bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory immune‐mediated adverse reactions induced by COVID‐19 vaccines in previously injected patients with soft tissue fillers: A case series of 20 patients
Authors: Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , García‐GImenez Victor , Velthuis Peter J. , Niessen Frank B. , Decates Tom S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Adverse events (AE) after COVID‐19 vaccines, particularly, but not solely, with those messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based vaccines, have rarely been reported in patients previously treated with dermal fillers (DF).

Objective

To evaluate the morphology, clinical characteristics, the timing of presentation, and outcomes of inflammatory AE appeared in patients injected with DF, after anti‐COVID‐19 vaccination.

Methods

Descriptive study of a case series of 20 consecutive patients collected after the occurrence of AE in previously filled areas post COVID‐19 vaccination.

Results

From January 2021 to July 2021, we analyzed 20 AE reactions triggered by COVID‐19 vaccines in the previously mentioned cohort. They were vaccinated with Pfizer/Biontech (11; 55%), Moderna (5; 25%), Astra‐Zeneca (3; 15%), and Sputnik (1; 5%). The most common manifestations were oedema/swelling, angioedema, erythema, skin induration, and granuloma. Less common reactions included myalgia and lymphadenopathy. In 13/20 (65%) cases, the AE appeared after the first dose of vaccine. These inflammatory AE appeared more rapidly after the second dose than after the first one. In 13/20 (65%) cases, the symptomatology subsided with anti‐inflammatory/antihistaminic drugs, while spontaneously in 3/20 (15%). The manifestations are ongoing.in the remaining four cases (20%).

Conclusion

Although probably rare, both RNA‐based and adenovirus‐based anti‐COVID‐19 vaccines can cause inflammatory bouts in patients previously treated with DF. In these cases, caution should be paid on subsequent vaccine doses, considering a tailored risk/benefit for any case before next vaccination.
Algorithm proposal for hair transplantation in fibrosing alopecia pattern distributidon
Authors: Gómez‐Zubiaur Alba , Valenzuela Cristian , Andrés‐Lencina Juan José , Rodríguez‐Villa Ana , Ricart Jose MarÍa
Published: May 2022

Fibrosing alopecia pattern distribution (FAPD) is a recently described disease, wherein the clinical, trichoscopic, and histologic characteristics of non‐scarring alopecia, such as androgenic alopecia, and lichenoid inflammatory cicatricial alopecia are reported. The lack of uniformity in the diagnostic criteria can result in FAPD overdiagnosis. The characteristic findings of loss of follicular openings on trichoscopy and fibrosis on histopathology are crucial, as they are necessary to diagnose cicatricial inflammatory lichenoid alopecias. Â Hair transplantation in FAPD can be controversial. The scarce publications in this realm do not reach a clear consensus in favor or against the surgical approach. Thus, the presence of histological lichenoid inflammatory infiltrates could make this therapeutic option less suitable. There have been few reports on hair transplantation in other lymphocytic lichenoid inflammatory alopecias, such as lichen planus pilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) Â Based on those data, an algorithm for the indication of hair transplantation in FAPD is proposed. The algorithm optimizes the results of the treatment and achieves the greatest coverage of the alopecic area.
Efficacy of low‐fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of melasma: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Chen Jiaoquan , Yu Nanji , Peng Liqian , Li Huaping , Tang Yi , Ou Shanshan , Zhu Huilan
Published: May 2022

Background

Melasma is considered as a type of acquired facial pigmentary disorder that is challenging to treat. Low‐fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser (LQSNY) has clinical benefits against melasma; however, there are some disputes.

Objective

To explore these contentious views, we conducted a meta‐analysis and systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LQSNY monotherapy and combined therapy for the treatment of melasma.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles from inception to July 2021. The resulting data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results

Twelve eligible studies comprising 358 patients were included. No significant differences in melasma area and severity index (MASI) were observed between the LQSNY and drug groups (mean difference (MD):−0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI):−1.16–0.64, p = 0.57). We found that combination therapy with LQSNY and drugs had a greater MASI improvement compared with LQSNY therapy alone (MD: 1.78, 95% CI 0.93–2.63, p < 0.0001); nevertheless, no statistically significant results were found in melanin index (MI) and self‐assessment. The melasma improvement was similar when using LQSNY alone and LQSNY combined with other lasers in terms of RMASI (MD 0.05, 95% CI:−0.61, 0.70, p = 0.56). Compared with intense pulsed light (IPL) alone, LQSNY with IPL provided an added benefit for melasma severity (MD:3.23, 95% CI:0.65–5.81, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Low‐fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser can be applied as an alternative treatment for drug intolerance. Combination therapy with LQSNY and drugs or other lasers may have pleasantly surprising efficacy, but numerous studies are still needed to verify this.
Effect of statins combined or not combined with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miao Keyan , Zhou Hui
Published: May 2022

Background

This meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of statins combined or not combined with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2022. Meta‐analysis was conducted by using STATA 12.0 software. In the study, standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed as the effect size. A random effect model was used.

