bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐intensity land‐use enhances soil microbial activity, biomass and fungal‐to‐bacterial ratio in current and future climates
Authors: Sünnemann Marie , Alt Christina , Kostin Julia E. , Lochner Alfred , Reitz Thomas , Siebert Julia , Schädler Martin , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: August 2021

Progressing climate change and intensified land‐use exert unprecedented pressures on soil microbial communities, thus endangering the essential ecosystem functions they provide. However, these global change factors do not act in isolation from each other, making ecosystem consequences hard to predict.

To address this knowledge gap, we tested the interactive effects of climate change and land‐use intensity on soil microbial activity, biomass and community composition in a large‐scale field experiment. We tested soil microbial responses to a future climate scenario (ambient climate vs. increased temperature by +0.6°C and altered rainfall patterns) in two land‐use types (cropland vs. grassland) with two levels of land‐use intensity each (high‐intensity vs. low‐intensity). While high‐intensity land‐use is characterized by fertilization and pesticide use, low‐intensity land‐use refrains from both. We measured soil microbial activity and biomass twice per year within a 5‐year period and used phospholipid fatty acid analysis to explore changes in microbial community composition.

In contrast to our expectations, soil microbes remained largely unaffected by future climate conditions. However, we found evidence that not just the type of land‐use, but also their respective management intensity (high vs. low) had strong effects on soil microbes. Low‐intensity management promoted soil microbial activity and biomass in grasslands, but this beneficial effect needed several years to establish. Moreover, we show that low‐intensity management increased AM fungi and fungal‐to‐bacterial ratios in croplands as well as grasslands.

Our study shows that farmers can promote soil ecosystem functions through low‐intensity management measures. In grasslands, low‐intensity management measures such as high plant diversity consisting of grasses, forbs and legumes, and no mineral fertilization improve soil microbial activity and biomass, as well as the fungal‐to‐bacterial ratio. On arable land, compliance with EU organic farming regulations improves the fungal‐to‐bacterial ratio. We conclude that low‐intensity management can have positive effects on efficient carbon storage, nutrient cycling, soil erosion control and ecosystem multifunctionality under different land‐use and climate change scenarios.
The effects ofCOVID‐19 containment measures on the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Furceri Davide , Kothari Siddharth , Zhang Longmei
Published: August 2021

As the COVID‐19 pandemic spread across the world, governments introduced significant containment measures to control the spread of the virus. In this paper, we leverage inputs from IMF desk economists to construct a novel narrative index of containment measures for 11 countries in the Asia‐Pacific region. A key innovation in our index is that it distinguishes between economic sectors (services, industry, retail), thus providing a more granular view of restrictions related to economic activity. Using this index, along with other high‐frequency data, we find that containment measures have been successful in reducing the spread of the virus (though with some heterogeneity) but have also been associated with large short‐term economic costs. Furthermore, exploiting the granularity of our index, we find that differences in strategies across countries regarding the closing of the industrial sector have mattered: imposing less severe restrictions on industry has been associated with lower economic costs without leading to worse health outcomes, possibly reflecting the less contact intensive nature of industrial activity.
Value of InSAR for Monitoring Land Subsidence to Support Water Management in the San Joaquin Valley, California
Authors: Jones Jeanine , Jones Cathleen E. , Bekaert David P.S.
Published: August 2021

Land subsidence caused by groundwater extraction in California’s San Joaquin Valley has been occurring for many decades. In situ monitoring of subsidence in this large geographic area has historically been limited. The California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) sought the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s assistance for satellite‐ and aircraft‐based synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) monitoring of subsidence during the 2012–2016 drought. InSAR was successful in cost‐effectively providing first‐ever synoptic measurement of land subsidence over the entire San Joaquin Valley. The purpose of the monitoring was screening or hotspot detection of impact areas affecting critical water infrastructure. Long‐term cumulative land subsidence has substantially reduced the conveyance capacity of sections of major valley canals and the monitoring revealed that subsidence rates observed during the drought ranked with maximum historically observed rates, highlighting risks to water infrastructure. InSAR also identified new and rapidly emerging hotspots adjacent to critical water infrastructure. The success of the InSAR monitoring for drought response resulted in CDWR’s decision to subsequently provide InSAR data as technical assistance to local agencies required to comply with recent state groundwater management legislation.
Climate Extremes and Variability Surrounding Chesapeake Bay: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: St.Laurent Kari A. , Coles Victoria J. , Hood Raleigh R.
Published: August 2021

