bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early changes in corticomotor excitability underlie proactive inhibitory control of error correction
Authors: Rodríguez-Herreros Borja , Amengual Julià L. , Vázquez-Anguiano Jimena Lucrecia , Ionta Silvio , Miniussi Carlo , Cunillera Toni 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTConverging evidence indicates that response inhibition may arise from the interaction of effortful proactive and reflexive reactive mechanisms. However, the distinction between the neural basis sustaining proactive and reactive inhibitory processes is still unclear. To identify reliable neural markers of proactive inhibition, we examined the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates elicited by manipulating the degree of inhibitory control in a task that involved the detection and amendment of errors. Restraining or encouraging the correction of errors did not affect the time course of the behavioral and neural correlates associated to reactive inhibition. We rather found that a bilateral and sustained decrease of corticomotor excitability was required for an effective proactive inhibitory control, whereas selective strategies were associated with defective response suppression. Our results provide behavioral and electrophysiological conclusive evidence of a comprehensive proactive inhibitory mechanism, with a distinctive underlying neural basis, governing the commission and amendment of errors. Together, these findings hint at a decisive role for changes in corticomotor excitability in determining whether an action will be successfully suppressed.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTResponse inhibition is a fundamental brain function that must be flexible enough to incorporate volitional goal-directed demands, along with rapid, automatic and well consolidated behaviors. Previous studies reflect a lack of consensus regarding the neural correlates subserving these two –proactive and reactive– distinct modes of inhibitory control. We combined electrophysiological recordings with behavioral measures within a paradigm of detection and correction of errors under two degrees of inhibitory control to identify genuine neural markers of proactive inhibitory control. We found evidence supporting a sustained and global –not selective– reduction of corticomotor excitability subserving successful proactive inhibition of motor responses. Our findings favor a distinctive mechanism of comprehensive inhibitory control to amend errors under a high degree of response competition.
Follicular extension of atypical keratinocytes predicts the resistance of actinic keratosis to topical imiquimod treatment: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Tanese Keiji , Zhu Yingyao , Fujio Yumi , Konohana Izumi , Kurihara Yuichi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTopical imiquimod therapy has been widely used for actinic keratosis (AK). However, some cases are refractory to treatment. Therefore, an indicator that can predict its efficacy is desired. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed 52 AK lesions treated with imiquimod to investigate the characteristics of refractory lesions. Imiquimod was applied in a cycle of three times weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 4‐week break. This treatment cycle was repeated up to three times and treatment responses were evaluated. As a result, a complete response (CR) was observed in 78.8% (41/52) of lesions. Next, treatment response of lesions was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics including clinical morphology and thickness, pathological morphology and thickness, and presence of follicular extension (FE). Of these, lesions with FE were significantly less responsive to imiquimod treatment; while 92.6% of AK lesions without FE achieved a CR, only 64.0% of AK lesions with FE achieved a CR (p = 0.029). Logistic regression analysis revealed that FE was the sole significant predictor of its efficacy (p = 0.019). These results suggest that preliminary histological evaluation of FE may be useful to predict the efficacy of imiquimod for AK.
Safety and effectiveness of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy combined with fractional micro‐plasma radio‐frequency treatment for verrucous epidermal nevus: A retrospective study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Dai Siqi , He Sijin , Huang Xiaowen , Chen Pingjiao , Li Qian , Guo Jia , Zhu Menghua , Shen Jing , Zeng Kang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractVerrucous epidermal nevus (VEN) is a benign skin disease that seriously affects appearance. Numerous therapeutic methods have been tried with varying results. However, there are few reports on the treatment of VEN by photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐PDT in VEN treatment with a long‐term follow‐up. A total of 16 patients with VEN received ALA‐PDT and were followed up for more than 1 year to observe the treatment effects, adverse reactions, and patients’ satisfaction. Complete improvement of lesions was observed in 11 patients (three to six sessions of ALA‐PDT). Two patients obtained 90–99% improvement (five sessions) and 50–89% improvement in three patients (three to six sessions). They were satisfied with the treatment effects, with an average satisfaction of 4.19/5 (±0.91). Long‐term follow‐up ranging 14–50 months showed a low recurrence rate (2/16) and no scar left after ALA‐PDT. The results demonstrate that ALA‐PDT is an effective and safe therapy in treating VEN with mild adverse reactions and a low risk of scar formation.
Early psoriatic arthritis in Japan: Post‐hoc analyses from a survey by the Japanese Society of Psoriasis Research
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Kawada Akira 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo determine the characteristics of the early phase of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), we conducted a subanalysis of a retrospective survey of Japanese patients. In this study, we enrolled patients with early onset within either 2 years or 1 year from onset among the 1282 patients with PsA that had previously been reported. Among the total reported PsA patients, 304 (23.7%) were diagnosed with less than 2 years of onset of joint manifestation. The male : female ratio was 1.9:1, mean age at onset of cutaneous psoriasis 40.2 years, and that of joint manifestation 50.3 years. Age of less than 20 years at cutaneous psoriasis onset was observed in 22 cases, while that at joint manifestation was observed in two cases. Plaque‐type psoriasis accounted for 90.1%, followed by psoriasis erythroderma (3.9%), pustular psoriasis (3.9%), and nail psoriasis (1.3%). Polyarthritis was the most common joint manifestation (32.9%), followed by distal interphalangeal (DIP) type (29.6%), oligoarthritis type (27.3%), and ankylosing spondylitis type (4.9%). Enthesitis was observed in 27.3% and dactylitis in 61.8%. Biologics were used in 168 cases (55.3%). By contrast, 199 patients (15.5%) were diagnosed within 1 year of onset of joint manifestation, among whom polyarthritis was the most common (30.7%). Biologics were used in 50.8%. In conclusion, the present study showed that the frequency of early PsA within 2 years of onset accounted for 23.7%, and those within 1 year of onset was 15.5% among the Japanese patients with PsA. Polyarthritis was the most common in early PsA patients.
Impacts of radiation exposure on the bacterial and fungal microbiome of small mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Authors: Antwis Rachael E. , Beresford Nicholas A. , Jackson Joseph A. , Fawkes Ross , Barnett Catherine L. , Potter Elaine , Walker Lee , Gaschak Sergey , Wood Michael D. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Environmental impacts of the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident are much debated, but the effects of radiation on host microbiomes have received little attention to date.

