bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Antigen Presentation is the Canonical Pathway of Cytomegalovirus CD8 T-cell Priming Regulated by Balanced Immune Evasion Mounting a Strong Antiviral Response
Authors: Büttner Julia K. , Becker Sara , Fink Annette , Brinkmann Melanie M. , Holtappels Rafaela , Reddehase Matthias J. , Lemmermann Niels A.
Published: September 2023

CD8 T cells are the main antiviral effectors of the adaptive immune response to cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) in confining acute infection and in long-term surveillance of latent infection. An unresolved issue of debate, with diametrically opposite conclusions, is the mechanism by which CMV-specific naïve CD8 T cells are primed. The idea of priming by antigen cross-presentation through uninfected professional antigen presenting cells taking up viral proteins derived from infected cells was based on the observation that the net response is not improved when direct presentation is enhanced by deletion of viral ‘immune evasion’ genes affecting the classical MHC class-I pathway of antigen presentation. Redundance of priming mechanisms has been demonstrated by experimental models in which either pathway has been rendered inaccessible, so that both pathways are, in principle, capable of priming CD8 T cells. For studying CMV-specific priming in the normal host competent in both antigen presentation pathways, we took the novel approach to enhance instead of delete immune evasion protein expression. Surprisingly, the net magnitude of the CD8 T-cell response in the regional lymph node draining a local site of infection was identical for the contrasts of reduced or enhanced direct antigen presentation. At first glance, this may lead one to conclude that direct presentation plays no role in priming. This interpretation, however, is incompatible with the finding that an intermediate extent of direct antigen presentation, as it exists for wild-type virus, resulted in the best CD8 T-cell response. Our findings thus revealed an essential positive role of a balanced viral immune evasion in mounting a strong antiviral immune response. This novel insight sheds a completely new light on the acquisition of viral immune evasion genes during virus-host co-evolution.
Single-B cell analysis correlates high-lactate secretion with stress and increased apoptosis
Authors: Bucheli Olivia T.M. , Rodrigues Daniela , Portmann Kevin , Linder Aline , Thoma Marina , Halin Cornelia , Eyer Klaus
Published: September 2023

While cellular metabolism was proposed to be a driving factor of the activation and differentiation of B cells and the function of the resulting antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), the study of correlations between cellular metabolism and functionalities has been difficult due to the absence of technologies enabling the parallel measurement. Herein, we performed single-cell transcriptomics and introduced a direct concurrent functional and metabolic flux quantitation of individual murine B cells. Our transcriptomic data identified lactate metabolism as dynamic in ASCs, but antibody secretion did not correlate with lactate secretion rates (LSRs). Instead, our study of all splenic B cells during an immune response linked increased lactate metabolism with acidic intracellular pH and the upregulation of apoptosis. T cell-dependent responses increased LSRs, and added TLR4 agonists affected the magnitude and boosted LSRhighB cellsin vivo, while resulting in only a few immunoglobulin-G secreting cells (IgG-SCs). Therefore, our observations indicated that LSRhighcells were not differentiating into IgG-SCs, and were rather removed due to apoptosis.
Multidimensional analysis of preoperative patient-reported outcomes identifies distinct phenotypes in patients booked for total knee arthroplasty: Secondary analysis of the SHARKS registry in a metropolitan hospital department
Authors: McGill Raquel , Scholes Corey , Torbey Stephen , Calabro Lorenzo
Published: September 2023

Background

Traditional research on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) relies on preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to predict postoperative satisfaction. We aim to identify distinct patient phenotypes among TKA candidates, and investigate their correlations with patient characteristics.

Methods

Between 2017-2021, 389 patients with 450 primary knee cases at a metropolitan public hospital were enrolled in a clinical quality registry. Demographics, clinical data, and the Veterans Rand 12 (VR-12) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were collected. Imputed data were utilised for the primary analysis, employing k-means clustering to identify four phenotypes. ANOVA assessed differences in scores between clusters, and nominal logistic regression determined relationships between phenotypes and patient age, sex, body mass index, and laterality.

Results

The sample comprised 389 patients with 450 primary knees. Phenotype 4 (Mild symptoms with good mental health) exhibited superior physical function and overall health. In contrast, patients in phenotype 2 (Severe symptoms with poor mental health) experienced the most knee pain and health issues. Phenotype 1 (Moderate symptoms with good mental health) reported high mental health scores despite knee pain and physical impairment. Patient characteristics significantly correlated with phenotypes; those in the Severe symptoms with poor mental health phenotype were more likely to be younger, female, have a higher BMI, and bilateral osteoarthritis (P<0.05).

Conclusions

This multidimensional analysis identified TKA patient phenotypes based on common PROMs, revealing associations with patient demographics. This approach has the potential to inform prognostic models, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in joint replacement.

