bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predisposing factors for migration of epiphyseal screws into physis in tension band plating
Authors: Jain Ankit , Agarwal Anil , Jethwa Ravi , Sareen Jatin Raj , Patel Yogesh
Published: November 2022

The migration of epiphyseal screws into growing physis in tension band plating is a known complication. We investigated the screw migration into physis in 10 patients (18 plates) to study the various technical details, which may have contributed to this complication. The methodology involved retrospective review of radiological records. Among these 10 affected patients, in four patients, there were eight additional tension band plates, which had remained uncomplicated (‘controls’) at the time when implant failure was detected. We statistically compared the length of epiphyseal screw, proximity of screw start point to the physis, screw trajectory angle, interscrew angle and correction rate between the migrated and other uncomplicated plates. Majority patients were postrachitic (n = 7). The mean time from primary procedure to detection of radiological complication was 15.1 months. The mean epiphyseal screw length proportion in migrated and uncomplicated plates matched. The starting point of epiphyseal screw was relatively closer to physis in migrated plates. The trajectory of epiphyseal screw with respect to physis was more divergent in the migrated plates (P = 0.02). All implants were inserted in a divergent manner with mean interscrew angle being 22.3° for migrated and 13.8° for the uncomplicated plates (P = 0.02). The correction rate of the implant reduced as it failed. Osteopenic bone and pathological physis predispose to migrated plates. Technically, a wider trajectory of epiphyseal screw and too divergent screws should be avoided. A migrated implant becomes less effective in its function.
Quality of life in children up to 13 years following acute haematogenous osteomyelitis
Authors: Hunter Sarah , Baker Joseph F.
Published: November 2022

Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) remains a cause of severe illness among children with the possibility of long-term consequences for growth and development. Previous research on sequelae from AHO rarely considers outcomes more than 2 years following treatment. This study aims to establish the quality of life of patients diagnosed with AHO in childhood up to 13 years after diagnosis, evaluating the impact on social, emotional, physical, and school function. Children treated for AHO between 2008 and 2018 at a tertiary referral centre in New Zealand were identified. Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) questionnaires were conducted via phone with either the child or primary caregiver and responses analysed. Forty patients met inclusion criteria, were contactable by phone, and consented to participate. The mean age was 7 years (range 0–15) and most were female (60%). Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was scored as a percentage with most participants scoring >80% (n = 27). Those who do experience reduced quality of life following treatment for AHO were likely to complain of pain, stiffness, or anxiety. The impact of significant childhood illness on mental health was not adequately captured by the PedsQL but was highlighted in qualitative feedback. The majority of children treated for AHO reported excellent HRQOL up to 13 years following treatment although a negative impact on mental health was reported using qualitative analysis. A refined scoring system is needed to assess the long-term impact of musculoskeletal infection. Patient case series, Level IV.
Treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma: oncological and endocrine outcomes
Authors: Brönimann Stephan , Garstka Nathalie , Remzi Mesut
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive disease with a paucity of data and great variability between published studies regarding its treatment. This review provides information on current clinical management and oncological and endocrine outcomes.

Recent findings

Complete surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Adjuvant mitotane treatment is recommended in patients with favourable/intermediate prognosis. As part of the endocrine follow-up, steroid hormones and thyroid hormones may be decreased or increased and may need to be substituted or suppressed. Recurrences are common. If the disease-free interval is more than 12 months, surgery is a treatment if complete resection is feasible. In advanced/metastatic ACC patients, the prognosis is poor. Mitotane monotherapy is only appropriate for patients with low tumour burden and indolent disease. Patients with unfavourable prognosis should be treated with aggressive cytotoxic therapy. Patients requiring third-line treatment should be considered for clinical trials. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are currently being investigated, but have so far yielded only unsatisfactory results.

There is scarce evidence for the treatment of ACC, which often complicates clinical decision-making. Patients who progress on EDP-M should be treated in clinical trials.
Rhinoplasty in the COVID-19 Era: Practice and Safety Considerations
Authors: Rohrich Rod J. , Abraham Jasson T. , Alleyne Brendan , Bellamy Justin
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has required changes in health care practices to decrease the risk of disease transmission during the provision of medical care. The risk of transmission is high in procedures involving the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tissues. This article describes simple preventative strategies at a single institution to minimize the risk of disease transmission during rhinoplasty procedures. In particular, the utility of povidone-iodine in prophylaxis during the perioperative period is discussed.
The Associations Between Intracranial Stenosis, Brain Amyloid-beta, and Cognition in a Memory Clinic Sample
Authors: Lim Mervyn J.R. , Tan Jaclyn , Gyanwali Bibek , Tanaka Tomotaka , Reilhac Anthonin , Vrooman Henri A. , Chen Christopher , Hilal Saima
Published: November 2022

Background:

Intracranial stenosis (ICS) and brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) have been associated with cognition and dementia. We aimed to investigate the association between ICS and brain Aβ and their independent and joint associations with cognition.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 185 patients recruited from a memory clinic. ICS was measured on 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and defined as stenosis ≥50%. Brain Aβ was measured with [11C] Pittsburgh compound B–positron emission tomography imaging. Cognition was assessed with a locally validated neuropsychological battery.

