bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is it more difficult to replace the volunteer directors of non‐profit organizations that have recourse to public funds? Evidence from France
Authors: Prouteau Lionel
Published: July 2021

Many non‐profit organizations experience difficulties in replacing the members of their boards of volunteer directors. And yet, despite the rich literature on the governance of these organizations, such difficulties have been investigated only to a very limited extent. The present article seeks to ascertain whether there is a correlation between these difficulties and the share of public funds in the resources of French non‐profit organizations. To that end, this study draws on a database derived from a survey of these organizations that remains without precedent in France. The investigation reveals a positive correlation between the expression of that difficulty in replacing directors and the extent to which organizations’ financial resources are dependent on public funds. However, this correlation is confined to certain fields of activity, notably the social and charitable field. Moreover, it is not linear. It generally tends to stabilize beyond a 25% threshold of dependency on public financing.
Editorial: volatile organic compound analysis to improve faecal immunochemical testing in the detection of colorectal cancer—Authors' reply
Authors: Chandrapalan Subashini , Bosch Sofie , Tyagi Heena , Daulton Emma , Cubiella Joaquín , Guardiola Jordi , Kimani Peter , Mulder Chris , Covington James , Persaud Krishna , de Meij Tim G. J. , Altomare Donato F. , Brenner Herman , de Boer Nanne K. H. , Ricciardiello Luigi , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chandrapalan et al and Hanna & Cross papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16405 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16471
Editorial: topiramate for cyclic vomiting syndrome—for refractory patients only? Authors' reply
Authors: Mooers Harrison , Srivastava Sonali , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Mooers et al and Rangan & Lembo papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16457andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16493
Phase II study of azacitidine with pembrolizumab in patients with intermediate‐1 or higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Chien Kelly S. , Kim Kunhwa , Nogueras‐Gonzalez Graciela M. , Borthakur Gautam , Naqvi Kiran , Daver Naval G. , Montalban‐Bravo Guillermo , Cortes Jorge E. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Jabbour Elias , Alvarado Yesid , Andreeff Michael , Bose Prithviraj , Jain Nitin , Kadia Tapan M. , Huang Xuelin , Sheppard Kimberly B. , Klingner‐Winton Cheri , Pierce Sherry A. , Dong Xiao Qin , Soltysiak Kelly A. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo
Published: August 2021

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and PD‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression is upregulated in cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34)+ bone marrow cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Hypomethylating agent (HMA) treatment results in further increased expression of these immune checkpoints. We hypothesised that combining an anti‐PD‐1 antibody with HMAs may have efficacy in patients with MDS. To test this concept, we designed a phase II trial of the combination of azacitidine and pembrolizumab with two cohorts. In the 17 previously untreated patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 76%, with a complete response (CR) rate of 18% and median overall survival (mOS) not reached after a median follow‐up of 12·8 months. For the HMA‐failure cohort (n = 20), the ORR was 25% and CR rate was 5%; with a median follow‐up of 6·0 months, the mOS was 5·8 months. The most observed toxicities were pneumonia (32%), arthralgias (24%) and constipation (24%). Immune‐related adverse events requiring corticosteroids were required in 43%. Overall, this phase II trial suggests that azacitidine and pembrolizumab is safe with manageable toxicities in patients with higher‐risk MDS. This combined therapy may have anti‐tumour activity in a subset of patients and merits further studies in the front‐line setting.
Late Pleistocene–Holocene pedogenesis and palaeoclimate in western Asia from palaeosols of the Central Iranian Plateau
Authors: Rashidi Zakieh , Karimi Alireza , Murray Andrew , Khormali Farhad , Farpoor Mohammad Hady , Sohbati Reza
Published: July 2021

The Late Pleistocene and Holocene in western Asia is characterized by frequent, millennial‐scale, high‐amplitude environmental climatic changes. However, little is known about palaeoclimate conditions on the arid Central Iranian Plateau and knowledge of palaeosols and past phases of pedogenesis in relation to climatic events is scarce. Nevertheless, these palaeosols contain important information on the Last Glacial–Interglacial cycle and Holocene climate and environmental changes in the region. Three representative pedons with eight argillic horizons from the interior of the Central Iranian Plateau, namely Isfahan, Jimabad and Bajestan are selected for micromorphological, mineralogical and submicroscopic analyses. The ages of these palaeosols are constrained using the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signal from quartz. Micromorphological observations show clay illuviation, carbonate leaching, accumulation of secondary carbonates, calcite depletion, and other characteristic pedogenic features. These characteristics, combined with the luminescence chronology, reveal the presence of well‐developed reddish‐brown palaeoargillic horizons (Btk/Btky) with intensive soil formation processes taking place during the Last Interglacial to Middle Holocene (~107–4.5 ka) in our study area. Pedogenic evidence from the palaeosols suggests steps of polygenetic formation in the argillic horizons in response to alternating wetter and drier phases during this period. Four distinct phases of pedogenesis resulting in Btk/Btky horizons are identified: (i) Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5, (ii) MIS 3, (iii) the Last Glacial–Interglacial Transition Holocene, and (iv) the Late Holocene.
Hypothesis: Possible influence of antivector immunity and SARS‐CoV‐2 variants on efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine
Authors: Zamai Loris , Rocchi Marco B. L.
Published: July 2021

