bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SMALL FIRM AND VALUE EFFECTS IN THE CANADIAN STOCK MARKET
Authors: Elfakhani Said , Lockwood Larry J. , Zaher Tarek S.
Published: October 2023

We examine the relation among average returns, market beta, firm size, and book‐to‐market value for Canadian stocks during 1975–92. We document a negative relation between average return and the market capitalization of firms, but find no relation between average return and market beta. While the small firm effect is significant during a period of reduced capital gains tax, it is noticeably lower than during the period leading up to the change. We find that average returns are positively related to book‐to‐market value especially during the period of lower capital gains tax.
RATIONAL TIMING OF CALLS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS
Authors: Byrd Anthony K. , Mann Steven V. , Moore William T. , Ramanlal Pradipkumar
Published: October 2023

Conversion‐forcing calls of convertible preferred stocks are re‐examined focusing on the value of the conversion option impounded in the preferred price. This amount represents the preferred shareholder wealth potentially transferable to common stockholders. Capture of this wealth underlies the theoretical motivation for calling and forcing conversion as soon as possible. Most of the preferred issues examined exhibit nonpositive average option values throughout all but short periods; hence, no wealth transfer opportunity exists for immediate calls. Issues that exhibit positive option values are called quickly. In contrast to interpretations that have persisted for over fifteen years, our results reveal no substantial delays in calling convertible preferred stocks.
THE EFFECT OF ANALYSTS' FORECASTS ON EARNINGS MANAGEMENT IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Robb Sean W. G.
Published: October 2023

I test a market consensus hypothesis about earnings management in the banking industry. This hypothesis states that when analysts have reached a consensus in their earnings forecasts, managers have an incentive to manage earnings through discretionary accruals to achieve market expectations. A sample of banks is partitioned based on the degree of forecaster consensus, and the behavior of one discretionary accrual, the loan loss provision, is predicted for each partition. The results suggest bank managers make greater use of the loan loss provision to manipulate earnings in a discretionary manner when analysts have reached a consensus in their earnings predictions.
CROSS‐AUTOCORRELATION BETWEEN A SHARES AND B SHARES IN THE CHINESE STOCK MARKET
Authors: Chui Andy C. W. , Kwok Chuck C. Y.
Published: October 2023

Listed companies in China, upon meeting certain requirements, can issue two types of shares: A shares and B shares. Local investors in China can only buy and sell A shares, while foreign investors can only buy and sell B shares. We argue that foreign investors may receive news about China faster than domestic Chinese investors because of information barriers in China. Since foreigners participate in the B‐share market, the price movements of B shares should reflect the common information that the foreigners have. Rational A‐share investors can therefore condition their trading decisions on the previous price movements of B shares. As a result, returns on B shares should lead the returns on A shares. Using daily prices of A and B shares, we demonstrate that returns of B shares are correlated with those of A shares and that this correlation depends on the information transmission mechanism at work. The pattern of the asymmetric cross‐autocorrelation is robust to the inclusion of lagged realized returns and trading volumes.
SETTIN‘ THE WOODS ON FIRE: RURAL INCENDIARISM AS PROTEST
Authors: KUHLKEN ROBERT
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT.Fire is a fundamental tool within a broad spectrum of vegetation‐management strategies, from swidden agriculture to plantation forestry. Through the seemingly pyromanic activity of incendiarism, fire assumes additional significance in the human‐environment relationship. Case studies from England, Algeria, and the southern United States serve to illustrate the circumstance of fire as an indication of agrarian discontent and a weapon of peasant resistance. Other documented cases of incendiarism reveal that use of fire in the landscape has expanded from a constructive ecosystem‐manipulation technique to a destructive form of protest undertaken by the oppressed or disempowered.
Gender, Culture, and Suicidal Behavior: A Feminist Critique of Theories and Research
Authors: Range Lillian M. , Leach Mark M.
Published: October 2023

Suicide research has developed historically from philosophical roots in logical positivism and structural determinism. Thus, much suicide research has been based on assumptions of cause‐and‐effect relationships, reductionistic analysis, and the individual as the primary unit of analysis. In counterpoint, six guiding themes define feminist research (Worell & Etaugh, 1994). The present manuscript traces these six themes, illustrating them with suicide research projects. By challenging scientific tradition, focusing on women, considering power, recognizing gender constructs, maintaining awareness of the power of language, and promoting active, practical applications, researchers can combine traditional and alternative methodologies to make suicide research more robust.
Culture, Gender, and Suicidal Behavior in Sri Lanka
Authors: Marecek Jeanne
Published: October 2023

In less than 50 years, the rate of suicide among Sri Lankans has risen from a modest level to one of the highest in the world. This article describes the current pattern of suicides, including sex differences and similarities, and reviews some of the institutional practices, material conditions, and social norms that may figure in the increases. A study is reported, which asked how ordinary Sri Lankans account for suicidal behavior and what practices they recommend for assisting suicidal individuals. Gender inflected these accounts, with essentialist accounts associated with women's suicides and contextual accounts associated with men's suicides.
Suicidal Behavior in a Bicultural Society: A Review of Gender and Cultural Differences in Adolescents and Young Persons of Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Langford Richard A. , Ritchie Jane , Ritchie James
Published: October 2023