We present the first analysis of small mammal gut microbiomes from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in relation to total absorbed dose rate, including both caecum and faeces samples.

We provide novel evidence that host species determines fungal community composition, and that associations between microbiome (both bacterial and fungal) communities and radiation exposure vary between host species. Using ambient versus total weighted absorbed dose rates in analyses produced different results, with the latter more robust for interpreting microbiome changes at the individual level. We found considerable variation between results for faecal and gut samples of bank voles, suggesting faecal samples are not an accurate indicator of gut composition.

Associations between radiation exposure and microbiome composition of gut samples were not robust against geographical variation, although we identified families of bacteria (Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae) and fungi (Steccherinaceae and Strophariaceae) in the guts of bank voles that may serve as biomarkers of radiation exposure.

Further studies considering a range of small mammal species are needed to establish the robustness of these potential biomarkers.
Theorising rehabilitation: Actors and parameters shaping normality, liminality and depersonalisation in a UK hospital
Authors: Bezmez Dikmen , Shakespeare Tom , Lee Kate 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSociological concern for rehabilitation remains limited. This paper aims to contribute to rehabilitation theory. It examines two units of a specialist rehabilitation hospital in the UK (amputee and neurological services) by focusing on the key actors involved – families, patients, staff – and the parameters shaping their relationships. The findings extend previous theoretical understandings of rehabilitation in three themes: normality, liminality and depersonalisation. We argue, first: normality is constantly negotiated amongst the different actors. This complicates existing works’ critique of rehabilitation as reproducing the ideology of normality. Second, discourses produced during acute care shape the inpatient rehabilitation experience. This calls attention to the pre‐rehabilitation phase and complicates existing works’ emphasis on the transition from inpatient stay to the time of discharge. Finally, inpatient rehabilitation is notable in rendering the adverse effects of depersonalisation apparent. It combines the bureaucracy of a regular hospital ward, with institutionalising aspects of long‐term care. These findings have a potential to enhance practice as well as knowledge. We call for a deeper sociological attention, combining theory‐building with empirical data for a better understanding of inpatient rehabilitation.
Profiles of juveniles with sex offense charges referred for competence evaluations
Authors: Cunningham Kathryn A. , Edyburn Kelly L. , Lexcen Fran 
Published: April 2021

