bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Geminiviridae 2021
Authors: Fiallo-Olivé Elvira , Lett Jean-Michel , Martin Darren P. , Roumagnac Philippe , Varsani Arvind , Zerbini F. Murilo , Navas-Castillo Jesús
Published: December 2021

The family Geminiviridae includes viruses with mono- or bipartite single-stranded, circular DNA genomes of 2.5–5.2 kb. They cause economically important diseases in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Geminiviruses infect dicot and monocot plants and are transmitted by insect vectors. DNA satellites are associated with some geminiviruses. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Geminiviridae which is available at ictv.global/report/geminiviridae.
National trends in hospital, long-term care and outpatient Acinetobacter baumannii resistance rates
Authors: Appaneal Haley J. , O’Neill Emily , Lopes Vrishali V. , LaPlante Kerry L. , Caffrey Aisling R.
Published: December 2021

Introduction.

Acinetobacter baumannii

is a top-priority pathogen of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) due to antibiotic resistance.

Gap Statement. Trends in

A. baumannii

resistance rates that include community isolates are unknown.

Aim. Identify trends in

A. baumannii

resistance rates across the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, including isolates from patients treated in hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics nationally.

Methodology. We included

A. baumannii

clinical cultures collected from VA patients from 2010 to 2018. Cultures were categorized by location: VA medical centers (VAMCs), long-term care (LTC) units [community living centers (CLCs)], or outpatient. We assessed carbapenem resistance, multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive drug resistance (XDR). Time trends were assessed with Joinpoint regression.

Results. We identified 19 376

A

.

baumannii

cultures (53% VAMCs, 4% CLCs, 43% outpatient). Respiratory cultures were the most common source of carbapenem-resistant (43 %), multidrug-resistant (49 %) and extensively drug-resistant (21 %) isolates. Over the study period, the number of

A. baumannii

cultures decreased significantly in VAMCs (11.9% per year). In 2018, carbapenem resistance was seen in 28% of VAMC isolates and 36% of CLC isolates, but only 6% of outpatient isolates, while MDR was found in 31% of VAMC isolates and 36% of CLC isolates, but only 8 % of outpatient isolates. Carbapenem-resistant, multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant

A. baumannii

isolates decreased significantly in VAMCs and outpatient clinics over time (VAMCs: by 4.9, 7.2 and 6.9%; outpatient: by 11.3, 10.5 and 10.2% per year). Resistant phenotypes remained stable in CLCs.

Conclusion. In the VA nationally, the prevalence of

A. baumannii

is decreasing, as is resistance. Carbapenem-resistant and multidrug-resistant

A. baumannii

remain common in VAMCs and CLCs. The focus of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship efforts to prevent transmission of resistant

A. baumannii

should be in hospital and LTC settings.
Relationship between monomer packing, receptor binding domain pocket status, and pH, in the spike trimer of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Warwicker Jim
Published: December 2021

Existence of a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer form with closer packing between monomers when receptor binding domains (RBDs) are all down, locked as opposed to closed, has been associated with linoleic acid (LA) binding at neutral pH, or can occur at acidic pH in the absence of LA binding. The relationship between degree of closure of the LA binding pocket of the RBD, and monomer burial in the trimer, is examined for a range of spike protein structures, including those with D614G mutation, and that of the Delta variant (which also carries D614G). Some spike protein structures with this aspartic acid mutation show monomer packing approaching that of the locked form (at neutral pH, without LA binding) for two segments, a third (around the RBD) remains less closely packed. Mutations in the RBD are a focus for the Omicron variant spike protein. Structure reports suggest that these mutations are involved in increased RBD-RBD interactions, and also that they could lead to a closing of the LA pocket, both of which could impact on pH-dependence. One potential outcome is that the extent of pH-dependent conformational transitions of the pre-fusion SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer are reduced in the Omicron variant.
Aerosol decontamination and spatial separation using a free-space LED-based UV-C light curtain
Authors: Wieser Andreas , Beyerl Jessica , Brunn Albrecht v. , Rieker Vincent , Rieker Marcus , Hoelscher Michael , Haisch Christoph
Published: December 2021

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic demonstrated the vulnerability of our societies to aerosol transmitted pathogens. With no less than 260mio known cases and > 5mio deaths, SARS-CoV-2 is a global catastrophe leading to human and economic losses unprecedented in recent history. Thus, effective methods to limit the spread of aerosol transmitted pathogens are needed. Universal masking and curfew laws are effective but no permanent solution.

Methods

A mass producible LED light source emitting homogeneous parallel UV-C light was used as a “light-barrier” to block the spread of infectious aerosols. In an aerosol test channel, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as coronavirus were nebulized and inactivation rates were determined.

