bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of executive function‐relevant skills is related to both neural structure and function in infants
Authors: Zhao T. Christina , Corrigan Neva M. , Yarnykh Vasily L. , Kuhl Patricia K.
Published: September 2022

The development of skills related to executive function (EF) in infancy, including their emergence, underlying neural mechanisms, and interconnections to other cognitive skills, is an area of increasing research interest. Here, we report on findings from a multidimensional dataset demonstrating that infants’ behavioral performance on a flexible learning task improved across development and that the task performance is highly correlated with both neural structure and neural function. The flexible learning task probed infants’ ability to learn two different associations, concurrently, over 16 trials, requiring multiple skills relevant to EF. We examined infants’ neural structure by measuring myelin density in the brain, using a novel macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) mapping method. We further examined an important neural function of speech processing by characterizing the mismatch response (MMR) to speech contrasts using magnetoencephalography (MEG). All measurements were performed longitudinally in monolingual English‐learning infants at 7‐ and 11‐months of age. At the group level, 11‐month‐olds, but not 7‐month‐olds, demonstrated evidence of learning both associations in the behavioral task. Myelin density in the prefrontal region at 7 months of age was found to be highly predictive of behavioral task performance at 11 months of age, suggesting that myelination may support the development of these skills. Furthermore, a machine‐learning regression analysis revealed that individual differences in the behavioral task are predicted by concurrent neural speech processing at both ages, suggesting that these skills do not develop in isolation. Together, these cross‐modality results revealed novel insights into EF‐related skills.

Highlight

Monolingual infants demonstrated flexible learning on a task requiring executive function skills at 11 months, but not at 7 months.

Infants’ myelin density at 7 months is highly predictive of their behavioral performance in the flexible learning task at 11 months of age.

Individual differences in the flexible learning task performance are also correlated with concurrent neural processing of speech at both ages.
Linking fish ecomorphotypes to food categories and local‐scale habitat uses along a Brazilian coastal stream
Authors: Wolff Luciano Lazzarini , de Oliveira Edson Fontes , Lobón‐Cerviá Javier
Published: September 2022

Fish ecomorphological analyses often deal with several traits simultaneously, making it challenging to interpret general patterns, and have not addressed the longitudinal component of streams in morphology‐habitat relationships. We identified ecomorphotypes of fishes and correlated their morphological variation with food, structural/hydrological variables, and abundances to detect their links with diet and local‐scale habitat categories. Eighteen morphometric traits were obtained from specimens collected by electrofishing in a coastal Atlantic stream in Brazil. To test for morphology‐habitat associations, headwaters, middle, and mouth reaches were divided into shorter sampling sites, with the middle reach being classified into riffle, run, and pool mesohabitats. Multivariate analyses highlighted the morphological variations and associated the form categories of 18 fish species with food and habitat categories. It resulted in four combined trophic and habitat ecomorphotypes: (1) benthic AB/lithophilic, composed of smaller to longer loricariids, detritivores, of fast‐water, and pebbly habitats; (2) benthic C/lithophilic of very fast‐waters, algal and detritus scrapers, with longer intestines than the other benthic species, wider suctorial mouths, inhabitants of headwaters, and riffles habitats; (3) nektobenthic/lithophilic with streamlined bodies, invertebrate feeders, and dwellers of faster‐water, cobbly habitats; and (4) nektonic/limnophilic composed mainly by characins, which had strong correlations with terrestrial insect consumption, and lentic/pool, sandy habitats. The morphology–environment correlations linked these ecomorphotypes to the broad habitat gradient arrayed in longitudinal and local scales. These results permit inferring the larger form patterns expected for local fish assemblages and emphasise the fish trait categorisation as a possible surrogate to reveal broader ecomorphological associations.
The transition from higher education to first employment in Spain
Authors: Cordón‐Lagares Encarnación , García‐Ordaz Félix , García‐del‐Hoyo Juan José
Published: September 2022

This article explores the determinants of the transition from higher education to work, analysing the time it takes college graduates to obtain their first job in Spain. To estimate the exit rate to employment of university graduates, we use parametric and nonparametric analysis of duration models. We have incorporated unobserved heterogeneity using frailty models to account for misspecification or omitted covariates. The results show that after graduation, men are more likely to obtain employment than women. Our results also show that graduates of private universities gain their first jobs sooner than graduates of public universities. Furthermore, we found that those graduates who have previous work experience and those who start looking for a job before the end of their degree programme are likely to obtain a job sooner. In addition, Arts and Humanities graduates have the greatest difficulty in finding work. Finally, the results suggest that graduates who have international experience and those with expert knowledge of communication are more likely to obtain employment.
WildLab: A naturalistic free viewing experiment reveals previously unknown electroencephalography signatures of face processing
Authors: Gert Anna L. , Ehinger Benedikt V. , Timm Silja , Kietzmann Tim C. , König Peter
Published: September 2022

