bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pituitary deficiencies related to optic nerve hypoplasia and visual acuity
Authors: Murray Alison , Schwartz Terry , Hornung Lindsey , Lawson Sarah
Published: August 2024

Objective

Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), the congenital underdevelopment of the optic nerve, is an increasing cause of visual impairment and is associated with pituitary dysfunction. Past studies have focused on the relationship between ONH, pituitary deficiencies, and brain imaging. However, recent studies have demonstrated the true risk for hypopituitarism lies with the presence or absence of ONH, irrespective of midline brain findings. This study reviewed the relationship between the health of the optic nerve (visual acuity) and pituitary gland (number and age of development of pituitary deficiencies) as a way to stratify risk, regardless of imaging findings.

Design, Patients and Measurements

Retrospective chart review of 197 patients seen at a single center from 2013 to 2022. Visual assessment was defined by distance acuity, and the presence of nystagmus or afferent pupillary defect. Pituitary deficiencies were diagnosed per Endocrine Society guidelines.

Results

In children with bilateral ONH (bONH), profound visual impairment was associated with more pituitary deficiencies between 0 and 15 years of age. The odds of having any pituitary deficiency were 4.9 times higher (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.4–10.1) for patients with bONH versus unilateral ONH (uONH). Central hypothyroidism was the most common first presenting pituitary deficiency followed by growth hormone across all patients.

Conclusion

This study shows a significant association between severity of visual impairment and increased probability of pituitary deficiencies in children with bONH versus uONH. Children with ONH require urgent endocrine evaluation due to risk of pituitary deficiencies, but risk stratification may also be based on severity of visual impairment.
Modulation of sensory input to the spinal cord: Contribution of focal epidural polarization and of GABA released by interneurons and glial cells
Authors: Hammar Ingela , Jankowska Elzbieta
Published: August 2024

Modulation of input from primary afferent fibres has long been examined at the level of the first relays of these fibres. However, recent studies reveal that input to the spinal cord may also be modulated at the level of the very entry of afferent fibres to the spinal grey matter before action potentials in intraspinal collaterals of afferent fibres reach their target neurons. Such modulation greatly depends on the actions of GABA via extrasynaptic membrane receptors. In the reported study we hypothesized that the increase in excitability of afferent fibres following epidural polarization close to the site where collaterals of afferent fibres leave the dorsal columns is due to the release of GABA from two sources: not only GABAergic interneurons but also glial cells. We present evidence, primo, that GABA released from both these sources contributes to a long‐lasting increase in the excitability and a shortening of the refractory period of epidurally stimulated afferent fibres and, secondo, that effects of epidural polarization on the release of GABA are more critical for these changes than direct effects of DC on the stimulated fibres. The experiments were carried out in deeply anaesthetized rats in which changes in compound action potentials evoked in hindlimb peripheral nerves by dorsal column stimulation were used as a measure of the excitability of afferent fibres. The study throws new light on the modulation of input to spinal networks but also on mechanisms underlying the restoration of spinal functions.
Parental financial support and family emotional support to young adults during COVID‐19: A help or a hindrance?
Authors: Serido Joyce , Li Lijun , Vosylis Rimantas , Vasquez Katherine , Sorgente Angela , Lep Žan , Fonseca Gabriela , Crespo Carla , Relvas Ana Paula , Zupančič Maja , Lanz Margherita
Published: August 2024

The present study focuses on the role of family support to young adult children during COVID‐19 in ameliorating the negative financial impact of the pandemic. Guided by the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory of stress and coping, we conceptualize the negative financial impact due to COVID‐19 as a source of financial stress that would be associated with lower levels of both financial wellbeing and positive outlook of young adults. We rely on data collected from a multinational sample of young adults (ages 18–30) from six countries (China, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, US; N = 2102) over a 3‐month period (July 2020–September 2020). We tested the potential effects of two types of support (i.e., parental financial support and family emotional support) using path analysis. While we find a consistent positive association between family emotional support and both financial wellbeing and positive outlook, we also find a consistent negative association between parental financial support and financial wellbeing, and a nonsignificant or negative association (Lithuania only) with a positive outlook. The significant interaction between COVID‐19 financial impact and family emotional support on young adults' positive outlook reveals that the benefit of family emotional support is more evident when the negative financial impact is low or moderate. We discuss the implications of these findings in assisting young adults to cope with financial disruptions.
AGE DISCONTINUITY AND NONEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT POLICY EVALUATION THROUGH THE LENS OF JOB SEARCH THEORY
Authors: Decreuse Bruno , Wilemme Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Recent papers use regression discontinuity designs (RDDs) based on age discontinuity to evaluate social assistance (SA) and unemployment insurance (UI) extension policies. Job search theory predicts that such designs generate biased estimates of the policy‐relevant treatment effect. Owing to market frictions, people below the age threshold modify their search behavior in expectation of future eligibility. We use a job search model to quantify the biases on various datasets in the literature. The impacts of SA benefits on employment are underestimated, whereas those of UI extensions on nonemployment duration are overestimated. The article provides insights for RDD evaluations of age‐discontinuous policies.
Relationship between motivations and dietary behaviours within parent–adolescent dyads: Application of actor–partner interdependence models
Authors: Park So Hyun , Park Hanjong
Published: August 2024

Background

Parents play a substantial role in improving adolescent dietary behaviours.

