bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed greening during leaf expansion under ambient and elevated CO2 in tropical tree seedlings
Authors: Vogado Nara O. , Cheesman Alexander W. , Cernusak Lucas A.
Published: December 2021

Tropical tree species employ varying strategies in young leaves to minimise losses to herbivory. The young leaves of species with delayed greening are thought to be less visible to herbivores, but likely incur a cost to leaf‐level carbon gain via lower photosynthetic rates during leaf development. Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations may reduce the cost of delayed greening, and/or modify leaf expansion rates, altering the ecological interaction of species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on physiological responses of three Australian rainforest tree species, two with delayed greening in young leaves. Net photosynthesis rates were significantly lower in recently flushed leaves of species with delayed greening than in the species with normal greening. Yet, surprisingly, total nitrogen concentrations were higher in the former than in the latter. Intrinsic water‐use efficiency increased at a steeper rate during leaf development under elevated CO2 in all three species, irrespective of greening strategy. Leaf growth rate, in terms of area expansion, did not increase under elevated CO2 in any of the species. Although elevated CO2 did not boost the performance of the delayed greening species more than that of the normal greening species, we found higher nitrogen concentrations in their young leaves. This supports the intriguing possibility that delayed greening may have evolved in these species to protect young leaves that are especially rich in nitrogen.
Rare colour in medieval China: Case study of yellow pigments on tomb mural paintings at Xi'an, the capital of the Chinese Tang dynasty
Authors: Guo Rui , Feng Jian , Liu Ruiliang , Xia Yin , Fu Qianli , Xi Na , Wang Zhan
Published: December 2021

Yellow colourants appear to have been rarely employed for tombs mural paintings in ancient China. The recently discovered mural paintings at Xi'an (dated to the Tang dynasty, 618–907 ce) offer fresh materials for characterization of yellow pigments, which can be potentially useful for filling the gap of the yellow pigments. Multi‐analytical approaches have been applied in this study, including chromaticity analysis, cross‐section, polarizing microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction. The results show that the yellow pigment in three tombs is goethite (FeO[OH]), whereas in a late Tang tomb is vanadinite (Pb5[VO4]3Cl). Compared to geothite, vanadinite is even more rarely found in tomb mural painting and fewer reports have been mentioned, which led us to think about the accessibility of such pigment. Interestingly, Chinese craftspeople had a long history of interacting with the iron‐ or lead‐bearing minerals related to these yellow pigments, and there seem no critical technological barriers against extracting and using yellow by the Tang dynasty. The lack of yellow colourants in China tomb murals is more likely to be a cultural rather than technological choice.
The link between executive function, socio‐emotional functioning and health‐related quality of life in children and adolescents with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease
Authors: Alhamed Arwa A. , Toly Valerie B. , Hooper Stephen R. , Dell Katherine M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Children and adolescents with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for mild but persistent impairment in executive functions, which have been associated with low health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among children and adolescents with chronic health conditions. However, no similar link has been established among children and adolescents with mild to moderate CKD. Given the essential role executive functions play in the development of adequate cognitive, emotional and social skills, it is essential to gain a clearer understating of the magnitude and attributes of executive functions and its link to HRQOL in order to inform appropriate medical and educational interventions for this patient population.

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between executive functions, socio‐emotional functioning and HRQOL in children and adolescents with mild to moderate CKD.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used for this secondary data analysis of 199 children and adolescents (ages 6–17) with mild to moderate CKD from the United States and Canada who receive care at hospitals associated with the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children Study (CKiD).

Results

The presence of impairment in executive functions and socio‐emotional functioning (internalizing problems) significantly predicted lower HRQOL after controlling for key covariates (i.e., maternal education, anaemia and hypertension). Further, internalizing problems partially mediated the relationship between executive functions and HRQOL such that impairment in executive functions predicted lower HRQOL directly and indirectly by contributing to higher internalizing problems, which further contributed to low HRQOL.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of executive functions and socio‐emotional functioning in the manifestation of HRQOL. Given that HRQOL is potentially compromised for many children and adolescents with mild to moderate CKD, it will be important for both clinicians and researchers to examine a range of factors, including executive functions and socio‐emotional functioning, in order to optimize HRQOL.
Estimating the effects of sports and physical exercise on bullying
Authors: Nikolaou Dimitrios , Crispin Laura M.
Published: December 2021

Using three nationally representative high school samples, we estimate the effect of physical activity in general, and sports specifically, on in‐school student victimization (i.e., bullying), overall and by gender. Due to non‐random selection, we instrument physical activity in a two‐stage model using state‐level sports participation rates and physical education requirements. We find that physical exercise may decrease, if not prevent, victimization, though competitive sports increase the likelihood of bullying for those on the margin, especially for male students. These results are relevant for administrators and policymakers, who can increase access to physical activities while simultaneously increasing oversight on and off‐the‐field.
Private communication and management forecasts: Evidence from corporate site visits
Authors: Chen Xiaoqi , Cheng C. S. Agnes , Xie Jing , Yang Haoyi
Published: December 2021

Research Question/Issue

This paper investigates whether the communication between managers and corporate site visitors facilitates managerial learning in improving management forecast accuracy.

