bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Delegation Theory of Judicial Review
Authors: Ahmed Farrah
Published: April 2021

This paper offers an interpretive theory which aims to make sense of judicial review doctrine in light of its underlying rationale. The idea that administrators are delegates of Parliament or the Crown lies at the heart of this theory. The paper argues that the best internal rationale for judicial review doctrine is that it holds administrators to their moral duties qua delegates of Parliament or the Crown. This rationale closely fits legal doctrine, including the grounds of review and the scope of review; it reveals the underlying coherence of the law; it shows how the law is supported by some moral reasons; and it closely reflects judicial reasoning. The delegation theory is valuable for normative, predictive, reformatory and pedagogical reasons. It can provide guidance to judges, help to predict how they will decide, help to assess the law, help to evaluate reform proposals and enhance understanding of judicial review amongst administrators, legal practitioners and students.
Gray Areas in Tort: Illegality and Authority after Patel v Mirza
Authors: Fisher James C.
Published: April 2021

This comment describes and critiques the decision of the United Kingdom Supreme Court in Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. It considers in particular the Court's position on the effect of Patel v Mirza on previous illegality case law. It analyses the enduring tensions between Patel and the House of Lords’ decision in Gray v Thames Trains, which the Supreme Court in Henderson upheld as enduringly authoritative notwithstanding the rearticulation of the illegality principle in Patel. It assesses the logical problems in the Supreme Court's position, and contextualises it as an attempt to mitigate Patel ‘s potentially disruptive effects on legal certainty.
Iconographic and archaeometric studies on the rock art at Musayqira, Al‐Quwaiyah Governorate, central Saudi Arabia
Authors: Andreae Meinrat O. , Al‐Amri Abdullah , Al‐Jibrin Faisal Hamad , Alsharekh Abdullah M.
Published: April 2021

We investigated the rock art (petroglyphs) in the Al‐Quwaiyah Governorate (Saudi Arabia) with focus on the Musayqira site. Iconographic analysis showed a broad variety of human depictions, game animals (ibex, ass, ostrich, lion, etc.), domestic animals (cattle, camel, horse, dog, etc.), inscriptions and abstract symbols. Archaeometric measurements by pXRF provided the areal densities of Mn on petroglyphs and intact rock varnish. Varnish accumulation rates were derived from Mn density measurements on inscriptions of known approximate age. Applying these rates to varnish densities on the petroglyphs yielded age estimates. Some of the rock art was incised in fracture fill rather than true varnish, complicating the interpretation of the data. The combination of iconographic and archaeometric data indicated multiple phases of rock art creation, corresponding to the Late Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Islamic Period, with different artistic traditions, reflecting changing socioeconomic and ecological conditions.
Pension Fund Monitoring and Corporate Debt Policy: Evidence from the Korean Market*
Authors: Choi Wonseok , Chung Chune Young , Park Jongchan
Published: April 2021

We investigate whether the Korean National Pension Service, a corporate watchdog and major long‐term investor in South Korea, positively affects corporate financial policy. The Korean National Pension Service is less likely to influence corporate financial policy even among firms with high uncertainty and information opacity, which increases the importance of large shareholders’ monitoring role. Additionally, ownership by the Korean National Pension Service has statistically insignificant effects on firms’ performance and financial soundness.
Polarities of the Human and Divine: Aquinas and Schmitt on Political Theology
Authors: McCormick William
Published: April 2021

The investigations of Carl Schmitt yielded an influential but partial recovery of the term “political theology.” In this article, I consider Schmitt's tendentious reduction of political theology to a justifying or legitimizing function. I then turn to Aquinas to demonstrate that Christian political theology also offers robust criticism of political life. After laying out three such standards for criticism, I account for why Christian political theology exhibits this deep ambivalence toward political life. The traditions of political theology, I argue, can be understood as attempts to harmonize polar tensions with those traditions. Whereas thinkers like Schmitt and Foucault emphasize one set of polarities against another, Aquinas effects a genuine synthesis. This synthesis should be the task of political theology. I close with notes toward the renewal of political theology.
Lung and liver sarcoidosis‐like reaction induced by tocilizumab
Authors: Lambert Nicolas , Hansen Isabelle , El Moussaoui Majdouline , Giot Jean‐Baptiste , Vercheval Christelle , Lommers Émilie , Somja Joan , Moutschen Michel , Maquet Pierre
Published: April 2021

A drug‐induced sarcoidosis‐like reaction is a systemic granulomatous reaction indistinguishable from sarcoidosis and occurring in temporal relationship with a drug initiation. In this article, we report a patient who developed lung and liver granulomatous lesions following tocilizumab initiation for a giant cell arteritis. Infectious, toxic, neoplastic and inflammatory differential diagnoses were ruled out and lesions regressed after treatment cessation, leading to the diagnosis of tocilizumab induced sarcoidosis‐like reaction. We review the 6 cases reported so far and emphasize the value of a prompt diagnosis. Finally, we discuss the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this rare reaction, which could help to better understand the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis.
Preclinical safety evaluation of amphotericin A21: A novel antifungal
Authors: Ortega‐Blake Ivan , Fernández‐Zertuche Mario , Regla Ignacio , Sánchez‐Peña Walfred , Gómez‐Solis Antonieta , Jaimes‐Chavez Paola , Galván‐Hernández Arturo , Tovar‐Garduño Erika , Rodríguez‐Fragoso Lourdes
Published: April 2021

