bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment eosinophil counts as a predictive biomarker in non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Takeuchi Eiji , Kondo Kensuke , Okano Yoshio , Ichihara Seiya , Kunishige Michihiro , Kadota Naoki , Machida Hisanori , Hatakeyama Nobuo , Naruse Keishi , Ogino Hirokazu , Nokihara Hiroshi , Shinohara Tsutomu , Nishioka Yasuhiko
Published: September 2023

Background

The peripheral blood eosinophil count prior to treatment has potential as a predictive biomarker for a beneficial clinical response to cancer immunotherapies. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of the eosinophil count on overall survival (OS) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with NSCLC and treated with ICI monotherapy between March 2016 and August 2021 at National Hospital Organization Kochi Hospital and Tokushima University.

Results

A total of 166 patients were included. Fifty‐five patients had an eosinophil count of less than 100 cells/μL (Eo < 100). Nighty‐eight patients had an eosinophil count of 100 cells/μL or more, but less than 500 cells/μL (100 ≤ Eo < 500). Thirteen patients had an eosinophil count of 500 cells/μL or more (Eo ≥500). The median OS of all lung cancer patients was 476 days. The median OS of lung cancer patients with Eo <100, 100 ≤ Eo <500, and Eo ≥500 was 339, 667, and 143 days, respectively. A Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis showed a significant difference in OS between these three groups (p < 0.001). A Cox proportional regression analysis identified 100 ≤ Eo <500 (p = 0.04), ECOG PS score ≥ 2 (p = 0.02), tumor size ≥5 cm (p = 0.02), and PD‐L1 ≥ 1% (p = 0.01) as independent predictors of OS.

Conclusion

OS was significantly longer in ICI‐treated NSCLC patients with a pretreatment eosinophil count of 100 ≤ Eo <500 than in the other patients and, thus, has potential as a new predictive biomarker.
Analysis of the brain transcriptome for substance‐associated genes: An update on large‐scale genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Zhao Yihong , Han Xuewei , Zheng Zhi‐Liang
Published: September 2023

Substance use disorder (SUD) arises from the initiation to subsequent regular, irregular and harmful use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco/nicotine and cannabis. While thousands of genetic variants have been identified from recent large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), understanding their functions in substance involvement and investigating the mechanisms by which they act in the addiction circuits remains challenging. In this study, we re‐analysed the brain regional transcriptome data from the most comprehensive postmortem transcriptomic study, with a focus on up‐ or down‐regulation of substance‐associated protein‐coding genes in the addiction circuit‐related brain regions (AddictRegions), including six cortical and 11 subcortical regions. We found that substance‐associated genes were overrepresented in AddictRegions. Interestingly, we observed a greater degree of genetic overlap between initiation and use and between use and SUD than between initiation and SUD. Moreover, substance initiation, use and SUD‐associated genes tend to shift their enriched AddictRegions from the cortical for initiation and, to a lesser extent, substance use to subcortical regions for SUD (e.g., thalamus, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area). We also uncovered a pattern of coordinated cortical up‐regulation and subcortical down‐regulation for the genes associated with tobacco initiation and alcohol use. Moreover, the Gene Ontology terms of glutamate receptor activity and neurotransmitter binding were most significantly overrepresented in AddictRegion‐upregulated, substance‐associated genes, with the strongest enrichment for those involved in common substance use behaviours. Overall, our analysis provides a resource of AddictRegion‐related transcriptomes for studying substance‐associated genes and generates intriguing insights into the genetic control of substance initiation, use and SUD.
Youth participation processes in longitudinal out of home care research
Authors: Walter Brontё , Parsons Lauren , Croghan Casey , Chung Donna
Published: September 2023

While there is growing recognition of the importance of meaningful youth participation in activities and decisions which impact their lives, facilitating such engagement within different forums requires varied approaches. A programme of youth research at one Western Australian university has sought to embed pathways for ongoing youth participation in longitudinal research. In particular, we discuss Navigating Through Life, a large‐scale WA research project comprising three sub‐studies exploring young people's transitions from out of home care (OOHC) to independence. We established a youth advisory group to run alongside the project and employed peer researchers to conduct research tasks. In this paper, we seek to explicate the development and various iterations of youth participation in the project. We utilise our reflections, interview data and documentation from YAG meetings and feedback sessions with the peer researchers to illustrate the processes of transformation and flexibility required to develop and maintain youth participation in various ways across the project's life. Drawing on our findings and current literature, we highlight how funding bodies and researchers must consider the additional needs, unique and changeable life circumstances of young people to best facilitate their involvement in research.
A general meta‐ecosystem model to predict ecosystem functions at landscape extents
Authors: Harvey Eric , Marleau Justin N. , Gounand Isabelle , Leroux Shawn J. , Firkowski Carina R. , Altermatt Florian , Guillaume Blanchet F. , Cazelles Kevin , Chu Cindy , D'Aloia Cassidy C. , Donelle Louis , Gravel Dominique , Guichard Frédéric , McCann Kevin , Ruppert Jonathan L. W. , Ward Colette , Fortin Marie‐Josée
Published: September 2023