Neural mechanisms of face perception are predominantly studied in well‐controlled experimental settings that involve random stimulus sequences and fixed eye positions. Although powerful, the employed paradigms are far from what constitutes natural vision. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of ecologically more valid experimental paradigms using natural viewing behaviour, by combining a free viewing paradigm on natural scenes, free of photographer bias, with advanced data processing techniques that correct for overlap effects and co‐varying non‐linear dependencies of multiple eye movement parameters. We validate this approach by replicating classic N170 effects in neural responses, triggered by fixation onsets (fixation event‐related potentials [fERPs]). Importantly, besides finding a strong correlation between both experiments, our more natural stimulus paradigm yielded smaller variability between subjects than the classic setup. Moving beyond classic temporal and spatial effect locations, our experiment furthermore revealed previously unknown signatures of face processing: This includes category‐specific modulation of the event‐related potential (ERP)'s amplitude even before fixation onset, as well as adaptation effects across subsequent fixations depending on their history.
The value of an action: Impact of motor behaviour on outcome processing and stimulus preference
Authors: Bikute Kotryna , Di Bernardi Luft Caroline , Beyer Frederike
Published: September 2022

While influences of Pavlovian associations on instrumental behaviour are well established, we still do not know how motor actions affect the formation of Pavlovian associations. To address this question, we designed a task in which participants were presented with neutral stimuli, half of which were paired with an active response, half with a passive waiting period. Stimuli had an 80% chance of predicting either a monetary gain or loss. We compared the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) in response to predictive stimuli and outcomes, as well as directed phase synchronization before and after outcome presentation between trials with versus without a motor response. We found a larger FRN amplitude in response to outcomes presented after a motor response (active trials). This effect was driven by a positive deflection in active reward trials, which was absent in passive reward trials. Connectivity analysis revealed that the motor action reversed the direction of the phase synchronization at the time of the feedback presentation: Top‐down information flow during the outcome anticipation phase in active trials, but bottom‐up information flow in passive trials. This main effect of action was mirrored in behavioural data showing that participants preferred stimuli associated with an active response. Our findings suggest an influence of neural systems that initiate motor actions on neural systems involved in reward processing. We suggest that motor actions might modulate the brain responses to feedback by affecting the dynamics of brain activity towards optimizing the processing of the resulting action outcome.
Paroxysmal fast activity is a biomarker of treatment response in deep brain stimulation for Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Dalic Linda J. , Warren Aaron E. L. , Spiegel Chloe , Thevathasan Wesley , Roten Annie , Bulluss Kristian J. , Archer John S.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Epilepsy treatment trials typically rely on seizure diaries to determine seizure frequency, but these are time‐consuming and difficult to maintain accurately. Fast, reliable, and objective biomarkers of treatment response are needed, particularly in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), where high seizure frequency and comorbid cognitive and behavioral issues are additional obstacles to accurate diary‐keeping. Here, we measured generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA), a key interictal electrographic feature of LGS, and correlated GPFA burden with seizure diaries during a thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment trial (Electrical Stimulation of the Thalamus in Epilepsy of Lennox–Gastaut Phenotype [ESTEL]).

Methods

GPFA and electrographic seizure counts from intermittent, 24‐h electroencephalograms (EEGs) were compared to 3‐month diary‐recorded seizure counts in 17 young adults with LGS (mean age ± SD = 24.9 ± 6.6) in the ESTEL study, a randomized clinical trial of DBS lasting 12 months (comprising a 3‐month baseline and 9 months of postimplantation follow‐up).

Results

Baseline median seizures measured by diaries numbered 2.6 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1.4–5) per day, compared to 284 (IQR = 120.5–360) electrographic seizures per day, confirming that diaries capture only a small fraction of seizure burden. Across all patient EEGs, the average number of GPFA discharges per hour of sleep was 138 (IQR =72–258). GPFA duration and frequency, quantified over 2‐h windows of sleep EEG, were significantly associated with diary‐recorded seizure counts over 3‐month intervals (p < .001, η2p = .30–.48). For every GPFA discharge, there were 20–25 diary seizures witnessed over 3 months. There was high between‐patient variability in the ratio between diary seizure burden and GPFA burden; however, within individual patients, the ratio was similar over time, such that the percentage change from pre‐DBS baseline in seizure diaries strongly correlated with the percentage change in GPFA.

Significance

When seeking to optimize treatment in patients with LGS, monitoring changes in GPFA may allow rapid titration of treatment parameters, rather than waiting for feedback from seizure diaries.
Saprophytic bacteria and fungi colonize stearoyl coenzyme‐A desaturase‐1 knockout skin
Authors: Pyle Hunter J. , Artami Methinee , Edwards Marshall , Raj Prithvi , Zhang Bo , Arana Carlos , Harris‐Tryon Tamia A.
Published: September 2022

