bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Past and Present, Religious and Secular in Religious Archives
Authors: Wolffe John
Published: July 2024

This introductory article surveys the situation of religious archives, locating the UK experience in a wider international context. It surveys existing literature on religious archives, noting concerns about the failure of many religious organisations to keep archives and the challenges of preservation and accessibility for those that do. There is a particular need to ensure the preservation of the archival record of religious groups with shorter but now significant histories and to respond to the opportunities and challenges of digitisation. Three key creative tensions for religious archives are then explored. First, archives are records of the past, but they are also shaped by present concerns, both those of the past present in which they were collected and the present and future present of ongoing curation and interpretation. Second, “religious” archives also evidence “secular” activity, from mundane but historically revealing details of daily life to the involvement of religious leaders in national politics and international relations. Conversely, much evidence regarding religion is to be found in “secular” archive collections. Finally, religious archives serve a variety of constituencies, including the institution that generated them, academics and the general public. Herein lie tensions, but also rich complementarities.
Temporal and external validation of the algorithm predicting first trimester outcome of a viable pregnancy
Authors: Stamatopoulos Nicole , Ngo Donna , Lu Chuan , Espada Vaquero Mercedes , Leonardi Mathew , Condous George
Published: July 2024

Background

Symptoms like vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in early pregnancy can create anxiety about potential miscarriage. Previous studies have demonstrated ultrasonographic variables at the first trimester transvaginal scan (TVS) which can assist in predicting outcomes by 12 weeks gestation.

Aim

To validate the miscarriage risk prediction model (MRP) in women who present with a viable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) at the primary ultrasound.

Materials and Methods

A multi‐centre diagnostic study of 1490 patients was performed between 2011 and 2019 for retrospective external and 2017–2019 for prospective temporal validation. The reference standard was a viable pregnancy at 12 + 6 weeks. The MRP model is a multinomial logistic regression model based on maternal age, embryonic heart rate, logarithm (gestational sac volume/crown‐rump length (CRL)) ratio, CRL and presence or absence of clots.

Results

Temporal validation data from 290 viable IUPs were collected: 225 were viable at the end of the first trimester, 31 had miscarried and 34 were lost to follow‐up. External validation data from 1203 viable IUPs were collected at two other ultrasound units: 1062 were viable, 69 had miscarried and 72 were lost to follow‐up. Temporal validation with a cut‐off of 0.1 demonstrated: area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8 (0.7–0.9), sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 83.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 35.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) 94.9%, positive likelihood ration (LR+) 4.1 and negative LR (LR−) 0.4. External validation demonstrated: AUC 0.7 (0.7–0.8), sensitivity 44.9%, specificity 90.4%, PPV 23.3%, NPV 96.2%, LR+ 4.6 and LR− 0.6 (0.4–0.7).

Conclusion

The MRP model is not able to be used in real time for counselling, and management should be individualised.
Bureaucratic Politicisation and Insurgent Bureaucrats: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Nicholls Walter J. , Baran Ian
Published: July 2024

Municipal bureaucrats in the United States—mostly on the social side of the state (e.g. public health, welfare, educators, housing, and sometimes urban planners) but not exclusively so (e.g. district attorney offices)—have shown growing willingness to engage in political battles within the bureaucracy, connect with social movements, and construct oppositional identities centred on social and racial justice. Critical urban theories of the state highlight important constraints that shape state strategies, functions, and policies but tell us little about the contradictions propelling some bureaucrats into political contests over power and legitimacy. Consequently, we turn to theorists who conceive of the bureaucratic state as a contradictory and relatively autonomous field where conflicts between dominated and dominant bureaucrats overlap and converge with conflicts between dominated and dominant class forces (Bourdieu, Gramsci, Hall, and Poulantzas). Their observations are used to formulate the three propositions that underpin our theoretical framework. These propositions draw attention to the structural, relational, and conjunctural processes involved in forming individual bureaucrats into an insurgent political subject.
Maternal mortality due to obstetric hemorrhage by surgical injury during cesarean section: A nationwide study
Authors: de Vries Pauline L. M. , Verspyck Eric , Morau Estelle , Saucedo Monica , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine ,   the ENCMM study group
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Obstetric hemorrhage remains a largely preventable cause of maternal mortality globally. The contribution of uterine atony to hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality has decreased in France, while the contribution of other causes of obstetric hemorrhage such as surgical injury during cesarean has been reported to increase. However, little evidence exists regarding the risk factors and care processes of women who died from this cause of hemorrhage. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical profile, underlying mechanisms, and preventability factors among women who died from obstetric hemorrhage by surgical injury during cesarean section.

Material and Methods

Nationwide analysis of all hemorrhage‐related maternal deaths by surgical injury during cesarean in France identified by the nationwide permanent enhanced maternal mortality surveillance system (ENCMM) between 2007 and 2018. We described the characteristics of the women, delivery hospitals, circumstances of hemorrhage, features of obstetric and resuscitation/transfusion care, and main preventability factors.

