bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult female acne: Clinical characteristics and factors significantly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chanyachailert Pattriya , Chularojanamontri Leena , Chantrapanichkul Panicha , Tuchinda Papapit , Wongwananuruk Thanyarat , Sardod Phatcharee , Kulthanan Kanokvalai
Published: August 2021

Background

Adult female acne (AFA) may be different from adolescent acne, and may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of AFA, and the factors significantly associated with PCOS in AFA.

Methods

AFA patients aged 25 years or older were enrolled. History taking and dermatologic examinations were performed by dermatologists. PCOS was diagnosed by gynaecologists. Perimenopausal acne (aged 45 years or older) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were also evaluated.

Results

Among 208 patients, mean age was 31.8 ± 7.1 years and 47.1%, 26.9%, and 26% had persistent, late‐onset, and recurrent acne, respectively. The common aggravating factors included pre‐menstruation (72.6%) and stress (53.8%). Recurrent acne was significantly aggravated by cosmetic products. Higher body mass index (BMI) was positively correlated with acne severity. Acne lesions were predominately located on both cheeks (87.0%) and at the perioral area (81.7%). PCOS was identified in 48.1%. Younger age (≥25 to <33 years), premenstrual flare, and irregular menstruation, but not hirsutism or androgenetic alopecia, were associated with PCOS in univariate and multivariate analysis. Perimenopausal acne was identified in 6.7%. The total mean DLQI score was 8.0 ± 5.4 (range from 0 to 23).

Conclusions

Persistent acne with moderate severity was common in AFA patients and higher BMI was associated with acne severity. PCOS should be screened in AFA patients with younger age, premenstrual flare, and irregular menstruation.
Characteristics of 637 melanomas documented by 27 general practitioners on the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database
Authors: Jimenez Balcells Clara , Hay Jeremy , Keir Jeff , Rosendahl Nikita , Coetzer‐Botha Martelle , Wilson Tobias , Clark Simon , Baade Astrid , Becker Cath , Bookallil Luke , Clifopoulos Chris , Dicker Tony , Denby Martin Paul , Duthie Douglas , Elliott Charles , Fishburn Paul , Foley Mark , Franck Mark , Giam Irene , Gordillo Patricio , Lilleyman Alister , Macauley Roger , Maher James , McPhee Ewen , Reid Michael , Shirlaw Bob , Siggs Graeme , Spark Robert , Stretch John , van den Heever Keith , van Rensburg Thinus , Watson Chris , Kittler Harald , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: August 2021

Background and Objective

Most melanomas (including melanomas in situ), in Australasia, are treated by general practitioners (GPs). Previously undescribed, the characteristics of a series of melanomas treated by multiple GPs are examined.

Patients and Methods

Six hundred and thirty‐seven melanomas treated by 27 Australasian GPs during 2013 and documented on the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD) were analysed by anatomical site, subtype, Breslow thickness, diameter, associated naevi and linked adverse outcomes.

Results

Most melanomas (59.7%) were on males, mean age at diagnosis being 62.7 years (range 18–96). Most (65.0%) were in situ, with a high incidence of lentiginous melanoma (LM) (38.8%) and 32% were naevus associated. Most LM (86.4%) were in situ, compared to 55% of superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) (P < 0.0001). There was male predominance on the head, neck and trunk and female predominance on extremities. There was no significant association between Breslow thickness and diameter, with small melanomas as likely to be thick as large melanomas, and melanomas ≤3 mm diameter, on average, more likely to be invasive than larger melanomas. There was a positive correlation between age and both melanoma diameter and Breslow thickness. Seven cases progressed to melanoma‐specific death: Five nodular melanoma (NM) and two SSM, one of which was thin (Breslow thickness 0.5 mm).

Conclusions

A large series of melanomas treated by Australasian GPs were predominantly in situ, with a high proportion of LM subtype. With implications for GP training, NM linked to death was over‐represented and there was a novel finding that older patients had larger diameter melanomas.
Comparison of two individualized antithrombotic protocols in HeartWare HVAD recipients
Authors: Sorensen Erik N. , Plazak Michael E. , Dees Lynn M. , Klass Wyatt J. , Ziegler Luke A. , Ledroux Shannon N. , Griffith Bartley P. , Feller Erika D.
Published: August 2021