The integration of ecosystem processes over large spatial extents is critical to predicting whether and how local and global changes may impact biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Yet, there remains an important gap in meta‐ecosystem models to predict multiple functions (e.g. carbon sequestration, elemental cycling, trophic efficiency) across ecosystem types (e.g. terrestrial‐aquatic, benthic‐pelagic). We derive a flexible meta‐ecosystem model to predict ecosystem functions at landscape extents by integrating the spatial dimension of natural systems as spatial networks of different habitat types connected by cross‐ecosystem flows of materials and organisms. We partition the physical connectedness of ecosystems from the spatial flow rates of materials and organisms, allowing the representation of all types of connectivity across ecosystem boundaries. Through simulating a forest‐lake‐stream meta‐ecosystem, our model illustrates that even if spatial flows induced significant local losses of nutrients, differences in local ecosystem efficiencies could lead to increased secondary production at regional scale. This emergent result, which we dub the ‘cross‐ecosystem efficiency hypothesis', emphasizes the importance of integrating ecosystem diversity and complementarity in meta‐ecosystem models to generate empirically testable hypotheses for ecosystem functions.
Hyper‐CVAD versus dose‐adjusted EPOCH as initial treatment for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zarling Lucas C. , Stevenson Philip A. , Soma Lorinda A. , Martino Christen H. , Percival Mary‐Elizabeth M. , Halpern Anna B. , Ghiuzeli Cristina M. , Becker Pamela S. , Oehler Vivian G. , Cooper Jason P. , Orozco Johnnie J. , Hendrie Paul C. , Walter Roland B. , Estey Elihu H. , Cassaday Ryan D.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We recently performed a single‐arm phase II trial of DA‐EPOCH in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We sought to compare these results to those with standard Hyper‐CVAD.

Methods

We created a retrospective matched cohort of patients who received Hyper‐CVAD (n = 69) at our center and otherwise met eligibility criteria for the DA‐EPOCH trial (n = 53).

Results

Our outcomes support the use of Hyper‐CVAD over DA‐EPOCH in Ph− disease for both overall survival (OS; HR 0.18, p = .004) and event‐free survival (EFS; HR 0.51, p = .06). In contrast, outcomes were similar in Ph+ disease (OS HR 0.97, p = .96; EFS HR 0.65, p = .21). Rates of morphologic remission and measurable residual‐disease negativity were similar between the regimens. Hyper‐CVAD was associated with significantly more febrile neutropenia (OR 1.9, p = .03) and a greater incidence of Grade 4 or 5 adverse events (20% vs. 6%). Average transfusions per cycle of both red blood cells (p < .001) and platelets (p < .001) were five‐fold higher with Hyper‐CVAD.

Conclusions

Our findings support continued use of Hyper‐CVAD for Ph− ALL but suggest that DA‐EPOCH may be a reasonable alternative for Ph+ ALL. These data also highlight a potential role for DA‐EPOCH in resource‐limited settings or when more intense therapy is not feasible.
Enhanced efficacy of CD19/CD22 bispecific CAR‐T cells with EAAAK linker on B‐cell malignancies
Authors: Ma Renyuxue , You Fengtao , Tian Shuaiyu , Zhang Tingting , Tian Xiaopeng , Xiang Shufen , Wu Hai , Yang Nan , An Gangli , Yang Lin
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Despite the great success of CD19 CAR‐T cell therapy, its clinical efficacy has been greatly hampered by the high relapse rate. In this study, we designed and compared four structures of CD19/CD22 bispecific CAR‐T cells with different linkers and different orders of the antibody sequences.

Methods

We detected the cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion levels, sustainable killing ability, differentiation, exhaustion of these four CAR‐T cells in vitro. The optimal Bis‐C CAR‐T cells were evaluated the efficacy using NSG mice.

Results

The two structures of CD19/CD22 bispecific CAR‐T cells using (EAAAK)3 as linker had more significant cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion levels. In the process of continuous killing, Bis‐C CAR‐T cells showed better sustained killing ability, memory phenotype differentiation, and exhaustion. In the in vivo experiment mimicking CD19‐negative relapse, Bis‐C CAR‐T was more able to control the tumor progression of mice in the CD19 low expression or no expression groups than CD19 CAR‐T.