The present work provides arguments for the involvement of anti‐vector immunity and of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants on the efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine. First, it is suggested that anti‐vector immunity takes place as homologous vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine is applied and interferes with vaccine efficacy when the interval between prime and booster doses is less than 3 months. Second, longitudinal studies suggest that ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine provides suboptimal efficacy against SARS‐CoV‐2 Alpha variant, which appears to have an increased transmissibility among vaccinated people. At the moment, ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine is able to reduce the severity of symptoms and transmissibility. However, if the vaccinated individuals do not maintain physical preventive measures, they could turn into potential spreaders, thus suggesting that mass vaccination will not quickly solve the pandemic. Possible consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 evolution and of repeated anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations are discussed and adoption of an influenza‐like vaccination strategy is suggested.
Large and influential: Firm size and governments’ corporate tax rate choice
Authors: Riedel Nadine , Simmler Martin
Published: August 2021

Theory suggests that large firms are more likely to engage in lobbying behaviour and are geographically more mobile compared with smaller entities. Conditional on jurisdiction size, policy choices are thus predicted to depend on the shape of a jurisdiction's firm size distribution, with more business‐oriented policies being enacted if jurisdictions host large firms. The paper empirically tests this prediction using local business taxation in Germany as a testing ground. Exploiting rich and exogenous variation in municipalities’ firm size structures, we find evidence for an inverse relationship between the size of hosted entities and municipalities’ local business tax choices. The effect is statistically significant and quantitatively relevant, suggesting that the rising importance of large businesses may trigger shifts towards a more business‐friendly design of (tax) policies.
Understanding and Supporting Inhibitory Control: Unique Contributions From Proactive Monitoring and Motoric Stopping to Children’s Improvements With Practice
Authors: Traut Hilary J. , Chevalier Nicolas , Guild Ryan M. , Munakata Yuko
Published: August 2021

Children struggle to stop inappropriate behaviors. What interventions improve inhibitory control, for whom, and why? Prior work suggested that practice proactively monitoring for relevant signals improved children’s inhibitory control more than practice with motoric stopping. However, these processes were not clearly dissociated. This study tested 162 seven‐ to nine‐year‐old children (89 female, 72 male, 1 unreported; 82% White) on the stop‐signal task, following monitoring or stopping‐focused practice. Both methods improved inhibitory control, supported generalization, and interacted ( = .20–.73). Practice approaches differentially impacted variability ( = .01–.09). Only monitoring benefits showed signs of depending upon proactive control ( = .02). These findings highlight unique contributions of attentional and stopping processes to inhibitory control, suggesting possibilities for tailored interventions.
Disturbance structures canopy and understory productivity along an environmental gradient
Authors: Castorani Max C. N. , Harrer Shannon L. , Miller Robert J. , Reed Daniel C.
Published: August 2021

Disturbances often disproportionately impact different vegetation layers in forests and other vertically stratified ecosystems, shaping community structure and ecosystem function. However, disturbance‐driven changes may be mediated by environmental conditions that affect habitat quality and species interactions. In a decade‐long field experiment, we tested how kelp forest net primary productivity (NPP) responds to repeated canopy loss along a gradient in grazing and substrate suitability. We discovered that habitat quality can mediate the effects of intensified disturbance on canopy and understory NPP. Experimental annual and quarterly disturbances suppressed total macroalgal NPP, but effects were strongest in high‐quality habitats that supported dense kelp canopies that were removed by disturbance. Understory macroalgae partly compensated for canopy NPP losses and this effect magnified with increasing habitat quality. Disturbance‐driven increases in understory NPP were still rising after 5–10 years of disturbance, demonstrating the value of long‐term experimentation for understanding ecosystem responses to changing disturbance regimes.
Defining Dravet syndrome: An essential pre‐requisite for precision medicine trials
Authors: Li Wenhui , Schneider Amy L. , Scheffer Ingrid E.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The classical description of Dravet syndrome, the prototypic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, is of a normal 6‐month‐old infant presenting with a prolonged, febrile, hemiclonic seizure and showing developmental slowing after age 1 year. SCN1A pathogenic variants are found in >80% of patients. Many patients have atypical features resulting in diagnostic delay and inappropriate therapy. We aimed to provide an evidence‐based definition of SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome in readiness for precision medicine trials.

Methods

Epilepsy patients were recruited to the University of Melbourne Epilepsy Genetics Research Program between 1995 and 2020 by neurologists from around the world. Patients with SCN1A pathogenic variants were reviewed and only those with Dravet syndrome were included. Clinical data, including seizure and developmental course, were analyzed in all patients with SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome.