During the 1990s, Aotearoa/New Zealand has experienced an alarming increase in youth suicide in the Maori and non‐Maori populations. Among 23 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries surveyed by the World Health Organization's (1995) World Health Statistics Annual, New Zealand ranks first for fatal suicidal behavior, in males 15–24 years of age, and third for fatal suicidal behavior in females. A United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF, 1996) survey of 32 countries places New Zealand males as third highest for fatal suicidal behavior, and females as eighth highest in the age group 15–24 years. New Zealand has recently undergone a number of social and economic changes that have created dramatic social and cultural shifts. Given the rapidity of these changes, the shock on such a small country has been difficult to absorb. These shifts have placed tremendous pressures on families and service support systems, such as health and mental health services, to develop programs that are relevant and acceptable for a bicultural society. This article focuses on these changes and the effect they have had on cultural narratives of gender and suicidal behavior, the different cultural etiologies that underlie these statistics, and recommendations for intervention and prevention program development.
Effects of Sexual Victimization on Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in U.S. College Women
Authors: Stepakoff Susan
Published: October 2023

This study examines the relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and five types of sexual victimization in a sample of 393 female undergraduate students. Participants completed self‐report measures of sexual victimization, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. Adult sexual victimization, but not childhood sexual abuse, predicted current hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Both childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual victimization predicted suicidal behavior. One in four rape victims, in contrast to approximately 1 in 20 nonvictimized women, had engaged in a suicidal act. Vaginal penetration following the threat or use of physical force was a stronger predictor of suicidal behavior than penetration without the use of force and/or force without penetration. The findings point to the importance of inquiring about experiences of sexual victimization when conducting research or treatment with suicidal women as well as the need for suicide risk assessment in programs for victims of sexual violence.
Gender and History of Suicidality: Are These Factors Related to U.S. College Students’ Current Suicidal Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions?
Authors: Langhinrichsen‐Rohling Jennifer , Sanders Audrey , Crane Marilyn , Monson Candice M.
Published: October 2023

Gender and history of suicidality (HS vs. NoHS) were related to current symptoms of depression, reasons for living, and reports of self‐destructive and life‐threatening behavior in a college student sample. Overall, college men reported engaging in more life‐threatening and potentially suicidal behavior than college women on the Life Attitudes Schedule (LAS). No gender effects were obtained on the symptoms of depression and reasons for living measures. Results suggest that the LAS may be a particularly effective way to identify college students at risk for self‐destructive and suicidal behavior. As expected, HS individuals were more depressed, had fewer reasons for living, and reported engaging in more current suicidal and life‐threatening behavior than NoHS participants. However, gender and history of suicidality were found to interact. NoHS women reported avoiding a variety of injury‐producing and health‐diminishing behaviors that were common for all other groups of college students. Meanwhile, HS women endorsed fewer current reasons for living than did NoHS women, NoHS men, and NoHS men. These findings were interpreted both with regard to cultural and gender‐specific expectations for the expression of self‐destructive, suicidal, and life‐threatening behavior. Implications for the prevention of college women's and men's suicidal behavior were also noted.
Does Culture Make a Difference? Racial/Ethnic Patterns of Completed Suicide in San Francisco, CA 1987–1996 and Clinical Applications
Authors: Shiang Julia
Published: October 2023

Completed suicides in San Francisco were examined in the racial groups of African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Hispanics, and Native Americans for a 10‐year period (1987–1996). Comparisons of rates across race and gender showed that both Caucasian men and women had the highest rates. Significant differences were found when racial groups were compared across age groups, gender, and method, but no significant difference was found in the use of firearms as a method of suicide. Differences and similarities are illustrated by comparing Caucasian and Asian patterns of suicide in the areas of (1) suicide in Asian homelands, (2) cultural context, and (3) cultural beliefs regarding psychopathology. A framework relating cultural variables to predisposing client variables is suggested for clinicians and researchers.
Problem Solving and Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Pollock Leslie R. , Williams J. Mark G.
Published: October 2023

Research on suicidal behavior falls into two main areas: studies that aim to identify demographic and social risk factors, and studies that aim to investigate the psychological processes mediating suicidal behavior. Within the latter approach, impaired problem‐solving ability has been found to be an important variable. This paper reviews recent research focusing on problem‐solving deficits and their relation to suicidal behavior and considers some of the methodological problems that arise. These findings are discussed in terms of active versus passive problem solving, state or trait factors, and the psychological processes underlying problem solving. Suggestions for further research are made, focusing on the links between suicidal behavior, problem solving, and autobiographical memory.
Heavy Metal, Religiosity, and Suicide Acceptability
Authors: Stack Steven
Published: October 2023

