bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19 and the uncertain future of HRM: Furlough, job retention and reform
Authors: Stuart Mark , Spencer David A. , McLachlan Christopher J. , Forde Chris
Published: July 2021

The article argues that job retention should be a central aim and practice of human resource management (HRM). Set against the global COVID‐19 crisis, theoretical insights are drawn from strategic HRM planning and the economics of ‘labour hoarding’ to consider the potential benefits of workforce furloughing. Furlough has been supported in the UK by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which represents a novel, but temporary, state‐led shift from the UK's market‐orientated restructuring regime. We argue that the withdrawal of state‐financed furlough may mean a quick return in UK firms to the management of redundancy. Yet, if the crisis is to generate any benefit it must create the conditions for a more collaborative HRM that delivers for workers as well as business, with job retention as a core priority. While change in this direction will mean confronting deep‐rooted challenges—such as job security, good work and worker voice—such change remains vital in creating better and healthier workplaces.
Review article: time to revisit Child‐Pugh score as the basis for predicting drug clearance in hepatic impairment
Authors: El‐Khateeb Eman , Darwich Adam S. , Achour Brahim , Athwal Varinder , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin
Published: July 2021

Background

Prescription information for many drugs entering the market lacks dosage guidance for hepatic impairment. Dedicated studies for assessing the fate of drugs in hepatic impairment commonly stratify patients using Child‐Pugh score. Child‐Pugh is a prognostic clinical score with limitations in reflecting the liver's metabolic capacity.

Aims

To demonstrate the need for better drug dosing approaches in hepatic impairment, summarise the current status, identify knowledge gaps related to drug kinetic parameters in hepatic impairment, propose solutions for predicting the liver disease impact on drug exposure and discuss barriers to dosing guidance in those patients.

Methods

Relevant reports on dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment were analysed concerning the prediction of the impairment impact on drug kinetics using physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling.

Results

PBPK models are suggested as a potential framework to understand drug clearance changes in hepatic impairment. Quantifying changes in abundance and activity of drug‐metabolising enzymes and transporters, understanding the impact of shunting, and accounting for interindividual variations in drug absorption could help in extending the success of these models in hepatically‐impaired populations. These variables might not correlate with Child‐Pugh score as a whole. Therefore, new metabolic activity markers, imaging techniques and other scoring systems are proposed to either support or substitute Child‐Pugh score.

Conclusions

Many physiological changes in hepatic impairment determining the fate of drugs do not necessarily correlate with Child‐Pugh score. Quantifying these changes in individual patients is essential in future hepatic impairment studies. Further studies assessing Child‐Pugh alternatives are recommended to allow better prediction of drug exposure.
Adjunctive dietary intervention for bipolar disorder: a randomized, controlled, parallel‐group, modified double‐blinded trial of a high n‐3 plus low n‐6 diet
Authors: Saunders Erika F. H. , Mukherjee Dahlia , Myers Tiffany , Wasserman Emily , Hameed Ahmad , Bassappa Krishnamurthy Venkatesh , MacIntosh Beth , Domenichiello Anthony , Ramsden Christopher E. , Wang Ming
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the preliminary efficacy of a high n‐3 plus low n‐6 (H3‐L6) dietary intervention in improving mood stability in Bipolar Disorder (BD) when compared to dietary intervention with usual U.S. levels of n‐6 and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intakes (control diet, CD).

Methods

This 2‐arm, parallel‐group, randomized, modified double‐blind, controlled 48‐week study of 12‐week intensive diet intervention in subjects with BD was conducted at a single suburban‐rural site in the mid‐Atlantic region. Participants with DSM‐IV TR BD I or II with hypomanic or depressive symptoms were randomized, stratified on gender (N = 82). The intervention included the provision of group‐specific study foods and dietary counseling. Variability of mood symptoms was measured by a twice‐daily, 12‐week ecological momentary analysis (EMA) paradigm, and group differences were analyzed using multilevel models. Circulating n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids were measured at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of diet exposure.

Results

All 82 randomized participants were included in biochemical analyses. Seventy participants completed at least 2 EMA surveys and were included in primary EMA analyses. Variability in mood, energy, irritability, and pain as measured using EMA was reduced in the H3‐L6 group compared to the CD group. No significant differences in mean ratings of mood symptoms, or any other symptom measures, were detected. The dietary intervention effect on target PUFAs significantly differed by the group over time.