Conclusions

This study has generated a novel bispecific CAR‐T cell that can simultaneously target CD19 or CD22 positive tumor cells, providing a new strategy to address the limitations of single‐targeted CAR‐T therapy in B‐cell tumors (limited response or relapse).
Species trait diversity sustains multiple dietary nutrients supplied by freshwater fisheries
Authors: Heilpern Sebastian A. , Herrera‐R Guido A. , Fiorella Kathryn J. , Moya Luis , Flecker Alexander S. , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: September 2023

Species, through their traits, influence how ecosystems simultaneously sustain multiple functions. However, it is unclear how trait diversity sustains the multiple contributions biodiversity makes to people. Freshwater fisheries nourish hundreds of millions of people globally, but overharvesting and river fragmentation are increasingly affecting catches. We analyse how loss of nutritional trait diversity in consumed fish portfolios affects the simultaneous provisioning of six essential dietary nutrients using household data from the Amazon and Tonlé Sap, two of Earth's most productive and diverse freshwater fisheries. We find that fish portfolios with high trait diversity meet higher thresholds of required daily intakes for a greater variety of nutrients with less fish biomass. This beneficial biodiversity effect is driven by low redundancy in species nutrient content profiles. Our findings imply that sustaining the dietary contributions fish make to people given declining biodiversity could require more biomass and ultimately exacerbate fishing pressure in already‐stressed ecosystems.
Hidden black and yellow thigh color acts as an aposematic signal in the Eastern Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Authors: Cannizzaro Joseph S. , Höbel Gerlinde
Published: September 2023

Recognizing form and function of animal defenses is paramount to understanding the ecological and evolutionary forces behind predator and prey dynamics. Color patterns are strongly related to defensive strategies in animals. Some rely on camouflage to avoid detection, while others are brightly colored and conspicuously signal their noxiousness to potential predators. Still others combine cryptic dorsal coloration with colorful patches that are concealed in resting position but are facultatively unveiled by special behavior or simply during activity. Such hidden conspicuous color patches may be an intermediate stage in the evolution from camouflage to aposematism. Many species, especially treefrogs of the family Hylidae, are generally considered to be cryptic, yet show colorful patches on their flanks or thighs and have defensive skin secretions that may have unpalatable properties. We investigated whether the conspicuous black and yellow spotted pattern on the thighs of Eastern Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) serve as an aposematic signal. We conducted a palatability study to test whether Gray Treefrog skin secretions are unpalatable, and a clay model field study to test whether the conspicuous black and yellow thigh pattern is an aposematic warning coloration that reduces predation. Frog secretions were discriminated against during palatability assays, and clay models painted with a spotted black and yellow pattern suffered lower predation rates. Our findings support the hypothesis that hidden color patches act as aposematic signals in Gray Treefrogs and suggest that more species benefit from aposematic coloration than currently appreciated.
Fine‐scale environmentally associated spatial structure of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) across the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Langille Barbara L. , Kess Tony , Brachmann Matthew , Nugent Cameron M. , Messmer Amber , Duffy Steven J. , Holborn Melissa K. , Van Wyngaarden Mallory , Knutsen Tim Martin , Kent Matthew , Boyce Danny , Gregory Robert S. , Gauthier Johanne , Fairchild Elizabeth A. , Pietrak Michael , Eddy Stephen , de Leaniz Carlos Garcia , Consuegra Sofia , Whittaker Ben , Bentzen Paul , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: September 2023

Lumpfish,Cyclopterus lumpus, have historically been harvested throughout Atlantic Canada and are increasingly in demand as a solution to controlling sea lice in Atlantic salmon farms—a process which involves both the domestication and the transfer of lumpfish between geographic regions. At present, little is known regarding population structure and diversity of wild lumpfish in Atlantic Canada, limiting attempts to assess the potential impacts of escaped lumpfish individuals from salmon pens on currently at‐risk wild populations. Here, we characterize the spatial population structure and genomic‐environmental associations of wild populations of lumpfish throughout the Northwest Atlantic using both 70K SNP array data and whole‐genome re‐sequencing data (WGS). At broad spatial scales, our results reveal a large environmentally associated genetic break between the southern populations (Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy) and northern populations (Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence), linked to variation in ocean temperature and ice cover. At finer spatial scales, evidence of population structure was also evident in a distinct coastal group in Newfoundland and significant isolation by distance across the northern region. Both evidence of consistent environmental associations and elevated genome‐wide variation inFSTvalues among these three regional groups supports their biological relevance. This study represents the first extensive description of population structure of lumpfish in Atlantic Canada, revealing evidence of broad and fine geographic scale environmentally associated genomic diversity. Our results will facilitate the commercial use of lumpfish as a cleaner fish in Atlantic salmon aquaculture, the identification of lumpfish escapees, and the delineation of conservation units of this at‐risk species throughout Atlantic Canada.
Extubation failure and surgical removal of a lodged endotracheal tube in a Welsh Mountain Pony
Authors: Libera Natalia , Barnes Hattie K. , Senior J. Mark
Published: September 2023

Complications related to endotracheal intubation are well recognised in both human and veterinary medicine; however, difficult extubation is rare and is typically related to accidental physical fixation, inability to deflate the cuff, anatomical abnormalities or an inappropriate tube. In this case report we describe an unexpected failure to extubate where tracheotomy was required to facilitate the removal of the endotracheal tube in an adult pony.
The use of emotionally focused therapy with polyamorous relationships
Authors: Edwards Caitlin , Allan Robert , Marzo Nick , Wynfield Ted , Hicks Ryan
Published: September 2023