Results:

A total of 17 (9.2%) patients had ICS, and the mean standardized uptake value ratio was 1.4 (±0.4 SD). ICS was not significantly associated with brain Aβ deposition. ICS was significantly associated with worse global cognition (β: −1.26, 95% CI: −2.25; −0.28, P=0.013), executive function (β: −1.04, 95% CI: −1.86; −0.22, P=0.015) and visuospatial function (β: −1.29, 95% CI: −2.30; −0.27, P=0.015). Moreover, in ICS patients without dementia (n=8), the presence of Aβ was associated with worse performance on visuomotor speed.

Conclusions:

ICS was significantly associated with worse cognition and showed interaction with brain Aβ such that patients with both pathologies performed worse on visuomotor speed specifically in those without dementia. Further studies may clarify if ICS and brain Aβ deposition indeed have a synergistic association with cognition.
Genomic analysis of the progenitor strains of Staphylococcus aureus RN6390
Authors: Garrett Stephen R. , Mariano Giuseppina , Palmer Tracy
Published: November 2022

RN6390 is a commonly used laboratory strain of

Staphylococcus aureus

derived from NCTC8325. In this study, we sequenced the RN6390 genome and compared it to available genome sequences for NCTC8325. We confirmed that three prophages, Φ11, Φ12 and Φ13, which are present in NCTC8325 are absent from the genome of RN6390, consistent with the successive curing events leading to the generation of this strain. However, we noted that a separate prophage is present in RN6390 that is not found in NCTC8325. Two separate genome sequences have been deposited for the parental strain, NCTC8325. Analysis revealed several differences between these sequences, in particular, between the copy number of esaG genes, which encode immunity proteins to the type VII secreted anti-bacterial toxin, EsaD. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were also detected in ribosomal RNA genes and genes encoding microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) between the two NCTC8325 sequences. Comparing each NCTC8325 sequence to other strains in the RN6390 lineage confirmed that sequence assembly errors in the earlier NCTC8325 sequence are the most likely explanation for most of the differences observed.
Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant isolated in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Hiroi Satoshi , Morikawa Saeko , Motomura Kazushi , Mori Haruyo
Published: November 2022

To study vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants isolated in Osaka, Japan, microneutralization tests were performed on serum samples from 32 subjects who received a second dose of vaccination, and 10 of those who received the third dose of vaccination. Geometric Mean Titres (GMTs) for the D614G strain, Alpha variant, Delta variant, and Omicron BA.1 of the subjects after the second dose of vaccination were 19.5, 21.8, 6.3, and 2.0, respectively. The GMT for the Delta variant was significantly lower than that for the D614G strain and Alpha variant, and the GMT for the Omicron BA.1 was significantly lower than that for the Delta variant. Among the subjects who received three doses of vaccination, the GMTs for the Omicron BA.1 (62.8) and BA.2 (38.6) were significantly higher than that for the Omicron BA.1 after the second dose. Thus, in the present study, the second dose of vaccination induced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the reactivity of neutralizing antibodies to the variants was thought to be enhanced by the third dose of vaccination. The serum samples used in this study will be useful in evaluating the reactivity of vaccine-induced antibodies to newly emerging variants.
Red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Muslim population of Eastern UP, India
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Rai Vandana
Published: November 2022

Background: Red cell enzyme polymorphisms have been used to study genetic variations in several human populations/countries worldwide. Owing to considerable ethnic and cultural heterogeneity in the Indian population, it is imperative to study different caste and religion of different regions. Aims and Objective: To determine allele frequency of five Red Cell Enzymes (ADA, AK1, ESD, GLO1) in Muslim population of Eastern Uttar Pradesh Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from 200 unrelated individuals belonging to Muslim community of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The phenotypes of ADA, AK1, ESD and GLO1 systems were determined by agarose/starch gel electrophoresis. The allele frequencies were calculated by gene count method. Results: The calculated frequencies of the alleles are as follows: ADA*1= 0.907, ADA*2= 0.092; AK*1= 0.92, AK*2= 0.08; ESD*1= 0.765, ESD*2= 0.235; GLO*1= 0.27,GLO*2 =0.73. Conclusion: The comparison of the allele frequencies of the four RBC enzymes studied in the present report with those of Asian populations showed that the allele frequencies are close to other Asian populations. Keywords: Erythrocyte enzymes, polymorphism, Muslim, ADA, AK1, ESD, GLO1
Natural and engineered mediators of desiccation tolerance stabilize Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII in a dry state
Authors: Packebush Maxwell H. , Sanchez-Martinez Silvia , Biswas Sourav , Shraddha KC , Nguyen Kenny , Boothby Thomas C.
Published: November 2022

