bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant N economics and the extended phenotype: Integrating the functional traits of plants and associated soil biota into plant–plant interactions
Authors: Fernandez Marine , Vernay Antoine , Henneron Ludovic , Adamik Larissa , Malagoli Philippe , Balandier Philippe
Published: May 2022

The nitrogen (N) economics of plants are generally described in terms of functional traits and how these affect N availability in a given environment. However, recent studies have shown that plant symbionts play a crucial role in plant N economics. A plant together with its symbiont can be considered as a meta‐organism, the holobiont. Plant‐associated symbionts are shaped by the plant, thereby extending the plant's phenotype. Decomposers also play an important role in plant N economics, yet are usually not included in the plant holobiont.

In this review, we show the important roles that both symbionts and decomposers play in plant N economics. We focus on how plants respond to fluctuating N availability in a complex interaction network, which includes the plant's strategies and its interactions and feedback loops with the soil biota and with neighbouring plants, through competition for N by exploitation and interference.

Synthesis. Plant N economics and the outcome of plant–plant interactions in a community cannot be fully described solely through the functional traits of plant individuals. Properties emerging from the interaction network bring new insights into plant N economics. Further research is now needed to gain a deeper understanding of plant N economics and resource economics in plant communities by integrating a broader extended plant phenotype.
Climate‐driven substitution of foundation species causes breakdown of a facilitation cascade with potential implications for higher trophic levels
Authors: Smale Dan A. , Teagle Harry , Hawkins Stephen J. , Jenkins Helen L. , Frontier Nadia , Wilding Cat , King Nathan , Jackson‐Bué Mathilde , Moore Pippa J.
Published: May 2022

Climate change can alter ecological communities both directly, by driving shifts in species distributions and abundances, and indirectly by influencing the strength and direction of species interactions. Within benthic marine ecosystems, foundation species such as canopy‐forming macro‐algae often underpin important cascades of facilitative interactions.

We examined the wider impacts of climate‐driven shifts in the relative abundances of foundation species within a temperate reef system, with particular focus on a habitat cascade whereby kelp facilitate epiphytic algae that, in turn, facilitate mobile invertebrates. Specifically, we tested whether the warm‐water kelp Laminaria ochroleuca, which has proliferated in response to recent warming trends, facilitated a secondary habitat‐former (epiphytic algae on stipes) and associated mobile invertebrates, to the same degree as the cold‐water kelp Laminaria hyperborea.

The facilitative interaction between kelp and stipe‐associated epiphytic algae was dramatically weaker for the warm‐water foundation species, leading to breakdown of a habitat cascade and impoverished associated faunal assemblages. On average, the warm‐water kelp supported >250 times less epiphytic algae (by biomass) and >50 times fewer mobile invertebrates (by abundance) than the cold‐water kelp. Moreover, by comparing regions of pre‐ and post‐range expansion by L. ochroleuca, we found that warming‐impacted kelp forests supported around half the biomass of epiphytic algae and one‐fifth of the abundance of mobile invertebrates, per unit area, compared with unimpacted forests. We suggest that disruption to this facilitation cascade has the potential to impact upon higher trophic levels, specifically kelp forest fishes, through lower prey availability.

Synthesis. Climate‐driven shifts in species' distributions and the relative abundances of foundation organisms will restructure communities and alter ecological interactions, with consequences for ecosystem functioning. We show that climate‐driven substitutions of seemingly similar foundation species can alter local biodiversity and trophic processes in temperate marine ecosystems.
Integrating nocturnal and diurnal interactions in a Neotropical pollination network
Authors: Souza Camila S. , Oliveira Paulo E. , Rosa Bianca B. , Maruyama Pietro K.
Published: May 2022

Plants establish pollination interactions with different groups of animals, including nocturnal ones that establish interactions with economically valuable and culturally important crops, as well as wild plants of conservation concern. Despite the considerable number of studies addressing the structure and dynamic of pollination networks, nocturnal interactions have been relatively overlooked. Using a multilayer network approach and considering diurnal and nocturnal interactions, we aimed to understand how interactions at different periods of the day are integrated and contribute to the network structural pattern. We also aimed to highlight how multilayer networks may give a more nuanced assessment of species importance across layers.

We assembled a pollination network of an intensively studied Neotropical area by standardizing interaction data from 16 previous studies into a presence/absence (binary) network. Then, we used a multilayer network approach to evaluate the network modularity and plant species' roles in these different temporal layers. Plants were classified as nocturnal or diurnal according to the onset of floral opening and pollinators were classified according to their foraging period.

The network consisted of 178 pollinator species and 158 plant species, with 870 links. Among plant species, 135 species have diurnal floral opening while 23 species are nocturnal. The multilayer network was significantly modular, and these modules differed in the composition of pollinator groups (e.g., hawk moths, bats, bees, hummingbirds), as well as of diurnal and nocturnal plants. We show that diurnal and nocturnal interactions are organized into interconnected modules in the multilayer network. Nocturnal plants had higher values of versatility and multidegree than diurnal plants, due to their role in connecting the two temporal layers.