Findings

With air speeds of 0.1 m s-1 an exposure time of 1 s in the UV-C light is obtained. Reduction in CFU for E. coli was >3log10 and for S. aureus ∼2.8log10. Plug-forming-units of the murine coronavirus (Mouse Hepatitis Virus, MHV) were reduced by about 3log10.

Interpretation

The concept of a UV-C light barrier to ward off infectious aerosols if feasible and possible with a light element as described here. Coupled with sensor based activation/deactivation, such a technology could greatly reduce the transmission rates of aerosol transmitted pathogens while not disturbing natural human behaviour. This is an interesting technology allowing a “new normal” in societies after/with SARS-CoV-2.
Discrete LAT condensates encode antigen information from single pMHC:TCR binding events
Authors: McAffee Darren B. , O’Dair Mark K. , Lin Jenny J. , Low-Nam Shalini T. , Wilhelm Kiera B. , Kim Sungi , Morita Shumpei , Groves Jay T.
Published: December 2021

LAT assembly into a two-dimensional protein condensate is a prominent feature of antigen discrimination by T cells. Here, we use single-molecule imaging techniques to resolve the spatial position and temporal duration of each pMHC:TCR molecular binding event while simultaneously monitoring LAT condensation at the membrane. An individual binding event is sufficient to trigger a LAT condensate, which is self-limiting, and neither its size nor lifetime is correlated with the duration of the originating pMHC:TCR binding event. Only the probability of the LAT condensate forming is related to the pMHC:TCR binding dwell time. LAT condenses abruptly, but after an extended delay from the originating binding event. A LAT mutation that facilitates phosphorylation at the PLC-γ1 recruitment site shortens the delay time to LAT condensation and alters T cell antigen specificity. These results identify a role for the LAT protein condensation phase transition in setting antigen discrimination thresholds in T cells.
Supergene formation: evidence for recombination suppression among multiple functional loci within inversions
Authors: Jay Paul , Leroy Manon , Le Poul Yann , Whibley Annabel , Arias Monica , Chouteau Mathieu , Joron Mathieu
Published: December 2021

Supergenes are genetic architectures associated with discrete and concerted variation in multiple traits. It has long been suggested that supergenes control these complex polymorphisms by suppressing recombination between set of coadapted genes. However, because recombination suppression hinders the dissociation of the individual effects of genes within supergenes, there is still little evidence that supergenes evolve by tightening linkage between coadapted genes. Here, combining an landmark-free phenotyping algorithm with multivariate genome wide association studies, we dissected the genetic basis of wing pattern variation in the butterfly Heliconius numata. We showed that the supergene controlling the striking wing-pattern polymorphism displayed by this species contains many independent loci associated with different features of wing patterns. The three chromosomal inversions of this supergene suppress recombination between these loci, supporting the hypothesis that they may have evolved because they captured beneficial combinations of alleles. Some of these loci are associated with colour variations only in morphs controlled by inversions, indicating that they were recruited after the formation of these inversions. Our study shows that supergenes and clusters of adaptive loci in general may form via the evolution of chromosomal rearrangements suppressing recombination between co-adapted loci but also via the subsequent recruitment of linked adaptive mutations.
Patients’ and carers’ experiences of, and engagement with remote home monitoring services for COVID-19 patients: a rapid mixed-methods study
Authors: Walton Holly , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Crellin Nadia , Sidhu Manbinder S , Herlitz Lauren , Litchfield Ian , Ellins Jo , Ng Pei Li , Massou Efthalia , Tomini Sonila M , Fulop Naomi J
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Remote home monitoring models were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to shorten hospital length of stay, reduce unnecessary hospital admission, readmission and infection, and appropriately escalate care. Within these models, patients are asked to take and record readings and escalate care if advised. There is limited evidence on how patients and carers experience these services. This study aimed to evaluate patient experiences of, and engagement with, remote home monitoring models for COVID-19.

Methods

A rapid mixed-methods study in England. We conducted a cross-sectional survey and interviews with patients and carers. Interview findings were summarised using rapid assessment procedures sheets and grouping data into themes (using thematic analysis). Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

We received 1069 surveys (18% response rate) and conducted interviews with patients (n=59) and carers (n=3). ‘Care’ relied on support from staff members, and family/friends. Patients and carers reported positive experiences and felt that the service and human contact reassured them and was easy to engage with. Yet, some patients and carers identified problems with engagement. Engagement was influenced by: patient factors such as health and knowledge, support from family/friends and staff, availability and ease-of-use of informational and material resources (e.g. equipment), and service factors.