Research Findings/Insights

Using corporate site visit (CSV) data from 2009 to 2016, we find that the frequency of corporate site visits is positively related to management forecast accuracy. The positive relationship between corporate site visits and forecast accuracy is stronger when visitors have greater expertise and advanced industry knowledge and when firms are visited during a period of high business uncertainty and are subject to high sensitivity to industry shocks. These findings are consistent with the managerial learning hypothesis. Our results are robust to endogeneity concerns and alternative CSV measures.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Previous literature on voluntary disclosure assumes that managers are endowed with a private set of information and decide how much of that to reveal. In this paper, we find that corporate site visits serve as a communication channel through which managers learn from investors. Overall, we provide evidence that private communication is a two‐way channel through which visitors learn useful information from managers and vice versa.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

We provide evidence that the private information acquisition process is also a channel of information sharing that increases management forecast accuracy. Our results could be useful to policymakers who may care about the information acquisition cost of investors when evaluating the benefit of corporate site visits.
Heart development and regeneration—a multi‐organ effort
Authors: Filosa Alessandro , Sawamiphak Suphansa
Published: December 2021

Development of the heart, from early morphogenesis to functional maturation, as well as maintenance of its homeostasis are tasks requiring collaborative efforts of cardiac tissue and different extra‐cardiac organ systems. The brain, lymphoid organs, and gut are among the interaction partners that can communicate with the heart through a wide array of paracrine signals acting at local or systemic level. Disturbance of cardiac homeostasis following ischemic injury also needs immediate response from these distant organs. Our hearts replace dead muscles with non‐contractile fibrotic scars. We have learned from animal models capable of scarless repair that regenerative capability of the heart does not depend only on competency of the myocardium and cardiac‐intrinsic factors but also on long‐range molecular signals originating in other parts of the body. Here, we provide an overview of inter‐organ signals that take part in development and regeneration of the heart. We highlight recent findings and remaining questions. Finally, we discuss the potential of inter‐organ modulatory approaches for possible therapeutic use.
Where do the billfish go? Using recreational catch data to relate local and basin scale environmental conditions to billfish occurrence in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Haulsee Danielle E. , Blondin Hannah E. , Logan Ryan K. , Crowder Larry B.
Published: December 2021

Recreational fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) have increased in popularity since the 1970s, contributing to the eco‐tourism industries of many Central American economies. However, pelagic gamefish face several direct and indirect threats which can affect population health and sustainability. We use daily catch logs from three recreational fishing lodges in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama as records of change in blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) sightings per unit effort (SPUE) between 2010 and 2019. Using cross‐correlational analysis, we compared billfish SPUE to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index and local oceanographic conditions (sea surface temperature [SST] and chlorophyll [chl a]) to understand how billfish availability to recreational fishers is related to environmental conditions at different time lags. Blue marlin occurrence was negatively correlated with the ENSO at time lags of 9–22 months in Guatemala and Costa Rica, while sailfish occurrence was positively correlated with ENSO at time lags of 5–10 months in all three regions. Cross‐correlations with local SST were similar to ENSO patterns; however, results were unclear and nonsignificant for local chl a. By comparing recreational fisher SPUE to reported catch per unit effort (CPUE) of these two species by the international longline and purse seine fisheries, we show possible offshore movement of fish stocks during the 2016 warming event. Recreational fishing records provide an alternative way to monitor the occurrence of targeted fish species. By determining correlations of these species to environmental conditions, we begin to distinguish the effects of natural variability in the environment, from direct anthropogenic impacts.
Effectiveness of the Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old‐Old (QMCOO) to diagnose frailty in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Yakabe Mitsutaka , Shibasaki Koji , Hosoi Tatsuya , Matsumoto Shoya , Hoshi Kazuhiro , Akishita Masahiro , Ogawa Sumito
Published: December 2021

Aim

Although frailty could be reversible by early diagnosis and interventions, it lacks definite diagnostic criteria. The Kihon Checklist is a 25‐item questionnaire that diagnoses frailty with a cutoff score of 7/8. The Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old‐Old (QMCOO) was recently established and used for medical checkups among Japanese older adults, but no method or cutoff score for diagnosing frailty has been established. Thus, we aimed to diagnose frailty using the QMCOO and to determine its cutoff score by comparing it with that of the Kihon Checklist.

