bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) in Oceania: Origin, evolution and dispersal
Authors: Wright Shane D. , Liddell Luke G. , Lacap‐Bugler Donnabella C. , Gillman Len N.
Published: May 2021

Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) comprises 58 woody species distributed across Oceania and with three singleton outliers in Philippines, South America and Africa. Centres of species richness occur in New Zealand and New Caledonia. This distribution accords with a proposed Gondwanan origin for the family. While the phylogeography of one component of the genus – subgenus Metrosideros – has received some examination, the rest of the genus has not been resolved. In this study, we improve resolution of the phylogeny of Metrosideros and consider origin, possible vicariant relationships, long‐distance dispersal events and dispersal routes for the genus. A Bayesian phylogeny, with all but one recently described species of Metrosideros, was constructed using concatenated ITS + ETS rDNA from samples we collected and sequenced. Relative to previous work on Metrosideros using ITS alone, here, using ITS plus ETS, we produce a more detailed and robust phylogeny with a near threefold increase in significant nodal support. Putative centres of origin/diversification, vicariant events and dispersals were considered with reference to the phylogeny, present‐day diversity and fossil record of Metrosideros. Metrosideros occurs as five clades, including the former genera Tepualia and Carpolepis. The paraphyletic and now superseded subgenus Mearnsia included elements of four of these clades, whereas subgenus Metrosideros forms a single clade with robust support. Our phylogeography indicates multiple dispersal/vicariant events within the history of the genus, a number of which involved New Zealand. Among other such events, we infer an exceptional 6300 km trans‐equatorial dispersal from Fiji to the Bonin Islands (Japan). Australia and New Zealand, respectively, are the likely landmasses of origin and diversification for Metrosideros. Typical patterns of floral dispersal proceed from large continental landmasses onto increasingly remote islands and with distance from continent species diversity usually declines. However, Metrosideros shows a countervailing pattern since relatively remote islands are the main centres of speciation and dispersal.
Multiannual trends (2004–2019) in the abundance of larvae of the invasive mussel Limnoperna fortunei and crustacean zooplankton in a large South American reservoir
Authors: Boltovskoy Demetrio , Bordet Facundo , Leites Valentín , Cataldo Daniel
Published: May 2021

The behavior of non‐indigenous species with time since introduction varies widely and is a major issue in the understanding of their long‐term effects on the habitats colonised. We analysed the long‐term trends in the densities of larvae of the invasive mussel Limnoperna fortunei and planktonic Copepoda and Cladocera in Salto Grande, a large South American reservoir in the Uruguay River (Argentina‐Uruguay), on the basis of weekly samples collected between June 2004 and November 2019. All three groups depicted variable interannual abundances. While mussel veligers showed no significant interannual trends (overall mean: 2552 larvae L−1), crustaceans decreased significantly in the time elapsed (Copepoda: from ˜1000 to 100 ind. L−1; Cladocera: from ˜500 to 100 ind. L−1). We conclude that increasing discharge rates by the Uruguay River and the concomitant decreases in reservoir water residence times are the most likely cause for these drops in their populations. As opposed to many other invasive species elsewhere, and to the same mussel in other South American waterbodies, L. fortunei larvae did not change in abundance with time since introduction. Our results underscore the assumption that each biological introduction is a particular and highly context‐dependent event and the dynamics of biological invasions in general elude broad generalizations.
Caspases and therapeutic potential of caspase inhibitors in moderate–severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and long COVID
Authors: Plassmeyer Matthew , Alpan Oral , Corley Michael J. , Premeaux Thomas A. , Lillard Kimberleigh , Coatney Paige , Vaziri Tina , Michalsky Suzan , Pang Alina P. S. , Bukhari Zaheer , Yeung Stephen T. , Evering Teresa H. , Naughton Gail , Latterich Martin , Mudd Philip , Spada Alfred , Rindone Nicole , Loizou Denise , Ulrik Sønder Søren , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Gupta Raavi
Published: May 2021

Background

COVID‐19 can present with lymphopenia and extraordinary complex multiorgan pathologies that can trigger long‐term sequela.

Aims

Given that inflammasome products, like caspase‐1, play a role in the pathophysiology of a number of co‐morbid conditions, we investigated caspases across the spectrum of COVID‐19 disease.

Materials & Methods

We assessed transcriptional states of multiple caspases and using flow cytometry, the expression of active caspase‐1 in blood cells from COVID‐19 patients in acute and convalescent stages of disease. Non‐COVID‐19 subject presenting with various comorbid conditions served as controls.

Results

Single‐cell RNA‐seq data of immune cells from COVID‐19 patients showed a distinct caspase expression pattern in T cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and eosinophils compared with controls. Caspase‐1 was upregulated in CD4+ T‐cells from hospitalized COVID‐19 patients compared with unexposed controls. Post‐COVID‐19 patients with lingering symptoms (long‐haulers) also showed upregulated caspase‐1activity in CD4+ T‐cells that ex vivo was attenuated with a select pan‐caspase inhibitor. We observed elevated caspase‐3/7levels in red blood cells from COVID‐19 patients compared with controls that was reduced following caspase inhibition.