We previously reported low rates of pump thrombosis and hemorrhagic stroke, but increased bleeding, under our original antithrombosis protocol (P1) in HeartWare recipients. We designed and implemented a revised protocol (P2) to reduce complexity and bleeding. Thrombelastography and PFA‐100 guide antiplatelet titration. Goals for P2 were altered to decrease antiplatelet use and anticoagulation intensity. We compared the incidence and rates of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), embolic (eCVA) and hemorrhagic (hCVA) stroke, pump thrombosis (PT), and total bleeding (GIB+hCVA), total thrombosis (eCVA+PT), and total events between P1 and P2. Laboratory and medication data were assessed. Patients with and without hemocompatibility‐related adverse events (HRAEs) were compared. The study included 123 patients (P1: 65; P2: 58). GIB rate decreased (P1: 0.66; P2 0.30 EPPY, P = .003). CVA rates and incidence were statistically similar, although hCVA incidence increased (P1: 3%; P2: 12%, P = .06). Incidence (P1: 3%; P2: 16%, P = .02) and rate (P1: 0.03; P2: 0.12 EPPY, P = .08) of PT increased. Incidence and rate of overall HRAEs and thrombotic events were similar, while bleeding rate decreased (P1: 0.69; P2: 0.40 EPPY, P = .02). Twelve‐month medication burden decreased. Compared to non‐HRAE patients, patients with bleeding HRAEs had more antiplatelet and pentoxifylline use, but less statin use; and lower PFAs. Patients with thrombotic HRAEs had less dual antiplatelet use, lower INRs, R‐times, and PFA‐ADP values. A revised antithrombotic protocol decreased GIB and overall hemorrhagic HRAE rate and medication burden. Unfortunately, PT increased. Non‐HRAE and HRAE patients differed in anticoagulation and antiplatelet intensity. These differences will guide the revision of P2.
Letter: ginger as anti‐emetic for acute gastroenteritis in children—interpreting evidence gingerly
Authors: Philips Cyriac Abby , Abraham Libin
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nocerino et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16404 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16557
Editorial: infliximab or adalimumab as first‐ or second‐line anti‐TNF—conflicting evidence
Authors: Haydek John P. , Scott Frank I.
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Visuri et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16525 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16569
Editorial: infliximab or adalimumab as first‐ or second‐line anti‐TNF—conflicting evidence—authors' reply
Authors: Visuri Isabella , Eriksson Carl , Olén Ola , Cao Yang , Mårdberg Emelie , Grip Olof , Gustavsson Anders , Hjortswang Henrik , Karling Pontus , Montgomery Scott , Myrelid Pär , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Halfvarson Jonas
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Visuri et al and Haydek & Scott papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16525 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16555
Exploring the binding mode of PQ912 against secretory glutaminyl cyclase through systematic exploitation of conformational ensembles
Authors: Chandran Remya , Dileep Kalarickal V.
Published: August 2021

Secretory glutaminyl cyclase (sQC) plays an important role in the formation of the pyroglutamate‐amyloid beta (pGlu‐Aβ) peptide, one of the most abundant variants of Aβ found in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. This post‐translationally modified pGlu‐Aβ possesses high toxicity and rapid aggregation propensity when compared to the wild‐type Aβ (WT‐Aβ). Since pGlu‐Aβ acts as seed for WT‐Aβ, the inhibition of sQC limits the formation of pGlu‐Aβ and reduces the overall load of Aβ plaques in the AD brain. PQ912 is a potent inhibitor of sQC and has been enrolled in phase 2b clinical trial of the AD drug development pipeline; however, the binding mode of PQ912 against sQC is not elucidated yet. Understanding the binding mode of PQ912 is important as it helps in the discovery against AD where sQC as a target. To explore the binding mode of PQ912, we employed ensemble docking towards 9 sQC structures that differ either in active site geometry or in the bound ligands. Further pose clustering and binding energy calculations yielded three possible binding modes for PQ912. Finally, all atom molecular dynamics simulations determined the most energetically favorable binding mode for PQ912, in the active site of sQC, which is similar to that of LSB‐09, a recently reported sQC inhibitor containing benzimidazole‐6‐carboxamide moiety.
Immune dysregulation syndrome with cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 mutation showing multiple central nervous system lesions
Authors: Eriguchi Makoto , Katsuya Hiroo , Kidoguchi Keisuke , Ureshino Hiroshi , Nishi Masanori , Nishihara Masashi , Sonoda Motoshi , Ishimura Masataka , Kimura Shinya , Hara Hideo
Published: August 2021

Background

Haploinsufficiency of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and diverse autoimmune disorders. Although central nervous system lesions have been described in patients with CTLA4 insufficiency, there have been few reports in the field of neurology.

Case presentation

A 23‐year‐old man was referred to Saga University Hospital (Saga, Japan) with dizziness and abnormal head magnetic resonance imaging showing hyperintensity in the left cerebellar hemisphere. He was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia at age 8 years. He had repeated mild upper respiratory infections. Neurological events had occurred four times, with a long spinal lesion extending over three vertebral segments. High‐dose intravenous methylprednisolone was effective for acute attacks, and low‐dose prednisolone prevented relapses for 7 years. When he reached the age of 37 years, he developed severe diarrhea and immune cytopenia, and lost 6 kg in half a year. It was suspected that the patient had primary immunodeficiency due to his history of recurrent infections, hypogammaglobulinemia and severe diarrhea. Genome sequencing showed a heterozygous CTLA4 variant in exon 2. Abatacept therapy with prednisolone and cyclosporine was effective for diarrhea and autoimmune cytopenia.

