bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kurlyandchik Inna , Lauche Romy , Tiralongo Evelin , Warne Leon N. , Schloss Janet
Published: March 2023

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential endogenous signaling system that may be involved in the pathophysiology of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Further research is required to understand the role of ECS in the development and maintenance of CWP and FMS. We provided the first systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the clinical relevance of ECS alterations in patients with CWP and FMS by comparing plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients and healthy controls. A systematic search was conducted to identify studies that measured plasma and/or interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with CWP or FMS and healthy controls. A total of 8 studies were included for qualitative review, and 7 studies were included for meta-analysis. The findings identified increased plasma levels of oleoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide in patients with FMS compared with those in controls (P = 0.005 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and increased plasma levels of palmitoylethanolamide and interstitial levels of stearoylethanolamide in patients with CWP compared with those in controls (P = 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in other ECS parameters. Most studies did not account for variables that may influence ECS function, including cannabis use, concomitant medication, comorbidities, physical activity, stress levels, circadian rhythm, sleep quality, and dietary factors, suggesting that future studies should explore the correlation between these variables and endocannabinoid activity. We highlight the importance of investigating endocannabinoid activity in CWP and FMS because it will underpin future translational research in the area.
Test–retest reliability of a simple bedside-quantitative sensory testing battery for chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Sachau Juliane , Appel Christina , Reimer Maren , Sendel Manon , Vollert Jan , Hüllemann Philipp , Baron Ralf
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

The sensory phenotype is believed to provide information about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to be used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. However, the use of standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocols is limited due to high expenditures of time and costs. Thus, a simple bedside-QST battery was recently developed showing good agreement when compared with laboratory QST. The aim of this study was to preliminary validate this bedside-QST protocol.

Methods:

Patients experiencing chronic pain with neuropathic features (n = 60) attended 3 visits. During the first visit, laboratory QST and bedside-QST were performed by the same trained investigator. Three hours and 3 weeks later, bedside-QST was repeated. Patients completed questionnaires regarding their pain (intensity, quality), depression/anxiety, and quality of life. Test–retest reliability and convergent/divergent validity were investigated.

Results:

Most of the bedside-QST parameters, including also those recommended in our first study as being indicative for sensory phenotypes, revealed a moderate to excellent test–retest reliability. Overall, results for short-term reliability and interval-scaled parameters were slightly better. Most of the bedside-QST parameters did not correlate with the depression and anxiety score, suggesting a good divergent validity.

Conclusions:

Bedside-QST has good criterion and divergent validity as well as reliability. This battery consists of 5 low-cost devices that can be quickly and easily used to characterize the sensory phenotype of patients with neuropathic pain. A combination of bedside-QST parameters can be used to investigate patients' subgroups with specific pathophysiological mechanisms and to identify treatment responders.
Mitigating the Risk of Breast Cancer? Analysis of Incidentally Found Proliferative Lesions in Oncoplastic Breast Reductions and Breast Reductions for Macromastia
Authors: Morrison Kerry A. , Choi Mihye , Karp Nolan S.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Reduction mammoplasty pathologic specimens can reveal incidentally found proliferative lesions. Yet, there is a lack of data investigating the comparative incidences and risk factors for such lesions.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutively performed reduction mammoplasty cases at a single large academic medical institution in a metropolitan city by two plastic surgeons over a two-year period. All reduction mammoplasties, symmetrizing reductions, and oncoplastic reductions performed were included. There were no exclusion criteria.

Results:

Six hundred thirty-two total breasts were analyzed: 502 reduction mammoplasties, 85 symmetrizing reductions, and 45 oncoplastic reductions in 342 patients. Mean age was 43.9±15.9 years, mean BMI 29.2±5.7, and mean reduction weight 610.0±313.1 grams. Patients who underwent reduction mammoplasty for benign macromastia had a significantly lower incidence (3.6%) of incidentally found breast cancers and proliferative lesions compared to patients with oncoplastic reductions (13.3%) and symmetrizing reductions (17.6%) (p<0.001). In univariate analysis, personal history of breast cancer (p<0.001), first degree family history of breast cancer (p = 0.008), age (p<0.001), and tobacco use (p = 0.033) were all statistically significant risk factors. Using a backwards elimination stepwise reduced multivariable logistic regression model for risk factors associated with breast cancer or proliferative lesions, age (p<0.001) was the only retained significant risk factor.