Biologics, pharmaceuticals containing or derived from living organisms, such as vaccines, antibodies, stem cells, blood, and blood products are a cornerstone of modern medicine. However, nearly all biologics have a major deficiency: they are inherently unstable, requiring storage under constant cold conditions. The so-called ‘cold-chain’, while effective, represents a serious economic and logistical hurdle for deploying biologics in remote, underdeveloped, or austere settings where access to cold-chain infrastructure ranging from refrigerators and freezers to stable electricity is limited. To address this issue, we explore the possibility of using anhydrobiosis, the ability of organisms such as tardigrades to enter a reversible state of suspended animation brought on by extreme drying, as a jumping off point in the development of dry storage technology that would allow biologics to be kept in a desiccated state under ambient or even elevated temperatures. Here we examine the ability of different protein and sugar-based mediators of anhydrobiosis derived from tardigrades and other anhydrobiotic organisms to stabilize Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII under repeated dehydration/rehydration cycles, thermal stress, and long-term dry storage conditions. We find that while both protein and sugarbased protectants can stabilize the biologic pharmaceutical Human Blood Clotting Factor FVIII under all these conditions, protein-based mediators offer more accessible avenues for engineering and thus tuning of protective function. Using classic protein engineering approaches, we fine tune the biophysical properties of a protein-based mediator of anhydrobiosis derived from a tardigrade, CAHS D. Modulating the ability of CAHS D to form hydrogels made the protein better or worse at providing protection to Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII under different conditions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of tardigrade CAHS proteins and other mediators of desiccation tolerance at preserving the function of a biologic without the need for the cold-chain. In addition, our study demonstrates that engineering approaches can tune natural products to serve specific protective functions, such as coping with desiccation cyclingversusthermal stress. Ultimately, these findings provide a proof of principle that our reliance on the cold-chain to stabilize life-saving pharmaceuticals can be broken using natural and engineered mediators of desiccation tolerance.
The InterACT Disability Arts Festival: creating revolutionary futures?
Authors: Walters Trudie
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This exploratory study seeks to understand whether an arts event designed with/by/for disabled people (the InterACT Disability Arts Festival in New Zealand) has the potential to create revolutionary futures, defined as those which help determine new paths, make the future less fearsome and allow more positive outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was taken in this study. Interviews were carried out with ten disabled event attendees, two support workers, one family member, four event volunteers, two activity providers and the main event organiser of the 2019 festival. Active participant observation was also used to collect data. Deductive thematic analysis was used to determine themes and subthemes in the material.

Findings

The findings suggest the case study arts event does help to create revolutionary futures for disabled attendees through disrupting the narratives of disability, making sense of lives lived and changing lives yet to be lived.

Research limitations/implications

Limited windows of opportunity were available to interact with attendees, and just 17 in-the-moment interviews were conducted. However, the findings still have value as data saturation was reached. A “revolutionary futures” conceptual framework is presented to understand the nexus between disability worlds and events and thus amplify the benefits for attendees.

Originality/value

Research carried out to date has provided much-needed understanding about the challenges facing disabled people at events, but this study turns this deficit approach around to focus on the opportunities provided by event participation.
Understanding Islamic accounting: a Quranic approach
Authors: Zaky Achmad , Warsono Sony
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the effect of the Quranic approach on understanding Islamic accounting among accounting students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an experimental field design with pre- and post-test involving 107 participants. Based on the self-determination theory, this study explores the role of Quranic involvement in Islamic accounting instructional design to improve learning outcomes. This study used a comparative analysis of an independent sample of the approach (Quranic vs technical learning) in instructional design (mathematics vs conventional).

Findings

This study proves that Islamic accounting learning outcomes differ between the Quranic and technical learning approaches. The Quranic approach provides better learning outcomes based on post-test scores. This difference is consistent in both conventional and mathematical instructional designs.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study is limited to the alleged role of the Quranic approach in participants' intrinsic motivation. Further studies can explore how and what part of participants' intrinsic motivation is affected by the Quranic approach. Second, this research is limited to the basics of Islamic accounting. Further studies can explore the role of the Quranic approach in understanding Islamic accounting transactions with higher complexity.