Objectives

To examine the interdependent relationships between motivations (autonomous and emotional motivation) and dietary behaviours (fruit and vegetable [F/V] and junk food and sugar‐sweetened beverage [JF/SSB] intake) within parent–adolescent dyads.

Methods

This secondary data analysis was conducted on 1522 parent–adolescent dyads using a cross‐sectional Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. The ratio of boys to girls among the adolescents was approximately equal, and 74% of the parents were mothers. The adolescents were between 12 and 17 years old, and 85.5% of the parents were between 35 and 59 years old. Parents and adolescents completed an online survey on dietary motivations and behaviours. Actor–partner interdependence models were performed within parent–adolescent dyads.

Results

F/V and JF/SSB intake was influenced by parents' or adolescents' autonomous motivation (actor‐only pattern), except among adolescents with obesity. A dyadic pattern was found in the relationship between autonomous motivation and F/V and JF/SSB intake, but only among adolescents with normal weight. No relationship was found between F/V and JF/SSB controlled motivation and F/V or JF/SSB intake among adolescents with overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

Autonomous motivation had a significant relationship with F/V and JF/SSB intake for both parents and adolescents, but the association varied depending on the adolescents' weight. Personalized programmes that foster autonomous motivation to change dietary behaviours should be provided based on the adolescents' weight status.
Diagnosis, management and follow‐up of follicular lymphoma: a consensus practice statement from the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance
Authors: Tobin Joshua W. D. , Hapgood Greg , Johnston Anna , Cheah Chan Y. , Lee Sze T. , Trotman Judith , Inam Shafqat , Campbell Belinda A. , Norris Debbie , MacManus Michael , Hertzberg Mark , Hawkes Eliza
Published: August 2024

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, accounting for 15–20% of all lymphoma diagnoses. Although typically slow‐growing and responsive to frontline therapies, advanced‐stage FL remains incurable with current treatments and typically follows a chronic relapsing/remitting course with increasingly shorter responses to subsequent lines of therapy. Outcomes are highly variable; some patients experience prolonged first remissions that may approximate a ‘functional cure’. By contrast, a significant minority of patients experience disease progression shortly after frontline treatment resulting in high rates of lymphoma‐related mortality. Reflecting on the heterogeneous natural history of FL, clinical practice varies widely, particularly in controversial areas, including appropriate disease staging, selection of management strategies and duration of clinical follow‐up. This position statement presents an evidence‐based synthesis of the literature for application in Australasian practice.
Offering protection to immigrant youths in America: Is asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status truly in the best interest of the child?
Authors: McAuliffe Erin L. , Mitchel Yakirah
Published: August 2024

In the United States (US), children's ‘best interest’ principles are central to child welfare policy, but their incorporation into immigration laws is less robust. Drawing on data from international and domestic policies, interviews with legal professionals and legal guidelines, we compare how Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) and asylum – the main forms of immigration relief for undocumented youths in the US – align with children's best interest principles. SIJS, while promising, undermines family integrity by imposing rigid child‐rearing standards that may penalize immigrant families. Asylum upholds family integrity, but the application process involves intense interviews and strict evidentiary standards that harm youths’ well‐being. Given asylum's high denial rates, the process often results in trauma without much promise of the permanency asylum can offer. Consequently, both SIJS and asylum fall short of protecting children's rights and best interests. We argue that how legal systems manage youths significantly affects youths’ well‐being and their access to rights and benefits. The impact of legal processes on youths should be paramount to best interest policies and practices. We conclude with policy recommendations for SIJS and asylum that better promote children's best interests.
Maternal experiences of women who had received salutary childbirth education: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Deliktas Demirci Ayse , Ahmedova Pervin , Kabukcuoglu Kamile
Published: August 2024

Background

Childbirth education, underpinned by Salutogenesis, presents a paradigm shift in maternal care. There was no present information about the maternal experiences of women who had received Salutary childbirth education.

Objective

The present study aimed to deeply explore women's pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences who attended the ‘Salutary Childbirth Education Program’ and shed light on the mechanisms of Salutogenesis on maternal health promotion.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 15 mothers. The study was conducted during April–October 2023. Data were obtained through semi‐structured, in‐depth individual longitudinal interviews to cover all maternal periods. A thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Women stated that they ‘acquired normality oriented perspective’ which provides ‘attribution of positive meanings to the period’ and ‘freedom from their risk focus concerns’. Women experienced the naturality of the process and were in the flow. They described that they became ‘aware of their internal resources’, and gained ‘skills for the construction of resources’ and ‘ability to manage the period’. The ‘emotional strength’ and ‘Investment ability for themselves’ in addition to obtained autonomy provided them a feeling of strength to actively engage in their experience.