Significance and Innovations

This study leverages the power of machine learning to simultaneously analyse multiple patient-reported outcome measures, which is not utilised in traditional research in total knee arthroplasty

Four distinct phenotypes were identified, and they demonstrated significant associations with patient demographics

This method has potential for developing prognostic models in joint replacement, with the ability to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Bead-based approaches to CRISPR diagnostics
Authors: Siddiqui Sameed M. , Welch Nicole L. , Nguyen Tien G. , Razmi Amaya , Chang Tianyi , Senft Rebecca , Arizti-Sanz Jon , Mirhashemi Marzieh E. , Stirling David R. , Ackerman Cheri M. , Cimini Beth A. , Blainey Paul C. , Sabeti Pardis C. , Myhrvold Cameron
Published: September 2023

CRISPR-based diagnostics have emerged as a promising tool for fast, accurate, and portable pathogen detection. There has been rapid progress in areas such as pre-amplification processes and CRISPR-related enzymes, but the development of reporter systems and reaction platforms has lagged behind. In this paper, we develop new bead-based techniques that can help fill both gaps. First, we develop a novel bead-based split-luciferase reporter system with improved sensitivity compared to standard fluorescence-based reporter design in CRISPR diagnostics. Second, we develop a highly deployable, bead-based platform capable of detecting nine distinct viral targets in parallelized, droplet-based reactions. We demonstrate the enhanced performance of both approaches on synthetic and clinical samples. Together, these systems represent new modalities in CRISPR diagnostics with increased sensitivity, speed, multiplexing, and deployability.
Analysis of rare variants in 470,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants implicates novel genes affecting risk of hypertension
Authors: Curtis David
Published: September 2023

Background

A previous study of 200,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants to test for association of rare coding variants with hypertension implicated two genes at exome-wide significance,DNMT3AandFES. A total of 42 genes had an uncorrected p value < 0.001. These results were followed up in a larger sample of 470,000 exome-sequenced participants.

Methods and Results

Weighted burden analysis of rare coding variants in a new sample of 97,050 cases and 172,263 controls was carried out for these 42 genes. Those showing evidence for association were then analysed in the combined sample of 167,127 cases and 302,691 controls. The association ofDNMT3AandFESwith hypertension was replicated in the new sample and they and the previously implicated geneNPR1were all exome-wide significant in the combined sample. Also exome-wide significant as risk genes for hypertension wereGUCY1A1,ASXL1andSMAD6, whileGUCY1B1had a nominal p value of < 0.0001. For two genes,INPPL1andDBH, rare coding variants predicted to impair gene function were protective against hypertension, again with exome-wide significance.

Conclusions

The findings offer new insights into biological risk factors for hypertension which could be the subject of further investigation. In particular, genetic variants predicted to impair the function of either membrane-bound guanylate cyclase, activated by natriuretic peptides, or soluble guanylate cyclase, activated by nitric oxide, increase risk of hypertension. Conversely, variants impairing the function of dopamine beta hydroxylase, responsible for the synthesis of norepinephrine, reduce hypertension risk.

This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource.
Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography Metrics in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Cerebral Microbleeds
Authors: Soo Yannie , Cheung Carol Y. , Yang Dawei , Abrigo Jill , Lam Bonnie , Zheng Huijing , Tsang Suk Fung , Ip Bonaventure , Chu Winnie , Mok Vincent , Leung Thomas ,   the iSAVE Investigators
Published: September 2023

Background

Presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB) on MRI brain, increases risk of intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who require anticoagulation. The retina shares similar embryological and pathological properties with cerebral vessels. Studying changes in retinal vasculature at capillary level associated with presence of CMB may provide complementary prognostic information to assess risk of anticoagulant-related intracerebral hemorrhage.

We aimed to investigate changes in the retinal capillary network associated with presence of CMB in patients with AF using Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography (OCT-A).

Methods

Patients with AF were prospectively recruited to undergo both OCT-A and MRI brain. OCT-A metrics of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) at macular region, along with the radial peripapillary capillary network at disc center were measured quantitatively by an automated image analysis program. Multivariable logistic regression and quasi-poisson regression were performed to investigate the association of OCT-A metrics with presence and burden of CMBs respectively. Significant OCT-A metrics were compared between patients with AF and healthy control subjects.

Results

Among 99 patients with AF, 29 patients had CMB. A larger foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in SCP, also higher vessel diameter index (VDI) across SCP, DCP and disc center were significantly associated with presence and burden of CMB, after adjusting for age, diabetes mellitus, white matter hyperintensities ratio, image quality index, age, duration between OCT-A and MRI. A lower vessel density in SCP was associated with presence but not burden of CMB. Compared with healthy control, FAZ and VDI across SCP, DCP and disc area remained consistently different between patients with AF and control group.

