bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial and genetic associations between autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Ghirardi Laura , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Butwicka Agnieszka , Martin Joanna , Larsson Henrik , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Lichtenstein Paul , Taylor Mark J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Familial and genetic associations between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders have been reported, sometimes with conflicting results. We estimated familial and genetic associations between ASD and nine disorder groups, and explored differences in these associations for ASD in the context of intellectual disability, epilepsy, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital malformations.

Methods

Individuals born between 1985 and 2009 living in Sweden on their seventh birthday were linked to their biological parents in order to identify different types of relatives. We retrieved information on all the disorders considered from the National Patient Register. Logistic regression was used to estimate the familial association between ASD and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in the different groups of relatives. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate phenotypic (rp) and genetic associations (rg), as well as the contribution of genetic influences to rp.

Results

The study included 2,398,608 individuals. Among relatives of individuals diagnosed with ASD, there was an increased risk of the disorders considered, compared to relatives of individuals who were not diagnosed with ASD. Stronger associations were detected for ASD without any additional diagnosis of intellectual disability, epilepsy, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital malformations. The strongest genetic correlation was estimated between ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders (rg = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.66–0.79). Moderate genetic correlations were estimated for anxiety disorders (rg = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.33–0.61), depression (rg = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.37–0.66), and intentional self‐harm (rg = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.36–0.71).

Conclusions

ASD shows familial and genetic association not only with other neurodevelopmental disorders, but also with other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and intentional self‐harm. Family history of ASD comorbid with intellectual disability, epilepsy, congenital malformations, or chromosomal abnormalities is less related to other psychiatric disorders, potentially suggesting a different etiology for this subgroup of patients.
Hazard function analysis for development of second primary colorectal cancer after surgery for primary colorectal cancer
Authors: Kawai Kazushige , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

Although history of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a known risk factor for developing second CRC, the optimal surveillance protocol has not been established. Using hazard function analysis to evaluate changes in the hazard rate for the development of second primary CRCs or high‐grade adenomas (HGAs), we aimed to clarify when and on whom to focus in order to effectively identify second primary colorectal neoplasms after initial surgery for CRC.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 1823 consecutive patients with stage 0–III CRCs who underwent radical surgery between 2004 and 2015, and subsequent colonoscopic surveillance after surgery. The time‐course changes in the risk rates for developing metachronous CRC and HGA after surgery were assessed.

Results

A peak was observed at 1.22 years after surgery in the hazard function curve for secondary colorectal neoplasms, which decreased until 4 years, then plateaued. Older patients were at higher risk than younger patients, both showing a peak at 1 year. Another peak at 6 to 8 years was observed in younger patients. Male patients showed a higher risk than female patients, and patients with synchronous lesions showed a markedly higher hazard rate than those without, with two distinct peaks around 1 and 9 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Intensive colonoscopic surveillance is recommended after surgery for CRC during the first 2 to 3 years, and if the patient is under 60 years old and has concomitant CRC or HGA, surveillance is also recommended at 6 to 8 years after surgery.
Biomechanical analysis of gait patterns in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ma Y. , Zhang K. , Li S. , Wang L. , Wang T.
Published: August 2021

Background

Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically master walking skills much later than typically developing (TD) children and have poor postural control ability. This study aimed to explore the gait ability and characteristics of children with ID and whether there is any difference in walking ability between them and TD children.

Method

In this study, integrating kinematic–biomechanic–dynamic measurement methods and corresponding analysis methods (video analysis, three‐dimensional force analysis and electromyography test analysis) were used to characterise and compare the gait patterns between ID children and TD children.

Results

ID children's step length/leg length ratio was lower than TD children. The left‐leg single‐leg support time and step length of ID children were shorter than TD children. While walking, ID children touched the ground with the whole foot pad and could not powerfully thrust against the ground with their toes. Their left legs had obvious disadvantages compared with their right legs. ID children's lower limb muscle strength was lower than TD children, and their thigh muscles had an obvious compensation function.

Conclusions

Correcting ID children's gait should be an important teaching goal for physical education institutors and teachers. Muscle‐strength and flexibility training can help ID children reinforce core strength and better coordinate lower limbs.
The clinical and pathological effectiveness of microneedling and topical 5‐fluorouracil in vitiligo treatment: An association with matrix metalloproteinase 2 immunohistochemical expression
Authors: Abdou Asmaa Gaber , Farag Azza Gaber Antar , Rashwan Manal , Shehata Wafaa Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Background

The current therapies for vitiligo require long duration with often disappointing outcomes. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent approved for topical use in the treatment of several dermatologic conditions. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is synthesized by keratinocytes during the epidermal remodeling process and has been found to help in melanocyte migration.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of flexible microneedling followed by application of 5‐FU in vitiligo treatment and to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP2 in involved skin in vitiligo patients before and after treatment.

