bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informing adaptive forest management: A hazard rating tool for southern pine beetleDendroctonus frontalisin pitch pine barrens
Authors: Jamison Elizabeth‐Ann K. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Dodds Kevin J.
Published: April 2022

Climate change is facilitating a novel range expansion of southern pine beetle (SPB) into globally rare north‐eastern pitch pine barrens.

By assessing stand conditions present in SPB‐infested and uninfested pitch pine stands on Long Island, NY, USA, we developed a regionally‐calibrated hazard rating model that predicts stand‐level SPB susceptibility.

The model indicates that a stand's SPB susceptibility increases with (1) increasing pitch pine basal area, (2) increasing instances of previous year SPB spots nearby, and (3) sandy soil texture.

The model informs adaptation strategies to a novel pest dynamic by supporting the identification and prioritization of high hazard stands for prevention management.

An alignment between treatments effective in reducing SPB vulnerability and conserving pine barrens communities indicates that pine barrens can be managed both to improve resilience to future threats and preserve historic ecological conditions.
Recycling and the material science tetrahedron: Everyday strategies of making in high temperature technologies of Iron Age southern Africa
Authors: Chirikure Shadreck
Published: April 2022

This paper applies the Material Science Tetrahedron concept to explore practices of pottery recycling in selected craft activities performed in first and second millennium CE southern Africa. It combines analyses of pottery decorative style on vessels and their fragments used for metal processing with fabric inclusion mineralogy and chemical composition to show that recycling was a sociotechnical endeavour integral to making and remaking everyday things in society. Recycling weaved, along the chaîne opératoire, tapestries of materialities formed by and flowing from relationships between crafting, materials, containers, and humans as part of daily routines of making, provisioning, and consumption.
Party‐led innovation of state‐sponsored intermediary organizations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong of China: Effects and managerial strategies
Authors: Li Wei
Published: April 2022

Although it has become popular for the state in different regions to encourage social organizations (SOs) via innovation, few studies have examined the innovation of intermediary organizations (IOs) as an important mechanism in social governance reform. This article is a study of party‐led innovation of state‐sponsored IOs in three cities in China—Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong—particularly, the contexts, goals, and effects of the innovation. It finds that state‐sponsored IOs can gain organizational independence and managerial autonomy even though they receive a high level of financial resources from the state and carry out party activities. The innovation, aiming at supporting, leading, and regulating SOs, has enabled the state‐sponsored IOs to adopt less coercive network‐ and market‐based strategies than the hierarchical strategy to embed constituent SOs in the party's policy and organizational networks.
Is 5-fluorouracil the best candidate for topical chemoprevention of skin cancers in organ transplant recipients?
Authors: Samimi Mahtab
Published: April 2022

Linked Article: Hasan et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:324–337.
A national service for delivering CD19 CAR‐Tin large B‐cell lymphoma – The UK real‐world experience
Authors: Kuhnl Andrea , Roddie Claire , Kirkwood Amy A. , Tholouli Eleni , Menne Tobias , Patel Amit , Besley Caroline , Chaganti Sridhar , Sanderson Robin , O'Reilly Maeve , Norman Jane , Osborne Wendy , Bloor Adrian , Lugthart Sanne , Malladi Ram , Patten Piers E. M. , Neill Lorna , Martinez‐Cibrian Nuria , Kennedy Hannah , Phillips Elizabeth H. , Jones Ceri , Sharplin Kirsty , El‐Sharkawi Dima , Latif Anne‐Louise , Mathew Amrith , Uttenthal Benjamin , Stewart Orla , Marzolini Maria A. V. , Townsend William , Cwynarski Kate , Ardeshna Kirit , Ardavan Arzhang , Robinson Kate , Pagliuca Antonio , Collins Graham P. , Johnson Roderick , McMillan Andrew
Published: April 2022

CD19 CAR‐T have emerged as a new standard treatment for relapsed/refractory (r/r) large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL). CAR‐T real‐world (RW) outcomes published to date suggest significant variability across countries. We provide results of a large national cohort of patients intended to be treated with CAR‐T in the UK. Consecutive patients with r/r LBCL approved for CAR‐T by the National CAR‐T Clinical Panel between December 2018 and November 2020 across all UK CAR‐T centres were included. 404/432 patients were approved [292 axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi‐cel), 112 tisagenlecleucel (tisa‐cel)], 300 (74%) received the cells. 110/300 (38.3%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) at 6 months (m). The overall response rate was 77% (52% CR) for axi‐cel, 57% (44% CR) for tisa‐cel. The 12‐month progression‐free survival was 41.8% (axi‐cel) and 27.4% (tisa‐cel). Median overall survival for the intention‐to‐treat population was 10.5 m, 16.2 m for infused patients. The incidence of grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity were 7.6%/19.6% for axi‐cel and 7.9%/3.9% for tisa‐cel. This prospective RW population of CAR‐T eligible patients offers important insights into the clinical benefit of CD19 CAR‐T in LBCL in daily practice. Our results confirm long‐term efficacy in patients receiving treatment similar to the pivotal trials, but highlight the significance of early CAR‐T failure.
Interventions for obstructive uropathy in advanced prostate cancer: a population‐based study
Authors: Nathan Arjun , Morris Melanie , Parry Matthew G. , Berry Brendan , Sujenthiran Arunan , Nossiter Julie , Payne Heather , Van Der Meulen Jan , Clarke Noel W. , Green James S. A.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To develop and validate a coding framework to identify interventions for upper tract obstructive uropathy (UTOU) in men with locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) using administrative hospital data to assess clinical outcomes. There are no population‐based studies on the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of this complication.

