bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized Post-Vaccination Strategies and Preventative Measures for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Pettit Rowland , Peng Bo , Yu Patrick , Matos Peter G. , Greninger Alexander L. , McCashin Julie , Amos Christopher Ian
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Since March of 2020, over 210 million SARS-CoV-2 cases have been reported and roughly five billion doses of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine have been delivered. The rise of the more infectious delta variant has recently indicated the value of reinstating previously relaxed non-pharmacological and test-driven preventative measures. These efforts have been met with resistance, due, in part, to a lack of site-specific quantitative evidence which can justify their value. As vaccination rates continue to increase, a gap in knowledge exists regarding appropriate thresholds for escalation and de-escalation of COVID-19 preventative measures.

Methods

We conducted a series of simulation experiments, trialing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus in a hypothesized working environment that is subject to COVID-19 infections from the surrounding community. We established cohorts of individuals who would, in simulation, work together for a set period of time. With these cohorts, we tested the rates of workplace and community acquired infections based on applied isolation strategies, community infection rates (CIR), scales of testing, non-pharmaceutical interventions, variant predominance’s and testing strategies, vaccination coverages, and vaccination efficacies of the members included. Permuting through each combination of these variables, we estimated expected case counts for 33,462 unique workplace scenarios.

Results

When the CIR is 5 new confirmed cases per 100,000 or fewer, and at 50% of the workforce is vaccinated with a 95% efficacious vaccine, then testing daily with an antigen-based or PCR based test in only unvaccinated workers will result in less than one infection through 4,800 person weeks. When the community infection rate per 100,000 persons is less than or equal to 60, and the vaccination coverage of the workforce is 100% with 95% vaccine efficacy then no masking or routine testing + isolation strategies are needed to prevent workplace acquired infections regardless of variant predominance. Identifying and isolating workers with antigen-based SARS-CoV-2 testing methods results in the same or fewer workplace acquired infections than testing with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.

Conclusions

Specific scenarios exist in which preventative measures taken to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread, including masking, and testing plus isolation strategies can safely be relaxed. Further, efficacious testing with quarantine strategies exist for implementation in only unvaccinated cohorts in a workplace. Due to shorter turnaround time, antigen-based testing with lower sensitivity is more effective than PCR testing with higher sensitivities in comparable testing strategies. The general reference interactive heatmap we provide can be used for site specific, immediate, parameter-based case count predictions to inform appropriate institutional policy making.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity Facilitates Survival While Hindering the Evolution of Drug Resistance Due to Intraspecific Competition
Authors: Guthrie Joshua , Charlebois Daniel A.
Published: September 2021

Rising rates of resistance to antimicrobial drugs threatens the effective treatment of infections across the globe. Drug resistance has been established to emerge from non-genetic mechanisms, such as “persistence” in quiescent microbes and fluctuations in gene expression in actively replicating cells, as well as from genetic mutations. However, it is still unclear how non-genetic drug resistance affects the evolution of genetic drug resistance. We develop deterministic and stochastic population models that incorporate resource competition to quantitatively investigate the transition from non-genetic to genetic resistance during the exposure to static and cidal drugs. We find that non-genetic resistance facilitates the survival of cell populations during drug treatment, but that it hinders the development of genetic resistance due to the competition between the non-genetically and genetically resistant subpopulations. Non-genetic drug resistance in the presence of subpopulation competition is found to increase the first-appearance and fixation times of drug resistance mutations, while increasing the probability of mutation before population extinction during cidal drug treatment. Intense intraspecific competition during drug treatment leads to extinction of the susceptible and non-genetically resistant subpopulations. These findings advance our fundamental understanding of the evolution of drug resistance and may guide novel treatment strategies for patients with drug-resistant infections.

SIGNIFICANCE

Drug resistance is predicted to kill as many as 10 million people per year and cost over 100 trillion USD in cumulative lost production globally by 2050. To mitigate these socio-economic costs, we need to fundamentally understand the drug resistance process. We investigate the effect that different forms of resistance have on the evolution of drug resistance using mathematical modeling and computer simulations. We find that the presence of non-genetically drug-resistant cells (whose resistance is temporary and not encoded in a genetic mutation) allows the population to survive drug treatment, while competition between these subpopoulations simultaneously slows down the evolution of permanent genetic drug resistance and in some cases drives them extinct. These findings have important implications for advancing evolutionary theory and for developing effective “resistance-proof” treatments.
Hydroxyl radical footprinting analysis of a human haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex
Authors: Loginov Dmitry S. , Fiala Jan , Brechlin Peter , Kruppa Gary , Novak Petr
Published: September 2021