Conclusions

A dietary intervention adjunctive to usual care showed preliminary efficacy in improving variability in mood symptoms in participants with BD.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02272010.
Kant and the enhancement debate: Imperfect duties and perfecting ourselves
Authors: Chance Brian A.
Published: July 2021

This essay develops a Kantian approach to the permissibility of biomedical physical, cognitive, and moral enhancement. Kant holds that human beings have an imperfect duty to promote their physical, cognitive, and moral perfection. While an agent’s individual circumstances may limit the means she may permissibly use to enhance herself, whether biomedically or otherwise, I argue (1) that biomedical means of enhancing oneself are, generally speaking, both permissible and meritorious from a Kantian perspective. Despite often being equally permissible, I also argue (2) that enhancing oneself by more traditional means is, generally speaking, more meritorious (and involves the display of more virtue) than enhancing oneself by biomedical means. Nevertheless, since Kant does not fault agents for acting less meritoriously (or for displaying less virtue) than they otherwise could, I also argue (3) that those who opt for permissible biomedical enhancement over more traditional forms are not blameworthy for doing so. I also consider and reject several objections to these claims, including that biomedical enhancements (1) are too passive to count as actions by the agent who enhances herself, (2) involve a failure of the agent to treat her humanity as an end in itself or to show proper respect for her dignity, (3) might be undertaken on the basis of motives that undermine their permissibility, (4) are likely to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities in ways that do the same, and (5) in their moral form are incompatible with Kant’s conception of duty and human freedom.
From goodness to good looks: Changing images of human germline genetic modification
Authors: So Derek
Published: July 2021

When writing about deliberate changes to the human germline, bioethicists tend not to discuss the modification of specific genes and instead refer to broader concepts like making people smarter, taller, or longer‐lived. Only a limited number of these traits are mentioned regularly in the literature. Examples like health and intelligence appear frequently at all stages of the germline modification discourse, but the third most frequently mentioned trait has shifted over time. Prior to the early 1980s, publications discussed giving humans a kinder temperament significantly more often than cosmetic modifications, while more recent works reverse the frequency of these traits. Contributing factors likely include a greater focus on individual decision‐making, combined with the increasing uptake of real‐world reproductive technologies like IVF and gamete donation. This shifting imagery could have a profound influence on the way scholars develop arguments about gene editing since cosmetic modifications are generally viewed more negatively and considered less relevant to the identity of future people. In comparison with earlier images of germline modification, they also suggest a more contemporary, Western, and politically liberal social context for gene editing technology. Examining how authors move between writing about different traits can also help us to be aware of the traits that are arbitrarily omitted from the discourse and to consider our preparedness for unexpected kinds of modification.
The development of the Cystectomy‐Pathway Assessment Tool (C‐PAT): a concise tool to assess the quality of care in the cystectomy pathway
Authors: Uren Alan D. , Cotterill Nikki , Abrams Paul , Catto James W. F. , Patel Biral , McGrath John , Ahmed Iram , Rowe Edward
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To develop and test the psychometric properties of a concise, patient‐reported questionnaire, designed to assess key aspects of the radical cystectomy (RC) patient pathway that are important to both patients and clinicians.

Patients and Methods

Draft items were developed by a consultation with a 13‐member expert clinical panel, and the in‐depth qualitative analysis of 14 semi‐structured interviews with patients who had received RC within the previous 18 months. A further nine cognitive interviews with patients refined the items and ensured they were easy to complete. Pilot testing in 122 patients recruited from five hospitals in England tested the properties of validity and reliability of the resulting 17‐item questionnaire.

Results

Patients and clinicians identified the following aspects as important for the delivery of quality patient care. These included timely referral and initial test results; an explanation of risk/benefits of treatment; access to a cancer nurse specialist; training and support in stoma management; timely surgery, surgical complications, and timely follow‐up. Pilot testing showed missing data was low (≤3% for all items), and between 73% and 89% of the responses to items were the most positive about their care (indicating ceiling effects). Five items were identified using factor analysis as being statistically related (Cronbach’s α 0.76, intraclass correlation coefficient test–retest reliability of 0.95) and formed the scored part of the tool ‘care and support’, scored 0–16. There was insufficient evidence at this stage to show the tool was capable of measuring differences between cancer centres.

Conclusion

We have developed a questionnaire that captures aspects of quality of care within the RC patient pathway. The results support the validity and reliability of the 17‐item Cystectomy‐Pathway Assessment Tool (C‐PAT). We envisage the tool can be the basis for audit of the patient reported assessment of the quality of care for individual cancer centres.
Dysregulated protein phosphorylation: A determining condition in the continuum of brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ferrer Isidro , Andrés‐Benito Pol , Ausín Karina , Pamplona Reinald , del Rio José Antonio , Fernández‐Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique
Published: July 2021

