‐paths, our approach can yield meaningful POIs recommendations. We have evaluated our proposal using a realistic dataset obtained from Foursquare and Gowalla, the results of which show that our STNBR model outperforms existing approaches.
Marital satisfaction, parenting stress, and family alliance: Parental perspective taking as a moderator
Authors: Deschênes Marie , Bernier Annie , Cyr Chantal , Paradis Alison , Rassart Camille‐Andrée
Published: September 2022

Research has shown that family alliance (FA), operationalized as the quality of mother–father‐child triadic interactions, is important for child socioemotional development. However, few studies have investigated the predictors of FA, and there are few longitudinal studies available. Accordingly, this study first examined whether mothers' and fathers' marital satisfaction and parenting stress during infancy predicted FA five years later, when their children entered kindergarten. Second, the moderating role of both parents' perspective‐taking capacity as a moderator of these longitudinal associations was examined. The study was conducted with 113 intact families (mother–father‐child). Marital satisfaction, parenting stress, and perspective taking were reported by both parents and FA was assessed by observation. Contrary to expectations, neither parent's marital satisfaction or parenting stress was directly related to family alliance. However, significant moderating effects were found for both parents' perspective taking, such that higher paternal and maternal parenting stress predicted poorer FA only among parents with relatively lower perspective‐taking capacities. These findings suggest that some aspects of the quality of family interactions when children enter school can be predicted by mothers' and fathers' personal dispositions assessed as early as five years prior.
Fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages reveal extensive degradation of the world's rivers
Authors: Feio Maria João , Hughes Robert M. , Serra Sónia R. Q. , Nichols Susan J. , Kefford Ben J. , Lintermans Mark , Robinson Wayne , Odume Oghenekaro N. , Callisto Marcos , Macedo Diego R. , Harding Jon S. , Yates Adam G. , Monk Wendy , Nakamura Keigo , Mori Terutaka , Sueyoshi Masanao , Mercado‐Silva Norman , Chen Kai , Baek Min Jeong , Bae Yeon Jae , Tachamo‐Shah Ram Devi , Shah Deep Narayan , Campbell Ian , Moya Nabor , Arimoro Francis O. , Keke Unique N. , Martins Renato T. , Alves Carlos B. M. , Pompeu Paulo S. , Sharma Subodh
Published: September 2022

Rivers suffer from multiple stressors acting simultaneously on their biota, but the consequences are poorly quantified at the global scale. We evaluated the biological condition of rivers globally, including the largest proportion of countries from the Global South published to date. We gathered macroinvertebrate‐ and fish‐based assessments from 72,275 and 37,676 sites, respectively, from 64 study regions across six continents and 45 nations. Because assessments were based on differing methods, different systems were consolidated into a 3‐class system: Good, Impaired, or Severely Impaired, following common guidelines. The proportion of sites in each class by study area was calculated and each region was assigned a Köppen‐Geiger climate type, Human Footprint score (addressing landscape alterations), Human Development Index (HDI) score (addressing social welfare), % rivers with good ambient water quality, % protected freshwater key biodiversity areas; and % of forest area net change rate. We found that 50% of macroinvertebrate sites and 42% of fish sites were in Good condition, whereas 21% and 29% were Severely Impaired, respectively. The poorest biological conditions occurred in Arid and Equatorial climates and the best conditions occurred in Snow climates. Severely Impaired conditions were associated (Pearson correlation coefficient) with higher HDI scores, poorer physico‐chemical water quality, and lower proportions of protected freshwater areas. Good biological conditions were associated with good water quality and increased forested areas. It is essential to implement statutory bioassessment programs in Asian, African, and South American countries, and continue them in Oceania, Europe, and North America. There is a need to invest in assessments based on fish, as there is less information globally and fish were strong indicators of degradation. Our study highlights a need to increase the extent and number of protected river catchments, preserve and restore natural forested areas in the catchments, treat wastewater discharges, and improve river connectivity.
How political connections exploit loopholes in procurement institutions for government contracts: Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Shenghua , Wang Hui
Published: September 2022