Lipids synthesized on the skin are critical to the antimicrobial barrier. Skin lipids also facilitate survival of lipophilic skin commensals in an otherwise dry and acidic ecological landscape. Thus, skin‐specific stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase 1 knockout mice (Scd1ΔK14) with sebocyte atrophy and decreased synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides and wax diesters have dry, inflamed skin. Here, we used 16S rRNA (V1‐V2 and V1‐V9) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) amplicon sequencing to compare bacterial and fungal skin microbiomes between Scd1ΔK14 mice and wildtype control mice (Scd1fl/fl) in a barrier facility. Saprophytic bacteria including Sporosarcina spp. and Staphylococcus lentus and saprophytic fungi including Alternaria infectoria were found in higher relative abundance in the Scd1ΔK14 group (ANCOM). Analysis of community diversity (Shannon index) revealed greater fungal alpha diversity in the Scd1ΔK14 group (p = 0.009, Kruskal–Wallis). Principal coordinates analysis (Bray–Curtis dissimilarity) showed that both bacterial (p = 0.002, PERMANOVA) and fungal communities (p = 0.006, PERMANOVA) of the Scd1ΔK14 group were unique from the wildtype group. Altogether, these results suggest that sebaceous gland‐derived lipids normally restrict the skin microbiome, and in the absence of these lipids, a greater diversity of opportunistic organisms are able to colonize the surface of skin.
Even short‐distance dispersal over a barrier can affect genetic differentiation in Gyraulus, an island freshwater snail
Authors: Saito Takumi , Sasaki Tetsuro , Tsunamoto Yoshihiro , Uchida Shota , Satake Kiyoshi , Suyama Yoshihisa , Chiba Satoshi
Published: September 2022

Dispersal is a fundamental mechanism for maintaining biodiversity, and long‐distance dispersal (LDD) has attracted the interest of many researchers owing to its unusual characteristics. Conventionally, LDD has been defined based on absolute and proportional distances; however, it has recently been redefined based on geographic and genetic limits. Based on this redefinition, short‐distance dispersal can have the same characteristics as LDD, depending upon the dispersal dynamics of an organism. However, the effects of LDD at a local scale on the genetic structure and diversification of organisms are poorly understood, since many studies have focused on definitive LDD, such as oversea dispersal.

We focused on the freshwater snail Gyraulus sp. on an oceanic island, Chichijima Island, attempting to clarify the dynamics and effects of LDD on its genetic structure. We conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses, including divergence‐time estimation, using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA markers to reveal the origin of the snail. In addition, we clarified the genetic structure, gene flow, and evolutionary history of snails on the island using mitochondrial DNA and genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Finally, we followed a landscape ecology approach to identify barriers to dispersal.

Our phylogenies suggested that the snail has a single origin. Based on our divergence–time estimation, colonisation was estimated to have occurred around the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene. Our population genetic analyses documented genetic differentiation even within this small oceanic island. Based on the divergence time estimation and approximate Bayesian computation using single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, the differentiation was estimated to have begun around the late Pleistocene. Little gene flow occurred between the geographically structured snail genetic groups. Landscape analysis suggested that catchment boundaries were a major barrier to dispersal.

Considering the geography of the island, these results suggested that low‐frequency dispersal over barriers is an important factor in genetic differentiation within the island. Furthermore, dispersal over barrier may be considered LDD, even though the dispersal distance is only several kilometres.

Genetic evidence also suggested that resistance to gene flow over the barrier, rather than distance, is more important in determining whether dispersal should be considered LDD. This suggests that a definition of LDD that depends only on the distance may mislead an understanding of dispersal mode.
The effect of increasing fine sediment load and drying duration on the re‐emergence of Gammarus pulex (Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from the subsurface following flow resumption
Authors: Vadher Atish N. , Watson Sian , Copeland‐Phillips Ruth , Durrant Louis J. , Wood Paul J.
Published: September 2022

Environmental change and growing anthropogenic pressure on water resources is increasing the duration and intensity of drying events in streams in many geographical locations. Favourable sediment characteristics (e.g. high porosity and low fine sediment load within the substrate matrix) may facilitate benthic macroinvertebrate use of subsurface sediments in response to drying. However, the influence of sedimentary characteristics on the use and subsequent recovery of macroinvertebrates from initial vertical migration into, survival during unfavourable conditions within, and subsequent re‐emergence from subsurface sediments have not been directly observed.

Transparent mesocosm tanks were used to directly observe the vertical movement and subsequent re‐emergence of Gammarus pulex from subsurface sediments in response to increasing dry period (1, 7, or 21 days) and fine sediment load (0.5–1 mm particle diameter used for light and heavy sediment treatment) and following rehydration and resumption of flowing conditions.

Increasing volumes of fine sediment addition limited the ability of G. pulex to access subsurface sediment in response to drying and re‐emerge following rehydration. The longest dry period (21 days) reduced the ability of G. pulex to re‐emerge from the subsurface sediments following rehydration and flow resumption.

Increasing fine sediment load negatively affects taxa using subsurface sediments as a refuge. Increased fine sediment deposition has the potential to reduce both access to the sub‐surface and re‐emergence once surface flow resumes.