Methods of structural mass spectrometry have become more popular to study protein structure and dynamics. Among them, fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (FPOP) has several advantages such as irreversibility of modifications and more facile determination of the site of modification with single residue resolution. In the present study, FPOP analysis was applied to study the hemoglobin (Hb) – haptoglobin (Hp) complex allowing identification of respective regions altered upon the complex formation. Oxidative modifications were precisely localized on specific residues using a timsTOF Pro mass spectrometer. The data allowed determination of amino acids directly involved in Hb – Hp interactions and those located outside of the interaction interface yet affected by the complex formation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021621.
A novel R3H protein, OsDIP1, confers ABA-mediated adaptation to drought and salinity stress in rice
Authors: Huang Liping , Tanveer Mohsin , Ji E , Shabala Sergey , Jiang Mingyi
Published: September 2021

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key component of many signaling networks mediating plant adaptation to various stresses. In this context, ABA-induced antioxidant defence is considered to be a main mechanism to that enhances water stress tolerance in plants. The specific details of this activation remain, however, elusive. In this work, we show that DIP1, a protein from novel R3H family, played a central role in modulating water stress tolerance in rice. OsDIP1 transcripts were induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ABA, drought (polyethylene glycol treatment), and salt stress. Overexpression of OsDIP1 in rice enhanced drought and salinity tolerance while knocking out OsDIP1 by CRISPR-Cas9 editing resulted in drought and salt sensitive phenotype. The activity and gene expression of antioxidant defence enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), increased in OsDIP1-overexpressed transgenic rice plants, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. In contrast, the content and gene expression of SOD and CAT, decreased, and the content of MDA increased in knockout of OsDIP1 rice plants, suggesting that overexpression of OsDIP1 enhances the antioxidant capacity of rice plants. The yeast two hybrid screening test revealed that OsDIP1 interacted with ZFP36, a key zinc finger transcription factor involved in ABA-induced antioxidant defence. Moreover, OsDIP1 could modulate some key ABA-responsive genes via interacting with ZFP36. Overall, our findings indicate an important role of OsDIP1 in ABA-induced antioxidant defence signaling and adaptation to salinity and drought in rice.
Loss ofFgfr1andFgfr2in Scleraxis-lineage cells leads to enlarged bone eminences and attachment cell death
Authors: Wernlé Kendra K. , Sonnenfelt Michael A. , Leek Connor C. , Ganji Elahe , Tata Zachary , Sullivan Anna Lia , Paparella Elijah , Offutt Claudia , Shuff Jordan , Ornitz David M. , Killian Megan L.
Published: September 2021

Tendons and ligaments are structural tissues that attach to bone and are essential for joint mobility and stability in vertebrates. Tendon and ligament attachments (i.e., entheses) are often found at bony protrusions (i.e., eminences), and the shape and size of these protrusions depends on both mechanical forces and cellular cues during growth and development. The formation of tendon eminences also contributes to mechanical leverage for skeletal muscle. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling plays a critical role in bone development, andFgfr1andFgfr2are highly expressed in the perichondrium and periosteum of bone where tendon and ligament attachments can be found. However, the role of FGFR signaling in attachment development and maintenance in the limb remains unknown. In this study, we used transgenic mouse models for combinatorial knockout ofFgfr1and/orFgfr2in tendon/ligament and attachment progenitors using ScxCre and measured eminence size and bone shape in the appendicular skeleton. Conditional deletion of both, but not individual,Fgfr1andFgfr2inScxprogenitors led to enlarged eminences in the postnatal appendicular skeleton and smaller secondary ossification centers in long bones. In addition,Fgfr1 Fgfr2double conditional knockout mice had more variation in the size of collagen fibrils in tendon, narrowed synovial joint spacing, and increased cell death at sites of ligament attachments, as well as decreased plasticity of mature bone compared to age-matched wildtype littermates. These findings identify a role for FGFR signaling in regulating growth and maintenance of tendon/ligament attachments and the size and shape of bony eminences.
Synergic Renoprotective Effects Of Combined ASC Therapy With RAAS Blockade In Experimental Advanced CKD
Authors: Maires Marina PC , Pereira Krislley R , Silva Everidiene KVB , Souza Victor HR , Teles Flavio , Barbosa Paulyana F , Garnica Margoth R , Ornellas Felipe M , Noronha Irene L , Fanelli Camilla
Published: September 2021

