bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good or bad jobs? Characteristics of older female part‐time work
Authors: O'Sullivan Maeve , Cross Christine , Lavelle Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Despite consistently high rates of part‐time employment among older women, the quality of this cohort's work is largely under‐researched with the focus being mainly on younger women. To address this gap, our paper engages with the key strands of this debate—age, gender and employment status—to interrogate the job characteristics and position of this worker cohort in the Irish labour market. Findings reveal notable differences between this cohort's job characteristics compared with those of other part‐time workers and older women working full‐time. These job characteristics include low‐wage employment in poor‐quality jobs, suggesting that job quality is influenced by age, gender and employment status, raising concerns regarding the likelihood for precarious employment among this cohort. In addition to individual‐level consequences, this study's findings have major implications for public and organisational policy on part‐time labour market participation, highlighting the need for a new research agenda on older workers.
Device interaction between cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and subcutaneous defibrillator (S‐ICD)
Authors: Trolese Luca , Faber Thomas , Gressler Alexander , Steinfurt Johannes , Stuplich Judith , Jordan Eike , Bode Christoph , Zehender Manfred , Hilgendorf Ingo
Published: August 2021

Combined implantation of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) appears a suitable option to reduce the amount of intracardiac leads and complications for patients. Here we report on a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy carrying an S‐ICD in which a CCM device was implanted. During crosstalk testing post‐CCM implantation, the S‐ICD misannotated QRS complexes and T waves. The problem was solved through reprogramming the CCM, while preserving S‐ICD functionality and improving heart failure symptoms. In conclusion, S‐ICD combined with CCM seems to be a good and safe option for patients when device interference is being ruled out.
Multipoint pacing for cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mehta Vishal S , Elliott Mark K , Sidhu Baldeep S , Gould Justin , Porter Bradley , Niederer Steven , Rinaldi Christopher A
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Multipoint pacing (MPP) has been proposed as an effective way to improve cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) response. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluating the efficacy of CRT delivered via MPP compared to conventional CRT.

Methods

A literature search was performed from inception to January 2021 for studies in Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, comparing MPP to conventional CRT with a minimum of 6 months follow‐up. Randomised and nonrandomised studies were assessed for relevant efficacy data including echocardiographic (left ventricular end systolic volume [LVESV] and ejection fraction) or functional changes (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class/Clinical Composite Score). Subgroup analyses were performed by study design and programming type.

Results

A total of 7 studies with a total of 1390 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, MPP demonstrated greater echocardiographic improvement than conventional CRT in nonrandomised studies (odds ratio [OR]: 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.05–9.33], p < .001), however, was not significant in randomised studies (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: [0.91–3.79], p = .086). There was no significant difference in LVESV reduction >15% (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: [0.69–5.55], p = .20) or improvement by ≥1 NYHA class (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: [0.74–8.42], p = .141) when comparing MPP to conventional CRT. In a sub analysis, MPP programmed by widest anatomical separation (MPP‐AS) signalled greater efficacy, however, only 120 patients were included in this analysis.

Conclusion

Overall MPP was more efficacious in nonrandomised studies, and not superior when assessed in randomised studies. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design making overall interpretation of results challenging. Widespread MPP programming in all CRT patients is currently not justified. Further large, randomised studies with patient‐specific programming may clarify its effectiveness.
Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Garg Jalaj , Shah Kuldeep , Shah Siddharth , Turagam Mohit K. , Natale Andrea , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The role of secondary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) remains uncertain in spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) patients presenting with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Methods

We aimed at assessing the outcomes following SCA and the role of ICD therapy in SCAD. The meta‐analysis was performed using a meta‐package for R version 4.0/RStudio version 1.2 and the Freeman–Tukey double arcsine method to establish the variance of raw proportions. Outcomes measured included—(1) incidence of ICD implantation, (2) appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapy, (3) recurrence of SCAD and SCA, and (4) all‐cause mortality.

Results

Five studies, including 139 SCAD patients with SCA met study inclusion criteria. The mean age was 47.3 ± 12.8 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 43.8 ± 10.8%, 88% were female (12% had pregnancy‐associated SCAD. Causes of SCA included ventricular arrhythmia (97.9%, n = 136) and pulseless electrical activity (2.1%, n = 3). Overall, 20% patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1%–36.6%, I2 = 68%) received ICD, of which 1.2% (95% CI: 0%–15.8%, I2 = 0%) and 1% (95% CI: 0%–15.3%, I2 = 0%) patients received appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapies, respectively, during follow‐up period (4.1 ± 3.3 years). Incidence of recurrent SCAD was 9% (95% CI: 2.85%–17.5%, I2 = 25%), and recurrent SCA was 3.85% patients (95% CI: 0.65%–8.7%, I2 = 0%; one patient with appropriate ICD therapy). The pooled incidence of all‐cause mortality was 6.2% (95% CI: 0.6%–15.1%, I2 = 44%).