Conclusions

A patient with CTLA4 variant might develop multiple central nervous system lesions including longitudinally‐extended spinal cord lesions. As there is effective targeted immunotherapy, a complete immunological work‐up is required for early diagnosis when a patient presents with central nervous system lesions and multi‐organ symptoms.
A Robust Multi‐View System for High‐Fidelity Human Body Shape Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Qitong , Wang Lei , Ge Linlin , Luo Shan , Zhu Taihao , Jiang Feng , Ding Jimmy , Feng Jieqing
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a passive multi‐view system for human body shape reconstruction, namely RHF‐Human, to overcome several challenges including accurate calibration and stereo matching in self‐occluded and low‐texture skin regions. The reconstruction process includes four steps: capture, multi‐view camera calibration, dense reconstruction, and meshing. The capture system, which consists of 90 digital single‐lens reflex cameras, is single‐shot to avoid nonrigid deformation of the human body. Two technical contributions are made: (1) a two‐step robust multi‐view calibration approach that improves calibration accuracy and saves calibration time for each new human body acquired and (2) an accurate PatchMatch multi‐view stereo method for dense reconstruction to perform correct matching in self‐occluded and low‐texture skin regions and to reduce the noise caused by body hair. Experiments on models of various genders, poses, and skin with different amounts of body hair show the robustness of the proposed system. A high‐fidelity human body shape dataset with 227 models is constructed, and the average accuracy is within 1.5 mm. The system provides a new scheme for the accurate reconstruction of nonrigid human models based on passive vision and has good potential in fashion design and health care.
A Data‐Driven Approach to Functional Map Construction and Bases Pursuit
Authors: Azencot Omri , Lai Rongjie
Published: August 2021

We propose a method to simultaneously compute scalar basis functions with an associated functional map for a given pair of triangle meshes. Unlike previous techniques that put emphasis on smoothness with respect to the Laplace–Beltrami operator and thus favor low‐frequency eigenfunctions, we aim for a basis that allows for better feature matching. This change of perspective introduces many degrees of freedom into the problem allowing to better exploit non‐smooth descriptors. To effectively search in this high‐dimensional space of solutions, we incorporate into our minimization state‐of‐the‐art regularizers. We solve the resulting highly non‐linear and non‐convex problem using an iterative scheme via the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers. At each step, our optimization involves simple to solve linear or Sylvester‐type equations. In practice, our method performs well in terms of convergence, and we additionally show that it is similar to a provably convergent problem. We show the advantages of our approach by extensively testing it on multiple datasets in a few applications including shape matching, consistent quadrangulation and scalar function transfer.
Developable Approximation via Gauss Image Thinning
Authors: Binninger Alexandre , Verhoeven Floor , Herholz Philipp , Sorkine‐Hornung Olga
Published: August 2021

Approximating 3D shapes with piecewise developable surfaces is an active research topic, driven by the benefits of developable geometry in fabrication. Piecewise developable surfaces are characterized by having a Gauss image that is a 1D object – a collection of curves on the Gauss sphere. We present a method for developable approximation that makes use of this classic definition from differential geometry. Our algorithm is an iterative process that alternates between thinning the Gauss image of the surface and deforming the surface itself to make its normals comply with the Gauss image. The simple, local‐global structure of our algorithm makes it easy to implement and optimize. We validate our method on developable shapes with added noise and demonstrate its effectiveness on a variety of non‐developable inputs. Compared to the state of the art, our method is more general, tessellation independent, and preserves the input mesh connectivity.
Testing the limits of structural thinking about gender
Authors: Yang Xin , Naas Ragnhild , Dunham Yarrow
Published: August 2021

When seeking to explain social regularities (such as gender differences in the labor market) people often rely on internal features of the targets, frequently neglecting structural and systemic factors external to the targets. For example, people might think women leave the job market after childbirth because they are less competent or are better suited for child‐rearing than men, thereby eliding socio‐cultural and economic factors that disadvantage women. Across two studies (total N = 192) we probe 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds and 7‐ and 8‐year‐olds’ internal versus structural reasoning about gender. We explore the evaluative and behavioral implications of this reasoning process with both novel gendered behaviors that were experimentally created and familiar gendered behaviors that exist outside of a lab context. We show that children generate more structural explanations, evaluate the structural explanation more positively, expect behaviors to be more mutable, and evaluate gender non‐conforming behaviors more positively when structural cues are provided. However, we also show that such information may be of limited effectiveness at reducing pre‐existing group‐based discriminatory behaviors: children continue to report less willingness to affiliate with peers who display non‐conforming behaviors even in the presence of structural cues. Taken together, these results provide evidence concerning children's structural reasoning about gender categories and shed new light on how such reasoning might affect social evaluations and behavioral intentions.
Beliefs about social norms and racial inequalities predict variation in the early development of racial bias
Authors: Rizzo Michael T. , Green Emily R. , Dunham Yarrow , Bruneau Emile , Rhodes Marjorie
Published: August 2021