Safety studies are essential in drug development. This study evaluates the safety of Amphotericin A21 (AmB‐A21), a derivative of amphotericin B with antifungal therapeutic potential. We performed a chronic toxicity study, a targeted organ study and a dermal irritation test. To evaluate chronic toxicity, 18 male adult rats were treated orally with AmB‐21 (2 mg/kg) for 26 weeks. The effects on body‐weight and animal health were measured, and haematological, clinical chemistry and histopathological tests were conducted on various organs. In the target organ toxicity study, male adult rats received a daily oral dose of AmB‐21 (2 mg/kg) for 6 and 17 weeks; testicle histology and testosterone levels were then evaluated. For the dermal irritation study, AmB‐21 (200 and 1000 mg/kg) was placed on the skin of adult male rabbits; macroscopic and microscopic studies, as well as haematological and clinical chemistry tests were then conducted. The chronic toxicity study revealed that AmB‐21 caused testicle damage, and the testicle‐targeted study showed structural alterations and changes in testosterone levels at 17 weeks. However, these alterations were no longer observed 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment, and the testes showed very similar characteristics to those in the control group. The dermal irritation study showed skin thickening and reddening in rabbits treated with 2000 mg of AmB‐A21 after 14 days of exposure. This same group also showed changes in liver enzymes, renal parameters and platelet levels. Based on our results, we consider AmB‐21 to be a potential candidate for safe, long‐term antifungal treatment given its reduced side effects.
Prelimbic cortical stimulation disrupts fear memory consolidation through ventral hippocampal dopamine D2 receptors
Authors: Tan Shawn Zheng Kai , Poon Chi Him , Chan Ying‐Shing , Lim Lee Wei
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Anxiety disorders pose one of the biggest threats to mental health worldwide, yet current therapeutics have been mostly ineffective due to issues with relapse, efficacy and toxicity of the medications. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising therapy for treatment‐resistant psychiatric disorders including anxiety, but very little is known about the effects of deep brain stimulation on fear memories.

Experimental Approach

In this study, we employed a standard tone‐footshock fear conditioning paradigm and modified plus maze discriminative avoidance task to probe the effects of prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation on various stages of memory.

Key Results

We identified memory consolidation stage as a critical time point to disrupt fear memory via prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation. The observed disruption was partially modulated by the inactivation of the ventral hippocampus and the transient changes in ventral hippocampus dopamine (D2) receptors expression upon prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation. We also observed wide‐scale changes of various neurotransmitters and their metabolites in ventral hippocampus, confirming its important role in response to prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation.

Conclusion and Implications

These findings highlight the molecular mechanism in the ventral hippocampus in response to prelimbic cortex stimulation and may have translational value, indicating that targeting the prelimbic cortex in the memory consolidation stage via non‐invasive neuromodulation techniques may be a feasible therapeutic strategy against anxiety disorders.
Families with parental mental illness: Studying a home‐based intervention program
Authors: Oppenheim‐Weller Shani , Shtark Tammi , Aldor Roy
Published: April 2021

This study is the first to systematically examine the implementation of the BROSH program, a therapeutic intervention program developed in Israel for families in which one or both parents suffer from mental illness. The program is multidisciplinary, encompassing the collaboration of four different services. It aims to engage the families into therapy by building a strong working alliance and helping in emotional stress regulation. Further, the program aims to prevent parental hospitalization and children's out‐of‐home placement. We conducted an in‐depth investigation of the functioning of parents and children participating in the program. We analysed protocols that followed 11 families throughout the multidisciplinary professionals' meetings. Our findings indicate that the functioning of parents and children showed positive changes—improved stress regulation by parents and children and more familial engagement in the treatment program. It seems that both parents and children participating in the BROSH program benefitted from it by establishing coping abilities and being able to receive therapeutic help.
Evaluating impacts of forage fish abundance on marine predators
Authors: Free Christopher M. , Jensen Olaf P. , Hilborn Ray
Published: April 2021

Forage fish—small, low trophic level, pelagic fish such as herrings, sardines, and anchovies—are important prey species in marine ecosystems and also support large commercial fisheries. In many parts of the world, forage fish fisheries are managed using precautionary principles that target catch limits below the maximum sustainable yield. However, there are increasing calls to further limit forage fish catch to safeguard their fish, seabird, and marine mammal predators. The effectiveness of these extra‐precautionary regulations, which assume that increasing prey abundance increases predator productivity, are under debate. In this study, we used prey‐linked population models to measure the influence of forage fish abundance on the population growth rates of 45 marine predator populations representing 32 fish, seabird, and mammal species from 5 regions around the world. We used simulated data to confirm the ability of the statistical model to accurately detect prey influences under varying levels of influence strength and process variability. Our results indicate that predator productivity was rarely influenced by the abundance of their forage fish prey. Only 6 predator populations (13% of the total) were positively influenced by increasing prey abundance and the model exhibited high power to detect prey influences when they existed. These results suggest that additional limitation of forage fish harvest to levels well below sustainable yields would rarely result in detectable increases in marine predator populations.
Long‐term outcomes of patients with poor prognostic factors following transanal endoscopic microsurgery for early rectal cancer
Authors: Javed Muhammad A. , Shamim Sarah , Slawik Simone , Andrews Timothy , Montazeri Amir , Ahmed Shakil
Published: April 2021

Aim

Management of early rectal cancer following transanal microscopic anal surgery poses a management dilemma when the histopathology reveals poor prognostic features, due to high risk of local recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oncological outcomes of such patients who undergo surgery with total mesorectal excision (TME), receive adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy (CRDT/RT) or receive close surveillance only (no further treatment).