As many rivers are beginning to dry out, or are showing prolonged drying due to global warming, it is increasingly important that river management reduces the input of fine sediment into rivers and increase sediment porosity of riverbeds to facilitate access into the subsurface refuge by benthic fauna.
The cumulative impacts of anthropogenic stressors vary markedly along environmental gradients
Authors: Kefford Ben J. , Nichols Susan J. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: September 2022

Understanding the cumulative effects of multiple stressors on biodiversity is key to managing their impacts. Stressor interactions are often studied using an additive/antagonistic/synergistic typology, aimed at identifying situations where individual stressor effects are reduced or amplified when they act in combination. Here, we analysed variation in the family richness of stream macroinvertebrates in the groups Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) at 4658 sites spanning a 32° latitudinal range in eastern Australia in relation to two largely human‐induced stressors, salinity and turbidity, and two environmental gradients, temperature and slope. The cumulative and interactive effect of salinity and turbidity on EPT family richness varied across the landscape and by habitat (edge or riffle) such that we observed additive, antagonistic and synergistic outcomes depending on the environmental context. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the consistency of multiple stressor impacts, which will involve higher‐order interactions between multiple stressors and environmental factors.
Evidence Based Estimation of Macrodispersivity for Groundwater Transport Applications
Authors: Zech Alraune , Attinger Sabine , Bellin Alberto , Cvetkovic Vladimir , Dagan Gedeon , Dietrich Peter , Fiori Aldo , Teutsch Georg
Published: September 2022

The scope of this work is to discuss the proper choice of macrodispersion coefficients in modeling contaminant transport through the advection dispersion equation (ADE). It is common to model solute concentrations in transport by groundwater with the aid of the ADE. Spreading is quantified by macrodispersivity coefficients, which are much larger than the laboratory observed pore‐scale dispersivities. In the frame of stochastic theory, longitudinal macrodispersivity is related to the hydraulic conductivity spatial variability via its statistical moments (mean, variance, integral scales), which are generally determined by geostatistical analysis of field measurements. In many cases, especially for preliminary assessment of contaminant spreading, these data are not available and ad hoc values are adopted by practitioners. The present study aims at recommending dispersivity values based on a thorough analysis of tens of field experiments. Aquifers are classified as of weak, medium, and high heterogeneity and for each class a range of macrodispersivity values is recommended. Much less data are available for the transverse macrodispersivities, which are significantly smaller than the longitudinal one. Nevertheless, a few realistic values based on field data, are recommended for applications. Transport models using macrodispersivities can predict mean concentrations, different from the local ones. They can be used for estimation of robust measures, like plumes spatial moments, longitudinal mass distribution and breakthrough curves at control planes.
Power line electrocution as an overlooked threat to Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari)
Authors: Biasotto Larissa D. , Pacífico Erica C. , Paschotto Fernanda R. , Filadelfo Thiago , Couto Maíla B. , Sousa Antonio Emanuel B. A. , Mantovani Plinio , Silveira Luis Fábio , Ascensão Fernando , Tella José L. , Kindel Andreas
Published: September 2022

Electrocution can pose a serious threat to large birds, particularly threatened species with low population sizes. However, few studies have focused on the impacts of electrocution on large parrots such as the Endangered Lear's Macaw Anodorhynchus leari, endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga. Here, we compile and describe 31 electrocution events, as reported by villagers, indicating that electrocution may be an important threat to Lear's Macaw. We suggest a research and monitoring agenda to better understand the spatial and temporal patterns of this impact and recommend some immediate mitigation measures for decreasing electrocutions.
Conversion degree and heat transfer in the cold cap and their effect on glass production rate in an electric melter
Authors: Ferkl Pavel , Hrma Pavel , Abboud Alexander , Guillen Donna Post , Vernerová Miroslava , Kloužek Jaroslav , Hall Mark , Kruger Albert A. , Pokorný Richard
Published: September 2022

A predictive model of melt rate in waste glass vitrification operations is needed to inform melter operations during normal and off‐normal operations. This paper describes the development of a model of the cold cap (the reacting melter feed floating on molten glass in a glass melter) that couples heat transfer with the feed‐to‐glass conversion kinetics. The model was applied to four melter feeds designed for high‐level and low‐activity nuclear waste feeds using the material properties, either measured or estimated, to obtain temperature and conversion distribution within the cold cap. The cold cap model, when coupled with a computational fluid dynamics model of a Joule‐heated glass melter, allows the prediction of the glass production rate and power consumption. The results show reasonable agreement with the melting rates measured during pilot‐scale melter tests.
What beliefs underlie decisions to buy groceries online?
Authors: Stenius Minna , Eriksson Niklas
Published: September 2022