Practice Implications

This study explores the experiences of women who participated in the Salutary Childbirth Education Program and describes the mechanisms of the program's components on their experiences. By doing so, it aims to enhance understanding of how healthcare professionals can present effective childbirth education through the use of the Salutogenesis Model.

Patient or Public Contribution

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the women who attended the education program and were willing to interview.
New insights on hidradenitis suppurativa phenotypes and treatment response: An exploratory automated analysis of the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials
Authors: Passera Anna , Muscianisi Elisa , Demanse David , Okoye Ginette A. , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Mayo Tiffany , Hsiao Jennifer , Shi Vivian Y. , Byrd Angel S. , Wei Xiaoling , Uhlmann Lorenz , Vandemeulebroecke Marc , Ravichandran Shoba , Porter Martina L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Defining hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) subtypes was previously limited by small sample sizes and poor interrater reliability; no study has investigated subtype treatment responses. The objective of this analysis was to characterize HS clusters in adult patients with moderate to severe HS and evaluate secukinumab treatment responses between clusters.

Methods

Clusters were identified via an unsupervised machine learning clustering analysis using baseline data from the randomized, placebo‐controlled SUNSHINE (NCT03713619) and SUNRISE (NCT03713632) phase 3 trials. To assess treatment responses, patients received secukinumab every 2 (SECQ2W) or 4 weeks (SECQ4W) or placebo, for 16 weeks, after which, placebo patients randomly switched to SECQ2W/SECQ4W, and SECQ2W/SECQ4W patients maintained their original treatment, until week 52. Baseline outcomes included patient characteristics, disease characteristics and severity, HS‐associated comorbidities and previous treatment exposures. Treatment response was assessed via the HS clinical response (HiSCR), abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count, flares and NRS30 (skin pain).

Results

Based on baseline data, three clusters were identified from 1084 patients (Cluster 1: 54.1%, Cluster 2: 17.8%, Cluster 3: 28.1%). Cluster 1 was predominantly female (65.4%) and was characterized by milder HS. Cluster 2 had more patients from the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region (58.5%) and was characterized by moderate HS. Cluster 3 had the highest rates of previous exposure to biologics (45.9%) and prior HS‐related surgeries (47.5%) and was characterized by severe HS. SECQ2W and SECQ4W demonstrated efficacy versus placebo in all clusters at week 16; SECQ2W and SECQ4W efficacy was maintained to week 52. SECQ2W treatment showed a trend for greater efficacy versus SECQ4W in Cluster 3 through week 52.

Conclusions

Three HS clusters were identified. Secukinumab demonstrated benefit over placebo in all clusters. However, patients with more severe disease may take longer to respond and more frequent secukinumab dosing may be required for these patients.

Trial Registration

SUNSHINE (NCT03713619) and SUNRISE (NCT03713632).
Supraperiosteal technique protocol for forehead filling with a mixture of calcium hydroxyapatite and hyaluronic acid: Double‐blind, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Scardua Natália , Rovaris Denize Peruzzo , Moreira Kelly Maria Silva , Guimarães André Luiz Sena , Scardua Maria Tereza
Published: August 2024

Objective

The current study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of using calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) versus CaHA associated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for forehead volume replacement and contour restoration without forehead irregularities.

Methods

This interventional study involved 132 participants in a two‐arm, parallel, double‐blind trial for forehead treatment using the supraperiosteal technique. Group A received CaHA, and Group B received a combination of CaHA and HA as filler materials. Follow‐up assessments occurred at 30 and 180 days, incorporating the 5‐point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and photographic analysis for forehead volume replacement, contour restoration, and without forehead irregularities. Safety assessments included monitoring adverse events, particularly nodules.

Results

The study included all 132 enrolled patients who completed the trial. Applying CaHA in combination with HA resulted in a statistically significant improvement in both GAIS scale scores and the reduction of forehead irregularities. The total incidence of nodules was 3.7%. Group A had four times more occurrences of nodules than Group B. Furthermore, Group B exhibited lower rates of forehead irregularities following the treatment compared to Group A.

Conclusion

The supraperiosteal application of CaHA and HA for forehead treatment demonstrates superior efficacy in addressing signs of aging compared to the isolated use of CaHA.
Integrating the family stress model within a longitudinal sibling‐adoption study of adolescent externalizing behavior
Authors: Oro Veronica , Bates Elizabeth J. S. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Ganiban Jody M. , Shaw Daniel S. , Leve Leslie D.
Published: August 2024