Synthesis. Our study highlights the importance of integrating different pollination systems to understand the importance of distinct components that structure pollination networks. We also illustrate the value of tapping into existing information, particularly species interaction data, from well‐studied biodiversity hotspot areas, to gain a better understanding of how communities are structured. Finally, despite the relative scarcity of nocturnal pollination network studies, we showed nocturnal plants, which often make complementary use of diurnal pollinators, to be important in connecting the temporal layers.
Use of clonidine in the treatment of Irukandji syndrome: A 4‐year retrospective cohort study on safety, efficacy and clinical utility
Authors: Isman Ari , Seymour Jamie , Little Mark
Published: May 2022

Objective

Irukandji syndrome (IS) is an extremely painful condition that causes a significant catecholamine surge and sympathetic autonomic response related to the envenomation from certain types of jellyfish. Current management involves intravenous fluids, magnesium sulphate and large doses of opioids for symptom control. Clonidine, a centrally acting alpha‐2 agonist, is often used as an analgesic adjunct to reduce opioid requirements in acute pain. The present study explores the safety and efficacy of clonidine in reducing opioid requirements in IS.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with IS at Cairns Hospital between 1 March 2016 and 30 April 2020, and participants from the Magnesium in Irukandji Study Trial, were included in this retrospective study (n = 114). Cases were separated into two groups depending on whether or not they received clonidine, and subsequently analysed according to pre‐ and post‐intervention opioid requirements, clonidine dose administered and adverse effects.

Results

Notably, 39 patients with IS received ≥1 mcg/kg clonidine and the remaining 75 did not. There was no difference in oral morphine equivalent daily dose (oMEDD) between groups before clonidine administration; however, there was a significant reduction in oMEDD required after patients received clonidine (26.1 mg; 95% CI 4.6–47.7) compared with those who did not (66.6 mg; 95% CI 56.9–86.1) (F = 8.722, df = 1 × 224, P = 0.003). One episode of hypotension occurred following the intervention.

Conclusion

Patients with IS who received clonidine required significantly lower opioid requirements than those who did not receive clonidine. Clonidine was safe to administer and should be considered early when treating IS. The optimal clonidine dose remains unclear and requires prospective studies to validate our findings.
Purification of Aspergillus tamarii mycelial fructosyltransferase (m‐FTase), optimized FOS production, and evaluation of its anticancer potential
Authors: Choukade Ritumbhara , Kango Naveen
Published: May 2022

In the present study, generation of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) using Aspergillus tamarii FTase was optimized by applying response surface methodology. Optimal FOS (251 g L−1) was generated at 28.4°C, pH 7.0 and 50% (w/v) sucrose leading to 1.97‐fold yield enhancement. The m‐FTase was purified using ultrafiltration followed by HiTrap Q HP anion exchange chromatography resulting in 2.15‐fold purified FTase with 12.76 U mg–1 specific activity. Purified FTase (75 kDa) had Km and Vmax values of 1049.717 mM and 2.094 µmol min–1 mg–1, respectively. FOS incorporation led to upregulation of caspase 3, caspase 9, and Bax genes suggesting mitochondrial apoptosis activation in cancer cells. The study describes characteristics of purified FTase from A. tamarii, production optimization of FOS and unravels the role of FOS in anticancer activity against HT‐29 cells.

Practical Application

This study provides detailed insights of kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of purified FTase, a prebiotic FOS‐generating enzyme. Moreover, the role of the apoptotic genes involved in anticancer activity, and the prebiotic potential of FOS is also investigated. These findings are important in the context of FOS applications, and the optimized production strategies make it useful for industrial application.
A feasibility study on nondestructive classification of frozen Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets based on temperature history at the logistics using NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Asefa Bezuayehu Gutema , Sun Chanjun , Van Beers Robbe , Saeys Wouter , Ruyters Stefan
Published: May 2022

Temperature fluctuation commonly occurs in the cold chain leading to complete or partial thawing and refreezing of frozen products resulting in a multifrozen product. Such oscillation of temperature could cause significant quality reduction compared to single frozen products. This study was designed to differentiate frozen Atlantic salmon fillets based on the level of temperature fluctuation. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with chemometrics was used to classify the frozen fillets stored at no fluctuation (NF), low fluctuation (LF), high fluctuation (HF), and very high fluctuation (VF) temperature. Using spectral profiles obtained at both frozen and thawed states, fillets were classified based on the level of temperature fluctuation by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). The thawed samples showed better classification accuracy (71%) than frozen samples (66%) in a four‐class model. Considering the small variation within the first two (NF, LF) and the last two (HF, VF) groups, a two‐class classification model was developed using thawed samples, and the obtained model correctly classified the two groups ([NF, LF] and [HF, VF]) with 100 % classification accuracy. Protein‐ and water‐related changes were found important to distinguish the fillets. Based on these findings, the four‐class prediction model is found insufficient to be used for nondestructive determination of temperature history of frozen fillets. However, the two‐class prediction model with further external validation can be applied to determine the level of temperature fluctuation particularly using fillets scanned at thawed state.