Approximately 5% of people in the United States engage in some form of consensual non‐monogamy (CNM;Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2018, 47, 1439). Therapists are becoming increasingly aware of the need to treat members of CNM relationships, including polyamorous relationships. To date, no research has been conducted and little has been written about applying existing couple therapy models normed on heterosexual, cisgender, monogamous relationships to CNM or polyamorous relationships. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported treatment for relationship distress that offers promise for working with polyamorous relationships due to the model's systemic and attachment theoretical foundations. We propose EFT is an ideal model for working with polyamorous relationships because of the focus on externalizing, interpersonal and intrapersonal emotional and experiential coherence, and the attachment bond. Building and sustaining multiple attachment relationships allows for the fulfilment of a diverse range of relational needs and wants as well as provides a secure base for individual and relational exploration. In this article, we first provide general information about polyamory and discuss the research on attachment theory and polyamory. We then provide a step‐by‐step conceptualization of how EFT therapists can expand the model to include extra‐dyadic attachment relationships. In addition, we include specific ways in which the model would need to be adapted when working with polyamorous clients. We conclude with recommendations for EFT therapists working with polyamorous relationships.
Identifying and managing evaluator biases in parenting plan evaluations
Authors: Davis Lindsey Sank , Stahl Philip M.
Published: September 2023

Psychologists and other professionals are often appointed by the courts to assist families in resolving post‐separation disputes and to assist judges in making orders on behalf of the best interests of the child(ren). Although these evaluations provide valuable information to the court, they require assessing areas of human behavior that are imprecisely defined or lacking professional consensus. As parents separate, their disputes may become more challenging, and they may act in uncharacteristic and unpredictable ways. Families that cannot solve their own challenges outside of court often show high levels of conflict and/or have issues that are extremely complex, including domestic violence allegations, resist‐refuse family dynamics, and relocation requests. Evaluators and judges, being human, tend to oversimplify complex issues due to the limitations of the human brain. Evaluators are subject to cognitive biases that result from the use of mental heuristics, leading to shortcuts and errors in their reasoning and judgment. Other biases, such as implicit and explicit cultural biases, often influence evaluators' reasoning and conclusions. This article explores various biases that affect and potentially diminish the quality of an evaluator's work. We conclude by addressing “de‐biasing” strategies that can reduce, but not negate, the risks associated with such biases.
Models and methods of cost‐effective child custody evaluation
Authors: Robb Aaron
Published: September 2023

Child custody evaluations (CCEs) are often seen as a necessity by the legal system when caregivers cannot find a resolution to their child custody disputes. In many instances, these evaluations are quite costly for the litigants and cost can act as a barrier to equal access to justice. Affluent families are better able to access private evaluators while families with lesser means may encounter delays in receiving services or be unable to afford an evaluation at all. This can, in turn, prolong resolution of league disputes, increasing the emotional toll on families, and hamper courts in making decisions in the best interests of the children involved. This article examines models of providing CCEs outside of an isolated individual provider private practice format. It examines the benefits and considerations for lower‐cost evaluations, while discussing how to maintain high quality services that adequately assess family systems. Broader issues that impact the courts and overall access to justice through offering cost effective evaluations are also discussed.
Patterns of bacterial generalists and specialists in lakes and reservoirs along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Zuo Jun , Liu Lemian , Xiao Peng , Xu Zijie , Wilkinson David M. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Chen Huihuang , Yang Jun
Published: September 2023

Aim

The geographical distribution of bacteria is an important, but poorly understood, topic in microbial ecology. A major question is how broadly distributed generalist taxa, and limitedly distributed specialist taxa, vary across a latitudinal gradient in freshwater ecosystems. We predict that: (a) generalists and specialists exhibit latitudinal diversity gradient with different patterns; (b) their community assemblies are mainly driven by stochastic processes; and (c) generalists coexist through niche differences, while specialists coexist through fitness differences.

Location

Sixty lakes and reservoirs in China, ranging from 18° N to 50° N.

Time Period

July–August in 2012 and 2018.

Taxa Studied

Bacterioplankton.

Methods

We clustered zero‐radius operational taxonomic unit (zOTU) (subspecies‐like level) into operational taxonomic unit (OTU) (species‐like level) and calculated the intra‐specific variation and spatial asynchrony of OTU. We examined the relative effects of environment versus space (latitude) on bacterial community and quantified the community assembly processes of generalists and specialists, respectively. The binary‐state speciation and extinction (BiSSE) model has been used to estimate the evolutionary characteristics. The abundances of the top zOTUs within each OTU were identified to reveal their niche preferences (distribution patterns at different sites).

Results

We found that bacterial generalists had a higher intra‐specific variation, greater asynchrony and wider niche width than the specialists. With increasing latitude, bacterial diversity decreased with abundance variations in generalists and occurrence variations in specialists, respectively. Diversification in stochastic processes was the main driving factor in both groups, though deterministic processes showed greater effects on specialists than generalists in local communities. Bacterial generalists coexisted through niche differences, whereas specialists coexisted through average fitness differences.