Using a sample of linked adopted children, adoptive and birth parents (N = 561), and biological siblings residing in the birth parent home (N = 191), we examined the role of genetics within family stress processes. We tested parental hostility (7 years) as a mediator of the associations between socioeconomic strain and rearing parent psychopathology (4 years) and adolescent externalizing behaviors (11 years) in adoptive and biological parent homes. Next, we examined parent social support (4 years) as a moderator of paths from socioeconomic strain and parent psychopathology to parental hostility. Parental hostility significantly mediated effects of socioeconomic strain and parent psychopathology on adolescent externalizing behaviors in biological and adoptive parent homes, respectively. Equivalence testing of the paths to adolescent externalizing behaviors across family types indicated a negligible role of passive gene–environment correlation. Parent social support significantly attenuated the effect of parent psychopathology on parental hostility in biological families. Birth parent externalizing behaviors were not significantly associated with adoptee externalizing behaviors nor adoptive parent hostility, suggesting negligible heritable risk or evocative gene–environment processes. Full‐ and half‐sibling correlations indicated that children's unique rearing contexts contributed to the parenting they received and the externalizing behavior they exhibited. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Hybrid capture resolves the phylogeny of Tetradium (Rutaceae) and supports the inclusion of a species from Sulawesi
Authors: Ang Lee‐Ping , Brambach Fabian , Tomasello Salvatore , Wen Jun , Appelhans Marc S.
Published: August 2024

Tetradium, a genus within Rutaceae, comprises nine species found in Eastern and Southeastern Asia, distinguished by their opposite pinnate leaves and apocarpous or subapocarpous gynoecium with follicular fruits. While Hartley's 1981 monograph provided foundational insights, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus is lacking. Using next‐generation sequencing (NGS), this study aims to (i) establish an NGS molecular data set for Tetradium, (ii) elucidate interspecific relationships via the hybrid capture method and (iii) investigate the taxonomic status of Euodia meliifolia var. celebica. Our data set comprised 28 samples across nine species, sequenced using Illumina Miseq and Hiseq 4000 platforms, with downstream analyses conducted using the HybPhyloMaker pipeline and ASTRAL. Our findings revealed five main groups supported by both molecular and morphological data, highlighting changes in ovule number and seed functionality. Notably, the hybrid capture method proved invaluable for studying old herbarium specimens. Finally, taxonomic revisions were proposed, including the reclassification of E. meliifolia var. celebica as Tetradium celebicum, the fossil Euodia costata as Tetradium costatum, and the fossil Euodia lignata as Tetradium lignatum. An updated description for T. celebicum, supplemented by a specific identification key, is provided.
The relationship between energy provided and growth during severe wasting treatment
Authors: Potani Isabel , Tausanovitch Zachary , Ritz Christian , Briend André , Coulibaly Issa Niamanto , Ouédraogo Césaire T. , Manda Geoffrey , Kangas Suvi T.
Published: August 2024

Treatment of severe acute malnutrition aims at producing quick catch‐up growth in children to decrease their short‐term mortality risk. The extent to which catch‐up growth is influenced by the amount of energy provided is unclear. This study assessed whether energy provided at admission is associated with catch‐up ponderal growth among children with mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 115 mm at admission. We conducted a secondary data analysis an operational cohort in Mali. The children were treated with a simplified protocol providing 1000 kcal/day of therapeutic food until MUAC ≥ 115 mm was achieved for two consecutive weeks and 500 kcal/day thereafter until discharge with MUAC ≥ 125 mm for two consecutive weeks. Linear mixed‐effects regression models were fitted to assess the relationship between energy provided at admission (kcal/kg/day) with weight gain velocity (g/kg/day) (primary outcome), change in MUAC ‐for‐age z‐score and change in weight‐for‐age z‐score. Unadjusted models and models adjusted for sex, age, seasonality and MUAC at admission were fitted. Both models included the study site as a random effect. A 10 kcal/kg/day increase in energy provided at admission was associated with increments in all outcomes; for weight gain velocity, the mean (95% CI) increment was 0.340 [0.326, 0.354] g/kg/day and 0.466 [0.446, 0.485] g/kg/day in the unadjusted and adjusted analysis, respectively. A positive relationship exists between energy provided at admission and catch‐up ponderal growth in children with MUAC < 115 mm treated using a simplified protocol. Determining the ideal weight gain rate remains essential for assessing the benefits and risks of increased energy intake during treatment.
Gastric and sacral electrical stimulation for motility disorders—A clinical perspective
Authors: Desprez Charlotte , Leroi Anne‐Marie , Gourcerol Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Background

Electrical stimulation of the gut has been investigated in recent decades with a view to treating various gastro‐intestinal motility disorders including, among others, gastric electrical stimulation to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis and sacral neuromodulation to treat fecal incontinence and/or constipation. Although their symptomatic efficacy has been ascertained by randomized controlled trials, their mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

Purpose

This review summarizes the past year's literature on the mechanisms of action of gut electrical stimulation therapies, including their impact on the gut‐brain axis.
Vascular tissue – boon or bane? How pathogens usurp long‐distance transport in plants and the defence mechanisms deployed to counteract them
Authors: Malinowski Robert , Singh Deeksha , Kasprzewska Anna , Blicharz Sara , Basińska‐Barczak Aneta
Published: August 2024