Practical Application

NIR spectroscopy can be used to evaluate the degree of temperature fluctuation and thus related quality loss throughout the logistics of frozen Atlantic salmon fillets. Researchers, food control authorities, and the retail industry could be the primary beneficiaries of this research output.
Effects of the mashing process and macromolecule contents on the filterability of barley malt
Authors: Zhu Tiandi , Mu Yuwen
Published: May 2022

The filterability of barley malt is a critical quality parameter in beer brewing. The effects of two mashing processes (processes A and B) on the filterability of the three barley malts and their macromolecule contents were investigated. Filtration volume increased by 4%, 9%, and 13% for the Baudin, Ganpi, and Gangpi malts, respectively, and the final filtration volume of Gangpi was still poorer than that of Baudin. A downward mashing process (process C) was applied to measure the β‐glucan, arabinoxylans (AX), the polymeric arabinoxylan (PAX), and high molecular weight nitrogen (HMWN) content. The β‐glucan degradation rate of well‐modified malt during malting was higher than that of poorly modified malt, whereas the PAX and HMWN solubilization rates during malting were lower in well‐modified malt than in poorly modified malt. The filterability of poorly modified malt did not effectively improve with an initial mashing phase at 37℃. β‐Glucan degradation and PAX and HMWN solubilization during malting were critical for ensuring malt quality. Thus, the goal of predicting the filterability of malt was achieved by applying a downward mashing process.

Practical Application

Quality of wort and beer as well as production efficiency is affected by the malt quality. The filterability of barley malt can affect the production efficiency and quality of wort. The change in the macromolecule contents during malting is important to ensure the production of high‐quality malt. The results of this study can provide a good method for the detection of malt filtration performance, and it also may contribute to the purpose of prediction the changes in barley malt and the resulting barley malt filterability.
Use of cenotes and the cave environment by mammals on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Vernes Karl , Devos Fred
Published: May 2022

Mammals are important sources of nutrients to cave ecosystems, and in some circumstances, caves may be an essential resource for mammals. Few studies, however, have focused on the use of caves by terrestrial mammals. The Yucatán Peninsula encompasses an extensive carbonate karst region that includes the world's largest underwater cave system. Forest in the region overlies fractured limestone bedrock, so flooded caves known regionally as cenotes represent the only reliable source of free‐standing water for much of the Peninsula's wildlife. We used camera traps at 17 cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula to determine patterns of use by mammals. Eighteen non‐volant mammal taxa were identified using cenotes, the most commonly occurring being lowland paca (Agouti paca), opossums (Didelphis spp.), white‐nosed coati (Nasua narica), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), tayra (Eira barbara), and gray four‐eyed opossum (Philander opossum); collectively these taxa accounted for 76% of all mammal records. We also recorded several felids using cenotes, including jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor). Activity patterns at cenotes usually matched normal activity schedules, but some species were nocturnal in the forest but diurnal at cenotes. Mammals mostly accessed cenotes to drink, but a range of activities were recorded including foraging, nesting, mating, resting, and bathing. The Yucatán region has experienced continued population growth and economic development over many decades which directly threatens cenotes. Because our work has revealed that cenotes are important to the Yucatán's mammals, we believe protection of cenotes should be a central issue for regional wildlife conservation.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Chemistry and anticancer activity of cardiac glycosides: A review
Authors: Shah Kamal , Chhabra Sumit , Singh Chauhan Nagendra
Published: May 2022

The objective of this review is an attempt to emphasize the development in the chemistry and to display review of diverse therapeutic actions of cardiac glycosides. Anticancer activity of cardiac glycosides is the main activity as discussed in this review. The aim of the review is to gather the recent researches on cardiac glycosides. The present manuscript gives the platform for the researcher to have complete literature on the topic.
Should compromised first permanent molar teeth in children be routinely removed? A health economics analysis
Authors: Sanghvi Risha , Cant Aisling , de Almeida Neves Aline , Hosey Marie Therese , Banerjee Avijit , Pennington Mark
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of retaining one or more compromised first permanent molars (cFPMs) affected by dental caries or enamel hypomineralization, compared to timely extraction, in children aged 8 years.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to simulate the lifetime of a cFPM. Two management strategies were compared: extraction facilitating spontaneous space closure or maintenance of teeth with restorations. Ten health states were utilized to capture long‐term outcomes including various tooth restorations, prostheses or a retained gap at the cFPM site. Outcomes were expressed as Quality Adjusted Tooth‐Years (QATYs). The model was informed by survey data on patient preferences for treatment outcomes and UK data on costs. Discounted costs and QATYs were calculated over 62 years.