Conclusion

Although ICD therapy is beneficial in patients (all comers) presenting with cardiac arrest; the risk‐benefit ratio of secondary prevention ICD arrest remains unclear. Patient‐centered shared decision‐making and risk‐benefit ratio assessment should be performed before consideration for ICD implantation.
Risk of sick sinus syndrome in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation: A population‐based cohort
Authors: Yang Pil‐Sung , Kim Daehoon , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Sung Jung‐Hoon , Pak Hui‐Nam , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Joung Boyoung
Published: August 2021

Background

Sinoatrial node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist and interact with each other, often to initiate and perpetuate each other.

Objective

To determine the effect of AF on the incidence and risk of sick sinus syndrome (SSS).

Methods

The association of incident AF with the development of incident SSS was assessed from 2004 to 2014 in 302 229 SSS‐ and pacemaker‐free subjects aged ≥60 years in the Korea National Health Insurance Service‐Senior cohort.

Results

During an observation period of 1 854 800 person‐years, incident AF was observed in a total of 12 797 subjects (0.69%/year). The incidence of SSS was 3.4 and 0.2 per 1000 person‐years in the propensity score‐matched incident AF and no‐AF groups, respectively. After adjustment, the significantly increased risk of SSS was observed in the incident AF group, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 13.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.4–21.4). This finding was consistently observed after censoring for heart failure (HR: 16.0; 95% CI: 9.2–28.0) or heart failure/myocardial infarction (HR: 16.6; 95% CI: 9.3–29.7). Incident AF also was associated with an increased risk of pacemaker implantation related with both SSS (HR: 21.8; 95% CI: 8.7–18.4) and atrioventricular (AV) block (HR: 9.5; 95% CI: 4.9–18.4). These results were consistent regardless of sex and comorbidities.

Conclusion

Incident AF was associated with more than 10 times increased risk of SSS in an elderly population regardless of comorbidities. The risk of pacemaker implantations related with both sinus node dysfunction and AV block was increased in the elderly population with incident AF.
Innate lymphoid cells are double‐edged swords under the mucosal barrier
Authors: Duan Zhen , Liu Mandie , Yuan Lin , Du Xizi , Wu Mengping , Yang Yu , Wang Leyuan , Zhou Kai , Yang Ming , Zou Yizhou , Xiang Yang , Qu Xiangping , Liu Huijun , Qin Xiaoqun , Liu Chi
Published: August 2021

As the direct contacting site for pathogens and allergens, the mucosal barrier plays a vital role in the lungs and intestines. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are particularly resident in the mucosal barrier and participate in several pathophysiological processes, such as maintaining or disrupting barrier integrity, preventing various pathogenic invasions. In the pulmonary mucosae, ILCs sometimes aggravate inflammation and mucus hypersecretion but restore airway epithelial integrity and maintain lung tissue homeostasis at other times. In the intestinal mucosae, ILCs can increase epithelial permeability, leading to severe intestinal inflammation on the one hand, and assist mucosal barrier in resisting bacterial invasion on the other hand. In this review, we will illustrate the positive and negative roles of ILCs in mucosal barrier immunity.
New isolate ofLoma psittaca(Microsporidia: Glugeidae) infecting the stomach wall of cultured hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀) in South China
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Xu Liwen , Hu Kai , Ren Shisi , Weng Meiqi , Yu Jianbo , Li Deliang , Zhang Jinyong
Published: August 2021

Loma psittaca, previously described as inhabiting the intestinal mucosa of an anadromous fish,Colomesus pisttacus, from the Amazon Basin, is reported as being found for the first time in a marine fish, the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂×Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀), from Lingshui city, Hainan Province, China, expanding the geographical distribution and host range of this parasite. Numerous whitish xenomas (0.5–0.7 mm in diameter) of this new isolate ofL. psittacawere found distinctly in the muscle layer of the host stomach wall. Electron microscopic observations showed a monokaryotic nucleus in all developmental stages. Round or elongated multinucleate merogonial plasmodia surrounded by numerous mitochondria were observed initially, subsequently transforming into uninucleate sporonts through multiple fissions. Sporonts, each with a large centrally positioned nucleus, further developed into sporoblasts. Each sporoblast mother cell gave rise to two uninucleate sporoblasts by binary fission. Mature spores were ellipsoidal, measuring 4.0 ± 0.3 (3.7–4.3) μm in length and 2.2 ± 0.2 (2.1–2.5) μm in width. Spores possessed a mushroom‐like anchoring disk, a bipartite polarplast, isofilar polar filaments arranged in 12–14 turns in one row, and a trilaminar spore wall. The obtained partial SSU rRNA gene sequence of the new isolate was 1330 bp in length and showed 99.4% sequence similarity with an estuary isolate ofL. psittacapreviously reported in South America. SSU rRNA gene‐based phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the twoL. psittacaisolates first clustered together and then formed a dichotomy that included the digestive‐tract‐infectingLomaspecies,L. acerinae, with high support values within group I.
Savings and outcomes under Medicare's bundled payments initiative for skilled nursing facilities
Authors: Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Barnett Michael L. , Orav E. John , Zheng Jie , Grabowski David C. , Epstein Arnold M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Model 3 of Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) was a voluntary alternative payment model that held participating skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) accountable for 90‐day costs of care. Its overall impact on Medicare spending and clinical outcomes is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using Medicare claims from 2012 to 2017. We used an interrupted time‐series design to compare participating vs matched control SNFs on total 90‐day Medicare payments and payment components (initial SNF stay, readmissions, and outpatient/clinician), case mix (volume, proportion Medicaid, proportion black, number of comorbidities), and clinical outcomes (90‐day readmission, mortality and healthy days at home, and length of initial SNF stay), overall and among key subgroups with frailty or dementia, for 47 of the 48 conditions in the program (excluding major lower extremity joint replacement).