Methods

Twenty patients presented with vitiligo were planned to receive one session every 2 weeks for 12 weeks of microneedling followed by 5‐FU application. Clinical response to therapy was evaluated by VASI score. Pre‐ and post‐treatment biopsies were taken from vitiliginous patches for MMP2 immunostaining.

Results

Fifteen patients (75%) responded to therapy with observed side effects such as pain, erythema, and hyperpigmentation of margins. The clinical response was more in young patients and those who have short disease duration. MMP2 was significantly increased in post‐treatment biopsy compared with the pretreatment one.

Conclusions

5‐Fluorouracil application after microneedling is effective in the treatment of vitiligo with 75% response, 60% patient satisfaction, and tolerable side effects. The improvement in vitiligo patients by microneedling and 5‐fluorouracil could be due to upregulation of MMP2 in affected vitiligo specimens.
Fertility attitudes of highly educated youth: A factorial survey
Authors: Karabchuk Tatiana , Dülmer Hermann , Gatskova Kseniia
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study used factorial survey data from five countries to assess the factors that shape young adults' attitudes toward the ideal number of children for described couples.

Background

Continuously low fertility rates in many Asian and European countries generate an interest in understanding the fertility attitudes of young adults—and the implications for family policies.

Method

The causal impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on the ideal number of children for couples described in the vignettes was tested using a factorial survey experiment (vignette analysis). Data were collected from Germany, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to represent five different contexts each with different economies, political regimes, cultural and religious backgrounds, and population structures. Seven vignette‐level and four respondent‐level factors were assumed to affect the conditional ideal number of children.

Results

The strongest predictors of the higher ideal number of children for couples described in the vignettes were income, availability of childcare, and husband's full employment. The highest average ideal number of children for described couples was observed in the UAE (2.8 children), followed by Germany (1.6 children), Ukraine and Russia (1.3 children), and Japan (1.2 children).

Conclusion

The existing gap between public attitudes and fertility behaviors could be addressed by child‐friendly policies which allow a better reconciliation of work and family life.
Under the Radar: Institutional Drift and Non‐Strategic Institutional Change
Authors: Voronov Maxim , Glynn Mary Ann , Weber Klaus
Published: August 2021

Although researchers have acknowledged that not all institutional change results from the intentional efforts of relatively reflexive actors, we lack an explanation of how mundane interactions between actors can result in non‐strategic institutional change. To address this, we advance the theory of institutional drift that reveals how the practice deviation(s) that occur between interaction partners in an institutional order, transformed into tolerable deviations by the self and others, can lead to the non‐strategic transformation of that institutional order. Our framework extends the interactionist perspective in organizational institutionalism by showing how interpersonal interactions are animated and constrained by people’s passionate attachment to the fundamental sacred ideals, or ethos, underlying institutional orders. It is this connection with ethos that animates the interactional processes tied to both maintaining and disrupting institutions.
The transformation of order in narrative as discordant concord: Using Paul Ricoeur to explore narrative realism as part of social morphogenesis
Authors: Durdovic Martin
Published: August 2021

Social interaction as the middle phase of the morphogenetic sequence described by Margaret Archer presupposes that interpretative activities go on between individuals and collectivities. Novel meanings emerge in social interaction and spur the processes of structural elaboration. The hermeneutics of actors (or agents) should be part of the morphogenetic explanatory framework. Narratives as a distinctive species of interpretation will then become more susceptible to a mode of analysis based in realism. By adopting Paul Ricoeur's concept of narrative figuration (or threefold mimésis) for use in sociology, it is possible to embark on this task at the rudimentary level of intersubjective communication. The stories and anecdotes in which we describe episodes, events, and processes to others articulate and give order to our experience of time. When we are searching for concord in narratives to cope with discordant elements, we are participating in morphogenesis via the transformation of meaning. The complementary nature of Archer's and Ricoeur's conceptualisations provides an alternative to one‐sided social constructionist accounts of narrative
Capturing membrane trafficking events during 3D angiogenic development in vitro
Authors: Francis Caitlin R. , Kushner Erich J.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Vesicular trafficking dictates protein localization, functional activity, and half‐life, providing a critically important regulatory step in tissue development; however, there is little information detailing endothelial‐specific trafficking signatures. This is due, in part, to limitations in visualizing trafficking events in endothelial tissues. Our aim in this investigation was to explore the use of a 3‐dimensional (3D) in vitro sprouting model to image endothelial membrane trafficking events.

Methods

Endothelial cells were challenged to grow sprouts in a fibrin bead assay. Thereafter, spouts were transfected with fluorescent proteins and stained for various cell markers. Sprouts were then imaged for trafficking events using live and fixed‐cell microscopy.

Results

Our results demonstrate that fibrin bead sprouts have a strong apicobasal polarity marked by apical localization of proteins moesin and podocalyxin. Comparison of trafficking mediators Rab27a and Rab35 between 3D sprouts and 2D culture showed that vesicular carriers can be imaged at high resolution, exhibiting proper membrane polarity solely in 3D sprouts. Lastly, we imaged exocytic events of von Willebrand Factor and demonstrated a distinct imaging advantage for monitoring secretion events in 3D sprouts as compared with 2D culture.