AbstractJuveniles referred for adjudicative competence evaluations make up a subset of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Among those referred for adjudicative competence evaluations, a significant number involve youth with current or past charges for sexual offenses. This study examines the profiles of youth with sexual offense charges who have been referred for competence evaluations at a state psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. Differences between the characteristics of youth with and without sexual offenses were explored, and predictors of competence opinions were examined among the subset of youth with current or prior sexual charges (juveniles with sexual offenses, or JSOs). Findings indicated that youth with sexual offenses have several demographic, cognitive, clinical, and legal differences from youth without sexual offenses. Although youth with sexual offenses were less likely to be opined competent, presence of a sexual offense was not a predictor of competence opinions after controlling for other factors. Predictors of competence among JSOs were found to be similar to those among youth referred for competence evaluations in general. Primary diagnosis of an autism‐related disorder was a unique predictor of being opined not competent among the JSO subgroup, but not the overall sample. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Proteomic fingerprinting facilitates biodiversity assessments in understudied ecosystems: A case study on integrated taxonomy of deep sea copepods
Authors: Renz Jasmin , Markhaseva Elena L. , Laakmann Silke , Rossel Sven , Martinez Arbizu Pedro , Peters Janna 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAccurate and reliable biodiversity estimates of marine zooplankton are a prerequisite to understand how changes in diversity can affect whole ecosystems. Species identification in the deep sea is significantly impeded by high numbers of new species and decreasing numbers of taxonomic experts, hampering any assessment of biodiversity. We used in parallel morphological, genetic, and proteomic characteristics of specimens of calanoid copepods from the abyssal South Atlantic to test if proteomic fingerprinting can accelerate estimating biodiversity. We cross‐validated the respective molecular discrimination methods with morphological identifications to establish COI and proteomic reference libraries, as they are a pre‐requisite to assign taxonomic information to the identified molecular species clusters. Due to the high number of new species only 37% of the individuals could be assigned to species or genus level morphologically. COI sequencing was successful for 70% of the specimens analysed, while proteomic fingerprinting was successful for all specimens examined. Predicted species richness based on morphological and molecular methods was 42 morphospecies, 56 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) and 79 proteomic operational taxonomic units (POTUs), respectively. Species diversity was predicted based on proteomic profiles using hierarchical cluster analysis followed by application of the variance ratio criterion for identification of species clusters. It was comparable to species diversity calculated based on COI sequence distances. Less than 7% of specimens were misidentified by proteomic profiles when compared with COI derived MOTUs, indicating that unsupervised machine learning using solely proteomic data could be used for quickly assessing species diversity.
PICT: A low‐cost, modular, open‐source camera trap system to study plant–insect interactions
Authors: Droissart Vincent , Azandi Laura , Onguene Eric Rostand , Savignac Marie , Smith Thomas B. , Deblauwe Vincent 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Commercial camera traps (CTs) commonly used in wildlife studies have several technical limitations that restrict their scope of application. They are not easily customizable, unit prices sharply increase with image quality and importantly, they are not designed to record the activity of ectotherms such as insects. Those developed for the study of plant–insect interactions are yet to be widely adopted as they rely on expensive and heavy equipment.

We developed PICT (plant–insect interactions camera trap), an inexpensive (<100 USD) do‐it‐yourself CT system based on a Raspberry Pi Zero computer designed to continuously film animal activity. The system is particularly well suited for the study of pollination, insect behaviour and predator–prey interactions. The focus distance can be manually adjusted to under 5 cm. In low light conditions, a near‐infrared light automatically illuminates the subject. Frame rate, resolution and video compression levels can be set by the user. The system can be remotely controlled using either a smartphone, tablet or laptop via the onboard Wi‐Fi. PICT can record up to 72‐hr day and night videos at >720p resolution with a 110‐Wh power bank (30,000 mAh). Its ultra‐portable (<1 kg) waterproof design and modular architecture is practical in diverse field settings. We provide an illustrated technical guide detailing the steps involved in building and operating a PICT and for video post‐processing.

We successfully field‐tested PICT in a Central African rainforest in two contrasting research settings: an insect pollinator survey in the canopy of the African ebony Diospyros crassiflora and the observation of rare pollination events of an epiphytic orchid Cyrtorchis letouzeyi.

PICT overcomes many of the limitations commonly associated with CT systems designed to monitor ectotherms. Increased portability and image quality at lower costs allow for large‐scale deployment and the acquisition of novel insights into the reproductive biology of plants and their interactions with difficult to observe animals.