Results

Our sample included 1001 participating and 3873 matched control SNFs. At baseline, total Medicare institutional payments were increasing at BPCI SNFs at a rate of $121 per episode per quarter; during the intervention period, payments decreased at a rate of −$398/episode/quarter. Among controls, payments were stable in the baseline period (+$17/episode/quarter) but decreased at −$424/episode/quarter during the intervention period, yielding a nonsignificant difference in slope changes of −$79/episode/quarter (95% confidence interval [CI] −$188, $31, p = 0.16). However, among patients with frailty, spending declined by $620/episode/quarter in the BPCI group, compared with $330/episode/quarter in the non‐BPCI group, for a difference in slope changes of −$289 (95% CI −$482, −$96, p = 0.003). There were no differences in the change in slopes in case selection or clinical outcomes overall or in any clinical subgroup.

Conclusions

SNF participation in BPCI was associated with no overall differential change in total Medicare payments per episode, case selection, or clinical outcomes. Exploratory analyses revealed a decrease in Medicare payments in patients with frailty that may warrant further study.
Development and validation of the FiberScreen: A short questionnaire to screen fibre intake in adults
Authors: Rijnaarts Iris , de Roos Nicole , Zoetendal Erwin G. , de Wit Nicole , Witteman Ben J. M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Health effects of dietary fibres are the topic of many studies. Eligibility criteria often include a certain fibre intake, which requires dietary screening during recruitment. However, dietary assessment methods are extensive and burdensome for both the researcher and participant. Therefore, we developed and validated a short questionnaire (FiberScreen) to screen fibre intake.

Methods

The initial five‐item questionnaire assessed fruit, vegetable, whole grain, pasta/rice/potato and legume intake. The optimised FiberScreen included 18 items, which further specified intake of the above‐mentioned categories, and included nuts and seeds. The FiberScreen was completed during two fibre promoting interventions. In Study A, participants without constipation completed the five‐item FiberScreen and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during screening (n = 131), and the 18‐item FiberScreen and a FFQ at 3‐month follow‐up (n = 87). In Study B, 29 constipated participants completed the 18‐item FiberScreen at screening and a FFQ during the first study visit.

Results

The fibre estimate from the five‐item FiberScreen and the FFQ was moderately correlated (r = 0.356, p < 0.001). Importantly, the 18‐item FiberScreen and FFQ, when data of both studies were combined, had a strong correlation (r = 0.563, p < 0.001). The 18‐item FiberScreen had a lower fibre estimate compared to the FFQ (Δ = 1.2 ± 5.9 g, p = 0.030) but the difference was relatively small. Bland–Altman plots showed a good agreement between the questionnaires. Completion time of the 18‐item FiberScreen was 4.2 ± 2 min.

Conclusions

The 18‐item FiberScreen is a suitable short screening questionnaire for ranking the fibre intake of adults. The 18‐item FiberScreen can help to reduce screening burden for both the participant and researcher.
The direct targets of CBFs: In cold stress response and beyond
Authors: Song Yue , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Minze , Yang Hao , Fu Diyi , Lv Jian , Ding Yanglin , Gong Zhizhong , Shi Yiting , Yang Shuhua
Published: August 2021

Cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana triggers a significant transcriptional reprogramming altering the expression patterns of thousands of cold‐responsive (COR) genes. Essential to this process is the C‐repeat binding factor (CBF)‐dependent pathway, involving the activity of AP2/ERF (APETALA2/ethylene‐responsive factor)‐type CBF transcription factors required for plant cold acclimation. In this study, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation assays followed by deep sequencing (ChIP‐seq) to determine the genome‐wide binding sites of the CBF transcription factors. Cold‐induced CBF proteins specifically bind to the conserved C‐repeat (CRT)/dehydration‐responsive elements (CRT/DRE; G/ACCGAC) of their target genes. A Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that 1,012 genes are targeted by all three CBFs. Combined with a transcriptional analysis of the cbf1,2,3 triple mutant, we define 146 CBF regulons as direct CBF targets. In addition, the CBF‐target genes are significantly enriched in functions associated with hormone, light, and circadian rhythm signaling, suggesting that the CBFs act as key integrators of endogenous and external environmental cues. Our findings not only define the genome‐wide binding patterns of the CBFs during the early cold response, but also provide insights into the role of the CBFs in regulating multiple biological processes of plants.
Impact of pubertal onset on region‐specific Esr2 expression
Authors: Drzewiecki Carly M. , Sellinger Elli P. , Juraska Janice M.
Published: August 2021