Results

Two hundred and five patients were studied at a median age of 8.5 years (range 10 months to 60 years); 25 were deceased. The median seizure‐onset age was 5.7 months (range 1.5–20.6 months). Initial seizures were tonic‐clonic (52%) and hemiclonic (35%), with only 55% being associated with fever. Only 34% of patients presented with status epilepticus (seizure lasting ≥30 minutes). Median time between first and second seizure was 30 days (range 4 hours to 8 months), and seven patients (5%) had at least 6 months between initial seizures. Median ages at onset of second and third seizure types were 9.1 months (range 3 months–25.4 years) and 15.5 months (range 4 months–8.2 years), respectively. Developmental slowing occurred prior to 12 months in 27%.

Significance

An evidence‐based definition of SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome is essential for early diagnosis. We refine the spectrum of Dravet syndrome, based on patterns of seizure onset, type, and progression. Understanding of the full spectrum of SCN1A‐Dravet syndrome presentation is essential for early diagnosis and optimization of treatment, especially as precision medicine trials become available.
Linguistic risk‐taking in second language learning: The case of French at a Canadian bilingual institution
Authors: Rhéaume Martine , Slavkov Nikolay , Séror Jérémie
Published: August 2021

This article focuses on the construct of linguistic risk‐taking and outlines a new pedagogical initiative implemented at a Canadian bilingual postsecondary institution. The Linguistic Risk‐Taking Initiative aims at encouraging language learners to target specific challenges and seek opportunities to practice their second official language (French or English) in authentic contexts beyond the language learning classroom. Using the lens of participatory action research, the article reports on how a Linguistic Risk‐Taking Passport is used to support language learners’ autonomous language practice in combination with metacognitive awareness activities and goal setting. A teacher's reflections and surveys with 296 student participants over five semesters indicate that linguistic risk‐taking offers promise both in terms of innovative and engaging pedagogical practices and in terms of language teaching research.
Identifying global and local drivers of change in mangrove cover and the implications for management
Authors: Maina J. M. , Bosire J. O. , Kairo J. G. , Bandeira S. O. , Mangora M. M. , Macamo C. , Ralison H. , Majambo G.
Published: August 2021

Background

Climate change and human activities continue to drive a widespread decline in global mangrove coverage, undermining their capacity to provide ecosystem benefits. While global and local scale drivers of change on mangroves are widely acknowledged, the relative importance and the exposure of mangroves to climatic, geomorphological, and direct human threats vary spatially. Understanding the role and relative importance of the multiscale and multiple threats to mangroves and how these vary spatially is fundamental for formulating a spatially adaptive approach to their management and conservation.

Aim

Our study investigated the role of multiple threats on mangroves and the relative exposure.

Location

Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.

Time period

Recent past (2002–2019 and future (2050–2060).

Major taxa studied

Mangrove.

Methods

Using satellite‐derived indicators of mangrove condition aggregated over 19 years (2002 to 2019) and 14 proxies of climate, human activity, and geomorphology, we applied machine learning methods to determine the role and relative importance of the change drivers. Using outputs from this deductive statistical process, we applied inductive methods to map mangrove exposure spatially.

Results

Model results highlight the importance of catchment erosion, human pressure, sea level, and macroclimate as the main drivers of the present‐day ecological condition of mangroves in the WIO. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was more sensitive to the identified drivers than the vegetation condition index (VCI), with the relative importance of variables varying across the two vegetation indicators.

Main conclusions

In anticipation of a stronger manifestation of climate change impacts, the resilience of mangroves in the WIO could be improved through adaptive management over time and space. Testing the efficacy of the essential biodiversity variables (EBV) is critical for understanding the mechanisms of ecosystem change and managing biodiversity change.
External shocks and enterprises' dynamic capabilities in a time of regional distress
Authors: Aarstad Jarle , Kvitastein Olav Andreas , Solheim Marte C. W.
Published: August 2021

We study if dynamic capabilities alleviate enterprises' revenue losses after an external shock. Contextually, we study Norwegian enterprises before and after the price decline of crude oil in 2014, which strongly affected economic activities across industries in some regions, while others were practically unaffected. Empirically, we combine data of regional oil dependency and enterprise‐ and person‐level data before the decline and enterprise‐level revenues before and after the decline. Analyses of 4,060 enterprises in 51 labor market regions show that unrelated education diversity alleviates revenue losses for enterprises in strongly affected regions, while related education diversity has an opposite negative effect. R&D investments and innovation alter revenue growth, but as the effects are consistent across more or less affected regions, the concepts are static enterprise resources and not dynamic capabilities.
Development and validation of a patient‐reported outcome measure for patients with chronic respiratory failure: The CRF‐PROM scale
Authors: He Hangzhi , Li Hao , Zeng Xianhua , Zhao Hui , Zhang Yanbo
Published: August 2021

Background

Various health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQOL) tools are used to evaluate patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF), but there is a relative lack of tools available for the evaluation of social support and treatment in these patients. The present study focused on the development of a systematic patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) tool for use in patients with CRF.

Methods

The CRF‐PROM scale conceptual framework and item bank were generated after reviewing the corresponding literature and HRQOL scales, interviewing CRF patients and focus groups. After creation of the initial scale, the items in the scale were selected through two item selection theories, and the final scale was created. The reliability, validity and feasibility of the final scale were assessed.