Online grocery shopping has become increasingly popular in many countries due to Covid‐19. Although there is plenty of research on consumer adoption and use of online grocery shopping, only a few studies focus on understanding the underlying beliefs of experienced buyers. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and following its recommendations, the present study set out to explore the actual beliefs that underlie attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control to buy groceries online among those who have been doing it regularly for a longer time. A structured qualitative approach, in this case an elicitation study, was applied to uncover the shared ideas, modal salient beliefs, among a group of experienced buyers (n = 14). The study found that time‐saving and convenience, which for many meant avoiding the discomfort of in‐store shopping, combined with assisted meal planning and simultaneous ordering were considered important for experienced online shoppers. This suggests that further assistance in the planning to order process may be welcome, including more proactive prompts and suggestions. The quality of perishable goods was still a concern after months of online shopping, along with a limited product range, which for some had meant less variation in meals. Suboptimal user interface and delivery‐related inflexibility caused some concern. Retailers in the grocery business stand before major capital expenditure if they wish to expand their online offerings and services. The study at hand provides valuable initial insight into what drives consumer behaviour in this respect.
Effects of metal ions on cyanocobalamin stability in heated milk protein‐based matrices
Authors: Ding Yi , Choy Li Yin , Chew Min Hui , Lin Qi , Johns Paul W.
Published: September 2022

Losses of vitamin B12 during the processing and/or storage of foods and supplements have been associated with both reducing and oxidising agents. We evaluated the effects of six redox active (Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ce3+, and Cr6+) and one redox inactive (Zn2+) metal ions on cyanocobalamin stability in heat‐treated, milk protein‐based matrices. The metal ion could either decrease (by ≤76%) or increase (by ≤56%) cyanocobalamin loss, depending on metal ion concentration and redox potential, as well as on matrix properties (metal ion binding, redox activity, and reactive oxygen species generation) and on protein properties (cysteine content, conformation, and charge density). The largest losses of cyanocobalamin appeared to be caused by redox cycling mechanisms (for Cu2+ and Fe2+); however, indications were that such losses could be mitigated by metal ion modification of the matrix. Only the redox inactive metal ion Zn2+ inhibited cyanocobalamin loss in all experimentally evaluated matrices.
Evaluation of newly‐developed modified diluted prothrombin time reagent in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation patients with direct oral anticoagulants: A comparative study with conventional reagents
Authors: Kumano Osamu , Suzuki Shinya , Yamazaki Masako , An Yoshimori , Yasaka Masahiro , Ieko Masahiro ,   for the Japanese study group for the assessment of direct oral anticoagulants
Published: September 2022

Introduction

A single assay to assess the effect of the direct FXa inhibitor is needed clinically because prothrombin (PT) assay is not yet sensitive enough for accurate evaluation. We developed modified diluted prothrombin time (mdPT) assay showing a high reactivity to direct FXa inhibitors based on prothrombin time (PT) reagent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reactivity of mdPT to direct FXa inhibitors comparing to that of commercial PT reagents and diluted prothrombin time (dPT).

Methods

The correlation and slopes of mdPT against the drug concentrations by anti‐Xa assay were compared to those of the four commercial reagents of PT or dPT in 275, 257, and 243 clinical samples collected from non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients who are prescribed apixaban, edoxaban or rivaroxaban for stroke prevention, respectively.

Results

The correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) of mdPT against apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban was 0.818 (0.775–0.854), 0.914 (0.892–0.932), and 0.814 (0.766–0.852), respectively. The slope (95% confidence interval) of mdPT for apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban was 0.0068 (0.0063–0.0075), 0.0076 (0.0072–0.0080), and 0.0072 (0.0065–0.0078), respectively, which were higher than that of four commercial PT and dPT reagents, ranging within 0.0006–0.0023, 0.0017–0.0038, and 0.0016–0.0057 (all, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with other PT and dPT reagents, mdPT reagent showed sharper slope to all direct FXa inhibitors, and higher correlation to apixaban and comparable correlation to edoxaban and rivaroxaban. This new reagent is expected to be a coagulation screening assay having a consistently high response to any types of direct FXa inhibitors.
Symptom persistence and recovery among COVID‐19 survivors during a limited outbreak in Canterbury, New Zealand: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cheung Jeanette , Nordmeier Kim , Kelland Sarah , Harrington Michael , Williman Jonathan , Storer Malina , Beaglehole Ben , Beckert Lutz , Chambers Stephen T , Epton Michael J , Freeman Josh , Murdoch David R , Werno Anja M , Maze Michael J
Published: September 2022

Background

In Canterbury, near complete identification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases during a limited outbreak provides unique insights into sequelae.

Aims

The current study aimed to measure symptom persistence, time to return to normal activity, generalised anxiety and health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) among COVID‐19 survivors compared with uninfected participants.

Methods

The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of people tested for COVID‐19 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs from 1 March to 30 June 2020. They enrolled participants who tested positive and negative at a 1:2 ratio, and administered community‐acquired pneumonia, 7‐item generalised anxiety disorder (GAD‐7) and HrQoL (RAND‐36) questionnaires.