Discussion

Our preliminary results suggest an exuberant caspase response in COVID‐19 that may facilitate immune‐related pathological processes leading to severe outcomes. Further clinical correlations of caspase expression in different stages of COVID‐19 will be needed.

Conclusion

Pan‐caspase inhibition could emerge as a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate or prevent severe COVID‐19.
PROSPECT guideline for total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and procedure‐specific postoperative pain management recommendations
Authors: Anger M. , Valovska T. , Beloeil H. , Lirk P. , Joshi G. P. , Van de Velde M. , Raeder J. ,   the PROSPECT Working Group* and the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy
Published: May 2021

The aim of this systematic review was to develop recommendations for the management of postoperative pain after primary elective total hip arthroplasty, updating the previous procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) guidelines published in 2005 and updated in July 2010. Randomised controlled trials and meta‐analyses published between July 2010 and December 2019 assessing postoperative pain using analgesic, anaesthetic, surgical or other interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Five hundred and twenty studies were initially identified, of which 108 randomised trials and 21 meta‐analyses met the inclusion criteria. Peri‐operative interventions that improved postoperative pain include: paracetamol; cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitors; non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone. In addition, peripheral nerve blocks (femoral nerve block; lumbar plexus block; fascia iliaca block), single‐shot local infiltration analgesia, intrathecal morphine and epidural analgesia also improved pain. Limited or inconsistent evidence was found for all other approaches evaluated. Surgical and anaesthetic techniques appear to have a minor impact on postoperative pain, and thus their choice should be based on criteria other than pain. In summary, the analgesic regimen for total hip arthroplasty should include pre‐operative or intra‐operative paracetamol and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitors or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. In addition, intra‐operative intravenous dexamethasone 8–10 mg is recommended. Regional analgesic techniques such as fascia iliaca block or local infiltration analgesia are recommended, especially if there are contra‐indications to basic analgesics and/or in patients with high expected postoperative pain. Epidural analgesia, femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block and gabapentinoid administration are not recommended as the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. Although intrathecal morphine 0.1 mg can be used, the PROSPECT group emphasises the risks and side‐effects associated with its use and provides evidence that adequate analgesia may be achieved with basic analgesics and regional techniques without intrathecal morphine.
Differential vasodilator effect of Dioclea rostrata lectin in conductance and resistance arteries: Mechanisms and glycoconjugate binding relationships
Authors: Botelho Tatiani , Osterne Vinicius J.S. , Pinto‐Junior Vanir R. , Oliveira Messias V. , Cavada Benildo S. , Nascimento Kyria S. , dos Santos Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Lectins are proteins that recognize specific carbohydrates, and the vasorelaxant effect of legume lectins has been previously reported, for example the Dioclea rostrata lectin (DRL). This study evaluated major pathways of DRL‐induced relaxation in different artery segments and the possible molecular interactions involved. Rat thoracic aorta, coronary and mesenteric resistance arteries were tested “in vitro” with concentration‐response curves to DRL (0.01‐100 µg/mL). L‐NAME, indomethacin and high KCl were used to evaluate nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase and hyperpolarization‐dependent effects. DRL promoted relaxation of all vessels throughout different mechanisms. L‐NAME blunted DRL‐induced effects only in the aorta and mesenteric resistance artery. By the use of depolarizing KCl solution, vasodilation was reduced in all arteries, while incubation with indomethacin indicated a role of cyclooxygenase‐derived factors for DRL effects in mesenteric and coronary arteries, but not in the aorta. Molecular docking results suggested interactions between DRL and heparan sulphate, CD31 and other glycans present on the membrane surface. These data indicate that the mechanisms involved in DRL‐mediated vasodilation vary between conductance and resistance arteries of different origins, and these effects may be related to the capacity of DRL to bind a diversity of glycans, especially heparan sulphate, a proposed mechanoreceptor for nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase activation.
Navigating difficult waters in a digital era: Technology, uncertainty and the objects of informal lifelong learning
Authors: Goodyear Peter
Published: May 2021

This paper uses two complementary examples from an autoethnographic study of learning and sailing to explore some connections between informal lifelong learning activities, their objects (purposes) and the hybrid (digital and material) technologies on which they depend. The examples focus on an aspect of the craft of sailing and on understanding the relations between sailing, place and local history. The paper argues that close attention to activities in which people engage can help discover some less visible purposes of learning and can broaden our understandings of situated skills. The paper also argues that being able to find and configure environments suitable for learning are important capabilities for successful lifelong learners. The paper has two additional implications for thinking about research and development in educational technology. First, a technology becomes educational by virtue of its relation to emerging activity, rather than because of any intrinsic physical properties. Second, educational technologies are often assembled in complex meshworks. Understanding how they function involves analysing dynamic relations and interdependencies: listing the affordances of individual components is not enough.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Across the life course, a good deal of valuable learning is informal, incidental or both.

Informal lifelong learning depends upon an ability to monitor and manage one's own learning activity.