Results

The CRF‐PROM scale includes four domains (i.e., physiological domain, psychological domain, social domain and therapeutic domain) and 10 dimensions. After the item selection process, the final scale included 50 items. Cronbach's α coefficients, which were all above 0.7, indicated the reliability of the scale. The results of structural validity met the relevant standards of confirmatory factor analysis. The response rates of the preinvestigation and the formal investigation were 93.3% and 97.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The CRF‐PROM scale developed in the present study is effective and reliable. It could be used widely in the posthospital management of patients, in CRF studies and in clinical trials of new medical products and interventions.

Patient or Public Contribution

Participants from eight different hospitals and communities participated in the development or validation phase of the CRF‐PROM scale.
Improving the quality of care for adolescents and young adults on an adult medical ward
Authors: Albertella Louise , Farrant Bridget , Denny Simon
Published: August 2021

Background

Adolescents and young adults have health needs that are distinctly different from children and adults. A lack of education and training is reported by clinicians to be one of the main barriers to providing comprehensive developmentally appropriate care to young people, including the provision of confidential healthcare and taking a holistic approach.

Aim

This study documents the current provision of care to young people on an adult inpatient medical ward at a large tertiary teaching hospital in Auckland.

Methods

Forty‐three staff and 40 patients aged 16–24 years on an adult medical ward completed surveys, which were based on the Northern Regional Alliance, Northern Regional Youth Health Network Standards for Quality Care for Adolescents and Young Adults in Secondary or Tertiary Care.

Results

Few (12%) staff had completed any specific training in looking after adolescent and young adult patients. Confidentiality was not routinely discussed with young people by 50% of clinicians, and only 23% of staff reported that they see a young person alone as part of their consultation or admission. Less than half of young people reported receiving a comprehensive psychosocial assessment that included sexual health, mental health and suicide, and safety.

Conclusions

Key components of comprehensive developmentally appropriate healthcare were not regularly carried out by staff on an adult medical ward. These findings suggest that further education and training, and service improvements are needed in tertiary adult hospital settings.
Identification of microRNAs responsive to shear loading in rat skin
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Jhen , Minematsu Takeo , Nakagami Gojiro , Koudounas Sofoklis , Tomida Sanai , Nakai Ayano , Kunimitsu Mao , Nitta Shiori , Sanada Hiromi
Published: July 2021

Pressure injuries (PIs) are localised skin injuries that result from pressure with or without shear force. Shear force is more destructive than pressure in clinical settings. Therefore, determining the critical external forces is important for selecting the appropriate care to prevent PIs. To quantitatively distinguish pressure and shear loading with high specificity, we focused on microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to identify the miRs that are distinguishable between pressure with and without shear loading in rat skin. Microarray analysis identified six candidate miRs from the comparisons among the pressure, shear, and unloaded groups. We analysed the expression levels of the candidate miRs in the process of PI development using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In the pressure and shear groups, miR‐92b expressions at 6 hours after loading were 2.3 ± 1.3 and 2.9 ± 1.0, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (P = .014 and .004, respectively). miR‐877 expression at 6 hours after loading was significantly increased only in the shear group (2.8 ± 0.9) compared with the control group (P = .016). These results indicate that miR‐92b and miR‐877 are promising biomarkers to determine for which external force healthcare professionals should intervene.
Formation of Si3N4 coating on SiC substrate by gas transporting self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis with the addition of NH4Cl
Authors: Tian Zhaobo , Du Songmo , Cui Wei , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: July 2021

Under the urgent demand of high‐performance silicon nitride substrate (Si3N4), this paper reports a new gas transporting self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis technology (GTST) to form Si3N4 coating on silicon carbide (SiC) substrate with the addition of NH4Cl, which may partly be a candidate of high‐performance Si3N4 substrate. The effect of NH4Cl on the formation of the Si3N4 coating is investigated, and the reaction mechanism with the participation of NH4Cl is discussed. The addition of the NH4Cl promotes the formation of the compact Si3N4 coating with a thickness of 20–80 μm on both sides of SiC substrate. During the reaction, NH4Cl acts as a carrier to convert solid and liquid Si particles into gas phase SiCl4, and transport it to SiC substrate. Finally, SiCl4 is nitride into Si3N4 coating under the higher temperature generated by the combustion wave. Moreover, the research mechanism can provide a guide for other complex ceramic coatings by GTST.
Do non‐pharmacological sleep interventions affect anxiety symptoms? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Staines Alex Catherine , Broomfield Niall , Pass Laura , Orchard Faith , Bridges Jessica
Published: July 2021