Racism remains a pervasive force around the world with widespread and well documented harmful consequences for members of marginalized racial groups. The psychological biases that maintain structural and interpersonal racism begin to emerge in early childhood, but with considerable individual variation—some children develop more racial bias than others. The present study (N = 116; 4‐year‐old children) provides novel insights into the developmental mechanisms underlying the emergence of racial bias by longitudinally documenting how two psychological processes—normative beliefs about interracial friendships and explanatory beliefs about racial inequalities—developmentally predict the emergence of pro‐White/anti‐Black racial bias during early childhood. In a 6‐month, three‐wave, longitudinal study, we found that 4‐year‐old children's beliefs that their parents and peers do not value interracial friendships predicted increased racial bias in and across time and that children's endorsement of essentialist over extrinsic explanations for racial inequalities predicted the developmental trajectory of racial bias over time. These findings suggest that children's foundational beliefs about the social world developmentally predict the emergence of racial bias in early childhood and speak to the importance of early and persistent intervention efforts targeting children's normative beliefs about interracial friendships and explanatory beliefs about racial inequalities.
Topical 5% tranexamic acid with 30% glycolic acid peel: An useful combination for accelerating the improvement in melasma
Authors: Sahu Priyadarshini , Dayal Surabhi , Bhardwaj Neha
Published: August 2021

Recently, topical Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been used in melasma management. On detail search of literature, this may be the first study‐assessing efficacy on combining of Topical TXA with GA peel in melasma. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy, safety, and improvement in quality of life index on combining 30% GA peel with 5% TXA solution topically in melasma of epidermal type. Sixty patients of epidermal melasma were included in the study and were categorized into two groups: Combination group was treated with 30% GA peel at 2 weekly intervals with 5% TXA solution applied twice daily and Control group was treated with only 30% GA peel every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Melasma area severity index (MASI) was used for assessing clinical improvement. Hi‐MELASQOL and HRQOL scales were used to measure Melasma related quality of life and were compared between both groups. At each visit, adverse effects were noted. A significantly decreasing trend was seen regarding the MASI score when compared within the group, but the difference was statistically not significant between the two groups at 12 weeks. However, significant reduction in MASI score was attained earlier in the combination group than the control group. Similarly, there was significant improvement in Hi‐MELASQOL and HRQOL in both the groups, but the difference between them was statistically not significant. Side effects experienced by patients in both groups were trivial and did not require stoppage of therapy. This study concluded that topical TXA with GA peel has comparable result with GA peel alone, but the therapeutic response was achieved in patients of combination group earlier in comparison to control group patients.
Predictive value of laser speckle contrast analysis in systemic sclerosis. A systematic review and pilot study
Authors: Vanhaecke Amber , Debusschere Claire , Cutolo Maurizio , Smith Vanessa ,   The EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To assess whether tools to functionally examine the microcirculation, such as laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA), are predictive of ischaemic digital trophic lesions ([i]DTL) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

First, a systematic review (according to PRISMA) was conducted to identify studies describing a link between LASCA and SSc‐related (i)DTL. In the additional pilot study, consecutive SSc patients underwent clinical and LASCA examinations (to assess the peripheral blood perfusion [PBP] of both hands) at enrolment. For one year, a monthly telephone survey was conducted to investigate (i)DTL occurrence. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were performed.

Results

None of the three manuscripts retained through the systematic review examined the predictive value of LASCA for future (i)DTL. In our pilot study, 7/106 (6.6%) SSc patients developed at least one iDTL during follow‐up, with PBP not found to be predictive (OR = 0.995, p = .418; ROC–AUC = 0.597). Post hoc, when only patients not taking vasodilators were analysed (n = 57), all three who developed iDTL had an average PBP ≤ 70 PU, while only 9/54 (16.7%) patients without iDTL occurrence had such values.

Conclusion

A predictive role of LASCA for (i)DTL has not yet been described in the literature and could also not be attested by our additional pilot study, due to a lower‐than‐expected iDTL incidence in our day‐to‐day SSc population in which patients were allowed to continue their vasodilator medication. However, the promising observations in the subgroup of vasodilator‐naïve patients encourage further investigation of this potential added value of LASCA.
Foraging for the fungus: why do Acromyrmex subterraneus (Formicidae) queens need to forage during the nest foundation phase?
Authors: Sales Tatiane A. , Toledo Antônio M. O. , Zimerer Arthur , Lopes Juliane F. S.
Published: August 2021

1. Semiclaustral ant queens must pay the price of foraging to guarantee their survival and also that of their brood through the nest foundation phase. For leaf‐cutting ant species, the challenge is even greater, as they also need to cultivate their symbiont fungus.

2. We hypothesised that suppressing foraging activity could reflect in larger offspring and higher survival, as queens would be entirely dedicated to rearing the brood and initial fungus.

3. By providing easy access to leaves or completely denying it, we evaluated how foraging runs interfere in Acromyrmex subterraneus queens' survival, productivity, and variation of body mass components.

4. Three foraging conditions were simulated: Starved – no leaves, Spoiled – leaves inside the nest chamber, and Walker – leaves 3 m away from the nest chamber. We registered the number of dead queens, offspring, weight of the fungus garden, fresh and lean dry mass of the queens, as well as their lipid and water contents.

5. Survival of Starved queens, which did not oviposit, was lower than that of Spoiled and Walker queens, although weight loss, water content, and lean dry mass were similar. While lipid content reduction was similar for Spoiled and Walker queens, the former had more larvae and pupae, and a heavier fungus garden than the latter, suggesting a greater rearing effort of Spoiled queens toward them both.