Practical implications

This study can be used to develop Islamic accounting instructional designs using a Quranic approach.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on the Quranic approach's role in improving learning outcomes. This study also fills in the scarcity of research on Islamic accounting teaching.
CSR in major European football leagues in the age of COVID-19: financial vulnerability, mental health and domestic violence
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Islam Quazi Tafsirul , Uddin Mohammad Jasim , Faroque Anisur R. , Chowdhury Md. Humayun Kabir
Published: November 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of people and businesses around the world in different ways. France, Spain, Italy and the UK are among the worst affected countries by this pandemic. The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare different corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities taken by the clubs and player of the major football leagues of these four countries to develop a more comprehensive model of intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has analyzed the initiatives taken by these football clubs and players to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health problems and domestic violence among the stakeholders and compared them with the existing CSR and humanitarian models. A case study approach has been used to collect and analyze data related to the CSR activities taken by the players and club management. Official websites of the clubs, newspaper and journal articles were among the major sources used to collect data for the paper.

Findings

Football clubs and players of the four major leagues have raised funds through different campaigns and delivered foods and essential medical supplies to the communities and hospitals to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health issues and domestic violence within their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided guidance to their followers using social and television media to improve their physical and mental health during the pandemic. Online competitions, quizzes or virtual hangouts have also been used by the players to engage the stakeholders on a frequent basis. Football clubs have also initiated campaigns to raise awareness within the community on available medical services for the victims of domestic violence and also provided them with shelter, food, medical, legal and online counseling services.

Originality/value

Football clubs and players of the major leagues were always at the forefront to help the communities and hospitals to address issues related to mental health problems, financial vulnerabilities and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this paper could help and guide other entities in designing a more comprehensive model of CSR interventions during pandemics or crisis situations to address financial vulnerabilities, mental health problems and domestic violence within their communities.
Diel and seasonal changes in gut contents of omnivorous–carnivorous macroinvertebrates in the Yura River, Japan
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru
Published: November 2022

Diel and seasonal changes in the gut contents of omnivorous–carnivorous macroinvertebrates were examined in a Japanese mountain stream based on direct observation of gut contents. Carnivorous–omnivorous (predator) macroinvertebrates were sampled at four time periods (02:00–03:00, 08:00–09:00, 14:00–15:00, and 20:00–21:00) on 3 days in each of March, June, September, and December. A total of 1391 individual macroinvertebrates belonging to 71 taxa were dissected: identifiable gut contents were observed in 928 individuals and prey identified to the family level were observed from the guts of 564 individuals. Using nonmetric multidimensional scaling, interspecific variation in foraging patterns was summarized into two axes that approximately correspond to body size and habitat preferences of prey taxa. Although seasonal patterns in the number of prey individuals in a gut varied among taxa, in March and December, several predators notably foraged on taxa such as Simuliidae, which inhabits stone surfaces in river sections with a rapid current. This pattern may be explained by season‐specific prey availability and predation risks from vertebrates. Diel changing patterns in the number of prey individuals per gut varied among predator taxa, and most predators did not show obvious proportional changes in gut contents. These results indicate that subcompartments of interaction networks and numerous indirect effects via intraguild predation potentially exist within the “guild” of macroinvertebrates, which are often summarized as mesopredators of stream food webs.
Community resistance and the role of justice in shale gas development in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sherval Meg
Published: November 2022

Global energy policies embracing a transition to unconventional oil and gas development are hallmarks of many developed nations. Among these, the United Kingdom has framed the development of shale gas as one means to transition from high‐carbon fossil‐fuel consumption to low‐carbon alternatives. Yet the introduction of this industry and recent legislation associated with it have not been without controversy. Communities throughout the United Kingdom are engaged in sustained debates concerning climate change, health, the scale of extraction footprints, securitisation, and governance. Places such as Kirby Misperton, the focus of this article, are representative of many villages where questions abound about the role of justice at all stages and scales of governmental decision‐making. Using a legal geographic lens, this article examines narratives among local residents who are actively resisting the arrival of unconventional gas. I consider how the relationships between and among energy transition, policy, and justice have been interpreted by communities and argue for inequity and risk to be addressed in more transparent ways. I contend that highlighting counter‐narratives remains essential if powerful arguments by governments and others are to be negated. Fundamentally, true justice can only prevail when all stakeholders are considered legitimate and their opinions valid.
An ʿAqaba/Ayla‐type amphora in the sultanate of Oman
Authors: Yule Paul A.
Published: November 2022

Antique trade amphorae illuminate a little understood but important find category for Arabia, still in the twilight of publication. Most of the find data lie buried in unpublished work regarding recent excavations at ʿAqaba/Ayla. Recent research has verified mineralogically the origin of these documents and their dating. An example fortuitously found forms the basis of this find note.
Fentanyl withdrawal: Understanding symptom severity and exploring the role of body mass index on withdrawal symptoms and clearance
Authors: Luba Rachel , Jones Jermaine , Choi C. Jean , Comer Sandra
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Fentanyl is a highly lipophilic mu opioid receptor agonist, increasingly found in heroin and other drug supplies, that is contributing to marked increases in opioid‐related overdose and may be complicating treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This study aimed to measure the influence of body mass index (BMI) on fentanyl withdrawal and clearance.