Measures of extreme climate variability around Chesapeake Bay have changed over the past century (1895–2014), resulting in the need to establish new baselines for understanding future change. Here, observed climate variability is compared with Coupled Model Intercomparison Project fifth assessment climate models to evaluate ensemble model skill in this region. Observed trends include annual and seasonal declines in the percentage of cold days. Similarly, increases in the annual and seasonal percentages of warm days occurred in all seasons of the North Chesapeake (>38.2°N) but were only significant in spring and summer in the South (<38.2°N) demonstrating regional differences even at local scales. Precipitation intensity increased over the past century. Models using emissions scenarios RCP4.5 and 8.5 project these trends will continue, though they have little skill in precipitation extremes. Pacific and Atlantic climate modes are generally more correlated with climate extremes than mean temperature and precipitation suggesting potential predictability in the synoptic patterns underlying the extremes. However, they also drive the need for time series at least 60‐years long for establishing climate trends. This local analysis differs from regional, state level, and local 2.5° × 3.75° grid analyses, highlighting the importance of local climate assessments that consider topographic and regional weather patterns.
Prevalence and risk factors of systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease in East Asia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Meihua , Nian Xueyuan , Pang Lingling , Yu Pengfei , Zou Shenchun
Published: August 2021

Objective

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common and potentially life‐threatening complication for individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study was to complete a systematic review and meta‐analysis on prevalence and risk factors of SSc‐ILD in East Asia.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched up to January 22, 2021. The Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was applied to access the methodological quality of the eligible studies. Study characteristics and magnitude of effect sizes were extracted. Then, we calculated the pooled prevalence, weighted mean differences (WMDs), pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and performed subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias with Egger's test.

Results

Twenty‐seven of 1584 articles were eligible and a total of 5250 patients with SSc were selected in the meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence of SSc‐ILD in East Asia was 56% (95% CI 49%‐63%). The SSc‐ILD prevalence was higher in China (72%) than in Japan (46%) and Korea (51%). Longer disease duration (WMD = 1.97, 95% CI 0.55‐3.38), diffuse SSc (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.91‐4.21), positive anti‐topoisomerase I antibody (ATA) (OR = 4.92, 95% CI 2.74‐8.84), positive anti‐centromere body antibody (ACA) (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.08‐0.25), positive anti‐U3 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibody (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.04‐0.66), and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (WMD = 6.62, 95% CI 1.19‐12.05) were associated with SSc‐ILD in East Asia.

Conclusion

Through this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we found that ILD occurs in up to approximately 56% of patients with SSc in East Asia. Longer disease duration, diffuse SSc, positive ATA, negative ACA, negative anti‐U3 RNP antibody, and higher ESR were risk factors for SSc‐ILD.
Incidence of RNA viruses infecting taro and tannia in East Africa and molecular characterisation of dasheen mosaic virus isolates
Authors: Kidanemariam Dawit B. , Sukal Amit C. , Abraham Adane D. , Njuguna Joyce N. , Stomeo Francesca , Dale James L. , James Anthony P. , Harding Robert M.
Published: August 2021

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) and tannia (Xanthosoma sp.) plants growing in 25 districts across Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were surveyed for four RNA viruses. Leaf samples from 392 plants were tested for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV), taro vein chlorosis virus (TaVCV) and Colocasia bobone disease‐associated virus (CBDaV) by RT‐PCR. No samples tested positive for TaVCV or CBDaV, while CMV was only detected in three tannia samples with mosaic symptoms from Uganda. DsMV was detected in 40 samples, including 36 out of 171 from Ethiopia, one out of 94 from Uganda and three out of 41 from Tanzania, while none of the 86 samples from Kenya tested positive for any of the four viruses. The complete genomes of nine DsMV isolates from East Africa were cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequence of the DsMV CP‐coding region revealed two distinct clades. Isolates from Ethiopia were distributed in both clades, while samples from Uganda and Tanzania belong to different clades. Seven possible recombination events were identified from the analysis carried out on the available 15 full‐length DsMV isolates. Nucleotide substitution ratio analysis revealed that all the DsMV genes are under strong negative selection pressure.
The effect of members on charities’ annual reporting: evidence from companies limited by guarantee in Australia
Authors: Johansson Elka , Carey Peter , Tanewski George , Yusoff Iliyas
Published: August 2021

In contrast to membership organisations that serve the interest of members, members of charities operating as companies limited by guarantee are responsible by law for ensuring the charity serves its broader charitable purpose. This study examines how members of these large charitable companies discharge accountability through annual report disclosure. We analyse data on 630 company‐year observations for a sample of 153 Australian charitable companies limited by guarantee that lodged annual reports with regulators. Results show that members encourage the disclosure of financial and non‐financial information in the annual report and this in turn influences charities’ future donations and grants revenue.
Mineral trioxide aggregate apexification: a 20‐year case review
Authors: Bogen George , Ricucci Domenico
Published: August 2021

Apexification strategies in traumatised non‐vital immature permanent teeth can promote root‐end closure and continued root development. However, traumatic injuries may compromise the integrity of generative cells of the apical papilla responsible for root maturation. This report describes the long‐term treatment outcome of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification managed with late‐term surgical intervention. A seven‐year‐old male reported with swelling and suppuration associated with a traumatised maxillary left central incisor (#21). After palliative treatment and MTA apexification procedures, the incisor demonstrated normal function during a 14.5‐year period with radiographic evidence of atypical radicular elongation. Seventeen years after initial treatment, the patient presented with mid‐plate buccal swelling and surgical treatment was completed involving root resection, biopsy of a spherical mineralised tissue specimen and placement of MTA root‐end filling. Periapical healing and normal tooth function was evident at the 20‐year review.
The Value of Forensic Anthropology in Undergraduate Anthropology Programs
Authors: Passalacqua Nicholas V. , Mulholland Sean , Pilloud Marin A. , Klales Alexandra R.
Published: August 2021