Results

Meta‐analysis showed significant decline of total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone (LH), LH to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, and prolactin in statin group. Our study also demonstrated significant decline of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in statin group. Moreover, we found significant decline of fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity index, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis showed that statin therapy was good for women with PCOS, and could improve clinical signs of PCOS.
Black–White disparities in nuclear family trajectories and parents' postsecondary transfers to adult children
Authors: Amorim Mariana , Deming Sarah
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study uses a life course perspective to investigate Black–White disparities in how nuclear family structures (i.e., parents' romantic union statuses and coresidential arrangements with children) are linked with postsecondary financial transfers.

Background

In the United States, both parents' nuclear family experiences and postsecondary transfers are stratified along racial lines. Prior research suggests that racial disparities in nuclear family experiences, however, are not key drivers of the gap in parental postsecondary transfers. The small role that nuclear family structure plays in shaping the Black–White gap in postsecondary transfers may result from heterogeneity in the consequences of such structures across racial groups, though this heterogeneity remains untested.

Method

Using the Panel Survey of Income Dynamics (https://psidonline.isr.umich.edu/) and sequence analysis techniques, this study documents seven common family trajectories experienced by American parents (N = 7289). It employs two‐part models to assess whether the association between parents' trajectories and the likelihood/magnitude of postsecondary transfers differs for Black and White parents.

Results

Results suggest that White parents who are continuously in two‐biological‐parent families or who experience long‐term re‐partnering are more likely to make postsecondary transfers than Black parents in similar family trajectories. These racial disparities, however, disappear when parents experience trajectories marked by singlehood or nonresidence with children.

Conclusions

Nuclear family structures matter less for structuring transfers for Black parents in part because gains from romantic partnerships are concentrated among Whites. Implications for reproductions of racial inequalities are discussed.
Racial Socialization Messages in White Parents' Discussions of Current Events Involving Racism With Their Adolescents
Authors: Abaied Jamie L. , Perry Sylvia P. , Cheaito Aya , Ramirez Vanessa
Published: May 2022

This study presents a thematic analysis of socialization messages about race and racism in White parents’ reports of their discussions with adolescents about current events involving racism (e.g., police brutality toward Black Americans). Two samples of White parents of primarily White adolescents ages 14–17 were recruited online in September 2019 (Study 1, N = 123) and June 2020 (Study 2, N = 104). Key themes included color‐conscious messages, color‐blind messages, endorsing equal treatment, and references to Whiteness. Rates of discussion in 2020 (79–81%) were double that of 2019 (40.2–43.4%). However, color‐conscious messages were less common in 2020 compared to 2019, and references to Whiteness were rare in 2020. Color‐blind messages were similarly prevalent across both studies.
American Indian Traditions and Religious Ethics
Authors: Waters James W.
Published: May 2022

TheJournal of Religious Ethicshas published only two full‐length articles focusing on American Indian religious ethics in the last decade. This may signal that the field is uneasy about integrating American Indian religious ethics into its broader discourse. To fill this research lacuna and take a step toward normalizing religious‐ethical engagement with American Indian ethics, this article argues that the field needs an intentionally anticolonial, self‐aware approach to understanding American Indian religious ethics—one that decenters methods and approaches that may facilitate the analysis of Christian texts, groups, and phenomena, yet limit insights into the religious‐moral beliefs and practices of Native Americans. The article first shows examples of how religious‐ethical methods, definitions, and epistemological starting points can obfuscate rich and accurate understandings of Native American religious‐ethical systems and phenomena. Next, it turns to historical and anthropological studies and Native American philosophy and ethics to outline an interdisciplinary framework for integrating American Indian traditions into the discourses of religious ethics.
Melatonin and andrographolide synergize to inhibit the colospheroid phenotype by targeting Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling
Authors: Sokolov Daniil , Sharda Neha , Giri Banabihari , Hassan Md Sazzad , Singh Damandeep , Tarasiewicz Agnieszka , Lohr Charity , von Holzen Urs , Kristian Tibor , Waddell Jaylyn , Reiter Russel J. , Ahmed Hafiz , Banerjee Aditi
Published: May 2022

β‐catenin signaling, and angiogenesis are associated with colospheroid (CSC), development. CSCs, spheroids derived from colon cancer cells, are responsible for metastasis, drug resistance, and disease recurrence. Whether dysregulating β‐catenin and inhibiting angiogenesis reduce CSC growth is unknown. In this study, the molecular mechanism of CSC growth inhibition was evaluated using a novel combination of melatonin (MLT) and andrographolide (AGP). These drugs have anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and antimetastatic properties. CSCs were obtained from two metastatic colon cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT‐15). The viability and stemness were monitored (FDA propidium iodide staining and immunoblot for CD44, CD133, Nanog, Sox2, and Oct4). The drug combination synergistically diminished stemness via increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level. MLT + AGP induced cell death by inhibiting β‐catenin expression and its downregulatory signals, Cyclin D1, c‐Myc. MLT + AGP treated cells exhibited translocation of phospho‐β‐catenin to the nucleus and dephosphorylated‐β‐catenin. Downregulation of β‐catenin activation and its transcription factors (TCF4 and LEF1) and GTP binding/G‐protein related activity were found in the dual therapy. Angiogenic inhibition is consistent with downregulation of VEGF messenger RNA transcripts (VEGF189), phosphorylated VEGF receptor protein expression, matrigel invasion, and capillary tube inhibition. In vivo, the intravenous injection of MLT + AGP slowed HT29 metastatic colon cancer. Histopathology indicated significant reduction in microvascular density and tumor index. Immunohistochemistry for caspase 7, and β‐catenin found increased apoptosis and downregulation of β‐catenin signals. The mechanism(s) of decreased colospheroids growth were the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Our results provide a rationale for using MLT in combination with AGP for the inhibition of CRCs.
Three months of melatonin treatment reduces insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes—A randomized placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Lauritzen Esben S. , Kampmann Ulla , Pedersen Mette G. B. , Christensen Lise‐Lotte , Jessen Niels , Møller Niels , Støy Julie
Published: May 2022