Research indicates a bidirectional relationship between sleep and anxiety, with findings suggesting anxiety can precede poor sleep and vice versa. Evidence suggests sleep‐related thought processes associated with anxiety are involved in the maintenance of insomnia. Previous meta‐analyses provide some evidence to suggest cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia moderately improves anxiety, yet little research has investigated the effect of other sleep interventions on anxiety symptoms. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to review whether non‐pharmacological sleep interventions have an impact on anxiety symptoms immediately post‐intervention. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify all randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating non‐pharmacological sleep interventions that included anxiety symptoms as an outcome. Forty‐three RCTs (n = 5945) met full inclusion criteria and were included in a random‐effects meta‐analysis model. The combined effect size of non‐pharmacological sleep interventions on anxiety symptoms was moderate (Hedges’g = −0.38), indicating a reduction in symptoms. Subgroup analyses found a moderate effect for those with additional physical health difficulties (g = −0.46), a moderate effect for those with additional mental health difficulties (g = −0.47) and a moderate effect for those with elevated levels of anxiety at baseline (g = −0.43). A secondary meta‐analysis found a large effect of non‐pharmacological sleep interventions on sleep‐related thought processes (g = −0.92). These findings indicate non‐pharmacological sleep interventions are effective in reducing anxiety and sleep‐related thought processes, and these effects may be larger in patients with anxiety. This has clinical implications for considering sleep interventions in the treatment of anxiety.
Multiple corticosteroid abnormalities in cats with hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Langlois Daniel K. , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal , Harro Cailin C. , Refsal Kent R.
Published: July 2021

Background

The frequency with which multiple corticosteroid abnormalities occur in cats with aldosterone secreting adrenocortical tumors is unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate adrenal‐derived corticosteroids in cats in which blood samples were submitted for measure of aldosterone.

Animals

Two hundred ninety‐seven cats.

Methods

Retrospective study. Analysis of a convenience sample of previously submitted serum or plasma. Progesterone, corticosterone, and cortisol were measured in feline serum or plasma samples submitted to an endocrinology laboratory for aldosterone measurements. Demographics and clinical history were retrieved from submittal forms when provided. Statistical testing was performed to investigate associations among the adrenal corticosteroids.

Results

Progesterone and corticosterone concentrations were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.74;P < .001). Progesterone (median, 5 nmol/L; interquartile range, 3‐10 nmol/L) and corticosterone (113 nmol/L, 38‐250 nmol/L) in cats with markedly increased aldosterone concentrations (≥3000 pmol/L) were higher than progesterone (1 nmol/L, 1‐2 nmol/L) and corticosterone (12 nmol/L, 3‐25 nmol/L) in cats with normal aldosterone concentrations (P < .001 for both comparisons). Progesterone concentrations ≥10 nmol/L (normal, ≤2 nmol//L) occurred in 24 of 76 (32%) cats with aldosterone concentrations ≥3000 pmol/L. Cortisol was lower in cats with aldosterone concentrations ≥3000 pmol/L as compared to those with aldosterone concentrations <500 pmol/L (59 nmol/L, 27‐103 nmol/L vs 103 nmol/L, 49‐182 nmol/L;P = .002).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Multiple corticosteroid abnormalities occur in a subset of cats with hyperaldosteronism. The magnitude of increases in progesterone and corticosterone in some cats with hyperaldosteronism is likely to be clinically relevant.
Transport stress affects the fecal microbiota in healthy donkeys
Authors: Jiang Guimiao , Zhang Xinhao , Gao Weiping , Ji Chuanliang , Wang Yantao , Feng Peixiang , Feng Yulong , Zhang Zhiping , Li Lin , Zhao Fuwei
Published: July 2021

Background

With the development of large‐scale donkey farming in China, long‐distance transportation has become common practice, and the incidence of intestinal diseases after transportation has increased. The intestinal microbiota is important in health and disease, and whether or not transportation disturbs the intestinal microbiota in donkeys has not been investigated.

Objectives

To determine the effects of transportation on the fecal microbiota of healthy donkeys using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Animals

Fecal and blood samples were collected from 12 Dezhou donkeys before and after transportation.

Methods

Prospective controlled study. Cortisol, ACTH, and heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) concentrations were measured. Sequencing of 16S rRNA was used to assess the microbial composition. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were assessed.

Results

Results showed significant (P < .05) increases in cortisol (58.1 ± 14.6 to 71.1 ± 9.60 ng/mL), ACTH (163.8 ± 31.9 to 315.8 ± 27.9 pg/mL), and HSP90 (10.8 ± 1.67 to 14.6 ± 1.75 ng/mL) on the day of arrival. A significantly lower (P = .04) level of bacterial richness was found in fecal samples after transportation, compared with that before transportation without distinct changes in diversity. Most notably, donkeys had significant decreases in Atopostipes, Eubacterium, Streptococcus, and Coriobacteriaceae.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Transportation can induce stress in healthy donkeys and have some effect on the composition of the in fecal microbiota. Additional studies are required to understand the potential effect of these microbiota changes, especially significantly decreased bacteria, on the development intestinal diseases in donkeys during recovery from transportation.
Turnip mosaic virus impairs perinuclear chloroplast clustering to facilitate viral infection
Authors: Zhai Yushan , Yuan Quan , Qiu Shiyou , Li Saisai , Li Miaomiao , Zheng Hongying , Wu Guanwei , Lu Yuwen , Peng Jiejun , Rao Shaofei , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei
Published: July 2021