Conventional studies show that political connections have significant distributional effects. Yet, the means by which political connections affect the distribution of economic resources has not been fully investigated. This paper examines the role of political connections in the allocation of government procurements in China by combining quantitative and qualitative evidence. For quantitative analysis, we focus on a specific type of political connections, namely revolving‐door recruitment. A unique dataset between 2016 and 2020 based on the contract‐level transaction records of government procurements and the resumes of listed firms' board members and executives is established. The results suggest that firms establishing political connections by recruiting former government officials acquire more government procurements in the connected jurisdictions. Complementing with qualitative analysis from two publicly reported judicial cases, we show that political connections exploiting the loopholes in procurement institutions, including manipulating procurement methods, setting up restrictive requirements, and intervening in the process of expert evaluation, drives the allocation of government procurements. The results demonstrate that political connections exploit the loopholes in the context of weak institutions to benefit companies.
Correlation between CD4/CD8 ratio and neurocognitive performance during early HIV infection
Authors: Le Leah T. , Price Richard W. , Gisslén Magnus , Zetterberg Henrik , Emu Brinda , Fabre Roxane , Christian Pradier , Andersen Signe , Spudich Serena , Vassallo Matteo
Published: September 2022

Introduction

CD4/CD8 ratio is a marker of immune activation in HIV infection and has been associated with neurocognitive performance during chronic infection, but little is known about the early phases.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between blood CD4/CD8 ratio and central nervous system endpoints in primary HIV infection (PHI) before and after antiretroviral treatment (ART).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the Primary Infection Stage CNS Events Study (PISCES) cohort.

We longitudinally assessed blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of inflammation, immune activation and neuronal injury, and neuropsychological testing performance (NPZ4, an average of three motor and one processing speed tests, and a summarized total score, NPZ11, including also executive function, learning and memory) in ART‐naïve participants enrolled during PHI. Spearman correlation and linear mixed models assessed the relationships between the trajectory of CD4/CD8 ratio over time and neurocognitive performance, blood and CSF markers of immune activation and neuronal injury.

Results

In all, 109 PHI participants were enrolled. The mean CD4/CD8 ratio decreased with longer time from infection to starting treatment (p < 0.001). Every unit increase in NPZ4 score was independently associated with a 0.15 increase in CD4/CD8 ratio (95% CI: 0.002–0.29; p = 0.047), whereas no correlation was found between CD4/CD8 ratio and NPZ11.

Among the cognitive domains, only a change in processing speed was correlated with CD4/CD8 ratio over time (p = 0.03). The trajectory of the CD4/CD8 ratio was negatively correlated with change in CSF neurofilament light chain (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The trajectory of CD4/CD8 ratio was independently associated with motor/psychomotor speed performance, suggesting that immune activation is involved in brain injury during the early stages of the infection.
Bird genetic databases need improved curation and error reporting to NCBI
Authors: van den Burg Matthijs P. , Vieites David R.
Published: September 2022

The ongoing biodiversity crisis is causing rapid species losses faster than taxonomists' capacity to describe new species. Integrative taxonomic approaches need robust taxonomic baseline data to correctly describe and conserve global species diversity, in which genetic data are one of the pillars. However, despite their broad use throughout the biological sciences, the quality of genetic data within public repositories is still not guaranteed. Here, we curated GenBank Cytochrome‐b records of Aves, a well‐known taxon undergoing continuous taxonomic changes, and provide a curated database to aid taxonomic and conservation efforts. After curation of 54 114 records, the database represents 50 280 sequences from 6867 species (63% of current bird biodiversity), with a per‐genus median of two species (50% interquartile ranges of 1–4) and three sequences (1–9). Overall, 4469 bird species have ≥ 2 sequences representing 91.7% and 97.5% of currently known families and orders, respectively. We flagged 1336 erroneous records (2.5% of Aves Cytochrome‐b records) in need of taxonomic curation (71%) or removal, 45% of which lack any voucher information preventing a proper taxonomic assignation. Compared with Amphibia, a group for which a similar analysis was recently published, Aves records have a five‐fold higher prevalence of errors caused by contamination, sequencing errors or diverging mutation patterns. We provide a species‐level taxonomic update for 839 GenBank records, including changes at the genus (76), family (21) and order (16) levels. Scientific conclusions from the manuscripts that have ever used those data might be compromised. A further concern is the current availability of GenBank records previously identified as erroneous in published manuscripts, demonstrating the need for improved communication between NCBI and the community. We call for caution when utilizing GenBank records without curation of retrieved data, despite new improvements.
Dielectric properties and electromagnetic wave absorbing performance of single‐source‐precursor‐derived carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites
Authors: Li Fen , Du Hanzi , Chen Ting , Zhu Qikun , Yu Zhaoju
Published: September 2022