6. The simulated foraging conditions provided novel data for a semiclaustral leaf‐cutting ant species that evidences that fungus garden cultivation is definitively the main driving force for the colony founding success.
Severe freezing increases soil respiration during the thawing period: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Hong Jiangtao , Wei Da , Wang Xiaodan
Published: August 2021

It is unclear how changes in soil freeze–thaw processes initiated by climate change might alter soil respiration. Using meta‐analysis, we quantified the thawing effect on soil respiration under different freezing intensities and explored possible relationships among effect sizes with environmental factors. Our results showed that the overall mean thawing effect size was 18.84% and was highly variable among different ecosystems. Mild soil freezing (≥−5°C) did not produce a significant thawing effect, while severe soil freezing (<−5°C) consistently increased soil respiration during the subsequent thawing period across a diverse range of terrestrial ecosystems. Thawing effect sizes were significantly positively correlated with soil pH and freezing duration, but negatively correlated with soil C/N ratios, suggesting that soil respiration during thawing periods are stimulated more by freeze–thawing events under conditions of higher soil pH, longer freezing periods or lower soil C/N ratios. Consequently, this study reveals the important role of antecedent soil freezing temperatures in triggering the thawing effect and furthers our understanding of climatic interactions with soil carbon dynamics.

Highlights

Meta‐analysis was conducted to quantify the effect of thawing on soil respiration.

Mild soil freezing (≥−5°C) did not produce a significant thawing effect.

The threshold freezing temperature that triggers the thawing effect was around −5°C.

Thawing effect size was regulated by soil C/N ratio, soil pH, and freezing duration.
Treatment with the monoclonal calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antibody erenumab: A real‐life study
Authors: de Vries Lentsch Simone , Verhagen Iris E. , van den Hoek Thomas C. , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette , Terwindt Gisela M.
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

New prophylactics for migraine, targeting calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), have recently emerged. Real‐world data are important for a comprehensive understanding of treatment response. We assessed the consistency of response to erenumab, a monoclonal CGRP receptor antibody, in a real‐world setting, in order to determine which patients may be considered responders in clinical practice.

Methods

All erenumab‐treated patients (n = 100) completed a time‐locked daily electronic diary, and an automated algorithm was used to monitor treatment response. Monthly migraine days (MMD), non‐migrainous headache days, days of acute medication use (MAMD), well‐being and coping with pain were assessed for a 6‐month period. The primary outcome was reduction in MMD compared to baseline.

Results

The numbers of MMD and MAMD decreased in all months, in both episodic and chronic migraine patients, compared to baseline (p < 0.001), while general well‐being (p < 0.001) and coping with pain (p < 0.001) also improved. Of all patients, 36% had an MMD reduction of ≥50% in ≥3/6 months, and 6% had such a reduction in all 6 months. For a ≥30% MMD reduction, the figures were 60% and 24%, respectively. Almost 90% of patients with an average MMD reduction of ≥30% over the first 3 months had a sustained response in the last 3 months. In addition, 20% of patients without an initial response (average <30%), had a delayed response (average ≥30%) in the last 3 months.

Conclusion

Erenumab was effective in migraine patients who were highly refractory to previous prophylactics. As a practical guideline, we propose that treatment be continued for at least 6 months and that patients with a ≥30% MMD reduction in at least half of the treatment period should be considered to be responders.
The coordination between leaf and fine root litter decomposition and the difference in their controlling factors
Authors: Guo Lulu , Deng Meifeng , Yang Sen , Liu Weixing , Wang Xin , Wang Jing , Liu Lingli
Published: August 2021

Aim

As the two largest components of plant detritus input, leaf and root litter together determine ecosystem vegetation turnover and nutrient cycling rates. However, the similarities and differences between the factors controlling their decomposition remain unknown. We evaluated the relationship between leaf and fine root litter decomposition across biomes and analysed how litter traits, climate, soil conditions and decomposers shape their relationship.

Location

Global.

Time period

1984–2020.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

We collected 352 paired leaf and fine root decomposition rates (k values) and ancillary traits, climate, soil condition and decomposer abundance data from 88 sites spanning the major global biomes. Boosted regression trees (BRTs) were applied to partition the factors that control root and leaf decomposition rates.

Results

Averaged across all biomes, leaf litter decomposes significantly faster (kleaf = .72) than fine root litter (kroot = .42). The BRTs indicated that plant traits best explained the variance in both leaf and root litter decomposition. The key chemical traits of leaf litter and fine root litter, including C:N, [P], N:P, [lignin], [cellulose], [non‐structural carbohydrates] and [tannins], were positively correlated. Therefore, leaf and fine root k values were positively correlated within and across biomes, even after removing the influence of climate, soil conditions and decomposers. However, climate and decomposers had different impacts on leaf and fine root decomposition. Climate induced a greater impact on fine root litter decomposition, whereas decomposers had a greater influence on leaf litter decomposition.