Results

Between 2007 and 2018, hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality in France decreased from 1.6/100 000 live births (95% CI 1.1–2.2) (39/2 472 650) in 2007–2009 to 0.8/100 000 live births (95% CI 0.5–1.3) (19/2 311 783) in 2016–2018. Hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality ratio due to surgical injury during cesarean increased from 0.08 (95% CI 0.01–0.3) (2/2 472 650) to 0.2 (95% CI 0.07–0.5) (5/2 311 783) per 100 000 live births. Among the 18 women who died from surgical injury during cesarean over the 12‐year study period, we report a high prevalence of obesity (67%, 12/18), previous cesarean (72%, 13/18), and second‐stage cesareans (56%, 10/18). In 22% (4/18), cesarean section was performed in a hospital providing <1000 births annually, with no blood bank (39%, 7/18) or no adult intensive care (44%, 8/18) on‐site. Overall preventability of deaths was 94% (17/18). Main preventability factors were related to delay in hemorrhage diagnosis (77%, 14/18) due to late recognition of abnormal parameters (33%, 6/18) and late bedside ultrasound (56%, 10/18), and delay in management due to insufficient surgical skills (56%, 10/18).

Conclusions

In France, surgical injury during cesarean section is an increasing, largely preventable contributor to hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality, as other causes of fatal hemorrhage have become less frequent. The profile of these women showed a high prevalence of obesity, previous cesarean, second‐stage cesarean, and delivery in hospitals with limited medical and surgical resources, which suggests explanatory mechanisms for the fatal outcome and opportunities for prevention.
Editorial: Trajectory of soluble programmed cell death protein‐1 and ligand‐1 in HBV‐infected individuals treated with pegylated interferon—implications for stopping rules and the HBV cure programme
Authors: Lok James
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chen et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18131 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18174
Machine/deep learning‐assisted hemoglobin level prediction using palpebral conjunctival images
Authors: Kato Shota , Chagi Keita , Takagi Yusuke , Hidaka Moe , Inoue Shutaro , Sekiguchi Masahiro , Adachi Natsuho , Sato Kaname , Kawai Hiroki , Kato Motohiro
Published: July 2024

Palpebral conjunctival hue alteration is used in non‐invasive screening for anaemia, whereas it is a qualitative measure. This study constructed machine/deep learning models for predicting haemoglobin values using 150 palpebral conjunctival images taken by a smartphone. The median haemoglobin value was 13.1 g/dL, including 10 patients with <11 g/dL. A segmentation model using U‐net was successfully constructed. The segmented images were subjected to non‐convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based and CNN‐based regression models for predicting haemoglobin values. The correlation coefficients between the actual and predicted haemoglobin values were 0.38 and 0.44 in the non‐CNN‐based and CNN‐based models, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for anaemia detection were 13% and 98% for the non‐CNN‐based model and 20% and 99% for the CNN‐based model. The performance of the CNN‐based model did not improve with a mask layer guiding the model's attention towards the conjunctival regions, however, slightly improved with correction by the aspect ratio and exposure time of input images. The gradient‐weighted class activation mapping heatmap indicated that the lower half area of the conjunctiva was crucial for haemoglobin value prediction. In conclusion, the CNN‐based model had better results than the non‐CNN‐based model. The prediction accuracy would improve by using more input data with anaemia.
Discovering cancer stem‐like molecule, nuclear factor I X, using spatial transcriptome in gastric cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Akira , Fukui Takafumi , Kido Aya , Katsuya Narutaka , Kuraoka Kazuya , Uraoka Naohiro , Suzuki Takahisa , Oka Shiro , Kotachi Takahiro , Ashktorab Hassan , Smoot Duane , Yasui Wataru
Published: July 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by significant intratumoral heterogeneity, and stem cells are promising therapeutic targets. Despite advancements in spatial transcriptome analyses, unexplored targets for addressing cancer stemness remain unknown. This study aimed to identify Nuclear Factor IX (NFIX) as a critical regulator of cancer stemness in GC and evaluate its clinicopathological significance and function. Spatial transcriptome analysis of GC was conducted. The correlation between NFIX expression, clinicopathological factors, and prognosis was assessed using immunostaining in 127 GC cases. Functional analyses of cancer cell lines validated these findings. Spatial transcriptome analysis stratified GC tissues based on genetic profiles, identified CSC‐like cells, and further refined the classification to identify and highlight the significance of NFIX, as validated by Monocle 3 and CytoTRACE analyses. Knockdown experiments in cancer cell lines have demonstrated the involvement of NFIX in cancer cell proliferation and kinase activity. This study underscores the role of spatial transcriptome analysis in refining GC tissue classification and identifying therapeutic targets, highlighting NFIX as a pivotal factor. NFIX expression is correlated with poor prognosis and drives GC progression, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for personalized GC therapies.
Ketogenic diet therapy leads to antiseizure medication reduction in children and adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: He Fang , Ye Lingqi , Wang Leilei , Zhou Jiping , Shao Xiaotong , Miao Pu , Wang Shan , Li Hong , Ding Yao , Wang Shuang
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of reducing or withdrawing anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) in a cohort comprising both adults and children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergoing ketogenic diet therapy (KDT).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of clinical profiles in adults and children with DRE who had adhered to KDT for at least 6 months. Successful withdrawal or reduction of an ASM was defined as discontinuation or dose reduction without subsequent resumption or increase and without initiation of any new ASM throughout the entire follow‐up period. Changes in the ASM load were calculated specifically for adult patients.