The use of the sleep‐promoting hormone melatonin is rapidly increasing as an assumed safe sleep aid. During the last decade, accumulating observations suggest that melatonin affects glucose homeostasis, but the precise role remains to be defined. We investigated the metabolic effects of long‐term melatonin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes including determinations of insulin sensitivity and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. We used a double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover design. Seventeen male participants with type 2 diabetes completed (1) 3 months of daily melatonin treatment (10 mg) 1 h before bedtime (M) and (2) 3 months of placebo treatment 1 h before bedtime (P). At the end of each treatment period, insulin secretion was assessed by an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.3 g/kg) (IVGTT) and insulin sensitivity was assessed by a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp (insulin infusion rate 1.5 mU/kg/min) (primary endpoints). Insulin sensitivity decreased after melatonin (3.6 [2.9–4.4] vs. 4.1 [3.2–5.2] mg/(kg × min), p = .016). During the IVGTT, the second‐phase insulin response was increased after melatonin (p = .03). In conclusion, melatonin treatment of male patients with type 2 diabetes for 3 months decreased insulin sensitivity by 12%. Clinical use of melatonin treatment in dosages of 10 mg should be reserved for conditions where the benefits will outweigh the potential negative impact on insulin sensitivity.
Perceived stress moderates the relationship between family support and family quality of life among parents of children living with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Nwafor Chidozie E. , Ofonedu Mirian , Nwankwo Nelson I. , Obuna Adaoga , Ugwu Paschal Chukwuma
Published: May 2022

In Nigeria, the prevalence of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is relatively high, and there is no harmonized national policy to subsidize care and to assist families in caring for their children living with IDD. Thus, the increased stress seems to affect psychological and physiological health and puts social and economic pressures on families managing the care needs of their children living with IDD. A high level of family support has been shown to positively affect the family quality of life (FQOL) of individuals with IDD and their family members. Perceived stress may affect the quality of life of parents of children with IDD. What is not clear is how perceived stress can moderate the relationship between family support and FQOL. The present study examined whether perceived stress moderates the relationship between family support and quality of life (FQOL) among 129 parents of children living with IDD. These participants were selected from a daycare school located in Enugu state, Nigeria. They consisted of 95 women and 34 men who were within the age range of 30–55 years, with a M age of 40.16 years and a SD of 9.11. Three sets of instruments were employed for data collection. The results of moderated regression analysis revealed that family support positively predicted FQOL. Perceived stress negatively predicted FQOL. Similarly, perceived stress moderated the relationship between family support and FQOL. Our findings highlight the importance interventions that target stress as a risk factor that may lead to low FQOL and family support as a protective factor that decreases the negative effect of perceived stress on FQOL. Creating interventions and policies that support adequate family support for parents caring for children with IDD may promote their FQOL.
Nocturnal oximetry parameters as predictors of sleep apnea severity in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Polytarchou Anastasia , Ohler Adrienne , Moudaki Aggeliki , Koltsida Georgia , Kanaka‐Gantenbein Christina , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Gozal David , Kaditis Athanasios G.
Published: May 2022

Nocturnal oximetry is an alternative modality for evaluating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity when polysomnography is not available. The Oxygen Desaturation (≥3%) Index (ODI3) and McGill Oximetry Score (MOS) are used as predictors of moderate‐to‐severe OSAS (apnea‐hypopnea index‐AHI >5 episodes/h), an indication for adenotonsillectomy. We hypothesised that ODI3 is a better predictive parameter for AHI >5 episodes/h than the MOS. All polysomnograms performed in otherwise healthy, snoring children with tonsillar hypertrophy in a tertiary hospital (November 2014 to May 2019) were analysed. The ODI3 and MOS were derived from the oximetry channel of each polysomnogram. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations of ODI3 or MOS (predictors) with an AHI >5 episodes/h (primary outcome). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under ROC curves were used to compare the ODI3 and MOS as predictors of moderate‐to‐severe OSAS. The optimal cut‐off value for each oximetry parameter was determined using Youden's index. Polysomnograms of 112 children (median [interquartile range] age 6.1 [3.9–9.1] years; 35.7% overweight) were analysed. Moderate‐to‐severe OSAS prevalence was 49.1%. The ODI3 and MOS were significant predictors of moderate‐to‐severe OSAS after adjustment for overweight, sex, and age (odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.51); and OR 4.10, 95% CI 2.06–8.15, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Area under the ROC curve was higher for the ODI3 than for MOS (0.903 [95% CI 0.842–0.964] versus 0.745 [95% CI 0.668–0.821]; p < 0.001). Optimal cut‐off values for the ODI3 and MOS were ≥4.3 episodes/h and ≥2, respectively. The ODI3 emerges as preferable or at least a complementary oximetry parameter to MOS for detecting moderate‐to‐severe OSAS in snoring children when polysomnography is not available.
Detection of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in dogs with polymicrobial urinary tract infections: A 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Walker Grayson K. , Yustyniuk Valeriia , Shamoun John , Jacob Megan E. , Correa Maria , Vaden Shelly L. , Borst Luke B.
Published: May 2022