Design, Setting, Participants

This secondary analysis, from a 10‐day inpatient study on the safety and efficacy of sublingual dexmedetomidine for opioid withdrawal, includes participants with OUD (n = 150) recruited from three sites in New York, New Jersey and Florida, who were maintained on oral morphine (30 mg four times per day) for 5 days before starting study medication. Most participants (n = 118) tested positive for fentanyl on admission to the inpatient unit.

Measurements

Urine toxicology and opioid withdrawal symptoms [Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS) and Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)] were assessed daily. The present analysis includes data on opioid withdrawal from days 1–5 of stabilization and urine toxicology data from days 1–10.

Findings

Fentanyl status at admission was not significantly associated with COWS or SOWS scores after adjusting for sex, site and polysubstance use. Participants classified as overweight or obese (n = 66) had significantly higher odds of testing positive for fentanyl across days 1–10 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.65; P < 0.01] and higher SOWS maximum scores across morphine stabilization (P < 0.05) compared to those with a healthy BMI (n = 68).

Conclusions

Among inpatients with opioid use disorder, fentanyl status does not appear to be statistically significantly associated with Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale and Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale mean and maximum scores. High body mass index status (overweight or obese) appears to be an important predictor of slower fentanyl clearance and higher Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale maximum scores across the inpatient period than lower body mass index status.
The impact of a run‐of‐the‐river hydroelectric dam on a non‐volant small‐mammal assemblage in Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Araujo Raylenne da Silva , Bobrowiec Paulo Estefano Dineli , de Moura Raquel Teixeira , Magnusson William Ernest
Published: November 2022

There are few scientific studies evaluating the impact of the loss of wetlands on the banks of tropical rivers on assemblages of small non‐flying mammals. To understand the possible deleterious effects of hydroelectric construction in tropical forests on this group of mammals, we used data from 2 years of monitoring carried out during the period before the filling of a hydroelectric plant reservoir in the Brazilian Amazon, and related them to vegetation, soil and topography. We captured 659 individuals of 20 small‐mammal species. The species assemblage composition in the flooded areas was a subset of species that occurred in both floodable and non‐floodable areas, and only one species was captured exclusively in the flooded area. Species composition was influenced by the proportion of sand, by soil nutrient concentration and distance from water bodies. We conclude that there is no evidence that the flooding of low‐lying areas along the Madeira River would negatively affect the assemblage of non‐flying small mammals in the short term because the remaining areas have similar assemblages of small mammals as those destined for flooding. Whether the area lost will be important for population dynamics will depend on the conservation of the remaining areas.
Patient blood management using dedicated personnel in the operating room—you get what you pay for
Authors: Gammon Richard R.
Published: November 2022

A patient blood management (PBM) strategy can be applied to the process of intraoperative cell salvage for re‐infusion during surgery. Stoneham et al. describe an effective PBM strategy applied to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and emphasise the importance of a qualified and experienced intraoperative cell salvage practitioner to improve the safety and effectiveness of the approach.

Commentary on: Stoneham et al. Intraoperative cell salvage using swab wash and serial thromboelastography in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery involving massive blood loss. Br J Haematol 2023;200:652‐659.
Humoral response to mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccine in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mori Akio , Onozawa Masahiro , Kobayashi Mirei , Tsukamoto Shihori , Senjo Hajime , Ishio Takashi , Yokoyama Emi , Izumiyama Koh , Saito Makoto , Muraki Haruna , Morioka Masanobu , Teshima Takanori , Kondo Takeshi
Published: November 2022

Data for COVID‐19 vaccine response in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are very limited. In a study of 28 patients with ITP, anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike antibody titres were measured after vaccination. The seroconversion rate for ITP patients was 91.3%, comparable to that in healthy controls (HCs). However, the antibody titre in ITP patients was significantly lower than that in HCs and declined with ageing. Furthermore, the antibody titre in ITP patients who received a minimum prednisolone dose of at least 5 mg/day at any time‐point at or after initial vaccination was lower than that in other patients.
Economic inequality breeds corrupt behaviour
Authors: Wei Cong , Dang Jianning , Liu Li , Li Chao , Tan Xuyun , Gu Zibei
Published: November 2022