In female rats, pubertal onset is associated with maturation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and mPFC‐mediated behaviours. These behavioural and anatomical changes are likely a result of the effects of oestrogens at the nuclear oestrogen receptor (ER)β, which is expressed at higher levels than the ERα isoform in the adult mPFC. Researchers have previously quantified ERβ protein and Esr2 RNA in rodents during early postnatal development and adulthood, although an adolescent‐specific trajectory of this receptor in the mPFC has not been documented. Given that Esr2 expression can fluctuate in the presence or absence of oestrogens, puberty and the subsequent rise in gonadal hormones could influence levels of ERβ in the adolescent brain. To further explore this, we used RNAscope® technology to quantify the amount of Esr2 mRNA in pre‐pubertal adolescent, recently post‐pubertal adolescent and adult female rats. We show that Esr2 expression decreases significantly in the mPFC, striatum and motor cortex between pre‐pubertal adolescence and adulthood. In the mPFC, this decrease occurs rapidly at pubertal onset, with no significant decrease in Esr2 levels between the recently post‐pubertal and adult cohort. By contrast, the striatum and motor cortex had no significant differences in the amount of Esr2 mRNA between pre‐ and post‐pubertal females. Insofar as the amount of Esr2 expression is proportional to functional ERβ, these results suggest ERβ decreases in a region‐specific pattern in response to pubertal onset and highlight a role for this receptor in the maturational events that occur in the female rat mPFC at puberty.
Application of evidence‐based nursing in prevention of postoperative complications of breast augmentation
Authors: Wu XueM , Gao Yak , Liu Zhe , Xi TingT , Qian YuX , Hu Hao
Published: August 2021

Objective

To study the application of evidence‐based nursing in prosthesis postoperative complications.

Methods

A total of 78 cases of patients who underwent prosthetic breast augmentation were selected from July 2017 to July 2019. All the patients were divided into control group and study group according to the random number table method. The patients in the control group received routine nursing interventions, and the patients in the study group performed evidence‐based nursing interventions based on the control group's care. The mental health, external esthetic effects, and complications of the two groups were observed and compared.

Results

Before the implementation of nursing intervention, there was no significant difference in mental health indicators (SAS, SDS) between the two groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of the two groups were lower than before the intervention, and the study group was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05); before the implementation of nursing intervention, there was no significant difference in the scores of HADS‐A and HADS‐D between the two groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the scores of HADS‐A and HADS‐D of the two groups were lower than those before the intervention, and the scores of the study group were lower than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05); 94.9% (37 / 39) was better than 71. 8% (28 / 39) in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05), and the total incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was 5.1% (2 / 39), which was lower than 15.4% (6 / 39) in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Evidence‐based nursing intervention is effective in preventing postoperative complications of silicone breast augmentation prosthesis. It can effectively reduce postoperative complications, improve external esthetic effects, and improve the level of mental health of patients. It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Race and payor type for child visits with public health dental hygienist practitioners
Authors: Burgette Jacqueline M. , Ok Sally H. , Ray Kristin N. , Faulds Samantha , Stiles Amy , Hoberman Alejandro , Martin Brian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To examine whether growth in visits to public health dental hygiene practitioners (PHDHPs) providing preventative dental services at a pediatric hospital clinic was predominantly among children receiving public insurance and children of minority background from 2013 to 2017.

Methods

Longitudinal descriptive data analysis from electronic health records for 6856 children under age 18 years who visited PHDHPs co‐located at a hospital clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, from 2013 to 2017. We compared visits between white versus non‐white children and between children with public, private, and no or missing insurance by year.

Results

Visit volume doubled from 2013 (n = 811) to 2017 (n = 1868). The proportion of PHDHP visits with non‐white children increased from 77% (n = 625) in 2013 to 87% (n = 1472) in 2017 (p < 0.001). The proportion of PHDHP visits with children with public insurance increased from 72% (n = 585) in 2013 to 82% (n = 1377) in 2017 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

PHDHPs co‐located at a pediatric hospital clinic saw a high proportion of visits from children of non‐white race and with public insurance. Visits from children of minority race and with public insurance increased disproportionately as visit volume grew from 2013 to 2017, depicting a vehicle through which historically underserved children increasingly accessed preventive dental services.
Afrotropical secondary forests exhibit fast diversity and functional recovery, but slow compositional and carbon recovery after shifting cultivation
Authors: Makelele Isaac Ahanamungu , Verheyen Kris , Boeckx Pascal , Cizungu Ntaboba Landry , Mujinya Bazirake Basile , Ewango Corneille , Bauters Marijn
Published: August 2021

Questions

Human disturbance is increasingly affecting forest dynamics across the tropics. Forests can recover via natural secondary succession to pre‐disturbance levels of biodiversity, species composition, and ecosystem carbon stocks. Central Africa will be subject to increasingly high shifting‐cultivation pressure in the next decades, but succession trajectories of these ecosystem properties are still poorly known for the Congo basin. We addressed two questions: (1) how does taxonomic and functional composition and diversity shift during secondary succession; and (2) how fast do above‐ground carbon stocks recover during secondary succession in tropical forests?