Tau hyperphosphorylation is the first step of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation. In the present study, samples of the entorhinal cortex (EC) and frontal cortex area 8 (FC) of cases with NFT pathology classified as stages I–II, III–IV, and V–VI without comorbidities, and of middle‐aged (MA) individuals with no NFT pathology, were analyzed by conventional label‐free and SWATH‐MS (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry) to assess the (phospho)proteomes. The total number of identified dysregulated phosphoproteins was 214 in the EC, 65 of which were dysregulated at the first stages (I–II) of NFT pathology; 167 phosphoproteins were dysregulated in the FC, 81 of them at stages I–II of NFT pathology. A large percentage of dysregulated phosphoproteins were identified in the two regions and at different stages of NFT progression. The main group of dysregulated phosphoproteins was made up of components of the membranes, cytoskeleton, synapses, proteins linked to membrane transport and ion channels, and kinases. The present results show abnormal phosphorylation of proteins at the first stages of NFT pathology in the elderly (in individuals clinically considered representative of normal aging) and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD). Dysregulated protein phosphorylation in the FC precedes the formation of NFTs and SPs. The most active period of dysregulated phosphorylation is at stages III–IV when a subpopulation of individuals might be clinically categorized as suffering from mild cognitive impairment which is a preceding determinant stage in the progression to dementia. Altered phosphorylation of selected proteins, carried out by activation of several kinases, may alter membrane and cytoskeletal functions, among them synaptic transmission and membrane/cytoskeleton signaling. Besides their implications in sAD, the present observations suggest a molecular substrate for “benign” cognitive deterioration in “normal” brain aging.
RNA‐binding protein SAMD4A inhibits breast tumor angiogenesis by modulating the balance of angiogenesis program
Authors: Zhou Meicen , Wang Bing , Li Hongwei , Han Jianqun , Li Ailing , Lu Wenbao
Published: July 2021

Tumor‐induced angiogenesis is important for further progression of solid tumors. The initiation of tumor angiogenesis is dictated by a shift in the balance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic gene expression programs. However, the potential mechanism controlling the expression of angiogenesis‐related genes in the tumor cells, especially the process mediated by RNA‐binding protein (RBP) remains unclear. SAMD4A is a conserved RBP across fly to mammals, and is believed to play an important role in controlling gene translation and stability. In this study, we identified the potential role of SAMD4A in modulating angiogenesis‐related gene expression and tumor progression in breast cancer. SAMD4A expression was repressed in breast cancer tissues and cells and low SAMD4A expression in human breast tumor samples was strongly associated with poor survival of patients. Overexpression of SAMD4A inhibited breast tumor angiogenesis and caner progression, whereas knockdown of SAMD4A demonstrated a reversed effect. Mechanistically, SAMD4A was found to specifically destabilize the proangiogenic gene transcripts, including C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), endoglin (ENG), interleukin 1β (IL1β), and angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), by directly interacting with the stem‐loop structure in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of these mRNAs through its sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain, resulting in the imbalance of angiogenic genes expression. Collectively, our results suggest that SAMD4A is a novel breast tumor suppressor that inhibits tumor angiogenesis by specifically downregulating the expression of proangiogenic genes, which might be a potential antiangiogenic target for breast cancer therapy.
Primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the central nervous system with rapidly progressing lesions after dimethyl fumarate treatment, showing relapsing and remitting symptoms: A case report
Authors: Kitazaki Yuki , Ueno Asako , Maeda Kenichiro , Asano Rei , Aoki Go , Katsuki Ayumu , Shirafuji Norimichi , Yamauchi Takahiro , Isozaki Makoto , Saida Takahiko , Nakamoto Yasunari , Hamano Tadanori
Published: July 2021

Background

We present a case of B‐cell type primary central nervous system lymphoma that rapidly progressed after dimethyl fumarate (DMF) administration.

Case presentation

An asymptomatic white matter lesion of the left frontal lobe was observed in a 56‐year‐old Japanese man on magnetic resonance imaging during a medical checkup. For the subsequent 5 months, the sporadic white matter lesion showed no change and no contrast effect. He suddenly presented with right upper limb paralysis on day 74. After improvement, he had a recurrence of right upper limb paralysis and diminished vision loss. Based on the 2017 revised McDonald criteria, two attacks, objective clinical evidence of one lesion and cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal band assay positivity, he was diagnosed with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and administered DMF. Three months after DMF administration, he developed new brain lesions that progressed rapidly; additional immunotherapy was ineffective. He was pathologically diagnosed with B‐cell type primary central nervous system lymphoma using brain biopsy on day 301.

Conclusion

Patients with rapidly progressing white matter lesions after DMF administration should be suspected for B‐cell type primary central nervous system lymphoma and pathologically diagnosed using brain biopsy.
Gender differences in surgical case volume among ophthalmology trainees
Authors: Gill Hannah K. , Niederer Rachael L. , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V.
Published: July 2021

Background

The number of females in ophthalmology has steadily increased over recent decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in procedural volume and cataract surgery between male and female trainees in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

Methods

A longitudinal retrospective review of de‐identified surgical RANZCO trainee logbook data from 2008 to 2020 was undertaken. Data from 241 trainee logbooks were analysed for: location of training, gender, date of commencement of training, maternity/paternity leave status, number of surgeries observed, assisted, supervised and unsupervised. Surgical cases were grouped as: (1) all surgical cases; (2) complete cataract cases and (3) partial cataract cases.