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Structural Changes in the Renminbi Exchange Rate Mechanism
Authors: Su Guanyu , Qian Junhui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper examines structural changes in China's exchange rate mechanism. For this purpose, we propose a predictive model incorporating three factors that influence the central parity rate: a smoothing factor, a market factor, and a basket factor. We first apply the model to analyze the effects of 12 exchange rate reforms since 2005, treating these reforms as predetermined structural breaks. Among other results, we find that the main impact of introducing a “counter‐cyclical factor” is to weaken the role of the basket factor. We estimate structural breaks in data, assuming that the number and dates of breaks are unknown, and we find that, although the majority of estimated breaks occur within the neighborhood of exchange rate reforms, there are breaks due to other external shocks such as the escalation of the China–US trade conflict in May 2019. It is suggested that our model may be used to guide future currency reforms in China.
Trait dimensions in bacteria and archaea compared to vascular plants
Authors: Westoby Mark , Gillings Michael R. , Madin Joshua S. , Nielsen Daniel A. , Paulsen Ian T. , Tetu Sasha G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBacteria and archaea have very different ecology compared to plants. One similarity, though, is that much discussion of their ecological strategies has invoked concepts such as oligotrophy or stress tolerance. For plants, so‐called ‘trait ecology’—strategy description reframed along measurable trait dimensions—has made global syntheses possible. Among widely measured trait dimensions for bacteria and archaea three main axes are evident. Maximum growth rate in association with rRNA operon copy number expresses a rate‐yield trade‐off that is analogous to the acquisitive–conservative spectrum in plants, though underpinned by different trade‐offs. Genome size in association with signal transduction expresses versatility. Cell size has influence on diffusive uptake and on relative wall costs. These trait dimensions, and potentially others, offer promise for interpreting ecology. At the same time, there are very substantial differences from plant trait ecology. Traits and their underpinning trade‐offs are different. Also, bacteria and archaea use a variety of different substrates. Bacterial strategies can be viewed both through the facet of substrate‐use pathways, and also through the facet of quantitative traits such as maximum growth rate. Preliminary evidence shows the quantitative traits vary widely within substrate‐use pathways. This indicates they convey information complementary to substrate use.
Time lags and the invasion debt in plant naturalisations
Authors: Duncan Richard P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEcological processes often exhibit time lags. For plant invasions, lags of decades to centuries between species’ introduction and establishment in the wild (naturalisation) are common, leading to the idea of an invasion debt: accelerating rates of introduction result in an expanding pool of introduced species that will naturalise in the future. Here, I show how a concept from survival analysis, the hazard function, provides an intuitive way to understand and forecast time lags. For plant naturalisation, theoretical arguments predict that lags between introduction and naturalisation will have a unimodal distribution, and that increasing horticultural activity will cause the mean and variance of lag times to decline over time. These predictions were supported by data on introduction and naturalisation dates for plant species introduced to Britain. While increasing trade and horticultural activity can generate an invasion debt by accelerating introductions, the same processes could lower that debt by reducing lag times.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on access to healthcare services amongst patients with multiple sclerosis in the Lazio region, Italy
Authors: Colais Paola , Cascini Silvia , Balducci Maria , Agabiti Nera , Davoli Marina , Fusco Danilo , Calandrini Enrico , Bargagli Anna Maria 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease involving multidisciplinary assessments and interventions. Access to outpatient specialist and home healthcare services was explored during the pandemic outbreak and the lockdown amongst MS patients in the Lazio region. Adherence to disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) is also described.MethodsA population‐based study was conducted using regional healthcare administrative databases. A validated algorithm was used to identify MS cases over the period 2011–2018. The numbers of specialist and home‐based services were compared between 2019 and 2020. The medication possession ratio was used to measure adherence to DMTs.ResultsA total of 9380 MS patients were identified (68% women). A decline in the number of outpatient care services between March and June 2020 compared to the previous year was observed, in particular for rehabilitation (−82%), magnetic resonance imaging (−56%) and neurological specialist services (−91%). Important year‐to‐year variations were observed in May and June 2020 in home‐based nursing and medical care (−91%) and motor re‐education services (−74%). Adherence to DMTs was higher in the first 4 months of 2019 compared to the same period of 2020 (67.1% vs. 57.0%).ConclusionsA notable disruption of rehabilitative therapy and home‐based services as well as in DMT adherence was observed. Since the pandemic is still ongoing and interruption of healthcare services could have a major impact on MS patients, it is necessary to monitor access of MS patients to healthcare resources in order to ensure adequate treatments, including rehabilitative therapies.
Expression of HLA class I and class II genes in patients with multiple skin warts
Authors: Gülseren Duygu , Tan Çağman , Yaz İsmail , Özbek Begüm , Çağdaş Deniz , Tezcan İlhan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are genetic markers that have critical roles in the immune response against pathogens, vary greatly among individuals. The aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of HLA class I (HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLAC) and class II (HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DQA1) genes in patients with multiple skin warts and to elucidate the role of these genes in the genetic susceptibility to skin warts. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 100 patients with multiple skin warts and 300 healthy individuals (controls). HLA typing was performed after DNA isolation from the blood samples. The HLA‐A*02 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.12; p = 0.0019), HLA‐DQA1*03:01 (OR: 0.45; p = 0.0017) and DQA1*05:01 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001) genes were significantly more prevalent in the patients than in the healthy individuals and were thus identified as risk genes. The HLA‐DQA1*01:01 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001), HLA‐DQA1*01:02 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001), HLA‐DQA1*01:03 (OR: 0.11; p < 0.0001), HLA‐DQA1*02:01 (OR:027; p<0.0001) and HLA‐DQA1*05:05 (OR:0.16; p<0.0001) genes were classified as protective genes because of their low frequencies in the patients. The limitation of the study is that Human papillomavirus typing could not be performed while investigating the relationship between skin warts and HLA class I and class II genes. Our data suggest the role of HLA genes in the development of skin warts. However, other components of the major histocompatibility complex system and acquired factors of the immune system could also be involved and should be further investigated.