Results

The study enrolled 56 participants (34 children and 22 adults) with DRE, with 64.3% achieving successful withdrawal of at least one ASM. The probability of ASM withdrawal remained consistent for children (64.7%) versus adults (63.6%), as well as for responders (62.5%) versus non‐responders (68.8%), and it was not associated with other clinical factors. Early ASM reduction (including withdrawal) after diet initiation occurred in 15 patients (26.8%), with treatment outcomes comparable to those of the remaining participants. Among the 22 adults, the mean values of ASM load reduced by 24.5%, with a similar magnitude observed for responders (24.2%) versus non‐responders (25.1%). In addition, adults tend to have a slower elevation in serum ketone levels compared to children.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the safe achievability of ASM withdrawal through KDT in most patients with DRE, irrespective of age or seizure frequency reduction.
Epidemiology of patch tested patients with permanent tattoos—A comparative analysis of 9693 IVDK patients (2020–2022)
Authors: Schubert Steffen , Oppel Eva , Bauer Andrea , Schröder‐Kraft Claudia , Löffler Harald , Strom Kerstin , Worm Margitta , Brans Richard , Wagner Nicola , Angela Yenny , Geier Johannes ,   for the IVDK
Published: July 2024

Background

Permanent tattooing is the invasive introduction of tattoo ink (pigments) into the dermis. The ink and aftercare cosmetics applied on pre‐damaged skin may contain skin sensitisers.

Objectives

To identify patient characteristics and the pattern of sensitisation in tattooed patients patch tested within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).

Patients and Methods

Comparative analysis of patient characteristics and reaction frequencies to baseline series allergens in 1648 consecutive patients with and 8045 consecutive patients without permanent tattoos. Non‐overlapping 95%‐confidence intervals were considered as significant.

Results

Having permanent tattoos was related with female sex, age <40 years, tobacco smoking, atopic dermatitis, (occupational) hand dermatitis and being employed in particular occupational groups (e.g., healthcare workers, mechanics, hairdressers). Sensitisation to nickel was increased in tattooed patients and associated with female sex (OR 4.23 [95%‐CI, 3.48–5.18]), age ≥40 years (OR 1.26 [95%‐CI, 1.08–1.49]), tobacco smoking (OR 1.19 [95%‐CI, 1.01–1.40]) and having permanent tattoos (OR 1.27 [95%‐CI, 1.05–1.53]).

Conclusions

The association between nickel sensitisation and permanent tattoos is probably confounded by past reactions to pierced costume jewellery. Socio‐economic factors most probably contribute to the connection between tattoos, tobacco smoking, occupational or hand dermatitis, and being employed in particular occupational groups.
Current frequency of contact allergy to isothiazolinones (methyl‐, benz‐ and octylisothiazolinone) across Europe
Authors: Schwensen Jakob F. B. , Uter Wolfgang , Aerts Olivier , Agner Tove , Brans Richard , Bruze Magnus , Foti Caterina , Giménez‐Arnau Ana Maria , Gonçalo Margarida , Svedman Cecilia , Stingeni Luca , Wilkinson Mark , Johansen Jeanne Duus ,   the European Environmental Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Published: July 2024

Background

The use of methylisothiazolinone (MI) as a preservative in cosmetic products caused an alarming increase in MI contact allergy across Europe in the 2010s. This was followed by regulations of use with a total ban on leave‐on (implemented in 2017) and reduced use concentrations in rinse‐off cosmetics (2018).

Objective

To follow‐up on the prevalence of contact allergy to MI and the related benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) in consecutively patch‐tested patients in Europe.

Methods

A cross‐sectional audit following the design of two previous audits on MI contact allergy from 1 May 2022 to 31 October 2022 included all patients patch tested with the European baseline series, including or supplemented with MI, BIT and OIT across 10 departments in eight European countries.

Results

A total of 2554 patients were consecutively patch tested with the three isothiazolinones during the study period. The prevalence of MI and BIT contact allergy was 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3%–3.7%; range 1.1%–5.8%) and 3.1% (95% CI: 2.4%–3.9%; range 0.0%–6.6%), respectively; that of OIT was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.4%–1.1%; range 0%–3.2%). Rinse‐off cosmetic (73.3%) and leave‐on cosmetic products (13.3%) were still associated with eliciting allergic contact dermatitis to MI.

Conclusion

We confirmed a positive impact of regulatory measures on the prevalence of MI contact allergy in Europe, which halved compared to 2015. However, our data suggest that consumers may still be exposed to older cosmetic products containing MI. BIT has superseded MI in causing contact allergy, despite not being allowed for use in cosmetic products.
The Corporate Governance of Business Groups Around the World: A Review and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V. , Federo Ryan , Justo Raquel , Merida Adrian Luis , Pascual‐Fuster Bartolomé
Published: July 2024

Research Question/Issue

Scholarly interest in business groups (BGs) has grown considerably over the years, as they emerged as important players in the global economy. Yet, there exist ample differences in the corporate governance, strategies, and performance of BG‐affiliated firms. Given that BGs differ substantially across national institutional contexts, previous studies provide inconclusive arguments and empirical evidence regarding the complex relationship between corporate governance and firm performance within BGs.