Patients and Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with PCa between April 2014 and March 2019 were identified in the English cancer registry. A coding framework based on procedure (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures fourth edition) and diagnostic (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition) codes was developed and validated. Subsequent clinical outcomes were determined using Hospital Episodes Statistics to determine the utility of the intervention.

Results

A total of 77 010 patients newly diagnosed with locally advanced, and 30 083 patients with metastatic PCa were identified. Of these, 1951 (1.8%) patients underwent an intervention for UTOU according to our coding framework: 830 (42.5%) had locally advanced disease and 1121 (57.5%) had metastatic disease. In all, 844 (43.3%) had a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN), 473 (24.2%) had a PCN with antegrade stent, and 634 (32.5%) had a retrograde stent. The mean follow‐up was 43.2 months. The cumulative incidence of the use of these interventions at 1, 3, and 5 years was 2.5%, 3.6% and 4.2% in men with metastases compared to 0.5%, 0.9% and 1.4% in men with locally advanced disease.

Conclusion

A new coding framework, developed to identify procedures for UTOU was applied in the largest study to date of UTOU in men with primary locally advanced and metastatic PCa. Results demonstrated that 2% of men with locally advanced PCa and 4% of men with metastatic PCa require an intervention to resolve UTOU within 5 years of their PCa diagnosis.
Late Quaternary mud‐dominated, basin‐floor sedimentation of the Gulf of Corinth, Greece: Implications for deep‐water depositional processes and controls on syn‐rift sedimentation
Authors: Gawthorpe Rob L. , Fabregas Natacha , Pechlivanidou Sofia , Ford Mary , Collier Richard E. Ll. , Carter Gareth D. O. , McNeill Lisa C. , Shillington Donna J.
Published: April 2022

Syn‐rift deep‐water muds and mudstones preserve a relatively complete stratigraphic record of tectonic and climatic events. This paper investigates mud‐dominated deposits and stratigraphy using core from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 381 sites M0078 and M0079 in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. Millimetre‐scale logging defined several bed types: homogeneous and laminated mud beds, bioturbated beds, a variety of graded beds, and rare matrix‐supported conglomerates and slumps. Homogeneous muds and light grey to black laminated muds record deposition from distal, waning low density turbidity currents and terminal mud‐rich quasi‐laminar or laminar plug flows. Graded beds, interpreted as turbidites, range from beds several millimetre to a few centimetres of mud with silt to fine sand bases, to metre‐scale mud beds with coarser sand and pebble bases. Conglomerate and slumped beds record cohesive debris flows, transitional flows and slope failure. Three stratal package types are distinguished: bioturbated, bedded and laminated, recording distinct hydrological conditions. Bioturbated packages record interglacial marine conditions with well oxygenated waters. Bedded packages record hemipelagic processes and low energy density underflows in a mainly dysoxic, stratified, lacustrine setting (glacial phases). In laminated packages, white mm‐scale laminae of calcite or aragonite from varved, hemipelagic sediments demonstrating seasonal variability in a dysoxic non‐marine or transitional setting. Rift stratigraphy is linked to eustatically controlled connections to the global ocean across rift segment boundaries. The ca. 780 to 330 ka succession is dominated by laminated packages with thin bioturbated packages and distinct conglomerates and slumps, suggesting high sills, making ocean connections brief and transitional to lacustrine conditions prolonged. The ca. 330 ka to present succession shows well developed bioturbated and bedded packages, separated by thin laminated packages, suggesting brief transitions and well‐developed marine conditions due to lower sills. Results indicate that structurally controlled rift segment boundaries exert a first‐order control on syn‐rift stratigraphic evolution, with fault segment growth and linkage driving intra‐rift facies and sequence variability.
Tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the rift and post‐rift systems in the Northern Campos Basin, offshore Brazil
Authors: Strugale Michael , Cartwright Joe
Published: April 2022