Methods

We recruited 223 older adults in Yasugi City and Yonago City to answer all the questions in the Kihon Checklist and the QMCOO at the same time. Those scoring ≥8 for the Kihon Checklist (n = 38) were diagnosed as frail. We also determined the cutoff score for frailty for the QMCOO and examined which questionnaire items affected the frailty status.

Results

The QMCOO and the Kihon Checklist score showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.670, P < 0.001). The area under the curve was 0.851. A cutoff score of 3/4 for the QMCOO represented the best results (sensitivity, 76.3%; specificity, 88.1%; and accuracy, 86.1%). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that subjective health status, body weight loss, slowness, and forgetfulness still affected the frailty status.

Conclusions

A cutoff score of 3/4 for the QMCOO might be effective in diagnosing frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 127–131.
EFL learners’ confidence, attitudes, and practice towards learning pronunciation
Authors: Almusharraf Asma
Published: December 2021

Although pronunciation is part of the curriculum in many EFL education programs, it is often neglected in instruction. The study's rationale was to fill the literature gap and explore Saudi EFL learners’ confidence, attitudes, and practice towards learning pronunciation. To this end, the study recruited a convenience sample of 336 Saudi EFL learners majoring in English at a university in Saudi Arabia. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine: (i) learners’ pronunciation confidence level; (ii) whether enrollment in phonetic courses, travel to English‐speaking countries, and attitudes towards pronunciation affected learners’ confidence in their pronunciation; and (iii) learners’ reported pronunciation attitudes and practices. It was found that learners in this study have higher than neutral confidence in their pronunciation and hold a highly positive attitude towards English native‐like pronunciation. Interestingly, this study showed no statistically significant difference between those who had taken a phonetic(s) course and those who had not in terms of their confidence in their pronunciation. Therefore, this study urges instructors be aware of their learners’ needs in pronunciation, present appropriate materials, and further opportunities to practice various strategies.
Digital technology and its effects on knowledge improvement for diabetes management: An integrative review
Authors: Moreira Tatiana Rebouças , Negreiros Francisca Diana da Silva , Aquino Maria de Jesus Nascimento de , Silva Lucilane Maria Sales da , Moreira Thereza Maria Magalhães , Torres Raimundo Augusto Martins
Published: December 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of educational digital technology in improving patients' and health professionals' knowledge about diabetes management.

Background

The use of digital technologies has been expanding in recent years in several areas of healthcare and education.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Data sources

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Lilacs, BDENF, Web of Science and SciELO (1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020).

Review Methods

Titles and abstracts were screened and selected by independent reviewers based on eligibility criteria. A consensus was drawn on which articles should be included. Data were extracted using an instrument created by the authors, and the synthesis of knowledge was made by compiling the results in a table and identifying thematic axes.

Results

Seventy‐one articles were retrieved, and after the final analysis, a total of 11 were included. Most studies have pointed out benefits from the use of digital technologies in diabetes education, with two thematic categories emerging: ‘Digital technologies in the education of patients with diabetes’ and ‘Digital technologies in continuing professional education in diabetes’.

Conclusion

The use of digital technologies is beneficial and effective both for continuing professional education and educating patients about diabetes management.
Outcomes of bacillus Calmette–Guérin therapy without a maintenance schedule for high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in the second transurethral resection era
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroshi , Abe Takashige , Matsumoto Ryuji , Osawa Takahiro , Maruyama Satoru , Murai Sachiyo , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We examined the outcomes of eight weekly bacillus Calmette–Guérin induction therapy after second transurethral resection, and investigated risk factors for intravesical recurrence or disease progression in high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 146 high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer patients who received eight weekly bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillations without a maintenance schedule between 2000 and 2019. Intravesical recurrence‐free and progression‐free survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors.

Results

Pathological T staging in the first transurethral resection was pTa in 56 patients (38.4%), pT1 in 75 (51.4%) and primary carcinoma in situ in 15 (10.2%). A total of 109 (83.2%) with pTa–1 disease underwent second transurethral resection before bacillus Calmette–Guérin induction therapy, and residual disease was detected in 54 (49.5%). The completion rate of eight instillations was 82.2%. The 2‐ and 5‐year intravesical recurrence‐free survival rates were 80.7% and 75.2%, whereas the 2‐ and 5‐year progression‐free survival rates were 85.7% and 82.0%. Recurrent tumors (hazard ratio 6.5830, P = 0.0007) and residual tumors at the second transurethral resection (hazard ratio 4.0337, P = 0.0021) were risk factors for intravesical recurrence. Multiple tumors (hazard ratio 5.8056, P = 0.0302), pT1 disease (hazard ratio 3.7351, P = 0.0447) and residual tumors at second transurethral resection (hazard ratio 3.2552, P = 0.0448) were associated with disease progression.