Location

Central Congo basin.

Methods

We conducted an inventory of trees (diameter at breast height [DBH] ≥ 10 cm), measured species traits and soil texture and carbon content in 18 plots, located along six secondary succession stages (i.e., from agricultural to old growth forest sites). We measured tree diameter, height for 20% of trees distributed across diameter classes, wood traits from all species, and leaf traits from species that contributed to 85% of the plot basal area.

Results

We showed that secondary forests recover relatively fast in terms of tree species diversity, alpha functional diversity, and fine‐root carbon, with near‐old‐growth forest values after six decades past disturbance, while floristic composition exhibited slower recovery. Secondary forests only partially shifted from acquisitive to a conservative life history, with shifts in leaf traits being largely decoupled from wood traits. Only 43% of above‐ground carbon recovered after 60 years of forest regrowth, potentially through a slow recovery of the large‐sized tree stems that dominate carbon stocks of old‐growth forests.

Conclusions

Our findings underline the capacity of Afrotropical forests to recover species and alpha functional diversity after clear‐cutting through shifting cultivation. Simultaneously, old‐growth forests harbor a particular floristic community and store a large quantity of carbon with much longer recovery trajectories, stressing the need for conservation of these forests in the Congo basin.
Perspectives on the mangrove conundrum, land use, and benefits of yield intensification in farmed shrimp production: A review
Authors: Boyd Claude E. , Davis Robert P. , McNevin Aaron A.
Published: August 2021

Globally, shrimp farms occupied an estimated 3.490 million hectares (Mha) of land and operated 2.426 Mha of production ponds in 2018. Extensive shrimp farms used 1.804 Mha of farm area (1.377 Mha of production ponds), but produced 11.4% of global shrimp production. An estimated 1.718 Mha of land was required to produce ingredients for feeds used in semi‐intensive and intensive shrimp farming, bringing total land use to 5.160 Mha. Extensive production is located in the intertidal zone and much of this land formerly was or still is in mangrove areas. Expansion of shrimp farms into mangrove areas has slowed. Mangrove areas are inferior sites for shrimp farms, and governments have imposed stricter regulations to protect mangroves. Shrimp farming in mangrove areas is unnecessary to supply the global shrimp demand. Scenarios for increasing global shrimp production without further increase in shrimp farm area are presented. But, if the demand for shrimp continues to increase, it will be impossible to freeze the total land footprint for farmed shrimp, because the land needed for feed presently is roughly equal to the direct land use for shrimp farms. Direct land use for farms can be frozen through greater production pond yields.
Bacteriophage λ RexA and RexB functions assist the transition from lysogeny to lytic growth
Authors: Thomason Lynn C. , Schiltz Carl J. , Court Carolyn , Hosford Christopher J. , Adams Myfanwy C. , Chappie Joshua S. , Court Donald L.
Published: August 2021

The CI and Cro repressors of bacteriophage λ create a bistable switch between lysogenic and lytic growth. In λ lysogens, CI repressor expressed from the PRM promoter blocks expression of the lytic promoters PL and PR to allow stable maintenance of the lysogenic state. When lysogens are induced, CI repressor is inactivated and Cro repressor is expressed from the lytic PR promoter. Cro repressor blocks PRM transcription and CI repressor synthesis to ensure that the lytic state proceeds. RexA and RexB proteins, like CI, are expressed from the PRM promoter in λ lysogens; RexB is also expressed from a second promoter, PLIT, embedded in rexA. Here we show that RexA binds CI repressor and assists the transition from lysogenic to lytic growth, using both intact lysogens and defective prophages with reporter genes under the control of the lytic PL and PR promoters. Once lytic growth begins, if the bistable switch does return to the immune state, RexA expression lessens the probability that it will remain there, thus stabilizing the lytic state and activation of the lytic PL and PR promoters. RexB modulates the effect of RexA and may also help establish phage DNA replication as lytic growth ensues.
Gastric function in diabetic gastroparesis assessed by ultrasound and scintigraphy
Authors: Steinsvik Elisabeth K. , Sangnes Dag A. , Søfteland Eirik , Biermann Martin , Assmus Jörg , Dimcevski Georg , Gilja Odd Helge , Hausken Trygve
Published: August 2021

Background

Gastroparesis is a severe diabetes complication characterized by delayed gastric emptying. We examined patients with symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis using gastric emptying scintigraphy and ultrasound drink test. The primary aim was to investigate how ultrasound could provide information about gastric motility features in diabetic gastroparesis.