There has been little work at the national level on the subject of musical subcultures and suicide acceptability. The present work explores the link between “heavy metal” rock fanship and suicide acceptability. Metal fanship is thought to elevate suicide acceptability through such means as exposure to a culture of personal and societal chaos marked by hopelessness, and through its associations with demographic risk factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, and education. Data are taken from the General Social Survey. A link between heavy metal fanship and suicide acceptability is found. However, this relationship becomes nonsignificant once level of religiosity is controlled. Metal fans are low in religiosity, which contributes, in turn, to greater suicide acceptability.
Suicide Ideation and Its Relationship to Depressed Mood in a Community Sample of Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Stewart Sunita Mahtani , Lam T. H. , Betson Carol , Chung S. F.
Published: October 2023

A sample of 996 Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong provided information about their suicide ideation. Their depressive symptoms were measured by the Chinese Beck Depression Inventory (C‐BDI), and a broad range of stressors were also assessed as potential predictors to level of suicide ideation. The stressors and C‐BDI scores predicted 33% of the variance in suicide ideation. In boys, most of the prediction was attributable to C‐BDI scores, suggesting that depression mediated the effects of stressors. In girls, C‐BDI scores, perceptions of low parental caring, and high conflict with parents had additive effects in predicting level of suicide ideation. This study contributes needed information about a non‐Western population and highlights gender differences.
Suicide Ideation at Its Worst Point: A Predictor of Eventual Suicide in Psychiatric Outpatients
Authors: Beck Aaron T. , Brown Gregory K. , Steer Robert A. , Dahlsgaard Katherine K. , Grisham Jessica R.
Published: October 2023

Scales for measuring current suicide ideation (SSI‐C), suicide ideation at its worst point in the patient's life (SSI‐W), and hopelessness (BHS) were administered to 3,701 outpatients seeking psychiatric treatment. Thirty patients from this sample eventually committed suicide, within a mean of 4 years from the initial assessment. Based on cut‐off scores derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the SSI‐W had an odds ratio of 13.84 for predicting suicide, whereas the SSI‐C and the BHS had odds ratios of 5.42 and 6.43, respectively. The assessment of suicide ideation at its worst point identifies a subgroup of patients at relatively high risk for eventual suicide. Robust interventions and periodic monitoring for suicide ideation and hopelessness are recommended to reduce long‐term suicide risk.
The Influence of Medical and Legal Authorities on Deaths Facilitated by Physicians
Authors: Phillips David P. , Christenfeld Nicholas , Glynn Laura M. , Steinberg Alycia
Published: October 2023

This study investigated whether two widely publicized cases of deaths facilitated by physicians were followed by significant peaks in mortality. In March, 1991, Timothy Quill, MD, published a controversial editorial describing the physician‐assisted suicide (PAS) of his 45‐year‐old, female leukemia patient. In a landmark decision in December 1990, the Missouri Supreme Court allowed removal of life support for Nancy Cruzan, a comatose accident victim. Correcting for trends and seasonal fluctuations, the authors examined: (1) U.S. leukemia mortality in the period centered on Quill's editorial, and (2) mortality from accident/coma combinations in the period centered on the Missouri Supreme Court's decision on Cruzan. Female leukemia deaths rose 11.3% above the expected rate (p < .01) just after Quill's article was published. The more closely the decedent matched Quill's patient, the greater the peak, with the largest peak (33.9%) evident for female leukemia patients in their 40s, who were long‐term residents of smaller communities (p < .05). Five possible explanations for the findings were assessed, leading to the conclusion that Quill's editorial elicited an increase in mortality. The involvement of physicians in this increase is supported by analysis of the Cruzan case. This showed a mortality peak of 57% for accident/coma patients following the court decision.
Suicide in Nurses
Authors: Hawton Keith , Vislisel Lida
Published: October 2023

The worldwide English language literature on suicide in nurses is reviewed in this article. There is evidence from several countries that female nurses are at increased risk of suicide. Very little information is available about the specific causes. Increased risk in nurses has been statistically associated with smoking and negatively related to extent of caffeine consumption. Unlike some other high‐risk occupational groups, it is unclear to what extent access to means for suicide contributes to nurses'risk. The methodological issues and specific needs of research concerning suicide in nurses are discussed.
Suicidal Ideation among Adolescent School Children, Involvement in Bully—Victim Problems, and Perceived Social Support
Authors: Rigby Ken , Slee Phillip
Published: October 2023

Relationships among suicidal ideation, involvement in bully–victim problems at school, and perceived social support were investigated with samples of adolescent students (N = 1103 and N = 845) attending secondary school in South Australia. Results obtained from self‐reports and peer nomination procedures to identify bullies and victims indicated that involvement in bully—victim problems at school, especially for students with relatively little social support, was significantly related to degree of suicidal ideation.
The Role of Objective Personality Inventories in Suicide Risk Assessment: An Evaluation and Proposal
Authors: Johnson W. Brad , Lall Rakesh , Bongar Bruce , Nordlund Mark D.
Published: October 2023