Results

Among 241 trainees (40.7% females), 197 263 procedures were performed. Total surgical volume was 21.1% lower at 4 years for females (median 665.5 vs. 843.5; p = 0.036). Completed cataract surgery was 21.5% lower at 18 months (median 87.5 vs. 111.5; p = 0.022) and 41.7% lower at 4 years (median 216 vs. 369; p < 0.001). Interrupted training was significantly more common in females (30.6% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001). However, linear regression analysis did not identify parental leave or duration as a significant predictor for number of completed cataracts (p = 0.206). Complication rate was not different between males and females (p = 0.35).

Conclusions

Female trainees completed 41.7% fewer cataract operations at the end of their training compared to male counterparts with the gap widening between years 1 and 4 of training. The current data demonstrates that female and male RANZCO trainees are not receiving equivalent operating experiences.
Influence of the tooth position, guided sleeve height, supporting length, manufacturing methods, and resin E‐modulus on the in vitro accuracy of surgical implant guides in a free‐end situation
Authors: Kessler Andreas , Le Vinzenz , Folwaczny Matthias
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the effect of tooth position, sleeve height, supporting length, resin E‐modulus, and manufacturing method on the accuracy of dental implants placed in vitro fully guided in a lower jaw free‐end situation.

Material and Methods

Using resin clones of a patient case providing a free‐end situation 384 implants has been experimentally placed guided. The accuracy of postoperative implant position analyzed depending on the tooth position (first and second molar), sleeve height (2 and 6mm), supporting length (tooth no. 37–33 and 37 43), resin E‐modulus (<2,000, >2,000, and >3,000 MPa), and manufacturing method (milled, printed). To determine the three‐dimensional accuracy angular deviation, mean crestal, apical deviation, and the linear vertical deviation at apex were calculated separately for each group (n = 12).

Results

The accuracy of implant placement using milled guides was affected only by the tooth position, indicating stronger deviation of implants replacing second molars than first molars. Considering printed guides, the implant position was influenced by tooth position, sleeve height, and supporting length. Linear vertical deviation >1 mm was found for printed materials with the lowest E‐modulus at tooth position no. 37. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant lower odds for linear vertical deviation >1 mm for materials with higher E‐modulus (OR: 0.04; 95% CI:0.01–0.97; p = .048) and higher ratio for smaller sleeve height (OR: 2.77; 95% CI:1.20–6.38; p = .017).

Conclusion

Accuracy of implant placement in a free‐end situation lacking distal tooth support is superior for milled as compared to 3D‐printed surgical guides. When using 3D‐printed surgical guides, smaller sleeve heights and extended tooth support improve the accuracy of implant placement.
Addition of autogenous bone chips to deproteinized bovine bone mineral does not have additional benefit in lateral ridge augmentation—A preclinical in vivo experimental study
Authors: Song Young Woo , Jung Hyun‐Jun , An Yin‐Zhe , Jung Ui‐Won , Lee Jung‐Seok
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare the outcome after extensive lateral guided bone regeneration using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) with or without autogenous bone chips in a canine model of chronic horizontal alveolar ridge defect.

Materials and Methods

The second, third and fourth lower premolars of both sides were extracted, and the buccal bone walls were completely removed in five beagle dogs. After 4 weeks, DBBM particles mixed with autogenous bone chips at a ratio of 1:1 were grafted at one side (DBBM/Auto group), while DBBM particles alone were grafted at the contralateral side (DBBM group). The graft materials on both sides were covered by a resorbable collagen membrane and fixation pins. Microcomputed tomographic volume and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 16 weeks post‐surgery.

Results

The ridges of both groups were recovered horizontally, but new bone formation beyond the original ridge contour at the defect site was not found. The DBBM group exhibited a larger total radiographic augmented volume and new bone volume compared with the DBBM/Auto group, but the differences were minimal (p > .05). Histologically, the regenerated area and new bone area were also slightly larger without any statistical significance in the DBBM group than in the DBBM/Auto group (p > .05).

Conclusion

The addition of autogenous bone chips to DBBM for lateral ridge augmentation may confer no advantage over grafting DBBM alone with respect to both space maintenance and de novo bone formation in dogs.
Immediate implant placement in fresh alveolar sockets with a minimal split‐thickness envelope flap: A randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Garcia‐Sanchez Ruben , Mardas Nikos , Buti Jacopo , Ortiz Ruiz Antonio Jose , Pardo Zamora Guillermo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Comparing PES/WES scores, modified success rate, survival, success, buccal bone thickness and patient‐reported outcomes of immediate dental implants placed in fresh alveolar sockets using a flap or a minimal split‐thickness envelope flap (MSTEF).