Results

The authors recruited 145 participants, 48 with COVID‐19 and 97 without COVID‐19. The mean time from COVID‐19 testing to completing the health questionnaire was 306 days. The mean age of patients was 46.7 years, and 70% were women. Four (8%) COVID‐19–positive and eight (8%) COVID‐19–negative participants required hospitalisation. Fatigue (30/48 [63%] vs 13/97 [13%]; P < 0.001), dyspnoea (13/48 [27%] vs 6/97 [6%]; P < 0.001) and chest pain (10/48 [21%] vs 1/97 [1%]; P < 0.001) were persistent in those with COVID‐19. Fewer COVID‐19–positive participants returned to normal activity levels (35/48 [73%] vs 94/97 97%; P < 0.001), with longer times taken (median 21 vs 14 days; P = 0.007). The GAD‐7 and RAND‐36 scores of both groups were similar across all anxiety and HrQoL subscales.

Conclusions

Persistent symptoms and longer recovery times were found in COVID‐19 survivors, but not impaired generalised anxiety levels or HrQoL compared with COVID‐19–uninfected participants.
Re‐imagining healthcare delivery in the era of COVID‐19
Authors: Dwyer Karen M. , Axtens Michael J. , Egger Garry , Stevens John
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed the deficiencies of the current healthcare system in terms of a disconnect between primary and tertiary care and increasing subspecialisation, the focus on acute episodic care rather than on prevention in a time where chronic disease prevails and an inefficient use of healthcare resources. Herein, we present the case for an alternative model of healthcare delivery – shared medical appointments – which are efficient, effective and empowering and can be transitioned to the virtual environment successfully. We highlight the barriers to implementation and how these can be overcome.
Rate of early hospital readmission amongst cirrhotic patients is high in Australia: experience from a single liver transplant centre
Authors: Vaz Karl , Tan Katrina , Chew Melissa , Crawford Jordan , Ma Ronald , Grace Josephine , Gow Paul , Sinclair Marie , Testro Adam
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

The 30‐day hospital readmission rate in cirrhotic patients has been demonstrated to be up to 40% in international studies, but is not well studied in Australia. The aim of the current study was to report on the rate and cause of 30‐day hospital readmission from a single liver transplant referral centre, including a cost analysis of readmissions.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted to a liver transplant centre in Victoria, Australia, between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. Cases were identified throughInternational Classification of Diseases,Tenth Revision, 10 coding for cirrhosis and its complications. Baseline demographic data, liver‐related complications and unrelated extra‐hepatic comorbidities, laboratory values and prognostic scores were collected from the electronic medical record.

Results

One hundred seventy‐nine (63% men; median age at index admission, 59 years) patients who were admitted 427 times during the study period were included in the final analysis. The 30‐day hospital readmission rate was 46%, with the majority of readmissions attributable to fluid overload (29%), miscellaneous reasons (27%) and infection (20%). One fifth of readmissions were considered preventable. History of variceal haemorrhage was found to be an independent predictor of 30‐day hospital readmission. The annual cost of readmission is over AU$2.7 million and the median cost of hospital readmission was about AU$9000.

Conclusions

The 30‐day hospital readmission rate of 46% is higher than previously reported and almost half of cases were caused by either fluid overload or infection.
Guidance for transfusion management in patients receiving magrolimab therapy (anti‐CD47 monoclonal antibody)
Authors: Tan Michelle , Zacher Nicole , French Rae , Borosak Marija , Lennard Samantha , Le Viellez Annette , Benson Simon , Daly James
Published: September 2022

Magrolimab (Hu5F9‐G4) is a first‐in‐class anti‐CD47 IgG4 monoclonal antibody, with potential applications in several malignancies including myelodysplastic syndrome. CD47 blockade in malignancy has been shown to promote antitumour effects. However, the ubiquity of CD47 on red blood cells can result in interference in pretransfusion immunohaematology investigations and hinder timely provision of red blood cell units, with potential to mask clinically significant alloantibodies. We reviewed the literature for pretransfusion interference seen with magrolimab and methods to circumvent potential issues, and sought to provide clinical and laboratory recommendations for safe local transfusion practices. These recommendations are based on expert opinion and available literature, including the Victorian Senior Transfusion Scientist working group and professional societies and organisations (Australian & New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion and Lifeblood representatives), to establish consensus recommendations. Interference in the ABO group and antibody screen can occur, and baseline immunohaematology testing prior to magrolimab therapy is critical. Antibody screening using an antihuman globulin reagent that does not detect human IgG4 subclass may distinguish magrolimab interference from an underlying alloantibody in patient plasma. Clear and consistent protocols for laboratories and close communication with clinicians are paramount to facilitate timely and safe transfusion support for patients receiving magrolimab therapy. As local transfusion laboratories gain experience with magrolimab, this will assist in our understanding and comfort in managing these patients.
Assessment of respiratory function and exercise tolerance at 4–6 months after COVID‐19 infection in patients with pneumonia of different severity
Authors: Pini Laura , Montori Rossano , Giordani Jordan , Guerini Michele , Orzes Nicla , Ciarfaglia Manuela , Arici Marianna , Cappelli Carlo , Piva Simone , Latronico Nicola , Muiesan Maria L. , Tantucci Claudio
Published: September 2022

Background

The evaluation of COVID‐19 systemic consequences is a wide research field in which respiratory function assessment has a pivotal role. However, the available data in the literature are still sparse and need further strengthening.