Chloroplasts play crucial roles in plant defence against viral infection. We now report that chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex M subunit gene (NdhM) was first up‐regulated and then down‐regulated in turnip mosaic virus (TuMV)‐infected N. benthamiana. NbNdhM‐silenced plants were more susceptible to TuMV, whereas overexpression of NbNdhM inhibited TuMV accumulation. Overexpression of NbNdhM significantly induced the clustering of chloroplasts around the nuclei and disturbing this clustering facilitated TuMV infection, suggesting that the clustering mediated by NbNdhM is a defence against TuMV. It was then shown that NbNdhM interacted with TuMV VPg, and that the NdhMs of different plant species interacted with the proteins of different viruses, implying that NdhM may be a common target of viruses. In the presence of TuMV VPg, NbNdhM, which is normally localized in the nucleus, chloroplasts, cell periphery and chloroplast stromules, colocalized with VPg at the nucleus and nucleolus, with significantly increased nuclear accumulation, while NbNdhM‐mediated chloroplast clustering was significantly impaired. This study therefore indicates that NbNdhM has a defensive role in TuMV infection probably by inducing the perinuclear clustering of chloroplasts, and that the localization of NbNdhM is altered by its interaction with TuMV VPg in a way that promotes virus infection.
Red and blue light treatments of ripening bilberry fruits reveal differences in signalling through abscisic acid‐regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis
Authors: Samkumar Amos , Jones Dan , Karppinen Katja , Dare Andrew P. , Sipari Nina , Espley Richard V. , Martinussen Inger , Jaakola Laura
Published: August 2021

The biosynthesis of anthocyanins has been shown to be influenced by light quality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the light‐mediated regulation of fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis are not well understood. In this study, we analysed the effects of supplemental red and blue light on the anthocyanin biosynthesis in non‐climacteric bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.). After 6 days of continuous irradiation during ripening, both red and blue light elevated concentration of anthocyanins, up to 12‐ and 4‐folds, respectively, compared to the control. Transcriptomic analysis of ripening berries showed that both light treatments up‐regulated all the major anthocyanin structural genes, the key regulatory MYB transcription factors and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic genes. However, higher induction of specific genes of anthocyanin and delphinidin biosynthesis alongside ABA signal perception and metabolism were found in red light. The difference in red and blue light signalling was found in 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), ABA receptor pyrabactin resistance‐like (PYL) and catabolic ABA‐8'hydroxylase gene expression. Red light also up‐regulated expression of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) domain transporters, which may indicate involvement of these proteins in vesicular trafficking of anthocyanins during fruit ripening. Our results suggest differential signal transduction and transport mechanisms between red and blue light in ABA‐regulated anthocyanin and delphinidin biosynthesis during bilberry fruit ripening.
Most common pediatric skin conditions managed in outpatient dermatology clinics in the United States stratified by race and ethnicity
Authors: Ho Tina , Taylor Matthew T. , Marathe Kalyani S. , Lucky Anne W. , Barbieri John S.
Published: August 2021

A better understanding of what skin conditions are most commonly diagnosed in different pediatric racial and ethnic groups in outpatient dermatology clinics could help guide the development of pediatric dermatology educational initiatives for primary care providers and general dermatologists who have limited access to pediatric dermatologists. Using a nationally representative dataset, we evaluated the most common diagnoses in patients younger than 15 years of age (children) and 15‐24 years of age (youth) who present to outpatient dermatology clinics, stratified by race and ethnicity. While acne and dermatitis were among the top ten most common diagnoses in all racial and ethnic groups studied, Black children were also commonly diagnosed with dermatophytosis and impetigo, and Black and Hispanic children were often diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis; pigmentary disorders were among the top three most common diagnoses in Black, Asian, and Hispanic youth. Training more physicians how to evaluate and treat common skin conditions in children and youth of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds may improve access to care for skin disease in the United States.
Sapropterin for phenylketonuria: A Japanese post‐marketing surveillance study
Authors: Tamura Mina , Seki Shizuka , Kakurai Yasuyuki , Chikada Shuichi , Wada Kento
Published: July 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the long‐term safety and efficacy of sapropterin in a real‐world setting in Japanese patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)‐responsive phenylketonuria.

Methods

This post‐marketing surveillance study enrolled all of the patients in Japan with confirmed BH4‐responsive PKU who were administrated sapropterin between July 2008 and October 2017. Patients were observed at least every 3 months during follow up, with key data collected on treatment exposure/duration, effectiveness according to physician’s judgement, serum phenylalanine levels, and adverse events.

Results

Of 87 enrolled patients, 85 patients (male, 42.4%; outpatients, 96.5%) were included in the safety and efficacy analysis sets. Treatment started at age <4 years in 43 (50.6%) patients and the most common starting daily dose was 5–10 mg/kg (n = 41, 48.2%) with the overall duration of treatment between 0.2 and 17.2 years. Serum phenylalanine levels, according to loading tests, reduced from a baseline level of 9.66 mg/dL (range 0.48–36.80 mg/dL) by >30% in 84 patients. Treatment was deemed effective in 79 of 85 patients (92.9%, 95% confidence interval: 85.3–97.4). One patient (1.2%) experienced an adverse drug reaction (alanine aminotransferase increased) 50 days after the start of administration, which resolved without complications with continued treatment.