Conclusion

Remote home monitoring models place responsibility on patients to self-manage symptoms in partnership with staff; yet many patients required support and preferred human contact (especially for identifying problems). Caring burden and experiences of those living alone, and barriers to engagement should be considered when designing and implementing remote home monitoring services.

Patient or public contribution

For this evaluation, members of the study team met with service user and public members of the BRACE PPI group and Health and Care Panel and patient representatives from RSET in a series of workshops. These workshops informed study design, data collection tools, data interpretation and to discuss study dissemination for Phase 2. For example, patient facing documents, such as the consent form, topic guides, patient survey and patient information sheet were reviewed by this group. Additionally, PPI members helped to pilot patient surveys and interview guides with the research team. We also asked some members of the public to pilot the patient survey. Members of the PPI group were given the opportunity to comment on the manuscript. One PPI member commented on the manuscript and the manuscript was amended accordingly.
Adolescent psychological well-being and adulthood cardiovascular disease risk: longitudinal association and implications for care quality management
Authors: Srinivas Sharan , Anand Kavin , Chockalingam Anand
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Prior research suggests that 80% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events can be prevented by modifying certain behaviors, yet it remains the primary cause of mortality worldwide. Early detection and management of critical modifiable factors have the potential to improve cardiovascular care quality as well as the associated health outcomes. This study aims to assess the independent impact of psychological well-being in adolescence, a modifiable factor, on long-term CVD risk and promote targeted early interventions through quality management principles.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Add Health study, which employed a series of surveys and health tests (Wave 1 – Wave 4) on individuals for 14 years (from adolescence to adulthood), were obtained and analyzed longitudinally. Psychological well-being in adolescence was assessed using four Wave 1 survey questions, and 30-year CVD risk was estimated 14 years later with Wave 4 data. Three different logistic regression models were examined to understand the impact of adding covariates.

Findings

This study’s sample included 12,116 individuals who responded to all the relevant questions and underwent clinical risk factor measurements in Wave 1 (adolescence) and Wave 4 (young adulthood). Psychological well-being was protective with reduced risk for CVD across the three models tested. There is a statistically significant association, where increasing psychological well-being reduced the 30-year CVD risk exponentially in all the models. The analysis also suggested an exposure–response relationship, where the 30-year risk category of adulthood CVD decreased with an increase in psychological well-being.

Practical implications

This research uncovers an inverse association between adolescent psychological well-being and adulthood CVD risk. This study also identifies quality management-based preventive tools/techniques to improve psychological well-being in adolescence and therefore reduce CVD risk later in life.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to establish a long-term association between positive well-being and CVD risk. Also, unlike the existing literature, this work provides implications for improving CVD care from a quality management perspective.
Is health consciousness and perceived privacy protection critical to use wearable health devices? Extending the model of goal-directed behavior
Authors: Srivastava Nishit Kumar , Chatterjee Namrata , Subramani A.K. , Akbar Jan N. , Singh Pankaj Kumar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The present study is an attempt to extend the Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) to consider health consciousness and perceived privacy protection as two critical factors to predict desire and intention by individuals to adopt and use wearable health devices (WHDs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review hypotheses were framed and tested using data collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of 418 self-reported complete responses were considered to analyze the hypotheses proposed in the study. Structural equation modeling, effects analysis and model comparison (MGB and extended MGB) were performed to understand the predictability of the suggested model.

Findings

The results of the study corroborate that along with MGB, health consciousness and perceived privacy protection also induces the intention of users toward using WHDs. Health-consciousness is found to have a positive and significant direct and indirect impact on intention to use WHDs. Further, the model comparison exhibits that the proposed extended MGB is a better predictor of intention to use WHDs.

Practical implications

Apart from the conventional framework of MGB, health consciousness and perceived privacy protection promote desire and intention to use WHDs. This research provides a framework for marketers to promote health consciousness among consumers by motivating them to adopt WHDs. Further, privacy protection features should be showcased in order to induce trust in consumers which in turn will trigger their intention to use WHDs to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Originality/value

The current study incorporates health consciousness and perceived privacy protection in MGB to fit into the context of healthcare intention study, which enhances the predictability of intention behavior of consumers and adds to the existing body of MGB and healthcare literature.
Does social class matter in recovering self-service technology failures?
Authors: Kim Heewon , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the interaction effect among the subjective social class, service level and recovery type on post-failure service evaluations (recovery satisfaction and willingness to spread positive word-of-mouth).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 270 US consumers were recruited via Amazon MTurk. This study adopted a 2 (Subjective social class: high vs low) × 2 (Service level: luxury vs mid-scale) × 2 (Recovery type: customer self-recovery vs joint recovery) between subjects’ factorial design using a scenario-based survey method.