Conclusions

This pilot study provides preliminary data supporting potential role of OCT-A to assist risk-stratification of bleeding-prone microangiopathy for patients with AF who require anticoagulation. Further studies with larger sample size and different ethnic groups are needed.
COVID-19 vaccines and autoimmune disorders: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Chaufan Claudia , Manwell Laurie , Heredia Camila , McDonald Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Background

Two years into the global vaccination program, important questions about the association between COVID-19 vaccines and autoimmune diseases have arisen. A growing number of reports have documented associations between COVID-19 vaccination and autoimmunity, suggesting, for example, a causal link between vaccination and new-onset and/or relapsing autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Graves disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. These autoimmune phenomena have occurred with various COVID-19 vaccines and research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and causal directions, for example, whether persons with no history of autoimmune disorders may experience them upon vaccination or persons with autoimmune disorders may experience exacerbation or new adverse events post-vaccination.

Methods and analysis

Specific objectives of this scoping review will address the following questions: Can COVID-19 vaccination trigger and/or exacerbate autoimmune disorders? Are persons with autoimmune disorders at higher risk of experiencing additional autoimmune disorders? What are the mechanisms connecting autoimmune disorders with COVID-19 vaccination? Can COVID-19 vaccination interact with immunosuppressive therapy in persons with autoimmune disorders? Does the risk of autoimmune disorders following COVID-19 vaccination differ by vaccine type, age, gender, or other still unidentified characteristics (e.g., SES)? What is the consensus of care concerning COVID-19 vaccination in persons with autoimmune disorders and what evidence informs it? Our review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, enhanced by Levac et al.’s team-based approach (2010), and adhering to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. To capture the broadest range of perspectives on the phenomenon of interest, data will be synthesized through numerical summaries describing general characteristics of included studies and thematic analysis. Subgroup analysis of primary outcomes will be performed to compare findings according to 1) the previous existence of autoimmune disorder, 2) the presence of relevant co-morbidities, 3) vaccine type; and other relevant factors that we may encounter as the research proceeds.

Significance

COVID-19 has triggered the largest vaccination campaign in history, targeting literally the global human community. Drug safety is a crucial aspect of any medical intervention, critical to a proper assessment of the balance of risks and benefits. Our investigation should yield information useful to improve medical and public health practice in multiple ways, including assisting in clinical decision-making, policy development, and ethical medical practice.
Protein coopted from a phage restriction system dictates orthogonal cell division plane selection inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ramos-León Félix , Anjuwon-Foster Brandon R. , Anantharaman Vivek , Ferreira Colby N. , Ibrahim Amany M. , Tai Chin-Hsien , Missiakas Dominique M. , Camberg Jodi L. , Aravind L. , Ramamurthi Kumaran S.
Published: September 2023

The spherical bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of nosocomial infections, undergoes binary fission by dividing in two alternating orthogonal planes, but the mechanism by whichS. aureuscorrectly selects the next cell division plane is not known. To identify cell division placement factors, we performed a chemical genetic screen that revealed a gene which we termedpcdA. We show that PcdA is a member of the McrB family of AAA+ NTPases that has undergone structural changes and a concomitant functional shift from a restriction enzyme subunit to an early cell division protein. PcdA directly interacts with the tubulin-like central divisome component FtsZ and localizes to future cell division sites before membrane invagination initiates. This parallels the action of another McrB family protein, CTTNBP2, which stabilizes microtubules in animals. We show that PcdA also interacts with the structural protein DivIVA and propose that the DivIVA/PcdA complex recruits unpolymerized FtsZ to assemble along the proper cell division plane. Deletion ofpcdAconferred abnormal, non-orthogonal division plane selection, increased sensitivity to cell wall-targeting antibiotics, and reduced virulence in a murine infection model. Targeting PcdA could therefore highlight a treatment strategy for combatting antibiotic-resistant strains ofS. aureus.
Development of a microcosting protocol to determine the economic cost of diagnostic genomic testing for rare diseases in Australia
Authors: Mordaunt Dylan A , Stark Zornitza , Gonzalez Francisco Santos , Dalziel Kim , Goranitis Ilias
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Genomic testing is a relatively new, disruptive and complex health technology with multiple clinical applications in rare diseases, cancer and infection control. Genomic testing is increasingly being implemented into clinical practice, following regulatory approval, funding and adoption in models of care, particularly in the area of rare disease diagnosis. A significant barrier to the adoption and implementation of genomic testing is funding. What remains unclear is what the cost of genomic testing is, what the underlying drivers of cost are and whether policy differences contribute to cost variance in different jurisdictions, such as the requirement to have staff with a medical license involved in testing. This costing study will be useful in future economic evaluations and health technology assessments to inform optimal levels of reimbursement and to support comprehensive and comparable assessment of healthcare resource utilisation in the delivery of genomic testing globally.