The Campos and Santos Basins have been a focus of subsurface studies since the discovery in 2006 of large accumulations of hydrocarbons in the Early Cretaceous rift and post‐rift strata below Aptian evaporites. In this study, regional 2D seismic lines, a 3D seismic survey and well data were interpreted to reconstruct the tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the rift and post‐rift stages in the northern sector of the Campos Basin. Detailed 3D seismic interpretation and geological modelling were used to subdivide the pre‐salt sedimentary record. This revealed a diachronous strain distribution along the Guriri Fault System (GFS), a roughly NE‐SW striking fault‐bounded horst that was a focus of rift‐related deformation. The syn‐rift succession is interpreted to be the product of two episodes of rifting (RP1 and RP2) with contrasting fault activity patterns and lithostratigraphy. Volcaniclastics and coarse siliciclastics of RP1 were deposited under WNW‐ESE transtension that formed discontinuous half‐grabens followed by extensive erosion and tectonic inversion. Structurally controlled bioclastic rudstones and hybrid deposits characterize RP2 and were deposited in elongated half‐grabens that delimit the GFS horst, which developed under an NW‐SE extension. Deposition under increasingly less tectonically active transitional and post‐rift stages dominated by thermal subsidence gradually led to the healing of the rift‐related structural relief. Selective reactivation of rift faults testifies active tectonic inversion through compression from immediate post‐rift throughout evaporite deposition. These interpretations are put into the context of recent geochronological data of onshore dyke emplacement and the new age constraints for the end of deposition of the pre‐salt sequence. Therefore, we propose an earlier onset on rifting in the Campos Basin, at the Berriasian.
Radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation therapy for prostate‐specific antigen persistence in lymph node–positive prostate cancer
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Takamatsu Dai , Kimura Takahiro , Tashiro Kojiro , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Tomida Ryotaro , Saito Ryoichi , Tsutsumi Masakazu , Yokomizo Akira , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Edamura Kohei , Miyake Makito , Morizane Shuichi , Yoshino Takayuki , Matsukawa Akihiro , Narita Shintaro , Matsumoto Ryuji , Kasahara Takashi , Hashimoto Kohei , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Kato Masashi , Akamatsu Shusuke , Joraku Akira , Kato Manabu , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Saito Toshihiro , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Takahashi Atsushi , Kato Takuma , Sakamoto Shinichi , Enokida Hideki , Kanno Hidenori , Terada Naoki , Suekane Shigetaka , Nishiyama Naotaka , Eto Masatoshi , Kitamura Hiroshi ,   the Japanese Urological Oncology Group
Published: April 2022

The treatment for lymph node involvement (LNI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) has not been established. This study aimed to reveal the outcomes of various management strategies among patients with LNI after RP. Retrospectively, 561 patients with LNI after pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) with RP treated between 2006 and 2019 at 33 institutions participating in the Japanese Urological Oncology Group were investigated. Metastasis‐free survival (MFS) was the primary outcome. Patients were stratified by prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) persistence after RP. Cox regression models were used to analyze the relationships between clinicopathological characteristics and survival. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test with or without propensity score matching. Prognoses, including MFS and overall survival, were prominently inferior among patients with persistent PSA compared with those without persistent PSA. In multivariate analysis, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus radiotherapy (RT) was associated with better MFS than ADT alone among patients with persistent PSA (hazard ratio = 0.37; 95% confidence interval = 0.15‐0.93; p = 0.034). Similarly, MFS and overall survival were significantly better for ADT plus RT than for ADT alone among patients with persistent PSA after propensity score matching. This study indicated that PSA persistence in LNI prostate cancer increased the risk of poor prognoses, and intensive treatment featuring the addition of RT to ADT might improve survival.
Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans-like cicatricial alopecia in a patient with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome
Authors: Murad Aizuri , Bergfeld Wilma
Published: April 2022

We describe a patient with the keratosis pilaris atrophicans variant of cicatricial alopecia in conjunction with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome.
'It's the way they look at you': Why discrimination towards young parents is a policy and practice issue
Authors: Owens Rachael
Published: April 2022

Qualitative research has long critiqued a simplistic association between youth parenting and poor outcomes. Despite this, the UK youth parenting policy continues to view young parents through a narrow deficit lens, focused on assumed risk rather than structural inequalities. The paper brings together the direct accounts of young parents' experiences, with ethnographic observation of practice, to argue that discrimination is the critical issue associated with being a young parent. This is then set within a wider critique of the policy framework which, it is argued, perpetuates and normalises negative ideas about young parents prevalent in political, societal and cultural processes. An integrative theoretical approach is used to highlight how a deficit lens at a policy level upholds, rather than undermines, young parents' intersectional experiences of discrimination and has ethical implications for practitioners working with them. The paper calls for a reorientation of policy which addresses and disrupts discrimination.
Safeguarding the Cultural and Historical Heritage of Ukraine
Authors: Bunch Lonnie G.
Published: April 2022

A public comment from the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in the USA. This public statement is reprinted by permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Energy and physiological tolerance explain multi‐trophic soil diversity in temperate mountains
Authors: Calderón‐Sanou Irene , Zinger Lucie , Hedde Mickael , Martinez‐Almoyna Camille , Saillard Amelie , Renaud Julien , Gielly Ludovic , Khedim Norine , Lionnet Clement , Ohlmann Marc , Consortium Orchamp , Münkemüller Tamara , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: April 2022

Aim

Although soil biodiversity is extremely rich and spatially variable, both in terms of species and trophic groups, we still know little about its main drivers. Here, we contrast four long‐standing hypotheses to explain the spatial variation of soil multi‐trophic diversity: energy, physiological tolerance, habitat heterogeneity and resource heterogeneity.