Conclusion:

Proliferative lesions and carcinomas of the breast found in reduction mammoplasty pathologic specimens may be more common than previously reported. The incidence of newly found proliferative lesions was significantly lower in cases of benign macromastia compared to oncoplastic and symmetrizing reductions.
Predictors of complications in autologous breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps: Implications for management
Authors: Wu Shannon S. , Raymer Charles , Culbert August , Schafer Rachel , Bernard Steven , Djohan Risal , Schwarz Graham , Bishop Sarah N. , Gurunian Raffi
Published: March 2023

Background:

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are the gold-standard for autologous breast reconstruction. This study investigated risk factors for DIEP complications in a large, contemporary cohort to optimize surgical evaluation and planning.

Methods:

This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between 2016-2020 at an academic institution. Demographics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated in univariable and multivariable regression models for postoperative complications.

Results:

In total, 802 DIEP flaps were performed in 524 patients (mean age 51.2±9.6, mean BMI 29.3±4.5). Most (87%) patients had breast cancer, and 15% were BRCA-positive. There were 282 (53%) delayed and 242 (46%) immediate reconstructions, and 278 (53%) bilateral and 246 (47%) unilateral reconstructions. Overall complications occurred in 81 (15.5%) patients, including venous congestion (3.4%), breast hematoma (3.6%), infection (3.6%), partial flap loss (3.2%), total flap loss (2.3%), and arterial thrombosis (1.3%). Longer operative time was significantly associated with bilateral immediate reconstructions and higher BMI. Prolonged operative time (OR=1.16, p=0.001) and immediate reconstruction (OR=1.92, p=0.013) were significant predictors of overall complications. Partial flap loss was associated with bilateral immediate reconstructions, higher BMI, current smoking status, and longer operative time.

Conclusions:

Prolonged operative time is a significant risk factor for overall complications and partial flap loss in DIEP breast reconstruction. For each additional hour of surgical time, the risk of developing overall complications increases by 16%. These findings suggest that reducing operative time through co-surgeon approaches, consistency in surgical teams, and counseling patients with more risk factors towards delayed reconstructions may mitigate complications.
Topical nitroglycerin ointment reduces mastectomy flap necrosis in immediate autologous breast reconstruction
Authors: Yao Amy , Greige Nicolas , Ricci Joseph A. , Draper Lawrence B. , Weichman Katie E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Mastectomy flap necrosis is a common complication of immediate breast reconstruction that greatly impacts patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes. Topical nitroglycerin ointment, at low cost and with negligible side effects, has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of mastectomy flap necrosis in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. However, the utility of nitroglycerin ointment has not been studied in immediate autologous reconstruction.

Methods:

After obtaining IRB approval, a prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients undergoing immediate free flap breast reconstruction by a single reconstructive surgeon at a single institution between February 2017 and September 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those receiving 30mg of topical nitroglycerin ointment to each breast at the conclusion of the operation (September 2019-September 2021) and those who did not (February 2017-August 2019). All patients underwent intraoperative SPY angiography, and mastectomy skin flaps were debrided intraoperatively based on imaging. Independent demographic variables were analyzed and dependent outcome variables included mastectomy skin flap necrosis, headache, and hypotension requiring removal of ointment.

Results:

A total of thirty-five patients (49 breasts) were included in the nitroglycerin cohort and a total of thirty-four patients (49 breasts) were included in the control group. There was no significant difference in patient demographics, medical comorbidities, or mastectomy weight between cohorts. The rate of mastectomy flap necrosis decreased from 51% in the control group to 26.5% in the group that received nitroglycerin ointment (p=0.013). There were no documented adverse events associated with nitroglycerin use.

Conclusion:

Topical nitroglycerin ointment significantly decreases the rate of mastectomy flap necrosis in patients undergoing immediate autologous breast reconstruction without significant adverse effects.
“Outcomes of the Goldilocks technique in High-risk Breast Reconstruction Patients.”
Authors: Ghanouni Arian , Thompson Peter , Losken Albert
Published: March 2023

Background:

The Goldilocks technique seeks to provide a safe alternative for patients who are otherwise at risk of adverse complications during reconstruction. The technique involves de-epithelializing and locally contouring mastectomy skin flaps to create a breast mound. The purpose of this study was to analyze data relating to outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure and relationships between complications and patient demographics or comorbidities, as well as the likelihood of secondary reconstructive surgeries.

Methods:

A review was performed on a prospectively maintained database on all patients who underwent post mastectomy Goldilocks reconstruction between June 2017 and January 2021 at a tertiary care center. Data queried included patient demographics, comorbidities, complications, outcomes, as well as subsequent secondary reconstructive surgeries.