Conclusions

Accurate disease staging and disease elimination by second transurethral resection followed by eight weekly bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillations achieved good disease control. Our protocol (without a maintenance schedule) after thorough surgical resection has potential as a treatment option in the current bacillus Calmette–Guérin shortage.
‘Are they really allowed to treat me like that?’ – A qualitative study to explore the nature of formal patient complaints about mental healthcare services in Sweden
Authors: Sundler Annelie J. , Råberus Anna , Carlsson Gunilla , Nilsson Christina , Darcy Laura
Published: December 2021

The improvement of mental healthcare services requires patients’ experiences to identify problems and possible deficits in care. In this study, we explored the nature and meaning of formal patient complaints about mental healthcare services in one region of Sweden using a descriptive design with a qualitative approach. A systematic random sample of 106 formal patient complaints about mental healthcare services in 1 Swedish county was selected and analysed thematically, based on descriptive phenomenology. Themes identified were: lack of access to mental healthcare services and specialist treatment, problems related to unmet needs and difficulties with healthcare staff, insufficient care and treatment and lack of continuity in care, and experiences of not been taken seriously or feeling abused by staff. The vulnerability of patients already in the system is a greater issue than realized. The human right to health and the healthcare of patients with mental ill health can be strengthened by increased access to care, listening to patients properly, and delivering continuity in care.
Novel and extendable genotyping system for human respiratory syncytial virus based on whole‐genome sequence analysis
Authors: Chen Jiani , Qiu Xueting , Avadhanula Vasanthi , Shepard Samuel S. , Kim Do‐Kyun , Hixson James , Piedra Pedro A. , Bahl Justin
Published: December 2021

Background

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections, especially in infants and young children. Previous RSV sequencing studies have primarily focused on partial sequencing of G gene (200–300 nucleotides) for genotype characterization or diagnostics. However, the genotype assignment with G gene has not recapitulated the phylogenetic signal of other genes, and there is no consensus on RSV genotype definition.

Methods

We conducted maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis with 10 RSV individual genes and whole‐genome sequence (WGS) that are published in GenBank. RSV genotypes were determined by using phylogenetic analysis and pair‐wise node distances.

Results

In this study, we first statistically examined the phylogenetic incongruence, rate variation for each RSV gene sequence and WGS. We then proposed a new RSV genotyping system based on a comparative analysis of WGS and the temporal distribution of strains. We also provide an RSV classification tool to perform RSV genotype assignment and a publicly accessible up‐to‐date instance of Nextstrain where the phylogenetic relationship of all genotypes can be explored.

Conclusions

This revised RSV genotyping system will provide important information for disease surveillance, epidemiology, and vaccine development.
Antifungal action of the combination of ferulic acid and ultraviolet-A irradiation against Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shirai Akihiro , Kunimi Haruka , Tsuchiya Koichiro
Published: December 2021

Aims

To examine the antifungal action of photocombination treatment with ferulic acid (FA) and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light (wavelength, 365 nm) by investigating associated changes in cellular functions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Methods and Results

When pre-incubation of yeast cells with FA was extended from 0.5 to 10 min, its photofungicidal activity increased. Flow cytometry analysis of stained live and dead cells revealed that 10-min UV-A exposure combined with FA (1 mg ml−1) induced a ~99.9% decrease in cell viability although maintaining cell membrane integrity when compared with pre-exposure samples. When morphological and biochemical analysis were performed, treated cells exhibited an intact cell surface and oxidative DNA damage similar to control cells. Photocombination treatment induced cellular proteins oxidation, as shown by 2.3-fold increasing in immunostaining levels of ~49-kDa carbonylated proteins compared with pre-irradiation samples. Pyruvate kinase 1 (PK1) was identified by proteomics analysis as a candidate protein whose levels was affected by photocombination treatment. Moreover, intracellular ATP levels decreased following FA treatment both in darkness and with UV-A irradiation, thus suggesting a possible FA-induced delay in cell growth.

Conclusions

FA functions within the cytoplasmic membrane; addition of UV-A exposure induces increased oxidative modifications of cytosolic proteins such as PK1, which functions in ATP generation, without causing detectable genotoxicity, thus triggering inactivation of yeast cells.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Microbial contamination is a serious problem that diminishes the quality of fruits and vegetables. Combining light exposure with food-grade phenolic acids such as FA is a promising disinfection technology for applications in agriculture and food processing. However, the mode of photofungicidal action of FA with UV-A light remains unclear. This study is the first to elucidate the mechanism using S. cerevisiae. Moreover, proteomics analyses identified a specific cytosolic protein, PK1, which is oxidatively modified by photocombination treatment.
Accruals earnings management proxies: Prudent business decisions or earnings manipulation?
Authors: Christensen Theodore E. , Huffman Adrienna , Lewis‐Western Melissa F. , Scott Rachel
Published: December 2021