Conclusions

Our results establish that the fibrin bead sprouting assay is well‐suited for imaging of trafficking events during angiogenic growth.
Multi‐scale ensemble properties of the Escherichia coli RNA degradosome
Authors: Dendooven Tom , Paris Giulia , Shkumatov Alexander V. , Islam Md. Saiful , Burt Alister , Kubańska Marta A. , Yang Tai Yuchen , Hardwick Steven W. , Luisi Ben F.
Published: August 2021

In organisms from all domains of life, multi‐enzyme assemblies play central roles in defining transcript lifetimes and facilitating RNA‐mediated regulation of gene expression. An assembly dedicated to such roles, known as the RNA degradosome, is found amongst bacteria from highly diverse lineages. About a fifth of the assembly mass of the degradosome of Escherichia coli and related species is predicted to be intrinsically disordered – a property that has been sustained for over a billion years of bacterial molecular history and stands in marked contrast to the high degree of sequence variation of that same region. Here, we characterize the conformational dynamics of the degradosome using a hybrid structural biology approach that combines solution scattering with ad hoc ensemble modelling, cryo‐electron microscopy, and other biophysical methods. The E. coli degradosome can form punctate bodies in vivo that may facilitate its functional activities, and based on our results, we propose an electrostatic switch model to account for the propensity of the degradosome to undergo programmable puncta formation.
Pathogens pulling the strings: Effectors manipulating salicylic acid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Bauters Lander , Stojilković Boris , Gheysen Godelieve
Published: August 2021

During evolution, plants have developed sophisticated ways to cope with different biotic and abiotic stresses. Phytohormones and secondary metabolites are known to play pivotal roles in defence responses against invading pathogens. One of the key hormones involved in plant immunity is salicylic acid (SA), of which the role in plant defence is well established and documented. Plants produce an array of secondary metabolites categorized in different classes, with the phenylpropanoids as major players in plant immunity. Both SA and phenylpropanoids are needed for an effective immune response by the plant. To successfully infect the host, pathogens secrete proteins, called effectors, into the plant tissue to lower defence. Secreted effectors can interfere with several metabolic or signalling pathways in the host to facilitate infection. In this review, we will focus on the different strategies pathogens have developed to affect the levels of SA and phenylpropanoids to increase plant susceptibility.
Association between childhood constipation and exposure to stressful life events: a systematic review
Authors: Liyanarachchi Hasitha , Rajindrajith Shaman , Kuruppu Chandrani , Chathurangana Prasad , Ranawaka Randula , Devanarayana Niranga M. , Benninga Marc A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Several cross‐sectional studies have reported an association between childhood constipation and exposure to stressful events. We planned to systematically review the literature on constipation and its associated stressful events.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched (until February 2021) using standard search terms related to “constipation” and “stress” from 0 to 18 years that describe the association between psychological stressors and constipation. Studies were screened using pre‐designed eligibility criteria. Studies that fulfilled the criteria were reviewed in a full‐text format. The quality assessment of selected articles was conducted using standard methods.

Key Results

Of 2296 titles and abstracts screened, 38 were included in the full‐text review. Out of that, 15 articles were included in this systematic review. There were 2954 children with constipation, and the age range was from 6 months to 16 years. Exposure to home‐related stressors (divorce or separation of parents, severe illness in family, and parental job loss) school‐related stressors (including being bullied at school, change in school, separation from the best friend at school, and failure in an examination), exposure to child maltreatments and exposure to war/civil unrest were associated with childhood constipation.

Conclusions and Inferences

Exposure to day‐to‐day home‐ and school‐related stressors, to child maltreatment, and to civil unrest is associated with constipation in children and adolescents. These factors need to be explored during clinical evaluation of children with constipation.
Right ventricular resynchronization in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and severe ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Rodríguez‐García Julián , Pijuan‐Domenech Antonia , Francisco‐Pascual Jaume , Dos‐Subirà Laura , Miranda‐Barrio Berta , Santos‐Ortega Alba , Rivas‐Gándara Nuria
Published: August 2021

Right ventricular (RV) resynchronization therapy (CRT) with stimulation electrode implantation in the latest activation area guided by a high‐density electroanatomic activation map was successfully performed in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF), severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR), and severe dysfunction and dilatation of the right ventricle. An improvement in his clinical condition and intraventricular synchrony was achieved. There is a mechanical‐electrical interaction in the right ventricle of patients with rToF; therefore, RV CRT in selected cases may be beneficial. Electroanatomic activation mapping can help achieve maximum clinical benefit by identifying the optimal stimulation site.
Insect pest management in the age of synthetic biology
Authors: Mateos Fernández Rubén , Petek Marko , Gerasymenko Iryna , Juteršek Mojca , Baebler Špela , Kallam Kalyani , Moreno Giménez Elena , Gondolf Janine , Nordmann Alfred , Gruden Kristina , Orzaez Diego , Patron Nicola J
Published: August 2021