Conclusions

Sapropterin appears well tolerated and highly effective in Japanese patients treated in a real‐world setting, including those who start treatment at age <4 years and pregnant women.
Population structure of Phytophthora infestans collected on potato and tomato in Italy
Authors: Saville Amanda C. , La Spada Federico , Faedda Roberto , Migheli Quirico , Scanu Bruno , Ermacora Paolo , Gilardi Giovanna , Fedele Giorgia , Rossi Vitorrio , Lenzi Nicolo , Testa Antonino , Bechir Allagui Mohamed , Moumni Marwa , Dongiovanni Enza , Zohra Rekad Fatma , Cooke David E. L. , Pane Antonella , Cacciola Santa O. , Ristaino Jean B.
Published: August 2021

Late blight caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans is a disease of potato and tomato of worldwide relevance and is widespread throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region. While pathogen populations in northern Europe have been sampled and characterized for many years, the genetic structure of populations from southern Europe, including Italy, has been less studied. Between 2018 and 2019, we collected 91 samples of P. infestans from potato and tomato crops in Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia on FTA cards and genotyped them using 12‐plex microsatellites. These samples were compared to genotypes of P. infestans previously collected within the framework of the EuroBlight network and from published sources. Four clonal lineages were identified: 13_A2 (Blue 13), 2_A1, 23_A1, and 36_A2. Two other isolates collected could not be matched to any currently known clonal lineage. The 13_A2 and 36_A2 lineages were found exclusively in southern Italy and Algeria, while 2_A1 was only found in Algeria. This is the first report of the 36_A2 lineage in Italy. Two isolates from Solanum nigrum were 13_A2, suggesting this weed host could be a reservoir of inoculum. The 23_A1 lineage was found widely on infected tomato crops in Italy and is the same as the lineage US‐23 that is widespread in North America. Differences in genotypes across the country suggests that there may be different sources of introduction into Italy, possibly via infected seed tubers from other countries in Europe, tubers for consumption from North Africa, or tomatoes.
Shaker dance and the religious production of spectacle
Authors: Logan Dana W.
Published: July 2021

Religious communities such as the Shakers, the Mormons, and Africana religious practitioners practice spectacular religion. Ritual spectacle is particularly visible and thus invites observation from outsiders. My argument follows recent work by David Walker and Paul C. Johnson that illustrates religious traditions in which religion was practiced in collaboration with an anticipated audience. Religious spectacle is not unusual: there are religions who put on shows for one another and who have a place for theater within their religious community. On the other hand, there are religions that make a spectacle of themselves for others, a category that overlaps substantially with groups categorized through the disciplinary frame of New Religious Movements. Scholarship on non‐normative religion has, however, underestimated the way in which religions that invite negative attention incorporate the hostile gaze of audiences into their rituals. By thinking about particular religious practices as performances for an audience, I argue that Shakers, Mormons, and Africana traditions used the power of observation for spiritual purposes.
Why de‐judicialize? Explaining state preferences on judicialization in World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body and Investor‐to‐State Dispute Settlement reforms
Authors: Basedow Johann Robert
Published: August 2021

Judicialization scholarship suggests that states must seek the de‐judicialization of international dispute settlement mechanisms to regain regulatory space. Why then do some states seek a de‐judicialization yet others increased judicialization of dispute settlement mechanisms in their pursuit of regulatory space? This article advances a twofold argument. First, the concept of judicialization has been erroneously conflated with state perceptions of regulatory space under dispute settlement mechanisms. States aspiring to consolidate regulatory space may pursue de‐judicialization and increased judicialization alike. Second, states' preferences for de‐judicialization or increased judicialization to regain regulatory space should largely depend on conceptions of legitimate international law as either intergovernmental contracts or cosmopolitan quasi‐constitutional order. The article illustrates these arguments at the example of US and EU efforts to reform the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organization and investor‐to‐state dispute settlement. Both seek to increase regulatory space. Yet, the USA pursues de‐judicialization while the EU promotes judicialization.
Birth Collapse and a Large‐Scale Access Intervention with Subdermal Contraceptive Implants
Authors: Ceni Rodrigo , Parada Cecilia , Perazzo Ivone , Sena Eliana
Published: August 2021