Methods

A framework is presented that focuses on uncovering the process of genomic testing for any given laboratory, evaluating its utilization and unit costs, and modelling the cost drivers and overall expenses associated with delivering genomic testing. The goal is to aid in refining and implementing policies regarding both the regulation and funding of genomic testing. A process-focused (activity-based) methodology is outlined, which encompasses resources, assesses individual cost components through a combination of bottom-up and top-down microcosting techniques and allows disaggregation of resource type and process step.

Ethics and dissemination

The outputs of the study will be reported a relevant regional genetics and health economics conferences, as well as submitted to a peer-reviewed journal focusing on genomics.

Article Summary

This method uses key stakeholder interviews, health care resource utilisation and unit cost data collection for estimating the economic cost of diagnostic genomic testing in Australia.

Advancements may include time in motion studies or greater reporting detail but with a trade-off in feasibility.

Probabilistic modelling addresses uncertainty inherent in input estimates.

The study does not incorporate variations in testing pathways, such as resequencing stored DNA costs or reanalysis of existing sequencing data.

Automating ongoing monitoring of changes in genomic testing workflows, resource utilisation and costs would be beneficial.
Gender diversity of board of directors and shareholders: Machine learning exploration during COVID-19
Authors: Papíková Lenka , Papík Mário
Published: September 2023

Purpose

European Parliament adopted a new directive on gender balance in corporate boards when by 2026, companies must employ 40% of the underrepresented sex into non-executive directors or 33% among all directors. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of gender diversity (GD) on board of directors and the shareholders’ structure and their impact on the likelihood of company bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The data sample consists of 1,351 companies for 2019 and 2020, of which 173 were large, 351 medium-sized companies and 827 small companies. Three bankruptcy indicators were tested for each company size, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and logistic regression models were developed. These models were then cross-validated by a 10-fold approach.

Findings

XGBoost models achieved area under curve (AUC) over 98%, which is 25% higher than AUC achieved by logistic regression. Prediction models with GD features performed slightly better than those without them. Furthermore, this study indicates the existence of critical mass between 30% and 50%, which decreases the probability of bankruptcy for small and medium companies. Furthermore, the representation of women in ownership structures above 50% decreases bankruptcy likelihood.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study to explore GD topics by application of ensembled machine learning methods. Moreover, the study does analyze not only the GD of boards but also shareholders. A highly innovative approach is GD analysis based on company size performed in one study considering the COVID-19 pandemic perspective.
Resolving conflict in interpersonal relationships using passive, aggressive, and assertive verbal statements
Authors: Winer Steve , Ramos Salazar Leslie , Anderson Amy M. , Busch Mike
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend Bippus and Young’s (2005) study and examine the effectiveness of the “I-you,” “I,” “You,” “We,” “But” and Question-based “Why” statements from Winer’s (2021) verbal coding program of conflict management using Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory (SLT).

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods were used using 175 university students from Texas and New York. A cross-sectional convenience sampling approach was conducted. Survey data was collected using Qualtrics.

Findings

Descriptive results demonstrated that the “We” statement was the most passive, the “I-you” statement was the most assertive and the “But,” “I,” “You” and Question statements were perceived to be aggressive. In addition, assertive “I-You” statements were perceived to be more effective in resolving the conflict and maintaining a relationship, whereas aggressive statements were less likely to resolve the conflict and maintain the relationship. Qualitative themes also support the “I-You” statement as the most assertive, while the “But,” “You” and “I” statements were found to be the most aggressive statements.

Practical implications

Implications and applications are discussed to stimulate future research among researchers and practitioners when addressing conflict. Being aware of the verbal statements that de-escalate conflict may be helpful in solving conflict in interpersonal, family and professional relationships. Future trainings can adopt effective verbal statements to resolve conflict when experiencing anger issues. Future research can continue to investigate verbal communication statements using SLT to help practitioners and managers address conflict in interpersonal relationships.

Originality/value

This study examines verbal statements in relation to communication styles and conflict management.
Can a firm's hierarchical complexity affect its stock price behavior? Evidence from stock price crash risk
Authors: Phan Hoàng Long , Zurbruegg Ralf
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper examines how a firm's hierarchical complexity, which is determined by the way it organizes its subsidiaries across the hierarchical levels, can impact its stock price crash risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a measure of hierarchical complexity that captures the depth and breadth of how subsidiaries are organized within a firm. This measure is calculated using information about firms' subsidiaries extracted from the Bureau van Dijk (BvD) database that allows the authors to construct each firm's hierarchical structure. The data sample includes 2,461 USA firms for the period from 2012 to 2017 (11,006 firm-year observations). Univariate tests and panel regression are used for the main analysis. Two-stage-least-squares (2SLS) instrumental variable regression and various other tests are employed for robustness check.