Results

Regardless of the number of cFPMs, retaining cFPMs was more effective than early removal, generating an additional 2.3 QATYs per cFPM. Early removal of one or two cFPM under general anaesthetic (GA) was more expensive than retention and hence never cost‐effective. Retaining a cFPM was more expensive than early removal under local anaesthesia or where four cFPMs were extracted under GA. In these cases, retaining cFPMs was cost‐effective if a QATY was valued at £100 or £35, respectively. Results were robust to sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Preserving a cFPM was more cost‐effective than the early loss of one, or two cFPMs under GA. Preservation of four cFPMs was cost‐effective if sufficient value was placed on a QATY. These findings can guide clinical practice on management of cFPMs alongside patient/payer values on maintaining teeth.
Comparison of sinus distribution between nasal irrigation and nasal spray using fluorescein‐labelled in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Muenkaew Yosita , Tangbumrungtham Navarat , Roongpuvapaht Boonsam , Tanjararak Kangsadarn
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aims to compare the potential sinus distribution between high‐volume nasal irrigation and nasal spray in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients who have not undergone sinus surgery.

Design and Setting

A randomised clinical study was conducted at the Otolaryngology‐Head & Neck Surgery Department, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University.

Participants

Forty patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS. Thirty‐eight patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to receive nasal irrigation or nasal spray mixed with fluorescein sodium preoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the mean difference in the staining score of fluorescein in all sinuses between the two groups.

Results

The total fluorescein staining score for all sinuses in the nasal irrigation group was significantly higher than the score from the nasal spray group, with a mean difference score of 2.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–4.58, p = .001. The most significantly affected sinuses were the maxillary and the anterior ethmoid sinuses, while the frontal and sphenoid sinuses had only minimal staining from both techniques.

Conclusion

Nasal irrigation is a potential route to deliver drugs into the sinus in unoperated CRS patients. However, it is not considered a superior method to nasal spray in the most challenging anatomical areas, that is, the frontal and sphenoid sinuses.
Biogeography of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) in Texas and implications on conservation biology
Authors: de Moulpied Michael , Smith Chase H. , Robertson Clinton R. , Johnson Nathan A. , Lopez Roel , Randklev Charles R.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Biogeography seeks to identify and explain the spatial distributions of species and has become an important tool used by conservationists to protect and manage aquatic organisms. Texas, located in the southwestern United States, is home to 52 species of freshwater mussels, 9 of which are endemic to Texas and 7 that are endemic to Texas and neighboring states or countries. There have been two major attempts to classify this fauna into biogeographical provinces; however, both efforts relied on limited distribution information and outdated taxonomy. To address both issues, we set out to delineate biogeographic provinces for freshwater mussels in Texas by using a comprehensive distributional dataset of >28,000 records and molecular information.

Location

Southwestern United States.

Methods

We compiled community and molecular data for 48 of the 52 freshwater mussel species that occur in Texas. We performed algorithmic hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) based on Euclidean distance to identify biogeographic groupings. We conducted a similar analysis using molecular sequence data for our target species.

Results

Based on the results from community and molecular data, we identified seven biogeographic provinces for freshwater mussels in Texas: Great Plains, Mississippi Embayment, Sabine‐Neches, Trinity‐San Jacinto, Central Texas, Rio Grande and Coastal. However, the Coastal and Great Plains provinces were not included in our analysis and were recognized based on previous work.

Main conclusions

Our approach integrating community and molecular datasets provides a comprehensive assessment of the biogeography of freshwater mussels in Texas, which serves as a model for future biogeographic studies. Our findings also shed light on the ecological, evolutionary and geologic processes shaping freshwater mussel communities in Texas, which is important for the conservation of remaining biodiversity in the state.
Does code‐switching influence novel word learning?
Authors: Kaushanskaya Margarita , Crespo Kimberly , Neveu Anne
Published: May 2022