Main conclusions

Our finding indicates that plants evolve a coordinated nutrient supply‐and‐demand strategy. The plants with high nutrient demand produce labile leaf and fine root litter, which decomposes fast to meet their high nutrient requirements. However, leaf and fine root decomposition are also mediated by different combinations of trait, climate, soil condition and decomposer factors, which weakens the coordination between leaf and fine root decomposition.
Processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties of hot‐pressed ZrB2 ceramics with a complex Zr/Si/O‐based additive
Authors: Neuman Eric W. , Lai Benjamin J. , Watts Jeremy L. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Silvestroni Laura
Published: August 2021

Densification behavior, microstructure, and mechanical properties of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics modified with a complex Zr/Si/O‐based additive were studied. ZrB2 ceramics with 5–20 vol.% additions of Zr/Si/O‐based additive were densified to >95% relative density at temperatures as low as 1400°C by hot‐pressing. Improved densification behavior of ZrB2 was observed with increasing additive content. The most effective additive amount for densification was 20 vol.%, hot‐pressed at 1400°C (∼98% relative density). Microstructural analysis revealed up to 7 vol.% of residual second phases in the final ceramics. Improved densification behavior was attributed to ductility of the silicide phase, liquid phase formation at the hot‐pressing temperatures, silicon wetting of ZrB2 particles, and reactions of surface oxides. Room temperature strength ranged from 390 to 750 MPa and elastic modulus ranged from 440 to 490 GPa. Vickers hardness ranged from 15 to 16 GPa, and indentation fracture toughness was between 4.0 and 4.3 MPa·m1/2. The most effective additive amount was 7.5 vol.%, which resulted in high relative density after hot‐pressing at 1600°C and the best combination of mechanical properties.
Hedgehog inhibitors with and without adjunctive therapy in treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Patel Akash D. , Ravichandran Surya , Kheterpal Meenal
Published: August 2021

Background

Hedgehog inhibitor therapy (HHIT) is considered first‐line treatment for locally advanced, unresectable basal cell carcinoma (laBCC). HHIT often results in a partial response, which requires adjunctive therapy (AT) post HHIT. We present real‐world data for laBCCs undergoing HHIT ± AT.

Methods

Retrospective review at Duke University from 11/01/2007 through 5/20/2020 revealed 13 patients treated with systemic HHIT (sonidegib or vismodegib) for laBCC.

Results

Fourteen laBCCs were identified in 13 patients. LaBCCs were treated with sonidegib (n = 10, 71%) or vismodegib (n = 4, 29%) for a median (IQR) of 9.4 (9.3) or 9.8 (8.5) months, respectively. The median (IQR) follow‐up time from HHIT initiation was 15.5 (8.7) months. Tumors were most often located on the trunk (43%), followed by head and neck (29%), extremities (21%), and orbit/periorbital area (7%). Nine laBCCs (64%) were treated with HHIT alone, of which five (36%) achieved complete response (CR), four (29%) achieved partial response (PR), and five (36%) achieved CR with combined HHIT and AT post‐HHIT. Duration of HHIT treatment (IQR) was 7.5 (3.5) months in the 10 CR patients, versus 15.1 (6.3) months in the four PR patients (P = 0.024). Nine patients (69%) experienced adverse events from HHIT, most commonly ageusia/dysgeusia, muscle spasms, and alopecia.

Conclusion

As a single institutional experience, we report 10/14 laBCCs (71%) with CRs without recurrence and 4/14 laBCCs (29%) with PRs with HHIT ± AT over median follow‐up of 15.5 months. Longer follow‐up and larger cohorts evaluating responses with HHIT followed by AT are needed to substantiate our findings.
Australia and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapies COVID‐19 vaccination consensus position statement
Authors: Hamad Nada , Ananda‐Rajah Michelle , Gilroy Nicole , MacIntyre Raina , Gottlieb David , Ritchie David , Harrison Simon , Kennedy Glen , Watson Anne M. , Greenwood Matthew , Doocey Richard , Perera Travis , Spencer Andrew , Wong Eric , O'Brien Tracey , Shaw Peter , Conyers Rachel , Milliken Samuel , Bardy Peter , Larsen Stephen , Ho Phoebe J. , Lai Hock , Bajel Ashish , Butler Jason , Tiley Campbell , D'Rozario James , Johnston Anna , Cochrane Tara , Mills Tony , Irving Ian , Pullon Humprey , Purtill Duncan
Published: August 2021

Australia and New Zealand have achieved excellent community control of COVID‐19 infection. In light of the imminent COVID‐19 vaccination roll out in both countries, representatives of all adult and paediatric allogeneic bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) centres as well as representatives from autologous transplant only centres in Australia and New Zealand collaborated with infectious diseases specialists with expertise in TCT on this consensus position statement regarding COVID‐19 vaccination in TCT patients in Australia and New Zealand. It is our recommendation that TCT patients, should have expedited access to high‐efficacy COVID‐19 vaccines given that these patients are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID‐19 infection. We also recommend prioritising vaccination of TCT healthcare workers and household members of TCT patients. Vaccination should not replace other public health measures in TCT patients given the effectiveness of COVID‐19 vaccination in TCT patients is unknown. Furthermore, given the limited available data, prospective collection of safety and efficacy data of COVID‐19 vaccination in this patient group is a priority.
Using a distributed systems laboratory to facilitate students' cognitive, metacognitive and critical thinking strategy use
Authors: Marquès Puig Joan Manuel , Daradoumis Thanasis , Arguedas Marta , Calvet Liñan Laura
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent research in online settings reports that supporting self‐regulated learning (SRL) strategy use could lead to greater online academic success. A growing number of studies have started to investigate SRL supports in online environments recently, which indicates a great interest in this matter. Though several systems for automatic assessment of programming have been developed, there is hardly any study that has investigated how an automated assessment tool for distributed programming could facilitate students' SRL strategies.