Findings

The results show a positive relationship between hierarchical complexity and stock price crash risk. This relationship is amplified in firms with a greater number of subsidiaries that are hierarchically distanced from the parent company as well as in firms with a greater number of foreign subsidiaries in countries with weaker rule of law.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to investigate the impact hierarchical complexity has on crash risk. The results highlight the role that a firm's organizational structure can have on asset pricing behavior.
When suppliers engage in sustainable supply chain management: how does the stock market react?
Authors: Wang Jason X. , Choi Tsan-Ming , Wood Lincoln C. , Olesen Karin , Reiners Torsten
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), driven by the downstream buyers' power, transfers sustainability responsibilities to the upstream supplier. In contrast to the heavily-focused buyers' perspective in the literature, the authors investigate how this buyer-driven SSCM influences suppliers' performance, using the measure of stock market reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded by the resource dependence theory (RDT), the authors empirically analyze the power effect on suppliers. Event study methodology and regression analysis are used, based on a sample of 1977 paired supplier observations from 1990 to 2016.

Findings

The result suggests that although a negative stock market reaction for suppliers in SSCM exists, the effect is less negative at a high level of buyer and supplier dependence. For the investigation of the “consolidated SSCM initiative,” where buyers acquire exogenous power by collaboratively managing SSCM with their peers, the authors uncover that the negative impact of this consolidated SSCM initiative can be mitigated by the high interdependence that generates relational norms in the dyads.

Research limitations/implications

The authors focus on dyadic relationships. Future research can use the study's findings to study the SSCM diffusion to lower-tier suppliers.

Practical implications

This paper has good managerial implications for both suppliers and buyers. The authors propose dependence-based strategies for supplier managers to reduce uncertainty in SSCM. Moreover, buyer managers can use the study's findings to strengthen suppliers' commitment.

Originality/value

The novelty of examining the suppliers' perspective contributes to exploring the supply chain impact of SSCM. The authors extend RDT and show that high dependence is not necessarily detrimental to suppliers in this buyer-driven SSCM context. The interesting finding of interdependence in the context of the consolidated SSCM initiative brings new insights that relational norms constrain the leverage of power in the dyads and are beneficial to the power-disadvantageous suppliers.
Methods of regulatory impact assessment: critical analysis and alternative method
Authors: El Kadiri Boutchich Driss
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to carry out a critical analysis of the methods used to deal with the regulatory impact assessment while proposing an alternative method to overcome some of the drawbacks of the aforementioned methods.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective of this work, the methods currently used in regulatory impact analysis are presented by highlighting their scope and the problems they may pose during their applications. After that, the adjusted variant of radial measure is suggested as an alternative method to the aforementioned methods while showing its relevance with regard to other methods using pertinent criteria. Finally, for concretization, a case study related to the sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine is presented.

Findings

The findings show that regulations related to the sanctions against Russia are good enough, with a score of 0.846. However, this score is less good in several countries like Germany (0.671), Italy (0.677) and France (0.745) and in the poorest countries.

Originality/value

The originality of this work resides in using a novel method in the regulatory impact analysis field, which is adjusted variant of radial measure. This method increases the effectiveness of the regulatory impact assessment.
Generation Z and Millennial esports gamers’ perceived toxicity risk and game brand loyalty: moderated mediation effects of brand identification, self-efficacy, and support from game brand
Authors: Chang Kun , Lee Hyun-Woo , Bennett Gregg
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The rampant toxic gaming environment in most major esports games has become a challenge in maintaining gamers’ loyalty to the game. Guided by the theory of stress and coping, this study aims to investigate how and under what condition esports gamers’ perceived risk of toxicity may affect game brand loyalty through the moderated mediation effects of game brand identification, self-efficacy, and perceived support from game brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The moderated mediation model was tested using the conditional process analysis (N = 311). The moderating effects of game brand identification on the mediated processes were tested in the model.

Findings

The authors found that self-efficacy and perceived support from game brand were critical mediators between the perceived risk of toxicity and game brand loyalty. However, these mediating effects varied depending on the level of game brand identification.

Originality/value

This study took the step forward by theorizing and empirically examining the relationship between perceived risk of toxicity and consumption outcome by considering both internal and social coping resources and game brand identification, among Generation Z and Millennial gamers in the esports context.
Source height and contact with terrestrial soil drive transplanted epiphyte performance
Authors: Spicer Michelle Elise , Ortega Josué
Published: September 2023

Epiphytes are characterized by their ability to survive without a root connection to the ground, but many basic life‐history traits and ecological trade‐offs of this unique aerial growth habit remain largely uncharacterized. Mortality causes are still not well understood, but falling from the host tree has been suggested as a leading cause of epiphyte mortality and community dynamics. Little empirical evidence exists for why epiphytes do not survive when forced to become terrestrial, and few studies exist that transplant epiphytes between high‐ and low‐forest strata to test trade‐offs between thriving in canopy environments and survival in the forest understorey.