Arthropod crop pests are responsible for 20% of global annual crop losses, a figure predicted to increase in a changing climate where the ranges of numerous species are projected to expand. At the same time, many insect species are beneficial, acting as pollinators and predators of pest species. For thousands of years, humans have used increasingly sophisticated chemical formulations to control insect pests but, as the scale of agriculture expanded to meet the needs of the global population, concerns about the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity have grown. While biological solutions, such as biological control agents and pheromones, have previously had relatively minor roles in pest management, biotechnology has opened the door to numerous new approaches for controlling insect pests. In this review, we look at how advances in synthetic biology and biotechnology are providing new options for pest control. We discuss emerging technologies for engineering resistant crops and insect populations and examine advances in biomanufacturing that are enabling the production of new products for pest control.
Glucan, Water‐Dikinase 1 (GWD1), an ideal biotechnological target for potential improving yield and quality in rice
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wei Ke , Xiong Min , Wang Jin‐Dong , Zhang Chang‐Quan , Fan Xiao‐Lei , Huang Li‐Chun , Zhao Dong‐Sheng , Liu Qiao‐Quan , Li Qian‐Feng
Published: August 2021

The source–sink relationship determines the overall agronomic performance of rice. Cloning and characterizing key genes involved in the regulation of source and sink dynamics is imperative for improving rice yield. However, few source genes with potential application in rice have been identified. Glucan, Water‐Dikinase 1 (GWD1) is an essential enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the first step of transitory starch degradation in source tissues. In the present study, we successfully generated gwd1 weak mutants by promoter editing using CRISPR/Cas9 system, and also leaf‐dominant overexpression lines of GWD1 driven by Osl2 promoter. Analysis of the gwd1 plants indicated that promoter editing mediated down‐regulation of GWD1 caused no observable effects on rice growth and development, but only mildly modified its grain transparency and seed germination. However, the transgenic pOsl2::GWD1 overexpression lines showed improvements in multiple key traits, including rice yield, grain shape, rice quality, seed germination and stress tolerance. Therefore, our study shows that GWD1 is not only involved in transitory starch degradation in source tissues, but also plays key roles in the seeds, which is a sink tissue. In conclusion, we find that GWD1 is an ideal biotechnological target with promising potential for the breeding of elite rice cultivars via genetic engineering.
Back Cover Image
Authors: Zendonadi dos Santos Nícolas , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Condorelli Giuseppe Emanuele , Licieri Groli Eder , Newcomb Maria , Ward Richard , Tuberosa Roberto , Maccaferri Marco , Fiorani Fabio , Rascher Uwe , Muller Onno
Published: August 2021

The cover image is based on the Original Article High‐throughput field phenotyping reveals genetic variation in photosynthetic traits in durum wheat under drought by Nícolas Zendonadi dos Santos et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14136.

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Hypothermia cannot ameliorate renal fibrosis after asphyxia in the newborn piglet
Authors: Wakabayashi Takayuki , Nakamura Shinji , Nakao Yasuhiro , Yamato Satoshi , Htun Yinmon , Mitsuie Tsutomu , Morimoto Aya , Arioka Makoto , Koyano Kosuke , Konishi Yukihiko , Miki Takanori , Ueno Masaki , Kusaka Takashi
Published: August 2021

Background

The effects of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on renal function are not widely reported, especially in longer term animal models. The hypothesis of this study was that TH of the kidneys of hypoxic–ischemic newborn piglets would reduce pathological renal fibrosis.

Methods

Twenty‐five newborn piglets obtained within 24 h of birth were classified into a control group (n = 5), an hypoxic insult with normothermia (HI‐NT) group (n = 12), and an hypoxic insult with TH (HI‐TH) group (33.5 °C ± 0.5 °C for 24 h; n = 8). Five days after the insult, all piglets were sacrificed under deep anesthesia by isoflurane inhalation. The kidneys were perfused with phosphate‐buffered paraformaldehyde and immersed in formalin buffer. Territory fibrosis was studied and scored in the renal medulla using Azan staining.

Results

Fibrosis area scores (means ± standard deviations) based on Azan staining were 1.00 ± 0.46 in the control group, 2.85 ± 0.93 in the HI‐NT group, and 3.58 ± 1.14 in the HI‐TH group. The fibrosis area of the HI‐NT and HI‐TH groups was larger than that of the control. The HI‐NT and HI‐TH groups were not statistically different.