Research Findings/Insights

Our review of 301 articles published in highly ranked journals between 1986 and 2023 establishes a mechanism‐based framework to explain the effect of BG affiliation, ownership structure, and corporate governance practices on firm performance. We also reveal that many relationships between these factors vary cross‐nationally and over time, contingent on the national institutional strength where BGs are domiciled and operate.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We develop a mechanism‐based framework to unpack the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance within BGs and discuss previous studies' findings across different institutional settings. We find that some mechanisms are generally applicable to BGs in many contexts, whereas others only hold in particular institutional conditions. We then offer several research avenues for further scholarly attention.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Managers and policy makers should consider cross‐national differences to fully understand BGs. Ultimately, our review demonstrates that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach to BGs because their roles, functioning, and outcomes differ across institutional settings.
Outcomes of Early Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Renal Transplantation
Authors: Mour Girish K. , Ninan Jacob , Butterfield Duke , Zhang Nan , Nair Sumi S. , Smith Maxwell , Ryan Margaret , Reddy Kunam , Heilman Raymond L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Alternate complement dysregulation postrenal transplantation can result in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). There is a scarcity of data regarding outcomes based on the timing of TMA post‐transplant, coupled with a lack of follow‐up biopsy findings post TMA diagnosis. This study aims to assess allograft and patient outcomes in individuals developing early TMA, defined within 4 months post‐transplantation, and explore any differences in follow‐up surveillance biopsies compared to a non‐TMA group.

Design

This is a single center retrospective study between January 1, 2002 and October 10, 2019. Patients who developed TMA within 4 months post‐transplantation were compared to a propensity matched non‐TMA group.

Results

Thirty‐one patients developed TMA within 4 months of renal transplantation. Index TMA biopsy featured noticeable glomerular, and vascular lesions along with acute tubular injury. Four‐month surveillance biopsy showed significant glomerulitis, transplant glomerulopathy and chronic interstitial fibrosis as compared to non‐TMA group. However, at 1 year, these differences were no longer significant. There was no significant difference in patient survival (TMA vs. non‐TMA,p = 0.083); however, death censored graft survival was significantly lower in the TMA group (p < 0.001). TMA patients had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at 4 months and at 1 year as compared to the non‐TMA group.

Conclusion

Early onset TMA post renal transplant leads to decreased renal function and lower graft survival. Early recognition and prompt treatment may help in reducing the adverse outcomes.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Imlifidase to Plasmapheresis in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Antibody‐Mediated Rejection
Authors: Halleck Fabian , Böhmig Georg A. , Couzi Lionel , Rostaing Lionel , Einecke Gunilla , Lefaucheur Carmen , Legendre Christophe , Montgomery Robert , Hughes Peter , Chandraker Anil , Wyburn Kate , Halloran Phil , Maldonado Angela Q. , Sjöholm Kristoffer , Runström Anna , Lefèvre Paola , Tollemar Jan , Jordan Stanley
Published: July 2024

Background

Antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR) poses a barrier to long‐term graft survival and is one of the most challenging events after kidney transplantation. Removing donor specific antibodies (DSA) through therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) is a cornerstone of antibody depletion but has inconsistent effects. Imlifidase is a treatment currently utilized for desensitization with near‐complete inactivation of DSA both in the intra‐ and extravascular space.

Methods

This was a 6‐month, randomized, open‐label, multicenter, multinational trial conducted at 14 transplant centers. Thirty patients were randomized to either imlifidase or PLEX treatment. The primary endpoint was reduction in DSA level during the 5 days following the start of treatment.

Results

Despite considerable heterogeneity in the trial population, DSA reduction as defined by the primary endpoint was 97% for imlifidase compared to 42% for PLEX. Additionally, imlifidase reduced DSA to noncomplement fixing levels, whereas PLEX failed to do so. After antibody rebound in the imlifidase arm (circa days 6–12), both arms had similar reductions in DSA. Five allograft losses occurred during the 6 months following the start of ABMR treatment—four within the imlifidase arm (18 patients treated) and one in the PLEX arm (10 patients treated). In terms of clinical efficacy, the Kaplan–Meier estimated graft survival was 78% for imlifidase and 89% for PLEX, with a slightly higher eGFR in the PLEX arm at the end of the trial. The observed adverse events in the trial were as expected, and there were no apparent differences between the arms.

Conclusion

Imlifidase was safe and well‐tolerated in the ABMR population. Despite meeting the primary endpoint of maximum DSA reduction compared to PLEX, the trial was unsuccessful in demonstrating a clinical benefit of imlifidase in this heterogenous ABMR population.