Economists and political scientists have long debated the relations between economic inequality and corruption at the societal level. Extending this literature, we proposed and tested that economic inequality breeds the corrupt behaviour of individuals. Analyses of 45‐year archival data from the United States found that official corruption crimes were more prevalent in years and states with greater economic inequality. Three subsequent experiments (N = 776) using economic games showed that individuals exposed to greater economic inequality exhibited more corrupt behaviour in both Chinese and American cultures. Furthermore, the increased desire for wealth and the perception of reduced fairness accounted for this effect. These findings highlight that excessive economic inequality creates a competitive environment in which people give priority to themselves over others and suggest a vicious cycle between economic inequality and corruption.
Architecture, formation and implication of active structure‐controlled intraslope channel system southeast offshore Sendai, Tohoku, Japan
Authors: Chang Jih‐Hsin , Inoue Takahiko , Misawa Ayanori , Arai Kohsaku
Published: November 2022

Located off the Pacific coast of central Tohoku (NE Japan), the Ishinomaki slope channel (ISC) provides an excellent opportunity to study a structure‐controlled intraslope channel and downslope sedimentation along the active margin. The seismic reflection data across ISC show an extensive basal surface and overlying channel complexes between the basement structures of the Abukuma ridge to the south and Kitakami massif to the north, indicating that the formation of the intraslope basin, channelization of ISC and sedimentation of the downstream channel‐lobe transition zone (CLTZ) are very likely to be structure‐controlled. The oblique channel stacking pattern, faulting of the seafloor and subsurface Abukuma ridge in the upper and lower domains of ISC, collectively suggest that ISC has migrated northward and is currently under the influence of active compression. Differences in styles of accommodation space between the upper and lower domains of ISC suggest that differential subsidence occurred along the strike‐slip tectonic line. Based on the regional strike‐slip tectonic line, we propose that a Kitakami‐Abukuma ridge existed before the formation of ISC. The strike‐slip faulting divided the Kitakami‐Abukuma ridge into the Kitakami massif to the north and the Abukuma ridge to the south, and an intervening fault trough as the precursor of the intraslope basin and ISC. As the subduction of the Pacific Plate and associated compressional events continued, the Abukuma ridge was reactivated to narrow the intraslope basin into a confined channel. Located near the epicentre of the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake event, the ISC, downstream CLTZ and underlying intraslope basin provide information on active basement structure and the evolving sediment routing system on the tectonically active margin.
Solutions to fire and shade: resprouting, growing tall and the origin of Eurasian temperate broadleaved forest
Authors: Adie Hylton , Lawes Michael J.
Published: November 2022

Tree species of Eurasian broadleaved forest possess two divergent trait syndromes with contrasting patterns of resource allocation adapted to different selection environments: short‐stature basal resprouters that divert resources to a bud bank adapted to frequent and severe disturbances such as fire and herbivory, and tall trees that delay reproduction by investing in rapid height growth to escape shading. Drawing on theory developed in savanna ecosystems, we propose a conceptual framework showing that the possession of contrasting trait syndromes is essential for the persistence of broadleaved trees in an open ecosystem that burns. Consistent with this hypothesis, trees of modern Eurasian broadleaved forest bear a suite of traits that are adaptive to surface and crown‐fire regimes. We contend that limited opportunities in grassland restricts recruitment to disturbance‐free refugia, and en masse establishment creates a wooded environment where shade limits the growth of light‐demanding savanna plants. Rapid height growth, which involves investment in structural support and the switch from a multi‐stemmed to a monopodial growth form, is adaptive in this shaded environment. Although clustering reduces surface fuel loads, these establishment nuclei are vulnerable to high‐intensity crown fires. The lethal effects of canopy fire are avoided by seasonal leaf shedding, and aerial resprouting enhances rapid post‐fire recovery of photosynthetic capacity. While these woody formations satisfy the structural definition of forest, their constituents are clearly derived from savanna. Contrasting trait syndromes thus represent the shift from consumer to resource regulation in savanna ecosystems. Consistent with global trends, the diversification of most contemporary broadleaved taxa coincided with the spread of grasslands, a surge in fire activity and a decline in wooded ecosystems in the late Miocene–Pliocene. Recognition that Eurasian broadleaved forest has savanna origins and persists as an alternative state with adjacent grassy ecosystems has far‐reaching management implications in accordance with functional rather than structural criteria. Shade is a severe constraint to the regeneration and growth of both woody and herbaceous growth forms in consumer‐regulated ecosystems. However, these ecosystems are highly resilient to disturbance, an essential process that maintains diversity especially among the species‐rich herbaceous component that is vulnerable to shading when consumer behaviour is altered.
Utility of the pattern‐based approach using BIOCHIP‐indirect immunofluorescence in the evaluation of subepidermal bullous disorders
Authors: Venkataswamy Chaitra , Vinayagam Nithyanandam , Shanmugasundaram Sakthisankari , Rai Reena
Published: November 2022

Background

Subepidermal bullous disorders (SEBD) are a heterogeneous group of vesiculobullous diseases because of antibody‐mediated destruction of proteins of the dermo‐epidermal junction. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is the gold standard for diagnosis. BIOCHIP‐indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is a novel serological test that combines multiple target antigens in a single field. The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the pattern‐based approach in BIOCHIP‐IIF for the diagnosis of SEBD.