Findings

The results from the three-way multivariate analysis of covariance confirmed that a joint recovery is ineffective for high subjective social class individuals in a mid-scale hotel setting. Moreover, the moderated mediation analysis revealed that this tendency can be explained by high subjective social class individuals’ tendency to attribute blame externally to self-service technologies (SSTs).

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that mid-scale hotels should deploy employees in the SST service area based on the profile of their main customers. If a mid-scale hotel is positioning itself to appeal to high subjective social class customers, then employees should be aware of the fact that customers may not be highly satisfied if they receive assistance.

Originality/value

This study expands the current knowledge on customers’ psychological differences based on subjective social class. Furthermore, the findings of this study contribute to academia by providing evidence of external attribution among high subjective social class individuals.
Into the archive of ubiquitous computing: the data perfect tense and the historicization of the present
Authors: Seberger John S.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper theorizes ubiquitous computing as a novel configuration of the archive. Such a configuration is characterized by shifts in agency underlying archival mechanics and a pronounced rhythmic diminution of such mechanics in which the user's experiential present tense is rendered fundamentally historical. In doing so, this paper troubles the relationship between: archival mechanics such as appraisal, accession and access; the archive as a site of historical knowledge production and the pervasiveness of data-driven daily life.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing conceptual analysis, I analyze a classic vision of ubiquitous computing to describe the historicization of the present tense in an increasingly computerized world. The conceptual analysis employed here draws on an interdisciplinary set of literature from library and information science, philosophy and computing fields such as human-computer interaction (HCI) and ubiquitous computing.

Findings

I present the concept of the data perfect tense, which is derived from the future perfect tense: the “will have had” construction. It refers to a historicized, data-driven and fundamentally archival present tense characterizing the user's lived world in which the goal of action is to have had created data for future unspecified use. The data perfect reifies ubiquitous computing as an archive, or a site of historical knowledge production predicated on sets of potential statements derived from data generated, appraised, acquisitioned and made accessible through and by means of pervasive “smart” objects.

Originality/value

This paper provides foundational consideration of ubiquitous computing as a configuration of the archive through the analysis of its temporalities: a rhythmic diminution that renders users' experiential present tenses as fundamentally historical, constructed through the agency of smart devices. In doing so, it: contributes to ongoing work within HCI seeking to understand the relationship between HCI and history; introduces concepts relevant to the analysis of novel technological ecologies in terms of archival theory; and constitutes preliminary interdisciplinary steps towards highlighting the relevance of theories of the archive and archival mechanics for critiquing sociotechnical concerns such as surveillance capitalism.
Commercial real estate finance and the lending cap rate
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey , Cox Arthur
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to report on a simple derivation that results in what the authors refer to as the lending cap rate. The lending cap rate is a unique cap rate resulting in a property valuation that perfectly aligns the maximum loan amount for the financing of commercial real estate.

Design/methodology/approach

The derivation is the result of simple algebra relating the two most common underwriting ratios: debt service coverage and loan-to-value with the formula for the present value of an annuity. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the calculation of the lending cap rate, property valuation and maximum loan amount. The authors also present comparative statics results.

Findings

The main finding of this research is that once a lender knows the debt service coverage ratio, loan-to-value ratio and lending terms for a specific property financing request, a simple calculation reveals the lending cap rate and the property valuation that aligns the maximum loan amount implied by the two underwriting ratios.

Practical implications

One practical implication of the research is that a simple calculation reveals the lending cap rate which facilitates timely property evaluations for lending purposes. The methods demonstrated also offer real estate finance educators a practical means of connecting the loan underwriting process with property appraisal thereby facilitating conceptual understanding.

Originality/value

The key finding is original, and the importance of the finding is that the determination of the lending cap rate is simple and has the ability to make commercial real estate lending faster and cheaper, especially in lending situations where an evaluation rather than an appraisal is appropriate.
A study of univariate forecasting methods for crude oil price
Authors: Cheng Mei-Ling , Chu Ching-Wu , Hsu Hsiu-Li
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to compare different univariate forecasting methods to provide a more accurate short-term forecasting model on the crude oil price for rendering a reference to manages.

Design/methodology/approach

Six different univariate methods, namely the classical decomposition model, the trigonometric regression model, the regression model with seasonal dummy variables, the grey forecast, the hybrid grey model and the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), have been used.