Trial Registration

EudraCT number: 2018‐000022‐66, 2020‐004777‐49; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03897205, NCT04711850
Temporal and spatial variations in squid jigging catch efficiency in the Oyashio Extension region
Authors: Niu Zixuan , Chen Zhaohui , Yu Wei , Guo Haihong , Zhu Ruichen , Zhang Xiaoyi
Published: July 2024

The abundance of fishery resources significantly impacts the ratio of fishing effort to harvest. However, traditional statistics of fishery catches or commonly used catch per unit effort (CPUE) metrics cannot accurately capture the complexity of resource abundance in the ocean. To address this issue, we propose here a novel approach that integrates the actual fishery catch from vessel logs with fishing duration obtained through automatic identification system (AIS) positioning. This combined analysis eliminates confounding factors and introduces a novel metric called “catch efficiency (CE)” to evaluate fishing operations more accurately, thereby reflecting resource abundance in a more reasonable way. In this study, we focus on the CE of squid in the Oyashio Extension region in the Northwestern Pacific. Our analysis reveals significant temporal and spatial variations of CE, manifesting in both intensity and distribution patterns. Moreover, our findings establish a close relationship between CE and background water mass distribution, chlorophyll‐a concentration, and micronekton biomass. This implies that the resource abundance of squid can be inferred by considering the varying environmental factors within the fishing area.
Elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes as a factor of human‐caused global environmental change
Authors: Rillig Matthias C. , Li Changchao , Rodríguez del Río Álvaro , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Jin Ling
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have moved into focus as a critically important response variable in global change biology, given the increasing environmental and human health threat posed by these genes. However, we propose that elevated levels of ARGs should also be considered a factor of global change, not just a response. We provide evidence that elevated levels of ARGs are a global change factor, since this phenomenon is linked to human activity, occurs globally, and affects biota. We explain why ARGs could be considered the global change factor, rather than the organisms containing them; and we highlight the difference between ARGs and the presence of antibiotics, which are not necessarily linked since elevated levels of ARGs are caused by multiple factors. Importantly, shifting the perspective to elevated levels of ARGs as a factor of global change opens new avenues of research, where ARGs can be the experimental treatment. This includes asking questions about how elevated ARG levels interact with other global change factors, or how ARGs influence ecosystem processes, biodiversity or trophic relationships. Global change biology stands to profit from this new framing in terms of capturing more completely the real extent of human impacts on this planet.
Canopy and understory nitrogen additions differently affect soil microbial residual carbon in a temperate forest
Authors: Chen Yuanqi , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xu , Stevens Carly , Fu Shenglei , Feng Teng , Li Xiaowei , Chen Quan , Liu Shirong , Hu Shuijin
Published: July 2024

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition in forests can affect soil microbial growth and turnover directly through increasing N availability and indirectly through altering plant‐derived carbon (C) availability for microbes. This impacts microbial residues (i.e., amino sugars), a major component of soil organic carbon (SOC). Previous studies in forests have so far focused on the impact of understory N addition on microbes and microbial residues, but the effect of N deposition through plant canopy, the major pathway of N deposition in nature, has not been explicitly explored. In this study, we investigated whether and how the quantities (25 and 50 kg N ha−1 year−1) and modes (canopy and understory) of N addition affect soil microbial residues in a temperate broadleaf forest under 10‐year N additions. Our results showed that N addition enhanced the concentrations of soil amino sugars and microbial residual C (MRC) but not their relative contributions to SOC, and this effect on amino sugars and MRC was closely related to the quantities and modes of N addition. In the topsoil, high‐N addition significantly increased the concentrations of amino sugars and MRC, regardless of the N addition mode. In the subsoil, only canopy N addition positively affected amino sugars and MRC, implying that the indirect pathway via plants plays a more important role. Neither canopy nor understory N addition significantly affected soil microbial biomass (as represented by phospholipid fatty acids), community composition and activity, suggesting that enhanced microbial residues under N deposition likely stem from increased microbial turnover. These findings indicate that understory N addition may underestimate the impact of N deposition on microbial residues and SOC, highlighting that the processes of canopy N uptake and plant‐derived C availability to microbes should be taken into consideration when predicting the impact of N deposition on the C sequestration in temperate forests.
Nitrogen deposition differentially regulates the sensitivity of gross primary productivity to extreme drought versus wetness
Authors: Peng Jinlong , Ma Fangfang , Quan Quan , Liao Jiaqiang , Chen Chen , Wang Yiheng , Tang Jiwang , Sun Chuanlian , Zhou Qingping , Niu Shuli
Published: July 2024

Global hydroclimatic variability is increasing with more frequent extreme dry and wet years, severely destabilizing terrestrial ecosystem productivity. However, what regulates the consequence of precipitation extremes on productivity remains unclear. Based on a 9‐year field manipulation experiment on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, we found that the responses of gross primary productivity (GPP) to extreme drought and wetness were differentially regulated by nitrogen (N) deposition. Over increasing N deposition, extreme dry events reduced GPP more. Among the 12 biotic and abiotic factors examined, this was mostly explained by the increased plant canopy height and proportion of drought‐sensitive species under N deposition, making photosynthesis more sensitive to hydraulic stress. While extreme wet events increased GPP, their effect did not shift over N deposition. These site observations were complemented by a global synthesis derived from the GOSIF GPP dataset, which showed that GPP sensitivity to extreme drought was larger in ecosystems with higher N deposition, but GPP sensitivity to extreme wetness did not change with N deposition. Our findings indicate that intensified hydroclimatic variability would lead to a greater loss of land carbon sinks in the context of increasing N deposition, due to that GPP losses during extreme dry years are more pronounced, yet without a synchronous increase in GPP gains during extreme wet years. The study implies that the conservation and management against climate extremes merit particular attention in ecosystems subject to N deposition.
Are Syrians in Türkiye vulnerable to ‘epistemic injustice’?: A ‘narrative inquiry’ in the case of Bursa
Authors: Erayman İbrahim Oğulcan , Çağlar Ahmed Burak , Küçükalp Derda , Gayırhan Günhan
Published: July 2024