Results:

Our series included a total of 58 patients (83 breasts) who underwent Goldilocks reconstruction. Thirty-three patients (57%) underwent unilateral mastectomy and 25 patients (43%) underwent bilateral mastectomy. Mean age at reconstruction was 56 years (range:34 to 78 years) and 82% percent (n=48) of patients were obese (average BMI = 36.8). Forty percent (n=23) of patients underwent radiation therapy either pre- or post-operatively. Fifty-three percent (n=31) of patients underwent either neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. When analyzed by individual breast, overall complication rate was 18%. The majority of complications were treated in office (n=9) such as infection, skin necrosis, and seroma. Six breasts experienced major complications of hematoma and skin necrosis requiring additional surgery. At the time of follow-up, 35% (n=29) of breasts had a secondary reconstruction, consisting of 17 (59%) implants, 2 (7%) expanders, 3 (10%) fat grafting, and 7 (24%) autologous reconstruction using latissimus or DIEP flaps. The rate of complication for secondary reconstruction was 14% (seroma: 1, hematoma: 1, wound healing delay: 1, infection: 1).

Conclusions:

The Goldilocks breast reconstruction technique is safe and effective for high-risk breast reconstruction patients. While early post-operative complications are limited, patients should be counseled on the likelihood of a subsequent secondary reconstruction procedure to achieve the aesthetic outcome they may desire.
Nonsurgical Creation of an Auriculocephalic Sulcus in Children With Congenital Auricular Deformities
Authors: Matsutani Hitomi , Park Susam , Ishikawa Yohei , Kamochi Hideaki
Published: March 2023

Nonsurgical correction of congenital auricular deformity is known to be effective in newborns. In this study, the authors investigated factors influencing the outcome of nonsurgical or surgical correction of the auriculocephalic sulcus, an important auricular structure and one that is necessary for wearing glasses or a mask. A total of 80 ears (63 children) were splinted using a metallic paper clip and thermoplastic resin in our outpatient clinic between October 2010 and September 2019. The ears were divided into a group, in which the auriculocephalic sulcus was formed nonsurgically (n =5 6) and a group, in which surgery was needed (n = 24). The authors compared the clinical characteristics of the deformities, whether cryptotia affected the superior or inferior crus, and whether constricted ears were Tanzer group IIA or IIB between the two study groups by retrospective chart review. There was a significant correlation between the age, at which ear-molding treatment was initiated and outcome (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for age, before which ear-molding treatment should be initiated was 7 months. Inferior crus-type cryptotia was corrected adequately by splinting, but all Tanzer group IIB constricted ears needed surgical treatment. Earlier initiation of ear-molding treatment is recommended, preferably before 6 months of age. Nonsurgical treatment is an effective intervention for the creation of the auriculocephalic sulcus in ears with cryptotia and Tanzer group IIA constricted ears but cannot correct for an inadequate amount of skin over the auricular margin or a defect in the antihelix.
Marinagarivorans cellulosilyticus sp. nov., a cellulolytic bacterium isolated from the deep-sea off Noma-misaki, Japan
Authors: Tsudome Mikiko , Tachioka Mikako , Miyazaki Masayuki , Tsuda Miwako , Takaki Yoshihiro , Deguchi Shigeru
Published: March 2023

Cells from strain GE09T, isolated from an artificially immersed nanofibrous cellulose plate in the deep sea, were Gram-stain-negative, motile, aerobic cells that could grow with cellulose as their only nutrient. Strain GE09T was placed among members of

Cellvibrionaceae

, in the

Gammaproteobacteria

, with

Marinagarivorans algicola

Z1T, a marine degrader of agar, as the closest relative (97.4 % similarity). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between GE09T and

M. algicola

Z1T were 72.5 and 21.2 %, respectively. Strain GE09T degraded cellulose, xylan and pectin, but not starch, chitin and agar. The different carbohydrate-active enzymes encoded in the genomes of strain GE09T and

M. algicola

Z1T highlights their differences in terms of target energy sources and reflects their isolation environments. The major cellular fatty acids of strain GE09T were C18 : 1
 ω7c, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1
 ω7c. The polar lipid profile showed phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major respiratory quinone was Q-8. Based on these distinct taxonomic characteristics, strain GE09T represents a new species in the genus

Marinagarivorans

, for which we propose the name Marinagarivorans cellulosilyticus sp. nov. (type strain GE09T=DSM 113420T=JCM 35003T).
Structural modification of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkylquinoline cell–cell communication signal, HHQ, leads to benzofuranoquinolines with anti-virulence behaviour in ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Rossetto Veronica , Moore-Machacek Ay'sha , Woods David F. , Galvão Helena M. , Shanahan Rachel M. , Hickey Aobha , O’Leary Niall , O’Gara Fergal , McGlacken Gerard P. , Reen F. Jerry
Published: March 2023

Microbial populations have evolved intricate networks of negotiation and communication through which they can coexist in natural and host ecosystems. The nature of these systems can be complex and they are, for the most part, poorly understood at the polymicrobial level. The Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) and its precursor 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) are signal molecules produced by the important nosocomial pathogen