Main Conclusions

We demonstrated distinct latitudinal distribution patterns of bacterial generalists and specialists. These results highlight differences in biogeography of microbial generalist and specialist taxa mediated by intra‐specific variation and emphasize their distinctly vital roles mediated by differing mechanisms in freshwater ecosystems.
Joint effects of species traits and environmental preferences on range edge shifts of British birds
Authors: Thompson Lucie , Wells Konstans , Galiana Núria , Lurgi Miguel
Published: September 2023

Aim

Despite the strong evidence of species range shifts as a response to environmental change, attempts to identify species traits that modulate those shifts have been equivocal. We investigate the role of species traits and environmental preferences on birds' range shifts in Great Britain, an island where dispersal is limited by the English Channel and the North Sea.

Location

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

Taxa

Birds (Aves).

Time Period

1968–2011.

Methods

Using 404,949 occurrence records from two time periods, we investigated the potential drivers of leading and rear range edge shifts of breeding birds using phylogenetic linear mixed models. We hypothesized that shifts are influenced by species' trophic and morphological traits, dispersal abilities and environmental preferences, but also by the geographical boundaries of Great Britain.

Results

Geographical boundaries—the distance from the northern or southern boundaries of Britain—accounted for most of the variability in range edge shifts. Species traits and environmental preferences emerged as relevant drivers of range shifts only for northern and Passeriform species. Northern habitat specialist, those with more predators and those sensitive to precipitation were more likely to shift their rear edge poleward. For Passeriformes, habitat generalists, species with smaller dispersal capabilities, under higher predatory pressure or associated with forest and grassland were more likely to shift their rear edge poleward.

Main Conclusions

While geographical boundaries impose constraints on range shifts in British birds, the subtle effects of species traits and environmental preferences emerge as relevant predictors for Northern and passeriform species' rear edge shifts. This highlights the importance of accounting for geographical boundaries when predicting species responses to global change. Differential range shifts of species across different trophic levels could result in the reorganization of biotic interactions, with consequences for ecosystem structure and stability.
Anticipating resistance: Teaching gender and management to business school students
Authors: Stierncreutz Micaela , Tienari Janne
Published: September 2023

Gender perspectives and feminism are rarely considered legitimate in business school education. Existing research tells us that those who teach in business schools do so in conditions where feminist theories and pedagogy evoke resistance and where their work is paved with discomfort caused by tensions between feminist and neoliberal idea(l)s. We argue that for those challenging the status quo in the business school through teaching, the impact of the threat of resistance can be as “real” as that of realized resistance. In this paper, we engage with collaborative autoethnography and elucidate how our anticipation of resistance shapes the way we teach, even when resistance does not materialize in the classroom. Building on reflections of our shared experiences, we theorize anticipated resistance as productive in and of itself, challenging the conventional view of resistance as brought into being through resisting practices at a specific time and place.
“Growing pains” in children and adolescents as an early symptom of migraine: A prospective study
Authors: Silva‐Néto Raimundo Pereira , Soares Adriana de Almeida , Souza Wallyson Pablo de Oliveira , Krymchantowski Ana Gabriela , Jevoux Carla , Krymchantowski Abouch
Published: September 2023

Background

Children and adolescents may experience pain in the lower limbs, predominantly at the end of the day or during the night, without any relation to organic disease. These pains are often called “growing pains” (GP) by pediatricians and orthopedists. They are commonly attributed to rapid growth.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review and characterize GP in children and adolescents as a precursor/comorbidity with migraine.

Methods

The study was of a cross‐sectional, prospective, longitudinal cohort, with group comparison. A sample of 100 children/adolescents born to mothers with migraine seen at a headache clinic was recruited in a random order chosen by lot, maintaining the ratio of 1:1 for the group with GP and the controls. Both groups were followed for a period of 5 years.

Results

After 5 years of follow‐up, 78 patients completed the study, of which 42 were from the GP group and 36 were from the control group. Headache fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura or probable migraine occurred in 32/42 (76%) of patients with GP and in 8/36 (22%) of controls (p < 0.001). In the sample that initially had “growing pains,” these pains persisted in 6/42 (14%) and appeared in 14/36 (39%) of those who were previously asymptomatic (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents, commonly referred to as GP by pediatricians and orthopedists, may reflect a precursor or comorbidity with migraine.
Mucosal antibody responses following Vaxzevria vaccination
Authors: Selva Kevin J , Ramanathan Pradhipa , Haycroft Ebene R , Tan Chee Wah , Wang Lin‐Fa , Downie Laura E , Davis Samantha K , Purcell Ruth A , Kent Helen E , Juno Jennifer A , Wheatley Adam K , Davenport Miles P , Kent Stephen J , Chung Amy W
Published: September 2023