Code‐switching occurs regularly in the input to bilingual children. Yet, the effect of code‐switched input on language development is unclear. To test whether word learning would be affected by code‐switching, Spanish–English bilingual children (N = 45, 19 boys, MeanAge = 5.05 years; ethnicity: 37 Hispanic/Latino, six Non‐Hispanic/Latino, two unreported) were taught English‐like novel words in two conditions. In the English‐only condition, definitions for novel words were provided entirely in English. In the code‐switch condition, definitions for novel words were provided in English and Spanish, incorporating code‐switches. Children required fewer exposures to retain novel words in the code‐switch than the English‐only condition and this effect was not moderated by children's language ability or exposure to code‐switching, suggesting that code‐switched input does not pose word‐learning risks to bilingual children, including children with lower levels of language ability.
Modulation of cellular redox environment as a novel therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Deus Cláudia M. , Teixeira José , Raimundo Nuno , Tucci Paolo , Borges Fernanda , Saso Luciano , Oliveira Paulo J.
Published: May 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable neurodegenerative movement disorder. PD affects 2% of the population above 65 years old; however, with the growing number of senior citizens, PD prevalence is predicted to increase in the following years. Pathologically, PD is characterized by dopaminergic cell neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra, resulting in decreased dopamine levels in the nigrostriatal pathway, triggering motor symptoms. Although the pathological mechanisms leading to PD are still unclear, large evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays an important role, not only because it increases with age which is the most significant risk factor for PD development, but also as a result of alterations in several processes, particularly mitochondria dysfunction. The modulation of oxidative stress, especially using dietary mitochondriotropic antioxidants, represents a promising approach to prevent or treat PD. Although most mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants with beneficial effects in PD‐associated models have failed to show any therapeutic benefit in clinical trials, several questions remain to be clarified. Hereby, we review the role played by oxidative stress in PD pathogenesis, emphasizing mitochondria as reactive oxygen species (ROS) producers and as targets for oxidative stress‐related dysfunctional mechanisms. In addition, we also describe the importance of using dietary‐based mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants as a valuable strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of ROS in pre‐clinical and/or clinical trials of PD, pointing out their significance to slow, and possibly halt, the progression of PD.
Neurofilament light chain and total tau in the differential diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of acute and chronic inflammatory polyneuropathies
Authors: Kmezic Ivan , Samuelsson Kristin , Finn Anja , Upate Zane , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Press Rayomand
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of axonal injury biomarkers in patients with inflammatory polyneuropathies.

Methods

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and total tau (T‐tau) were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma in 41 patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), 32 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 10 with paraproteinemia‐related demyelinating polyneuropathy (PDN), and 8 with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), in comparison with 39 disease‐free controls and 59 other controls. Outcome was measured with the GBS‐disability score (GBS‐ds) or Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability score.

Results

Neurofilament light chain levels in CSF and plasma were higher in GBS, CIDP, and PDN vs. disease‐free controls. Patients with MMN had higher NfL levels in plasma vs. disease‐free controls, but lower levels in CSF and plasma vs. patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

T‐tau levels in plasma were higher in GBS, CIDP, PDN, and MMN vs. all control groups.

Neurofilament light chain levels in CSF and plasma in patients with GBS correlated with GBS‐ds, as higher levels were associated with inability to run after 6 and 12 months. NfL levels in CSF and plasma in CIDP did not correlate significantly with outcome.

Conclusions

Acute and chronic inflammatory neuropathies are associated with an increase in levels of NfL in CSF and plasma, but NfL is validated as a prognostic biomarker only in GBS. NfL could be used in differentiating patients with MMN from ALS. T‐tau in plasma is a novel biomarker that could be used in a diagnostic assessment of patients with acute and chronic inflammatory polyneuropathies.
In courts we trust, or should we? Judicial independence as the precondition for the effectiveness of EU law
Authors: Bárd Petra
Published: May 2022

The present article argues that the EU possesses an arsenal of tools to address dissuasively rule of law problems in the Member States. This shows the double nature of the EU's separation of powers problem. Whereas some states suffer from rule of law decline and a lack of limitation of governmental powers, there is a risk of the crumbling of separation of powers at the EU level, too, where institutions fail to adequately address rule of law violations. Against the EU institutions' lack of forceful action towards rule of law backsliding, domestic courts try to protect judicial independence increasingly via preliminary references. Also, they attempt preventing the proliferation of the consequences of rule of law decline via judicial cooperation in the mutual trust/mutual recognition domain. This article explores to what extent preliminary rulings can make up for the failure to use adequate EU tools of rule of law enforcement.
Multifaceted DNA metabarcoding of guano to uncover multiple classes of ecological data in two different bat communities
Authors: Lance Richard F. , Guan Xin , Swift Joel F. , Edwards Christine E. , Lindsay Denise L. , Britzke Eric R.
Published: May 2022

DNA contained in animal scat provides a wealth of information about the animal, and DNA metabarcoding of scat collections can provide key information about animal populations and communities. Next‐generation DNA sequencing technologies and DNA metabarcoding provide an efficient means for obtaining information available in scat samples. We used multifaceted DNA metabarcoding (MDM) of noninvasively collected bat guano pellets from a Myotis lucifugus colony on Fort Drum Military Installation, New York, USA, and from two mixed‐species bat roosts on Fort Huachuca Military Installation, Arizona, USA, to identify attributes such as bat species composition, sex ratios, diet, and the presence of pathogens and parasites. We successfully identified bat species for nearly 98% of samples from Fort Drum and 90% of samples from Fort Huachuca, and identified the sex for 84% and 67% of samples from these same locations, respectively. Species and sex identification matched expectations based on prior censuses of bat populations utilizing those roosts, though samples from some species were more or less common than anticipated within Fort Huachuca roosts. Nearly 62% of guano samples from Fort Drum contained DNA from Pseudogymnoascus destructans, where bats with wing damage from White‐nose Syndrome were commonly observed. Putative dietary items were detected in a majority of samples from insectivorous bats on Fort Drum (81%) and Fort Huachuca (63%). A minority of guano samples identified as the nectarivorous Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (28%) provided DNA sequences from putative forage plant species. Finally, DNA sequences from both putative ecto‐ and endoparasite taxa were detected in 35% and 56% of samples from Fort Drum and Fort Huachuca, respectively. This study demonstrates that the combination of noninvasive sampling, DNA metabarcoding, and sample and locus multiplexing provide a wide array of data that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Grammatical and lexical development during study abroad: Research on a corpus of spoken L2 Chinese
Authors: Du Hang
Published: May 2022

