bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coordination between water uptake depth and the leaf economic spectrum in a Mediterranean shrubland
Authors: Illuminati Angela , Querejeta José Ignacio , Pías Beatriz , Escudero Adrián , Matesanz Silvia 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Water is the most limiting resource for plant survival and growth in arid environments, but the diversity of water‐use strategies among coexisting species in dryland communities is not well understood. There is also growing interest in assessing whether a whole‐plant coordination exists between traits related to water‐use and the leaf economic spectrum (LES).

We used water stable isotopes (δ2H, δ18O) to quantify water uptake proportions from different soil depths by 24 species in a Mediterranean shrubland. Leaf traits associated with water‐use efficiency, stomatal regulation (δ13C, δ18O) and the LES (SLA, N, P, K concentrations) were also measured. We assessed potential trade‐offs between the above‐mentioned leaf traits, water uptake depth and their relationship with species abundance.

We found distinct ecohydrological niche segregation among coexisting species. Bayesian models showed that our shrubland species used a median of 37% of shallow soil water (0–30 cm) and 63% of deep water (30–100 cm). Still, water source proportions varied considerably among species, as shallow soil water‐use ranged from a minimum of 6.4% to a maximum of 68%. Interspecific variability in foliar carbon investment (SLA) and nutrient concentrations was remarkably high, indicating diverse nutrient‐use strategies along the LES. Leaf δ18O, δ13C and δ15N values also differed widely among species, revealing differences in stomatal regulation, water‐use efficiency and nitrogen acquisition mechanisms. After accounting for evolutionary history effects, water uptake depth was coordinated with the LES: species using shallower soil water from fertile topsoil layers exhibited a more acquisitive carbon‐ and nutrient‐use strategy, whereas water uptake from deeper but less fertile soil layers was linked to a more conservative nutrient‐use strategy. Leaf‐level water‐use traits significantly influenced species abundance, as water‐savers with tight stomatal regulation and high water‐use efficiency were dominant.

Synthesis. Greater utilisation of water stored in nutrient‐rich topsoil layers favoured a more acquisitive nutrient‐use strategy, whereas a deeper water uptake pattern appeared to constrain access to nutrients. Our findings thus suggest a largely inescapable trade‐off and coordination between soil water uptake depth and carbon‐ and nutrient‐use strategies in low‐fertility drylands.
Phonological patterns in Greek language in toddlers and children with Down syndrome and children with language impairment
Authors: Katsarou Dimitra , Andreou Georgia 
Published: May 2022

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder which is represented by a variety of deficits in all linguistic domains including phonology. Previous research, mainly conducted in the English language, has documented phonological deficits in early childhood in Down syndrome. Given the paucity of research in the area of phonology in the Greek language, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the phonological skills of children with Down syndrome (N = 45) in the Greek language and compare them with those of age‐matched and non‐verbal age children with language impairment (N = 45). A test, standardized in the Greek language, was used for the above purpose which consisted of four subscales: articulation; phonemic analysis; phonemic completion; and phonemic distinction. The results showed that children with Down syndrome performed poorer on all four subscales than children with language impairment, and provided evidence for distinct difficulties in specific consonants and complex articulations inherent in the Greek language.
Eruptive cherry angiomas–a novel cutaneous manifestation of immunoglobulin type gamma 4‐related disease
Authors: Bandla Maanasa , Lee Senhong , Simpson Ian , Boyapati Ann 
Published: May 2022

AbstractImmunoglobulin type gamma 4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition that can have systemic and/or cutaneous manifestations. The most common cutaneous features are erythematous papules, nodules and/or plaques, typically involving the head and neck (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75:197). We report a case of IgG4‐RD presenting with eruptive cherry angiomas, a novel cutaneous presentation.
Complement blockade with eculizumab for treatment of severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 in pregnancy: A case series
Authors: Burwick Richard M. , Dellapiana Gabriela , Newman Rachel A. , Smithson Sarah D. , Naqvi Mariam , Williams John , Wong Melissa S. , Bautista Martha , Gaden Anna , Kazani Shamsah D. , Dunn Derek A. , Ma Mark H. , Mitter Sanjay , Monteleone Jonathan P. R. , Ortiz Stephan R. , Ghandehari Sara , Merin Noah , Zakowski Mark I. , Karumanchi S. Ananth 
Published: May 2022