For the first time, the present work reports the dielectric properties and electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing performance of polymer‐derived carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites. In our previous work, NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites with the ultra‐high temperature ceramic phase NbC as the main phase were synthesized with the allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) and niobium pentachloride (NbCl5) as starting materials. On this basis, divinyl benzene was chosen as carbon‐rich source and introduced into the AHPCS and NbCl5 to form a single‐source‐precursor. Finally, carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by polymer‐derived ceramic approach. Compared with ceramic samples without Nb and with lower carbon content, the carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites show extremely enhanced EMW absorbing performance with minimum reflection coefficient of −51.1 dB at 6.88 GHz for the thickness of 2.27 mm. As a consequence, the resultant carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposite has to be considered as structure&function integrated material with excellent EMW absorption performance, which can be applied in hostile environment.
Ségrégation professionnelle selon le statut migratoire et le sexe en Europe: comment expliquer les écarts entre pays?
Authors: PALENCIA‐ESTEBAN Amaia
Published: September 2022

L'autrice mesure la ségrégation professionnelle selon le statut migratoire en Europe, en analysant la situation séparément pour les femmes et pour les hommes. Les données proviennent des vagues 2005–2019 de l'enquête EFT de l'Union européenne. La répartition est plus ségrégative pour les femmes, par rapport aux hommes, pour les immigrés de la première génération, par rapport à la deuxième, et dans les pays d'Europe méridionale et orientale, par rapport à l'Europe septentrionale et occidentale. Une analyse contrefactuelle montre que les caractéristiques des migrants influent peu sur les écarts géographiques. Les institutions, les politiques d'intégration et les systèmes de valeur pourraient jouer un rôle important.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on quality of life among relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal study
Authors: Zonneveld Ellen , van Schelven Femke , Boeije Hennie
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic.

Method

Surveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions.

Results

No significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL.

Conclusions

Although relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support.
Impedance‐decline‐guide power control long application time bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Saitoh Osamu , Kasai Takumi , Fuse Kyogo , Oikawa Ayaka , Furushima Hiroshi , Chinushi Masaomi
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Bipolar (BIP) radiofrequency (RF) ablation creates deep myocardial lesions but ideal energy application modes to treat ventricular arrhythmias originating from deep inside the thick myocardium have not been well established. An experimental study was performed to clarify whether high power and long application time BIP ablation were performable by impedance‐decline‐guide power control (PC) and whether it could create transmural lesions in the thick ventricle with a minimum risk of steam‐pop.

Methods and Results

Perfused porcine ventricle (18.4 ± 2.3 mm) was placed in an experimental bath and BIP ablation (50 W) for 120 s was attempted with catheter contact of 30‐g using two protocols; fixed power (FP) and impedance‐decline‐guide PC. In the latter protocol, BIP ablation was started from 50 W, while the energy was decreased to 40–20 W according to the impedance decline during RF ablation. FP ablation was attempted in 30 applications and the transmural lesion was created in all 30, although steam‐pop occurred in 16/30 applications (53%). Low minimum impedance, large total impedance decline (TID), and %‐TID were associated with the steam‐pop occurrence. PC ablation was attempted in another 21 applications, and the transmural lesion was created in all 21 without steam‐pop. PC ablation was superior to FP ablation (21/21 vs. 14/30, p < .001) in the creation of a transmural lesion without resulting in steam‐pop.

Conclusions

High power and long application time BIP ablation seems to be feasible according to the impedance‐decline‐guide approach, which could create transmural lesions in thick porcine ventricles with minimal risk of steam‐pop.
Removal of an active fixation coronary sinus pacing lead 5 years postimplant: A case report
Authors: Carretta Domenico M. , Troccoli Rossella , Carretta Francesca , D'Agostino Carlo
Published: September 2022

Active fixation for a lead in the coronary sinus may be essential to select the optimal left ventricular pacing site, maximize the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and avoid dislodgement. The Medtronic Attain Stability lead allows fixation through a side helix concentric with the lead body. Although electrical performance of such a lead is well known, evidence of extractability remains poor especially in the long term. We describe the removal of an Attain Stability lead 63 months after implantation which, to the best of our knowledge, is the longest implant duration that has ever been reported, in an 81‐year‐old male patient. It was successfully achieved using simple traction and rotation maneuvers, demonstrating the long‐term removal feasibility of such device.
Effects of reliance on stored sperm on reproduction in the sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna
Authors: Hankison Shala , Gangloff Eric J. , Fry Breanna , Arnold Alena , Lashway A. J. , Betts Jenell M. , Otap Sandra D. , Walter Katherine , Juergens Makenna Y. , Crawford Alax
Published: September 2022

The impacts of relying on stored sperm were evaluated in the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna. Females reliant on stored sperm had fewer offspring compared to remated females, but offspring size and short‐term growth rate did not differ. Thus, females may use stored sperm in cases such as previous mating with a preferred male, lack of access to mating opportunities during a reproductive cycle, or to maximize egg fertilization. Females do not compensate for producing fewer offspring however, by allocating more resources to offspring relative to their size or initial growth.