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

. They are known to modulate the behaviour of co-colonizing bacterial and fungal pathogens such as Bacillus atropheaus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. While the structural basis for alkyl-quinolone signalling within

P. aeruginosa

has been studied extensively, less is known about how structural derivatives of these molecules can influence multicellular behaviour and population-level decision-making in other co-colonizing organisms. In this study, we investigated a suite of small molecules derived initially from the HHQ framework, for anti-virulence activity against ESKAPE pathogens, at the species and strain levels. Somewhat surprisingly, with appropriate substitution, loss of the alkyl chain (present in HHQ and PQS) did not result in a loss of activity, presenting a more easily accessible synthetic framework for investigation. Virulence profiling uncovered significant levels of inter-strain variation among the responses of clinical and environmental isolates to small-molecule challenge. While several lead compounds were identified in this study, further work is needed to appreciate the extent of strain-level tolerance to small-molecule anti-infectives among pathogenic organisms.
An inclined detector geometry for improved X-ray total scattering measurements
Authors: Burns Nicholas , Rahemtulla Aly , Annett Scott , Moreno Beatriz , Kycia Stefan
Published: March 2023

X-ray total scattering measurements are implemented using a digital flat-panel area detector in an inclined geometry and compared with the traditional geometry. The traditional geometry is defined here by the incident X-ray beam impinging on and normal to the center-most pixel of a detector. The inclined geometry is defined here by a detector at a pitch angle α, set to 15° in this case, bisected by the vertical scattering plane. The detector is positioned such that the incident X-ray beam strikes the pixels along the bottom edge and 90° scattered X-rays impinge on the pixels along the top edge. The geometric attributes of the inclined geometry translate into multiple benefits, such as an extension of the measurable scattering range to 90°, a 47% increase in the accessible magnitudes of the reciprocal-space vector Q and a leveling of the dynamic range in the measured total scattering pattern. As a result, a sixfold improvement in signal-to-noise ratios is observed at higher scattering angles, enabling up to a 36-fold reduction in acquisition time. Additionally, the extent of applied modification functions is reduced, decreasing the magnitude of termination ripples and improving the real-space resolution of the pair distribution function G(r). Taken all together, these factors indicate that the inclined geometry produces higher quality data than the traditional geometry, usable for simultaneous Rietveld refinement and total scattering studies.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2,5-diimino-8a-methyl-4,9-bis(4-methylphenyl)-7-oxo-6-phenyl-decahydro-2H-3,8-methanopyrano[3,2-c]pyridine-3,4a-dicarbonitrile N,N-dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Naghiyev Farid N. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Novikov Anton P. , Akkurt Mehmet , Khalilov Ali N. , Bhattarai Ajaya , Mamedov İbrahim G.
Published: March 2023

In the title compound, C32H29N5O2·C3H7NO, the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane ring system adopts a half-chair/twist-boat conformation, with the phenyl rings in equatorial orientations with respect to the piperidine ring. The two oxane rings of the 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ring system exhibit a distorted boat conformation. Intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds connect the molecules in the crystal, generating layers extending parallel to (100). These layers are connected by C—H...π interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to quantify the contributions of the different intermolecular interactions, indicating that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (52.5%), N...H/H...N (19.2%), C...H/H...C (18.8%) and O...H/H...O (8.3%) interactions.
Towards understanding the influence of innovative work behavior on healthcare organizations’ performance: the mediating role of transformational leaders
Authors: Alshahrani Ibraheem , Al-Jayyousi Odeh , Aldhmour Fairouz , Alderaan Thamer
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The study's aims are to identify healthcare innovation variables, explore innovative work behavior’s (IWB's) influence on Saudi health sector companies and evaluate the mediating function of transformational leadership in the link between IWB and healthcare organizations. In this backdrop, the purpose of the current research was to investigate the impact of creative work behavior on organizational performance and the role of transformational leadership in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine, according to 587 participants, the perceived elements of creative work behavior (RQ1). In various 10 departments of the 5 Dammam Health Network (DHN) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, online questionnaires were used to collect data. SmartPLS 3 software was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings indicated that healthcare professionals perceive the elements of autonomy, competence, relatedness, motivation and knowledge sharing as key features that influence high efficiency in organizational efficiency (p < 0.001). IWB also had a significant and direct positive influence on organizational performance (p < 0.001). Transformational leadership behavior had an insignificant negative effect on employees’ task performance when considering organizational performance (P = 0.122). Therefore, the mediation role did not affect the relationship with IWB concerning employees’ task performance, suggesting that transformational leadership behaviors did not have a mediating effect on the effectiveness of employees’ task performance.