AbstractProblemWe evaluated eculizumab, a complement protein C5 inhibitor, for treatment of severe COVID‐19 in pregnant and postpartum individuals.Method of StudyProtocol ECU‐COV‐401 (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04355494) is an open label, multicenter, Expanded Access Program (EAP), evaluating eculizumab for treatment of severe COVID‐19. Participants enrolled at our center from August 2020 to February 2021. Hospitalized patients were eligible if they had severe COVID‐19 with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and oxygen requirement. Eculizumab was administered on day 1 (1200 mg IV) with additional doses if still hospitalized (1200 mg IV on Days 4 and 8; 900 mg IV on Days 15 and 22; optional doses on Days 12 and 18). The primary outcome was survival at Day 15. Secondary outcomes included survival at Day 29, need for mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospital stay. We evaluated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, safety, and adverse outcomes.ResultsEight participants were enrolled at the Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, six during pregnancy (mean 30 ± 4.0 weeks) and two in the postpartum period. Baseline oxygen requirement ranged from 2 L/min nasal cannula to 12 L/min by non‐rebreather mask. The median number of doses of eculizumab was 2 (range 1–3); the median time to hospital discharge was 5.5 days (range 3–12). All participants met the primary outcome of survival at Day 15, and all were alive and free of mechanical ventilation at Day 29. In three participants we demonstrated that free C5 and soluble C5b‐9 levels decreased following treatment. There were no serious adverse maternal or neonatal events attributed to eculizumab at 3 months.ConclusionWe describe use of eculizumab to treat severe COVID‐19 in a small series of pregnant and postpartum adults. A larger, controlled study in pregnancy is indicated.
Trends in country and gender representation on editorial boards in anaesthesia journals: a pooled cross‐sectional analysis
Authors:   Anaesthesia Journal Editorial Board Diversity and Representation Study Group
Published: May 2022

SummaryEvidence exists that women and people from low‐ and middle‐income countries are under‐represented on the editorial boards of medical journals. This may adversely influence the journal output. We conducted a pooled, cross‐sectional evaluation of the editorial board membership of anaesthesia journals. We collected data on members of editorial boards from the founding year and at 5‐yearly intervals until 2020. For each editor, we recorded gender, country of affiliation, World Bank income classification (1990 onwards) and editorial role (2020 only). The composite editorial board diversity score was calculated for each editorial board. We obtained complete data for the composition of editorial boards from all 30 journals for 2020, but for only 171 out of 304 editorial boards (56%) over the time period examined. In 2020, 409 out of 1973 (21%) were women (range across the editorial boards 0–39%) and 139 out of 1982 (7%) were from low‐, low‐middle‐ and upper‐middle‐income countries (range across the editorial boards 0–71%). In 2020, of editorial board positions with known seniority status, 109 out of 259 (42%) of women and 306 out of 960 (32%) of men were in senior roles. In the same year, 397 out of 1115 (36%) of people from high‐income countries were in senior roles, compared with 19 out of 93 (20%) of people from upper‐middle‐income countries and 0 out of 14 (0%) people from lower‐middle‐income countries. The median composite editorial board diversity score was 4 (range 2–6) in 2020 – 5 or less suggests poor diversity, while 8 or more suggests good diversity. Women and people from low‐ and middle‐income countries are under‐represented on anaesthesia journal editorial boards. The editorial boards do not reflect the anaesthesia workforce and may act as a barrier to the publication of research produced by these groups. Urgent action is required to improve diversity.
Is unemployment benefit stigma related to poverty, payment receipt, or lack of employment? A vignette experiment about Australian views
Authors: Suomi Aino , Schofield Timothy , Haslam Nick , Butterworth Peter 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe present study sought to better understand the extent to which negative perceptions of people who receive unemployment benefits is due to their poverty status, their unemployment, and/or their receipt of income support payments. We sought to differentiate these three factors in a vignette‐based experiment drawing on a large Australian general population sample (N = 778). Participants rated the personality and capability of two fictional characters. The key experimental manipulation of employment status and benefit receipt was embedded in description of other characteristics. Participants rated vignette characters who received unemployment benefits less favorably on personality (conscientiousness, emotional stability, agreeableness), competence, and warmth than characters described as having a job, as being poor, or as not having a job but without mention of receiving benefits. There was a gradient in the strength of negative assessments across these conditions, but only warmth, conscientiousness and employability distinguished between individuals receiving unemployment benefits and individuals without a job but no reference to benefit receipt. This study provides new insights showing that receiving benefits due to unemployment contributes to negative perceptions over and above the effects of poverty or being unemployed.
Population pharmacokinetics and Bayesian estimation of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Nanga Tom M. , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Rousseau Annick , Marquet Pierre , Prémaud Aurélie 
Published: May 2022

AimsMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is the most widely used second‐line agent in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Individual dose adjustment of MMF may avoid adverse outcomes while maximizing efficacy. The aim of the present study was to develop population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models and maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimators (MAP‐BEs) to estimate mycophenolic acid interdose area under the curve in AIH patients administered MMF using nonlinear mixed effect modelling.MethodsWe analysed 50 mycophenolic acid PK profiles from 34 different patients, together with some demographic, clinical, and laboratory test data. The median number of plasma samples per profile, immediately preceding and following the morning MMF dose, was 7. PopPK modelling was performed using parametric, top‐down, nonlinear mixed effect modelling with NONMEM 7.3. MAP‐BEs were developed based on the best popPK model and the best limited sampling strategy selected among several.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic data were best described by a 2‐compartment model, Erlang distribution to describe the absorption phase, and a proportional error. The mean (relative standard error) of popPK parameter estimates of clearance, intercompartmental clearance, central volume and absorption rate with the final model were: 21.6 L h−1 (11%), 22.7 L h−1 (19%), 35.9 L (21%) and 8.7 h−1 (9%), respectively. The peripheral volume was fixed to 300 L. The best MAP‐BE relied on the limited sampling strategy at 0.33, 1 and 3 hours after MMF dose administration and was very accurate (bias = 5.6%) and precise (root mean squared prediction error <20%).ConclusionThe precise and accurate Bayesian estimator developed in this study for AIH patients on MMF can be used to improve the therapeutic management of these patients.
The potential role of mass spectrometry for the identification and monitoring of patients with plasma cell disorders: Where are we now and which questions remain unanswered?
Authors: Giles Hannah V. , Wechalekar Ashutosh , Pratt Guy 
Published: May 2022