Methods

We identified patients with poor prognostic factors—pT2 adenocarcinoma, poor differentiation, deep submucosal invasion (Kikuchi SM3), lymphovascular invasion, tumour budding or R1 resection margin—between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2020 and report their oncological outcomes.

Results

Of the 53 patients, 18 had TME, 14 had CRDT and 14 had RT; seven patients did not have any further treatment. The median follow‐up was 48 months, 12 developed recurrence and six died. Overall, 5‐year survival (OS) was 88.9% and disease‐free survival (DFS) was 79.2%. Compared to the surgical group, in which there were eight recurrences and two deaths, there were zero recurrences or deaths in the CRDT group, log‐rank test P = 0.206 for OS and P = 0.005 for DFS. The 5‐year survival rates in the RT and surveillance only groups were OS 78.6%, DFS 85.7% and OS 71.5%, DFS 71% respectively. TME assessment in the surgical group revealed Grade 3 quality in seven of the 16 available reports.

Conclusion

These findings support the strategy of adjuvant CRDT as first line treatment for patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery for early rectal cancer with poor prognostic factors on initial histological assessment.
Habitat loss accelerates for the endangered woodland caribou in western Canada
Authors: Nagy‐Reis Mariana , Dickie Melanie , Calvert Anna M. , Hebblewhite Mark , Hervieux Dave , Seip Dale R. , Gilbert Sophie L. , Venter Oscar , DeMars Craig , Boutin Stan , Serrouya Robert
Published: April 2021

Habitat loss is often the ultimate cause of species endangerment and is also a leading factor inhibiting species recovery. For this reason, species‐at‐risk legislation, policies and plans typically focus on habitat conservation and restoration as mechanisms for recovery. To assess the effectiveness of these instruments in decelerating habitat loss, we evaluated spatiotemporal habitat changes for an iconic endangered species, woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). We quantified changes in forest cover, a key proxy of caribou habitat, for all caribou subpopulations in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Despite efforts under federal and provincial recovery plans, and requirements listed under Canada's Species at Risk Act, caribou subpopulations lost twice as much habitat as they gained during a 12‐year period (2000–2012). Drivers of habitat loss varied by ecotype, with Boreal and Northern Mountain caribou affected most by forest fire and Southern Mountain caribou affected more by forest harvest. Our case study emphasizes critical gaps between recovery planning and habitat management actions, which are a core expectation under most species‐at‐risk legislation. Loss of caribou habitat from 2000 to 2018 has accelerated. Linear features within caribou ranges have also increased over time, particularly seismic lines within Boreal caribou ranges, and we estimated that only 5% of seismic lines have functionally regenerated. Our findings support the idea that short‐term recovery actions such as predator reductions and translocations will likely just delay caribou extinction in the absence of well‐considered habitat management. Given the magnitude of ongoing habitat change, it is clear that unless the cumulative impacts of land‐uses are effectively addressed through planning and management actions that consider anthropogenic and natural disturbances, we will fail to achieve self‐sustaining woodland caribou populations across much of North America.
Multimodality imaging of constrictive pericarditis in H syndrome
Authors: Malakan Rad Elaheh , Yaghmaei Bahareh , Ziaee Vahid , Beirami Farzaneh , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza
Published: April 2021

This is the first report of constrictive pericarditis (CP) in a 16‐year‐old boy with H syndrome with pericardial involvement predominantly over the right ventricle with favorable response to anti‐inflammatory treatment. H syndrome, first reported in 2008, is a new auto‐inflammatory syndrome with multiorgan involvement due to mutation in the SLC29A3 gene. We described the echocardiographic characteristics of asymmetric pericardial involvement and presented the cardiac computed tomography angiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. We reviewed the echocardiographic signs of CP, introduced tricuspid E/A respiratory alternans as a novel echocardiographic sign of right ventricular dominant CP, and explained the underlying mechanism.
Microclimatic edge effects in a fragmented forest: disentangling the drivers of ecological processes in plant‐leafminer‐parasitoid food webs
Authors: Bernaschini María Laura , Rossetti María Rosa , Valladares Graciela , Salvo Adriana
Published: April 2021

1. In forest fragments, microclimatic conditions differ between interior and forest edges and also vary with geographical orientation. These microclimatic variations could affect plant‐insect food webs and the ecological processes in which they are involved.

2. We evaluated the effects of microclimatic conditions, and the direct and indirect effects caused by changes in plant resources and leafminer abundance on leafminer herbivory and parasitism in the interior, and north and south‐facing edges of Chaco Serrano forest fragments in central Argentina.