Originality/value

This article contains original analysis and interpretation highlighting integrating IWB and transformational leadership into Saudi Arabia's national healthcare system that can help address specific difficulties facing healthcare practitioners.
Dynamic connectedness among Pakistani stock markets and its major trading partners
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Hunjra Ahmed Imran , Malik Imran Riaz , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Internationalization and financial deregulation have caused market participants and policymakers to consider the significance of financial connectedness and the spillover effects of shocks. In this context, this research is a pioneering effort to investigate the direction and magnitude of return volatility spillovers between Pakistan’s financial markets and those of its key trade partners. This paper examines the relationship between return and volatility spillover in the financial markets of Pakistan and its major trading partners.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten countries are selected for empirical examination of dynamic connectedness among Pakistan and its major trading partner’s stock markets. This study utilizes a spillover index approach model and considers daily, weekly and monthly datasets spanning 25 years from 1995 to 2019.

Findings

The results indicate that stock markets provide efficient channels for return and volatility spillovers. Moreover, it is found that the intensity of spillovers during the financial crisis is more intense as these crises are major determinants of contagion; consequently, investors, speculators and policymakers use these events for their respective purposes.

Originality/value

Researchers, practitioners, policymakers and investors may all benefit from the findings in areas including risk management, portfolio diversification and trading methods.
Measuring “sustainable development” in vernacular settlements: a case study Behramkale, Türkiye
Authors: Ergöz Karahan Ebru , Göçer Özgür , Boyacıoğlu Didem , Shrestha Pranita
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to critically assess sustainable development in the context of Behramkale, a vernacular village in Türkiye.

Design/methodology/approach

Vernacular Heritage Sustainable Architecture analysis framework has been adopted to understand and assess vernacular architecture and sustainable development in Behramkale.

Findings

The vernacular design of the old Behramkale settlement has shown more sustainable characteristics as compared to the new development area. Key findings show that trade-offs were made with respect to environmental and sociocultural aspects of sustainable development to achieve economic sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Future research with more in-depth interviews would be helpful to find out the inhabitants’ response to the conservation practices.

Practical implications

Based on the research conducted, life cycle analysis and sustainable strategies of vernacular settlements can be useful tools to design, develop and improve old settlements, as well as newly established settlements.

Social implications

Key lessons learned from conservation practices can help to identify well-adapted solutions to respond to the needs of local communities in Türkiye and similar vernacular settlements in the Mediterranean region.

Originality/value

This paper critically assesses sustainable development in the context of vernacular architecture, heritage conservation and rural sustainability. Conservation practices in Türkiye are evaluated deeply as there is limited research in this field within the Mediterranean heritage conversation and sustainable development context.
Laser powder bed fusion of granulation-sintering-deoxygenation WC/18Ni300 composites: anisotropic microstructure characterization and wear properties
Authors: Yao Bibo , Li Zhenhua , Teng Baoren , Liu Jing
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) can be used to fabricate complex extrusion die without the limitation of structures. Layer-by-layer processing leads to differences in microstructures and wear properties. This study aims to investigate the microstructure evolution and effects of tungsten carbide (WC) on the wear properties of LPBF-printed 18Ni300.

Design/methodology/approach

Economical spherical granulation-sintering-deoxygenation (GSD) WC-reinforced 18Ni300 steel matrix composites were produced by LPBF from powder mixtures of WC and 18Ni300. The effects of WC contents on anisotropic microstructures and wear properties of the composites were investigated.

Findings

The relative density is more than 99% for all the composites except 25% WC/18Ni300 composite. The grain sizes distributed on the top cross-section are smaller than those on the side cross-section. After adding WC particles, more high-angle grain boundaries and larger Schmid factor generate, and deformed grains decrease. With increasing WC contents, the hardness first decreases and then increases but the wear volume loss decreases. The side cross-section of the composite has higher hardness and better wear resistance. The 18Ni300 exhibits adhesive wear accompanying with abrasive wear, while plowing and fatigue wear are the predominant wear mechanisms of the composites.

Originality/value

Economical spherical GSD WC particles can be used to improve the wear resistance. The novel WC/18Ni300 composites are suitable for the application under the abrasive wear condition with low stress.
Communities in infrastructure habitats are species rich but only partly support species associated with semi‐natural grasslands
Authors: Dániel‐Ferreira Juliana , Fourcade Yoan , Bommarco Riccardo , Wissman Jörgen , Öckinger Erik
Published: March 2023

Biodiversity linked to traditionally managed semi‐natural grasslands is declining, despite conservation efforts. At the same time, the area of novel grassland habitats along linear infrastructure, such as road verges and power line corridors, is increasing and in some regions surpass the area of semi‐natural grasslands. An open question is to what extent these novel grasslands can complement or even replace traditionally managed grasslands as habitat for grassland species.