Material and methods

We prospectively included 58 patients with diabetes (48 type 1) with symptoms of gastroparesis and 30 healthy controls. Patients were examined with ultrasound of the stomach in a seated position after drinking 500 ml low‐caloric meat soup, at the same time recording dyspeptic symptoms. The following day, they were examined with gastric emptying scintigraphy, defining gastroparesis as >10% retention after 4 h.

Key Results

We found motility disturbances in the proximal stomach measured by ultrasound in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. A linear mixed effects model including repeated ultrasound measurements revealed a slower decrease of the proximal stomach size in gastroparesis compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01), and the proximal diameter at 20 min was correlated to scintigraphy at 4 h (r = 0.510, p = 0.001). The antrum in patients with diabetic gastroparesis was twice as large compared to healthy controls (p = 0.009), and fasting antral size was correlated to gastric emptying scintigraphy (r = 0.329, p = 0.013). Both diabetes patients with and without gastroparesis had impaired accommodation (p = 0.011).

Conclusions and Inferences

On ultrasound, we found delayed reduction of proximal stomach size and impaired accommodation after a liquid meal in patients with gastroparesis, emphasizing the role of the proximal stomach. Furthermore, we found antral distention in gastroparesis patients.
Effect of slow, deep breathing on visceral pain perception and its underlying psychophysiological mechanisms
Authors: Gholamrezaei Ali , Van Diest Ilse , Aziz Qasim , Pauwels Ans , Tack Jan , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Van Oudenhove Lukas
Published: August 2021

Background

Studies using somatic pain models have shown the hypoalgesic effects of slow, deep breathing. We evaluated the effect of slow, deep breathing on visceral pain and explored putative mediating mechanisms including autonomic and emotional responses.

Methods

Fifty‐seven healthy volunteers (36 females, mean age = 22.0 years) performed controlled, deep breathing at a slow frequency (6 breaths per minute), controlled breathing at a normal frequency (14 breaths per minute; active control), and uncontrolled breathing (no‐treatment control) in randomized order. Moderate painful stimuli were given during each condition by delivering electrical stimulation in the distal esophagus. Participants rated pain intensity after each stimulation. Heart rate variability and self‐reported arousal were measured during each condition.

Key Results

Compared to uncontrolled breathing, pain intensity was lower during slow, deep breathing (Cohen’s d = 0.40) and normal controlled breathing (d = 0.47), but not different between slow, deep breathing and normal controlled breathing. Arousal was lower (d = 0.53, 0.55) and heart rate variability was higher (d = 0.70, 0.86) during slow, deep breathing compared to the two control conditions. The effect of slow, deep breathing on pain was not mediated by alterations in heart rate variability or arousal but was moderated by pain catastrophizing.

Conclusions and Inferences

Slow, deep breathing can reduce visceral pain intensity. However, the effect is not specific to the slow breathing frequency and is not mediated by autonomic or emotional responses, suggesting other underlying mechanisms (notably distraction). Whether a long‐term practice of slow, deep breathing can influence (clinical) visceral pain warrants to be investigated.
The genome of a nonphotosynthetic diatom provides insights into the metabolic shift to heterotrophy and constraints on the loss of photosynthesis
Authors: Onyshchenko Anastasiia , Roberts Wade R. , Ruck Elizabeth C. , Lewis Jeffrey A. , Alverson Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Although most of the tens of thousands of diatom species are photoautotrophs, a small number of heterotrophic species no longer photosynthesize. We sequenced the genome of a nonphotosynthetic diatom,NitzschiaNitz4, to determine how carbon metabolism was altered in the wake of this trophic shift.

NitzschiaNitz4 has retained its plastid and plastid genome, but changes associated with the transition to heterotrophy were cellular‐wide and included losses of photosynthesis‐related genes from the nuclear and plastid genomes, elimination of isoprenoid biosynthesis in the plastid, and remodeling of mitochondrial glycolysis to maximize adenosine triphosphte (ATP) yield. The genome contains a β‐ketoadipate pathway that may allowNitzschiaNitz4 to metabolize lignin‐derived compounds.

Diatom plastids lack an oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (oPPP), leaving photosynthesis as the primary source of NADPH to support essential biosynthetic pathways in the plastid and, by extension, limiting available sources of NADPH in nonphotosynthetic plastids.