Conclusions

Renal fibrosis is affected by perinatal asphyxia and cannot be prevented by TH, based on histopathological findings.
Ice‐Ice disease: An environmentally and microbiologically driven syndrome in tropical seaweed aquaculture
Authors: Ward Georgia M. , Kambey Cicilia S. B. , Faisan Joseph P. , Tan Pui‐Ling , Daumich Caroline C. , Matoju Ivy , Stentiford Grant D. , Bass David , Lim Phaik‐Eem , Brodie Juliet , Poong Sze‐Wan
Published: August 2021

Seaweeds account for nearly 30% of global aquaculture production by volume, and their cultivation provides important opportunities for employment and wealth generation, particularly in rural coastal communities. Eucheumatoids (KappaphycusandEucheumaspp.) are tropical red algae commercially cultivated as raw material for production of carrageenans, particularly in South‐East Asia and the Western Indian Ocean region. Diseases and pests are major limiting factors in eucheumatoid production, particularly a condition known as ‘ice‐ice’ disease (IID). IID is characterized by bleaching of the thallus followed by the disintegration of affected tissues, leading to a loss of biomass and reduced carrageenan yield. IID has been associated with unfavourable changes in environmental conditions, particularly an increase in sea water temperature and a decrease in salinity, and infection by opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria. However, given that no single or combined causal agents have been definitely identified, IID may be considered a complex pathobiotic syndrome in which multiple factors contribute to the development of disease signs. Here, we review current knowledge of the abiotic and biotic factors associated with the development of IID, and the strategies employed to mitigate economic losses resulting from disease outbreaks. We discuss syndromic diseases in other marine holobionts, particularly other red algae and corals, in relation to their similarity to IID, and suggest the application of comprehensive and complementary methodologies, including high‐throughput sequencing and high‐quality microscopy, for enhancing our understanding of the pathological and microbiological processes associated with IID signs.
The loss of seed mussels in longline aquaculture
Authors: South Paul M. , Delorme Natalí J. , Skelton Bradley M. , Floerl Oliver , Jeffs Andrew G.
Published: August 2021

The substantial loss of seed mussels during the early stages of longline aquaculture—often exceeding 95%—is a major issue that erodes the security and profitability of production while limiting the sustainable expansion of this industry in many parts of the world. There are many biological, environmental and procedural factors that potentially cause seed losses. The present understanding of these factors is highly limited, based on disparate lines of evidence and constrained by the challenges associated with quantifying the fate of minute organisms in the field. Addressing these knowledge gaps is a prerequisite for meeting the growing global demand for farmed seafood and requires significant and coherent research. We identify the diverse range of potential drivers of seed loss in mussel aquaculture and review existing knowledge around these factors to identify critical knowledge gaps and research priorities. Losses appear to be caused by a complex suite of interacting factors that include stress during transfer between regions, underlying variations in seed condition, change in the farm environment, predation, competition from biofouling organisms and migratory behaviour of seed mussels. Solutions to the losses of mussel seed in commercial culture are mostly likely to be achieved through research directed at evaluating a range of practical interventions during the critical phase of nursery culture of mussel seed.
Rehabilitation of kimberlite tailings in the afro‐alpine zone of Lesotho: seed germination and plant performance of native grassland species across different topsoil mixtures
Authors: Ntloko Bongani R. , Siebert Stefan J. , Mokotjomela Thabiso M.
Published: August 2021

Environmental rehabilitation is mandatory for mining operations in many countries, including Lesotho. At Letšeng Diamond Mine in Lesotho, waste residues of kimberlite tailings create a hostile environment for the establishment of plant species during vegetation restoration. In this study, we investigated seed germination of native grassland species and tested the best performing species on different topsoil mixtures with kimberlite tailings in the Afro‐alpine zone in Lesotho. Rapid germination tests showed highly significant differences in the number of seedlings that emerged for different plant species: the grass Tenaxia disticha (% mean ± SE: 80 ± 17%; n = 36) and the forb Hesperantha schelpeana (56 ± 14%) were highest but nonsignificantly different to each other, while other species were significantly lower and nonsignificantly different to each other. In all treatments, seed germination of T. disticha was significantly higher than the experimental control, while the treatments that were covered with topsoil did not differ significantly. In addition, T. disticha seedling height and basal width varied significantly over time with seedlings in all the treatments growing significantly taller than those in the experimental control. Also, seedling basal width showed significant increase during the third growing season while height remained constant. We concluded that kimberlite tailings ameliorated with topsoil encourage plant establishment and performance of T. disticha, and this medium could be used to stabilize disturbed mine landscapes in the Afro‐alpine zone of Lesotho.
Does restoring native forest restore ecosystem functioning? Evidence from a large‐scale reforestation project in the Scottish Highlands
Authors: Warner Emily , Lewis Owen T. , Brown Nick , Green Rowan , McDonnell Alan , Gilbert Doug , Hector Andy
Published: August 2021