This study examines whether Syrians under temporary protection status in Türkiye vulnerable to epistemic injustice from the host society, exploring implications and transformation of these approaches. It provides a framework for understanding how the host society perceives Syrian refugees, assessing credibility within identified narrative motifs. The study focuses on the host community's narrative, revealing negative stereotypes and testimonial injustices faced by Syrians (as traitors and economic migrants). Interestingly, no correlation exists between exposure to epistemic injustice and anti‐Syrian sentiments. To conclude, participants who do not identify as anti‐Syrian or see Syrians as beneficial still deny epistemic agency of Syrians.
Peripheral blood MR1 tetramer‐positive mucosal‐associated invariant T‐cell function is modulated by mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 in patients with active tuberculosis
Authors: Zhou Chao‐Ying , Yang Ya‐Long , Han Zhen‐Yu , Chen Yao‐Xin , Liu Hong‐Lin , Fan Ke , Li Ming‐Chong , Tu Si‐Hang , Wen Qian , Zhou Xin‐Ying , Ma Li
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is still an urgent global public health problem. Notably, mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play an important role in early anti‐TB immune response. Targeted control of them may be an effective method to improve vaccine efficacy and TB treatment. However, the biology and signal regulation mechanisms of MAIT cells in TB patients are still poorly understood. Previous studies have been limited by the lack of reagents to specifically identify MAIT cells. In addition, the use of alternative markers may subsume non‐MAIT cell into MAIT cell populations. In this study, the human MR1 tetramer which can specifically identify MAIT cells was used to further explore the effect and mechanism of MAIT cells in anti‐TB immune response. Our results showed that the tetramer+ MAIT cells in peripheral blood of TB patients were mainly CD8+ or CD4−CD8− cells, and very few were CD4+ cells. After BCG infecting autologous antigen‐presenting cells, MAIT cells in patients produced significantly higher levels of cytokines, lysis and proliferation compared with healthy controls. After suppression of mTORC1 by the mTORC1‐specific inhibitor rapamycin, the immune response of MAIT cells in patients was significantly reduced. This study demonstrates that peripheral blood tetramer+ MAIT cells from TB patients have significant anti‐TB immune effect, which is regulated by mTORC1. This could provide ideas and potential therapeutic targets for the development of novel anti‐TB immunotherapy.
Of the importance to reconsider individual variability in infant studies: Family traits do impact turn‐taking perception in 6‐month‐olds
Authors: Meunier Bastien , Barbu Stéphanie , Rabiller Alice , Dollion Nicolas , Lemasson Alban , Durier Virginie
Published: July 2024

Turn‐taking is a universal pattern of human conversations characterized by a fast exchange of turns between speakers and an avoidance of overlaps. Language is embedded in this conversational skill acquired well before it during infancy, through everyday interactions with caregivers. The earliness of this skill and its link with language allows us to test whether social environment shapes early language development. We therefore study turn‐taking perception of 6‐month‐old infants by measuring their gazes during video presentation of three different conversational situations where the turn is explicitly given, normally taken or taken with an overlap. We studied 51 infants to cover several family and infant characteristics: infants' sex, presence of siblings, and family socioeconomic status (SES). We found that infants looked more at the second speaker when she overlapped the first speaker than in the other situations, but not all infants were equally sensitive. Indeed, infants from high‐SES families reacted differently to the three situations, while infants from the two lower SES categories did not. Also, only singletons reacted differently by looking more at the second speaker after the overlapping and turn‐giving situations, and not after the turn‐taking situation. Our results emphasize the importance of early social experiences on language development.
Green light mediates atypical photomorphogenesis by dual modulation of Arabidopsis phytochromes B and A
Authors: Xu Miqi , Wang Yi‐Yuan , Wu Yujie , Zhou Xiuhong , Shan Ziyan , Tao Kunying , Qian Kaiqiang , Wang Xuncheng , Li Jian , Wu Qingqing , Deng Xing Wang , Ling Jun‐Jie
Published: July 2024