Mucosal antibodies play a key role in protection against breakthrough COVID‐19 infections and emerging viral variants. Intramuscular adenovirus‐based vaccination (Vaxzevria) only weakly induces nasal IgG and IgA responses, unless vaccinees have been previously infected. However, little is known about how Vaxzevria vaccination impacts the ability of mucosal antibodies to induce Fc responses, particularly against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (VoCs). Here, we profiled paired mucosal (saliva, tears) and plasma antibodies from COVID‐19 vaccinated only vaccinees (uninfected, vaccinated) and COVID‐19 recovered vaccinees (COVID‐19 recovered, vaccinated) who both received Vaxzevria vaccines. SARS‐CoV‐2 ancestral‐specific IgG antibodies capable of engaging FcγR3a were significantly higher in the mucosal samples of COVID‐19 recovered Vaxzevria vaccinees in comparison with vaccinated only vaccinees. However, when IgG and FcγR3a engaging antibodies were tested against a panel of SARS‐CoV‐2 VoCs, the responses were ancestral‐centric with weaker recognition of Omicron strains observed. In contrast, salivary IgA, but not plasma IgA, from Vaxzevria vaccinees displayed broad cross‐reactivity across all SARS‐CoV‐2 VoCs tested. Our data highlight that while intramuscular Vaxzevria vaccination can enhance mucosal antibodies responses in COVID‐19 recovered vaccinees, restrictions by ancestral‐centric bias may have implications for COVID‐19 protection. However, highly cross‐reactive mucosal IgA could be key in addressing these gaps in mucosal immunity and may be an important focus of future SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine development.
Prevalence and natural history of primary speech and language delay: findings from a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Law James , Boyle James , Harris Frances , Harkness Avril , Nye Chad
Published: September 2023

The prevalence and the natural history of primary speech and language delays were two of four domains covered in a systematic review of the literature related to screening for speech and language delay carried out for the NHS in the UK. The structure and process of the full literature review is introduced and criteria for inclusion in the two domains are specified. The resulting data set gave 16 prevalence estimates generated from 21 publications and 12 natural history studies generated from 18 publications. Results are summarized for six subdivisions of primary speech and language delays: (1) speech and/or language, (2) language only, (3) speech only, (4) expression with comprehension, (5) expression only and (6) comprehension only. Combination of the data suggests that both concurrent and predictive case definition can be problematic. Prediction improves if language is taken independently of speech and if expressive and receptive language are taken together. The results are discussed in terms of the need to develop a model of prevalence based on risk of subsequent difficulties.
Drivers of partial migration in the reddish egret Egretta rufescens
Authors: Koczur Lianne M. , Ballard Bart M.
Published: September 2023

The reddish egret Egretta rufescens is North America's rarest Ardeidae and is listed as ‘Near Threatened' by the IUCN, as endangered in Mexico, and as a species of conservation concern throughout much of its range in the United States. Little is known about the migratory behavior of the reddish egret. Individuals that were banded during the breeding season in Texas, USA, have been resighted away from breeding areas; however, records are limited and the extent of migration is unknown. Using GPS transmitters, we found reddish egrets breeding in southern Texas exhibited a partial migration strategy, with 39% of the marked population migrating from breeding sites. We assessed the dominance, body size, and arrival time hypotheses to better understand the drivers of partial migration. We did not find support for the body size hypothesis and found mixed support for the dominance hypothesis; both males and females migrated, and migratory status of individuals did not change across the years of study. Long‐distance migrants were also larger than resident individuals. We found some support for the arrival time hypothesis; residents began breeding earlier than long‐distance migrants and had moderately greater nest success. However, within long‐distance migrants, an earlier arrival to breeding areas did not necessarily equate to earlier nesting or greater nest success. This study is the first to examine the migratory behavior of adult reddish egrets and assesses the dominance, body size, and arrival time hypotheses as explanations for partial migration in this species. Further, the results of this study emphasize the need for international conservation efforts.
Research on racial/ethnic inequities in oral health over the past 80 years: The role of racism
Authors: Celeste Roger Keller , Goulart Mariel Aquino , Bastos João L. , Borrell Luisa N.
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aims to (1) describe trends in explanations provided for racial/ethnic inequities in dental caries and periodontitis, and (2) explore the patterns of relatedness among explanations for these inequities.

Materials and Methods

Highly cited publications based on studies indexed in the Scopus database were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Explanations for racial/ethnic inequities were classified into eight different, but interrelated domains. We assessed trends and examined the relations among explanations using multiple correspondence analysis.

Results

A total of 200 articles among the most cited publications were selected. The proportion of studies invoking racism as an explanation for racial inequities in oral health increased from 0% to 14.3%, from 1937 to 2020. The proportions of individual socio‐economic factors increased from 52.0% to 82.9%, and dental care from 28.0% to 62.9%. The remaining explanations were stable: psychological/behavioural processes (62.5%), biological factors (49.5%), contextual/area‐level effects (24.0%) and immigrant paradox (4.0%). Multiple correspondence analysis revealed a smaller axial distance between racism and the following categories: studies from Brazil, recent publications and Blacks/Hispanics/mixed‐race groups. Publications about immigrants were axially closer to the high‐income countries category.