Objective personality assessment instruments offer a comparatively underutilized source of clinical data in attempts to evaluate and predict risk for suicide. In contrast to focal suicide risk measures, global personality inventories may be useful in identification of long‐standing styles that predispose persons to eventual suicidal behavior. This article reviews the empirical literature regarding the efficacy of established personality inventories in predicting suicidality. The authors offer several recommendations for future research with these measures and conclude that such objective personality instruments offer only marginal utility as sources of clinical information in comprehensive suicide risk evaluations. Personality inventories may offer greatest utility in long‐term assessment of suicide risk.
Dynamic modeling and leak detection of ammonia leakage in food cold storage system
Authors: Zhao Yanfeng , Yang Zhao , Hou Zhaoning , Guo Changzhen , Zhang Shuping , He Hongxia
Published: October 2023

Within the domain of food processing and storage, cold storage facilities are crucial for maintaining product quality. The primary source of refrigerant leakage in these systems typically originates from slight defects at the welding joints. Such leakage elevates the internal temperature of the facility, subsequently degrading the quality of the stored food products. This research presents a versatile, dynamic model that harmonizes the structural parameters with the thermophysical parameters of disparate components within the cold storage system designed to analyze leakage in ammonia refrigeration systems by employing interchangeable modules, an approach that overcomes the challenge associated with gathering leakage data from conventional ammonia systems. The inherent flexibility of this model facilitates module substitution in alignment with various cold storage parameters, thus ensuring adaptability to diverse conditions. The “Refrigeration System Leak Detection Cloud Service” (RSLDCS) and an associated leakage detection procedure are proposed, with validation against pertinent datasets. The empirical results demonstrate that the deviation between the model's output and the actual engineering data, including the extant calculation methodologies under 20% (the average fitting of the trend of is 96.43%). This degree of precision confirming the model's accuracy and reliability. Through the verification of the leak detection procedure, the complete state of leakage can be discerned within the appropriate temporal data set, and the site of the leak can be pinpointed with a margin of deviation ranging from −19% to +13%. The model provide new solutions for food storage safety.

Practical applications

Cold storage facilities often experience subtle leaks that are challenging to detect. These minor leaks adversely affect the efficiency of the refrigeration system, leading to temperature variations that can degrade the quality of stored food. Additionally, they pose a risk to the safe operation of the facility. The presented results enable companies to effectively monitor and control leaks in cold storage systems of identical design. For different cold storage configurations, modules can be adjusted accordingly. Utilizing this model provides critical data and assessment criteria for ammonia leakage, leading to a comprehensive understanding of leakage scenarios. By implementing the RSLDCS‐based detection and localization methodology, leaks within the ammonia refrigeration system can be swiftly and accurately identified. This provides a robust and reliable safeguard for the safe operation of ammonia refrigeration systems, enhancing food production safety.
A novel de novo variant in POLR3B gene associated with a primary axonal involvement of the largest nerve fibers
Authors: Geroldi Alessandro , Tozza Stefano , Fiorillo Chiara , Nolano Maria , Fossa Paola , Vitale Floriana , Domi Regi , Gaudio Andrea , Mammi Alessia , Patrone Serena , Barbera Andrea La , Origone Paola , Ponti Clarissa , Sanguineri Francesca , Zara Federico , Cataldi Matteo , Salpietro Vincenzo , Venturi Consuelo Barbara , Massucco Sara , Schenone Angelo , Manganelli Fiore , Mandich Paola , Bellone Emilia , Gotta Fabio
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

POLR3B gene encodes a subunit of RNA polymerase III (Pol III). Biallelic mutations in POLR3B are associated with leukodystrophies, but recently de novo heterozygous mutations have been described in early onset peripheral demyelinating neuropathies with or without central involvement. Here, we report the first Italian case carrying a de novo variant in POLR3B with a pure neuropathy phenotype and primary axonal involvement of the largest nerve fibers.

Methods

Nerve conduction studies, sympathetic skin response, dynamic sweat test, tactile and thermal quantitative sensory testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed according to standard procedures. Histopathological examination was performed on skin and sural nerve biopsies. Molecular analysis of the proband and his relatives was performed with Next Generation Sequencing. The impact of the identified variant on the overall protein structure was evaluated through rotamers method.

Results

Since his early adolescence, the patient presented with signs of polyneuropathy with severe distal weakness, atrophy, and reduced sensation. Neurophysiological studies showed a sensory‐motor axonal polyneuropathy, with confirmed small fiber involvement. In addition, skin biopsy and sural nerve biopsy showed predominant large fibers involvement. A trio's whole exome sequencing revealed a novel de novo variant p.(Arg1046Cys) in POLR3B, which was classified as Probably Pathogenic. Molecular modeling data confirmed a deleterious effect of the variant on protein structure.