Although green light (GL) is located in the middle of the visible light spectrum and regulates a series of plant developmental processes, the mechanism by which it regulates seedling development is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that GL promotes atypical photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana via the dual regulations of phytochrome B (phyB) and phyA. Although the Pr‐to‐Pfr conversion rates of phyB and phyA under GL were lower than those under red light (RL) in a fluence rate‐dependent and time‐dependent manner, long‐term treatment with GL induced high Pfr/Pr ratios of phyB and phyA. Moreover, GL induced the formation of numerous small phyB photobodies in the nucleus, resulting in atypical photomorphogenesis, with smaller cotyledon opening angles and longer hypocotyls in seedlings compared to RL. The abundance of phyA significantly decreased after short‐ and long‐term GL treatments. We determined that four major PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs: PIF1, PIF3, PIF4, and PIF5) act downstream of phyB in GL‐mediated cotyledon opening. In addition, GL plays opposite roles in regulating different PIFs. For example, under continuous GL, the protein levels of all PIFs decreased, whereas the transcript levels of PIF4 and PIF5 strongly increased compared with dark treatment. Taken together, our work provides a detailed molecular framework for understanding the role of the antagonistic regulations of phyB and phyA in GL‐mediated atypical photomorphogenesis.
Phonetic cues to depression: A sociolinguistic perspective
Authors: Hall‐Lew Lauren
Published: July 2024

Phonetic data are used in several ways outside of the core field of phonetics. This paper offers the perspective of one such field, sociophonetics, towards another, the study of acoustic cues to clinical depression. While sociophonetics is interested in how, when, and why phonetic variables cue information about the world, the study of acoustic cues to depression is focused on how phonetic variables can be used by medical professionals as tools to diagnosis. The latter is only interested in identifying phonetic cues to depression, while the former is interested in how phonetic variation cues anything at all. While the two fields fundamentally differ with respect to ontology, epistemology, and methodology, I argue that there are, nonetheless, possible avenues for future engagement, collaboration, and investigation. Ultimately, both fields need to engage with Crip Linguistics for any successful intervention on the relationship between speech and depression.
Intracardiac vascular access in haemodialysis: A last resort for exhausted traditional access
Authors: Narváez Mejía Carlos , Singh Arshdeep , Villanego Florentino , Naranjo Javier , Cazorla Lopez Juan Manuel , Daroca Martínez Tomas , Alonso Mozo Marta , Amaro Martín Jose Manuel , Ceballos Manuel , Mazuecos Auxiliadora
Published: July 2024

Depletion of veins for dialysis access is a challenging life threatening situation for patients in need of haemodialysis. The utilisation of intracardiac catheter is a rare procedure with scarce reported experience. We describe the case of a 68‐year‐old male that contributes to the limited knowledge of performing a life‐saving intracardiac catheter placement for emergency haemodialysis in a patient without immediate alternative renal replacement therapy available. We also retrospectively analyse the experience reported so far and summarise complications and outcomes. In our case, the patient was able to pursue haemodialysis after intracardiac catheter placement without any complications. Two weeks later, the patient successfully received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor and has a serum creatinine of 1.7 mg/dL after 2 years of follow‐up. There are only four reported cases of kidney transplantation after the procedure, including our own. Intracardiac catheter is an emerging option that could be considered in certain patients as the last resort. Further investigation with regards to patient candidacy and procedure security are necessary.
Development of the Critically Ill Patient Eye Assessment Scale: A study of validity and reliability
Authors: Bayrak Kahraman Burcu , Acun Aysun , Sözeri Öztürk Elif , Kirca Kamile
Published: July 2024

Background

Eye care and assessment of the eye are critical for intensive care patients to prevent ocular complications like dry eye and corneal abrasion. However, there is no measurement tool developed for intensive care patients that examines the risks of ocular complications.

Aims

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool, the Critically Ill Patient Eye Assessment Scale (CIPEAS), for assessing the risk of ocular complications and determining the frequency of eye care.

Study design

This study is an instrument development study. This methodological study was conducted with 151 intensive care patients in Turkey between March 2022 and March 2023. Data were collected with the Patient Information Form and the CIPEAS. The data were evaluated using SPSS 23 statistical software. AMOS 21 was used to verify the structure obtained with CFA. Exploration and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to determine the scale's factorial structure.

Results

As a result of exploratory factor analysis, a six‐item scale consisting of a single dimension was obtained, explaining 59.993% of the total variance. The fit indices of the scale were found to be χ2/SD = 2.653, GFI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.075, NFI = 0.949 and CFI = 0.967. Cronbach's alpha of the scale was found to be 0.862.

Conclusion

The CIPEAS was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The Critically Ill Patient Eye Assessment Scale is a valid and reliable tool for Turkish society for assessing the risk of ocular complications. It is recommended for various national and international studies with different patients in intensive care units.
Tip of the iceberg? Three novel TOPLESS‐interacting effectors of the gall‐inducing fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Khan Mamoona , Uhse Simon , Bindics Janos , Kogelmann Benjamin , Nagarajan Nithya , Tabassum Riaz , Ingole Kishor D. , Djamei Armin
Published: July 2024

Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic pathogen causing smut disease in maize. It secretes a cocktail of effector proteins, which target different host proteins during its biotrophic stages in the host plant. One such class of proteins we identified previously is TOPLESS (TPL) and TOPLESS‐RELATED (TPR) transcriptional corepressors.