Over the last 5 years, the top accounting journals have published 388 articles that incorporate an empirical proxy for accruals‐based earnings management. Researchers use these proxies to measure diverse managerial activities that represent fundamentally different constructs (from beneficial earnings management at one end of the spectrum to earnings manipulation at the other). We present a simple framework that defines the specific construct of “earnings manipulation” and places it within the context of the broader concept of “earnings management.” At the construct level, one distinguishing characteristic of earnings manipulation is that accruals reversals cause future earnings to be lower than earnings would have been absent the manipulation. We explore the extent to which increases in 11 common earnings management proxies—that account for 88% of the research published in the last 5 years—result in future earnings that are lower than the firm's average earnings to determine which measures are more likely to reflect earnings manipulation. Our results indicate substantial variation across earnings management proxies in this characteristic with some (including the most commonly used proxies) consistently exhibiting a positive association with future performance, suggesting that they generally do not reflect earnings manipulation. Supplemental analyses that consider earnings persistence and performance of the proxies across firm life‐cycle stages yield similar inferences. Finally, we propose two simple empirical solutions that researchers can implement to capture the construct of earnings manipulation.
Disturbed cerebral circulation and metabolism matters
Authors: Chen Yujie
Published: December 2021

Stroke is a serious neurological disorder caused by blockage or rupture of cerebral blood vessels. Two main aims in acute stroke therapy include the restoration of cerebral blood flow in order to preserve energy supply to neurons and other brain cells, and minimizing neuronal loss. Maintenance of energy homeostasis in the brain drives neural network dynamics, which preserves normal brain function under physiological conditions. As such, cerebral energy homeostasis is a key target in stroke therapy. The various articles in this special issue highlight energy metabolism changes following stroke, including disturbed cerebral blood circulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, programmed neuronal cell death and cell–cell communication in brain metabolism. Collectively, this series of articles provides insight and presents new avenues for further research to improve the clinical management of stroke patients.

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Intraoral Digital Scans for Fabricating Tooth‐Supported Prostheses Using a Custom Intraoral Scan Body
Authors: Gómez‐Polo Miguel , Revilla‐León Marta , Limones Álvaro , Cascos Rocío , Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Ortega Rocío
Published: December 2021

This article describes a technique to assist with intraoral digital scans for fabricating tooth‐supported prostheses by using a custom intraoral scan body when the extension of the scan or the clinical characteristics might compromise the reliability of the intraoral digital scan. A preliminary intraoral scan of the tooth preparations is used to design a custom intraoral scan body which is manufactured using polymethylmethacrylate and a 5‐axis milling machine. A low‐viscosity polyvinyl siloxane impression of the tooth preparations is obtained using the custom intraoral scan body. Subsequently, the custom intraoral scan body is digitized using an intraoral scanner. A design software program is used to align the digitized custom intraoral scan body with the preliminary intraoral scan to obtain the definitive virtual cast. This technique aims to reduce manual conventional laboratory procedures such as pouring dental impression or die trimming which might minimize inaccuracies on the virtual definitive cast.
When firms embrace science: University alliances and firm drug development pipeline
Authors: Slavova Kremena
Published: December 2021

Traditional model of closed innovation has been challenged, and firms in biomedical sciences are teaming up with universities to advance scientific discoveries and publish their research results in scholarly journals. This study examines the contingent nature of the relationship between university‐industry alliances and a firm's follow‐on contribution to open science in the context of therapeutic biotechnology. It integrates insights from organizational learning theory and sociology of science to explore boundary conditions of the efficacy of the organizational learning mechanism across the realms of business and academic science. Specifically, our contention is that, under certain circumstances, for‐profit firms are likely to learn from their university alliance partners how to harness the dynamics of the open system of scientific knowledge exchange and embrace open science. Our contingency model elucidates the moderating role of a firm's R&D pipeline of drug candidates in clinical development and a firm's R&D expertise diversity across therapeutic categories. The empirics are based on a longitudinal analysis of a sample of therapeutic biotechnology firms in the United States over the period 2003–2010. We estimate negative binomial models to test our predictions. In support of our hypotheses, our findings indicate that reaching out to university alliances is positively related to firms’ publishing with academic co‐authors when firms develop stronger R&D pipeline and more diverse R&D expertise across therapeutic categories. The results of our study point to complementarities between collaborations with universities and a firm's investments in strengthening and diversifying its drug development pipeline in the process of public knowledge creation.
Phylogeny and biogeography of Calamagrostis (Poaceae: Pooideae: Poeae: Agrostidinae), description of a new genus, Condilorachia (Calothecinae), and expansion of Greeneochloa and Pentapogon (Echinopogoninae)
Authors: Peterson Paul M. , Soreng Robert J. , Romaschenko Konstantin , Barberá Patricia , Quintanar Alejandro , Aedo Carlos , Saarela Jeffery M.
Published: December 2021