Between 2016 and 2018, we observe in Uruguay a steep decline of almost 20 percent in the number of total births, leading to the collapse of the adolescent fertility rate after decades of relative stagnation. We estimate the quantitative contribution on birth rates, especially teen births, of a policy of expanded availability of subdermal contraceptive implants. We exploit the expansion schedule of a large‐scale policy of free‐of‐charge access to subdermal implants in the country's public health system through an event study to capture causal effects. We use detailed birth administrative records for the past 20 years. We document an average reduction of 3 percent in the birth rate in public health facilities across the two years after the policy was implemented in each department. These reductions were notably higher among teens and first births. Although changes in women's fertility decisions are a multicausal phenomenon, we claim that the expanded availability of subdermal contraceptive implants accounted for one‐third of the teen and young women's birth collapse.
A Novel High Concentration Fresnel Lens as a Solar Concentrator
Authors: Awasthi Kuldeep , Reddy Desireddy Shashidhar , Khan Mohd. Kaleem
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the design methodology for a novel Fresnel lens. The original Fresnel lens is obtained from a plano-convex lens, whose spherical surface is split into a number of divisions (called facets), collapsed onto the flat base. Thus, all the facets of the original Fresnel lens have the same radius as that of the plano-convex lens. The proposed design aims to achieve better ray concentration and reduced spherical aberration than the original Fresnel lens by constructing spherical facets with unequal radii. The centers and radii of facets are constrained so that the ray refracted from the bottom vertex of each facet on one side of the optical axis and the ray refracted from the outer vertex of the corresponding facet on the other side of the optical axis must intersect at the focal plane. The proposed lens design has resulted in a 275% gain in the concentration ratio and a 72.5% reduction in the spherical aberration compared to the original lens of the same aperture diameter and number of facets. The performance of both novel and original Fresnel lenses when used as solar concentrators with a conical coil receiver is evaluated. The novel Fresnel lens led to increased heat gain and resulted in a compact solar collector design.
Efficacy of Delafloxacin against the Biothreat Pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: McCurdy Sandra , Duffy Erin , Hickman Mark , Halasohoris Stephanie , Zumbrun Steven D.
Published: August 2021

The
in vitro
activity and
in vivo
efficacy of delafloxacin were evaluated against the causative pathogen of melioidosis,
Burkholderia pseudomallei
. Delafloxacin MICs were determined by broth microdilution according to CLSI guidelines for 30 isolates of
B. pseudomallei
.
Associations between Varied Susceptibilities to PfATP4 Inhibitors and Genotypes in Ugandan Plasmodium falciparum Isolates
Authors: Kreutzfeld Oriana , Rasmussen Stephanie A. , Ramanathan Aarti A. , Tumwebaze Patrick K. , Byaruhanga Oswald , Katairo Thomas , Asua Victor , Okitwi Martin , Orena Stephen , Legac Jennifer , Conrad Melissa D. , Nsobya Samuel L. , Aydemir Ozkan , Bailey Jeffrey , Duffey Maelle , Bayles Brett R. , Vaidya Akhil B. , Cooper Roland A. , Rosenthal Philip J.
Published: August 2021

Among novel compounds under recent investigation as potential new antimalarial drugs are three independently developed inhibitors of the
Plasmodium falciparum
P-type ATPase (PfATP4): KAE609 (cipargamin), PA92, and SJ733. We assessed
ex vivo
susceptibilities to these compounds of 374 fresh
P. falciparum
isolates collected in Tororo and Busia districts, Uganda from 2016 to 2019.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Optimization of Vancomycin in Infants, Children, and Adolescents with Augmented Renal Clearance
Authors: He Cui-Yao , Ye Pan-Pan , Liu Bin , Song Lin , van den Anker John , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2021

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) can cause underexposure to vancomycin, thereby increasing the risk of treatment failure. Our objective was to evaluate population pharmacokinetics and optimize the dosing regimen of vancomycin in a pediatric population with ARC.
Candida aurisInvasive Infections during a COVID-19 Case Surge
Authors: Hanson Blake M. , Dinh An Q. , Tran Truc T. , Arenas Sebastian , Pronty Darryl , Gershengorn Hayley B. , Ferreira Tanira , Arias Cesar A. , Shukla Bhavarth S.
Published: August 2021

Clinical cases ofC. aurisnoted during a COVID-19 surge led to an epidemiological, clinical, and genomic investigation. Evaluation identified a close genetic relationship but inconclusive epidemiologic link between all cases. Prolonged hospitalization due to critical illness from COVID-19 and use of antimicrobials may have contributed to clinical infections.
Unusual case of chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis presenting as spontaneous pneumothorax in an immunocompromised man
Authors: S Kumar Swasthi , Ray Animesh , Vikram Naval Kishore , Vyas Surabhi
Published: August 2021

Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) is a slow destructive type of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, characterised by multiple pulmonary cavities that develop and expand over several months or years. Pleural involvement in the form of pneumothorax has been rarely reported in CCPA. We report such an unusual case of an immunocompromised male, with a history of chronic cough and fever, presenting with acute onset of shortness of breath. Chest imaging showed bilateral multiple cavitating nodules, ground glass opacities and dense right middle lobe consolidations and right-sided pneumothorax. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showed septate hyaline hyphae on KOH (potassium hydroxide) staining and fungal culture grewAspergillus fumigatus. BAL and serum galactomanan were positive and serum IgG forA. fumigatuswas 58 MgA/L (0–40MgA/L) confirming the cause of spontaneous secondary pneumothorax in our patient as CCPA.