SummaryMass spectrometry (MS) techniques provide a highly sensitive methodology for the assessment and monitoring of paraproteins compared to standard electrophoretic techniques. The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) recently approved the use of intact light chain matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) in lieu of immunofixation in the clinical assessment of patients and the assessment of patients enrolled on clinical trials. The increased sensitivity of these assays may help to detect and monitor monoclonal proteins (MP) in many patients with previously non‐measurable disease, will reduce complete response (CR) rates and increase detection of low‐level MP. The ability to track the unique mass or amino acid sequence of the MP also eliminates interference from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (tmAbs) in most patients with IgG kappa myeloma. The intact light chain assays also provide structural information about the monoclonal light chain, including the presence of N‐linked glycosylation, which has been shown to be commoner on amyloidogenic light chains and may have prognostic significance in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). In this review, we discuss these issues alongside differences in the analytical and practical aspects related to the different MS assays under development and the challenges for MS.
From a child who IS a problem to a child who HAS a problem: fixed period school exclusions and mental health outcomes from routine outcome monitoring among children and young people attending school counselling
Authors: Toth Katalin , Cross Lauren , Golden Sarah , Ford Tamsin 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundExclusion from school is a disciplinary tool with an increasingly recognised relationship to poor mental health among children and young people. We explored the relationship between mental health and school exclusion for a cohort of children and young people receiving one to one counselling.MethodWe analysed routinely collected data from a diverse UK sample of children and young people aged between four and 16 years old and receiving school‐based counselling (n = 6712 students from 308 primary and 61 secondary schools). Fixed period school exclusion rates (number of sessions) were compared between the academic year before and the academic year in which the child attended counselling. Mental health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) was compared at baseline and at the end of the intervention (after between 16–22 counselling sessions depending on the phase of education).ResultsDespite more complex and severe initial difficulties, and facing greater adversity, children and young people who experienced school exclusion prior to counselling demonstrated a significant reduction in subsequent sessions of school exclusion in the academic year that the counselling took place (from two full school weeks to half a school week). Moreover, over 74% of the students had fewer reported exclusions and more than half (56.14%) did not have any further subsequent exclusions. They also had better mental health measured by the teacher reported SDQ (pre‐intervention M = 18.94, SD = 6.83 vs. postintervention M = 15.67, SD = 7.56, t(310) = 8.23, p < .001) or by the parents (pre‐intervention M = 18.09, SD = 6.42 vs. postintervention M = 14.0, SD = 6.99, t(171) = 7.71, p < .001).ConclusionsSchool‐based mental health interventions may positively influence educational engagement as well as mental health. Providers should, therefore, monitor both to explore the impact of their interventions. The identification of poor mental health may alter staff perceptions and management of challenging pupils, which future studies should explore.
Interactions between cigarette smoking and cognitive status on functional connectivity of the cortico‐striatal circuits in individuals without dementia: A resting‐state functional MRI study
Authors: Qiu Tiantian , Xie Fei , Zeng Qingze , Shen Zhujing , Du Guijin , Xu Xiaopei , Wang Chao , Li Xiaodong , Luo Xiao , Li Kaicheng , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Jinling , Dai Shouping , Zhang Minming ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsCigarette smoking is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and controlling risk factors may curb the progression of AD. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of the effects of smoking on cognition remain largely unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the interaction effects of smoking × cognitive status on cortico‐striatal circuits, which play a crucial role in addiction and cognition, in individuals without dementia.MethodsWe enrolled 304 cognitively normal (CN) non‐smokers, 44 CN smokers, 130 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) non‐smokers, and 33 MCI smokers. The mixed‐effect analysis was performed to explore the interaction effects between smoking and cognitive status (CN vs. MCI) based on functional connectivity (FC) of the striatal subregions (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens [NAc]).ResultsThe significant interaction effects of smoking × cognitive status on FC of the striatal subregions were detected in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), bilateral cuneus, and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Specifically, increased FC of right caudate to left IPL was found in CN smokers compared with non‐smokers. The MCI smokers showed decreased FC of right caudate to left IPL and of right putamen to bilateral cuneus and increased FC of bilateral NAc to bilateral ACC compared with CN smokers and MCI non‐smokers. Furthermore, a positive correlation between FC of the NAc to ACC with language and memory was detected in MCI smokers.ConclusionsCigarette smoking could affect the function of cortico‐striatal circuits in patients with MCI. Our findings suggest that quitting smoking in the prodromal stage of AD may have the potential to prevent disease progression.
Perception and attitude of the local people toward carnivore population and conservation in the Faragosa‐Fura landscape of the Southern Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebo Berhanu , Takele Serekebirhan , Shibru Simon 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLocal people's perceptions and attitudes toward wildlife have been advocating for the success of biodiversity conservation. However, area‐specific data on local people's perceptions and attitudes toward carnivore populations and conservation in human‐dominated landscapes are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate local people's perceptions of carnivore population abundance and trend, as well as their attitudes toward carnivore conservation in the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. We collected data from 352 households' interviews using a semi‐structured questionnaire and photographic sampling of 13 carnivore species in 2020. About 57% of respondents perceived the population abundance trend of carnivores had decreased between 2015 and 2019. The reported decline was higher for lions, caracals, and leopards, while the increase was higher for common genets and mongooses. The reported population abundance of carnivore species varied significantly. Only marginally more people (52%) opposed carnivore conservation, citing livestock predation as the primary reason. Two thirds of respondents opposed the conservation of spotted hyenas, black‐backed jackals, common genets, and mongoose species while supporting the conservation of lions, caracals, African civets, and leopards. Respondents' livestock number was the most important factor significantly affecting all three models (population abundance, population trend, and support for conservation). Age and education status were displayed to have an effect on population abundance and trend models, while gender, land size, and damage to livestock were shown to have an effect on one of the two models. Thus, we recommend that awareness raising of human–carnivore coexistence through adult education programs be targeted at people who oppose conservation, own more livestock, experience more livestock damage, and have not received formal education. Also, effective livestock husbandry practices should be implemented to promote peaceful human–carnivore coexistence.
Mentoring at times of crises: Personal reflections on mentoring relationships during COVID‐19
Authors: Wassif Hoda S. , Wake Charlotte 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCOVID‐19 presented a huge challenge for practice, education and all interactions, and mentorship was no different. The purpose of this commentary is to reflect on the juxtaposition between mentors and mentees in dental education during COVID‐19. This commentary will focus on the interaction between mentor/mentee outside clinical practice and in relation to supporting and mentoring dental practitioners in the context of postgraduate education. The aim is to share our learning from this experience with other dental educators beyond COVID‐19.
The discursive form of human understanding as the source of the transcendental illusion
Authors: Ganzinger Florian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractKant famously claims that pure reason is subject to a transcendental illusion in which the subjective validity and the regulative use of a principle of reason are conflated with its objective validity and constitutive use. His doctrine of transcendental illusion is puzzling for he insists that this illusion is natural as well as necessary. The two dominant interpretation strategies cannot make sense of this puzzle because they turn out to be either too strong or too weak: they either struggle to account for the legitimate, regulative use of the transcendental principle of reason or fall short of explaining the necessity of the transcendental illusion. In contrast, I shall argue that it is possible to account for the fact that the transcendental illusion is natural and necessary because it has its source in the discursive form of our human understanding, and that this illusion can nevertheless be known to be illusory because our discursive nature can be recognised as a merely particular form of understanding by comparing it with a possible, intuitive form of understanding in an act of critical self‐reflection.