Here, we experimentally test two hypotheses regarding the drivers of epiphyte mortality in a cloud forest of central Panama. We test whether simple contact with terrestrial soil is deleterious to epiphytes, preliminarily testing the epiphyte enemy escape hypothesis, and test the vertical niche differentiation hypothesis, wherein epiphytes are specifically adapted for microsites throughout the vertical forest strata. By monitoring survival, leaf loss and health status of 270 transplanted epiphytes for a year and a half, we pinpoint the extent to which soil contact and height of origin regulate epiphyte performance.

We found that contact with terrestrial soil itself was detrimental to epiphytes in situ, providing some of the first empirical data to explain why falling onto the ground, versus falling into the understorey, is particularly fatal to epiphytes. However, we also found that mortality rates vary substantially among taxonomic groups and among epiphytes that originally came from different height strata.

Synthesis. Plants that are adapted for the canopy experience a trade‐off with higher mortality when in contact with terrestrial soil. Follow‐up studies should explore the role of terrestrial soil microbes and physiological constraints as potential drivers of decreased grounded epiphyte survival.
Gender dimorphic species flower earlier than cosexuals
Authors: Richardson Sarah J. , McCarthy James K. , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Houliston Gary J. , Ausseil Anne‐Gaelle , Wilton Aaron D. , Clearwater Mike J. , Burge Olivia R. , Perry George L. W. , McGlone Matthew S.
Published: September 2023

The timing of flowering is central to plant life‐history as it initiates sexual reproduction, thus controlling plant interaction with pollinators and climate factors. A fundamental question is: what are the drivers of flowering time strategy in a species?

We assembled mean flowering times for the indigenous dicotyledonous flora of New Zealand (n = 1303 species, including 177 tree species) and used phylogenetic models to determine how climate, plant traits, and evolutionary history (phylogeny) controlled interspecific variation in flowering times across an island flora.

Across all species, on average, flowering was 19 days earlier in abiotically pollinated species relative to biotically pollinated species, 23 days earlier in woody species, relative to herbaceous species, 45 days earlier in species with fleshy‐fruits, relative to species with dry fruits and 31 days earlier in gender dimorphic species, relative to cosexual species. Species in warmer and drier climates flowered earlier than those growing under cool, moist climates.

When all factors were considered together, the strongest influence on flowering time was sexual system: gender dimorphic species flowered earlier than cosexuals, even after accounting for other factors.

Synthesis. We propose that these differences in flowering time arise because of sexual selection for early male flowering and sexual conflict between male and female individuals. As sexual selection and conflict may be stronger in gender dimorphic species than in cosexual species, our study suggests that plant sexual system is an important force structuring the phenology of plant communities, with potential consequences for ecological interactions and ecosystem processes.
‘We manage, but yeah, it's challenging’: A mixed‐methods study of enablers and barriers to hearing assessments for parents of children in metropolitan and regional Australia
Authors: Zussino Jenna , Zupan Barbra , Preston Robyn
Published: September 2023

Background

Early identification and intervention for hearing loss is important for supporting language development. Despite this, parents are required to overcome barriers to access hearing assessments for their children.

Aims

To identify the enablers and barriers to accessing hearing assessments for Australian children identified by their parents, and to compare between metropolitan, regional and rural areas.

Methods & Procedures

This sequential, explanatory mixed‐methods study was undertaken online and included participants in metropolitan, regional and rural area of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. A total of 56 participants participated in the surveys, and 10 participated in semi‐structured interviews.

Outcomes & Results

Participants in metropolitan areas were more likely to have services in their area; however, access to hearing assessment was related more to individual circumstances (including health literacy skills) rather than geographical location. Many participants experienced long wait times, reduced flexibility, and a lack of audiologists experienced in working with children.

Conclusions & Implications

Barriers to hearing assessments (which assist with early identification and intervention for hearing loss) should be addressed so that children have access to clear auditory information to assist with their speech and language development.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

Poor audiological input can lead to poor speech, language and literacy outcomes for children.