To investigate the evolutionary relationships and biogeographical history among the species of Calamagrostis and other members of subtribes Agrostidinae, Calothecinae, Echinopogoninae, and Paramochloinae, we generated a phylogeny based on DNA sequences from one nuclear ribosomal (ITS) and three plastid regions (rpl32‐trnL spacer, rps16‐trnK spacer, and rps16 intron). Based on our phylogeny, we identified seven species groups (clades) within Calamagrostis: the Meridionalis group comprises two species from Central and South America, the Americana group comprises species from North America, the Deyeuxia and Epigeios groups comprise species from Eurasia, the Orientalis group comprises species from East Asia, the Purpurea group comprises species from Eurasia and North America, and the Calamagrostis group comprises species from Eurasia and North America. We hypothesize that Calamagrostis originated in North America with the primary split of the Meridionalis group, followed by split between the autochthonous Americana group and two future Eurasian branches encompassing all the remaining groups, which possibly dispersed into Eurasia independently. The molecular data suggest that hybridization and genomic introgression played a prominent role in the evolutionary history of Calamagrostis. We propose a new genus, Condilorachia, segregated from Trisetum s.l., with three species from South America for which we propose new combinations: Condilorachia bulbosa, Condilorachia brasiliensis, and Condilorachia juergensii; a new combination in Greeneochloa, Greeneochloa expansa; and the subsumption of Dichelachne into Pentapogon with 20 new combinations: Pentapogon avenoides, Pentapogon brassii, Pentapogon chaseianus, Pentapogon crinita, Pentapogon densus, Pentapogon frigidus, Pentapogon gunnianus, Pentapogon hirtella, Pentapogon inaequiglumis, Pentapogon lautumia, Pentapogon micrantha, Pentapogon parva, Pentapogon quadrisetus, Pentapogon rara, Pentapogon robusta, Pentapogon scaberulus, Pentapogon sclerophyllus, Pentapogon suizanensis, Pentapogon sieberiana, and Pentapogon validus. We provide a diagnosis, description, and a key to the species of Condilorachia.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma developed on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nguyen Nga , Rode Agnès , Trillaud Hervé , Aubé Christophe , Manichon Anne Frédérique , Hocquelet Arnaud , Paisant Anita , Dao Thong , Nahon Pierre , Ganne‐Carrié Nathalie , Blaise Lorraine , Cauchy François , Sutter Olivier , Séror Olivier , Nault Jean‐Charles
Published: December 2021

Background & Aims

Long‐term outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been poorly studied. We aim to determine the outcomes after multibipolar RFA in these patients compared to other aetiologies as well as the prognostic impact of metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods

Patients who underwent multibipolar RFA as the first treatment for HCC within Milan criteria (2008‐2018) were enrolled in this multicentre retrospective cohort from four tertiary centres in France. The association of MS and NAFLD with adverse events and outcomes after percutaneous RFA were assessed using Kaplan Meier method, log‐rank test and uni/multivariate analysis with the Cox models.

Results

Among 520 patients, 390 patients (75%) had at least one component of MS including obesity (30%) and 95% had cirrhosis. Sixty‐two patients (12.6%) had NAFLD‐HCC, 225 (45.5%) had alcohol‐related‐HCC, 36 (7.3%) had HBV‐HCC and 171 (34.6%) had HCV‐HCC. Patients with NAFLD‐HCC were significantly older (median age 72.6 years, P < .001), more obese (median BMI 30.3 kg/m2, P < .001) and had more components of MS. Patients with NAFLD‐HCC achieved a median overall survival (OS) of 79 months (1‐year, 3‐year and 5‐year OS of 90%, 71% and 59%). There were no differences in morbidity, tumour recurrence and OS among patients with NAFLD‐HCC vs other aetiologies as well as no prognostic impact of metabolic components.

Conclusions

Percutaneous multibipolar RFA is an efficient treatment in HCC patients with NAFLD or metabolic syndrome and achieved similar long‐term oncological outcomes compared to other aetiologies.
Genomic consequences of colonisation, migration and genetic drift in barn owl insular populations of the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Machado Ana Paula , Topaloudis Alexandros , Cumer Tristan , Lavanchy Eléonore , Bontzorlos Vasileios , Ceccherelli Renato , Charter Motti , Kassinis Nicolaos , Lymberakis Petros , Manzia Francesca , Ducrest Anne‐Lyse , Dupasquier Mélanie , Guex Nicolas , Roulin Alexandre , Goudet Jérôme
Published: December 2021