We compared the alpha (species richness) and beta (abundance‐based dissimilarities) diversity of plants, bumblebees and butterflies among semi‐natural pastures, verges of small and big roads, power line corridors and uncultivated field borders nested within 32 landscapes (2 × 2 km squares). Landscapes had either high or low road density and were with or without power line corridors. Across landscapes there was also a gradient in the area of semi‐natural pastures.

Alpha diversity of all three species groups was as high in power line corridors and verges of small roads as in semi‐natural pastures, regardless of landscape composition. Although all habitat types shared a large proportion of species, community composition differed among habitats for all three species groups. The beta diversity of plants and butterflies was driven primarily by the replacement of species (turnover), while the beta diversity of bumblebees was driven by a rarer occurrence of certain species in road verges (nestedness). This means that linear infrastructure habitats cannot fully replace the role of semi‐natural grasslands for plant and pollinator diversity.

The area of road verges, power line corridors and semi‐natural pastures in the landscape influenced community composition of plants and butterflies, but not the similarity in community composition among habitats within landscapes.

Policy implications. Although novel grasslands along linear infrastructures have high numbers of grassland species, they only support a part of the biodiversity found in traditionally managed semi‐natural grasslands. Therefore, protecting and restoring semi‐natural grasslands should continue to be a priority for the conservation of grassland biodiversity. However, especially in landscapes where the area of semi‐natural grasslands is low, road verges and power line corridors can be important habitats for a number of grassland plants and insects and should be managed to promote biodiversity.
No consistencies in abundance–impact relationships across herbaceous invasive species and ecological impact metrics
Authors: Fenesi Annamária , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Miholcsa Zsombor , Szigeti Viktor , Molnár Csaba , Sándor Dorottya , Szabó Anna , Kuhn Thomas , Kovács‐Hostyánszki Anikó
Published: March 2023

The general shape (from linear to complex curve), direction (negative and positive) and strength (steepness of the slope) of abundance–impact relationships for different impact metrics are poorly known, despite their importance in understanding and predicting ecological repercussions of invasive species. It is also an open question how the functional traits of invasive species may influence the abundance–impact relationship.

We studied 11 widespread herbaceous invasive alien species of East‐Central Europe and their 16 impact metrics (resident plant communities' ecological characteristics, trait composition, functional diversity and soil parameters) by sampling invaded and similar, uninvaded sites (space‐for‐time substitution method). Our aim was to (1) investigate the detailed ecological impacts of invasive plants on native plant communities; (2) explore the type of cover–impact relationships across impact metrics and their consistency across species and (3) study whether the cover–impact relationship depends on functional traits of invasive species.

When considering all invasive species together, we found that invaded plant communities were less species rich and less functionally even but showed higher values of Rao's Q diversity index, and higher nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon soil nutrient content compared to uninvaded communities. However, the species‐wise analyses revealed strikingly different impacts among the 11 invasive species and also among impact metrics.

Regarding the type of cover–impact relationships, we found no consistencies across invasive species and impact metrics. Still, nonlinear relationships prevailed when species were analysed together and linear relationships when species were studied individually. The functional traits of the invasive species explained only a small part of this response heterogeneity; mostly, the small‐seeded perennial invasive species affected the cover–species richness relationship.

Synthesis: Herbaceous invasive plant species have a cover‐dependent impact on resident plant communities, but there are no consistent patterns across impact metrics and invasive species. Specific traits or trait syndrome of invasive species may affect the heterogeneity of cover–impact relationships, but that would need further study. We highlighted the importance of impact assessments involving invasive species' abundance to unmask cryptic impacts for species that show contrasting effects along an abundance gradient.
Prokaryotic community dynamics and nitrogen‐cycling genes in an oxygen‐deficient upwelling system during La Niña and El Niño conditions
Authors: Pajares Silvia , Merino‐Ibarra Martín , Farías Laura
Published: March 2023

Dissolved oxygen regulates microbial distribution and nitrogen cycling and, therefore, ocean productivity and Earth's climate. To date, the assembly of microbial communities in relation to oceanographic changes due to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains poorly understood in oxygen minimum zones (OMZ). The Mexican Pacific upwelling system supports high productivity and a permanent OMZ. Here, the spatiotemporal distribution of the prokaryotic community and nitrogen‐cycling genes was investigated along a repeated transect subjected to varying oceanographic conditions associated with La Niña in 2018 and El Niño in 2019. The community was more diverse during La Niña and in the aphotic OMZ, dominated by the Subtropical Subsurface water mass, where the highest abundances of nitrogen‐cycling genes were found. The largest proportion of the Gulf of California water mass during El Niño provided warmer, more oxygenated, and nutrient‐poor waters towards the coast, leading to a significant increase of Synechococcus in the euphotic layer compared with the opposite conditions during La Niña. These findings suggest that prokaryotic assemblages and nitrogen genes are linked to local physicochemical conditions (e.g. light, oxygen, nutrients), but also to oceanographic fluctuations associated with ENSO phases, indicating the crucial role of climate variability in microbial community dynamics in this OMZ.
Potential value of efficacy prediction and treatment of natural killer cells in extensive stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cui Yanan , Zhao Peiyan , Cheng Ying , Ren Xiubao
Published: March 2023