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., which are frequently coisolated in polymicrobial UTI, cause morbidity among dogs and warrant antimicrobial therapy.

Objectives

To evaluate clinical features of dogs with polymicrobial E. coli and Enterococcal UTI.

Animals

Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with polymicrobial bacteriuria and groups of 100 client‐owned dogs with E. coli and Enterococcal monomicrobial bacteriuria.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of medical records of dogs at a university teaching hospital from 2014 to 2019. Prevalence of recurrent UTI and isolate antimicrobial resistance were determined. Clinical outcomes of dogs with recurrent UTI from groups including cost and hospital visits were compared.

Results

Recurrent UTI was more prevalent (P = .05) in dogs with polymicrobial bacteriuria (57%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 42%‐70%) compared to the Enterococcal monomicrobial group (40%, 95% CI: 31%‐50%). Escherichia coli from polymicrobial bacteriuria were more frequently resistant to doxycycline (P < .01, 43%, 95% CI: 29%‐58%) and gentamicin (P = .03, 17%, 95% CI: 9%‐31%) compared to E. coli from monomicrobial bacteriuria (17% and 5%, 95% CI: 11%‐26% and 2%‐11% for doxycycline and gentamicin, respectively). Dogs with recurrent UTI from the polymicrobial UTI group had significantly (P = .05) more hospital visits (mean = 6 visits, 95% CI: 1.7‐9.8) compared to recurrent monomicrobial UTI dogs (mean = 4 and 3 visits, 95% CI: 1.0 to 4.4 and −0.7 to 7.7 for E. coli and Enterococcal monomicrobial UTI, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. polymicrobial UTI had more frequent adverse clinical outcomes for dogs.
Ultra‐long‐acting recombinant insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs
Authors: Hulsebosch Sean E. , Pires Jully , Bannasch Michael J. , Lancaster Thomas , Delpero Andrea , Ragupathy Ramya , Murikipudi Sylaja , Zion Todd , Gilor Chen
Published: May 2022

Background

For the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs, novel insulins with decreased injection frequency while maintaining safety and efficacy are desirable. Insulin fused with immunoglobulin‐fragment‐crystallizable (Fc) has an ultra‐long plasma half‐life because it recycles through cells, protected from proteolysis.

Hypothesis

Glycemic control can be achieved in diabetic dogs with a recombinant fusion protein of a synthetic insulin and canine Fc (AKS‐218d) administered subcutaneously once‐weekly.

Animals

Five client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring DM.

Methods

Prospective clinical trial in dogs with DM that were recruited from the UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital and local veterinary clinics. Dogs previously controlled using intermediate‐acting insulin q12h were transitioned to once‐weekly injections of a preliminary construct identified as AKS‐218d. The dose of AKS‐218d was titrated weekly for 8 weeks based on clinical response and continuous interstitial glucose monitoring. Clinical signs, body weight, serum fructosamine concentrations, and mean interstitial glucose concentrations (IG) over the preceding week were compared between baseline (before AKS‐218d) and during the last week of treatment. Data were compared using nonparametric paired tests.

Results

Once‐weekly AKS‐218d, compared to baseline twice‐daily insulin therapy, resulted in no significant changes in clinical signs, median (range) body weight (+0.4 kg [−0.5‐1.1]; P = .6), fructosamine concentration (−75 mmol/L [−215 to +126]; P = .4), or mean IG (+81 mg/dL [−282 to +144]; P = .8). No adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusion

Control of clinical signs, body weight, and maintenance of glycemia was achieved with this once‐weekly novel insulin construct in 4 of 5 dogs.
Interpretation at the Asylum Office
Authors: Mellinger Hillary
Published: May 2022

The United States requires asylum applicants to bring their own interpreters to the Asylum Office. However, asylum officers have discretion to provide interpreters in extraordinary circumstances. When do asylum officers exercise this discretion? Is it exercised uniformly? How do interpreters affect interview dynamics? To explore these questions, I conducted 28 attorney interviews. Interviewees reported that asylum officers inconsistently exercised discretion and provided unaccompanied children with interpreters more often than adults. Interviewees noted that some bilingual officers conducted interviews in a language other than English, and some interpreters exacerbated communication challenges. Since the Asylum Office does not collect interpretation data, this study provides a glimpse into interpretation challenges.
Contribution of a genetic risk score to ethnic differences in fatty liver disease
Authors: Kubiliun Maddie J. , Cohen Jonathan C. , Hobbs Helen H. , Kozlitina Julia
Published: May 2022

Background and aims

Susceptibility to fatty liver disease (FLD) varies among individuals and between racial/ethnic groups. Several genetic variants influence FLD risk, but whether these variants explain racial/ethnic differences in FLD prevalence is unclear. We examined the contribution of genetic risk factors to racial/ethnic‐specific differences in FLD.