The study of insular populations was key in the development of evolutionary theory. The successful colonisation of an island depends on the geographic context, and specific characteristics of the organism and the island, but also on stochastic processes. As a result, apparently identical islands may harbour populations with contrasting histories. Here, we use whole genome sequences of 65 barn owls to investigate the patterns of inbreeding and genetic diversity of insular populations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. We focus on Crete and Cyprus, islands with similar size, climate and distance to mainland, that provide natural replicates for a comparative analysis of the impacts of microevolutionary processes on isolated populations. We show that barn owl populations from each island have a separate origin, Crete being genetically more similar to other Greek islands and mainland Greece, and Cyprus more similar to the Levant. Further, our data show that their respective demographic histories following colonisation were also distinct. On the one hand, Crete harbours a small population and maintains very low levels of gene flow with neighbouring populations. This has resulted in low genetic diversity, strong genetic drift, increased relatedness in the population and remote inbreeding. Cyprus, on the other hand, appears to maintain enough gene flow with the mainland to avoid such an outcome. Our study provides a comparative population genomic analysis of the effects of neutral processes on a classical island‐mainland model system. It provides empirical evidence for the role of stochastic processes in determining the fate of diverging isolated populations.
Do norms unintentionally increase stereotypical expressions? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: van Andel Chantal E. E. , Born Marise P. , van den Broek Walter W. , Stegers‐Jager Karen M.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Implicit biases of health professionals could cause biased judgements. Many anti‐bias interventions seem to be ineffective, and some even counterproductive. People tend to be compliant to standards describing what the majority of people finds or does, and this could cause people to think in a stereotype‐consistent manner. This study examines whether descriptive social norms such as ‘the majority of people have stereotypes’ (majority message), as often stated in interventions, actually increase people's stereotypes. To examine the effect of descriptive social norms (Hypothesis 1) and the effect of individual perceptions and preferences (Hypothesis 2a and 2b) on stereotypical expressions towards medical students.

Methods

First, we determined which ethic stereotypes regarding medical students prevail in Dutch medical education (N = 52). Next, two similar randomised controlled trials, both with teachers and students, were carried out (N = 158 and N = 123, respectively), one with an East Asian student picture (ethnic minority) and one with a native Dutch student picture (ethnic majority). Participants were randomly assigned to either a majority‐message, minority‐message or no‐message condition, and rated the presented minority or majority picture on specific stereotypical features. Subsequently, participants described a typical day of that same student's life. These descriptions were rated for stereotypicality by two independent raters, who were blind for condition and stimulus. Inclusive work environment (IWC) and social dominance orientation (SDO) of participants were measured as indicators of individual perceptions and preferences.

Results

Stereotypes were expressed towards both picture stimuli, yet message condition did not affect stereotypical expressions. SDO positively related to stereotypical expressions towards the East Asian student, whereas IWC positively related to stereotypical expressions towards the native Dutch student.

Conclusion

Interventions do not unintentionally increase stereotypes by communicating what the majority of people thinks or does. Individual perceptions and preferences are predictive of stereotypes, whereas descriptive social norms are not.
Diverse molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation by the bacterial alarmone ppGpp
Authors: Travis Brady A. , Schumacher Maria A.
Published: December 2021

Bacteria must rapidly detect and respond to stressful environmental conditions. Guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) is a universal stress signal that, in most bacteria, drives the reprograming of transcription at a global level. However, recent studies have revealed that the molecular mechanisms utilized by ppGpp to rewire bacterial transcriptomes are unexpectedly diverse. In Proteobacteria, ppGpp regulates the expression of hundreds of genes by directly binding to two sites on RNA polymerase (RNAP), one in combination with the transcription factor, DksA. Conversely, ppGpp indirectly regulates transcription in Firmicutes by controlling GTP levels. In this case, ppGpp inhibits enzymes that salvage and synthesize GTP, which indirectly represses transcription from rRNA and other promoters that use GTP for initiation. More recently, two different mechanisms of transcription regulation involving the direct binding of transcription factors by ppGpp have been described. First, in Francisella tularensis, ppGpp was shown to modulate the formation of a tripartite transcription factor complex that binds RNAP and activates virulence genes. Second, in Firmicutes, ppGpp allosterically regulates the transcription repressor, PurR, which controls purine biosynthesis genes. The diversity in bacterial ppGpp signaling revealed in these studies suggests the likelihood that additional paradigms in ppGpp‐mediated transcription regulation await discovery.
Governance and metagovernance systems for the Amazon
Authors: Martin Paul , Teles da Silva Solange , Duarte dos Santos Maurício , Dutra Carolina
Published: December 2021

In this article, we examine the existing governance of the Amazon and the potential for more robust collaborative governance involving the countries of the Amazon region and other stakeholders. Our focus is the metagovernance of the (multilevel and fragmented) national governance systems that have proven incapable of controlling the environmental and social harms affecting the region. We focus our transnational analysis on the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) and our intranational analysis on Brazil (which has sovereignty over the greatest part of the Amazon). We explore the governance challenges, and point to possible ways to address them.
Environment in institutional care settings as a promoting factor for older individuals’ mobility: A systematic review
Authors: Narsakka Noora , Suhonen Riitta , Stolt Minna
Published: December 2021

Background

Mobility is important for health and well‐being; however, older individuals in institutional care settings are relatively sedentary. The environment has an increased influence on mobility in older age due to changes in individual functioning; thus, environmental mobility support solutions for this population are needed.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to identify elements of the environment that have been used in the content and delivery of interventions to promote mobility and to assess the effects of these interventions on mobility outcomes.