Evolutionary emergence of specialised vascular tissues has enabled plants to coordinate their growth and adjust to unfavourable external conditions. Whilst holding a pivotal role in long‐distance transport, both xylem and phloem can be encroached on by various biotic factors for systemic invasion and hijacking of nutrients. Therefore, a complete understanding of the strategies deployed by plants against such pathogens to restrict their entry and establishment within plant tissues, is of key importance for the future development of disease‐tolerant crops. In this review, we aim to describe how microorganisms exploit the plant vascular system as a route for gaining access and control of different host tissues and metabolic pathways. Highlighting several biological examples, we detail the wide range of host responses triggered to prevent or hinder vascular colonisation and effectively minimise damage upon biotic invasions.
Factors Associated With the Initiation of Comfort‐Focused Nutrition Care Orders for Long‐Term Care Residents at End of Life
Authors: Koechl Jill , Banerjee Albert , Heckman George , Keller Heather
Published: August 2024

Background

Comfort‐focused nutrition orders are recommended to manage eating changes among long‐term care (LTC) residents nearing the end of life, though little is known about their current use. This investigation aims to describe current practices and identify resident‐level and time‐dependent factors associated with comfort‐focused nutrition orders in this context.

Methods

Data were retrospectively extracted from resident charts of decedents (≥65 years at death, admitted ≥6 months) in 18 LTC homes from two sampling frames across southern Ontario, Canada. Observations occurred at 6 months (baseline), 3 months, 1 month and 2 weeks prior to death. Extracted data included functional measures (e.g. cognitive performance, health instability) at baseline, formalised restorative and comfort‐focused nutrition care interventions at each timepoint and eating changes reported in the progress notes in 2 weeks following each timepoint. Logistic regression and time‐varying logistic regression models determined resident‐level (e.g. functional characteristics) and time‐dependent factors (e.g. eating changes) associated with receiving a comfort‐focused nutrition order.

Results

Less than one‐third (30.5%; n = 50) of 164 participants (61.0% female; mean age = 88.3 ± 7.5 years) received a comfort‐focused nutrition order, whereas most (99%) received at least one restorative nutrition intervention to support oral food intake. Discontinuation of nutrition interventions was rare (8.5%). Comfort orders were more likely with health instability (OR [95% CI] = 4.35 [1.49, 13.76]), within 2 weeks of death (OR = 5.50 [1.70, 17.11]), when an end‐of‐life conversation had occurred since the previous timepoint (OR = 5.66 [2.83, 11.33]), with discontinued nutrition interventions (OR = 6.31 [1.75, 22.72]), with co‐occurrence of other care plan modifications (OR = 1.48 [1.10, 1.98]) and with a greater number of eating changes (OR = 1.19 [1.02, 1.38]), especially dysphagia (OR = 2.59 [1.09, 6.17]), at the preceding timepoint.

Conclusions

Comfort‐focused nutrition orders were initiated for less than one‐third of decedents and most often in the end stages of life, possibly representing missed opportunities to support the quality of life for this vulnerable population. An increase in eating changes, including new dysphagia, may signal a need for proactive end‐of‐life conversations involving comfort nutrition care options.

Implications for Practice

Early and open conversations with residents and family about potential eating changes and comfort‐focused nutrition care options should be encouraged and planned for among geriatric nursing teams working in LTC. These conversations may be beneficial even as early as resident admission to the home.
Reduced mesophyll conductance under chronic O3 exposure in poplar reflects thicker cell walls and increased subcellular diffusion pathway lengths according to the anatomical model
Authors: Joffe Ricardo , Tosens Tiina , Berthe Audrey , Jolivet Yves , Niinemets Ülo , Gandin Anthony
Published: August 2024

Ozone (O3) is one of the most harmful and widespread air pollutants, affecting crop yield and plant health worldwide. There is evidence that O3 reduces the major limiting factor of photosynthesis, namely CO2 mesophyll conductance (gm), but there is little quantitative information of O3‐caused changes in key leaf anatomical traits and their impact on gm. We exposed two O3‐responsive clones of the economically important tree species Populus × canadensis Moench to 120 ppb O3 for 21 days. An anatomical diffusion model within the leaf was used to analyse the entire CO2 diffusion pathway from substomatal cavities to carboxylation sites and determine the importance of each structural and subcellular component as a limiting factor. gm decreased substantially under O3 and was found to be the most important limitation of photosynthesis. This decrease was mostly driven by an increased cell wall thickness and length of subcellular diffusion pathway caused by altered interchloroplast spacing and chloroplast positioning. By contrast, the prominent leaf integrative trait leaf dry mass per area was neither affected nor related to gm under O3. The observed relationship between gm and anatomy, however, was clone‐dependent, suggesting that mechanisms regulating gm may differ considerably between closely related plant lines. Our results confirm the need for further studies on factors constraining gm under stress conditions.
Plant traits mediate foliar uptake of deposited nitrogen by mature woody plants
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Jing , Ge Heng , Pan Shengnan , Li Ping , Guo Lulu , Yang Lu , Peng Ziyang , Wang Bin , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Chengzhang , Liu Lingli
Published: August 2024

Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition significantly disturbs ecosystem N cycle. Although foliar interception and uptake of N deposition can provide an important alternative N supply to forest ecosystems, the mechanisms regulating foliar N uptake from wet deposition are not fully understood. Here, we selected 19 woody species with a wide range of plant traits from different functional groups and conducted a 15N isotope labelling experiment through brushing 15NH4+ and 15NO3− solution on canopy leaves. Our findings demonstrate that leaves can directly absorb N from wet deposition within a few hours. The average leaf 15N recoveries were 10% and 28% under 15NH4+ and 15NO3− treatments across species, respectively, while twig N recoveries were only 1%–7% of leaf N recoveries. Differences in foliar N uptake efficiency among species were closely associated with leaf traits but were little influenced by meteorological conditions or soil nutrient status. Specifically, plants with higher leaf N concentration, larger specific leaf area and lower wax concentration exhibited higher leaf N recovery. Our results indicated that tree canopies could directly absorb N from atmospheric deposition. We highlight the critical role of leaf traits in determining canopy foliar N uptake, which may consequently influence plant competition under elevated N deposition.
Function of plastid translation in plant temperature acclimation: Retrograde signalling or extraribosomal ‘moonlighting’ functions?
Authors: Wang Xiushun , Ji Daili , Ma Jinfang , Chi Wei
Published: August 2024

Summary Statement

Specific components of the plastid ribosome could act as pivotal limiting factors in plant temperature acclimation. We endeavour to elucidate the molecular nexus between plastid translation and temperature acclimation by incorporating the concept of extraribosomal ‘moonlighting’ functions of plastid ribosome proteins.
Manipulating hormones to mitigate trade‐offs in crops
Authors: Xie Peng , Liu Fangyuan , Xie Qi
Published: August 2024

Summary statement

Addressing trait coupling due to gene pleiotropy presents challenges in conventional breeding system. However, targeted hormonal manipulation and precise genetic engineering designs hold promise to alleviate trade‐offs and unlock the potential of crops for multiple desirable traits.
Nature‐friendly hands: The relationship between nursing students' climate change anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety about the future
Authors: Gülırmak Güler Kübra , Albayrak Günday Eda
Published: August 2024

Aim/objective

This study examined the relationship between climate change anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and future anxiety levels of nursing students.

Background

The effects of climate change, an important global problem, on people's emotional and intellectual states are becoming increasingly important. It is important to understand to what extent prospective health professionals, such as nursing students, are affected by such environmental concerns and the possible impact of this level on their professional behaviors to develop an environmentally focused approach to health services.

Design

This study was conducted using a descriptive and correlational design.

Methods

Students enrolled in the Nursing Undergraduate Program of a university in Turkey in the 2023–2024 academic year participated in the study. The participants were administered a personal information form, climate change anxiety scale, intolerance of uncertainty scale, and future anxiety scale in university students. The data were evaluated using advanced statistical analyses, and relationships were examined.

Results

As a result of these analyses, it was determined that there was a significant relationship between future anxiety and climate change anxiety in university students (R = 0.234, p = .000). In addition, there was a substantial relationship between climate change anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty (R = 0.562, p = .000).

Conclusions

These findings indicate significant and linear relationships between nursing students' emotional and cognitive states associated with environmental factors such as climate change, uncertainty, and future anxiety. Developing support and interventions in nursing education is crucial to help students cope with these issues and function more effectively in their future professional lives.
The other side of platform politics. Law‐making and online participatory democracy in the Five Star Movement
Authors: Tronconi Filippo , Bailo Francesco
Published: August 2024

Between 2013 and 2021, the Italian Five Star Movement implemented an advanced tool, Lex Eletti, to enhance citizens' online participation in law‐making. Elected representatives had to present their draft bills on the party's platform before introducing them in Parliament, allowing ordinary party members to discuss them and suggest modifications. This paper investigates the impact of the Lex Eletti platform on participatory democracy in law‐making using text analysis and sentence embeddings to compare draft bills and their parliamentary counterparts. Our analysis of a comprehensive dataset, also including statistics about MPs' and party members' online interactions and MPs' legislative activity in Parliament, reveals that the platform had minimal impact: only a few MPs engaged with it, and user attention for bills on Lex Eletti decreased over time. Interaction between platform users and MPs was also limited. Most bills reached Parliament with little to no modifications, irrespective of platform engagement levels. The Five Star Movement's attempt to foster democratic participation through this platform did not significantly affect law‐making activity.
Party identification as a mediating variable in the perception of governmental legitimacy in Israel during the coronavirus epidemic
Authors: Cohen Erez
Published: August 2024

Objective

The policy implemented in Israel with the purpose of eradicating the COVID‐19 pandemic restricted Israeli citizens’ individual freedom. During this period, Israel was suffering from government instability that led to recurring election campaigns within a short period. In addition, the prime minister was under legal investigation for suspicions of government corruption. This study examines the legitimization of government by the Israeli public during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The research findings are based on a representative attitude survey conducted by a survey company among Israeli citizens (men and women older than 18), including 604 respondents from the Jewish population and others and another 135 respondents from the Arab sector, that is, a total of 739 respondents, where the sampling error was 4.4 percent.