Anecdotally, it has been suggested that undergraduate anthropology students are more interested in forensic anthropology than any other specialty but that forensic anthropologists are less desired as colleagues in academia due to the nature of their work. The goal of this project was to examine two related questions: Does having a forensic anthropologist, or an undergraduate concentration in forensic anthropology, increase the number of majors in anthropology programs? And are forensic anthropologists less likely to be hired for relevant biological anthropology academic positions? To address these questions, data from a number of sources were analyzed. Results found that academic programs with a forensic anthropology concentration had large increases in the overall number of anthropology majors and that programs with forensic anthropologists as faculty produced significantly more anthropology bachelor's degrees. These data are counter to the current national trend of declining anthropology degrees. For jobs in academia specifically desiring a forensic anthropologist, forensic anthropologists were hired in only 58 percent of postings. This study shows a reluctance to hire forensic anthropologists in academia despite their positive impact on the growth of anthropology programs; it also has implications for the education of future forensic anthropologists. [forensic anthropology, academia, enrollment, career, hiring]
Pharmacokinetics of 2 oral paracetamol formulations in hospitalized octogenarians
Authors: Hias Julie , Van der Linden Lorenz , Walgraeve Karolien , Gijsen Matthias , Mian Paola , Koch Birgit C. P. , Allegaert Karel , Annaert Pieter , Tournoy Jos , Spriet Isabel
Published: August 2021

Aims

It is currently unclear how paracetamol should be dosed in order to increase its efficacy while warranting safety in very old adults. The objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of 2 oral paracetamol formulations and its metabolites in hospitalized octogenarians.

Methods

Geriatric inpatients aged 80 years and older received a 1000‐mg paracetamol tablet or granulate at 08.00, 14.00 and 20.00. After at least 4 consecutive gifts, plasma samples were collected around the 08.00 dose (trough, +0.5, +1, +2, +4, +5 and +6 h). Plasma concentrations of paracetamol and its metabolites were determined and individual pharmacokinetic parameters were derived. The Edmonton Frail Scale was used to assess frailty. An analgesic plasma target was defined as an average plasma concentration (Cavg) of 10 mg/L.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) age was 86.78 (±4.20) years. The majority (n = 26/36, 72%) received the tablet, 10 (28%) the granulate. Thirty patients (85%) were classified with moderate to severe frailty. Seven (21%) patients had a Cavg above 10 mg/L. The median [interquartile range] time to reach the peak concentration was 50.5 [31.50–92.50] and 42.50 [33.75–106.75] min for the tablet and granulate, respectively. The coefficient of variation was 95% for time to reach the peak concentration and 30% for Cavg of paracetamol. A correlation of Cavg of paracetamol was observed with female sex and total serum bilirubin.

Conclusion

Large interindividual differences were found for pharmacokinetic parameters of oral paracetamol in frail inpatients after multiple dosing. Female sex and higher total serum bilirubin concentrations were associated with paracetamol exposure. No significant differences were observed between the tablet and granulate.
Whether verbal and visuospatial working memory play different roles in pupil’s mathematical abilities
Authors: Liang Zhanhong , Dong Peiqi , Zhou Yanlin , Feng Shanshan , Zhang Qiong
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous research showed a significant association between mathematics and working memory (WM). However, evidence regarding the different effects of verbal and visuospatial WM on mathematical abilities was very limited.

Aims

The current research aims to explore the relationship between verbal and visuospatial WM with mathematical abilities, and how this relationship is moderated by age and math domains. We also wonder whether the results would change when we use several tests for each component and use a latent variable approach for more reliable measurement.

Sample

131 first graders and 144 fifth graders from a primary school in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, participated our research.

Methods

All participants completed three verbal and three visuospatial WM tasks, mathematics tests, and fluid intelligence test. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the pattern of relations among these constructs.

Results

The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that verbal WM significantly predicted mathematics achievement for fifth graders, while failed for first graders. However, visuospatial WM played a substantive role in both graders’ mathematical performance. The different role of the two WM components also depend on various fields of mathematics.