Methods

A case–control study comparing FLD patients (n = 1194) and population‐based controls (n = 3120) was performed. Patient characteristics, FLD risk variants (PNPLA3‐rs738409 + rs6006460, TM6SF2‐rs58542926, HSD17B13‐rs80182459 + rs72613567, MBOAT7/TMC4‐rs641738, and GCKR‐rs1260326) and a multi‐locus genetic risk score (GRS) were examined. The odds of FLD for individuals with different risk factor burdens were determined.

Results

Hispanics and Whites were over‐represented (56% vs. 38% and 36% vs. 29% respectively) and Blacks under‐represented (5% vs. 23%) among FLD patients, compared to the population from which controls were selected (p < .001). Among cases and controls, Blacks had a lower and Hispanics a greater, net number of risk alleles than Whites (p < .001). GRS was associated with increased odds of FLD (ORQ5vsQ1 = 8.72 [95% CI = 5.97–13.0], p = 9.8 × 10−28), with the association being stronger in Hispanics (ORQ5vsQ1 = 14.8 [8.3–27.1]) than Blacks (ORQ5vsQ1 = 3.7 [1.5–11.5], P‐interaction = 0.002). After accounting for GRS, the odds of FLD between Hispanics and Whites did not differ significantly (OR = 1.06 [0.87–1.28], p = .58), whereas Blacks retained much lower odds of FLD (OR = 0.21, [0.15–0.30], p < .001).

Conclusions

Blacks had a lower and Hispanics a greater FLD risk allele burden than Whites. These differences contributed to, but did not fully explain, racial/ethnic differences in FLD prevalence. Identification of additional factors protecting Blacks from FLD may provide new targets for prevention and treatment of FLD.
DNA‐based networks reveal the ecological determinants of plant–herbivore interactions along environmental gradients
Authors: Pitteloud Camille , Defossez Emmanuel , Albouy Camille , Descombes Patrice , Rasmann Sergio , Pellissier Loïc
Published: May 2022

Understanding the ecological rules structuring the organization of species interactions is a prerequisite to predicting how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. While the ecological determinants of single networks have been documented, it remains unclear whether network ecological rules are conserved along spatial and environmental gradients. To address this gap, we reconstructed 48 plant–herbivore interaction networks along six elevation gradients in the Central European Alps in Switzerland, using DNA metabarcoding on orthoptera faeces. We developed hypotheses on the ecological mechanisms expected to structure interaction networks, based on plant phylogeny, plant abundance, leaf toughness, leaf nitrogen content and plant metabolomics. We show that plant phylogenetic relationships and species abundance have the greatest explanatory power regarding the structure of the ecological networks. Moreover, we found that leaf nitrogen content is a key determinant of interactions in warmer environments, while phenolic compounds and tannins are more important in colder environments, suggesting that determinants of species interactions can shift along environmental gradients. With this work, we propose an approach to study the mechanisms that structure the way species interact with each other between bioregions and ecosystems.
Root traits catching up
Authors: Kattge Jens
Published: May 2022

This article is a Commentary on Tumber‐Dávila et al. (2022), 235: 1032–1056.
Molecular basis for avirulence of spontaneous variants of Porphyromonas gingivalis: Genomic analysis of strains W50, BE1 and BR1
Authors: Aduse‐Opoku Joseph , Joseph Susan , Devine Deirdre A , Marsh Philip D , Curtis Michael A
Published: May 2022