The genome revealed similarities between nonphotosynthetic diatoms and apicomplexan parasites for provisioning NADPH in their plastids and highlighted the ancestral absence of a plastid oPPP as a potentially important constraint on loss of photosynthesis, a hypothesis supported by the higher frequency of transitions to parasitism or heterotrophy in lineages that have a plastid oPPP.
The evolutionary assembly of forest communities along environmental gradients: recent diversification or sorting of pre‐adapted clades?
Authors: Linan Alexander G. , Myers Jonathan A. , Edwards Christine E. , Zanne Amy E. , Smith Stephen A. , Arellano Gabriel , Cayola Leslie , Farfan‐Ríos William , Fuentes Alfredo F. , García‐Cabrera Karina , González‐Caro Sebastián , Loza M. Isabel , Macía Manuel J. , Malhi Yadvinder , Nieto‐Ariza Beatriz , Salinas Norma , Silman Miles , Tello J. Sebastián
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated that ecological processes that shape community structure and dynamics change along environmental gradients. However, much less is known about how the emergence of the gradients themselves shape the evolution of species that underlie community assembly. In this study, we address how the creation of novel environments leads to community assembly via two nonmutually exclusive processes: immigration and ecological sorting of pre‐adapted clades (ISPC), and recent adaptive diversification (RAD). We study these processes in the context of the elevational gradient created by the uplift of the Central Andes.

We develop a novel approach and method based on the decomposition of species turnover into within‐ and among‐clade components, where clades correspond to lineages that originated before mountain uplift. Effects of ISPC and RAD can be inferred from how components of turnover change with elevation. We test our approach using data from over 500 Andean forest plots.

We found that species turnover between communities at different elevations is dominated by the replacement of clades that originated before the uplift of the Central Andes.

Our results suggest that immigration and sorting of clades pre‐adapted to montane habitats is the primary mechanism shaping tree communities across elevations.
Sicca syndrome associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Harris Jack A. , Huang Kevin , Miloslavsky Eli , Hanna Glenn J.
Published: August 2021

Cancer immunotherapy, which seeks to stimulate a patient's own immune system to combat cancer, is quickly becoming a central pillar of cancer therapeutics and has resulted in the development of many novel anticancer therapies. One subtype of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized cancer treatment and changed the standard of care for multiple indications. However, the advent of ICIs has produced a wide variety of inflammatory side effects termed immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs), including ICI‐induced Sicca syndrome. This article outlines the clinical features of ICI‐induced Sicca syndrome and assesses its reported incidence in clinical trials, case series, and case reports across numerous cancers and treatment modalities. Presentations of ICI‐induced Sicca syndrome in patients with pre‐existing Sjӧgren's disease and with extra‐glandular manifestations will also be explored. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IRAEs, including ICI‐induced Sicca syndrome, will be evaluated through an examination of existing literature. Finally, the various treatment and management strategies as well as aims for future work will be discussed and reviewed.
Time‐series eco‐metabolomics reveals extensive reshuffling in metabolome during transition from cold acclimation to de‐acclimation in an alpine shrub
Authors: Rathore Nikita , Thakur Dinesh , Kumar Dinesh , Chawla Amit , Kumar Sanjay
Published: August 2021

Recording environmentally induced variations in the metabolome in plants can be a promising approach for understanding the complex patterns of metabolic regulation and their eco‐physiological consequences. Here, we studied metabolome‐wide changes and eco‐physiological adjustments occurring across the year at high elevation environments in the leaf tissue of Rhododendron anthopogon, an alpine evergreen shrub of the Himalaya. New leaves of R. anthopogon appear after the snow‐melt and remain intact even when the plants get covered under snow (November–June). During this whole period, they may undergo several physiological and biochemical adjustments in response to fluctuating temperatures and light conditions. To understand these changes, we analyzed eco‐physiological traits, that is, freezing resistance, dry matter content and % of nitrogen and the overall metabolome across 10 different time‐points, from August until the snowfall in November 2017, and then from June to August 2018. As anticipated, the freezing resistance increased toward the onset of winters. The leaf tissues exhibited a complete reshuffling of the metabolome during the growth cycle and time‐points segregated into four clusters directly correlating with distinct phases of acclimation: non‐acclimation (August 22, 2017; August 14, 2018), early cold acclimation (September 12, September 29, October 11, 2017), late cold acclimation (October 23, November 4, 2017), and de‐acclimation (June 15, June 28, July 14, 2018). Cold acclimation involved metabolic progression (101 metabolites) with an increase of up to 19.4‐fold (gentiobiose), whereas de‐acclimation showed regression (120 metabolites) with a decrease of up to 30‐fold (sucrose). The changes in the metabolome during de‐acclimation were maximum and were not just a reversal of cold acclimation. Our results provided insights into the direction and magnitude of physiological changes in Rhododendron anthopogon that occurred across the year.
Post‐loss power building: The feedback effects of policy loss on group identity and collective action
Authors: Lacombe Matthew J.
Published: August 2021