Location

French Alps.

Methods

We built on a large‐scale observatory across the French Alps (Orchamp) made of seventeen elevational gradients (~90 plots) ranging from low to very high altitude (280–3,160 m), and encompassing large variations in climate, vegetation and pedological conditions. Biodiversity measurements of 36 soil trophic groups were obtained through environmental DNA metabarcoding. Using a machine learning approach, we assessed (1) the relative importance of predictors linked to different ecological hypotheses in explaining overall multi‐trophic soil biodiversity and (2) the consistency of the response curves across trophic groups.

Results

We showed that predictors associated with the four hypotheses had a statistically significant influence on soil multi‐trophic diversity, with the strongest support for the energy and physiological tolerance hypotheses. Physiological tolerance explained spatial variation in soil diversity consistently across trophic groups, and was an especially strong predictor for bacteria, protists and microfauna. The effect of energy was more group‐specific, with energy input through soil organic matter strongly affecting groups related to the detritus channel. Habitat and resource heterogeneity had overall weaker and more specific impacts on biodiversity with habitat heterogeneity affecting mostly autotrophs, and resource heterogeneity affecting bacterivores, phytophagous insects, enchytraeids and saprotrophic fungi.

Main Conclusions

Despite the variability of responses to the environmental drivers found across soil trophic groups, major commonalities on the ecological processes structuring soil biodiversity emerged. We conclude that among the major ecological hypotheses traditionally applied to aboveground organisms, some are particularly relevant to predict the spatial variation in soil biodiversity across the major soil trophic groups.
Persistency of window dressing practices in the U.S. repo markets after the GFC: The unexplored role of the deposit insurance premium
Authors: Jaafar Aziz , Polizzi Salvatore , Reghezza Alessio
Published: April 2022

We investigate whether the regulatory improvements made in the aftermath of the global financial crisis have been effective in limiting bank downward window dressing by means of repos in the United States. We find that a strict application of the Basel III regulation wipes out incentives to engage in window dressing to bolster the level of leverage Tier 1 ratio at quarter‐end. We also show that the persistency of window dressing is related to the computation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessment base, which motivates banks to engage in window dressing to reduce the deposit insurance premium.
Bifidobacterium infantis strain YLGB‐1496 possesses excellent antioxidant and skin barrier‐enhancing efficacy in vitro
Authors: Ma Xue , Pan Yao , Zhao Wen , Sun Peiwen , Zhao Jinfeng , Yan Shiyu , Wang Rui , Han Yuqing , Liu Wei‐Hsien , Tan Shengjie , Hung Wei‐Lian
Published: April 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurring allergic skin disease that has a high incidence. Orally applied Bifidobacteria ameliorate signs of irritated skin and enhance the skin barrier. The present study investigated the safety and efficacy of a topically used cell‐free culture supernatant (CFS) from a Bifidobacterium infantis strain using in vitro evaluation methods. The results showed that CFS had strong free radical scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, ·OH and O2‐radicals. CFS treatment fundamentally reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH‐Px) in H2O2‐treated HaCaT cells. Notably, the upregulation of skin physical barrier gene (FLG, LOR, IVL, AQP3 and TGM1) expression and skin antimicrobial peptide gene (CAMP, hBD‐2 and hBD‐3) expression by CFS might contribute to skin barrier resistance. CFS was non‐irritating to the skin and eyes. CFS from the Bifidobacterium infantis strain had strong antioxidant properties on the skin and strengthened skin barrier function, and it was safe for topical use.
COVID‐19, economic problems, and family relationships in eight Middle East and North African countries
Authors: El Tantawi Maha , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Aly Nourhan M. , Brown Brandon , Ezechi Oliver C. , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Khader Yousef , Al‐Batayneh Ola B. , Al‐Khanati Nuraldeen Maher , Attia Dina Y. , Ellakany Passent , Rashwan Maher , Shamala Anas , Abeldaño Zuñiga Roberto Ariel , Nguyen Annie L.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The aim was to assess the reported family relationships during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the association between these relationships and individual, interpersonal, and country‐level income in eight Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.

Background

COVID‐19 causes fear of infection, loss of loved ones, and economic problems that may affect family relationships.

Methods

Data were collected from eight MENA countries using an online survey (July–August 2020). The dependent variable was change in family relationship during COVID‐19, and the independent variables were individual, interpersonal, and country‐level factors represented by sociodemographic factors, COVID‐19 status, financial impact (whether participants lost or had reduced wages) and country income. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Results

There were 1854 responses, mean (SD) age of 30.6 (9.9) years, 65.8% were female, 3.4% tested COVID‐19 positive, and 20.8% reported lost/reduced wages. Family relationships were more likely to improve or remain unchanged (84.3%) for participants who had a history of COVID‐19 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.25, 10.01]). However, family relationships were more likely to not improve for those who knew someone who died of COVID‐19 (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.58, 0.99]) and those with lost/reduced wages (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.52, 0.94]).