The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is genetically heterogeneous. However, the spontaneous generation of phenotypically different sub‐strains has also been reported. McKee et al. (1988) cultured P. gingivalis W50 in a chemostat during investigations into the growth and properties of this bacterium. Cell viability on blood agar plates revealed two types of non‐pigmenting variants, W50 beige (BE1), and W50 brown (BR1), in samples grown in a high‐hemin medium after day 7, and the population of these variants increased to approximately 25% of the total counts by day 21. W50, BE1 and BR1 had phenotypic alterations in pigmentation, reduced protease activity and haemagglutination and susceptibility to complement killing. Furthermore, the variants exhibited significant attenuation in a mouse model of virulence. Other investigators showed that in BE1, the predominant extracellular Arg‐gingipain was RgpB, and no reaction with an A‐lipopolysaccharide‐specific MAb 1B5 (Collinson et al., 1998; Slaney et al., 2006). In order to determine the genetic basis for these phenotypic properties, we performed hybrid DNA sequence long reads using Oxford Nanopore and the short paired‐end DNA sequence reads of Illumina HiSeq platforms to generate closed circular genomes of the parent and variants. Comparative analysis indicated loss of intact kgp in the 20 kb region of the hagA‐kgp locus in the two variants BE1 and BR1. Deletions in hagA led to smaller open reading frames in the variants, and BR1 had incurred a major chromosomal DNA inversion. Additional minor changes to the genomes of both variants were also observed. Given the importance of Kgp and HagA to protease activity and haemagglutination, respectively, in this bacterium, genomic changes at this locus may account for most of the phenotypic alterations of the variants. The homologous and repetitive nature of hagA and kgp and the features at the inverted junctions are indicative of specific and stable homologous recombination events, which may underlie the genetic heterogeneity of this species.
Characteristics and common ultraviolet filter usage of sunscreens purchased online: Cross‐cultural analysis across 5 continents
Authors: Chaiyabutr Chayada , Pruksaeakanan Chutipon , Wongdama Supisara , Prasertsook Suthasanee , Kumpangsin Titinun , Boonchai Waranya
Published: May 2022

Background

A wide range of sunscreen products are available globally. Designed to meet various customer needs, they differ in formulations type, textures, ingredients, ultraviolet (UV) protection capabilities, and other properties. Knowing the factors influencing the purchase of sunscreens and the UV filters commonly used in each global region would be beneficial for dermatologists, consumers, and regulators.

Methods

Data on 50 best‐selling sunscreens from each of 20 countries on 5 continents (1000 products in all) were retrieved from Amazon Marketplace during the period from January to July 2021.

Results

Among the 5 continents, Asia had the highest proportion of consumers (71.1%) choosing high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens (SPF ≥50). In contrast, Europe had the highest percentage (11.8%) purchasing <30 SPF sunscreens. The lack of standard UVA protection labeling was significantly highest in South America. The use of inorganic‐based sunscreen was highest in North America, and across all continents, those products were significantly more expensive than organic‐based sunscreens. Globally, lotions were the most favored formulation type. “Nongreasy/dry touch” (45.1%) and “lightweight texture” (40.4%) were the most common promotional terms used. The most common UV filters differed among regions. Iron oxide, which can function as a visible light filter, was most frequently found in sunscreens in South America (20%) and North America (19.3%).

Conclusions

The regional factors influencing the purchase of sunscreen products differed. A considerable number of sunscreens may not provide adequate sun protection for consumers. Dermatologists should recommend sunscreens with sufficient UV protection that suit the skin of individual consumers.
Not by the Numbers: Evaluating Trump's Administrative Presidency
Authors: Potter Rachel Augustine , Rudalevige Andrew , Thrower Sharece , Warber Adam L.
Published: May 2022

We examine President Trump's use of administrative tools related to policy making—including executive orders, memoranda, proclamations, signing statements, and rulemaking—and compare him to presidents since Eisenhower. Overall, we find that Trump was not that different from his predecessors and from what theories of unilateral output predict—at least, not by the numbers. However, the content of his actions were noteworthy in two ways. First, the use of these tools as public relations instruments accelerated during his presidency. Second, Trump's rulemaking activities represented a departure from established norms, though not necessarily a durable one. Our study provides valuable historical context on the Trump presidency and highlights the virtues and limitations of using the volume of administrative output to understand the administrative presidency.
Mycotoxins were not associated with environmental enteropathy in a cohort of Tanzanian children
Authors: Chen Chen , Patil Crystal L. , Mduma Estomih R. , Groopman John D. , Riley Ronald T. , Wu Felicia
Published: May 2022

Enteropathy is a pathophysiological condition characterized by decreased intestinal barrier function and absorption. Past studies have hypothesized that mycotoxins might impair children's growth by causing intestinal enteropathy, including interactions between mycotoxins and pathogens. We investigated the association of two mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), independently and in conjunction with microbial pathogens, with fecal biomarkers of environmental enteropathy in children. As part of a larger MAL‐ED study, 196 children were recruited in Haydom, Tanzania, and followed for the first 36 months of life. The gut inflammation biomarkers myeloperoxidase (MPO), neopterin (NEO), and alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) were analyzed in stool samples at 24 months; with mean concentrations 5332.5 ng/L MPO, 807.2 nmol/L NEO, and 0.18 mg/g A1AT. Forty‐eight children were measured for AFB1‐lys, with a mean of 5.30 (95% CI: 3.93‐6.66) pg/mg albumin; and 87 were measured for FB1, with a mean of 1.25 (95% CI: 0.72–1.76) ng/ml urine. Although the pathogens adenovirus and Campylobacter were associated with A1AT (p = 0.049) and NEO (p = 0.004), respectively, no association was observed between aflatoxin (MPO, p = 0.30; NEO, p = 0.08; A1AT, p = 0.24) or fumonisin (MPO, p = 0.38; NEO, p = 0.65; A1AT, p = 0.20) exposure and any gut inflammation biomarkers; nor were interactive effects found between mycotoxins and pathogens in contributing to intestinal enteropathy in this cohort. Although further studies are needed to confirm these results, it is possible that mycotoxins contribute to child growth impairment via mechanisms other than disrupting children's intestinal function.
Inequality Beyond GDP: A Long View
Authors: Prados de la Escosura Leandro
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses international inequality in multidimensional well‐being during the last one‐and‐a‐half centuries. Inequality fell in health and education since the late 1920s, due to the globalization of mass schooling and the diffusion of the health transition, but only dropped in population‐weighted terms from 1970 onward for political and civil liberties, as the emergence of authoritarian regimes increased its dispersion since the end of World War I. In terms of augmented human development inequality declined since 1900. These results are at odds with per capita income inequality that rose over time and only shrank from 1990 onward. The gap between the OECD and the Rest of the world accounted only partially for inequality in well‐being since the dispersion within developing regions became its main driver from the mid‐20th century onward. Countries in the middle and lower deciles of the world distribution achieved the largest relative gain over the past century.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*12:01:10 allele was identified by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Chen Nanying , Zhang Wei , Xu Xianguo , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: May 2022