Informal lifelong learning also depends upon an ability to find useful (digital and other) learning resources.

What this paper adds

The purposes (objects) of lifelong learning activities are not always evident. They can be ‘discovered’ through inquiry and reflection.

Finding useful learning resources is sometimes complex. In some cases, it amounts to constructing and/or reconfiguring a productive learning/epistemic environment.

Creating a productive learning or epistemic (knowledge‐making) environment entails assembling and holding together a meshwork of digital, material and hybrid artefacts.

Learning ‘in the wild’ can also entail finding the rightplacefor learning: the right spot in a ‘skillscape’.

A technology becomes educational by virtue of its relation to activity, rather than through a priori classification or because of its intrinsic features.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Those who encourage and/or support informal lifelong learning may want to consider the significance of implicit purposes for, and outcomes of, learning activities and may find it helpful to have a richer conception of how learning environments are found and assembled.
Zoom invigilated exams: A protocol for rapid adoption to remote examinations
Authors: Linden Kelly , Gonzalez Prue
Published: May 2021

The rapid pivot to the online environment, necessitated by COVID‐19, has resulted in some universities adopting online meeting platforms, such as Zoom, for exam invigilation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and reflect on the student experience of exams invigilated with an online meeting platform. In 2020, twenty‐four subjects with 1728 students with high stakes, final exams trialled online invigilation. In practise scenarios, online meeting settings were optimised for invigilation to ensure supportive yet rigorous exam conditions. The average exam mark for students who sat a paper‐based invigilated examination in 2019 across the twenty‐four subjects was 72% compared to 70% for the exams invigilated with online meetings in 2020. There was no significant difference in the distribution of exam marks and subject grades and there were no significant technical issues that impacted the exams. A student‐centred approach ensured that exam supervisors could answer student concerns before and during the examinations. This study demonstrates that the use of online meeting platforms, not specifically designed for exam proctoring, can be a cost‐effective and valid tool. With the higher education sector again weighing up alternatives to traditional invigilated exams into the future there is an opportunity to rethink technology‐mediated assessment of student learning.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic?

Traditional examinations are a ubiquitous form of assessment, however, cheating in exams is less commonly detected than assignment outsourcing.

Online examinations offer a flexible option for authentic assessment and are viewed favourably by students.

Validating students’ identity, while maintaining a student‐centred environment has proven to be difficult.

​

What this paper adds

Online meeting tools offer a rigorous option for validating student identity and encouraging academic integrity in online exams.

The methodology required to optimise online meeting settings.

A whole institution approach to student support is required.

​

Implications for practice and/or policy

University leaders will be able to use the online exam settings and student support structure.

When implementing invigilated online exams, educational practitioners should consider online meeting tools.

​

​
Combined haploidentical and cord blood transplantation for refractory severe aplastic anaemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Childs Richard W. , Tian Xin , Vo Phuong , Purev Enkhtsetseg , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Carlsten Mattias , Clara Joseph , Flegel Willy A. , Adams Sharon D. , Khuu Hanh M. , Stroncek David F. , Cook Lisa , Worthy Tat’yana , Geller Nancy L. , Wells Brian , Wilder Jennifer , Reger Robert , Aue Georg
Published: May 2021

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation is a potentially curative treatment for patients with refractory severe aplastic anaemia (SAA), but has historically been associated with delayed engraftment and high graft failure and mortality rates. We conducted a prospective phase 2 trial to assess outcome of an allogeneic transplant regimen that co‐infused a single UCB unit with CD34+‐selected cells from a haploidentical relative. Among 29 SAA patients [including 10 evolved to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)] who underwent the haplo cord transplantation (median age 20 years), 97% had neutrophil recovery (median 10 days), and 93% had platelet recovery (median 32 days). Early myeloid engraftment was from the haplo donor and was gradually replaced by durable engraftment from UCB in most patients. The cumulative incidences of grade II–IV acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) were 21% and 41%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 7·5 years, overall survival was 83% and GVHD/relapse‐free survival was 69%. Patient‐ and transplant‐related factors had no impact on engraftment and survival although transplants with haplo‐versus‐cord killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) ligand incompatibility had delayed cord engraftment. Our study shows haplo cord transplantation is associated with excellent engraftment and long‐term outcome, providing an alternative option for patients with refractory SAA and hypoplastic MDS who lack human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched donors.
Influence of different asparaginase formulations in the prognosis of children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia in Brazil: a multicentre, retrospective controlled study
Authors: Michalowski Mariana Bohns , Cecconello Daiane Keller , Lins Mecneide Mendes , Carvalho Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Sampaio , Silva Klerize Anecely de Souza , Cristofani Lilian , Bonilha Thais Alcantra , Baglioli Bianca Faustini , Pianovski Mara Albonei Dudeque , Kuczynski Ana Paula , Santiago Pablo , Rechenmacher Ciliana , Alegretti Ana Paula , Rodrigues Karla , de Magalhães Mariana Rodrigues , Daudt Liane Esteves
Published: May 2021