Conclusions

Our findings call on dental researchers to consider racism as a cause for existing racial/ethnic inequities in oral health.
Broad‐spectrum sunscreens containing the TriAsorB™ filter: In vitro photoprotection and clinical evaluation of blue light‐induced skin pigmentation
Authors: Boyer France , Delsol Cécile , Ribet Virginie , Lapalud Priscilla
Published: September 2023

Background

Blue light (BL), particularly high‐energy visible (HEV) light (400–450 nm), can cause skin damage and pigmentation. Therefore, effective sunscreens should offer photoprotection beyond ultraviolet (UV) radiation to also prevent or limit BL‐induced cutaneous effects.

Objectives

To evaluate the in vitro BL photostability and photoprotection properties of nine sunscreens containing the broad‐spectrum UV/BL phenylene bis‐diphenyltriazine (PBDT or TriAsorB™) filter, together with three other organic UV filters, and to assess the in vivo photoprotection level provided by two of these products against BL‐induced skin pigmentation.

Methods

In vitro BL photostability and photoprotection factors, comprising the percentage of BL radiation stopped by the product (%BL) and the critical wavelength extended to BL (BL‐CW), were determined by spectrophotometry. The in vivo photoprotection provided by two representative sunscreens (i.e. similar formulations, one non‐tinted and one tinted) was assessed in two open randomized studies (20 and 16 women, respectively) after exposure of two test areas (with and without sunscreen) on the back of each subject to a 412‐nm irradiation dose at 50 J/cm2, using instrumental and clinical measurements of skin pigmentation. The percentage sunscreen photoprotective effectiveness (%PPE) was calculated by comparing intrasubject post‐exposure pigmentation changes between the with and without sunscreen test areas.

Results

In vitro, the nine PBDT‐containing products were highly photostable and had a BL‐CW ≥385 nm and a %BL ≥30% (range: 30%–50%), thus allowing effective BL photoprotection. In vivo, both representative sunscreens prevented BL‐induced immediate skin pigmentation (1 and 24 h post‐exposure) with %PPE values ranging from 50.7% to 75.5% for colorimetric assessments (p < 0.001) and from 31.2% to 72.7% for visual scores (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

All PBDT‐containing sunscreens were considered effective at absorbing BL radiation in vitro. The two representative broad‐spectrum sunscreens tested in subjects significantly reduced BL‐induced immediate skin pigmentation following single exposure to monochromatic BL radiation.
A comparison of the growth and development of pyjama sharks (Poroderma africanum) in wild and captive populations
Authors: Kiyatake Itsuki , Johnson Thomas L. , Cottrant Emy , Kitadani Yoshikazu , Onda Kiyoko , Murata Mikito , Drobniewska Natalia J. , Paulet Timothy G. , Nishida Kiyonori
Published: September 2023

The pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum) is a Scyliorhinid species endemic to South Africa. Even though it is kept in captivity in many aquaria, there is a lack of research on its growth and development. In this study, we investigated the fertilization rate of eggs and the age at female sexual maturation in captive sharks and compared their growth to that of wild individuals. This is the first study to compare the growth of captive and wild catsharks as well as the first study to compare growth in male and female pyjama sharks and benefits from a much larger sample size than has previously been collected. The mean incubation rate (±standard error of the mean [SE]) was 239.46 ± 4.97 days, the mean Lt of hatchlings (±SE) was 14.65 ± 0.24 cm, and the mean Wt (±SE) was 17.19 ± 0.75 g. The observed ratio of male to female offspring (1:3.5) was also significantly different from 1:1. One female laid fertilized eggs 6.6 years after hatching and was considered sexually mature. Both in captivity and in the wild, males showed negative allometric growth and females showed isometric growth. The growth performance (Φ') was also greater in captive sharks compared to wild sharks regardless of sex. However, there was significant variation in growth between individuals of the same sex. The similar growth patterns (i.e., allometry and isometry) found in wild and captive populations are a very useful tool for informing future conservation management if the population of this shark species were to decline in the future and also prove that captive studies for this species are transferable to wild populations with regard to sexual differences. This study also provides a benchmark for further captive studies in other lesser‐studied catshark species and raises interesting questions concerning sexual differences in growth for other shark species.
Evidence of successful recruitment of non‐native pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha in Iceland
Authors: Skóra Michał E. , Guðbergsson Guðni , Copp Gordon H. , Jones J. Iwan
Published: September 2023

In mid‐May 2022, pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha smolts were caught in the rivers Botnsá, Grímsá, and Langá in Iceland. This observation provides the first evidence of successful spawning and the completion of the freshwater phase of the life cycle in Icelandic rivers. It is the most western record of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe, further west than Russia, Norway, and the UK. Smolts originating from Iceland potentially support the recruitment of this species in the North Atlantic and may lead to the establishment of a self‐sustaining population in Iceland.
Cyclicality of liquidity creation: Nonlinear evidence from US bank holding companies
Authors: Rubbaniy Ghulame , Khalid Ali Awais , Ali Shoaib , Polyzos Efstathios
Published: September 2023