Conclusion

Our results indicated the distinct influence of verbal and visuospatial WM on primary school students’ mathematical abilities and highlighted the developmental and domain‐specific effects of WM on mathematics.
Diploendozoochory in Neotropical fish makes seed germination unlikely
Authors: Kreutzer Brito Andresa , Covich Alan P. , Severo‐Neto Francisco , Junior Heriberto Gimênes , Laps Rudi Ricardo , Sabino José , Roque Fabio de Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Diploendozoochory is the seeds’ dispersion ingested by two or more animal species in sequence. This mechanism does not occur among the fish species we studied relative to dispersal of seeds because they were destroyed when passing through the predator fish. Our study is the first about diploendozoochory among tropical fishes.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Role of B cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ochi Hirofumi
Published: August 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune‐mediated disease of the central nervous system. Traditionally, it has been considered to be mediated primarily by T cells, and the contribution of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS has long been debated. However, clinical success of B‐cell depletion therapies targeting CD20 has established the essential role of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS. Because CD20‐targeting B‐cell depletion therapies primarily have their effect on non‐antibody secreting cells, emerging studies have dedicated intense focus on B‐cell functions beyond antibody production, which include cytokine production, antigen presentation and ectopic lymphoid follicle‐like structure formation. However, the failure of atacicept, which targets the B‐cell survival factors and a proliferation‐inducing ligand, suggests that B cells potentially have a dual role in the pathogenesis of MS and the role of B cells in MS is highly complex. This review will discuss the B‐cell involvement in the pathogenesis of MS.
Ideal proportion of the population to be patch tested: How many should we be doing?
Authors: Mughal Avad A. , Lowe Ashima , Hadjieconomou Sofia , Bhoyrul Bevin , Chu Anthony , Cooper Sue M. , Divekar Preshita , Hill Glenda , Holden Catherine R. , Johnston Graham A. , Sabroe Ruth A. , Scharrer Krisztina , Stone Natalie , Usmani Naila , Wilkinson Stephen M.
Published: August 2021

Background

How many patients should we be patch testing? A previous study suggested that the minimum proportion of a population to be patch tested for allergic contact dermatitis was 1:700 annually.

Objectives

To evaluate if the current minimum rate for patch testing has changed over the 20 years since the previous study in order to maximize the value.

Methods

In cooperation with the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy, a proforma for collation of retrospective data between January 2015 and December 2017 was sent to patch‐test centers in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The number of positive tests was analyzed against the proportion of population tested to see what proportion of the population would yield the greatest number of positive results.

Results

Responses from 11 centers showed that the minimum number needed to patch test had increased to 1:550 per head of population per year using the current criteria.

Conclusions

In agreement with previous studies, we should be patch testing more people than we are. We could reduce the threshold for referral of patients we patch test to derive the most benefit from this investigation.
Technetium‐99m‐MAG3 and technetium‐99m‐DTPA: Renal clearance measured by the constant infusion technique – Old news?
Authors: Østergaard Ann Mai , Langaa Stine S. , Vrist Marie H. , Mose Frank H. , Bech Jesper N. , Fynbo Claire A. , Theil Jørn , Ejlersen June A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Accurate, precise and straightforward methods for measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and/or renal plasma flow (RPF) are still in demand today. The time‐consuming constant infusion technique (CIT) is the gold standard and preferred for research, whereas the simple, but less precise, single injection technique (SIT) is used in clinical settings.

This study investigated the use of 99mTc‐DTPA and 99mTc‐MAG3 by CIT as a measure of renal function. We developed and evaluated a model to balance the primer dose and infusion rate in an attempt to obtain plasma steady state as quickly as possible.

Methods

14 healthy subjects received 99mTc‐DTPA and 6 hypertensive patients received 99mTc‐MAG3 in a standardized protocol. All participants had an eGFR above 60 ml/min and none had fluid retention. An intravenous primer injection of the relevant tracer was followed by a sustained infusion over 4.5 h with the same radiopharmaceutical. Blood and urine samples were collected at fixed intervals.

Results

99mTc‐DTPA clearance reached steady state after 210 min (plasma clearance 78 ± 18 ml/min, urine clearance 110 ± 28 ml/min), whereas 99mTc‐MAG3 clearance achieved steady state after 150 min (plasma clearance 212 ± 56 ml/min, urine clearance 233 ± 59 ml/min).

Conclusion

Constant infusion technique with fixed primer and infusion rate using 99mTc‐MAG3 is feasible for research purposes. The longer time for reaching plasma steady state using 99mTc‐DTPA makes CIT with this tracer less optimal. If the primer/sustained balance can be optimized, for example using a priori SIT information, 99mTc‐DTPA as tracer for CIT may also be feasible.
Postoperative acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy after DCD lung transplantation
Authors: Verzelloni Sef Alessandra , Sef Davorin , Trkulja Vladimir , Raj Binu , Lees Nicholas James , Walker Christopher , McGovern Ian , Mitchell Jerry , De Robertis Fabio , Stock Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after lung transplantation (LTx) is a common complication. We aimed to assess whether donation after circulatory death (DCD) is associated with an increased risk of AKI and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the early postoperative period compared to the donation after brain death (DBD). Retrospective data on a cohort (N = 95) of LTx patients (DCD n = 17, DBD n = 78) characterized by no use of ex‐vivo lung perfusion were analyzed for the incidence of AKI within 30 postoperative days and incidence of RRT within 7 and 30 days. After optimal full matching, an imbalance remained between the DCD and DBD patients in respect to intraoperative use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Therefore, a further subset (n = 77) was defined that excluded CPB patients, and matching was repeated (DCD n = 13 vs. DBD n = 63) resulting in a fair balance on a range of preoperative characteristics and intraoperative use of ECMO. In both matched subsets, DCD was associated with around twice higher risk of AKI and RRT within 7 and 30 postoperative days. In conclusion, data suggest that DCD could be associated with worse early renal outcomes in a subset of LTx patients and justify further studies on the topic in order to refine further renal care pathways perioperatively.
Megafires attract avian scavenging but carcasses still persist
Authors: Newsome Thomas M. , Spencer Emma E.
Published: August 2021