Our group recently showed that the (ASNase) formulation available in Brazil from 2017 to 2018 when used at the same dose and frequency as the formulation provided previously did not reach the activity considered therapeutic. Based on these, our goal was to assess the impact of these facts on the prognosis of children with ALL at different oncology centers. A multicentre retrospective observational study followed by a prospective follow‐up. Patients aged >1 and <18 years in first‐line treatment followed up at 10 referral centres, between 2014 and 2018 who received the formulation Leuginase® were identified (Group B). For each patient, the centre registered 2 patients who received ASNase in the presentation of Aginasa® exclusively (Group A). Data collection was registered using (Redcap®). A total of 419 patients were included; 282 in Group A and 137 in B. Group A had a 3‐year OS and EFS of 91·8% and 84·8% respectively, while Group B had a 3‐year OS of 83·8% (P = 0·003) and EFS of 76·1% (P = 0·008). There was an impact on 3‐year OS and EFS of children who received a formulation. This result highlights the importance of evaluating ASNase and monitoring its activity.
Long‐term outcomes of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer among Japanese men over 80 years old
Authors: Blas Leandro , Onozawa Mizuki , Shiota Masaki , Hinotsu Shiro , Sakamoto Shinichi , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Kawai Taketo , Eto Masatoshi , Kume Haruki , Akaza Hideyuki ,   Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (J‐CaP)
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to analyze the survival rate and to examine the risk of death from prostate cancer when accounting for competing risk of death, in men aged ≥80 y treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Data of patients with prostate cancer who had received ADT were extracted from a nationwide community‐based database established by the Japan Study Group for Prostate Cancer. Prognostic variables, including progression‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, overall survival, and death rates were compared between men stratified by prostate cancer risk. Overall, 4760 patients older than 80 y were included. The proportion of low‐, intermediate‐, high‐, or very high‐risk, regional, and metastatic prostate cancer among super‐elderly men was 9.5%, 14.6%, 48.8%, 9.0%, 3.2%, and 24.9%, respectively. Survival rates decreased with increasing risk stratification. The cumulative 5‐y death rate by prostate cancer for low‐, intermediate‐, high‐, or very high‐risk, regional, and metastatic prostate cancer, was 0.92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2%‐3.6%), 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8%‐3.4%), 5.75% (95% CI: 4.25%‐7.75%), 15.6% (95% CI: 11.6%‐23.3%), 20.7% (95% CI: 13.1%‐31.7%), and 36.9% (95% CI: 32.8%‐41.4%), respectively. Our findings support that there is no need for immediate ADT for low‐ and intermediate‐risk groups. Conversely, in high‐ or very high‐risk, regional, and metastatic prostate cancer, more efforts for curative therapy and intensive therapy are needed in selected patients.
Greater extent of blood‐tumor TCR repertoire overlap is associated with favorable clinical responses to PD‐1 blockade
Authors: Aoki Hiroyasu , Ueha Satoshi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Shichino Shigeyuki , Nakajima Hiromichi , Shimomura Manami , Sato Akihiro , Nakatsura Tetsuya , Yoshino Takayuki , Matsushima Kouji
Published: May 2021

With the widespread use of programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) blockade therapy, sensitive and specific predictive biomarkers that guide patient selection are urgently needed. T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, which reflects antitumor T‐cell responses based on antigen specificity, is expected as a novel biomarker for PD‐1 blockade therapy. In the present study, the TCR repertoire of eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer treated with anti‐PD‐1 antibody (nivolumab) was analyzed. To analyze the tumor‐associated T‐cell clones in the blood and their mobilization into the tumor, we focused on T‐cell clones that presented in both blood and tumor (blood‐tumor overlapping clones). Responders to PD‐1 blockade tended to exhibit a higher number of overlapping clones in the tumor and a higher total frequency in the blood. Moreover, a higher total frequency of overlapping clones in blood CD8+ T cells before treatment was associated with a favorable clinical response. Collectively, these results suggest the possibility of blood‐tumor TCR repertoire overlap to predict clinical response to PD‐1 blockade and guide patient selection before the treatment.
Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: A review of findings from the real‐world Fight Retinal Blindness! registry
Authors: Nguyen Vuong , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark C.
Published: May 2021

The use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors has revolutionised the treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) since the pivotal Phase III studies demonstrated their efficacy more than 10 years ago. The Fight Retinal Blindness! project was developed to track the treatment outcomes of patients with nAMD in real‐world practice. Data from this registry have been used to answer several clinically relevant questions related to the treatment of nAMD including the effect of under‐treatment, the comparative effectiveness of different anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents, long‐term treatment outcomes, identifying optimal treatment regimens and the rate and outcomes of rare adverse events. Observational studies are a valuable complement to the shortcomings of clinical trials and a combination of data from real‐world settings and clinical trials are necessary to provide evidence on how to achieve the best outcomes for individual patients with nAMD.
Modeling scale up of anthropogenic impacts from individual pollinator behavior to pollination systems
Authors: Gegear Robert J. , Heath Kevin N. , Ryder Elizabeth F.
Published: May 2021