Objectives

This study examined the ways our online Distributed Systems Laboratory (DSLab) tried to enhance students' SRL strategies in an authentic long‐term online educational experience.

Methods

We applied an experimental research design, involving 111 university students who performed a programming assignment using DSLab. A customized questionnaire was used to collect data from all students.

Results and Conclusions

The statistical analyses revealed that DSLab tool managed to facilitate students' cognitive and meta‐cognitive strategy use to a certain extent and critical thinking strategy use to a fairly large extent.

Implications

Though more experimental results are needed to delve more deeply into these findings, this study provides relevant implications for online distributed (or general) programming course teachers who seek to increase students' SRL strategies in this field.
Bone microstructure and bone mineral density are not systemically different in Antarctic icefishes and related Antarctic notothenioids
Authors: Ashique Amir M. , Atake Oghenevwogaga J. , Ovens Katie , Guo Ruiyi , Pratt Isaac V. , Detrich H. William , Cooper David M. L. , Desvignes Thomas , Postlethwait John H. , Eames B. Frank
Published: August 2021

Ancestors of the Antarctic icefishes (family Channichthyidae) were benthic and had no swim bladder, making it energetically expensive to rise from the ocean floor. To exploit the water column, benthopelagic icefishes were hypothesized to have evolved a skeleton with “reduced bone,” which gross anatomical data supported. Here, we tested the hypothesis that changes to icefish bones also occurred below the level of gross anatomy. Histology and micro‐CT imaging of representative craniofacial bones (i.e., ceratohyal, frontal, dentary, and articular) of extant Antarctic fish species specifically evaluated two features that might cause the appearance of “reduced bone”: bone microstructure (e.g., bone volume fraction and structure linear density) and bone mineral density (BMD, or mass of mineral per volume of bone). Measures of bone microstructure were not consistently different in bones from the icefishes Chaenocephalus aceratus and Champsocephalus gunnari, compared to the related benthic notothenioids Notothenia coriiceps and Gobionotothen gibberifrons. Some quantitative measures, such as bone volume fraction and structure linear density, were significantly increased in some icefish bones compared to homologous bones of non‐icefish. However, such differences were rare, and no microstructural measures were consistently different in icefishes across all bones and species analyzed. Furthermore, BMD was similar among homologous bones of icefish and non‐icefish Antarctic notothenioids. In summary, “reduced bone” in icefishes was not due to systemic changes in bone microstructure or BMD, raising the prospect that “reduced bone” in icefish occurs only at the gross anatomic level (i.e., smaller or fewer bones). Given that icefishes exhibit delayed skeletal development compared to non‐icefish Antarctic fishes, combining these phenotypic data with genomic data might clarify genetic changes driving skeletal heterochrony.
Clinical use of lefamulin: A first‐in‐class semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic
Authors: Covvey Jordan R. , Guarascio Anthony J.
Published: August 2021

Lefamulin is a novel antibiotic agent within the pleuromutilin derivative class approved for the treatment of community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The objective of this article is to provide a summary of clinically relevant data underlying lefamulin and to provide recommendations for its place in therapy. In vitro data establish lefamulin's activity against a number of Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative and atypical organisms relevant in the treatment of CABP, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Two phase‐3 studies, the Lefamulin Evaluation Against Pneumonia trials, established non‐inferiority of lefamulin against moxifloxacin in the treatment of CABP, including the sequential transition from intravenous to oral therapy and across a broad set of patient demographics and severities. Pooled and post hoc analyses have confirmed these effects for a variety of subgroups and secondary endpoints. Real‐world study data post‐approval have largely not yet emerged for lefamulin, and there is a need for further investigation into safety/efficacy for off‐label indications such as acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and sexually transmitted infections. Further data regarding tolerability, particularly with long‐term use, as well as the emergence of resistance over time, are still undefined.
Successful management of aspiration pneumopathy without antimicrobial agents: 14 dogs (2014‐2021)
Authors: Cook S. , Greensmith T. , Humm K.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To describe clinical cases of aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia in dogs, which were successfully managed without antimicrobials.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case review of dogs presenting to a referral teaching hospital between February 2014 and February 2021. Cases were included when a clinical diagnosis of aspiration pneumopathy was made (requiring one or more of the following: radiographic evidence of an aspiration pneumopathy, endotracheal airway sampling consistent with aspiration and/or a positive endotracheal airway sample culture) which was not treated with antimicrobial therapy.