The Challenge

Results of research on the effects of study abroad on the development of grammatical accuracy, mostly in major European languages, have been inconclusive. How can corpus linguistics research on a large corpus of spoken L2 Chinese answer this question? Will it reveal patterns that are otherwise undiscoverable with other methods?
Trabajo agrícola e inseguridad alimentaria de la población siria refugiada en Oriente Medio durante la primera ola de COVID‐19
Authors: ZUNTZ Ann‐Christin , KLEMA Mackenzie , ABDULLATEEF Shaher , MAZERI Stella , ALNABOLSI Salim Faisal , ALFADEL Abdulellah , ABI‐HABIB Joy , AZAR Maria , CALIA Clara , BURKE Joseph , GRANT Liz , BODEN Lisa
Published: May 2022

A partir de datos etnográficos de los proyectos SyrianFoodFutures (2019) y From the FIELD (2020), se proporciona evidencia sobre los primeros efectos de la pandemia de COVID‐19 en el trabajo agrícola de refugiadas y refugiados en Iraq, Jordania, el Líbano, Siria y Turquía. En la primavera de 2020, las restricciones de movimientos y las interrupciones de la cadena de suministro hicieron que las y los trabajadores agrícolas sirios desplazados perdieran sus empleos y se enfrentaran a una mayor inseguridad alimentaria. Los autores destacan el uso de la ambigüedad legal por parte de los países de acogida hacia la población refugiada, la dependencia de la agricultura de Oriente Medio de la mano de obra migrante y la prolongada inseguridad alimentaria de la región. Llegan a la conclusión de que la formalización del trabajo de la población refugiada no es suficiente para hacer frente a la explotación.
Facilitators and barriers for implementing the integrated behavioural health care model in the USA: An integrative review
Authors: Peer Yifat , Koren Ainat
Published: May 2022

The integrated behavioural health care (IBHC) model incorporates mental health services with primary care. This service model is widely advocated due to its increasing access to health care and cost‐saving. By connecting individuals with mental illnesses with a primary care provider, this model of care promotes collaboration between interdisciplinary teams, and therefore, increases health equity, decreases stigma, and increases patient satisfaction. This integrative review aimed to examine and synthesize available literature on facilitators and barriers related to the IBHC model implementation in the United States. An integrative review methodology by Whittemore and Knafl was utilized, and data evaluation was based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. The social‐ecological model guided the review. Twenty‐two articles were analysed, and nine themes were identified, which were further organized according to the five levels of the social‐ecological model and consisted of intrapersonal level – patient‐centered care; interpersonal level – relationships; community level – physical accessibility; organizational level – operation and infrastructure, team approach, training in behavioural health, electronic medical record, and staffing; and policy level – funds and health insurance. Most facilitating factors were on the organizational level and related to infrastructure, team approach, patient‐centered care, and the most noted barrier was poor relationships. Nurses can increase engagement in integrated care by assuming roles that oversee patient care, foster professional collaborations, and improve relationships. Future research should focus on vulnerable populations this model serves, patients' perspectives, and the effect of telehealth.
Academic stress, COVID‐19 anxiety, and quality of life among nursing students: The mediating role of resilience
Authors: Berdida Daniel Joseph E. , Grande Rizal Angelo N.
Published: May 2022

Aim

This study investigated the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between academic stress, COVID‐19 anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) among Filipino nursing students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the QoL of nursing students who are experiencing mental health issues. The mediating role of resilience in mitigating the effects of academic stress and COVID‐19 anxiety on nursing students’ QoL remains understudied.

Methods

This study employed a correlational cross‐sectional design, with a convenience sample of 611 Filipino nursing students. Data were collected using the scales Connor and Davidson Resilience, Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life, COVID‐19 Anxiety, and Perception of Academic Stress and analyzed using Pearson's r, bivariate analysis, and multistage regression analyses.

Results

Academic stress and COVID‐19 anxiety negatively correlated with QoL and resilience. Resilience was positively associated with QoL and reduced the effect of academic stress on QoL, indicating that resilience is a crucial mediating variable between academic stress and QoL. Finally, resilience had a significant mediating influence on QoL, as evidenced by a reduction in the effect of COVID‐19 anxiety on QoL among nursing students.