Understanding how anthropogenic disturbances affect plant–pollinator systems has important implications for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Previous laboratory studies show that pesticides and pathogens, which have been implicated in the rapid global decline of pollinators over recent years, can impair behavioral processes needed for pollinators to adaptively exploit floral resources and effectively transfer pollen among plants. However, the potential for these sublethal stressor effects on pollinator–plant interactions at the individual level to scale up into changes to the dynamics of wild plant and pollinator populations at the system level remains unclear. We developed an empirically parameterized agent‐based model of a bumblebee pollination system called SimBee to test for effects of stressor‐induced decreases in the memory capacity and information processing speed of individual foragers on bee abundance (scenario 1), plant diversity (scenario 2), and bee–plant system stability (scenario 3) over 20 virtual seasons. Modeling of a simple pollination network of a bumblebee and four co‐flowering bee‐pollinated plant species indicated that bee decline and plant species extinction events could occur when only 25% of the forager population showed cognitive impairment. Higher percentages of impairment caused 50% bee loss in just five virtual seasons and system‐wide extinction events in less than 20 virtual seasons under some conditions. Plant species extinctions occurred regardless of bee population size, indicating that stressor‐induced changes to pollinator behavior alone could drive species loss from plant communities. These findings indicate that sublethal stressor effects on pollinator behavioral mechanisms, although seemingly insignificant at the level of individuals, have the cumulative potential in principle to degrade plant–pollinator species interactions at the system level. Our work highlights the importance of an agent‐based modeling approach for the identification and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts on plant–pollinator systems.
Brain–computer interface‐based target recognition system using transfer learning: A deep learning approach
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Yimeng , Wu Jielong , Zhang Hongyi , Chamola Vinay , de Albuquerque Victor Hugo C.
Published: May 2021

The traditional target recognition and classification is mostly done manually, with low efficiency and high cost. Improving the level of target recognition automatically has become an important research topic. This paper proposes a target recognition method based on transfer learning to effectively complete the classification and recognition of targets using a brain–computer interface (BCI) model. Based on the construction of the faster‐RCNN deep learning model, the pre‐training of the model is achieved by VGG‐16 and Inception‐v2, and the transfer learning algorithm is used to optimize the faster‐RCNN deep learning model based on the kinematics model. Experiments are carried out with the aim to detect tableware by the persons whose brain signals recognition rate has been substantially improved using faster‐RCNN. Compared with the traditional recognition methods, the results at the lab‐scale level illustrated that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the speed and accuracy of target recognition by using the BCI model to classify tableware of different colors and shapes in a complex background.
Modification in induction immunosuppression regimens to safely perform kidney transplants amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Von Stein Lauren , Witkowsky Olya , Samidurai Lakshmi , Doraiswamy MohanKumar , Flores Karen , Pesavento Todd E. , Singh Priyamvada
Published: May 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has negatively impacted organ donation and transplantation across the globe.

Methods

This study analyzed transplant outcomes during the pre‐pandemic [PPE, 1/2019–2/2020] and pandemic era [PE, 3/2020–8/2020] based on changes in induction immunosuppression. During PPE, high immunological risk patients received 4–6 mg/kg, moderate risk 2–4 mg/kg, and low risk 1–2 mg/kg of ATG. During PE, ATG doses were reduced to 3–4 mg/kg for high risk, 1–2 mg/kg for moderate, and low changed to basiliximab. Primary outcomes are as follows: biopsy‐proven rejection [BPAR], de‐novo donor‐specific antibody [DSA], delayed graft function [DGF], infection rates, graft loss, and all‐cause of mortality.

Results

During PPE, 224 kidney transplants [KTx] and 14 kidney/pancreas transplants [KP] were included, while 180 KTx and 5 KP were included for PE. Basiliximab use increased by 30% in the PE. The odds of DGF were statistically significant between PE vs PPE, OR 1.7 [1.05, 2.8, p‐value = .042]. The odds of developing DSAs and BPAR during the PE vs. PPE were 0.34 [0.16, 0.71, p‐value = .004] and OR 0.34 (0.1 to 1.1, p‐value, .104)], respectively. Cytomegalovirus [19% in PE, 37% in PPE] and BK virus [5.4% PE vs. 16% PPE] incidence reduced during PE vs. PPE. COVID‐19, graft loss, and mortality were comparable between groups.

Conclusion

KTx and KP transplants were performed safely during the COVID‐19 pandemic with a reduction of induction immunosuppression.
The impact of liquor legislation changes on police‐recorded serious assault in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Coomber Kerri , de Andrade Dominique , Puljević Cheneal , Ferris Jason , Livingston Michael , Taylor Nicholas , Clough Alan , Miller Peter G.
Published: May 2021

Introduction and Aims

In July 2016, the Queensland government introduced the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence policy, with some amendments over the subsequent 12 months. Key measures included restricting alcohol sales to 3 am in safe night precincts (SNPs), limiting the annual number of extended trading permits (i.e. trading until 5 am) and introducing mandatory networked identification scanners. We examined the policy impact on the number of serious assaults across all combined SNPs and in five major SNPs: Fortitude Valley, Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba and Townsville.