HLA‐DRB1*12:01:10 differs from HLA‐DRB1*12:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 4.
Assessing unintentional creation of bias against men who have sex with men as a function of exposure to blood donor screening questionnaire: A national randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hofkirchner Alexander , Kohut Taylor , O'Brien Sheila F. , Fisher William A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) screens donors based on group status (e.g., men who have sex with men, MSM) instead of specific, high‐risk sexual practices (e.g., occurrence of condomless sex). The MSM screening question is embedded in a cluster of questions about stigmatized attributes such as history of imprisonment and illicit substance use. This juxtaposition of the “MSM question” and stigmatized attributes may unintentionally cause blood donors to perceive MSM more negatively. The aim of this research is to determine whether the CBS donor eligibility questionnaire generates negative bias against MSM.

Study Design and Methods

A national, randomized online study of 903 CBS donors was conducted. Participants completed either the existing blood donor eligibility questionnaire or a modified donor questionnaire that repositioned the MSM question among neutral questions. After completing the existing or modified questionnaire, bias against MSM was measured using the sexuality implicit association test (IAT) and Modern Homonegativity Scale – Gay Men (MHS‐G). Lastly, participants estimated prevalence rates among MSM of certain stigmatized behaviors.

Results

Participants who completed the existing donor eligibility questionnaire more strongly associated gay men with negative attributes on the IAT (pone‐tailed = .045), suggesting question position generated implicit negative bias toward MSM. Responses to the MHS‐G (pone‐tailed = .506) and prevalence estimation task (p = .443) indicated that question order had no significant impact on explicit bias.

Discussion

Positioning the MSM screening question among stigmatizing questions creates implicit negative bias against MSM. Policy makers should be mindful of question positioning when designing donor questionnaires.
Assessing evolutionary history and species boundaries in a polymorphic tropical lizard, the Aspidoscelis lineattissimus species complex (Squamata, Teiidae)
Authors: Raya‐García Ernesto , Suazo‐Ortuño Ireri , García‐Andrade Ana Berenice , Solís‐Guzmán María Gloria , Pérez‐Rodríguez Rodolfo
Published: May 2022

Identification of species boundaries within the genus Aspidoscelis is one of the most complex tasks in herpetological systematics due to the extensive morphological variation and complex evolutionary history involved. The whiptail lizard Aspidoscelis lineattissimus is a polymorphic species that inhabits tropical ecosystems over a wide region of western Mexico and is currently classified into four subspecies, A. l. exoristus, A. l. lineattissimus, A. l. lividus and A. l. duodecemlineatus. In this study, we used phylogenetic and coalescent‐based approaches to disentangle the phylogenetic relationships among the subspecies of A. lineattissimus and to assess the level of differentiation between these subspecific taxa. We also inferred the divergence times and historical biogeography to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the A. lineattissimus complex. Three mitochondrial genes (ND4, 12S and 16S) and one nuclear exon (BACH1) were used, along with comprehensive sampling that included individuals representing the four subspecies. Coalescence analyses supported three well‐differentiated lineages as independent evolutionary units, corresponding to A. l. exoristus, A. l. lineattissimus + A. l. lividus and A. l. duodecemlineatus, partially recovering the previous classification. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses support three additional discrete lineages within A. l. duodecemlineatus. Finally, divergence time estimates and reconstructions of ancestral areas indicated that the origin and diversification of the five differentiated lineages within the A. lineattissimus complex was strongly associated with oscillations in sea level due to glacial/interglacial climatic fluctuations beginning in the Mid‐Pliocene. Our research highlights the importance of phylogenetic studies within the genus Aspidoscelis to disentangle their evolutionary history and reveal hitherto underestimated diversity.
Ni-ZIF-8@ZIF-67-Derived Bimetallic Doped Pt-Based Carbon Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Feng , Gao Yong , Yu Dehe , Li Yuanming , Xi Jinyan , Chen Hui , Li Xuejiao , Zhang Zihan , Zhang Yantong , Leung Michael K. H. , Zhang Chengxu , Zhang Yingjie
Published: May 2022