Here, we screened 297 U. maydis effector candidates for their ability to interact with maize TPL protein RAMOSA 1 ENHANCER LOCUS 2 LIKE 2 (RELK2) and their ability to induce auxin signaling and thereby identified three novel TPL‐interacting protein effectors (Tip6, Tip7, and Tip8).

Structural modeling and mutational analysis allowed the identification of TPL‐interaction motifs of Tip6 and Tip7. In planta interaction between Tip6 and Tip7 with RELK2 occurs mainly in nuclear compartments, whereas Tip8 colocalizes with RELK2 in a compartment outside the nucleus. Overexpression of Tip8 in nonhost plants leads to cell death, indicating recognition of the effector or its activity.

By performing infection assays with single and multideletion mutants of U. maydis, we demonstrate a positive role of Tip6 and Tip7 in U. maydis virulence. Transcriptional profiling of maize leaves infected with Tip effector mutants in comparison with SG200 strain suggests Tip effector activities are not merely redundant.
Association between handgrip strength and physical activity: A nationwide population‐based study in Korea
Authors: Shin Hye Young , Kim Ka Young , Kang Purum
Published: July 2024

Background

This study investigated the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and physical activity (PA) at different levels in Korean adults for the purpose of providing direction for increasing HGS, which represents muscular strength, and increasing understanding of PA and HGS.

Methods

This study targeted adults aged ≥30 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2019), including 31,888 participants for analysis. HGS was defined as the maximum value of the three measurements of the dominant hand. PA was defined as an activity that causes shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat. Data were weighted according to survey district and household data; p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In men, HGS in those aged 30–64 years was significantly associated with high‐intensity PA and in those aged ≥65 years was associated with moderate‐intensity PA. In women, HGS in those aged 30–64 years was also significantly associated with high‐intensity PA, and in those aged ≥65 years, it was significantly associated with both moderate‐ and high‐intensity PA. Moreover, compared to participants who did not participate in weight training, those who participated showed higher HGS in both sexes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated age‐ and sex‐specific characteristics of the association between HGS and PA in Koreans. The findings suggest the importance of managing health by considering differences in age‐ and sex‐related PA. In particular, this study suggests that adequate PA is necessary despite its importance of PA for elderly individuals.
Northern light reviews – Application of orthology and network biology to infer gene functions in non‐model plants
Authors: Vandepoele Klaas , Thierens Sander , Van Bel Michiel
Published: July 2024

Approximately 60% of the genes and gene products in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana have been functionally characterized. In non‐model plant species, the functional annotation of the gene space is largely based on homology, with the assumption that genes with shared common ancestry have conserved functions. However, the wide variety in possible morphological, physiological, and ecological differences between plant species gives rise to many species‐ and clade‐specific genes, for which this transfer of knowledge is not possible. Other complications, such as difficulties with genetic transformation, the absence of large‐scale mutagenesis methods, and long generation times, further lead to the slow characterization of genes in non‐model species. Here, we discuss different resources that integrate plant gene function information. Different approaches that support the functional annotation of gene products, based on orthology or network biology, are described. While sequence‐based tools to characterize the functional landscape in non‐model species are maturing and becoming more readily available, easy‐to‐use network‐based methods inferring plant gene functions are not as prevalent and have limited functionality.
Experimental Evaluation of an Electric Powertrain Designed for a 180-kW Turboelectric Aircraft Ground Test Rig
Authors: Johnsen Joshua , Melvin Joshua , Drake Joshua , Jdiobe Muwanika , Rouser Kurt
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the experimental results of a representative aircraft turbo-electric powertrain. The 180-kW hybrid gas-electric ground test rig was designed, fabricated, and experimentally evaluated. Hybrid turbo-electric power systems are an enabler for future medium- to long-range electrified aircraft, offering higher energy density over current battery technologies. Previous studies have focused on analytical models of turbo-electric power systems. However, as industry stakeholders continue to advance toward implementing turbo-electric parallel hybrid aircraft, there is a lack of practical knowledge regarding their implementation. The objectives of this study are twofold. First, the study aims to evaluate the real-time transient performance of turbo-electric aircraft. The second objective aims to characterize the real-world challenges of safely constructing and operating a hybrid turbo-electric aircraft. To accomplish both objectives, a turboprop-powered ground test vehicle was designed and fabricated. The ground test vehicle was constructed from a modified Cessna-172 aircraft, a modified 180-kW PBS-TP100 turboprop, two wing-mounted electric motors, and a purpose-built hybrid-turbo-electric powertrain. A portion of the turboprop shaft power is extracted to generate electricity for the battery system and wing-mounted electric motors. The test vehicle was successfully brought to full engine power and the wing-mounted electric motors were run through a series of operating points to experimentally evaluate transient electrical and mechanical performance. Observations are made regarding the interdependent time responses of the electromechanical systems. Results from the test run include engine performance metrics, current, voltage, and acoustic data. The generator peaked at 4-kW and was augmented by 13-kW of battery power to drive distributed propulsors, while the turboprop generated 142-kW of power for the variable pitch propeller. Practical recommendations for safe integration are identified, such as the need for a precharge circuit, crowbar circuit, and future short protection circuit. This study provides critical insight into the design and practical implementation of turbo-electric power systems for future electrified aircraft.