Findings

The authors found that the grey forecast is a reliable forecasting method for crude oil prices.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research study is using a small size of data and comparing the forecasting results of the six univariate methods. Three commonly used evaluation criteria, mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE), were adopted to evaluate the model performance. The outcome of this work can help predict the crude oil price.
“Goldilocks” gender mix for maximal innovation likelihood at Indian firms
Authors: Kumar Navya , Alok Swati , Banerjee Sudatta
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Gender diversity is known to trigger creative and relationship conflicts alike, the former a boon for innovation and the latter a bane. This study aims to explore the possibility of a gender mix that is “just right” for balancing the intensities of varied forms of conflict to boost innovation in firms in India. Specifically, this paper investigated the presence of an optimal level of women as a percentage of the firm’s full-time permanent employees (Percent-Women) that maximized the firm’s likelihood of product innovation (Product–Innovation–Likelihood).

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regression analyses of firm-level data of Indian establishments of varied sizes and industries from World Bank Enterprise Surveys 2014 was performed. Instrumental variable addressed the potential endogeneity of Percent-Women.

Findings

The analysis demonstrated an inverted U-shaped relationship between Product–Innovation–Likelihood and Percent-Women. Product–Innovation–Likelihood peaked when Percent-Women lay between 35% and 58%, i.e. when the firm was gender-balanced or close to it.

Practical implications

The finding of an optimal level of female inclusion presents to firms a defined target of gender mix to be achieved, failing to which they may be limiting their innovation potential. It compels firms to view gender diversity as a business imperative with definite implications for their long-term performance.

Social implications

For India, the demonstrated relationship between workplace gender diversity and innovation brings additional reason and urgency to public initiatives, such as female literacy, for boosting female economic engagement. Innovation can power the next stage of the Indian growth story by engaging the heretofore insufficiently tapped female worker.

Originality/value

By demonstrating an optimal degree of female inclusion at which innovation potential peaks, the study reconciled opposing theories of diversity-driven conflicts and went beyond the commonly observed simple linear relationship between female inclusion and innovation. Further, the paper focused on India, a major developing economy with a vast female populace and growing innovation ambitions but scarcely researched for gender diversity’s role in innovation.
Collaborative idea generation: an experience of open creativity in the public sector
Authors: Muzzio Henrique , Gama Manuella
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze idea generation in a public-private collaboration of a Brazilian Government Agency. The authors start from the following research question: How did the process of open creativity occur from collaboration, network relationships and creative practice in the experience of open innovation cycles of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Pernambuco, Brazil?

Design/methodology/approach

The research was characterized as a case study that empirically explored a contemporary phenomenon in a specific context. The authors conducted document research and interviews and used the content analysis technique.

Findings

The findings showed that open creativity enabled more efficient idea generation when the public-private partnership was established in a well-structured collaboration network with the private sector of the economy; when it consisted of a heterogeneous group of external collaborators who developed a wide exchange of expertise; and when practical actions were developed to make the creative process more efficient.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to a single reality. The study was conducted in a single country and other nations may have social and institutional elements that were not considered in the analysis and that may influence the results in similar studies.

Originality/value

The authors investigated open creativity in the public sector, a field that still has gaps in understanding. The authors focused on social relationships for the generation and improvement of ideas among actors external to the organization involved, a niche that is still little explored in the literature.
Prevalence, diversity and genetic structure of Escherichia coli isolates from septic tanks
Authors: Behruznia Mahboobeh , O'Brien Claire L. , Gordon David M.
Published: December 2021

The present study investigated the diversity and genetic structure of Escherichia coli isolates from 100 septic tanks in the Canberra region, Australia. The physicochemical characteristics of the septic tanks were determined to examine the extent to which environmental factors might influence E. coli prevalence, diversity and population structure. The results of this study indicated that the temperature of the septic tank could explain some of the variation observed in the number of E. coli isolates recovered per septic tank, whereas pH was an important driver of E. coli diversity. Conductivity, pH and household size had a significant impact on E. coli population structure, and household size significantly affected the probability of detecting human‐associated E. coli lineages [sequence types (STs) 69, 73, 95 and 131] in septic tanks. Phylogroup A and B1 strains were not randomly distributed among septic tanks, and the strong negative association between them may indicate intraspecific competition. The findings of this study suggest that the combination of environmental factors and intraspecific interactions may influence the distribution and genetic structure of E. coli in the environment.
Resistance of subspecies of Eucalyptus camaldulensis to galling by Leptocybe invasa: Could quinic acid derivatives be responsible for leaf abscission and reduced galling?
Authors: Otieno Beryn Achieng , Salminen Juha‐Pekka , Steinbauer Martin James
Published: December 2021

Variability in galling caused by Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle has been reported in several species and hybrids of Eucalyptus.