Design

A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL and MEDLINE from the earliest date through 30 September 2020 for randomised controlled trials, quasi‐experimental and pre‐post design studies. Inclusion and critical appraisal of articles were conducted by two independent researchers. Data were extracted and synthesised.

Setting and participants

Studies were included if they had employed some element of the environment in the content and/or delivery of the intervention and had assessed mobility‐related outcomes of older individuals in institutional long‐term care settings providing full‐time care.

Measures

Studies were included if they reported data on mobility‐related outcomes including aspects of physical activity, physical function, life space and functional autonomy.

Results

Eight studies were included. Physical, social and symbolic elements of the environment were utilised in the interventions. Positive effects on mobility outcomes were reported in exercise interventions utilising environmental elements mostly as supportive components.

Conclusions and implications

Empirical evidence about effective mobility interventions employing elements of the environment as main intervention components is lacking. A serious dilemma exists about the need for older individuals’ independence and mobile/active late life and the lack of support for such initiatives in long‐term care. Given the emphasised relationship of the environment and mobility with age due to changes in functioning, environmental solutions require further examination.
Is it canine DUSN?
Authors: Aguirre Gustavo D. , Kazacos Kevin R.
Published: December 2021

The term retinopathy has been used to group several heterogeneous retinal abnormalities that are clearly acquired or are suspected/proposed to be inherited. Some share characteristic focal/multifocal hyperreflective tapetal lesions with a dark center, and areas of non‐tapetal depigmentation suggestive of patchy or diffuse outer retinal atrophy. Progression is variable, and some develop unilateral or bilateral fundus changes resembling the clearly inherited form of retinal degeneration referred to as PRA. In this Commentary and Review, we discuss the role of ocular larva migrans resulting in the entity we refer to as canine DUSN and suggest that it may be responsible for some of the retinal findings grouped under the retinopathy rubric that share this characteristic fundus lesion.
Mathematical Model of Macromolecular Drug Transport in a Partially Liquefied Vitreous Humor
Authors: Khoobyar Anahid , Penkova Anita N. , Humayun Mark S. , Sadhal Satwindar Singh
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of partial liquefaction (due to ageing) of the vitreous humor on the transport of ocular drugs. In our model, the gel part of the vitreous is treated as a Darcy-type porous medium. A spherical region within the porous part of vitreous is in a liquid state which, for computational purposes, is also treated as a porous medium but with a much higher permeability. Using the finite element method, a time-dependent, three-dimensional model has been developed to computationally simulate (using the Petrov–Galerkin method) the transport of intravitreally injected macromolecules where both convection and diffusion are present. From a fluid physics and transport phenomena perspective, the results show many interesting features. For pressure-driven flow across the vitreous, the flow streamlines converge into the liquefied region as the flow seeks the fastest path of travel. Furthermore, as expected, with increased level of liquefaction, the overall flow rate increases for a given pressure drop. We have quantified this effect for various geometrical considerations. The flow convergence into the liquefied region has important implication for convective transport. One effect is the clear diversion of the drug as it reaches the liquefied region. In some instances, the entry point of the drug in the retinal region gets slightly shifted due to liquefaction. While the model has many approximations and assumptions, the focus is illustrating the effect of liquefaction as one of the building blocks toward a fully comprehensive model.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Hydrodynamic and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Falling Film Over Metal Foam Layered Horizontal Tube
Authors: Jayakumar Arjun , Mani A.
Published: December 2021

A novel nonintrusive technique based on an air-coupled ultrasonic transducer was used to study the hydrodynamic behavior of falling film over metal foam layered horizontal tube. Copper foam having a porosity of 90.5%, brazed over a copper tube of 25.4 mm diameter was used in this study. Falling film thickness distribution in the circumferential direction and the dynamic characteristics of falling film were studied in the falling film Reynolds number range of 356–715, and at a tube spacing of 5 mm and 15 mm. The falling film characteristics over metal foam layered horizontal tubes were compared with that over a plain horizontal tube surface. Heat transfer studies of falling film over metal foam layered tube were studied in an evaporator of a multi-effect desalination system by experiment. It was observed that the falling film heat transfer coefficient was enhanced 2.7 times by the application of metal foam over the plain horizontal tube. The measurements obtained from hydrodynamic and heat transfer studies were compared with the predictions made by a computational model and were found to be in good agreement. Metal foam properties required for the computational model were obtained using a microcomputed tomography-based study.