What this paper adds to the existing knowledge

Although previous research indicates that people in regional and remote locations experience difficulty accessing health services within a reasonable timeframe, in this study barriers were experienced regardless of geographical location, and were dependent on individual circumstances. Many parents are unaware of the impact of hearing on speech and language.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Further research might examine how health literacy affects access to hearing assessment. Parents shared several potential solutions to these access barriers which should be considered by service providers.
Activation through welfare conditionality and marketisation in active labour market policies: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Nguyen Phuc , Putra Fadillah , Considine Mark , Sanusi Anwar
Published: September 2023

Regardless of their prevalence and considerable expansion since the 1980s, evidence concerning the impact of welfare conditionality and marketisation in active labour market policies (ALMPs) has been inconclusive and mostly limited to developed and transition economies. Using mixed methods for collecting and analysing data, this study investigates the deployment of these two policy instruments in the latest addition to the stock of ALMPs: the Kartu Prakerja Program of Indonesia. Our findings indicate positive effects derived from such incorporation of the two instruments in this new program. Specifically, we observed a high level of jobseekers’ engagement and employment outcomes. The program also shaped the development of a provider market that is of higher standard of professionalism. It, however, is not exempt from problems that seem to be of perennial nature in other welfare‐to‐work programs, pointing to the need for greater service tailoring and provider engagement. Impressively, the program represents an example of a genuine policy learning in both policy formulation and re‐formulation during the time of crisis, given that it has been run successfully, along with various adaptions quickly made in response to changing circumstances.

Points for practitioners

Welfare conditionality and marketisation in the delivery of publicly funded employment services have been two key features of many welfare regimes. However, evidence concerning their impact is still inconclusive and especially lacking in a developing country context.

There exist similarities in the impacts of these two policy instruments across country contexts. Notably, national factors such as economy informality and culture are critical to interpret and understand their impacts.

Coupled with genuine policy learning in both policy formulation and re‐formulation, successful innovations during a time of crisis are possible.
Does Portfolio Momentum Beat Analyst Advice?
Authors: Lee Jaeyong , Batten Jonathan A. , Ham Hyuna , Ryu Doojin
Published: September 2023

We conduct a comparison of three portfolio investment strategies in the US stock market following the implementation of Regulation Fair Disclosure in October 2000. The strategies analyzed are analyst‐recommended, recommendation changes, and momentum portfolios. Across various time periods, company sizes, and industry sectors, the momentum portfolio consistently outperforms the other strategies. Portfolios based on analyst recommendations exhibit poor performance in industries such as consumer staples and materials, which are strongly correlated with oil prices. These industries are susceptible to external demand and supply‐side price shocks that are not adequately captured by analyst recommendations. The findings highlight firstly, the efficacy of the momentum strategy and the limitations of relying solely on analysts’ recommendations, particularly in oil‐dependent sectors; and secondly, the varying dynamics and performance of different investment strategies for investors seeking to optimize their investment decisions across different sectors and market conditions.
Roosting ecology of the southernmost bats, Myotis chiloensis and Histiotus magellanicus, in southern Tierra del Fuego, Chile
Authors: Ossa Gonzalo , Lilley Thomas M. , Waag Austin G. , Meierhofer Melissa B. , Johnson Joseph S.
Published: September 2023

There are few studies of day‐roosting ecology of bats inhabiting the southernmost forests of South America, where cool summer temperatures and land management practices pose several challenges. The goal of the present study was to describe day‐roosting habitats and patterns of thermoregulation in two bat species occurring on Tierra del Fuego, Myotis chiloensis (Chilean myotis) and Histiotus magellanicus (southern big‐eared brown bat), during late austral spring. To do so, we tagged 17 bats with temperature‐sensitive radio‐transmitters, located 17 day‐roosts, and collected 81 days of skin temperature data. We concurrently recorded ambient air temperature to determine its effect on torpor use. Both species were found roosting in large diameter (77.8 ± 6 cm), typically live, Nothofagus pumilio trees (lenga) located on the edges of forest gaps or within stands primarily composed of smaller, younger trees. Bats of both species frequently used torpor, with skin temperatures dropping below a torpor threshold on 89% of days (n = 72) and daily minimum skin temperatures averaging 16.5°C over the course of our study. Average daily air temperature was a significant predictor of torpor use, with lower skin temperatures and more time spent in torpor observed on colder days. Minimum skin temperature and time spent torpid did not vary between bat species, nor did the characteristics of day‐roosts. These data show that spring ambient temperatures in Tierra del Fuego pose an energetic challenge that bats meet through frequent use of torpor and, likely, habitat selection. We recommend local conservation efforts keep these thermal challenges in mind by retaining large trees, which may provide warmer microclimates or room for social groups.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Evidence for resident African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations in Luengue‐Luiana National Park, Angola
Authors: Nieman Willem A.
Published: September 2023