Given the worldwide plans for extensive tree planting, we urgently need to understand how and where implementation will contribute to goals such as those for carbon sequestration. We used a long‐term, large‐scale native reforestation project in the Scottish Highlands to assess the response of carbon storage and other ecosystem functions to reforestation and grazing exclusion. We measured aboveground carbon, topsoil carbon, topsoil nitrogen, decomposition rates, soil invertebrate feeding activity, tree regeneration, and ground‐layer and moss height at 14 sites that are in the early stages of reforestation and fenced to exclude grazing. Reforestation areas were compared to unforested and mature forest areas that are both grazed and ungrazed, using 10 × 10 m plots. Aboveground carbon in the reforestation plots (1.4 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.6, 2.6], average age 20 years since reforestation) was c. 8% of the mature forest plots (17.1 kg/m2 [13.1, 21.8]). Topsoil carbon was lower in the reforestation plots (18.78 kg/m2 [11.79, 25.78]) than in the unforested (29.82 kg/m2 [24.34, 35.29]) or mature forest (31.39 kg/m2 [22.91, 39.88]) plots. Responses of other functions to the reforestation and grazing interventions varied. Our results suggest that reforestation may trigger carbon loss from areas with high initial soil carbon even with low disturbance establishment, at least in the short term. Our work emphasizes where we lack knowledge: on the potential for long‐term re‐accumulation of soil carbon under semi‐natural native reforestation, soil carbon sequestration in the deeper soil layers, and the response of soil carbon to natural regeneration.
Risk Researchers’ Views About the Goal of Trying to Ensure Policymakers Consider Scientific Evidence
Authors: Besley John C. , Schweizer Pia‐Johanna
Published: August 2021

A survey of members of a scientific society focused on risk analysis suggests substantial support for seeing their scientific society pursue the communication goal of “trying to ensure that policymakers consider scientific evidence.” Support for pursuing this goal was largely predicted by researchers’ beliefs that it was ethical for the society to pursue the goal, that it would be satisfying to see their society pursue the goal, and the belief that the society could have a positive impact on society by pursuing the goal. Normative beliefs about pursuing the goal and organizational efficacy beliefs were not good predictors of goal support. Goal support was measured using a direct measure of perceived goal importance as well as measures focused on the degree to which respondents wanted their society to put resources into providing members with opportunities to pursue the goal and the amount of funding that members thought the society should devote to pursuing the goal. The theory underlying the work argues that we can treat science communicators’ choices about communication goals, objectives, and tactics as “planned behaviors” and thus study them using traditional behavior change models.
Variation in the labour market rewards to vocational qualifications in the UK
Authors: McIntosh Steven , Morris Damon
Published: August 2021

We use UK Labour Force Survey data to estimate wage differentials associated with the attainment of vocational qualifications, relative to comparison groups qualified to at best one level below. Our main aim is to show the variation in the size of such differentials, according to the unobserved characteristics of the individual, via quantile regression and also according to the characteristics of the qualifications themselves, in terms of the level, type and subject area. With respect to subject area, the key reason for variation in differentials across subjects is the differences in occupations to which qualifications lead.
Mortality from mental disorders and suicide in male professional American football and soccer players: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Morales Javier S. , Castillo‐García Adrián , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Saco‐Ledo Gonzalo , Mañas Asier , Santos‐Lozano Alejandro , Lucia Alejandro
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine the risk of mortality from mental disorders and suicide in professional sports associated with repeated head impacts.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (since inception to June 8, 2021) to find studies comparing the incidence of mortality from mental disorders or suicide in former or active professional athletes of sports characterized by repeated head impacts vs athletes with no such exposure or the general non‐athletic population.

Results

Seven retrospective studies of moderate‐to‐high quality that included data from boxers and from basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and National Football League (NFL) players, respectively (total = 27 477 athletes, 100% male) met all inclusion criteria. Former male NFL players (n = 13 217) had a lower risk of mortality from mental disorders (standard mortality rate [SMR] = 0.30; 0.12–0.77; p = 0.012) and suicide (SMR = 0.54; 0.37–0.78; p < 0.001) than the general population. This finding was also corroborated in male soccer players (n = 13,065; SMR = 0.55; 0.46–0.67; p < 0.001). Male athletes participating in sports associated with repeated head impacts (n = 18,606) had also a lower risk of all‐cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality (all p < 0.01) than the general population.

Conclusions

Participation of male athletes in American football or soccer at the professional level might confer a certain protective effect against mortality from mental disorders or suicide, besides its association with a lower risk of all‐cause, CVD, or cancer‐related mortality.
Knowledge, boundaries, and bodies: Social construction between medical sociology and science and technology studies
Authors: Shaffer Jonathan D.
Published: August 2021