Genetic diversity within Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. could confer resistance to L. invasa via variation in plant specialized metabolites or plant responses detrimental to insect herbivores. Moreover, optimal defence theory proposes that plants will invest more constitutive resistance in parts that are vulnerable to herbivore attack, such as immature leaves and apical buds, which are prone to galling.

We investigated constitutive resistance of subspecies and genotypes of E. camaldulensis to L. invasa while controlling for differences among growing conditions characteristic of their autochthonous Australian habitats using common nursery and garden arboreta plantings. Data on galling intensity, gall size, leaf phenolics and leaf physical attributes were used to investigate differences in susceptibility.

We show that E. camaldulensis exhibits both constitutive and induced resistance to L. invasa. Intraspecific variability in galling was pronounced and correlated with concentrations of quinic acid derivatives and hypersensitive abscission of leaves. Whether these metabolites directly affect the survival of eggs or larvae remains to be determined. Hypersensitive leaf abscission in subspecies of E. camaldulensis in response to injury by a galling insect has not been reported previously and warrants investigation.
Exploring the role of gut microbiome in male reproduction
Authors: Wang Yan , Xie Zuogang
Published: December 2021

Background

The impact of the gut microbiome on the organism has become a growing research focus with the development of 16S rRNA sequencing. However, the effect of the gut microbiome in male reproduction has yet to be investigated.

Objective

To overview on possible mechanisms by which the gut microbiome could affect male reproduction and therapeutic opportunities related to the gut microbiome

Methods

Authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for medical subject headings terms and free text words referred to “male infertility” “testis” “gut microbiome” “insulin resistance” “erectile dysfunction” “therapy” “sex hormones” and “genital diseases” until December 2, 2021.

Results

Evidence suggests that immune system activation caused by the gut microbiome translocation not only leads to testicular and epididymal inflammation but can also induce insulin resistance together with gastrointestinal hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which in turn affects the secretion of various sex hormones such as LH, FSH, and T to regulate spermatogenesis. In addition, the gut microbiome can influence spermatogenesis by controlling and metabolizing androgens as well as affecting the blood–testis barrier. It also promotes vascular inflammation by raising trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) levels in the blood, which causes erectile dysfunction. The testicular microbiome and gut microbiome can interact to influence male reproductive function. This study discusses therapeutic options such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, as well as the challenges and opportunities behind ongoing research, and emphasizes the need for additional research in the future to demonstrate the links and underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and male reproduction. Therapeutic options such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation are potential treatments for male infertility.

Discussion and conclusion

Gut microbiota may have a causal role in male reproduction health, therapeutic strategies such as supplementation with appropriate probiotics could be undertaken as a complementary treatment. In the future, additional research is needed to demonstrate the links and underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and male reproduction.
Early instar mortality of a forest pest caterpillar: which mortality sources increase during an outbreak crash?
Authors: Caron Anne‐Sophie , Jarry Joshua Joseph , Despland Emma
Published: December 2021

Collapses of insect pest outbreaks are often attributed to delayed density dependence of predation. The forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), is an outbreaking pest species defoliating mixed wood boreal forests in eastern Canada. This species presents periodic population dynamics with peaks every 10 years and outbreaks lasting 1–3 years impacting the health of its host tree. We asked about the relative importance of various sources of early‐instar mortality during and after the crash of an outbreak, testing for density dependence. We used a triad set‐up of complete predator exclusion, partial exclusion, and free colonies to distinguish between intrinsic mortality (caused by, e.g., pathogens) and mortality caused by flighted and walking natural enemies, and compared defoliated outbreak sites with control sites. Overall, survival was lowest in the free colonies and increased with partial and complete predator exclusion. Survival was also higher in control than in outbreak sites and higher in the final year of the outbreak than in the following year. We observed no changes in mortality from walking enemies, but an increase in intrinsic mortality and mortality from flighted enemies. in the year following the outbreak. This increase is consistent with density dependence of these mortality sources, but its occurrence in the control sites as well was unexpected. These findings show that mortality from flighted natural enemies and intrinsic source increases after the outbreak, but do not contribute to the population crash. However, they help maintain low endemic levels between outbreaks.
Framing harm to children in the debate over religious exemptions in child welfare: Lessons from Fulton
Authors: Woods Jordan Blair
Published: December 2021