Interpretation

Neurophysiological and morphological findings suggest a primary axonal involvement of the largest nerve fibers in POLR3B‐related neuropathies. A partial loss of function mechanism is proposed for both neuropathy and leukodystrophy phenotypes.
Diving into dual functionality: Swim bladder muscles in lionfish for buoyancy and sonic capabilities
Authors: Parmentier Eric , Herrel Anthony , Banse Marine , Hornstra Heidie , Bertucci Frédéric , Lecchini David
Published: October 2023

Although the primary function of the swim bladder is buoyancy, it is also involved in hearing, and it can be associated with sonic muscles for voluntary sound production. The use of the swim bladder and associated muscles in sound production could be an exaptation since this is not its first function. We however lack models showing that the same muscles can be used in both movement and sound production. In this study, we investigate the functions of the muscles associated with the swim bladder in different Pteroinae (lionfish) species. Our results indicate that Pterois volitans, P. radiata and Dendrochirus zebra are able to produce long low‐frequency hums when disturbed. The deliberate movements of the fin spines during sound production suggest that these sounds may serve as aposematic signals. In P. volitans and P. radiata, hums can be punctuated by intermittent louder pulses called knocks. Analysis of sonic features, morphology, electromyography and histology strongly suggest that these sounds are most likely produced by muscles closely associated with the swim bladder. These muscles originate from the neurocranium and insert on the posterior part of the swim bladder. Additionally, cineradiography supports the hypothesis that these same muscles are involved in altering the swim bladder's length and angle, thereby influencing the pitch of the fish body and participating in manoeuvring and locomotion movements. Fast contraction of the muscle should be related to sound production whereas sustained contractions allows modifications in swim bladder shape and body pitch.
Nurses' and auxiliary nurses' beliefs and attitudes regarding the sexual health of patients with severe mental illness: A qualitative study
Authors: Martinez Julien , Verot Elise
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Sexual health is essential to the overall health. People suffering from severe mental illness (SMI) experience a deterioration in their sexual health. These patients and their caregivers seem unwilling to engage in a dialogue concerning sexual health within the context of mental health care.

Aim

The study investigated nurses' and care assistants' beliefs and attitudes regarding the sexual health of people with SMI on the psychiatric care pathway.

Methods

Twenty semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nurses and care assistants. Data were subject to a thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged: (1) The formalization of the care approach towards people with a SMI in hospitals; (2) the place given to sexual health in psychiatry units; (3) nurses and care assistants are not equipped to deal with patients' sexual health.

Discussion

Caregivers consider that sexual health is a fundamental right and an indicator of good health. They nevertheless believe that the psychiatric hospital remains a place of acute care where sexual health is not considered.

Implication for Practice

This research justifies that it is necessary to question the representations of nurses and care assistants before implementing a tailored intervention that integrates the consideration of sexual health into the holistic care of the patient on the psychiatric care pathway.
Hyperthermia is a promising potential adjunct to treating sporotrichosis: A refractory case of HIV sporotrichosis and in vitro experiments on Sporothrix spp.
Authors: Liu Yuan‐yuan , Song Yang , Guan Meng‐qi , Yang Li , Chen Rui‐li , Shi Ying , Cui Yan , Li Shan‐Shan
Published: October 2023

Background

Hyperthermia is a common monotherapy for sporotrichosis, but only in patients with special conditions, such as pregnancy and nursing. However, hyperthermia has not been used more widely for sporotrichosis in clinical practice.

Patients/Methods

An HIV‐positive adult male with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa that did not respond to conventional itraconazole therapy lasting >2 months received adjunctive therapy with local hyperthermia. To simulate the effects of heat exposure on the growth and morphology of Sporothrix spp. in vitro, S. globosa, S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis were exposed to intermittent heat (42°C) for 1 h a day for 7 or 28 days and observed under transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Itraconazole combined with local hyperthermia significantly improved the lesions, and the patient was successfully cured of sporotrichosis, with no recurrence after 2 years of follow‐up. Cultures of Sporothrix spp. treated with 7 days of daily heat exposure in vitro showed obvious decreases in colony diameters, but not numbers, compared with untreated cultures (p < .001). After 28 days of heat exposure in vitro, Sporothrix spp. were unable to thrive (p < .001), and ultrastructural alterations, including loose cell wall structure, incomplete cell membrane, disrupted vacuoles and fragmented nuclei, were noticeable.

Conclusions

Our case findings and in vitro experiments on Sporothrix spp., together with a literature review of previous sporotrichosis cases, suggest that hyperthermia has a clinical role as a treatment adjunct. Large‐scale clinical trials are required to examine the utility of hyperthermia in various forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis.
Comparison of diluted vs concentrated regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Mateos‐Dávila Almudena , Betbesé Roig Antonio Jorge , Santos Rodríguez José Alberto , Guix‐Comellas Eva Maria
Published: October 2023

Background

The incidence of coagulation of continuous renal replacement therapy circuits remains high. To the best of our knowledge, no scholar has published a protocol to avoid management errors when different types of citrates coexist in the same Intensive Care Unit.