Materials and methods

Implants following random assignment into a flap or MSTEF group were placed immediately in anterior and premolar areas. Guided bone regeneration and autogenous connective tissue graft were used in all cases. A temporary prosthesis was provided followed by the final prosthesis at 16–18 weeks. Success and survival rates together with radiographic buccal bone thickness and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 12‐month post‐loading. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated through the Pink (PES) and White (WES) Aesthetic Score by 8 blind clinicians of different training background and incorporated in modified success criteria.

Results

28 implants were placed on 28 patients. No statistically significant differences were noted in PES (10.54 control versus 10.80 test), WES scores (6.97 control versus 6.95 test) or success criteria including aesthetic parameters (modified success criteria) for the different specialty groups (Range 69%‐92%). In addition, no statistically significant differences were noted in survival (100%), success (100%), buccal wall thickness between control (0.72 ± 0.22) and test group (0.92 ± 0.31) and patients’ reported outcomes.

Conclusions

Immediate dental implant treatment with flap/ MSTEF provided similar mean PES/WES scores, modified success rate, survival, mean buccal bone levels and patients’ satisfaction. However, aesthetic failures were common in both groups.
Feeding of a fat‐enriched diet causes the loss of resistance to contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Rühl‐Muth Anne‐Catherine , Maler Mareike D. , Esser Philipp R. , Martin Stefan F.
Published: July 2021

Background

Low‐molecular weight chemicals or metal ions can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease. Mice lacking Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4 mice) are resistant to contact hypersensitivity (CHS). In the Western population obesity is increasing, which is known to have a proinflammatory impact.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a high‐fat diet (HFD) on the sensitization and elicitation of CHS. We hypothesized that a proinflammatory micromilieu can be caused by an increase in adipose tissue, which might be sufficient to break the resistance of TLR2/4 mice.

Methods

Four weeks prior to sensitization, wild‐type (wt) or TLR2/4 mice were fed normal chow (NC), control diet (CD), or HFD. The effects on CHS and inflammation were analysed by measuring the ear swelling response, using flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The reaction of wt mice to 2,4,6‐trinitro‐1‐chlorobenzene (TNCB) was increased by HFD. While NC‐fed TLR2/4 mice were still resistant to CHS, HFD and, unexpectedly, CD feeding broke the resistance of TLR2/4 mice to TNCB.

Conclusions

These experiments suggest that the increased fat content or the different fatty acid composition of the diets increases inflammation and, therefore, the likelihood of developing CHS.
Aggressive pursuit and utilization of non‐ideal donor lungs does not compromise post‐lung transplant survival
Authors: Halpern Samantha E. , Jawitz Oliver K. , Raman Vignesh , Choi Ashley Y. , Haney John C. , Klapper Jacob A. , Hartwig Matthew G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) vary in willingness to pursue and utilize non‐ideal donor lungs; implications of these practices for lung transplant (LTx) recipients remain unclear. We examined associations between OPO‐level behavior toward non‐ideal donors and post‐LTx outcomes.

Methods

Adult lung donors and corresponding adult first‐time LTx recipients in the 2008–2019 UNOS registry were included. Non‐ideal donors had any of age > 50, smoking history ≥20 pack‐years, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤350, donation after circulatory death, or increased risk status. OPOs were classified as least, moderately, or most aggressive based on non‐ideal donor pursuit, consent attainment, lung recovery, and transplantation. Post‐transplant outcomes were compared among aggressiveness strata.

Results

Of 22,795 recipients, 6229 (27.3%), 8256 (36.2%), and 8310 (36.5%) received lungs from least, moderately, and most aggressive OPOs, respectively. Moderately aggressive OPOs had the highest recipient rates of pre‐discharge acute rejection, grade 3 primary graft dysfunction, postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and longest lengths of stay. After adjustment, moderately and most aggressive OPOs had similar risks of recipient mortality as least aggressive OPOs.

Conclusions

The most and least aggressive OPOs achieve similar patient survival and short‐term post‐LTx outcomes. Aggressive pursuit and utilization of non‐ideal donor lungs by less aggressive OPOs would likely expand the donor pool, without compromising recipient outcomes.
Indolent CD8+ primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma involving the eyelid of an adolescent
Authors: Minzenmayer Andrew N. , Taylor Kirby , Housewright Chad D. , Bicknell Lindsay M. , Hendrick Sophia J. , Tsai Jonathan H. , Siref Andrew
Published: July 2021

Primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T‐cell lymphoma (PCACTL) is currently a provisional entity defined as a rare cutaneous proliferation of atypical CD8+ lymphocytes that preferentially involves acral sites and has a good prognosis. We present a case of primary cutaneous CD8+ T‐cell lymphoma involving the eyelid of an adolescent male. The case shares features with PCACTL, including indolent clinical behavior and expression of CD68 in a Golgi‐associated dot‐like pattern; however, other features differ significantly from PCACTL as currently defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). These features include ulceration, expression of CD56, granzyme B, and perforin, and a high proliferative index. Given these discrepancies, our case is currently best classified as a CD8+ primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. We review the differential diagnosis for this case and suggest expanding the definition of PCACTL.
More evidence on the impact of government social protection in sub‐Saharan Africa: Ghana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe
Authors: Handa Sudhanshu , Otchere Frank , Sirma Paul ,   the Evaluation Study Team
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Governments in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) have rapidly expanded cash transfer programmes as part of their social protection strategy over the last decade. Currently 46 countries have a state‐sponsored social protection programme, compared to just 25 countries in 2005, with the most common type of programme being cash transfers, representing 51% of all social protection spending in the region.