Results

The findings indicate that right‐wing voters tended to support governmental legitimization at a higher rate compared to voters from opposing blocs. Correspondingly, they tended to oppose claims attacking governmental legitimization at a lower rate in comparison to coalition party voters.

Conclusion

The conclusion indicates that the party identification of the respondents is a mediating variable in their perception of governmental legitimacy vis‐à‐vis each of the three variables examined, thereby strengthening the perceptual screening.
SlWRKY55 coordinately acts with SlVQ11 to enhance tomato thermotolerance by activating SlHsfA2
Authors: Ma Jilin , Wang Yingying , Hong Yihan , Zhao Mingjie , Ma Xuechun , Liu Jiapeng , Chai Weizhe , Zhao Wenchao , Sun Lulu , Yang Rui , Wang Shaohui , Huang Huang
Published: August 2024

High temperature (HT) severely restricts plant growth, development, and productivity. Plants have evolved a set of mechanisms to cope with HT, including the regulation of heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs) and heat shock proteins (Hsps). However, it is not clear how the transcriptional and translational levels of Hsfs and Hsps are controlled in tomato. Here, we reported that the HT‐induced transcription factor SlWRKY55 recruited SlVQ11 to coordinately regulate defense against HT. SlWRKY55 directly bound to the promoter of SlHsfA2 and promoted its expression, which was increased by SlVQ11. Moreover, both SlWRKY55 and SlVQ11 physically interacted with SlHsfA2 to enhance the transcriptional activity of SlHsfA2. Thus, our results revealed a molecular mechanism that the SlWRKY55/SlVQ11‐SlHsfA2 cascade enhanced thermotolerance and provided potential target genes for improving the adaptability of crops to HT.
Home demand and trade pattern: A support for the Linder conjecture in the environmental sector
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zeng Dao‐Zhi , Song Deyong
Published: August 2024

This paper theoretically and empirically explores the Linder conjecture (the home market effect [HME] in terms of trade pattern) in the environmental sector. Using a general equilibrium model for a two‐country, two‐sector economy, we demonstrate the existence of a strong/weak HME and highlight the crucial role of trade costs in the HME. Empirically, by utilising a data set of international air purifier trade and PM2.5 concentration, we investigate the causal relationship between environmental demand and trade patterns. The results show that for every 1% rise in PM2.5, the exports and net exports of air purifiers increase by 4.337% and 3.835%, respectively. We also illustrate that the strong secondary magnification effect exists in the environmental sector, especially among developing countries. In conclusion, a country with a larger environmental home demand tends to be a net exporter of environmental products. It provides a new path for high‐polluting countries to upgrade their traditional manufacturing towards an environmentally friendly economy.
An overdetermined problem related to the Finsler p$p$‐Laplacian
Authors: Greco Antonio , Mebrate Benyam
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we consider the Finsler ‐Laplacian torsion equation. The domain of the problem is bounded by a conical surface supporting a Neumann‐type condition, and an unknown surface supporting both a Dirichlet and a Neumann condition. The case when the cone coincides with the punctured space is included. We show that the existence of a weak solution implies that the unknown surface lies on the boundary of a Finsler‐ball. Incidentally, some properties of the Finsler–Minkowski norms are proved here under mild smoothness assumptions.
Gilberto Owen, cronista de la Cámara de Representantes de Colombia en El Tiempo: un estilo subversivo
Authors: Cajero Vázquez Antonio
Published: August 2024

En este artículo, me propongo demostrar en qué momento Gilberto Owen se incorporó como cronista o relator de la Cámara de Representantes de Colombia a principios de septiembre de 1933. Para ello, primero, presento las noticias que permiten ubicar al autor de Perseo vencido como sucesor de Oliverio Perry en el registro de los debates parlamentarios; luego, ofrezco el análisis textual de las primeras crónicas owenianas desde la perspectiva retórica, con el fin de demostrar la autoría de Owen y las implicaciones de esta labor en una polémica con Jorge Eliécer Gaitán en los primeros días de octubre; por último, hago el recorrido de un leitmotiv que atraviesa las relatorías entre el 7 y el 17 de septiembre, en aras de confirmar la consistencia del estilo y los reiterados tópicos que el cronista recienvenido emplea para dar cohesión a una serie de relatorías, en esencia, inconexas.
Effect of multifunctional cationic polymer coatings on mitigation of broad microbial pathogens
Authors: Gong Jianliang , Or Chun-Yin , Sze Eric Tung-Po , Man-Ngai Chan Sidney , Wu Pak-Long , Poon Peggy Miu-Yee , Law Anthony K. Y. , Ulrychová Lucie , Hodek Jan , Weber Jan , Ouyang Hui , Yang My , Eilts Stephanie M. , Torremorell Montserrat , Knobloch Yaakov , Hogan Christopher J. , Atallah Christine , Davies Juliette , Winkler John , Gordon Ryan , Zarghanishiraz Reza , Zabihi Mojtaba , Christianson Cole , Taylor Deanne , Rabinowitz Alan , Baylis Jared , Brinkerhoff Joshua , Little Jonathan P. , Li Ri , Moldenhauer Jeanne , Mansour Michael K.
Published: August 2024