Aim

The effects of fires on vertebrate scavengers have not been characterized despite the importance of scavenging in shaping food web dynamics. We assessed whether the 2019/2020 megafires in Australia shifted the species richness, carcass detection and feeding times of vertebrate scavengers, and whether the fire affected carcasses persistence times.

Location

Blue Mountains, south‐eastern Australia.

Method

We monitored vertebrate scavengers via remote cameras on a total of 60 experimentally placed kangaroo carcasses for 30 days in two periods before the megafire (January 2018 and 2019) and one period after the megafire (March 2020) in both open and closed canopy habitats. We compared vertebrate species richness, carcass discovery and scavenging activity before and after the fire and between the two habitats. We also assessed carcass persistence (time to carcass removal) before and after the fire and between the two habitats.

Results

We collected more than 689,000 images of nine vertebrate scavengers including six avian, two mammal and one reptile species. We detected no decline in scavenger species richness following the fire, and rates of carcass detection for mammals and reptiles did not differ across pre‐ and post‐fire periods. On the other hand, avian scavengers detected carcasses faster in the post‐fire period and in open compared to closed canopy habitats. Overall, scavengers increased their feeding times in the post‐fire period, especially avian scavengers, but carcasses persisted longer in the post‐fire period when compared to the second pre‐fire period.

Main conclusion

Our study identified that a widespread fire could influence avian scavenging dynamics, but that other factors such as habitat and possibly apex scavenger presence affected carcass persistence times over the study period in addition to fire. Future monitoring of carcasses following fires should focus on the responses by both vertebrate and insect scavengers to fully elucidate the effects of these major disturbance events on critical ecosystem processes linked to decomposition.
Bilingualism alters infants’ cortical organization for attentional orienting mechanisms
Authors: Arredondo Maria M. , Aslin Richard N. , Werker Janet F.
Published: August 2021

A bilingual environment is associated with changes in the brain's structure and function. Some suggest that bilingualism also improves higher‐cognitive functions in infants as young as 6‐months, yet whether this effect is associated with changes in the infant brain remains unknown. In the present study, we measured brain activity using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy in monolingual‐ and bilingual‐raised 6‐ and 10‐month‐old infants. Infants completed an orienting attention task, in which a cue was presented prior to an object appearing on the same (Valid) or opposite (Invalid) side of a display. Task performance did not differ between the groups but neural activity did. At 6‐months, both groups showed greater activity for Valid (> Invalid) trials in frontal regions (left hemisphere for bilinguals, right hemisphere for monolinguals). At 10‐months, bilinguals showed greater activity for Invalid (> Valid) trials in bilateral frontal regions, while monolinguals showed greater brain activity for Valid (> Invalid) trials in left frontal regions. Bilinguals’ brain activity trended with their parents’ reporting of dual‐language mixing when speaking to their child. These findings are the first to indicate how early (dual) language experience can alter the cortical organization underlying broader, non‐linguistic cognitive functions during the first year of life.
Big data to analyze patterns of care and improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Scholtes Felix , Kolh Philippe
Published: August 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Kurowski et al. on pages 1337–1343 of this issue.
Dysphagia limit in children with cerebral palsy aged 4 to 12 years
Authors: Schepers Florentine V , van Hulst Karen , Spek Bea , Erasmus Corrie E , van den Engel‐Hoek Lenie
Published: August 2021

Aim

To assess the dysphagia limit in children with cerebral palsy (CP) according to Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) level, sex, and age compared to typically developing children.

Method

Seventy‐seven children with CP (54 males, 23 females; mean age 7y 6mo, SD 2y 2mo, age range 4–12y) were assessed with the Maximum Volume Water Swallow Test. Median dysphagia limit in the CP group was compared with data of typically developing children.

Results

The dysphagia limit of children with CP differed significantly (p<0.001) from typically developing children. The latter showed a threefold higher median dysphagia limit (22mL) compared to children with CP in EDACS level I (7mL). The higher the EDACS level, the lower the dysphagia limit in children with CP. EDACS level explained 55% of the variance in the dysphagia limit of the CP group.