Methods

Seventy cases of BIOCHIP‐IIF that showed clinical, histopathological, and/or DIF features favoring SEBD were included in the study. The interpretation in the BIOCHIP was categorized into one of the following patterns. Pattern I: basement membrane zone (BMZ) staining in monkey esophagus (ME), primate salt‐split skin (SSS)‐roof staining, BP180+ and/or BP230+; Pattern II: roof staining in SSS, BP180– and BP230– with or without BMZ staining in ME; Pattern III: floor staining in SSS, BP180– and BP230–; and pattern IV: negative in SSS and other substrates. The findings were correlated with histopathology and/or DIF.

Results

Fifty (71.5%) cases showed pattern I or the typical bullous pemphigoid (BP) pattern. Eight (11.4%) cases showed pattern II. Patterns III and IV were observed in seven (10%) and five (7.1%) cases, respectively. BP was the most common diagnosis in patterns I and II, while anti‐p200 pemphigoid was most common in pattern III, as confirmed by immunoblotting. The sensitivity of pattern I in the diagnosis of BP was 96%.

Conclusion

BIOCHIP‐IIF showed a good correlation with DIF and histopathology in the diagnosis of SEBD. This can be used as a first‐line investigation in case of bullous disorders.
Increase of atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: a retrospective analysis of four German skin cancer centers
Authors: Kuntz Thomas , Siebdrath Julian , Hofmann Silke C. , Baltaci Mehmet , Schaller Jörg , Hellmich Martin , von Goltzheim Luise Stach , Assaf Chalid , Oellig Frank , Michalowitz Alena‐Lioba , Helbig Doris , Kreuter Alexander
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives

In recent years, considerable insight has been gained into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous sarcomas, including atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS). Both entities have shown increasing incidence rates in the last decade. This study was initiated to evaluate how these new insights impact the number of diagnoses of AFX/PDS compared to other cutaneous sarcoma entities.

Patients and methods

In a retrospective study of four German skin cancer centers, all histopathological reports of cutaneous sarcomas (AFX, PDS, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, cutaneous leiomyosarcoma, angiosarcoma, and Kaposi sarcoma) confirmed by board‐certified dermatopathologists were analyzed during a time‐period of seven years (2013–2019). Additionally, utilization of immunohistochemical markers (including pan‐cytokeratin, S100, desmin, CD34, CD10, procollagen‐1, CD99, CD14, and CD68) as an adjunct to diagnose AFX/PDS was recorded.

Results

Overall, 255 cutaneous sarcomas were included in the present study. The diagnosis of a cutaneous sarcoma has consequently risen from 2013 to 2019 (from 16 to 52 annual cases). The results of AFX/PDS revealed 4.6 times more diagnoses in 2019 than in 2013. Atypical fibroxanthoma represented the most common subtype, displaying 49.3 % of all diagnosed cutaneous sarcomas. Additionally, the increase of AFX/PDS was linked to the use of immunohistochemistry, with specific immunohistochemical markers used in 57.1 % of cases in 2013 compared to 100 % in 2019.

Conclusions

This retrospective study of four German skin cancer centers demonstrates a substantial rise of AFX/PDS, possibly due to recently established diagnostic and terminology standards. This rise is probably linked to increased utilization of specific immunohistochemical markers. Atypical fibroxanthoma/PDS may be more common than previously thought and seems to represent the most frequent cutaneous sarcoma subtype.
Uninformed voters with (im)precise expectations: Explaining political budget cycle puzzles
Authors: Crombach Lamar , Bohn Frank
Published: November 2022

Governments try to improve re‐election chances by using fiscal instruments; they can shift voters' expectations of government competence because some voters are impaired by uninformedness. We argue that uninformed voters may also be impaired in another way which has not been considered in the literature, namely that uninformed voters are uncertain about the precision of that expected competence. Analytically, we show that political budget cycles (PBCs) are only produced when we have many uninformed voters and their expected competence of the government is fairly uncertain; or with few uninformed voters and certain expectations. This could explain two empirical puzzles on why we sometimes find and sometimes not (i) PBCs in developed and democratic countries with strong institutions, and (ii) that press freedom exacerbates PBCs. In a panel of 70 countries (1986–2015) we find empirical support for these findings. Results are robust to alternative specifications and explanations like fiscal rules, corruption and expected downturns.
Species traits help explain butterfly habitat use in a tropical forest
Authors: Jambhekar Ravi , Driscoll Don A.
Published: November 2022

When species can access all parts of the landscape, species‐sorting metacommunity theory predicts that community composition depends on habitat choice and interactions with other species and the environment. These filtering processes can also depend on species' traits.