3. In the interior, and north and south‐facing edges of six forest fragments, we recorded: microclimatic variables, plant resource characteristics, leaf‐mining larvae availability, and leafminer herbivory and parasitism at plant community level and in three species (Croton lachnostachyus, Cestrum parqui, and Solanum argentinum).

4. Herbivory was higher in north‐facing edges compared to south‐facing edges, while parasitism was generally greater in edges than in the interior. Temperature fluctuations positively affected plant community herbivory (through changes in leafminer abundance) but negatively affected S. argentinum herbivory via changes in foliar area and leaf‐mining larvae availability. Lower humidity levels directly favoured parasitism at plant community level, whereas higher thermal variations enhanced the parasitism of S. argentinum leafminers. Greater solar radiation favoured parasitism of C. lachnostachyus leafminers.

5. Our results highlighted idiosyncrasy of each studied system (plant community and focal plant species), which responded differently to microclimate, and showed that mechanisms triggering herbivory and parasitism were different. The interior, and north and south‐facing edges of these forest fragments may function as differential micro‐refuges for herbivores and parasitoids under global warming context.
Characterization, in vitro bioactivity and biological studies of sol‐gel‐derived TiO2 substituted 58S bioactive glass
Authors: Moghanian Amirhossein , Nasiripour Saba , Koohfar Atiyyeh , Sajjadnejad Mohammad , Hosseini SeyedMohammad , Taherkhani Mohsen , Miri Zahra , Hosseini Seyed Hesamedin , Aminitabar Mehrnaz , Rashvand Ali
Published: April 2021

Bioactive glasses (BGs) have been used for bone formation and bone repair processes in recent years. This study investigated the titanium substitution effect on 58S BGs (Ti‐BGs) 60SiO2‐(36 − X)CaO‐4P2O5‐XTiO2 (X = 0, 3, and 5 mol.%) prepared by the sol‐gel technique, and the main goal was to find the optimum amount of titanium in Ti‐BGs. Synthesized BGs, which were investigated after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), were tested by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity, 3‐(4,5dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and antibacterial studies were employed to investigate the biological properties of Ti‐BGs. According to the FTIR and XRD test results, hydroxyapatite (HA) formation on Ti‐BGs surfaces was confirmed. Meanwhile, the presence of 5 mol.% compared to 3 mol.% increased the HA grain distribution and their size on the Ti‐BGs surface. Additionally, MTT and ALP results confirmed that the optimal amount of titanium substitution in BG was 5 mol.%. Since 5 mol.% Ti incorporated BG (BG‐5) had the highest biocompatibility level, antibacterial properties, maximum cell proliferation, and ALP activity among the synthesized Ti‐BGs, it is presented as the best candidate for further in vivo investigations.
A tissue‐engineered biocomplex for periodontal reconstruction. A proof‐of‐principle randomized clinical study
Authors: Apatzidou Danae A. , Bakopoulou Athina A. , Kouzi‐Koliakou Kokkona , Karagiannis Vassilis , Konstantinidis Antonis
Published: April 2021

Aim

To assess the safety/efficacy of a tissue‐engineered biocomplex in periodontal reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty‐seven intrabony defects were block‐randomized across three treatment groups: Group‐A (NA = 9) received autologous clinical‐grade alveolar bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (a‐BMMSCs), seeded into collagen scaffolds, enriched with autologous fibrin/platelet lysate (aFPL). In Group‐B (NB = 10), the collagen scaffold/aFPL devoid of a‐BMMSCs filled the osseous defect. Group‐C (NC = 8) received Minimal Access Flap surgery retaining the soft tissue wall of defects identically with Groups‐A/‐B. Subjects were clinically/radiographically assessed before anaesthesia (baseline) and repeatedly over 12 months.

Results

Quality controls were satisfied before biocomplex transplantation. There were no adverse healing events. All approaches led to significant clinical improvements (p < .001) with no inter‐group differences. At 12 months, the estimated marginal means for all groups were as follows: 3.0 (95% CI: 1.9–4.1) mm for attachment gain; 3.7 (2.7–4.8) mm for probing pocket depth reduction; 0.7 (0.2–1.3) mm increase in recession. An overall greater mean reduction in the radiographic Cemento‐Enamel Junction to Bottom Defect (CEJ‐BD) distance was found for Groups‐A/‐C over Group‐B (p < .023).