Conclusion

Family relationship improved or remained unchanged for those who tested positive for COVID‐19 and did not improve for those who lost wages or lost someone due to COVID‐19.

Implications

Policy makers should develop strategies to provide social and financial support to employees to reduce the losses and adverse social impact caused by the pandemic.
Developing an obesity research agenda with British Pakistani women living in deprived areas with involvement from multisectoral stakeholders: Research priority setting with a seldom heard group
Authors: Iqbal Halima , West Jane , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , Haith‐Cooper Melanie
Published: April 2022

Introduction

British Pakistani women have exceptionally high rates of obesity and yet are seldom heard in a research priority setting concerning weight management. The objectives of this study were (i) to ascertain what multisectoral professionals perceive to be the most pressing unmet obesity needs or topic areas that need more research in relation to Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford and (ii) to determine the top 10 obesity health priorities for this group to develop an obesity research agenda.

Methods

A two‐step process was adopted using the following: (i) a survey of a wide range of multisectoral professional stakeholders (n = 159) and (ii) a ranking exercise involving Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford (n = 32) to select and prioritize their top 10 obesity health concerns and unmet needs from a list of 31 statements identified in the survey and previous research. Survey data were analysed using inductive content analysis and themes were identified. Themes were translated into statements to be ranked by Pakistani women. The ranking exercise was conducted by telephone either via voice or video call. Data were analysed using a reverse scoring system.

Results

Survey responses were grouped into statements reflecting the following three categories: education needs; healthy behaviour barriers and mental well‐being. The highest rankings were given by Pakistani women to statements on mental health and the need for education. The top 10 prioritized statements were developed with members of the public into an obesity research agenda that reflected the target population.

Conclusion

Actively engaging British Pakistani women in setting research priorities provided a unique opportunity to understand the key areas they think are important for future research. The culminating research agenda can be used by researchers to advance the field of obesity research in Pakistani communities, thus producing research outputs that are relevant to and have impact in this population.

Patient or Public Contribution

Participants in the ranking exercise collected data. Public contributors were involved in developing the prioritized statements into a research agenda.
Once convicted? The long‐term pathways to desistance
Authors: Shapland Joanna
Published: April 2022

There are few long‐term studies of the convictions of persistent offenders and the extent to which they may desist from offending. The Sheffield Desistance Study interviewed 113 men aged 19–22 years over four or so years. Their subsequent convictions over the next ten years generally show a continuing pattern of convictions, but with major crime‐free gaps. Initial hopes for desistance, if seen as continuing cessation from crime, have not been fulfilled, linked to both substance abuse and, it is argued, recent penal policy in England and Wales. The question is then how we should see recidivism and desistance.
Evaluation of the biostimulatory effects and the level of neocollagenesis of dermal fillers: a review
Authors: Haddad Sasha , Galadari Hassan , Patil Anant , Goldust Mohamad , Al Salam Suhail , Guida Stefania
Published: April 2022

Dermal fillers have become one of the main tools for soft tissue augmentation in the field of cosmetic dermatology. There are many types of fillers. While hyaluronic acid fillers are generally accepted as ones that fill in a space, they and other materials have been shown to have a biostimulatory effect on tissue through the process of a controlled foreign body reaction. Little research is available comparing their effects in terms of new collagen formation post administration. The goal of this review article is to evaluate the biostimulatory effects and the levels of neocollagenesis of poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and hyaluronic acid (HA). A concise summary of the evidence is provided to assist clinicians in making informed decisions when deciding between the different types of widely available fillers.
Association study of TAP and HLA‐I gene combination with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in a Han population in China
Authors: Tao Yufen , Han Xue , Liu Nannan , Shi Lei , Shi Li , Liu Shuyuan , Yao Yufeng
Published: April 2022