Interpretation

Where children with CP in EDACS levels IV and V showed that their capacity met the level of their performance, children in EDACS level I had the ability to perform a maximum capacity task, but still had a threefold lower median dysphagia limit than typically developing children. Establishment of the dysphagia limit should be part of general swallowing assessment in children with CP.
Deadlocked in history and geopolitics: Revisiting Armenia–Turkey relations
Authors: Ter‐Matevosyan Vahram
Published: August 2021

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia and Turkey are two neighboring countries that share a 311 km of land border. Official relations between them, however, remain antagonistic as they never established diplomatic relations, and the land border remains closed. All the past efforts to normalize relations and eradicate the standoff have foundered. This article engages with several methodological problems and (mis)perceptions that persist in existing interpretations of Armenia–Turkey relations and examines their impact on the current deadlock. It particularly discusses the questions of the closed border, its relevance to the conflict in Karabakh, the importance of disentangling the process of normalization from reconciliation, and its impact on past normalization initiatives. The article argues that critical rethinking of several deep seated conceptions and approaches could expand our understanding about the roots of the present rift and propose avenues for resolving the impasse.
Emerging paradigm shift toward proactive topical treatment of psoriasis: A narrative review
Authors: Papp Kim A. , Dhadwal Gurbir , Gooderham Melinda , Guenther Lyn , Turchin Irina , Wiseman Marni , Yeung Jensen
Published: August 2021

Psoriasis (PsO) requires safe and effective long‐term management to reduce the risk of recurrence and decrease the frequency of relapse. Topical PsO therapies are a cornerstone in the management of PsO though safety concerns limit the chronic, continuous use of topical corticosteroids and/or vitamin D3 analogs. Evidence‐based guidelines on optimal treatment targets and maintenance therapy regimens are currently lacking. This review explores the evidence supporting approaches to maintenance topical therapy for PsO including continuous long‐term therapy, chronic intermittent use, step‐down therapy, sequential or pulse therapy regimens, and proactive maintenance therapy. Several unaddressed questions are discussed including how and when to transition from acute to maintenance therapy, strategies for monitoring long‐term treatment, the role of topical maintenance therapy in the context of systemic and biologic therapies, risks of maintenance therapy, prescribing a topical preparation suitable for patients' preferences and skin type, and key concepts for patient education to maximize long‐term outcomes. Overall, emerging evidence supports a paradigm shift toward proactive treatment once skin is completely clear as a strategy to enhance disease control without compromising safety.
The multidimensional nutritional niche of fungus‐cultivar provisioning in free‐ranging colonies of a neotropical leafcutter ant
Authors: Crumière Antonin J. J. , James Aidan , Lannes Pol , Mallett Sophie , Michelsen Anders , Rinnan Riikka , Shik Jonathan Z.
Published: August 2021

Foraging trails of leafcutter colonies are iconic scenes in the Neotropics, with ants collecting freshly cut plant fragments to provision a fungal food crop. We hypothesised that the fungus‐cultivar's requirements for macronutrients and minerals govern the foraging niche breadth ofAtta colombicaleafcutter ants. Analyses of plant fragments carried by foragers showed how nutrients from fruits, flowers and leaves combine to maximise cultivar performance. While the most commonly foraged leaves delivered excess protein relative to the cultivar's needs, in vitro experiments showed that the minerals P, Al and Fe may expand the leafcutter foraging niche by enhancing the cultivar's tolerance to protein‐biased substrates. A suite of other minerals reduces cultivar performance in ways that may render plant fragments with optimal macronutrient blends unsuitable for provisioning. Our approach highlights how the nutritional challenges of provisioning a mutualist can govern the multidimensional realised niche available to a generalist insect herbivore.
Final results from a Phase 3, long‐term, open‐label, repeat‐dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray for seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Wheless James W. , Miller Ian , Hogan R. Edward , Dlugos Dennis , Biton Victor , Cascino Gregory D. , Sperling Michael R. , Liow Kore , Vazquez Blanca , Segal Eric B. , Tarquinio Daniel , Mauney Weldon , Desai Jay , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Carrazana Enrique ,   for the DIAZ.001.05 Study Group
Published: August 2021

Objective

A Phase 3 open‐label safety study (NCT02721069) evaluated long‐term safety of diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco) in patients with epilepsy and frequent seizure clusters.

Methods

Patients were 6–65 years old with diagnosed epilepsy and seizure clusters despite stable antiseizure medications. The treatment period was 12 months, with study visits at Day 30 and every 60 days thereafter, after which patients could elect to continue. Doses were based on age and weight. Seizure and treatment information was recorded in diaries. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), nasal irritation, and olfactory changes were recorded.