Aim

To assess the safety and efficacy of the unification of two protocols with different concentrations of citrate solution.

Study Desing

A prospective, quasi‐experimental study was carried out in the intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital (in Barcelona, Spain), over 3 years. Consecutive adult patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy with citrate were included. The sample was divided into two groups, a control group (concentrated citrate) and an intervention group (diluted citrate). The decision to initiate anticoagulation with diluted (18 mmol/L) or concentrated (136 mmol/L) citrate was made based on the machine available and the decision of the doctor responsible for the patient. It was not possible to randomize the sample. Both protocols were matched with a starting citrate dose of 3.5 mmol/L, and a dialysis solution was used. Post‐filter replacement was not used, and the citrate solution was the only fluid administered pre‐filter.

Results

The analysis included 59 circuits in the concentrated citrate group and 40 circuits in the diluted citrate group. An increased need for electrolyte replacement was observed in the diluted group (p < .001). The concentrated citrate group had a longer filter life (p < .05), and there was a slight trend toward alkalosis.

Conclusion

The diluted citrate group had a higher incidence of electrolyte replacement. The concentrated citrate group had longer circuit lifespan and a trend toward metabolic alkalosis, although this was not statistically significant. If these conclusions are considered, the protocol can be unified.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The present work aims to provide information on the differences in the use of regional anticoagulation with diluted or concentrated citrate. The objective is to pay special attention to aspects that can lead to complications. The unified protocol proposed in this paper could be extrapolated to any machine on the market that uses either of these two types of citrate concentration.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diet and nutrient intake in adults with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Veraza Diego Izquierdo , Calderon Gerardo , Jansson‐Knodell Claire , Aljaras Rawan , Foster Erin D. , Xu Huiping , Biruete Annabel , Shin Andrea
Published: October 2023

Background

Numerous individual and environmental factors including diet may play an important role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is unclear to what degree dietary intake is affected in individuals with IBS. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize dietary intake of adults with IBS and to compare dietary intake between adults with IBS and non‐IBS controls.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched through February 2023 for clinical trials and observational studies measuring usual diet in adults with IBS. Pooled weighted averages were estimated for total energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient data. Mean differences (MD) in nutrient intake were estimated for adults with IBS versus non‐IBS controls using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the inconsistency index (I2).

Key Results

Sixty‐three full‐text articles were included in the review of which 29 studies included both IBS and control subjects. Nutrients not meeting the recommended intake level for any dietary reference values in the IBS population were fiber and vitamin D. Meta‐regression by female proportion was positively correlated with total fat intake and negatively correlated with carbohydrate intake. Comparisons between participants with IBS and controls showed significantly lower fiber intake in participants with IBS with high heterogeneity (MD: −1.8; 95% CI: −3.0, −0.6; I2 = 85%).

Conclusions and Inferences

This review suggests that fiber and vitamin D intake is suboptimal in IBS; however, overall dietary intake does not appear to be comprised. Causes and consequences of reduced fiber in IBS deserve further study.

Results of this systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that fiber and vitamin D intake is suboptimal in IBS. However, overall intake of other macro‐ and micronutrients does not appear to be compromised. Causes and consequences of reduced fiber and Vitamin D intake in IBS deserve further study.
Warming nondormant tree roots advances aboveground spring phenology in temperate trees
Authors: Malyshev Andrey V. , Blume‐Werry Gesche , Spiller Ophelia , Smiljanić Marko , Weigel Robert , Kolb Alexander , Nze Byron Ye , Märker Frederik , Sommer Freymuth Carl‐Fried Johannes , Kinley Kinley , Ziegler Jan , Pasang Pasang , Mahara Robert , Joshi Silviya , Heinsohn Vincent , Kreyling Juergen
Published: October 2023

Climate warming advances the onset of tree growth in spring, but above‐ and belowground phenology are not always synchronized. These differences in growth responses may result from differences in root and bud dormancy dynamics, but root dormancy is largely unexplored.

We measured dormancy in roots and leaf buds of Fagus sylvatica and Populus nigra by quantifying the warming sum required to initiate above‐ and belowground growth in October, January and February. We furthermore carried out seven experiments, manipulating only the soil and not air temperature before or during tree leaf‐out to evaluate the potential of warmer roots to influence budburst timing using seedlings and adult trees of F. sylvatica and seedlings of Betula pendula.

Root dormancy was virtually absent in comparison with the much deeper winter bud dormancy. Roots were able to start growing immediately as soils were warmed during the winter. Interestingly, higher soil temperature advanced budburst across all experiments, with soil temperature possibly accounting for c. 44% of the effect of air temperature in advancing aboveground spring phenology per growing degree hour.