Conclusion

Radiographic evidence of bone fill was less pronounced in Group‐B, although clinical improvements were similar across groups. All approaches aimed to trigger the innate healing potential of tissues. Cell‐based therapy is justified for periodontal reconstruction and remains promising in selected cases.
Triplophysa ferganaensis, a new loach species from Fergana Valley in Central Asia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: Sheraliev Bakhtiyor , Peng Zuogang
Published: April 2021

Triplophysa ferganaensis sp. nov. is described from the Shakhimardan stream, a small tributary of the Syr Darya, which does not reach the river in Fergana Valley. It can be distinguished from other valid Triplophysa loaches based on the following combination of characters: body smooth and scaleless, lateral line complete, posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated, inner gill rakers 10–11 on the first‐gill arch, outer gill rakers absent, vertebrae 4 + 35–36, 8 + 8 branched caudal‐fin rays, caudal peduncle depth 2.1–2.7 times its length, two supratemporal pores, dorsal‐fin origin closer to the caudal‐fin base than to the snout tip, caudal fin emarginated and pelvic‐fin tip reaching the anus. The new species can also be distinguished from its congeners based on the molecular analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (coI) gene sequences. The phylogenetic position of this new species indicates that it is a sister taxon of Triplophysa tenuis.
Hormonal and neural responses to restraint stress in an animal model of perimenopause in female rats
Authors: Arikawe Adesina Paul , Rorato Rodrigo César , Gomes Nathali , Elias Lucila Leico , Anselmo‐Franci Janete
Published: April 2021

The present study investigated the hormonal and neural responses to stress in a perimenopause animal model induced by 4‐vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), which induces progressive follicular depletion in rodents, allowing studies on the transition to ovarian failure. Female rats, aged 28 days old, were s.c. injected for 15 consecutive days with corn oil or VCD. At 85 ± 5 days after the onset of treatment, the jugular vein was cannulated in the afternoon of metoestrus and in next morning (dioestrus) at 10.00 am, rats were subjected to 30 minutes of restraint stress. Blood samples were withdrawn before (‐5 minutes), during (2, 5, 15 and 30 minutes) and after (45, 60 and 90 minutes) stress and plasma prolactin, progesterone and corticosterone levels were measured. Animals were perfused, brains processed for c‐Fos/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the locus coeruleus (LC) and c‐Fos/corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In unstressed rats the density of β‐endorphin fibres was assessed in LC and PVN. In VCD‐treated rats, stress‐induced prolactin peak was higher, basal and peak progesterone levels were lower, and both levels of corticosterone were similar to controls. However, the recovery period was longer for both adrenal hormones. In VCD‐treated rats the number of c‐Fos/TH and c‐Fos/CRF‐immunoreactive neurones was higher whereas the density of β‐endorphin fibres was lower in LC and PVN. We surmise that the hyperactivity of the LC and PVN neurones in VCD‐treated rats may be a result of the lower progesterone levels that resulted in the decrease of β‐endorphin content in both nuclei, thus impairing the negative‐feedback mechanism in the recovery period.
The association between rosacea and the condition of low tolerance to skincare of the facial skin: a case‐control study in China
Authors: Deng Zhili , Yan Sha , Li Ji , Yao Yanan , Li Guo , Hong Zhiyu , Huang Yingxue
Published: April 2021

Background

Patients with rosacea often complained of low tolerance to skincare.

Aim

To examine if the preexisted low tolerance to skincare is associated with rosacea the occurrence of the Chinese population.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control survey of 997 rosacea cases and 1012 skin‐healthy controls was carried out in China. Low tolerance to skincare was evaluated based on the history of facial skin allergic reactions related to skincare in the past 5 years before the onset of rosacea. A comparative analysis was performed between the case and control groups by the chi‐square test and the logistic regression analysis.

Results

History of facial skin allergic reaction due to skin care products (OR = 5.110, 95% CI = 3.893–6.706) and skin care in beauty salons (OR = 3.002, 95% CI = 1.506–5.981) both presented a positive correlations with the occurrence of rosacea. Facial masks and cosmetics were two of the most common products causing facial allergic reaction. The OR values increased with the increased frequency of allergic reactions related to facial mask and cosmetics. In addition, the history of facial skin allergic reaction had a significantly associated with the severity of self‐reported symptoms of rosacea including dryness, burning, stinging and itching.

Conclusions

The condition of low tolerance of the facial skin to skincare was closely associated with the occurrence of rosacea.
Brassica oleracea extract, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane promote hair growth in vitro and ex vivo
Authors: Luo Zhen , Zhang Xuewu
Published: April 2021

Background

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss, in which dihyrotestosterone (DHT) plays a crucial role via modulating androgen receptors in hair follicles.

Aims

The current objective is to search for new therapy of AGA.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the effects of sulforaphane, its precursor glucosinlates and glucosinlates‐enriched Brassica oleracea L.var.italic Planch extract (BOE) on the growth of hair follicle and the related matrix cell viability, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms in vitro and ex vivo.

Results

We observed that BOE, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane can prevent the testosterone‐induced inhibition of dermal papilla (DP) cells viability. BOE and sulforaphane can even hinder the testosterone‐induced inhibition of HaCaT cells viability. Moreover, BOE, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane can up‐regulate the cytokeratin gene expression in HaCaT cells, prevent the increase in Bax gene levels induced by testosterone in DP, and promote the growth of hair follicle of mice. These effects can be linked to the enhancement of DP and HaCaT cells activities and the prevention of the testosterone‐induced cell apoptosis of DP cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, BOE, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane can promote the growth of hair follicle of mice and can be used as potential treatment agents for androgenic alopecia.
Functional brain network reorganization in HIV infection
Authors: Minosse Silvia , Picchi Eliseo , Di Giuliano Francesca , Sarmati Loredana , Teti Elisabetta , Pistolese Chiara Adriana , Lanzafame Simona , Di Ciò Francesco , Guerrisi Maria , Andreoni Massimo , Floris Roberto , Toschi Nicola , Garaci Francesco
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