Results

Of 163 patients in the safety population, 117 (71.8%) completed the study. Duration of exposure was ≥12 months for 81.6% of patients. There was one death (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) and one withdrawal owing to a TEAE (major depression), both considered unlikely to be related to treatment. Diazepam nasal spray was administered 4390 times for 3853 seizure clusters, with 485 clusters treated with a second dose within 24 h; 53.4% of patients had monthly average usage of one to two doses, 41.7% two to five doses, and 4.9% more than five doses. No serious TEAEs were considered to be treatment related. TEAEs possibly or probably related to treatment (n = 30) were most commonly nasal discomfort (6.1%); headache (2.5%); and dysgeusia, epistaxis, and somnolence (1.8% each). Only 13 patients (7.9%) showed nasal irritation, and there were no relevant olfactory changes. The safety profile of diazepam nasal spray was generally similar across subgroups based on age, monthly usage, concomitant benzodiazepine therapy, or seasonal allergy/rhinitis.

Significance

In this large open‐label safety study, the safety profile of diazepam nasal spray was consistent with the established profile of rectal diazepam, and the high retention rate supports effectiveness in this population. A second dose was used in only 12.6% of seizure clusters.
Cellular distribution of cannabinoid‐related receptors TRPV1, PPAR‐gamma, GPR55 and GPR3 in the equine cervical dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Galiazzo Giorgia , De Silva Margherita , Giancola Fiorella , Rinnovati Riccardo , Peli Angelo , Chiocchetti Roberto
Published: August 2021

Background

The activation of cannabinoid and cannabinoid‐related receptors by endogenous, plant‐derived or synthetic cannabinoids may exert beneficial effects on pain perception. Of the cannabinoids contained in Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce psychotropic effects and seems to represent a molecule having great therapeutic potential. Cannabidiol acts on a great number of cannabinoid and cannabinoid‐related G‐protein‐coupled receptors and ionotropic receptors which have, to date, been understudied in veterinary medicine particularly in equine medicine.

Objectives

To localise the cellular distribution of four putative cannabinoid‐related receptors in the equine cervical dorsal root ganglia (DRG).

Study design

A qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical study.

Methods

The cervical (C6‐C8) DRG of six slaughtered horses were obtained from a local slaughterhouse. The tissues were fixed and processed for immunohistochemistry, and the resulting cryosections were used to investigate immunoreactivity for the following putative CBD receptors: Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), nuclear peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and G protein‐coupled receptors 55 (GPR55) and 3 (GPR3).

Results

Large percentages of neuronal cell bodies showed immunoreactivity for TRPV1 (80 ± 20%), PPARγ (100%), GPR55 (64 ± 15%) and GPR3 (63 ± 11%). The satellite glial cells (SGCs) were immunoreactive for TRPV1, PPARγ and GPR55. In addition, GPR55 immunoreactivity was expressed by DRG interneuronal macrophages. In addition, microglia cells were observed surrounding the neuron–SGC complex.

Main limitations

The limited number of horses included in the study.

Conclusions

Cannabinoid‐related receptors were distributed in the sensory neurons (TRPV1, PPARγ, GPR55 and GPR3), SGCs (TRPV1, PPARγ and GPR55), macrophages (GPR55) and other interneuronal cells (PPARγ and GPR55) of the equine DRG. Given the key role of DRG cellular elements and cannabinoid receptors in the pathophysiology of pain, the present findings provided an anatomical basis for additional studies aimed at exploring the therapeutic uses of non‐psychotropic cannabinoid agonists for the management of pain in horses.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: A folliculotropic disease of innate immune barrier dysfunction?
Authors: Johnston Daniel G.W. , Kirby Brian , Tobin Desmond J.
Published: August 2021

The innate immune system of human skin consists of a multi‐layered barrier consisting of cells and soluble effector molecules charged with maintaining homeostasis and responding to insults and infections. It has become increasingly clear that these barrier layers become compromised in skin diseases, especially in disorders of an (auto)inflammatory nature. In the case of hidradenitis suppurativa, great strides have been made in recent years in characterizing the underlying breakdown in homeostatic innate immunity, including an increasing understanding of the central role of the hair follicle in this process. This breakdown appears to occur at multiple levels: the pilosebaceous unit, associated epithelium, the cutaneous microbiome, alteration of immune cell function and local molecular events such as complement activation. This review seeks to summarize, contextualize and analyse critically our current understanding of how these innate immune barriers become dysregulated in the early stage(s) of hidradenitis suppurativa, and to speculate on where potential hidradenitis suppurativa research could be most fruitful.
Implementing the precautionary approach into fisheries management: Biomass reference points and uncertainty buffers
Authors: Mildenberger Tobias K. , Berg Casper W. , Kokkalis Alexandros , Hordyk Adrian R. , Wetzel Chantel , Jacobsen Nis S. , Punt André E. , Nielsen J. Rasmus
Published: August 2021