Aim

To assess respiratory function 4–6 months after hospital discharge based on lung disease severity in patients who overcome COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Methods

Patients hospitalised either in the Internal Medicine Department (IMD) for moderate to severe disease or in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical disease underwent spirometry with maximal flow‐volume curve, lung volumes, lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) and six‐minute walking test (6‐MWT).

Results

Eighty‐eight patients were analysed: 40 from the IMD and 48 from the ICU. In both cohorts, there was a greater prevalence of male patients. In the IMD cohort, 38% of patients showed at least one altered respiratory parameter, while 62% in the ICU cohort did so (P < 0.05). Total lung capacity (TLC) and DLCO were the most frequently altered parameters: 15% and 33% from IMD versus 33% and 56% from ICU, respectively (P < 0.05). In IMD patients, 5% had only restrictive deficit, 22% had only lung diffusion impairment and 10% had both. In ICU patients, 6% had only restrictive deficit, 29% had only lung diffusion impairment and 27% had both (P < 0.05). ICU patients showed a higher frequency of abnormal 6‐MWT (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lung function tests and 6‐MWT are highly informative tools for monitoring the negative consequences of COVID‐19 pneumonia, which were more frequent and more complex in patients discharged from ICU.
Thermodynamic investigation of vanadium oxide in CaO–SiO2–VOx system at 1873 K
Authors: Park Donghwi , Jung Ji‐Seok , Lee Joonho
Published: September 2022

Owing to the complexity of the multivalence states of vanadium oxides in slag systems and experimental difficulties, thermodynamic properties of vanadium oxides have not been established yet. In the present study, the mixed‐valence states and activities of the vanadium oxides in CaO–SiO2–VOx slag were investigated experimentally at 1873 K and oxygen partial pressures of 3.2 × 10–9 and 3.1 × 10–7 atm. After the CaO–SiO2–VOx slag had equilibrated with a platinum strip, the mixed‐valence states of the vanadium oxides in the slag were estimated by performing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the activities of the vanadium oxides in the slag were calculated using the activity of vanadium in the platinum strip at equilibrium using thermodynamic equations. At an oxygen partial pressure of 3.2 × 10–9 atm, V3+ was the dominant ion and V4+ was the second most abundant ion. With increasing VOx content or basicity (CaO/SiO2 ratio), the fraction of V3+ decreased, whereas that of V4+ increased. The activity of VO1.5 was greater than those of the other vanadium oxides. On the other hand, when the oxygen partial pressure increased to 3.1 × 10–7 atm, V4+ became the dominant ion. As the slag basicity increased, the fraction of V4+ increased further, whereas that of V3+ decreased to less than that of V5+. The activity of VO1.5 was greater than those of the other vanadium oxides, limiting the effect of the slag basicity. Consequently, the valence state of vanadium oxide was affected by the slag basicity at a low oxygen partial pressure by acting as a network modifier. In contrast, at a higher oxygen partial pressure, the activity of vanadium oxide increased further but was not affected by the slag basicity because of its contribution to the network structure formation. The present findings can be applied to optimize the slag composition in steel refining or vanadium pentoxide production processes to increase the yield rate of vanadium.
Prevalence and functional impact of social (pragmatic) communication disorders
Authors: Saul Jo , Griffiths Sarah , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: September 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Children's Communication Checklist‐2 (CCC‐2) for measuring social‐pragmatic communication deficits and to ascertain their prevalence and functional impact in a community sample.

Methods

We used parent and teacher responses to the CCC‐2 to approximate inclusion (poor social‐pragmatic skills) and exclusion (poor structural language skills or autistic symptomatology) criteria for social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD). We tested the prevalence of social‐pragmatic deficits in a population‐based sample of children (n = 386) aged 5–6 years old using CCC‐2 algorithms. We also investigated the academic and behavioural profiles of children with broadly defined limitations in social‐pragmatic competence on the CCC‐2.

Results

Regardless of the diagnostic algorithm used, the resulting prevalence rates for social‐pragmatic deficits indicated that very few children had isolated social‐communication difficulties (0–1.3%). However, a larger proportion of children (range: 6.1–10.5%) had social‐pragmatic skills outside the expected range alongside structural language difficulties and/or autism spectrum symptoms, and this profile was associated with a range of adverse academic and behavioural outcomes.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of children in the early years of primary school has social‐pragmatic deficits that interfere with behaviour and scholastic activity; however, these rarely occur in isolation. Exclusionary criteria that include structural language may lead to underidentification of individuals with social‐pragmatic deficits that may benefit from tailored support and intervention.
Using Item Scores and Distractors in Person‐Fit Assessment
Authors: Gorney Kylie , Wollack James A.
Published: September 2022

In order to detect a wide range of aberrant behaviors, it can be useful to incorporate information beyond the dichotomous item scores. In this paper, we extend the and person‐fit statistics so that unusual behavior in item scores and unusual behavior in item distractors can be used as indicators of aberrance. Through detailed simulations, we show that the new statistics are more powerful than existing statistics in detecting several types of aberrant behavior, and that they are able to control the Type I error rate in instances where the model does not exactly fit the data. A real data example is also provided to demonstrate the utility of the new statistics in an operational setting.
Determinants of COVID‐19 vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals and the general population in Cyprus: A web‐based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Giannakou Konstantinos , Fakonti Georgia , Kyprianidou Maria
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aims to examine the factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general population in Cyprus.