Purpose

We present evidence on the overall impacts of state‐sponsored cash transfer programmes in SSA, using data from three impact evaluations of government programmes. All three programmes were a key component of the poverty reduction strategy of the respective governments at the time of the evaluations.

Methods and approach

We show impacts across nine broad domains including both protection, production and human development, using baseline and follow‐up household surveys on Treatment and Control groups. We relate the pattern of impacts to programme design parameters to further understand the constraints faced by ultra‐poor rural households.

Findings

All three programmes have strong effects on their primary objective—food security or food consumption, as well as on secondary objectives that include livelihood strengthening and children’s well‐being. The largest and most consistent impacts occur in Malawi, where transfer values are in line with international best practice and payments were made regularly during the study period. All programmes show a positive income multiplier, with the multiplier largest in Malawi at 2.94.

Policy implications

The overall results across three national programmes add to the growing evidence from Africa that government unconditional cash transfers have important positive effects on households, that these effects are not limited to just food security, and that programme design features influence the pattern and size of impacts. Results in this article are based on programmes that pass both criteria of implementation feasibility and political acceptability, and thus provide a more accurate reflection of what real‐world cash transfer programmes can achieve in SSA.
Benchmarking information aggregation in experimental markets
Authors: Albertazzi Andrea , Mengel Friederike , Peeters Ronald
Published: July 2021

Theoretical and experimental literature have provided mixed insights on the ability of financial markets to perfectly aggregate private information into asset prices. We conduct an experiment designed to benchmark information aggregation in markets. In our lab experiment, we randomly assign subjects to different institutional environments, either a market or a Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism. We find evidence that market interaction is worse for information aggregation. The difference between the two environments is driven by price‐insensitive traders who seem unable to learn from market prices. Price‐sensitive traders, by contrast, learn equally well in both environments.
Accounting for soil architecture and microbial dynamics in microscale models: Current practices in soil science and the path ahead
Authors: Pot Valérie , Portell Xavier , Otten Wilfred , Garnier Patricia , Monga Olivier , Baveye Philippe C.
Published: July 2021

Macroscopic models of soil organic matter (SOM) turnover have faced difficulties in reproducing SOM dynamics or in predicting the spatial distribution of carbon stocks. These models are based on a largely inadequate linear response of soil microorganisms to bulk concentrations of nutrients and it is clear that a new approach to SOM modelling is required. Introducing explicit microbial activity and organic matter (OM) reactivity in macroscopic models represents a challenge because of the fine spatial scales at which the processes occur. To get a better grasp on interactions that take place at the microscale, a new generation of SOM models have been developed at the spatial scale of the soil microenvironments where microorganisms evolve. These models are well adapted to challenge traditional hypotheses about the influence of soil architecture on soil microbial activity. Soil architecture provides the stage for a dynamic spatial accessibility of resources to microbes and the emergence of interactions between the actors in SOM decomposition. In this context, we review microscale models of microbial activity that have been designed for soils and soil analogues. To understand how these models account for spatial accessibility, we look in detail at how soil microenvironments are described in the different approaches and how microbial colonies are spatialized in these microenvironments. We present the advantages and disadvantages of the developed strategies and we discuss their limits.

Highlights

We review the state of the art in the development of microscale models of soil microbial processes.

Microscale models have integrated the tremendous progress in knowledge of OM cycling in soils.

We categorize modelling approaches by how they deal with complexity of soil architecture.

Modelling benchmarks are required to properly balance complexity and data uncertainty.
Grazer behaviour can regulate large‐scale patterning of community states
Authors: Karatayev Vadim A. , Baskett Marissa L. , Kushner David J. , Shears Nick T. , Caselle Jennifer E. , Boettiger Carl
Published: July 2021

Ecosystem patterning can arise from environmental heterogeneity, biological feedbacks that produce multiple persistent ecological states, or their interaction. One source of feedbacks is density‐dependent changes in behaviour that regulate species interactions. By fitting state‐space models to large‐scale (~500 km) surveys on temperate rocky reefs, we find that behavioural feedbacks best explain why kelp and urchin barrens form either reef‐wide patches or local mosaics. Best‐supported models in California include feedbacks where starvation intensifies grazing across entire reefs create reef‐scale, alternatively stable kelp‐ and urchin‐dominated states (32% of reefs). Best‐fitting models in New Zealand include the feedback of urchins avoiding dense kelp stands that can increase abrasion and predation risk, which drives a transition from shallower urchin‐dominated to deeper kelp‐dominated zones, with patchiness at 3–8 m depths with intermediate wave stress. Connecting locally studied processes with region‐wide data, we highlight how behaviour can explain community patterning and why some systems exhibit community‐wide alternative stable states.
Phenological traits foster persistence of mutualistic networks by promoting facilitation
Authors: Duchenne François , Fontaine Colin , Teulière Elsa , Thébault Elisa
Published: July 2021