Therefore, differences in root and bud dormancy dynamics, together with their interaction, likely explain the nonsynchronized above‐ and belowground plant growth responses to climate warming.
Multiple mechanisms explain loss of anthocyanins from betalain‐pigmented Caryophyllales, including repeated wholesale loss of a key anthocyanidin synthesis enzyme
Authors: Pucker Boas , Walker‐Hale Nathanael , Dzurlic Jasmina , Yim Won C. , Cushman John C. , Crum Alexandra , Yang Ya , Brockington Samuel F.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigate the genetic mechanisms responsible for the loss of anthocyanins in betalain‐pigmented Caryophyllales, considering our hypothesis of multiple transitions to betalain pigmentation.

Utilizing transcriptomic and genomic datasets across 357 species and 31 families, we scrutinize 18 flavonoid pathway genes and six regulatory genes spanning four transitions to betalain pigmentation. We examined evidence for hypotheses of wholesale gene loss, modified gene function, altered gene expression, and degeneration of the MBW (MYB‐bHLH‐WD40) trasnscription factor complex, within betalain‐pigmented lineages.

Our analyses reveal that most flavonoid synthesis genes remain conserved in betalain‐pigmented lineages, with the notable exception of TT19 orthologs, essential for the final step in anthocyanidin synthesis, which appear to have been repeatedly and entirely lost. Additional late‐stage flavonoid pathway genes upstream of TT19 also manifest strikingly reduced expression in betalain‐pigmented species. Additionally, we find repeated loss and alteration in the MBW transcription complex essential for canonical anthocyanin synthesis.

Consequently, the loss and exclusion of anthocyanins in betalain‐pigmented species appear to be orchestrated through several mechanisms: loss of a key enzyme, downregulation of synthesis genes, and degeneration of regulatory complexes. These changes have occurred iteratively in Caryophyllales, often coinciding with evolutionary transitions to betalain pigmentation.
Intermolecular base‐pairing interactions, a unique topology and exoribonuclease‐resistant noncoding RNAs drive formation of viral chimeric RNAs in plants
Authors: Nemes Katalin , Gil Jose F. , Liebe Sebastian , Mansi Mansi , Poimenopoulou Efstratia , Lennefors Britt‐Louise , Varrelmann Mark , Savenkov Eugene I.
Published: October 2023

In plants, exoribonuclease‐resistant RNAs (xrRNAs) are produced by many viruses. Whereas xrRNAs contribute to the pathogenicity of these viruses, the role of xrRNAs in the virus infectious cycle remains elusive.

Here, we show that xrRNAs produced by a benyvirus (a multipartite RNA virus with four genomic segments) in plants are involved in the formation of monocistronic coat protein (CP)‐encoding chimeric RNAs. Naturally occurring chimeric RNAs, we discovered, are composed of 5′‐end of RNA 2 and 3′‐end of either RNA 3 or RNA 4 bearing conservative exoribonuclease‐resistant ‘coremin’ region.

Using computational tools and site‐directed mutagenesis, we show that de novo formation of chimeric RNAs requires intermolecular base‐pairing interaction between ‘coremin’ and 3′‐proximal part of the CP gene of RNA 2 as well as a stem‐loop structure immediately adjacent to the CP gene. Moreover, knockdown of the expression of the XRN4 gene, encoding 5′→3′ exoribonuclease, inhibits biogenesis of both xrRNAs and chimeric RNAs.

Our findings suggest a novel mechanism involving a unique tropology of the intermolecular base‐pairing complex between xrRNAs and RNA2 to promote formation of chimeric RNAs in plants. XrRNAs, essential for chimeric RNA biogenesis, are generated through the action of cytoplasmic Xrn 4 5′→3′ exoribonuclease conserved in all plant species.
Reduced global plant respiration due to the acclimation of leaf dark respiration coupled with photosynthesis
Authors: Ren Yanghang , Wang Han , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice I. Colin , Atkin Owen K. , Smith Nicholas G. , Mengoli Giulia , Stefanski Artur , Reich Peter B.
Published: October 2023

Leaf dark respiration (Rd) acclimates to environmental changes. However, the magnitude, controls and time scales of acclimation remain unclear and are inconsistently treated in ecosystem models.

We hypothesized that Rd and Rubisco carboxylation capacity (Vcmax) at 25°C (Rd,25, Vcmax,25) are coordinated so that Rd,25 variations support Vcmax,25 at a level allowing full light use, with Vcmax,25 reflecting daytime conditions (for photosynthesis), and Rd,25/Vcmax,25 reflecting night‐time conditions (for starch degradation and sucrose export). We tested this hypothesis temporally using a 5‐yr warming experiment, and spatially using an extensive field‐measurement data set. We compared the results to three published alternatives: Rd,25 declines linearly with daily average prior temperature; Rd at average prior night temperatures tends towards a constant value; and Rd,25/Vcmax,25 is constant.