Medical sociology and science and technology studies (STS) emerged from different positions, but often closely related concerns, within the broad discipline of sociology. Their interface and areas of overlap have mostly been shaped by theoretical positions broadly considered “social constructionist.” Taken together, these perspectives provide empirical and theoretical tools to analyze important questions about how social inequalities, forms of scientific knowledge, and patterns of human health come to be produced and feedback into one another. Examining their intersection enables sociological questions such as: How is medical and public health scientific knowledge produced, stabilized, and taken as fact? How are scientific facts about health and illness used, experienced, and challenged? What is the relationship between health inequalities and public health or medical knowledge? This article seeks to briefly trace the important contributions that social constructionist research has made at the interstices of medical sociology and STS, further clarifying the history, points of intersection, and areas of diversion between them. The current COVID‐19 pandemic has unveiled the political struggles that constitute public health scientific knowledge and circulation. The interface between STS and medical sociology can help us to make sense of the interrelationships between politics, power inequalities, and public health scientific knowledge.
Three dimensional crustal P‐wave structure beneath the central south segment of the Tanlu Fault Zone determined by local earthquake travel‐time tomography
Authors: Cui Xin , Song Xiuqing , Xu Lisheng , Zhu Yuanqing , Li Bo , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2021

The Tanlu Fault Zone in eastern China stretches more than 2,400 km and is a significant, active, feature in the tectonics of East Asia. Here, we show the results of local earthquake travel‐time tomographical approach based on a comprehensive and systematic set of seismic data collected from 2008 to 2018 along the Central South Segment of the Tanlu Fault Zone. According to the model, the uppermost 0–10 km of the crust shows a close relationship between seismic velocity and the lithological properties of surface geological units. The middle crust at 10–20 km depths exhibits a strong connection between its high‐low velocity transitions and sites of augmented seismic activity. The top mantle at 34 km depths has lower velocities in the western region in comparison to the east, implying that the seismic Moho is deeper in the western area. These characteristics may reflect spatial variations in the destruction of the North China Craton.
Weekly topical therapy based on plant extracts combined with lokivetmab in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bensignor Emmanuel , Videmont Emilie
Published: August 2021

Background

Lokivetmab is an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. The aim of this prospective study was to determine if topical products containing plant extracts could enhance the clinical efficacy of lokivetmab.

Animals

Thirty atopic dogs were included.

Methods and materials

Dogs were allocated randomly to be treated either with a single injection of lokivetmab (mean dose 1.34 mg/kg; Group A) or to a single injection (mean dose 1.28 mg/kg) coupled with a weekly topical treatment using a shampoo and a spot‐on specifically designed to improve skin barrier defect (Group B). Clinical parameters evaluated included pruritus (pruritus Visual Analog Scale) and skin lesions (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index, CADLI); cosmetic evaluation, and owner and investigator global assessment of efficacy (OGATE) also were carried out. Dogs were re‐examined after 10, 17 and 31 days, and until a clinical relapse occurred.

Results

An improvement was noted for all dogs, with scores being significantly better in dogs in Group B than in those in Group A; after 10 days for cosmetic evaluation, 17 days for pruritus (P = 0.039) and OGATE, and 31 days for CADLI (P = 0.043). A longer‐lasting remission was noted in Group B compared to Group A; dogs receiving the combined treatment showed an extended time to flare compared to dogs treated with lokivetmab alone (P = 0.012).

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study suggests that combining lokivetmab with topical therapies designed to repair the skin barrier potentially have value in the treatment of AD in dogs.
An international seroprevalence survey of the IgE sensitisation to the Dermatophagoides farinae house dust mite and two of its major allergens (Der f 2, Zen 1) in atopic dogs
Authors: Favrot Claude , Olivry Thierry , Iwasaki Toshiro
Published: August 2021

Background

Dogs with atopic dermatitis are often immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐sensitised to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) house dust mites, yet limited data exist on the sensitisation rates to the individual Df allergens, Der f 2 and Zen 1.

Objectives

To determine the IgE sensitisation rates to Df, Der f 2 and Zen 1 in atopic dogs from geographically diverse countries.

Animals

Serum was collected from 32 laboratory dogs in Japan, and 837 atopic dogs from 11 countries from five continents: Asia (Japan, Thailand, Taiwan), Europe (Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, UK), North America (USA), South America (Argentina, Brazil) and Africa (South Africa).

Methods and materials

We determined Df‐, Der f 2‐ and Zen 1‐specific IgE levels by ELISA. Correlations between the IgE values for these three allergens were calculated.

Results

The IgE seropositivity rates for Df varied between 74% (Argentina) and 100% (the Netherlands, Thailand, South Africa), those for Der f 2 between 12% (Argentina) and 88% (South Africa), and for Zen 1 between 70% (Argentina) and 100% (the Netherlands). Apart from the especially low seropositivity rate for Der f 2‐specific IgE in Argentina, the percentage of IgE sensitisation varied little between countries. There was significant correlation between the IgE levels to these three allergens which was highest between Df and Zen 1, and lowest between Zen 1 and Der f 2.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The IgE sensitisation to Df is geographically widespread. Der f 2 and Zen 1 are major allergens for dogs in almost all countries where this was evaluated.
A world of inflammation: the need for ecological solutions that co‐benefit people, place and planet
Authors: Prescott Susan L.
Published: August 2021