To investigate the reorganization of the central nervous system provided by resting state‐functional MRI (rs‐fMRI), graph‐theoretical analysis, and a newly developed functional brain network disruption index in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Methods

Forty HIV‐positive patients without neurological impairment and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent rs‐fMRI at 3T; blood sampling was obtained the same day to evaluate biochemical variables (absolute, relative, and nadir CD4 T‐lymphocytes value and plasmatic HIV‐RNA). From fMRI data, disruption indices, as well as global and local graph theoretical measures, were estimated and examined for group differences (HIV vs. controls) as well as for associations with biochemical variables (HIV only). Finally, all data (global and local graph‐theoretical measures, disruption indices, and biochemical variables) were tested for putative differences across three patient groups based on the duration of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Results

Brain function of HIV patients appeared to be deeply reorganized as compared to normal controls. The disruption index showed significant negative association with relative CD4 values, and a positive significant association between plasmatic HIV‐RNA and local graph‐theoretical metrics in the left lingual gyrus and the right lobule IV and V of right cerebellar hemisphere was also observed. Finally, a differential distribution of HIV clinical biomarkers and several brain metrics was observed across cART duration groups.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that rs‐fMRI combined with advanced graph theoretical analysis and disruption indices is able to detect early and subtle functional changes of brain networks in HIV patients.
Death in four RHDV2‐vaccinated pet rabbits due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2)
Authors: Hänske G. G. , König P. , Schuhmann B. , Bertram C. A. , Müller K.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To create awareness of single RHDV2 infections and cases of death despite immunisation with RHDV2‐specific vaccine.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case series of four companion rabbits. Patient signalment, vaccination history, pathology and molecular examinations were obtained from the medical records.

Results

The animals died peracutely or with nonspecific symptoms like apathy and inappetence. Pathological examination indicated and molecular biological findings confirmed RHDV2 infection in four animals. Several partner animals died at the same time under the same circumstances.

Clinical Significance

This is the first report of fatalities in RHDV2‐vaccinated companion rabbits due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 infection with documented case and vaccination history. Veterinarians should be aware of possible single fatal RHDV2 infections despite vaccination, should initiate the clarification of suspected cases and inform vaccine manufacturers and competent authorities.
Invasive populations of Spiraea tomentosa (Rosaceae) are genetically diverse but decline during succession in forest habitats
Authors: Lorenz J. , Heinrich R. , Schneider A. , Schwager M. , Herklotz V. , Wesche K. , Ritz C. M.
Published: April 2021

Population genetic and ecological data may help to control invasive plants, which are considered a major threat to natural habitats. In contrast to expected bottleneck events, genetic diversity of such invasive populations may be high due to extensive propagule pressure or admixture. The ecological impact of invasive species has been broadly evaluated in the field; however, long‐term studies on the fate of invasive plants are scarce.

We analysed genetic diversity and structure in invasive Spiraea tomentosa populations in eastern Germany and western Poland using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism. Potential hybridization between co‐occurring diploid Sp. tomentosa and tetraploid Sp. douglasii was investigated using Flow Cytometry. The genetic analyses were complemented by data from a 13‐year vegetation study in an area invaded by these Spiraea species.

We found no evidence for hybridization between Spiraea species. In populations of Sp. tomentosa both genetic diversity (He = 0.26) and genetic structure (ΦPT = 0.27) were high and comparable to other outcrossing woody plants. Low levels of clonality, presence of seedlings and new patches in sites that had been colonized over the last 13 years imply that populations spread via sexual reproduction. In all habitat types, native species diversity declined following Sp. tomentosa invasion. However, detailed aerial mapping of a forest reserve with ongoing succession revealed that Spiraea spp. populations have declined over a 10‐year period.

Despite its potential for dispersal and negative effects on native plant communities, invasive Spiraea populations may be controlled by increasing canopy cover in forest habitats.
Mapping Confederate Icons and Their Contestation
Authors: Evans Jocelyn J. , Sims Katherine
Published: April 2021

Objective

In this article, we use racial threat theory to examine the contemporary debate over the place of Confederate memorials in the public square.

Method

We predict removal of Confederate iconography based on sociodemographic and organizational measures at the county level using logistic regression analysis.

Results

We find strong evidence to suggest that county characteristics involving urban density, minority presence, average per capita income, and historic patterns of racially motivated social organization do influence the decision to keep or remove Confederate memorials today.