Morphological and phenological traits are key determinants of the structure of mutualistic networks. Both traits create forbidden links, but phenological traits can also decouple interaction in time. While such difference likely affects the indirect effects among species and consequently network persistence, it remains overlooked. Here, using a dynamic model, we show that networks structured by phenology favour facilitation over competition within guilds of pollinators and plants, thereby increasing network persistence, while the contrary holds for networks structured by morphology. We further show that such buffering of competition by phenological traits mostly beneficiate to specialists, the most vulnerable species otherwise, which propagate the most positive effects within guilds and promote nestedness. Our results indicate that beyond trophic mismatch, phenological shifts such as those induced by climate change are likely to affect indirect effects within mutualistic assemblages, with consequences for biodiversity.
Trends in dentate status and preventive dental visits of the adult population in Denmark over 30 years (1987–2017)
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik , Davidsen Michael , Rosendahl Jensen Heidi , Ekholm Ola , Illemann Christensen Anne
Published: July 2021

This study analyzed the trend in self‐reported dentate status over 30 years (1987–2017) among Danish adults, the self‐reported frequencies of preventive dental visits undertaken annually during the period 1987–2013, and the self‐reported use of the 2016 recall scheme for preventive dental check‐ups. The impact of social determinants (education, employment, civil status, and ethnic background) on these dental outcome variables in 2017 was explored. Questionnaire data were obtained from the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys conducted from 1987–2017, and they were analyzed by tri‐variate frequency distributions and multivariate analyses. The prevalence of complete tooth loss was 17.7% in 1987 but 3.4% in 2017. The frequency of adults having 20 or more teeth grew markedly from 1987 (65.9%) to 2017 (85.1%). Educational inequality in dentate status persisted over the period. The frequency of preventive dental visits at least annually increased from 1987 to 2013, although visits were less frequent for young people. In 2017, preventive dental check‐ups were reported in intervals: less than 12 months (56.4%), 12–18 months (18.9%), 19–24 months (4.8%), and more than 24 months (5.2%). In 2017, dentate status and preventive dental check‐ups varied profoundly by social determinants. In conclusion, social policies should be implemented to tackle the persistent inequities in dentate status and public health policies should target Universal Health Coverage.
LncRNA MSC‐AS1 motivates the development of melanoma by binding to miR‐302a‐3p and recruiting IGF2BP2 to elevate LEF1 expression
Authors: Ma Yan , Jin Yuanyuan , Li Can , Liu Yilun , Wang Dehuai
Published: July 2021

Melanoma is considered as the most common malignancy among skin cancers. The roles of many long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been clearly identified in multiple tumors. Nevertheless, lncRNA MSC antisense RNA 1 (MSC‐AS1) has not been deeply investigated melanoma. In the present study, RT‐qPCR and western blot analyses were used to measure the expression of RNAs and proteins. Functional and in vivo assays were implemented to detect the function of genes in melanoma. RNA pull‐down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays were applied for determining interactions between RNA and protein molecules. It was observed that MSC‐AS1 and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1) were remarkably up‐regulated while microRNA‐302a‐3p (miR‐302a‐3p) down‐regulated in melanoma cell lines. The silencing of MSC‐AS1 hindered cell proliferation, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, MSC‐AS1 regulated LEF1 expression through sponging miR‐302a‐3p and recruiting insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). Eventually, LEF1 overexpression rescued cell progression impaired by MSC‐AS1 knock‐down. In summary, our research identified the MSC‐AS1/miR‐302a‐3p/IGF2BP2/LEF1 axis in melanoma development, which indicated that MSC‐AS1 is a potential biomarker in the treatment of melanoma.
N2 and N2O mitigation potential of replacing maize with the perennial biomass crop Silphium perfoliatum—An incubation study
Authors: Kemmann Björn , Wöhl Lena , Fuß Roland , Schrader Stefan , Well Reinhard , Ruf Thorsten
Published: July 2021