Host immune system genes play key roles in the progression of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) play an important role in the loading of viral peptides onto MHC class I molecules. This study aimed to investigate the association between TAP gene polymorphisms and chronic HCV in a Chinese Han population. A total of 232 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and 362 healthy individuals were recruited from the Han population in Yunnan province in southwest China, and a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay was used to detect six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TAP1 and three SNPs of TAP2 genes. The association of the TAP gene with CHC was analysed at the allele, genotype, and haplotype levels. There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of these SNPs in the TAP gene between CHC patients and controls after Bonferroni correction. A novel TAP1 allele (TAP1*unknown_1: rs41555220‐rs41549617‐rs1057141‐rs1135216‐rs1057149‐rs41551515: G‐G‐A‐G‐G‐G) was only present in the CHC group, and this allele significantly increased susceptibility to CHC (p = .005, odds ratio [OR] = 11.105. 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.362–90.558). Homozygous TAP1*03:01/TAP1*03:01 was observed only in the CHC group that exhibited an obvious risk for CHC (p = .002, OR = 9.637, 95% CI: 1.153–80.574). And the haplotype TAP1*unknown_1‐TAP2*01:01 was only present in the CHC group and indicated a significant risk for CHC (p = .002, OR = 9.498, 95% CI: 1.140–79.149). We observed significant interactions among HLA‐A, ‐B,C, TAP1, and TAP2 alleles, and combination analysis revealed that the combination of TAP1*01:01‐TAP2*01:01‐HLA‐B*35:01 was only present in the control group (2.2%) and resulted in significantly increased resistance to CHC (p = .002, OR = 0.096, 95% CI: 0.012–0.759). Whereas, the combination of TAP1*01:01‐TAP2*01:01‐HLA‐C*07:02 and TAP1*03:01‐TAP2*01:01‐HLA‐C*01:02 increased the susceptibility to CHC significantly (p = .001, OR = 2.016, 95% CI: 1.309–3.106 and p = .002, OR = 8.070, 95% CI: 1.018–63.997, respectively). Our results indicated that TAP and HLA‐I may exert a combined effect on CHC susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.
HDAC3 single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs2530223 is associated with increased susceptibility and severity of primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Yin , Zhang Cheng , Feng Qi , Hou Ming , Peng Jun , Hu Xiang , Wang Shuwen
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune hemorrhagic disorder characterized by a low platelet count and increased risk of bleeding. We previously reported that low‐dose chidamide, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, restores immune tolerance in patients with ITP. This study aimed to evaluate the association of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2530223 in the HDAC3 gene with susceptibility to ITP and its clinical features.

Methods

Patients with ITP and age‐matched healthy participants were recruited for this case–control study. Genotyping of the HDAC3 rs2530223 polymorphism was performed using MassARRAY platform.

Results

Individuals with T allele of HDAC3 rs2530223 exhibited a 1.472‐fold increased risk of ITP susceptibility (OR 1.472; 95% CI 1.100–1.969; p = .009), while ones with the TT genotype under the codominant and recessive models, and the TC/TT genotypes under the dominant model all revealed increased risk of ITP susceptibility (dominant odds ratio[OR] 1.965; 95% CI: 1.046–3.656; p = .036; codominant OR 2.264; 95% CI 1.175–4.360; p = .015; and recessive OR 1.512; 95% CI 1.028–2.224; p = .036, respectively). Regarding platelet counts in ITP patients, we observed that the TC/TT genotypes exhibited a 3.932‐fold increased risk for platelet (PLT) <30 × 109/L (OR 3.932; 95% CI 1.426–10.842; p = .008).

Conclusion

This study indicates that HDAC3 rs2530223 may be an important genetic factor related to ITP susceptibility and platelet count in ITP patients, providing new perspectives on disease progression, new therapeutic targets, and severity prediction.
The strategic options of fintech platforms: An overview and research agenda
Authors: Ng Evelyn , Tan Barney , Sun Yuan , Meng Tian
Published: April 2022

The failure rate of fintech platforms is disproportionately high, which may be because (1) there is a lack of published knowledge on the appropriate strategies to adopt and/or (2) the traditional prescriptions for strategy may be less relevant in the context of fintech platforms. To ascertain either or both of these possibilities, we conducted a comprehensive review of the fintech literature and found that not only is there a relative paucity of research on Fintech Strategies, but there are also important limitations associated with the existing works. To address these limitations, we first identified the unique characteristics of fintech platforms and the strategic implications of those characteristics. Next, we adapted a framework made up of six conventional core logics of strategy and juxtaposed the prescriptions of those logics with the unique characteristics identified. Finally, we constructed a research agenda consisting of a number of open questions based on our analysis to provide directions for future research in this area. The agenda suggests that fintech platform strategies have to account for competing institutional logics stemming from the platforms' dual identity and the tensions between conforming for legitimacy and differentiating for competitive advantage. There is also a need to account for an exceptionally dynamic and unpredictable regulatory landscape, as well as the responses and competitive actions of influential market incumbents.
Clinical nurse specialist role in providing generalist and specialist palliative care: A qualitative study of mesothelioma clinical nurse specialists
Authors: Gardiner Clare , Harrison Madeleine , Hargreaves Sarah , Taylor Beth
Published: April 2022

Aim

To explore perspectives of Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) on their role in providing palliative care for patients with mesothelioma and their families.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach using focus group and interview methods.

Methods

Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialists using the online software Google Meet. Data collection was carried out in Jan‐Feb 2021 and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) was used as the reporting guideline for this paper.

Results

Four main themes were identified from the data: Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialist role in relation to palliative care; joint working with specialist palliative care and community services; patients and family carer's willingness to engage with palliative care services; and the impact of COVID‐19 on palliative care for mesothelioma patients.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into palliative care needs in mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma and their families have significant palliative care needs throughout the course of their illness from diagnosis to the end of life. Mesothelioma UK CNS's play a crucial role in supporting patients' and families palliative care needs, and are highly skilled in providing this care.