This symposium article examines important lessons that can be taken from the multiple ways in which children's interests, and in particular ideas about “harm to children,” are framed in the recent Fulton v. City of Philadelphia controversy. A close reading of the briefs filed after the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in the case reveals that both sides paid very different attention to LGBTQ youth in framing ideas about whether granting or denying religious exemptions from antidiscrimination laws in child welfare harms children. As explained, the different positionalities of LGBTQ youth in these discussions offer important lessons for child welfare law and policy in a post‐Fulton world. First, the analysis connects these discussions in Fulton to broader histories of child harm concepts being used to facilitate LGBTQ‐related discrimination against both LGBTQ adults and LGBTQ youth in the domains of family and child welfare law. It then considers lessons for lawmakers, policymakers, and child welfare actors relating to the institutional design of child welfare systems, and more specifically, how the special needs of LGBTQ foster youth are addressed within those systems. To examine these points, the analysis presents a typology of four models of LGBTQ child welfare. Finally, the analysis considers the lessons that discussions involving “harm to children” in Fulton offer for the direction of future empirical research that informs the debate over conflicts between religious exemption claims and LGBTQ antidiscrimination laws in child welfare.
Multifaceted roles of mitochondrial stress responses under ETC dysfunction – repair, destruction and pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Liu Siqi , Jiang Hui
Published: December 2021

Electron transport chain (ETC) dysfunction is a common feature of mitochondrial diseases and induces severe cellular stresses, including mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) reduction, mitochondrial matrix acidification, metabolic derangements and proteostatic stresses. Extensive studies of ETC dysfunction in yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, cultured cells and mouse models have revealed multiple mitochondrial stress response pathways. Here, we summarise the current understanding of the triggers, sensors, signalling mechanisms and the functional outcomes of mitochondrial stress responses in different species. We highlight Δψm reduction as a major trigger of stress responses in different species, but the responses are species‐specific and the outcomes are context‐dependent. ETC dysfunction elicits a mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) to repair damaged mitochondria in C. elegans, and activates a global adaptive programme to maintain Δψm in yeast. Yeast and C. elegans responses are remarkably similar at the downstream responses, although they are activated by different signalling mechanisms. UPRmt generally protects ETC‐defective worms, but its constitutive activation is toxic for wildtype worms and worms carrying mutant mtDNA. In contrast to lower organisms, ETC dysfunction in mammals mainly activates a mitochondrial integrated stress response (ISRmt) to reprogramme metabolism and a PINK1‐Parkin mitophagy pathway to degrade damaged mitochondria. Accumulating in vivo results suggest that the ATF4 branch of ISRmt exacerbates metabolic derangements to accelerate mitochondrial disease progression. The in vivo roles of mitophagy in mitochondrial diseases are also context‐dependent. These results thus reveal the common and unique aspects of mitochondrial stress responses in different species and highlight their multifaceted roles in mitochondrial diseases.
Ocean warming and acidification degrade shoaling performance and lateralization of novel tropical–temperate fish shoals
Authors: Mitchell Angus , Booth David J. , Nagelkerken Ivan
Published: December 2021

Gregarious behaviours are common in animals and provide various benefits such as food acquisition and protection against predators. Many gregarious tropical species are shifting poleward under current ocean warming, creating novel species and social interactions with local temperate taxa. However, how the dynamics of these novel shoals might be altered by future ocean warming and acidification remains untested. Here we evaluate how novel species interactions, ocean acidification and warming affect shoaling dynamics, motor lateralization and boldness of range‐extending tropical and co‐shoaling temperate fishes under controlled laboratory conditions. Fishes were exposed to 1 of 12 treatments (combinations of three temperature levels, two pCO2 levels and two shoal type levels: mixed species or temperate only) for 38 days. Lateralization (a measure of asymmetric expression of cognitive function in group coordination and predator escape) of tropical and temperate species was right‐side biased under present‐day conditions, but side bias significantly diminished in tropical and temperate fishes under ocean acidification. Ocean acidification also decreased shoal cohesion irrespective of shoaling type, with mixed‐species shoals showing significantly lower cohesion than temperate‐only shoals irrespective of climate stressors. Tropical fish became bolder under ocean acidification (after 4 weeks), and temperate fish became bolder with increasing temperature, while ocean acidification dampened temperate fish boldness. Our findings highlight the direct effect of climate stressors on fish behaviour and the interplay with the indirect effects of novel species interactions. Because strong shoal cohesion and lateralization are key determinants of species fitness, their degradation under ocean warming and acidification could adversely affect species performance in novel assemblages in a future ocean, and might slow down tropical species range extensions.
Immune tolerance induction in the era of emicizumab – still the first choice for patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors?
Authors: Holstein Katharina , Le Quellec Sandra , Klamroth Robert , Batorova Angelika , Holme Pål Andre , Jiménez‐Yuste Victor , Astermark Jan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The development of inhibitory antibodies is a severe complication of clotting factor replacement therapy in patients with severe haemophilia A (HA). Current World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) guidelines for haemophilia care indicate that eradication of inhibitors is best achieved through immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy.