Using a panel smooth transition regression framework on a new proxy of the business cycle (BC) index and quarterly data of US bank holding companies from 1993Q1 to 2020Q1, our results provide empirical support for the theory that the BC has a nonlinear effect on liquidity creation. We find a positive and highly significant nonlinear effect of the BC on liquidity creation, which not only supports the pro‐cyclicality of liquidity creation but also improves the liquidity creation estimation compared to previous studies. The results are robust to different proxies of the BC and model specifications. We also document that US bank holding companies create liquidity more during the expansion phase (normal times) than during the recession phase (crisis times) of the BC, suggesting an asymmetrical effect of BC changes on liquidity creation. Our findings have important implications for financial market participants by suggesting that banks should keep alternative sources of funding on hand during the BC recession phase. Insights from our study also provide policy implications for central banks and prudent supervisors to consider when incentivizing banks, for instance, by lowering regulatory requirements, adjusting the policy rate, or implementing any other quantitative easing policy during the BC recession phase to keep the financial system efficient.
Differences in pathogen resistance between diploid and polyploid plants: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hagen Eric R. , Mason Chase M.
Published: September 2023

Polyploidy, the state of having more than two full sets of chromosomes, has been hypothesized to provide several evolutionary advantages to flowering plants including increased ability to resist pathogens and parasites. However, studies comparing pathogen resistance in conspecific and congeneric diploids and polyploids have produced mixed results. While the supposed relationship between polyploidy and pathogen resistance has been commented on in several narrative reviews, it has never been subjected to a systematic meta‐analysis. We examined the effect of polyploidy on pathogen resistance by synthesizing 214 effect sizes from 128 studies. We find that, overall, there is no consistent effect of polyploidy on pathogen resistance. Subgroup analyses suggest that polyploids perform significantly better than diploids only in resisting hemibiotrophic pathogens, and autopolyploids tend show greater resistance than allopolyploids. This is surprising given the fact that polyploids possess extra allele copies of R‐gene alleles that provide resistance to biotrophic pathogens, and this pattern may indicate that signaling cascades needed to elicit hypersensitive responses are disrupted by polyploidy. Disruption is supported by the observation that, across all pathogens, autopolyploids show significantly greater resistance compared to diploids, whereas allopolyploids do not. This is corroborated by the observation that synthetic autopolyploids perform significantly better than their allopolyploid and established counterparts. Regarding pathogen type, diploids show greater resistance than polyploids to pathogens that are fungi or nematodes. Analyses of publication bias indicate little to no bias, and analyses of heterogeneity indicate that phylogeny explains almost none of the observed heterogeneity. These results underscore the importance of not only systematic review but also the strong degree to which the effects of polyploidy depend on ecological context.
Effects of intraspecific variation in a native species' phenology on its coexistence with non‐native plants
Authors: Godoy Oscar , González‐Muñoz Noelia , Hart Simon P.
Published: September 2023

Intraspecific trait variation is ubiquitous and is likely to influence species coexistence. Despite theoretical progress, empirical work on the effects of intraspecific variation on the dynamics of competing species is rare. This is because of the formidable empirical requirements necessary to link intraspecific variation in species' functional traits with intraspecific variation in the demographic and competitive rates that mediate coexistence. Here we partially overcome these challenges to determine how intraspecific variation in reproductive phenology in a native Californian annual plant species Lasthenia californica affects its ability to coexist with two non‐native species Bromus madritensis and Lactuca serriola that display contrasting phenological patterns. Using data from a field experiment, we empirically parameterize a model of competitive population dynamics, accounting for the effects of intraspecific phenological trait variation on the native species' response to both intra‐ and interspecific competition. We find that intraspecific variation in phenology drives differences in the native species' response to competition. Moreover, simulations of the parameterized model show that this variation improves the competitive performance of the native species. This occurs because of the effects of nonlinear averaging mediated by a nonlinear, concave‐up competition function that is a general feature of competition across a wide range of taxa. While intraspecific variation improves competitive performance, we also find that the magnitude of the benefit is predicted to be insufficient to prevent competitive exclusion against the non‐native species with early phenogy Bromus. Against the second non‐native species with later phenology Lactuca, intraspecific variation is predicted to result in coexistence where competitive exclusion would otherwise occur, but we could not rule out alternative qualitative outcomes for this interaction.
Achieving collaborative innovation by controlling or leveraging network complexities through complexity leadership
Authors: Callens Chesney
Published: September 2023

Recent innovation research in the public sector demonstrates the advantages of collaborative innovation, but also recognizes the complex character of collaborative innovation processes. These complexities might both stimulate and hinder collaborative innovation. Through a qualitative comparative analysis of empirical data from 19 public–private innovation partnerships (PPIs) in five European Countries, we show how particular types of complexity leadership (i.e., generative leadership and administrative leadership) act on these complexities in PPIs to produce highly innovative services. The results show that small partnerships use generative leadership in the presence of network complexities, and administrative leadership in the absence of network complexities to produce highly innovative services. However, large partnerships only use generative leadership, while abandoning administrative leadership, to produce highly innovative services. These findings bring about theoretical and practical insights as to how various forms of complexity leadership might be employed in varying contexts of partnership complexity.