Methods

A web‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted (November 2021–January 2022), using a self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire to collect information covering a wide range of potential determinants including sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, trust in the healthcare system, satisfaction with it, utilization of preventive healthcare services, COVID‐19 vaccination information and general vaccination knowledge.

Results

A total of 2582 participants completed the survey. Overall, 53.5% of participants representing the general population, and 70.0% of the HCPs received the COVID‐19 vaccination. We found that as the age increases by 1 year among the general population, the odds of being vaccinated against COVID‐19 increase by 1.02 units (95% 1.00, 1.03, p= 0.035). In addition, participants among the general population with increased trust in national healthcare authorities' guidelines (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 3.41, 4.61), and increased vaccination knowledge scores (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated, while those who had underage children living in the household were significantly less likely to be vaccinated against COVID‐19 (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.91). Furthermore, male HCPs (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59), and those who reported increased trust in national healthcare authorities' guidelines (OR = 5.38, 95% CI: 3.65, 7.95) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

Public health policymakers can use national campaigns and long‐term planning to build public trust in national healthcare authorities and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. Such strategies could pave the way for adequate vaccine uptake and prepare the public for unfavourable scenarios, such as future pandemics.
Transmembrane kinase 1‐mediated auxin signal regulates membrane‐associated clathrin in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Wang Yutong , Yan Xu , Xu Mei , Qi Weiyang , Shi Chunjie , Li Xiaohong , Ma Jiaqi , Tian Dan , Shou Jianxin , Wu Haijun , Pan Jianwei , Li Bo , Wang Chao
Published: September 2022

Clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) is the major endocytic pathway in eukaryotic cells that directly regulates abundance of plasma membrane proteins. Clathrin triskelia are composed of clathrin heavy chains (CHCs) and light chains (CLCs), and the phytohormone auxin differentially regulates membrane‐associated CLCs and CHCs, modulating the endocytosis and therefore the distribution of auxin efflux transporter PIN‐FORMED2 (PIN2). However, the molecular mechanisms by which auxin regulates clathrin are still poorly understood. Transmembrane kinase (TMKs) family proteins are considered to contribute to auxin signaling and plant development; it remains unclear whether they are involved in PIN transport by CME. We assessed TMKs involvement in the regulation of clathrin by auxin, using genetic, pharmacological, and cytological approaches including live‐cell imaging and immunofluorescence. In tmk1 mutant seedlings, auxin failed to rapidly regulate abundance of both CHC and CLC and to inhibit PIN2 endocytosis, leading to an impaired asymmetric distribution of PIN2 and therefore auxin. Furthermore, TMK3 and TMK4 were shown not to be involved in regulation of clathrin by auxin. In summary, TMK1 is essential for auxin‐regulated clathrin recruitment and CME. TMK1 therefore plays a critical role in the establishment of an asymmetric distribution of PIN2 and an auxin gradient during root gravitropism.
Local Network Effects in the Adoption of a Digital Platform*
Authors: Kim Jin‐Hyuk , Newberry Peter , Wagman Liad , Wolff Ran
Published: September 2022

We examine the extent to which network effects on a digital platform are geographically local. Focusing on the fantasy sports market, we find that the size of a county's existing user base on the platform significantly impacts the number of new adopters in that county, while the size of the user base in nearby counties does not. We also find evidence that network effects are heterogenous across income levels. Guided by these results, we demonstrate that the initial distribution of users across counties can significantly influence the growth of the network over time, and draw implications for optimal seeding strategies.
Managerial coaching and employee knowledge sharing: A daily diary study
Authors: Li Quan , She Zhuolin , Gu Jun
Published: September 2022

Most research on knowledge sharing has examined the construct as an individual difference variable and neglected that it may vary within an individual over a short period of time. Moreover, although researchers have recognized the critical role of leaders in knowledge management practice, scant attention is given to the day‐to‐day dynamics of the relationship between leader behaviours and employee knowledge sharing. Taking a dynamic perspective on knowledge sharing and based on affective events theory, we argue that daily managerial coaching positively affects employees' daily knowledge sharing via the mediating role of daily gratitude. In addition, employees' perceived overqualification would moderate the relation between daily managerial coaching and daily gratitude such that daily managerial coaching would elicit a stronger daily gratitude for employees with lower perceived overqualification. A 10‐working day quantitative diary survey of 122 R&D employees from a large state‐owned enterprise supported our whole theoretical model. The implications of our findings for both theory and practice were discussed.