This study aims to fill the knowledge gap and provide evidence of resident African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations in the northeast of Luengue‐Luiana National Park (LLNP) in Angola. Camera traps and direct observations were used to collect data between 2021 and 2023. The results confirm the presence of multiple distinct groups of resident wild dogs within LLNP, with 26–28 individuals identified in each survey year; including captures of females, individuals at different age classes and the same individuals across multiple surveys. The findings support the revision of the IUCN/SSC distribution range of wild dogs in southeastern Angola. It also highlights the lower wild dog numbers in the southeast of LLNP, potentially limiting dispersal to neighbouring countries.
Violence, the Subject, and the Beyond: Achille Mbembe and Violence in International Relations Theory
Authors: Ó Guaire Keagan
Published: September 2023

A double‐barrelled question underpins this special edition: can International Relations (IR) be decolonised? If so, how? I argue that IR's insistence on more‐or‐less concretised subjects, which engage in dialectical relations of struggle, renders the discipline (and the practice it engenders) constitutionally blind to the origins of colonial violence. Traditional theory necessarily elides the violence which forges legible concrete actors and which culminates in colonialism and slavery. I offer a critique of this theoretical structure through Achille Mbembe's reading of Bataille, Fanon, Hegel, and Kojève, and I close by touching on the decolonising potential of Édouard Glissant's work for academic IR. I conclude that IR can indeed be decolonised, but it must become something quite unrecognisable if it is to do so.
A large population‐based study on the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities: A result of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study
Authors: Saffar Soflaei Sara , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Moodi Ghalibaf AmirAli , Jafari Maryam , Alimi Hedieh , Talkhi Nasrin , Shahri Bahram , Heidari‐Bakavoli Alireza , Malakouti Fatemeh , Velayati Mahla , Assaran‐Darban Reza , Abedsaeidi Malihehsadat , Azarian Farnoosh , Latifi MohammadReza , Mohammad Taghizadeh Sarabi Mohammad Reza , Ferns Gordon A. , Esmaily Habibollah , Moohebati Mohsen , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: September 2023

Background

Twelve‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common and inexpensive tool for the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected cardiovascular disease, both in clinical and epidemiological settings. The present study was designed to evaluate ECG abnormalities in Mashhad population.

Methods

ECGs were taken as part of MASHAD cohort study (phase1) and were coded according to the Minnesota coding criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results

Total 9035 ECGs were available for final analysis including 3615 (40.0%) male and 5420 (60.0%) female. Among ECG abnormalities precordial Q wave, major T‐wave abnormalities, inferior Q wave, sinus bradycardia, and left axis deviation were the most prevalent abnormalities. The frequency of precordial and inferior Q wave, inferior QS pattern, major and minor ST abnormalities, major and minor T abnormalities, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White and Brugada pattern, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, left axis deviation, ST elevation, and tall T wave were significantly different between two genders. Moreover, the frequency of Q wave in precordial and aVL leads, QS pattern in precordial and inferior leads, major and minor T‐wave abnormalities, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White, atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, left axis deviation, and ST elevation were significantly different in different age groups. A comparison of the heart rate, P‐wave duration, and QRS duration between men and women indicated that there was a significant difference.

Conclusions

Our finding indicated that the prevalence ECG abnormalities are different between men and women and also it varied in different age groups.
Does hospital setting influence shoulder replacement revision rate? A national comparison of outcomes between private and public settings
Authors: Paltoglou Nicholas G. , Gill Stephen D. , Lorimer Michelle , Corfield Sophia , Page Richard S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Australian healthcare relies on both private and public sectors to meet the demand for surgical care. Rapid growth of shoulder replacement surgery highlights a disparity in service provision, with two‐thirds occurring privately. This study aimed to assess the influence of hospital setting on shoulder replacement revision rate at a national level.

Methods

All primary shoulder replacements recorded by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry from April 2004 to December 2020 were included. Private and public settings were compared for stemmed total shoulder replacement (sTSR) for osteoarthritis (OA), reverse total shoulder replacement (rTSR) for OA/cuff arthropathy (CA), and rTSR for fracture. The primary outcome was cumulative percent revision (CPR), with Kaplan–Meier estimates of survivorship to determine differences between private and public hospitals, recorded as hazard ratios (HR). Secondary analyses investigated differences between hospital settings, targeting hospital outliers for revision and prosthesis selection.

Results

Primary sTSR (OA) demonstrated a higher revision rate in private hospitals compared to public hospitals (HR = 1.27; P = 0.001), as did rTSR (OA/CA) after 3 months (HR = 1.33; P = 0.003). However, no significant difference was observed for primary rTSR (fracture) (HR = 1.10; P = 0.484). Restricting rTSR (OA/CA) to the best performing prosthesis combinations eliminated the difference between private and public outcomes (HR 1.10; P = 0.415). No other secondary analysis altered the primary result.

Conclusions

Differences exist between private and public hospitals for revision rate following primary shoulder replacement. Prosthesis selection accounts for some of the variation. Further analysis into patient specific characteristics is necessary to better understand these disparities.