The ecology of the early environment – including microbial diversity, nutrition, nature, social interactions and the totality of exposures in the wider “exposome” – have life‐long implications for all aspects of health and resilience. In particular, the emergence of “microbiome science” provides new evidence for vital relationships between biodiversity and health at every level. New perspectives of ecological interdependence connect personal and planetary health; the human health crisis cannot be separated from the social, political and economic “ecosystems” otherwise driving dysbiosis (from its etymological root, “life in distress”) at every level. Adverse changes in macroscale ecology – of food systems, lifestyle behaviours, socioeconomic disadvantage and environmental degradation – all impact the microbial systems sitting at the foundations of all ecosystems. In particular, changes in the function and composition of the human‐associated microbiome have been implicated in the mounting global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), exacerbating inflammation and metabolic dysregulation through multiple pathways across the lifespan. This “dysbiotic drift” (adverse shifts in ecology at all scales) underscores the need for ecological approaches aimed at restoring symbiosis, balance and mutualism. While there is promise with supplement‐based strategies (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics), it is essential to focus on upstream factors implicated in dysbiosis, including the health of wider environments, lifestyle, nature relatedness, and the social policies and practices which can facilitate or inhibit dysbiotic drift. This also calls for ambitious integrative approaches which not only define these interconnections, but also capitalize on them to create novel, collaborative and mutualistic solutions to our vast interdependent global challenges.
Diversidade estrutural de bosques de mangue e sua relação com distúrbios de origem antrópica: o caso da Baía de Guanabara (Rio de Janeiro)
Authors: Soares Mário Luiz Gomes , Chaves Filipe De Oliveira , Corrêa Fábio Moreira , Silva Júnior Carlos Milton Gonçalves da
Published: August 2021

Structural and functional characteristics of mangrove forests are primarily governed by the interaction of environmental characteristics, that act in global, regional or local scales. However, in areas submitted to strong influence of human activities, disturbance should be considered seriously. In this way, the structural characteristics of mangroves of Guanabara bay were studied during three years (2000-2002). The studied forests presented a high structural diversity, reflecting the action of disturbances, that determine different degradation levels and regeneration status (different phases of secondary succession) of the stands. The stems density varied from zero (gaps) to 52,800 stems.ha-1. The mean diameter at breast height varied from 1.33 cm to 7.83 cm and the medium tree height varied from 1.80 m to 7.27 m. Several structural and dynamics patterns of the studied plants communities were identified, as follow: (a) reverse " j " shaped, (b) "normal" distribution, (c) mass mortality, (d) overlap of "events", (e) recolonization/gaps, (f) regeneration failure, (g) gaps and, (h) invasion by Acrostichum aureum. The high structural diversity observed in the studied forests, identified through the use of phytosociological parameters and species composition, which determines a structural mosaic, is due to the overlapping of the following characteristics: (1) variable nature of disturbances, (2) disturbances characteristics (chronic or acute), (3) spatial variability in disturbances action, (4) temporal variability in disturbances action, (5) variation in the frequency of disturbances occurrence and (6) capacity of the system to recover after a disturbance.
Search for bioindicators of pollution in the Guanabara Bay: integrations of ecologic patterns
Authors: Vilela Claudia G. , Sanjinés Antonio E. S. , Ghiselli Jr Renato O. , Mendonça Filho João G. , Baptista Neto José A. , Barbosa Catia F.
Published: August 2021

Guanabara Bay, since its discovery, has largely changed with the human occupation causing large amounts of deposited sediment and waste, as well as domestic and industry sewage. Surface sediment was analysed for foraminifera and ostracoda distribution, diversity and dominance studies. These results were compared with TOC analyses aiming the determination of pollution bioindicators. In general, foraminifera dominant species were Ammonia tepida, Buliminella elegantissima and Quinqueloculina seminulum. The foraminifera assemblages presented distinct abundance and diversity values in different regions of the bay. The diversity was higher in the entrance (south) and in the central region than in the north region of the bay. The dominant species, that are characteristic of stressed environments, presented higher values of abundance in the north region. The TOC values increased from south to north regions, and were inversely proportional to foraminifera diversity. The very high TOC values in very polluted areas suggest sediment deposition in anoxic-dysoxic environment. The ostracoda Gen. Cyprideis was dominant and its occurrence increased from south to north region. Occurrence of Callistocythere sigmocostata, Xestoleberis sp., Aurila sp., and Paracypris sp. were restricted to the entrance and central area, indicating a preference for less restricted conditions, like marine conditions. Foraminifera and ostracoda characteristic responses to the environment conditions related high TOC values showed their importance as bioindicators of stressed environments caused by anthropogenic pollution, in the Guanabara Bay.
Supplemental Material: Rivers in reverse: Upstream-migrating dechannelization and flooding cause avulsions on fluvial fans
Authors: Edmonds Douglas , al. et
Published: August 2021

Dataset describing the retrogradational avulsion in this study, including beginning and ending locations and dates, and geomorphic, hydrological, and topographic measurements.