Sustainability of biogas production is strongly dependent on soil‐borne greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during feedstock cultivation. Maize (Zea mays) is the most common feedstock for biogas production in Europe. Since it is an annual crop requiring high fertilizer input, maize cropping can cause high GHG emissions on sites that, due to their hydrology, have high N2O emission potential. On such sites, cultivation of cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) as a perennial crop could be a more environmentally friendly alternative offering versatile ecosystem services. To evaluate the possible benefits of perennial cup plant cropping on GHG emissions and nitrogen losses, an incubation study was conducted with intact soil cores from a maize field and a cup plant field. The 15N gas flux method was used to quantify N source‐specific N2 and N2O fluxes. Cumulated N2O emissions and N2+N2O emissions did not differ significantly between maize and cup plant soils, but tended to be higher in maize soil. Soils from both systems exhibited relatively high and similar N2O/(N2+N2O) ratios (N2Oi). N2O emissions originating from sources other than the 15N‐labelled NO3 pool were low, but were the only fluxes exhibiting a significant difference between the maize and cup plant soils. Missing differences in fluxes derived from the 15N pool indicate that under the experimental conditions with high moisture and level, and without plants, the cropping system had little effect on N fluxes related to denitrification. Lower soil pH and higher bulk density in the cup plant soil are likely to have reduced the mitigation potential of perennial biomass cropping.
A novel biofilm removal approach (Guided Biofilm Therapy) utilizing erythritol air‐polishing and ultrasonic piezo instrumentation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vouros Ioannis , Antonoglou Georgios N. , Anoixiadou Styliani , Kalfas Sotirios
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of biofilm removal of a treatment protocol combining an air‐abrasive device using erythritol powder (AIRFLOW®) and an ultrasonic piezon instrumentation (Guided Biofilm Therapy/GBT) compared with the conventional mechanical approach (Scaling and Root Planing/SRP) during supportive periodontal treatment (SPT).

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients, scheduled for supportive periodontal treatment at the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki were randomly assigned to either a GBT (group A: 24 participants) or a SRP (Group B: 26 participants) treatment protocol. Therapeutic interventions and clinical measurements were performed at baseline and repeated at 6 weeks. Oral hygiene instructions were reinforced at each visit. A questionnaire was handed to the participants for evaluation of patient perception of both utilized approaches.

Results

At 6 weeks, the two groups showed statistically significant reduction in plaque score and in gingival bleeding index compared with baseline. GBT required approximately 15% less chair‐time than SRP with a mean difference of 5.1 min, which was statically significant (p = 0.049). Patient perception was more favourable for GBT than SRP.

Conclusions

Biofilm removal using erythritol AIRFLOW® and ultrasonic piezo‐electric instruments (GBT) can be considered equally efficient compared with the conventional SRP. Moreover, GBT seemed to require shorter treatment time and to exhibit a more favourable patient perception than the conventional approach.
Does online chatter matter for consumer behaviour? A priming experiment on organic food
Authors: Danner Hannah , Thøgersen John
Published: July 2021

Consumers are increasingly sharing their opinions on societal issues and products online. We studied the implications of such online word‐of‐mouth for consumer judgement and decision‐making. The case used is organic food, which is the most successful among the currently emerging, sustainability‐differentiated food product categories. We first analysed the online discussion on organic food by conducting a text‐mining study of reader comments (N = 63,379) from the comments section of a major German online news outlet. Topics therein are discussed with differing frequency, thereby indicating the salience of the various issues to online readers and consumers. One organic food topic of high salience (animal welfare) and one of low salience (biodiversity) were selected to investigate the behavioural relevance of salient online topics in a subsequent priming experiment (online survey of German consumers; N = 1,118). In particular, we tested whether the relative online salience of the two topics used as primes influenced the likelihood of choosing organic instead of conventional eggs and milk in a choice experiment and the acceptance of policies supporting organic farming. Although ineffective for the choice of milk, the priming worked as hypothesized regarding the choice of eggs and policy acceptance. Priming the topic with high online salience is more effective at promoting pro‐organic behaviour than priming the topic with low online salience. Priming effects also depended on prime strength, attitude strength and experience with buying organic food. We discuss how insights from text mining of online word‐of‐mouth can be employed to promote sustainable consumption behaviour.
In vitrodissolution of bioactive glass S53P4 microspheres
Authors: Sinitsyna Polina , Karlström Oskar , Hupa Leena
Published: July 2021

Static and dynamic in vitro dissolution studies showed large differences for various size‐fractions of non‐porous, flame‐sprayed commercial microspheres (45–500 µm) of bioactive glass S53P4. The smaller the spheres, the more their composition deviated from the nominal glass. The dissolution studies were carried out in simulated body fluid and tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane buffer for seven days. The ion concentrations in solutions were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and the pH was measured as a function of time. Also, changes in the sphere size distribution and mass losses were determined. The calcium phosphate and the silica‐rich layers at the sphere surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy after several immersion times. The smallest (45–90 µm) spheres appeared almost inert. In contrast, typical silica‐rich and calcium phosphate layers were identified at the largest spheres after three days of static and dynamic dissolutions. During the past years, bioactive glass microspheres have been added to paste‐like injectable bone grafting materials, putties to enhance their molding properties. The obtained results provide a better understanding of the dissolution patterns of bioactive glass microspheres.