Conclusions

This project speaks to the spatial politics of commemorative landmarks as focal points for broader struggles over the formation and maintenance of community memory and identity. It also sheds light on competing paths moving forward—one focused on stripping memorials away from the public square and the other focused on protecting them for posterity.
High overexpression of CERES, a plant regulator of translation, induces different phenotypical defence responses during TuMV infection
Authors: Toribio René , Muñoz Alfonso , Sánchez Flora , Ponz Fernando , Castellano M. Mar
Published: April 2021

Mutations in the eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E confer potyvirus resistance in a range of plant hosts. This supports the notion that, in addition to their role in translation of cellular mRNAs, eIF4E isoforms are also essential for the potyvirus cycle. CERES is a plant eIF4E‐ and eIF(iso)4E‐binding protein that, through its binding to the eIF4Es, modulates translation initiation; however, its possible role in potyvirus resistance is unknown. In this article, we analyse if the ectopic expression of AtCERES is able to interfere with turnip mosaic virus replication in plants. Our results demonstrate that, during infection, the ectopic expression of CERES in Nicotiana benthamiana promotes the development of a mosaic phenotype when it is accumulated to moderate levels, but induces veinal necrosis when it is accumulated to higher levels. This necrotic process resembles a hypersensitive response (HR)‐like response that occurs with different HR hallmarks. Remarkably, Arabidopsis plants inoculated with a virus clone that promotes high expression of CERES do not show signs of infection. These final phenotypical outcomes are independent of the capacity of CERES to bind to eIF4E. All these data suggest that CERES, most likely due to its leucine‐rich repeat nature, could act as a resistance protein, able to promote a range of different defence responses when it is highly overexpressed from viral constructs.
Effects of sex and menstrual cycle on sweating during isometric handgrip exercise and postexercise forearm occlusion
Authors: Okamoto Yumi , Amano Tatsuro
Published: April 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do sex and menstrual cycle modulate sweating during isometric handgrip exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Sex modulates sweating during isometric handgrip exercise, as indicated by the lower sweat output per gland in women than in men, but not during muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Sweat output per gland during isometric handgrip exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation were lower in the mid‐luteal phase than in the early follicular phase in women. Cholinergic sweat gland sensitivity might explain, in part, the individual variation of the response. Our results provide new insights regarding sex‐ and menstrual cycle‐related modulation of the sweating response.

We investigated whether sex and menstrual cycle could modulate sweating during isometric handgrip (IH) exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Twelve young, healthy women in the early follicular (EF) and mid‐luteal (ML) phases and 14 men underwent two experimental sessions consisting of a 1.5 min IH exercise at 25 and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in a hot environment (35°C, relative humidity 50%) followed by 2 min forearm occlusion to stimulate muscle metaboreceptors. Sweat rates, the number of activated sweat glands and the sweat output per gland (SGO) on the forearm and chest were assessed. Pilocarpine‐induced sweating was also assessed via transdermal iontophoresis to compare the responses with those of IH exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation, based on correlation analysis. Sweat rates on the forearm and chest during IH exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation did not differ between men and women in either menstrual cycle phase (all P ≥ 0.144). However, women in both phases showed lower SGO on the forearm and/or chest compared with men during IH exercise at 50% of MVC, with no differences in muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Women in the ML phase had a lower forearm sweat rate during IH exercise at 50% of MVC (P = 0.015) and SGO during exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation (main effect, both P ≤ 0.003) compared with those in the EF phase. Overall, sweat rate and SGO during IH exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation were correlated with pilocarpine‐induced responses (all P ≤ 0.064, r ≥ 0.303). We showed that sex and menstrual cycle modulate sudomotor activity during IH exercise and/or muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Cholinergic sweat gland sensitivity might explain, in part, the individual variation of the response.
Absolute pitch is disrupted by a memory illusion
Authors: Deutsch Diana , Edelstein Miren , Dooley Kevin , Henthorn Trevor
Published: April 2021

An experiment is reported, showing that short-term memory for pitch in absolute pitch (AP) possessors, while substantially more accurate than in AP nonpossessors, is also subject to illusory conjunctions of pitch and time and so can be distorted or enhanced by a single tone embedded in a sequence of six other tones. Both AP possessors and AP nonpossessors performed a short-term memory task. A test tone was presented, then a sequence of six intervening tones, and then a probe tone. The test and probe tones either were identical in pitch or differed by a semitone. The AP nonpossessors judged whether the test and probe tones were the same or different, and the AP possessors identified the test and probe tones by name. In some conditions, a tone of identical pitch to the probe tone or an octave removed from this tone was included in the intervening sequence. In both the AP possessors and AP nonpossessors, this illusion-producing tone increased judgments that the test and probe tones were identical. These results accord with a model of the system underlying short-term memory for pitch proposed earlier and show that this system is bidimensional in nature, involving both pitch height and pitch class.
Large-Scale Vortices with Dynamic Rotation Emerged from Monolayer Collective Motion of Gliding
Flavobacteria
Authors: Nakane Daisuke , Odaka Shoko , Suzuki Kana , Nishizaka Takayuki
Published: April 2021

Self-propelled bacteria propelled by flagellar rotation often display highly organized dynamic patterns at high cell densities. Here, we found a new mode of collective motion in nonflagellated bacteria; vortex patterns spontaneously appeared as lattice and were integrated into a large-scale circular plate, comprising hundreds of thousands of cells, which exhibited unidirectional rotation in a counterclockwise manner and expanded in size on agar.
Human Nasal and Lung Tissues Infected
Ex Vivo
with SARS-CoV-2 Provide Insights into Differential Tissue-Specific and Virus-Specific Innate Immune Responses in the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract
Authors: Alfi Or , Yakirevitch Arkadi , Wald Ori , Wandel Ori , Izhar Uzi , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Nevo Yuval , Elgavish Sharona , Dagan Elad , Madgar Ory , Feinmesser Gilad , Pikarsky Eli , Bronstein Michal , Vorontsov Olesya , Jonas Wayne , Ives John , Walter Joan , Zakay-Rones Zichria , Oberbaum Menachem , Panet Amos , Wolf Dana G.
Published: April 2021