The development of highly active and stable electrocatalysts is a major challenge for water electrolysis. In this work, we designed bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon (NiCo-NC) materials with excellent performance, which were pyrolyzed by the core-shell structure of Ni-ZIF-8@ZIF-67. Then, the low-Pt supported Pt@NiCo-NC catalyst was prepared by the impregnation liquid-phase reduction method. During the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the catalyst exhibited an overpotential of 31.1 mV and stability in an acidic medium at a current density of 10 mA/cm2. It is worth noting that the overpotential and Tafel slope of the catalyst are both smaller than commercial Pt/C, indicating high catalytic activity. The loading of commercial Pt/C (TKK, 46 wt%) on the electrode was 100 µg/cm2, while the loading of Pt@NiCo-NC-2 wt% was only 6.58 µg/cm2. The presence of bimetals and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) not only improve the hydrogen evolution activity of the catalyst, but also enhance the electrochemical stability. It can be expected that this work will provide important insights for studies based on catalyst supports and improving performance.
Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Numerical Analysis for Studying the Effect of Mini-Channel Cooling Plate, Flow Characteristics, and Battery Arrangement for Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Authors: Li Wei , Garg Akhil , Wang Ningbo , Gao Liang , Le Phung My Loan , Tran Van Man
Published: May 2022

Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) is crucial to maintain peak temperature and temperature difference of lithium-ion battery pack in appropriate range, thus ensuring best performance, extended cycle life and safety. Liquid cooling BTMS is extensively researched for prismatic cells, but only a few studies are present on application of liquid cooling BTMS for cylindrical cells. Further, existing studies on liquid cooling for cylindrical cells majorly focus on effect of flowrate, flow direction, and number of channels. In this study, a novel mini-channel cooling plate-based liquid cooling BTMS is proposed for a battery pack of 20 cells. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based numerical analysis was performed on three-dimensional model of battery pack to investigate effects of parameters associated with cooling plate and mini-channel design, flow characteristics, and battery arrangement on temperature uniformity, heat removal rate, parasitic power consumption and weight of the battery pack. The study concluded that installation of aluminum cylindrical enclosure on cells could drastically enhance heat removal and temperature uniformity. Altering flow directions in mini-channel could enhance thermal performance. The research demonstrated that for case 2d (inlet and outlet are staggered in each cooling plate), the temperature difference can be reduced by 16.5% when compared to unidirectional flow. Mini-channel with square cross section offers better heat removal and fewer flow resistance compared to circular and elliptical. Although converging mini-channels offer better thermal performance, it drastically increases the pumping power. The battery pack was successful in limiting peak temperature and temperature difference to 303.26 K and 1.98 K, respectively, for 4 C discharge rate.
Bias-Learning-Based Model Predictive Controller Design for Reliable Path Tracking of Autonomous Vehicles Under Model and Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Ren Lichuan , Xi Zhimin
Published: May 2022

Path tracking error control is an essential functionality in the development of autonomous vehicles to follow a planned trajectory. Significant path tracking errors could lead to a collision or even out of the control of the vehicle. Model-based control strategies have been developed to minimize the vehicle’s path tracking errors. However, the vehicle model may not truly represent the actual vehicle dynamics. Furthermore, the parameters employed in the vehicle dynamic model may not represent the actual operating conditions of the vehicle under environmental uncertainty. This paper proposes a real-time bias-learning method coupling with the model predictive control (MPC) to improve the fidelity of a baseline vehicle model with the aid of a few experiments (or virtual experiments) so that the path tracking error can be reduced in real-time operation. Gaussian process (GP) regression and recurrent neural network (RNN) are employed for bias-learning and their effectiveness are compared under different scenarios. GP regression learns non-linearity of the model bias through its nonlinear kernel function, whereas the RNN model formulates the bias as a linear combination of hidden nodes which capture the non-linearity of the model bias with a recurrent form. Results reveal that RNN is more effective for real-time learning of the nonlinear model bias than the classical GP regression and the proposed bias-learning model is able to improve the fidelity of a baseline vehicle dynamic model. Consequently, path tracking performance can be greatly improved under environmental uncertainty using the bias-learning-based MPC.
Evaluating the Content Knowledge of Preservice Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Ward Phillip , Chey Won Seok , Cho Kyuil
Published: May 2022

Purpose: We examined the variables of common content knowledge, specialized content knowledge, and performance that preservice teachers had acquired from their K–12 physical education and extracurricular experiences and the effects of a content course on improving their content knowledge and performance. Method: Nineteen preservice teachers were assessed during a half a semester long content course using pre- and posttests of common content knowledge, soccer performance, and two specialized content knowledge variables: instructional tasks and error analysis. Relationships between experience in playing and coaching for each assessment were conducted. Data are reported descriptively and inferentially. Results: Preservice teachers had poor pretest scores on all variables except performance. Posttest scores following the content class showed substantive, highly significant relationships with large effect sizes. Yet, the levels obtained were less than desirable for all common content knowledge and specialized content knowledge variables, except performance. A number of relationships were found between experience and the measures. Discussion/Conclusion: Our results suggest that more research needs to be conducted on the design of content courses in physical education teacher education.