Design and Methods

Using police data (July 2009–June 2019), we examined the impact of the policy on serious assaults during high‐alcohol hours (high‐alcohol hours; 8 pm–6 am, Friday and Saturday), employing time series methods.

Results

Across all SNPs there was no significant change in the number of serious assaults during overall high‐alcohol hours, but a significant 49% decrease in the monthly number of serious assaults between 3 am and 6 am on Friday/Saturday. A significant decrease in the monthly count of serious assaults during high‐alcohol hours and specifically 3 am–6 am on Friday/Saturday was evident in Fortitude Valley SNP (52%), and during high‐alcohol hours in Toowoomba SNP (43%).

Discussion and Conclusions

Although results were mixed, there was evidence of some promising reductions in alcohol‐related violence in SNPs. It is likely that factors such as extended trading permits (venues not closing at 3 am), continued drinking in some venues and 24‐h trading in casinos have reduced the potential impacts seen elsewhere.
Multisensory enhancement of overt behavior requires multisensory experience
Authors: Smyre Scott A. , Wang Zhengyang , Stein Barry E. , Rowland Benjamin A.
Published: May 2021

The superior colliculus (SC) is richly endowed with neurons that integrate cues from different senses to enhance their physiological responses and the overt behaviors they mediate. However, in the absence of experience with cross‐modal combinations (e.g., visual–auditory), they fail to develop this characteristic multisensory capability: Their multisensory responses are no greater than their most effective unisensory responses. Presumably, this impairment in neural development would be reflected as corresponding impairments in SC‐mediated behavioral capabilities such as detection and localization performance. Here, we tested that assumption directly in cats raised to adulthood in darkness. They, along with a normally reared cohort, were trained to approach brief visual or auditory stimuli. The animals were then tested with these stimuli individually and in combination under ambient light conditions consistent with their rearing conditions and home environment as well as under the opposite lighting condition. As expected, normally reared animals detected and localized the cross‐modal combinations significantly better than their individual component stimuli. However, dark‐reared animals showed significant defects in multisensory detection and localization performance. The results indicate that a physiological impairment in single multisensory SC neurons is predictive of an impairment in overt multisensory behaviors.
The effect of calcium hydroxide on dentine composition and root fracture resistance of human teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: Al‐Hiyasat Ahmad S. , El‐Farraj Hamza S. , Alebrahim Mohammad A.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] on dentine composition and root fracture resistance. Root canals of fifty extracted mandibular premolars were prepared and divided into five groups (N = 10). Canals were filled with non‐setting Ca(OH)2 or left empty and were subsequently stored in phosphate buffered saline for 7, 14, 30, or 90 days, respectively. Ca(OH)2 was then washed out, and roots were separated from the crowns and subjected to fracture strength test. Fractured fragments were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed a significant and progressive reduction in fracture resistance the longer the duration of exposure to Ca(OH)2, and the fracture resistance in teeth exposed for 90 days was significantly lower than in any other group. SEM revealed cracks in the dentine surfaces that had been exposed to Ca(OH)2. FTIR showed a significantly lower mineral to matrix ratio in roots exposed to Ca(OH)2 for 30 and 90 days than seen in roots exposed for a shorter duration. XRD analysis revealed a reduction in dentine crystallinity. It was concluded that Ca(OH)2 significantly reduced the fracture resistance of the roots overtime. Exposure to Ca(OH)2 reduced the mineral to matrix ratio and crystallinity of the dentine.
Unconditional adoption rules out the need for parent–offspring recognition in a single‐brooded colonial seabird
Authors: Becciu Paolo , Campioni Letizia , Massa Bruno , Dell'Omo Giacomo
Published: May 2021

Parent–offspring recognition (POR) is fundamental in colonial birds when the potential intermingling of chicks is higher due to the large number and proximity of nests. In species with isolated nests, where chick presence in the nest is strong contextual evidence of kinship, there might be circumstances when the parent might doubt the identity of the chick, but not enough to reject it. Olfactory‐based recognition of conspecifics and nest sites in birds has gained strong evidence suggesting a potential role of olfaction in POR. Despite that, there are no studies testing it. We used Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) as model colonial single‐brooded species with a developed olfactory sense, usually breeding in well‐spaced nests with low probability of chicks mixing. We tested the parent's ability to selectively respond to their own chick as opposed to a simpler rule of feeding any chick found in the nest by means of chick‐fostering experiments. We designed two cross‐fostering experiments using chicks of different ages to test whether the ability of parents to recognize a related chick develops over time, possibly after acquiring an own distinctive odour. Finally, we also manipulated nests’ odour to disentangle the confounding effect of nest site recognition from POR when parents return at night. All experimental chicks were adopted by parents as the weight and bill growth of cross‐fostered chicks did not differ significantly from the control group. We recorded a small difference in weight when foster chicks were inside an odour‐manipulated nest; although we did not record weight loss in experimental chicks, only a steeper increase in weight was observed in control chicks. In conclusion, adoption in Scopoli's shearwater seems to follow the rule "if the young is in my nest, accept it" proposed by Beecher (1991) for species with spatially separated nests and low chick mobility.
Does the Federal Open Market Committee cycle affect credit risk?
Authors: Huang Difang , Li Yubin , Wang Xinjie , Zhong Zhaodong (Ken)
Published: May 2021