Results

Fourteen cases were identified of which nine had respiratory signs including increased respiratory rate or effort (n=8), arterial hypoxaemia (n=2), or a clinician‐determined requirement for oxygen therapy (n=4). Where haematology was performed, five of nine displayed a normal neutrophil count with toxic changes, three displayed neutrophilia and one displayed neutropenia with toxic changes. Endotracheal airway sample cytology in four cases revealed neutrophilic inflammation with bacteria, plant material, yeasts and unidentified foreign material. Where respiratory signs were present, these resolved within 12 to 36 hours.

Clinical Significance

In this case series, immunocompetent dogs sustaining aspiration events, even with classical evidence of pneumonitis or pneumonia, have been managed successfully without antimicrobials. Radiography alone cannot be used to determine the requirement for antimicrobials. Better characterisation of the pathogenesis and clinical trajectory of aspiration pneumopathy is required, which may enable a reduction in inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions.
Escherichia coli K‐12 has two distinguishable PriA‐PriB replication restart pathways
Authors: Sandler Steven J. , Leroux Maxime , Windgassen Tricia A. , Keck James L.
Published: August 2021

In Escherichia coli, PriA, PriB, PriC, and DnaT proteins mediate three pathways for Replication Restart called PriA‐PriB, PriA‐PriC, and PriC. PriA is crucial for two of the three pathways. Its absence leads to slow growth, high basal levels of SOS expression, poorly partitioning nucleoids, UV sensitivity, and recombination deficiency. PriA has ATPase and helicase activities and interacts with PriB, DnaT, and single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein (SSB). priA300 (K230R) and priA301 (C479Y) have no phenotype as single mutants, but each phenocopy a priA‐null mutant combined with ∆priB. This suggested that the two priA mutations affected the helicase activity that is required for the PriA‐PriC pathway. To further test this, the biochemical activities of purified PriA300 and PriA301 were examined. As expected, PriA300 lacks ATPase and helicase activities but retains the ability to interact with PriB. PriA301, however, retains significant PriB‐stimulated helicase activity even though PriA301 interactions with PriB and DNA are weakened. A PriA300,301 variant retains only the ability to interact with DNA in vitro and phenocopies the priA‐null phenotype in vivo. This suggests that there are two biochemically and genetically distinct PriA‐PriB pathways. One uses PriB‐stimulated helicase activity to free a region of ssDNA and the other uses helicase‐independent remodeling activity.
Inside out: Measuring the effect of wood anatomy on the efflux and assimilation of xylem‐transported CO2
Authors: Stutz Samantha S. , Anderson Jeremiah
Published: August 2021

This article comments on: Efflux and assimilation of xylem‐transported CO2 in stems and leaves of tree species with different wood anatomy
When Left Is Right and Right Is Left: The Psychological Correlates of Political Ideology in China
Authors: Beattie Peter , Chen Rong , Bettache Karim
Published: August 2021

A robust empirical literature suggests that the development of one's political ideology is the product of an “elective affinity” between the discursive, socially constructed elements of ideological belief systems and the psychological constraints, motives, and interests of those who are drawn to those belief systems. However, most studies which support this elective affinity theory have been conducted in the West. In the present study, we tested the theory in China to see whether elective affinities between psychological traits and political ideology are more likely to be universal. Across a nationally representative sample (N = 509), we found initial support for the characterization of the left‐right divide in China, albeit in reverse. Namely, the “liberal Right in China mostly evinces traits of the psychological Left in the West (e.g., lower intolerance of ambiguity), while the “conservative Left” mostly evinces traits of the psychological right in the West (e.g., higher system justification). Epistemic motives were most reliably related to political ideology, while existential and relational motives were more mixed; economic and political aspects of ideology were more closely linked to psychological traits than social/cultural aspects. The present findings provide an extension of existing theory and opportunities for further development.
Social integration after moving to a new city predicts lower systolic blood pressure
Authors: Roddick Charlotte M. , Christie Chelsea D. , Madden Kenneth M. , Chen Frances S.
Published: August 2021

Residential mobility is linked to higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. A mechanism by which residential relocation may impact health is through the disruption of social networks. To examine whether moving to a new city is associated with increased CVD risk and whether the extent to which movers rebuild their social network after relocating predicts improved CVD risk and psychosocial well‐being, recent movers (n = 26), and age‐ and sex‐matched nonmovers (n = 20) were followed over 3 months. Blood pressure, C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio (CRP/ALB), social network size, and psychosocial well‐being were measured at intake (within 6 weeks of residential relocation for movers) and 3 months later. Multiple regression indicated higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) for movers (M = 107.42, SD = 11.39), compared with nonmovers (M = 102.37, SD = 10.03) at intake, though this trend was not statistically significant. As predicted, increases in movers' social network size over 3 months predicted decreases in SBP, even after controlling for age, sex, and waist‐to‐hip ratio, b = −2.04 mmHg, 95% CI [−3.35, −.73]. Associations between increases in movers' social ties and decreases in depressive symptoms and stress were in the predicted direction but did not meet the traditional cutoff for statistical significance. Residential relocation and movers' social network size were not associated with CRP/ALB in this healthy sample. This study provides preliminary evidence for increased SBP among recent movers; furthermore, it suggests that this elevation in CVD risk may decrease as individuals successfully rebuild their social network.