The authors investigated how traits mediate a species‐sorting process in determining butterfly community composition in a naturally patchy landscape in the tropical Western Ghats, India. The authors asked, do traits mediate access to certain habitats and does seasonality affect these patterns? The authors surveyed 56 habitat patches in three habitat types: laterite plateau grasslands, ridge grassland, and moist‐deciduous forest, in a 65‐km2 landscape.

Non‐palatable butterflies showed similar occurrences across seasons and habitats, but palatable butterflies were less commonly encountered in open habitats in the dry season. Polyphagous butterflies occurred infrequently in the dry season in laterite habitats, potentially indicating emigration or diapause patterns are linked to diet breadth.

All species were present in all habitats, implying dispersal does not limit access to different habitat patches, consistent with the species‐sorting metacommunity concept. Nevertheless, butterfly occurrence was strongly influenced by the interaction of mobility and habitat type with sedentary species occurring less often in low‐resource open laterite patches than mobile species.

Species sorting is typically regarded as occurring directly through environmental filters, but here the authors suggest that the environmental filter acts through movement limitations. Studies integrating landscape heterogeneity and species characteristics will help us better understand metacommunities and species distributions in nature.
Prediction of Bike‐sharing Trip Counts: Comparing Parametric Spatial Regression Models to a Geographically Weighted XGBoost Algorithm
Authors: Schimohr Katja , Doebler Philipp , Scheiner Joachim
Published: November 2022

Regression models are commonly applied in the analysis of transportation data. This research aims at broadening the range of methods used for this task by modeling the spatial distribution of bike‐sharing trips in Cologne, Germany, applying both parametric regression models and a modified machine learning approach while incorporating measures to account for spatial autocorrelation. Independent variables included in the models consist of land use types, elements of the transport system and sociodemographic characteristics. Out of several regression models with different underlying distributions, a Tweedie generalized additive model is chosen by its values for AIC, RMSE, and sMAPE to be compared to an XGBoost model. To consider spatial relationships, spatial splines are included in the Tweedie model, while the estimations of the XGBoost model are modified using a geographically weighted regression. Both methods entail certain advantages: while XGBoost leads to far better values regarding RMSE and sMAPE and therefore to a better model fit, the Tweedie model allows an easier interpretation of the influence of the independent variables including spatial effects.
White clover (Trifolium repens) population dynamics are partly dependent on timing of seminal taproot death
Authors: Janssen Pedro W. L. , Hoekstra Nyncke J. , van der Schoot Jan Rinze , van Eekeren Nick
Published: November 2022

The expanded usage of white clover has increased the importance of understanding white clover dynamics in pastures. It is assumed that clover plants have a higher tolerance for moisture and nutrient deficiencies when the taproot is still present. Therefore, the survival of the seminal taproot can influence the dynamics of clover. Past breeding efforts in countries like New Zealand have focussed on increasing the taproot longevity through hybridisation with a close relative of white clover. However, there is no direct evidence whether increased survival of the taproot results in increased performance of white clover. In this study, we aimed to (i) assess the relationship between taproot volume and taproot survival, and (ii) whether the timing of death of the seminal taproot influences the population dynamics of white clover varieties. In a two‐year field experiment with 18 white clover varieties grown in monoculture and in mixture with Lolium perenne L, the taproot characteristics and population dynamics were studied. It was shown that taproot volume was positively correlated to both leaf size and taproot presence during autumn 2017, 1 year after sowing. The combination of the timing of death of the seminal tap root and the development of stolons seems to play a more important role in increasing the persistence of white clover than the absolute survival of the seminal taproot. Future research should focus on understanding the transition from a taprooted white clover to a stolonous white clover plant in relation to specific weather events such as winter frost conditions.
Queering the pandemic at work, a fictocritical tale
Authors: Lescoat Pierre
Published: November 2022

This short paper blurs fiction and theoretical analysis to describe how a non‐binary subject experiences the pandemic. The story focuses on one day and three moments: before work, during work, and after work. The tale illustrates how living at the margins of heteronormativity enacts new forms of subjectivities. It also contributes to the writing differently movement by mixing fiction, theoretical insights, and other forms of writing. This is what I call a fictocritical text, mixing genres and genders to encourage critical thinking.