Infection control measures to prevent viral and bacterial infection spread are critical to maintaining a healthy environment. Pathogens such as viruses and pyogenic bacteria can cause infectious complications. Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are known to spread through the aerosol route and on fomite surfaces, lasting for a prolonged time in the environment. Developing technologies to mitigate the spread of pathogens through airborne routes and on surfaces is critical, especially for patients at high risk for infectious complications. Multifunctional coatings with a broad capacity to bind pathogens that result in inactivation can disrupt infectious spread through aerosol and inanimate surface spread. This study uses C-POLAR, a proprietary cationic, polyamine, organic polymer with a charged, dielectric property coated onto air filtration material and textiles. Using both SARS-CoV-2 live viral particles and bovine coronavirus models, C-POLAR-treated material shows a dramatic 2-log reduction in circulating viral inoculum. This reduction is consistent in a static room model, indicating simple airflow through a static C-POLAR hanging can capture significant airborne particles. Finally, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are applied to C-POLAR textiles using a viability indicator to demonstrate eradication on fomite surfaces. These data suggest that a cationic polymer surface can capture and eradicate human pathogens, potentially interrupting the infectious spread for a more resilient environment.

IMPORTANCE

Infection control is critical for maintaining a healthy home, work, and hospital environment. We test a cationic polymer capable of capturing and eradicating viral and bacterial pathogens by applying the polymer to the air filtration material and textiles. The data suggest that the simple addition of cationic material can result in the improvement of an infectious resilient environment against viral and bacterial pathogens.
Photocleavable Guide RNA for Photocontrolled CRISPR/Cas9 System
Authors: Akhmetova E. A. , Vokhtantsev I. P. , Meschaninova M. I. , Vorobyeva M. A. , Zharkov D. O. , Novopashina D. S.
Published: August 2024

Objective: The development of CRISPR/Cas-based gene-editing systems having a higher efficacy and specificity, and capable of changing activity in response to light irradiation is an urgent problem. A promising approach to this problem is to modify CRISPR/Cas components, in particular guide RNA, by introducing photocleavable linkers. We developed an approach to the synthesis of photocleavable single guide RNA (sgRNA) for the CRISPR/Cas9 system containing linkers on the basis of 1-(2-nitrophenyl)-1,2-ethanediol. Such photomodified guide RNAs are cleaved under UV irradiation, thereby inactivating the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Methods: Automatic solid-phase phosphoramidate method was used for photomodified sgRNA synthesis. Model plasmid was used for designed system testing. Results and Discussion: We obtained three variants of photomodified sgRNA with different photolinker positions. Evidence was obtained showing that the sgRNA with the photolinker introduced in the protein Cas9 site of binding and hairpin formation is able to effectively guide Cas9 nuclease for target DNA cleavage before UV irradiation and lose its activity after irradiation. The conditions of controllable 40% cleavage of a model target DNA were chosen. Conclusions: The work presents the results of photocleavable sgRNA design and usage as a component of photoregulated CRISPR/Cas9 system. The developed approach makes possible specific inactivation of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system in a specific time moment in a definite place. The photoregulation of the gene-editing system not only allows one to reduce undesirable off-target effects, but also forms the basis for genetic disease therapy.
Biotechnological Production of the Recombinant Two-Component Lantibiotic Lichenicidin in a Bacterial Expression System
Authors: Antoshina D. V. , Balandin S. V. , Tagaev A. A. , Potemkina A. A. , Ovchinnikova T. V.
Published: August 2024

Objective: Lantibiotics are a family of bacterial antimicrobial peptides synthesized by ribosomes, that undergo post-translational modification to form lanthionine (Lan) and methyllanthionine (MeLan) residues. Lantibiotics are currently considered promising agents for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This paper presents a biotechnological method for obtaining two components of the lantibiotic lichenicidin from Bacillus licheniformis B-511, Lchα and Lchβ. Such a system has the potential to facilitate the production of not only lichenicidin, but also other lantibiotics, including two-component ones, and also to enable the study of their biosynthesis and the activity and substrate specificity of modifying enzymes. Methods: The developed system is based on heterologous coexpression of the genes of Lchα and Lchβ precursors with the genes of their corresponding modifying enzymes in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Subsequent steps included immobilized metal affinity chromatography of the His-tagged hybrid peptide under denaturing conditions, cyanogen bromide cleavage in acidic medium, and final purification using reverse-phase HPLC. Results and Discussion: The system was employed for the expression and purification of lantibiotics, resulting in the successful isolation of the β-component of lichenicidin in high yield (approximately 4 mg/L of culture). This purified beta component exhibited structural and functional characteristics comparable to its natural counterpart, which was purified from the natural producer. However, the yield of the mature α-component of lichenicidin in such a system was significantly lower. Conclusions: The work presents a biotechnological method for obtaining recombinant two-component lantibiotic lichenicidin, which has proven to be particularly effective in the case of Lchβ. The developed method can also be applied to the production of other promising lantibiotics and their further research.