Although the emergence of immunotherapy has broken the deadlock of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC), the study of markers for predicting efficacy is the key to the breakthrough of immunotherapy, and exploring more innovative, efficient and safe treatment models is also an important research direction of ES‐SCLC. As an important part of inherent immunity, natural killer (NK) cells have become a hot spot because activated NK cells can directly kill tumor cells and may also influence tumor microenvironment immunomodulation. To date, emerging experimental research on NK cells in tumor therapy and immunoregulation has been published, but specific reviews of its role in ES‐SCLC are limited. Hence, in this review, we briefly summarize the current status of immunotherapy and the exploration of biomarker in ES‐SCLCs, with focus on the potential value of efficacy prediction and treatment of NK cells, and finally discuss the limitations and development prospects of NK cells in ES‐SCLC immunotherapy research.
Parental scaffolding and children's math ability: The type of activities matters
Authors: Huang Qi , Sun Jin , Lau Eva Yi Hung , Zhou Yan‐ling
Published: March 2023

A growing body of research has shown that parent–child math activities predict children's math competence. However, observational studies are limited. This study investigated maternal and paternal scaffolding behaviours in three types of parent–child math activities (i.e., worksheet, game and application activities) and their associations with children's formal and informal math abilities. Ninety‐six 5–6‐year‐olds participated in this study with their mothers and fathers. All children completed three activities with their mothers and three comparable activities with their fathers. Parental scaffolding was coded for each parent–child dyadic activity. Children's formal and informal math abilities were tested individually using the Test of Early Mathematics Ability. Results showed that both mothers' and fathers' scaffolding in application activities significantly predicted their children's formal math ability even after controlling for background variables and their scaffoldings in the other two types of math activities. The findings highlight the importance of parent–child application activities in children's math learning.
Pain in the eye of the beholder: Variations in pain visual representations as a function of face ethnicity and culture
Authors: Gingras Francis , Fiset Daniel , Plouffe‐Demers Marie‐Pier , Deschênes Andréa , Cormier Stéphanie , Forget Hélène , Blais Caroline
Published: March 2023

Pain experienced by Black individuals is systematically underestimated, and recent studies have shown that part of this bias is rooted in perceptual factors. We used Reverse Correlation to estimate visual representations of the pain expression in Black and White faces, in participants originating from both Western and African countries. Groups of raters were then asked to evaluate the presence of pain and other emotions in these representations. A second group of White raters then evaluated those same representations placed over a neutral background face (50% White; 50% Black). Image‐based analyses show significant effects of culture and face ethnicity, but no interaction between the two factors. Western representations were more likely to be judged as expressing pain than African representations. For both cultural groups, raters also perceived more pain in White face representations than in Black face representations. However, when changing the background stimulus to the neutral background face, this effect of face ethnic profile disappeared. Overall, these results suggest that individuals have different expectations of how pain is expressed by Black and White individuals, and that cultural factors may explain a part of this phenomenon
Understanding ‘it depends’ in ecology: a guide to hypothesising, visualising and interpreting statistical interactions
Authors: Spake Rebecca , Bowler Diana E. , Callaghan Corey T. , Blowes Shane A. , Doncaster C. Patrick , Antão Laura H. , Nakagawa Shinichi , McElreath Richard , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: March 2023

Ecologists routinely use statistical models to detect and explain interactions among ecological drivers, with a goal to evaluate whether an effect of interest changes in sign or magnitude in different contexts. Two fundamental properties of interactions are often overlooked during the process of hypothesising, visualising and interpreting interactions between drivers: the measurement scale – whether a response is analysed on an additive or multiplicative scale, such as a ratio or logarithmic scale; and the symmetry – whether dependencies are considered in both directions. Overlooking these properties can lead to one or more of three inferential errors: misinterpretation of (i) the detection and magnitude (Type‐D error), and (ii) the sign of effect modification (Type‐S error); and (iii) misidentification of the underlying processes (Type‐A error). We illustrate each of these errors with a broad range of ecological questions applied to empirical and simulated data sets. We demonstrate how meta‐analysis, a widely used approach that seeks explicitly to characterise context dependence, is especially prone to all three errors. Based on these insights, we propose guidelines to improve hypothesis generation, testing, visualisation and interpretation of interactions in ecology.
Incidence, mortality, and risk factors associated with carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia within 30 days after liver transplantation
Authors: Min Eun‐Ki , Yim Seung Hyuk , Choi Mun Chae , Lee Jae Geun , Joo Dong Jin , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Deok‐Gie
Published: March 2023

Carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia (CRAB‐B) is a fatal infectious complication of liver transplantation (LT). This study investigated the incidence, effects, and risk factors associated with CRAB‐B during the early post‐LT period. Among 1051 eligible LT recipients, 29 patients experienced CRAB‐B within 30 days of LT with a cumulative incidence of 2.7%. In the patients with CRAB‐B (n = 29) and matched controls (n = 145) by nested‐case control design, the cumulative incidence of death on days 5, 10, and 30 from the index date was 58.6%, 65.5%, and 65.5%, and 2.1%, 2.8%, and 4.2%, respectively (p < .001). Pre‐transplant MELD (OR 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.19, p = .002), severe encephalopathy (OR 4.62, 95% CI 1.24–18.61, p = .025), donor body mass index (OR .57, 95% CI .41–.75, p < .001), and reoperation (OR 6.40, 95% CI 1.19–36.82, p = .032) were independent risk factors for 30‐day CRAB‐B. CRAB‐B showed extremely high mortality within 30 days after LT, especially within 5 days after its occurrence. Therefore, assessment of risk factors and early detection of CRAB, followed by proper treatment, are necessary to control CRAB‐B after LT.
Legal knowledge and child labour in Nepal: Does knowing the law make a difference?
Authors: Baul Tushi , Ostermann Susan L.
Published: March 2023

Motivation

Child labour persists in the global South. After ratifying the International Labour Organization's Convention No. 138, on “the minimum age for admission to employment and work,” many southern countries have legislated minimum age criteria to fulfil their International Labour Organizations obligations. Often, however, making law has neither significantly reduced child labour nor boosted school attendance—largely because of states' inability to ensure compliance.

Purpose

We investigate, using the case of Nepal, whether legal knowledge about minimum age standards among parents supplying, and employers demanding, child labour makes a difference to child labour.

Methods and approach

Drawing on data from communities in the Terai of Nepal, we use mixed methods to find correlations between legal knowledge, compliance with child labour laws, and prevalence of child labour. We draw on two novel data sets: a large household survey of parents and children, and a small census of owners of brick kilns, where child labour is often seen. We also make use of qualitative interviews with citizens in one community in the Terai.

Findings

We show that when parents and employers know the law on child labour, they are more likely to comply with it. Perceptions of the law also matter, independently of legal knowledge. When individuals know the legal working age and believe it is appropriate, we see even more compliance.

Policy implications

These findings suggest that, even when enforcing the law may be difficult and costly, informing and educating parents and employers may be a less costly way to reduce child labour. Such measures would be even more effective if paired with efforts to change perceptions of the law.
Prognostic value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain on speckle echocardiography for predicting chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Lin , Jiang Xinyi , Xie Qianqian
Published: March 2023

Background

Literature suggests that left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) on speckle echocardiography has the potential to predict cardiotoxicity amongst breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy such as anthracycline, taxane, cyclophosphamide, and trastuzumab. Our study aimed to collect evidence for the prognostic value of LV‐GLS for predicting chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients.

Methods

A detailed search of the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted for published articles up to August 31, 2022. In our meta‐analysis, we looked at 13 studies with a total of 1007 breast cancer patients getting chemotherapy that looked at the predictive value of GLS.

Results

Absolute GLS change during treatment showed a pooled sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 74% to 91%) and a pooled specificity of 77% (95% CI 68% to 84%).  For a relative change in GLS, we observed a pooled sensitivity of 76% (95% CI 56% to 89%) and a pooled specificity of 83% (95% CI 73% to 90%).  For an absolute change in GLS, we observed a positive likelihood ratio (LR), and the negative LR was 4 and .21. Summary receiver operating characteristics curve with prediction and confidence intervals represents a promising summary area under the curve (sAUC) of .88, 95% CI ranges from .85 to .91 for absolute change in GLS, as well as for relative change (sAUC, .87, 95% CI .84 to .90).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated an estimation of LV‐GLS after the beginning of required chemotherapy, including anthracyclines and trastuzumab, had a promising prognostic value for predicting the likelihood of cancer therapeutics‐related cardiac dysfunction. To confirm our findings, well‐designed prospective adequately powered diagnostic randomised trials are necessary.