Our hypothesis accounted for more variation in observed Rd,25 over time (R2 = 0.74) and space (R2 = 0.68) than the alternatives. Night‐time temperature dominated the seasonal time‐course of Rd, with an apparent response time scale of c. 2 wk. Vcmax dominated the spatial patterns.

Our acclimation hypothesis results in a smaller increase in global Rd in response to rising CO2 and warming than is projected by the two of three alternative hypotheses, and by current models.
Interactions between beech and oak seedlings can modify the effects of hotter droughts and the onset of hydraulic failure
Authors: Mas Eugénie , Cochard Hervé , Deluigi Janisse , Didion‐Gency Margaux , Martin‐StPaul Nicolas , Morcillo Luna , Valladares Fernando , Vilagrosa Alberto , Grossiord Charlotte
Published: October 2023

Mixing species with contrasting resource use strategies could reduce forest vulnerability to extreme events. Yet, how species diversity affects seedling hydraulic responses to heat and drought, including mortality risk, is largely unknown.

Using open‐top chambers, we assessed how, over several years, species interactions (monocultures vs mixtures) modulate heat and drought impacts on the hydraulic traits of juvenile European beech and pubescent oak. Using modeling, we estimated species interaction effects on timing to drought‐induced mortality and the underlying mechanisms driving these impacts.

We show that mixtures mitigate adverse heat and drought impacts for oak (less negative leaf water potential, higher stomatal conductance, and delayed stomatal closure) but enhance them for beech (lower water potential and stomatal conductance, narrower leaf safety margins, faster tree mortality). Potential underlying mechanisms include oak's larger canopy and higher transpiration, allowing for quicker exhaustion of soil water in mixtures.

Our findings highlight that diversity has the potential to alter the effects of extreme events, which would ensure that some species persist even if others remain sensitive. Among the many processes driving diversity effects, differences in canopy size and transpiration associated with the stomatal regulation strategy seem the primary mechanisms driving mortality vulnerability in mixed seedling plantations.
Being in the room together
Authors: Daston Lorraine
Published: October 2023

As historians have shown and political theorists have acknowledged: no viable collective is ever just the result of cool cost‐benefit calculations. Rather, it is a shared vision of what it would mean to be part of a collective that surmounts hesitation and commands allegiance. What that collective vision should be for science already has a 350‐odd‐year history, and the work of the imagination is still ongoing.
Cachexia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A scoping review
Authors: Porter S. R. , Ukwas A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this paper was to provide an understanding of cachexia in relation to oral squamous cell carcinoma relevant to oral health care. The paper is a scoping review of aspects of the clinical presentation, aetiology and management of cachexia in relation to oral health and oral health care.

Methods

A combined search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (via OVID) was conducted using the terms ([Head and Neck] OR [Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma]) AND (Cachexia). Duplicates were removed and results were subsequently limited to studies published between 2000 and 2023, humans and English language. After screening and full‐text assessment a total number of 87 studies were included in the review.

Results

It is evident that cachexia is a not uncommon feature of patients with advanced malignancy of the head and neck driven by a multitude of mechanisms, induced by the tumour itself, that lead to reduced nutritional intake, increased metabolism and loss of adipose and skeletal tissue.

Conclusion

While a variety of nutritional, physical, psychological and pharmacological interventions may improve quality and duration of life, ultimately the diagnosis of cachexia in relation to head and neck cancer remains an indicator of poor life expectancy.
The mechanism of IL‐13 targeting IL‐13Rα2 in regulating oral mucosal FBs through PI3K/AKT/mTOR
Authors: Wang Liping , Cheng Jingyi , Huang Junhui , Xiao Ting , Tang Zhangui
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this investigation was to examine the presence of interleukin (IL)‐13 and its receptor IL‐13Rα2 in the tissues of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), investigate their biological functions, and explore the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of OSF.

Materials and Methods

The expression of IL‐13 and IL‐13Rα2 in the oral mucosa of patients with OSF and normal individuals was determined through immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR). Primary fibroblasts (FBs) were extracted through enzymatic digestion and then cultured. Immunofluorescence was employed to identify the FB cultures and the location of IL‐13Rα2. The effects of IL‐13/IL‐13Rα2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR on the migration, proliferation, and secretion of fiber‐related proteins of FBs were explored via the wound healing assay, CCK‐8 assay, EDU assay, and RT–qPCR. The impact of IL‐13Rα2 silencing and PI3K/AKT inhibition on the effect of IL‐13 on FBs was analyzed by RT–qPCR and Western blotting.

Results

IL‐13 and IL‐13Rα2 were highly expressed in OSF. Primary FBs were successfully extracted and cultured. IL‐13Rα2 was found to be localized in myofibroblasts. IL‐13 promoted the proliferation, migration, and secretion of fibril‐associated proteins in FBs. The proliferation, migration, and secretion of fibril‐associated proteins of FBs were decreased following IL‐13Rα2 silencing and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Conclusion

IL‐13 may promote the proliferation, migration, and secretion of fiber‐related proteins of FBs through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by targeting IL‐13Rα2.