Conclusions

Filipino nursing students' QoL was affected by academic stress and COVID‐19–related anxiety. However, resilience mediated this impact, preserving QoL.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nursing colleges and affiliated hospitals must collaborate to monitor academic stress and pandemic‐related anxiety. Nursing students should be provided with programs such as seminars and team‐building activities to enhance their resilience.
Determining the relationship between loneliness and depression in adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Kayaoğlu Kübra , Başcıllar Mehmet
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between loneliness and depression felt by adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design and Methods

The study sample consisted of 423 adolescents who volunteered to participate in the study. All participants had internet access and the cognitive ability to express themselves. The participants filled out the Google Documents form that included the “Socio‐demographic Data Form,” “Children's Depression Inventory,” and “Short‐form UCLA Loneliness Scale” to collect data.

Findings

It was determined that the depression inventory total mean score of the adolescents participating in the study was 55.15 ± 2.88 (high) and the loneliness scale total mean score was 16.43 ± 4.93 (medium). A statistically positive high correlation was found between the depression total mean scores and the loneliness total mean scores of the adolescents (p < 0.05). As the loneliness levels of the adolescents increased, their depression levels increased.

Practice Implications

Adolescents were more likely to experience mental disorders such as loneliness and depression during and after the pandemic. Governments should focus on the mental health of adolescents in the management of COVID‐19. Clinical services should plan and implement prevention activities, support programs, and services to replace early diagnosis and intervention.
Citizen science reveals the population structure and seasonal presence of whale sharks in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Magson Kirsty , Monacella Emily , Scott Chad , Buffat Noémie , Arunrugstichai Sirachai , Chuangcharoendee Metavee , Pierce Simon J. , Holmberg Jason , Araujo Gonzalo
Published: May 2022

The whale shark Rhincodon typus is a broadly distributed and highly mobile planktivorous shark species. The sharks form predictable aggregations in many areas, providing the opportunity for cost‐effective scientific monitoring through divers and other marine resource users. Sightings of individuals outside of these aggregate zones elsewhere in their range are typically rare. We used a citizen science‐based approach to shed light on occurrence and seasonality in the waters around Koh Tao, Thailand and neighbouring islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Although there is a paucity of quantitative data, anecdotal reports suggest substantial declines in sightings in the early 2000s. We identified a total of 178 individual whale sharks (from 249 sightings) between 2004 and 2019, with most of these (84%) from the 2015–2019 time period due to an increase in sighting reports facilitated by social media and direct marketing. Size estimates were reported for 102 of the sightings, with a range of 2–6 m and mean of 3.7 m overall. Sex was reported for 27% of sightings, with a 2:1 female‐to‐male ratio. Modified maximum likelihood methods suggest whale sharks are transient to Koh Tao and surrounding areas, with whale shark sightings following the regional monsoon cycle. One international resighting was obtained from Malaysian waters (~700 km away). Encouraging citizen science participation is particularly useful in data‐poor regions like the Gulf of Thailand, despite limitations in size and sex estimation reliability, which can play an important complementary role in dedicated research programs.
Epidemiological trends of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in Malaysia: A single‐center observational study
Authors: Lim Sze Zee , Chuah Kee Huat , Rajaram Ruveena Bhavani , Stanley Khoo , Shahrani Shahreedhan , Chan Wah Kheong , Ho Shiaw Hooi , Hilmi Ida Normiha , Goh Khean Lee , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

The spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases is recognized to have a geographical variation, which may be due to environmental or genetic differences. We aimed to explore this further in a specialist clinic serving a multi‐ethnic Asian urban population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of outpatient data from this institution's electronic medical records was conducted between January and June 2019. Clinical diagnoses of GI and liver diseases and associated demographic information were collected.

Results

Data from 3676 adult patients (median age 62 years, female 51.1%) were available for analysis. The frequency of luminal GI, liver and pancreato‐biliary diseases were 34.2%, 63.2%, and 2.6%, respectively. Among luminal GI diseases, 38.6% were functional gastrointestinal disorders and 61.4% had an organic cause. A higher proportion of patients of Indian ethnicity were diagnosed with IBD compared with other ethnic groups (India 21.9%, Malay 16.5%, Chinese 12.2%,P = 0.001). Among liver diseases, the most common etiologies were HBV (44.4%) and NAFLD (39.3%). Cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma were present in 18% of liver diseases, with NAFLD as the most frequent etiology. Among patients with NAFLD, a higher proportion of ethnic Malays and Indians were evident (Malay 53.8%vsChinese 28.7%vsIndian 61.1%,P < 0.001). In contrast, a greater proportion of ethnic Chinese were diagnosed with HBV compared with other ethnic groups (Malay 30.9%vsChinese 57.5%vsIndian 8.4%,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The spectrum of GI and liver diseases has a peculiar epidemiology, particularly with reference to the ethnic predilection of certain diseases.
Racial and ethnic and income disparities in COVID‐19 vaccination among Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Cheng Zijing , Li Yue
Published: May 2022