The precautionary approach to fisheries management advocates for risk‐averse management strategies that include biological reference points and account for scientific uncertainty (i.e. process, model and observation uncertainty). In this regard, two approaches have been recommended: (a) biomass reference points to safeguard against low stock biomass, and (b) uncertainty buffers that reduce the catch limit as a function of the scientific uncertainty. This study compares the effectiveness of these two precautionary approaches in recovering over‐exploited fish stocks. We evaluate the performance of more than 80 harvest control rules (HCRs) within a stochastic management strategy evaluation (MSE) framework for three stocks with contrasting life‐history parameters and under various levels of scientific uncertainty. The results show that both approaches reduce the risk of overfishing at the expense of expected yield. This risk‐yield trade‐off strongly depends on the HCRs, life‐history parameters of the species, as well as the level of the scientific uncertainty. Nevertheless, some combinations of biomass threshold and limit reference points as well as uncertainty buffers lead to a more favourable risk‐yield trade‐off than other rules. This study elucidates the multiple factors affecting the effectiveness of management strategies and highlights key features of HCRs for precautionary fisheries management.
Do short‐term institutions exploit stock return anomalies?
Authors: Chen Yinfei , Huang Wei , Jiang George J.
Published: August 2021

The literature documentsthat institutional investors in aggregate trade in the “wrong” direction of stock return anomalies. This paper explains the puzzle by isolating active institutions with a shorter‐term investment horizon (“short‐term institutions”). Based on 10 well‐known stock return anomalies, we find that these short‐term institutions indeed exploit anomalies. The results established in the literature are mostly driven by institutions with a longer‐term investment horizon, who are likely more interested in long‐run financial performance. In addition, given that institutional investors are momentum traders, we examine separately how institutional investors trade on momentum and contrarian anomalies. We show that institutions generally trade in the right direction on momentum anomalies but wrong direction on contrarian anomalies. However, over relatively short trading windows, short‐term institutions trade in the right direction of both momentum and contrarian anomalies. Furthermore, we show evidence that when short‐term institutions exploit anomalies, their trades generate significantly positive abnormal returns. Our results also imply that trading by short‐term institutions appears to be subject to liquidity provision by long‐term institutions.
Degradation debts accounting: A holistic approach towards land degradation neutrality
Authors: Zhao Wenwu , Hua Ting , Meadows Michael E. , Pereira Paulo
Published: August 2021

Combatting land degradation and achieving land degradation neutrality are crucial to securing a globally sustainable future. Wuepper et al. (Global Change Biology, 2021) propose an integrated approach to delineate global land degradation based on the concept of natural resources ‘debt’ that combines a diverse range of soil and vegetation indicators. The research is novel both in considering a variety of indicators and in distinguishing between the current state and historical/natural status with (or without) human impact. This novel framework will implement more effective regulatory interventions and land‐use policies, and assist in achieving the long‐term sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems.
Break‐even price and carbon emissions of carinata‐based sustainable aviation fuel production in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Alam Asiful , Masum Md Farhad Hossain , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: August 2021

The production of biomass‐based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is gaining traction to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector. We performed a techno‐economic analysis to estimate the break‐even price and life cycle carbon emissions of the SAF derived from carinata (Brassica carinata) in the Southeastern United States. Carinata has the potential as a feedstock for SAF production in the selected region due to higher yield, low fertilizer use, co‐product generation (animal feed, propane, and naphtha), and compatibility with current farming practices. The system boundary started at the farm and ended when the SAF is delivered to an airport. Without co‐product credit or other subsidies such as Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credit, carinata‐based SAF was more expensive ($0.85 L−1 to $1.28 L−1) than conventional aviation fuel ($0.50 L−1). With co‐product credit only, the break‐even price ranged from $0.34 L−1 to $0.89 L−1. With both co‐product and RIN credits, the price ranged from ‐$0.12 to ‐$0.66 L−1. The total carbon emission was 918.67 g CO2e L−1 of carinata‐based SAF. This estimate provides 65% relative carbon savings compared with conventional aviation fuel (2618 g CO2e L−1). Sensitivity analysis suggested a 95% probability that relative carbon savings can range from 61% to 68%. Our study indicates that carinata‐based aviation fuel could significantly reduce carbon emissions of the aviation sector. However, current policy support mechanisms should be continued to support manufacturing and distribution in the Southeastern United States.
Circuits of architecture and urban planning: Professional ethos and the internationalization of small architectural offices
Authors: Kettunen Erja , Oinas Päivi , Kalliomäki Helka
Published: August 2021

Although the production of the built environment is increasingly globalized, and architecture and urban planning (AUP) professionals are known to be the key carriers of mobile ideas, the internationalization of small owner‐centred architectural offices has gained little academic attention, compared to the large consultancies that dominate the global market. We bring together the literature on the circuits of urban planning ideas, the international movement of AUP firms and professional ethoses to explore the internationalization of small AUP offices. Using interview data from Finnish offices, we investigate the ‘what, where, why and how’ and find that they have entered specific geographically delimited AUP circuits demarcated by type of project. We contribute to the literature by identifying motives characteristic of small offices guided by professional ethoses suited to the circuits where they internationalize. Their ethoses may evolve in time and space, as they operate in new circuits. We propose that ethos–circuit coherence may contribute to the successful internationalization of small architectural offices. The findings open avenues for further research on professional ethos not only of architects but also other internationally operating professionals, as it may guide their decisions by other than a narrowly conceived profit motive.