Impact

By acknowledging the role of Mesothelioma UK CNS's in palliative care provision, and supporting collaborative working between specialist and generalist palliative care providers, there is the capacity to significantly improve palliative care in mesothelioma and improve outcomes for patients and their families.
Riverine barrier and aridity effects on taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversities of lizard assemblages from a semi‐arid region
Authors: Gonçalves‐Sousa José Guilherme , de Fraga Rafael , Menezes Bruno Sousa , Mesquita Daniel Oliveira , Ávila Robson Waldemar
Published: April 2022

Aim

Disentangling historical and ecological effects on different components of species diversity is key to understanding the assembly and maintenance of communities over space and time. Historical factors may be stronger predictors of the community composition at regional scales, while ecological factors may be more important predictors at local scales. Here, we evaluate multiple biodiversity dimensions to investigate riverine barrier and aridity effects on the assembly and structure of lizard assemblages.

Location

Semi‐arid region of northeastern Brazil.

Taxon

Lacertilia (lizards).

Methods

We used data describing 63 lizard assemblages from Caatinga habitats to investigate the effects of a riverine barrier and eight environmental gradients on estimates of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity. At the regional scale, we compared communities between the banks of the SFr, assuming that differences could emerge from regionally interrupted dispersal in some of the sampled species. At local scales, we evaluated the patterns of phylogenetic and functional structure of the lizard assemblages from Caatinga, and investigated the influence of aridity‐related gradients on species richness, taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity.

Results

Lizard assemblages were regionally structured by the SFr acting as a barrier to 47% of the species sampled. We detected phylogenetic signal in 88% of the functional traits. Lizard assemblages were phylogenetic and functionally overdispersed. Moreover, we detected evidence of aridity gradients intensifying the overdispersion of phylogenies and functional traits.

Main conclusions

Lizard assemblages showed high variation at both regional and local scales. Riverine barriers played a stronger role as a historical factor structuring assemblages on a regional scale. The interaction of historical constraints with competition enhanced by aridity on a local scale may play a role in structuring lizard assemblages across multiple scales.
Framing negligence
Authors: Choshen‐Hillel Shoham , Guttel Ehud , Harel Alon
Published: April 2022

This article uncovers the role of framing in the determination of negligence. Negligence disputes fall into two categories: cases in which injurers inflicted harm while seeking to avoid a loss to themselves (loss frame) and those in which they were seeking to obtain a personal gain (gain frame). We develop a theoretical framework whereby the frame of the injurer's behavior shapes negligence determinations in two ways. First, people are less likely to find an injurer negligent in a loss than in a gain frame. This is because, due to loss aversion, they find behavior more reasonable if done to avoid a loss than to obtain a gain. Second, people accord greater weight to the efficiency of the injurer's behavior in a loss frame than in a gain frame. This is because a comparison between the victim's harm and the injurer's benefit is more salient when both parties face a loss (loss frame). A series of experiments supported both hypotheses as well as the underlying mechanism. We discuss the implications of our findings and suggest that they may relate to the seemingly inconsistent case law on the role of efficiency considerations in negligence cases.
Characterization of kinnow (citrus reticulate) peel and its effect on the quality of muffin
Authors: Khaleel Gangavarapu , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Singh Lochan , Kumar Yogesh , Kumar Kshitiz , Kishore Anand , Saikumar Akuleti , Mani Sarvanan
Published: April 2022

Kinnow peel powder (KPP) characterization (particle size; <180 μm, 180–250 μm, and 250–500 μm) showed that the particle size under 180 μm posses higher bulk density, color value L* & b*, oil absorption capacity, water solubility, and lower water holding capacity. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant properties of KPP varied in the range of 10.1 ± 0.21 to 10.9 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g, 4.96 ± 0.59 to 6.09 ± 0.56 mg QE/g, and 77.5 ± 0.96 to 87.2% ± 0.51%, respectively. An increase in particle size increased the pasting and thermal properties. Highest pasting viscosity (1069 ± 2 cP) and pasting temperature (75.3°C ± 0.10°C) were observed for the largest particle size KPP. Valorization of KPP was achieved by the development of muffins by partial replacement (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of refine wheat flour. An increase in the concentration of KPP in muffins led to a decrease in the volume, color parameters, and increase in hardness. The highest desirability was found at 5% replacement level.

Novelty impact statement

The present study was focused on valorization of kinnow peel for the development of muffins. The study will add the scientific data on kinnow peel with respect to different particle size for the development of bakery products.
Could there be an association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and demodex infestation?
Authors: Topçu Dursun Ayşe , Bayramgürler Dilek , Odyakmaz Demirsoy Evren , Şikar Aktürk Aysun , Kıran Rebiay , Sayman Nilgün
Published: April 2022

Background

Human demodex mites are parasites that live in the pilosebaceous unit and can result in the disease demodicosis. While demodicosis may occur as a primary skin disease; immunosuppression, and topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatments can cause secondary demodicosis. It is known that thyroid hormones may cause skin changes, such as xerosis, and thereby may also modulate immune responses in the skin.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not that the changes occurring in the skin of patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) predispose to demodex infestation.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients being followed for a diagnosis of HT at Kocaeli University Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic, between January 2019 and March 2020, constituted the patient group. The control group consisted of 41 patients who did not have any chronic systemic or dermatological disease and were shown to have no thyroid disease by laboratory tests. Demodex intensity in the malar regions of the patient and control groups was determined using the standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) method and compared with each other.