In order to reduce the late-phase morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, there is a need to better understand and target the earliest stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human respiratory tract. Here, we have studied the initial steps of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the consequent innate immune responses within the natural multicellular complexity of human nasal mucosal and lung tissues.
The Functional Significance of Bacterial Predators
Authors: Hungate Bruce A. , Marks Jane C. , Power Mary E. , Schwartz Egbert , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Blazewicz Steven J. , Chuckran Peter , Dijkstra Paul , Finley Brianna K. , Firestone Mary K. , Foley Megan , Greenlon Alex , Hayer Michaela , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Koch Benjamin J. , Mack Michelle C. , Mau Rebecca L. , Miller Samantha N. , Morrissey Ember M. , Propster Jeffrey R. , Purcell Alicia M. , Sieradzki Ella , Starr Evan P. , Stone Bram W. G. , Terrer César , Pett-Ridge Jennifer
Published: April 2021

The word “predator” may conjure images of leopards killing and eating impala on the African savannah or of great white sharks attacking elephant seals off the coast of California. But microorganisms are also predators, including bacteria that kill and eat other bacteria.
Fungal-Bacterial Cooccurrence Patterns Differ between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Nonmycorrhizal Fungi across Soil Niches
Authors: Yuan Mengting Maggie , Kakouridis Anne , Starr Evan , Nguyen Nhu , Shi Shengjing , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Nuccio Erin , Zhou Jizhong , Firestone Mary
Published: April 2021

Soils near living and decomposing roots form distinct niches that promote microorganisms with distinctive environmental preferences and interactions. Yet few studies have assessed the community-level cooccurrence of bacteria and fungi in these soil niches as plant roots grow and senesce.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on institutional delivery, neonatal admissions and prematurity: a reflection from Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ezenwa Beatrice Nkolika , Fajolu Iretiola B , Nabwera Helen , Wang Duolao , Ezeaka Chinyere V , Allen Stephen
Published: April 2021

We assessed the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on deliveries and neonatal admissions according to gestation in Lagos, Nigeria. During lockdown (April–June 2020), there was a marked fall of about 50% in in-hospital deliveries and admissions to the neonatal wards for both in and outborn infants compared with prelockdown (January–March 2020) and a comparison period (April–June 2019). However, the proportion of preterm infants was broadly similar in each period. Lockdown markedly reduced hospital deliveries and healthcare-seeking for sick newborns but did not influence the overall proportion of preterm births among in-house deliveries and outborn neonatal admissions.
Infliximab is associated with attenuated immunogenicity to BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with IBD
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas A , Lin Simeng , Goodhand James R , Chanchlani Neil , Hamilton Benjamin , Bewshea Claire , Nice Rachel , Chee Desmond , Cummings JR Fraser , Fraser Aileen , Irving Peter M , Kamperidis Nikolaos , Kok Klaartje B , Lamb Christopher Andrew , Macdonald Jonathan , Mehta Shameer , Pollok Richard CG , Raine Tim , Smith Philip J , Verma Ajay Mark , Jochum Simon , McDonald Timothy J , Sebastian Shaji , Lees Charlie W , Powell Nick , Ahmad Tariq
Published: April 2021

Objective

Delayed second dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination trades maximal effectiveness for a lower level of immunity across more of the population. We investigated whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with infliximab have attenuated serological responses to a single dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Design

Antibody responses and seroconversion rates in infliximab-treated patients (n=865) were compared with a cohort treated with vedolizumab (n=428), a gut-selective anti-integrin α4β7 monoclonal antibody. Our primary outcome was anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) antibody concentrations, measured using the Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) antibody assay 3–10 weeks after vaccination, in patients without evidence of prior infection. Secondary outcomes were seroconversion rates (defined by a cut-off of 15 U/mL), and antibody responses following past infection or a second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine.

Results

Geometric mean (SD) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations were lower in patients treated with infliximab than vedolizumab, following BNT162b2 (6.0 U/mL (5.9) vs 28.8 U/mL (5.4) p<0.0001) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (4.7 U/mL (4.9)) vs 13.8 U/mL (5.9) p<0.0001) vaccines. In our multivariable models, antibody concentrations were lower in infliximab-treated compared with vedolizumab-treated patients who received the BNT162b2 (fold change (FC) 0.29 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.40), p<0.0001) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (FC 0.39 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.51), p<0.0001) vaccines. In both models, age ≥60 years, immunomodulator use, Crohn’s disease and smoking were associated with lower, while non-white ethnicity was associated with higher, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations. Seroconversion rates after a single dose of either vaccine were higher in patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine.

Conclusion

Infliximab is associated with attenuated immunogenicity to a single dose of the BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection, or a second dose of vaccine, led to seroconversion in most patients. Delayed second dosing should be avoided in patients treated with infliximab.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN45176516.