This paper studies the returns of credit default swap (CDS) indices over the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cycle. We document that the CDS return is significantly higher in even weeks than in odd weeks of the FOMC cycle. The biweekly pattern in the CDS market is not a mere reflection of that in the stock market. A simple trading strategy based on the biweekly pattern yields an annual excess return of 8.8%. This pattern is linked to the resolution of macroeconomic uncertainty by the biweekly schedules of the Fed Reserve internal Board of Governors meetings. We provide further evidence that the Fed affects the CDS market via unexpected information signals and monetary policies that lead to reductions in the risk premium.
Soil organic carbon in irrigated agricultural systems: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Emde David , Hannam Kirsten D. , Most Ilka , Nelson Louise M. , Jones Melanie D.
Published: May 2021

Over the last 200 years, conversion of non‐cultivated land for agriculture has substantially reduced global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in upper soil layers. Nevertheless, practices such as no‐ or reduced tillage, application of organic soil amendments, and maintenance of continuous cover can increase SOC in agricultural fields. While these management practices have been well studied, the effects on SOC of cropping systems that incorporate irrigation are poorly understood. Given the large, and expanding, agricultural landbase under irrigation across the globe, this is a critical knowledge gap for climate change mitigation. We undertook a systematic literature review and subsequent meta‐analysis of data from studies that examined changes in SOC on irrigated agricultural sites through time. We investigated changes in SOC by climate (aridity), soil texture, and irrigation method with the following objectives: (i) to examine the impact of irrigated agriculture on SOC storage; and (ii) to identify the conditions under which irrigated agriculture is most likely to enhance SOC. Overall, irrigated agriculture increased SOC stocks by 5.9%, with little effect of study length (2–47 years). However, changes in SOC varied by climate and soil depth, with the greatest increase in SOC observed on irrigated semi‐arid sites at the 0–10 cm depth (14.8%). Additionally, SOC increased in irrigated fine‐ and medium‐textured soils but not coarse‐textured soils. Furthermore, while there was no overall change to SOC in flood/furrow irrigated sites, SOC tended to increase in sprinkler irrigated sites, and decrease in drip irrigated sites, especially at depths below 10 cm. This work sheds light on the nuances of SOC change across irrigated agricultural systems, highlights the importance of studying SOC storage in deeper soils, and will help guide future research on the impacts of irrigated agriculture on SOC.
Long‐term declines and recovery of meadow area across the world’s seagrass bioregions
Authors: Dunic Jillian C. , Brown Christopher J. , Connolly Rod M. , Turschwell Mischa P. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: May 2021

As human impacts increase in coastal regions, there is concern that critical habitats that provide the foundation of entire ecosystems are in decline. Seagrass meadows face growing threats such as poor water quality and coastal development. To determine the status of seagrass meadows over time, we reconstructed time series of meadow area from 175 studies that surveyed 547 sites around the world. We found an overall trajectory of decline in all seven bioregions with a global net loss of 5602 km2 (19.1% of surveyed meadow area) occurring since 1880. Declines have typically been non‐linear, with rapid and historical losses observed in several bioregions. The greatest net losses of area occurred in four bioregions (Tropical Atlantic, Temperate North Atlantic East, Temperate Southern Oceans and Tropical Indo‐Pacific), with declining trends being the slowest and most consistent in the latter two bioregions. In some bioregions, trends have recently stabilised or reversed. Losses, however, still outweigh gains. Despite consistent global declines, meadows show high variability in trajectories, within and across bioregions, highlighting the importance of local context. Studies identified 12 different drivers of meadow area change, with coastal development and water quality as the most commonly cited. Overall, however, attributions were primarily descriptive and only 10% of studies used inferential attributions. Although ours is the most comprehensive dataset to date, it still represents only one‐tenth of known global seagrass extent, with conspicuous historical and geographic biases in sampling. It therefore remains unclear whether the bioregional patterns of change documented here reflect changes in the world's unmonitored seagrass meadows. The variability in seagrass meadow trajectories, and the attribution of change to numerous drivers, suggest we urgently need to improve understanding of the causes of seagrass meadow loss if we are to improve local‐scale management.
Plant phenological responses to experimental warming—A synthesis
Authors: Stuble Katharine L. , Bennion Leland D. , Kuebbing Sara E.
Published: May 2021