Results

HT patients were significantly more likely to have increased demodex density and suggestive SSSB results than the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively). A significant correlation was found between demodex intensity and the findings of xerosis (p = 0.010, p = 0.011) and spiny follicular papules (p = 0.008, p = 0.008) in the patient or control groups, respectively. However, a significant correlation was identified between the demodex density and the symptoms of burning‐stinging (p = 0.028), and feelings of dryness (p = 0.018) roughness (p = 0.028) only in the control group.

Conclusion

Xerotic skin and/or impaired immune responses as a result of autoimmune changes in patients with HT may lead to secondary demodicosis.
Enantiospecific pharmacokinetics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in beagles
Authors: Levionnois Olivier Louis , Barbarossa Andrea , Bardhi Anisa , Siegenthaler Joelle , Forss Pleyers Tekla , Guidi Monia , Spadavecchia Claudia , Raillard Mathieu
Published: April 2022

The goal of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) behaviour of dexmedetomidine in dogs administered as a pure enantiomer versus as part of a racemic mixture. Eight unmedicated intact purpose‐bread beagles were included. Two intravenous treatments of either medetomidine or dexmedetomidine were administered at 10‐ to 14‐day intervals. Atipamezole or saline solution was administered intramuscularly 45 min later. Venous blood samples were collected into EDTA collection tubes, and the quantification of dexmedetomidine and levomedetomidine was performed by chiral LC–MS/MS. All dogs appeared sedated after each treatment without complication. Plasma concentrations of levomedetomidine were measured only in the racemic group and were 51.4% (51.4%–56.1%) lower than dexmedetomidine. Non‐compartmental analysis (NCA) was performed for both drugs, while dexmedetomidine data were further described using a population pharmacokinetic approach. A standard two‐compartment mammillary model with linear elimination with combined additive and multiplicative error model for residual unexplained variability was established for dexmedetomidine. An exponential model was finally retained to describe inter‐individual variability on parameters of clearance (Cl1) and central and peripheral volumes of distribution (V1, V2). No effect of occurrence, levomedetomidine or atipamezole could be observed on dexmedetomidine PK parameters. Dexmedetomidine did not undergo significantly different PK when administered alone or as part of the racemic mixture in otherwise unmedicated dogs.
Recent methods for discovering novel bioactive metabolites, specifically antimicrobial agents, from marine-associated micro-organisms
Authors: Sedeek A.M. , Ismail M.M. , Elsayed T.R. , Ramadan M.A.
Published: April 2022

Marine micro-organisms are a promising source for novel natural compounds with many medical and biotechnological applications. Here, we demonstrate limitations and recent strategies for investigating the marine microbial community for novel bioactive metabolites, specifically those of antimicrobial potential. These strategies include culture-dependent methods such as modifying the standard culture media, including changing the gelling agent, dissolving vehicle, media supplementation and preparation to access a broader range of bacterial diversity from marine samples. Furthermore, we discuss strategies such as in situ cultivation, dilution-to-extinction cultivation and long-term incubation. We are presenting recent applications of culture-independent methods such as genome mining, proteomics profiling and the application of metagenomics as a novel strategy for structure confirmation in the discovery of the marine micro-organism for novel antimicrobial metabolites. We present this review as a simple guide and a helpful resource for those who seek to enter the challenging field of applied marine microbiology.
Exploration of surfactin production by newly isolated Bacillus and Lysinibacillus strains from food-related sources
Authors: Akintayo S.O. , Treinen C. , Vahidinasab M. , Pfannstiel J. , Bertsche U. , Fadahunsi I. , Oellig C. , Granvogl M. , Henkel M. , Lilge L. , Hausmann R.
Published: April 2022

As a lipopeptide (LP), surfactin exhibits properties, such as emulsifying and dispersing ability, which are useful in food industry. Discovery of new LP-producing strains from food sources is an important step towards possible application of surfactin in foods. A total of 211 spore-forming, Gram-positive, and catalase-positive bacterial strains were isolated from fermented African locust beans (iru) and palm oil mill effluents in a screening process and examined for their ability to produce surfactin. This was achieved by a combination of methods, which included microbiological and molecular classification of strains, along with chemical analysis of surfactin production. Altogether, 29 isolates, positive for oil spreading and emulsification assays, were further identified with 16S rDNA analysis. The strains belonged to nine species including less commonly reported strains of Lysinibacillus, Bacillus flexus, B. tequilensis, and B. aryabhattai. The surfactin production was quantitatively and qualitatively analysed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Confirmation of surfactin by MS was achieved in all the 29 strains. Highest surfactin production capability was found in B. subtilis IRB2-A1 with a titre of 1444·1 mg L−1.