Aim

The European Collaborative Haemophilia Network conducted a survey to determine whether ITI is still used in the routine management of patients with HA, and whether the availability of emicizumab prophylaxis has influenced treatment decisions.

Methods

The survey was conducted in late 2020/early 2021 in 18 centres representing 17 countries in the Europe/Middle East region treating a total of 4955 patients, and included sections specific to patient and centre demographics, treatment protocols (both ITI and prophylactic), inhibitor development and initiation of ITI, treatment success, and the incidence of adverse events.

Results

While our results indicate that ITI can still be considered a mainstay of treatment for patients with HA with inhibitors, less than daily dosing of ITI in combination with emicizumab prophylaxis is becoming commonplace across the spectrum of disease severity, with initiation being guided by bleeding patterns. The most frequently cited reasons for not initiating emicizumab prophylaxis were availability or reimbursement issues.

Conclusion

ITI remains a mainstay for haemophilia treatment of patients with HA with inhibitors, but emicizumab has become a preferred first‐line approach to protect against bleeds and represents an alternative to burdensome ITI in certain patient groups.
Effects of tooth loss on functional impairment in elderly: A secondary data analysis of elderly cohort in the South Korea
Authors: Cho Han‐A , Shin Hosung
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the association of tooth loss with physical and cognitive impairments in the elderly aged over 65 years.

Methods

The Elderly Cohort database (2008–2013) of National Health Insurance Services in South Korea was used; 1485 individuals who underwent physical impairment evaluation and 1410 individuals who underwent cognitive impairment evaluation were analysed. The dependent variables were the standardized physical and cognitive function score. The generalized estimating equation method was used for repeated measures. The total number of teeth lost during the study period, sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, income, medical aid, long‐term care facility residence, living alone, and long‐term care beneficiary was used as covariates.

Results

Differences between the baseline and endpoint standardized function scores of the participants with impaired physical function and impaired cognitive function were 13.6 and 20.1, respectively. The magnitude of functional impairment due to tooth loss was greater for cognitive function than for physical function. The number of teeth lost was associated with approximately 1.4‐ and 1.7‐point decrease in physical and cognitive functions, respectively (both p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the oral health status is essential for maintaining physical and cognitive functions and that oral health services can be effective in delaying functional impairment among the elderly residing in coordinated long‐term care facilities.
Private and state‐led contract farming in Zimbabwe: Accumulation, social differentiation and rural politics
Authors: Shonhe Toendepi , Scoones Ian
Published: December 2021

Contract farming schemes often amplify existing patterns of socio‐economic differentiation. In Zimbabwe, processes of differentiation were underway before the current expansion of contract farming and they have deepened through the Fast Track Land Reform process. This article examines how pre‐existing dynamics of differentiation shape the forms of contract farming adopted, as well as which groups of farmers gain access and on what terms. Social differentiation partly explains the outcomes of contract farming, even if contract farming in turn results in further differentiation. This article contrasts private sector‐led contract farming of tobacco and state‐led financing of maize production (the ‘command agriculture’ programme) in two high‐potential sites and across different forms of land use. Unlike in many other settings, contract farming in Zimbabwe is highly influenced by the state, through the regulation of private sector arrangements and the establishment of a state‐led contracting programme. The state‐led programme boosted maize production amongst medium‐scale farmers and resulted in an embedding of patronage relations. Meanwhile, the private‐led contract farming has supported a widespread boom of tobacco production, mainly amongst smallholders. We find therefore that contract farming is highly dependent on the contingent, politically mediated processes of social differentiation.
Diagnosing onychomycosis: A step forward?
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Hall Deanna C.
Published: December 2021

Background and aims

There are a number of available methods for diagnosing onychomycosis, but more emerge as technology advances. This review briefly discusses the common diagnostic methods, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a diagnostic tool in dermatology as a whole, and then examines research on the use of AI for diagnosing onychomycosis. The studies discussed implemented convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to examine datasets of images of entire nails or histological images and then used the information learned from those datasets to make a diagnostic decision of onychomycosis or not.

Results

Results: It was found that, on average, AI were able to diagnose onychomycosis from the images provided at an equivalent level as human dermatologists. However, there are a number of clear limitations for using AI in this manner. The AI models implemented relied solely on images and therefore were limited by image quality. As only images were examined, other clinical data were not taken into consideration, which could be important to the diagnostic outcome.

Conclusion

Conclusion: In conclusion, although AI can be a very helpful tool in the diagnostic process by increasing efficiency and reducing costs, it still requires the precision and expertise of professional dermatologists to be used optimally.