Background

Older adults have been disproportionately affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Despite the widespread availability and proved effectiveness of COVID‐19 vaccines, the issue of inequity in vaccine uptake in the United States is a potential concern among different populations. This study examined racial and ethnic and income disparities in COVID‐19 vaccination rate among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

Data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) COVID‐19 Winter 2021 Community Supplement were employed (n = 9606 Medicare beneficiaries, weighted N = 50,512,963). We fitted a logistic regression model to determine the association of vaccination status with beneficiary race and ethnicity and income, after controlled for a set of beneficiary characteristics.

Results

Compared with non‐Hispanic White respondents, Hispanic respondents (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.96, p = 0.02) and Black respondents (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.67–1.04, p = 0.11) were less likely to receive COVID‐19 vaccine. In addition, the likelihood of COVID‐19 vaccine uptake for beneficiaries who earn less than $25,000 per year was more than 50% lower than that for those whose annual income was $25,000 or more (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.37–0.53, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic and income disparities exist in COVID‐19 vaccination rate among Medicare beneficiaries nationally. Community‐based strategies to boost vaccine uptake may target racial and ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups to reduce such disparities.
Developmental stages of the ballan wrasse from first feeding through metamorphosis: Cranial ossification and the digestive system
Authors: Norland Sissel , Sæle Øystein , Rønnestad Ivar
Published: May 2022

We have described six developmental stages for the ballan wrasse, from the first feeding until the juvenile stage, supported by specific descriptions of cranial ossification, maturation of the digestive tract, and growth‐correlated stages. The initial formation and development of bones are closely linked to the functional anatomical structures required for the mechanics of its feeding behavior and ingestion, particularly the jaws and branchial regions involved in opening the mouth and capturing food particles. The overall ontogeny of the cranial structure compares to that of other teleosts. The cranial ossification of the ballan wrasse skull and the development of its dentary apparatus—first pharyngal teeth and later oral teeth—is linked to the development of the digestive system and to their feeding habits, from preying on zooplankton to feeding on crustaceans and invertebrates on rocks and other substrates. As ballan wrasse is a nibbler, eating small meals, the digestive tract is short compared to the length of the fish; there is no stomach or peptic digestion and also no distinctive bulbus and pyloric ceca. The liver and exocrine pancreas and their outlets terminating in the lumen of the most anterior part of the intestine are important in the digestive process and develop with a larger volume than that in gastric teleosts, relative to the digestive system.
The platformed money ecosystem: Digital financial platforms, datafication, and reimagining financial well‐being
Authors: Ekpo Akon E. , Drenten Jenna , Albinsson Pia A. , Anong Sophia , Appau Samuelson , Chatterjee Lagnajita , Dadzie Charlene A. , Echelbarger Margaret , Muldrow Adrienne , Ross Spencer M. , Santana Shelle , Weinberger Michelle F.
Published: May 2022

Digital financial platforms have become an integral part of consumers' lives–resulting in the datafication of everyday life and potential for uniquely impacting financial well‐being. Extending previous transformative consumer research, we suggest financial well‐being must center the ways digital financial platforms and their resulting data are increasingly enmeshed with financial decision making and consumption. Drawing on a theoretical lens of platformization, we propose the Platformed Money Ecosystem, which accounts for increased embeddedness of digital financial platforms within consumers' lives and the subtlety of how everyday life is transformed into data: producing data at the micro‐level, monetizing data at the meso‐level, and regulating data at the macro‐level. In conceptualizing the Platformed Money Ecosystem, we identify three data‐informed considerations for scholars and policymakers to reimagine financial well‐being: protecting consumer data, limiting data biases, and supporting data literacy.
Sterile abscess due to hyaluronic acid: A new diagnosis and a proposal for treatment‐A series of eight cases
Authors: Munhoz Gabriela , Cavallieri Fernanda Aquino , de Almeida Balassiano Laila Klotz , Tembra Maria Fernanda , Cunha José Marcos T. , Silveira Alessandro C. O. , Moreira Marcos Vinicius Rust , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia
Published: May 2022

Background

In recent years, fillers procedures with hyaluronic acid (HA) have grown significantly. Despite HA relative safety, the number of cases of complications after injections has grown, and in many of which, we are not aware of or have little control over.

Aims

In this article, the authors describe a new adverse reaction after filling with HA injection, the sterile abscess.

Patients/Methods

We present eight patients with similar clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound characteristics for sterile abscess and report a new therapeutic modality for it.

Results

All cases were treated with “Munhoz‐Cavallieri Lavage Protocol” procedure with complete resolution.

Conclusions

“Munhoz‐Cavallieri Lavage Protocol” serves as a guideline in diagnosis and management of sterile abscess.