Studies of policy feedback have produced an increasingly nuanced understanding of when, why, and how public policies generate—or fail to generate—political effects that entrench the policies themselves and provide benefits to their proponents. Left open, however, is the question of whether policies can paradoxically generate political benefits for those who opposed them. This paper extends the study of policy feedback by exploring the mechanisms through and conditions under which organized groups can counterintuitively use policy losses to build power moving forward. It then demonstrates how post‐loss power building operates by exploring the National Rifle Association’s historical use of gun policy losses to reinforce a shared identity among its supporters, which it later uses to spur collective action on behalf of gun rights. The analysis shows how policy outcomes can interact with the identity‐building efforts of organized groups in ways that enable those groups to use losses to their long‐term advantage.
Can locally sourced inoculum and biochar synergistically improve the establishment of mycorrhizal fungi in mine tailings?
Authors: Frewert Austin , Trippe Kristin , Cheeke Tanya E.
Published: August 2021

The severely degraded soils at abandoned mine lands present several environmental challenges, including extreme pH, nutrient deficiency, and compaction, which can limit plant growth. Amending soils with biochar and/or mycorrhizal fungi may attenuate these constraints. However, the efficacy of amendments for improving the establishment of native plant species in restorations can be context dependent; pairing the right plant species with the right amendment is crucial to the success of restoration goals. In a greenhouse experiment, we evaluated the growth responses of two native plant species in soils collected from the Formosa Mine Superfund Site (Riddle, OR, U.S.A.). Seedlings ofElymus glaucusandPseudotsuga menziesiiwere grown in tailings amended with biochar, locally collected rhizosphere soil containing a suite of soil microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi, a combination of biochar and rhizosphere soil, or were unamended. We hypothesized that (1) individual amendments would increase plant biomass compared to controls and (2) that the co‐amended treatments would have a synergistic effect on plant growth. Instead, we detected no effect of rhizosphere soil or the co‐amendment on the growth of either plant species and found that biochar reduced the shoot biomass and leaf chlorophyll content ofE. glaucus. Despite the lack of growth response, we observed significant rates of mycorrhizal colonization in the plants amended with local rhizosphere soil, demonstrating that locally sourced fungi can survive and proliferate in the amended Formosa tailings. Thus, inoculated seedlings of native plant species could provide essential ground cover and long‐term habitat for developing mycorrhizal communities in mine tailings.
Preventing potential pitfalls of a liberalized potassium diet in the hemodialysis population
Authors: Sussman‐Dabach Elizabeth J. , Joshi Shivam , Dupuis Léonie , White Jennifer A. , Siavoshi Mehrnaz , Slukhinsky Susanna , Singh Bhupinder , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar
Published: August 2021

Emerging research suggests that a more liberalized diet, specifically a more plant‐based diet resulting in liberalization of potassium intake, for people receiving hemodialysis is necessary and the benefits outweigh previously thought risks. If the prescribed hemodialysis diet is to be liberalized, the need to illuminate and prevent potential pitfalls of a liberalized potassium diet is warranted. This paper explores such topics as partial to full adherence to a liberalized diet and its consequences if any, the advantages of a high‐fiber intake, the theoretical risk of anemia when consuming a more plant‐dominant diet, the potential benefits against renal acid load and effect on metabolic acidosis with increased fruit and vegetable intake, the putative change in serum potassium levels, carbohydrate quality, and the healthfulness of meat substitutes. The benefits of a more plant‐based diet for the hemodialysis population are multifold; however, the possible pitfalls of this type of diet must be reviewed and addressed upon meal planning in order to be avoided.
Racial prejudice, education, and views of climate change
Authors: Benegal Salil D. , Holman Mirya R.
Published: August 2021

Objective

We examine the role of education in shaping attitudes about climate change and how it interacts with racial prejudice.

Methods

We analyze data from the 2012 and 2016 American National Election Study (ANES) and 2018 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES).

Results

We identify a paradoxical relationship in which education is associated with both lower levels of racial prejudice and increased support for climate policies, but also strengthens the negative effects of prejudices that persist at higher levels of educational attainment. For individuals with racially prejudiced views, we find that educational attainment decreases both agreement with the scientific consensus and support for climate policies. Our results hold up in evaluating Democrats and Republicans and using alternative measures of racial bias.

Conclusion

Our results contribute to our understanding of the barriers to action on climate change and the continued salience of racial prejudice in the United States.
Does foreign capital dependence affect carbon dioxide emissions in less‐developed countries? A cross‐national analysis, 1980–2014
Authors: Mejia Steven Andrew
Published: August 2021

Objective

I estimate the effect of foreign investment dependence on carbon dioxide emissions in developing countries with methods and data that address the numerous limitations of previous research on the same topic.

Methods

I use fixed effects panel regression models that account for first‐order autocorrelation with a sample of 109 developing countries from 1980–2014.

Results

I find that foreign capital dependence is positively associated with carbon dioxide emissions. I also find economic development, total population, urbanization, and export intensity are positively associated with carbon dioxide emissions, while domestic investment is inversely associated with carbon dioxide emissions.

Conclusion

This analysis provides even stronger empirical support for the ecostructural theory of foreign capital dependence than previous research on the same topic.