Although there is abundant evidence that plant phenology is shifting with climatic warming, the magnitude and direction of these shifts can depend on the environmental context, plant species, and even the specific phenophase of study. These disparities have resulted in difficulties predicting future phenological shifts, detecting phenological mismatches and identifying other ecological consequences. Experimental warming studies are uniquely poised to help us understand how climate warming will impact plant phenology, and meta‐analyses allow us to expose broader trends from individual studies. Here, we review 70 studies comprised 1226 observations of plant phenology under experimental warming. We find that plants are advancing their early‐season phenophases (bud break, leaf‐out, and flowering) in response to warming while marginally delaying their late‐season phenophases (leaf coloration, leaf fall, and senescence). We find consistency in the magnitude of phenological shifts across latitude, elevation, and habitat types, whereas the effect of warming on nonnative annual plants is two times larger than the effect of warming on native perennial plants. Encouragingly for researchers, plant phenological responses were generally consistent across a variety of experimental warming methods. However, we found numerous gaps in the experimental warming literature, limiting our ability to predict the effects of warming on phenological shifts. In particular, studies outside of temperate ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere, or those that focused on late‐season phenophases, annual plants, nonnative plants, or woody plants and grasses, were underrepresented in our data set. Future experimental warming studies could further refine our understanding of phenological responses to warming by setting up experiments outside of traditionally studied biogeographic zones and measuring multiple plant phenophases (especially late‐season phenophases) across species of varying origin, growth form, and life cycle.
Soil extracellular oxidases mediated nitrogen fertilization effects on soil organic carbon sequestration in bioenergy croplands
Authors: Duan Jianjun , Yuan Min , Jian Siyang , Gamage Lahiru , Parajuli Madhav , Dzantor Kudjo E. , Hui Dafeng , Fay Philip A. , Li Jianwei
Published: May 2021

Nitrogen (N) fertilization significantly affects soil extracellular oxidases, agents responsible for decomposition of slow turnover and recalcitrant soil organic carbon (SOC; e.g., lignin), and consequently influences soil carbon sequestration capacity. However, it remains unclear how soil oxidases mediate SOC sequestration under N fertilization, and whether these effects co‐vary with plant type (e.g., bioenergy crop species). Using a spatially explicit design and intensive soil sampling strategy under three fertilization treatments in switchgrass (SG: Panicum virgatum L.) and gamagrass (GG: Tripsacum dactyloides L.) croplands, we quantified the activities of polyphenolic oxidase (PHO), peroxidase (PER), and their sum associated with recalcitrant C acquisition (OX). The fertilization treatments included no N fertilizer input (NN), low N input (LN: 84 kg N ha−1 year−1 in urea), and high N input (HN: 168 kg N ha−1 year−1 in urea). Besides correlations between soil oxidases and SOC (formerly published), both descriptive and geostatistical approaches were applied to evaluate the effects of N fertilization and crop type on soil oxidases activities and their spatial distributions. Results showed significantly negative correlations between soil oxidase activities and SOC across all treatments. The negative relationship of soil oxidases and SOC was also evident under N fertilization. First, LN significantly depressed oxidases in both mean activities and spatial heterogeneity, which corresponded to increased SOC in SG (though by 5.4%). LN slightly influenced oxidases activities and their spatial heterogeneity, consistent with insignificant changes of SOC in GG. Second, HN showed trends of decrease in soil oxidase activities, which aligned with the significantly enhanced SOC in both croplands. Overall, this study demonstrated that soil oxidase activities acted as sensitive and negative mediators of SOC sequestration in bioenergy croplands and optimizing fertilizer use particularly in switchgrass cropland can improve for both carbon sequestration and environmental benefit.
Pharmacokinetic‐guided prophylaxis improved clinical outcomes in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Huang Kun , Zhen Yingzi , Li Gang , Wu Xinyi , Chen Zhenping , Wu Runhui
Published: May 2021

Background

The traditional weight‐based dosing regimen can lead to under‐ or overdosage due to the interindividual variability of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. PK‐guided prophylaxis can be an optimized therapy choice.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of PK‐guided prophylaxis in 46 boys with severe haemophilia A.

Methods

Forty‐six boys with severe haemophilia A were enrolled in Beijing Children's Hospital. The PK tests were performed using a five‐point assay. PK parameters were calculated using WinNonlin software. The dosing regimen and bleeding rates recorded during the observation period. The adjustment was based on PK evaluation, bleeding details, doctor's advice and patients’ choice.

Results

The half‐life time, in vivo recovery and clearance of Kovaltry were 14.34 ± 2.68 h, 1.78 ± 0.29 kg/dl and 3.38 ± 0.94 ml/kg/h, respectively. In 18 patients without any change in the dosing regimen, the trough level was 4.0 ± 2.41 IU/dl and the bleeding rates were similar after PK tests. For patients with a higher trough level after adjustment, higher dose and frequency were observed, as well as a higher trough level. Also, reduced annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate and annual spontaneous bleeding rate (ASBR) were found. In five patients with a reduced trough level, lower infusion frequency and weekly coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) consumption were observed, with no statistically significant difference in ABR and ASBR.

Conclusion

PK‐guided prophylaxis can help haemophiliac patients improve quality of life by decreasing bleeds with appropriate FVIII consumption and reducing infusion frequency without increments in bleeds, thus optimizing haemophilia treatment.