Global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased considerably in the recent decades. Overactivity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), associated to renal inflammation and fibrosis contribute to its evolution. The treatments currently employed to control CKD progression are limited and mainly based on the pharmacological inhibition of RAAS, associated with diuretics and immunosuppressive drugs. However, this conservative management promotes only partial deceleration of CKD evolution, and does not completely avoid the progression of the disease and the loss of renal function, which motivates the medical and scientific community to investigate new therapeutic approaches to detain renal inflammation / fibrosis and CKD progression. Recent studies have shown the application of mesenchymal stem cells (mSC) to exert beneficial effects on the renal tissue of animals submitted to experimental models of CKD. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of subcapsular application of adipose tissue-derived mSC (ASC) in rats submitted to the 5/6 renal ablation model, 15 days after the establishment of CKD, when the nephropathy was already severe. We also verify whether ASC associated to Losartan, would promote greater renoprotection when compared to the respective monotherapies. Animals were followed until 30 days of CKD, when body weight, systolic blood pressure, biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression analysis were performed. The combination of ASC and Losartan was more effective than Losartan monotherapy in reducing systolic blood pressure and glomerulosclerosis, and also promoted the complete normalization of proteinuria and albuminuria, a significant reduction in renal interstitial macrophage infiltration and downregulation of renal IL-6 gene expression. The beneficial effects of ACS are possibly due to the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory role of factors secreted by these cells, modulating the local immune response. Although studies are still required, our results demonstrated that a subcapsular inoculation of ASC, associated with the administration of Losartan, exerted additional renoprotective effect in rats submitted to a severe model of established CKD, when compared to Losartan monotherapy, thus suggesting ASC may be a potential adjuvant to RAAS-blockade therapy currently employed in the conservative management of CKD.
Efficient targeted transgenesis of large donor DNA into multiple mouse genetic backgrounds using bacteriophage Bxb1 integrase
Authors: Low Benjamin E. , Hosur Vishnu , Lesbirel Simon , Wiles Michael V.
Published: September 2021

Efficient, targeted integration of large DNA constructs represent a significant hurdle in genetic engineering for the development of mouse models of human disease and synthetic biology research. To address this, we developed a system for efficient and precise, targeted single-copy integration of large transgenes directly into the zygote using multiple mouse genetic backgrounds. Conventional approaches, such as random transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR), lentivirus-based insertion, or DNA transposases all have significant limitations. Our strategy uses in vivo Bxb1 mediated recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) to efficiently generate precise single-copy integrations of transgenes. This is achieved using a transgene “landing pad” composed of dual heterologous Bxb1 attachment (att) sites in cis, pre-positioned in the Gt(ROSA)26Sor safe harbor locus. Successful RMCE is achieved in att carrier zygotes using donor DNA carrying cognate attachment sites flanking the desired donor transgene microinjected along with Bxb1-integrase mRNA. This approach routinely achieves perfect vector-free integration of donor constructs at efficiencies as high as 43% and has generated transgenic animals containing inserts up to ∼43kb. Furthermore, when coupled with a nanopore-based Cas9-targeted sequencing (nCATS) approach, complete verification of the precise insertion sequence can be achieved. As a proof-of-concept we describe the creation and characterization of C57BL/6J and NSG Krt18-ACE2 transgenic mouse models for SARS-CoV2 research with verified heterozygous N1 animals available for experimental use in ∼4 months. In addition, we created a diverse series of mouse backgrounds carrying a single att site version of the landing pad allele in C57BL/6J, NSG, B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J, FVB/NJ, PWK/PhJ, 129S1/SvImJ, A/J, NOD/ShiLtJ, NZO/HILtJ, CAST/EiJ, and DBA/2J for rapid transgene insertion. Combined, this system enables predictable, rapid creation of precisely targeted transgenic animals across multiple genetic backgrounds, simplifying characterization, speeding expansion and use.
HCN2 in cholinergic interneurons of the nucleus accumbens mediates reward response
Authors: Lee J , Weinberger M , Kawahara Y , Cheng J , Umschweif G , Medrihan L , Flajolet M , Nishi A , Sagi Y
Published: September 2021

Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are important for mediating the behavioral response to rewarding stimuli. A major role for these cells is to regulate dopamine (DA) transmission by activating cholinergic receptors at local DAergic nerve terminals. However, the mechanisms that enable cholinergic neurons to enhance DA release in response to reward remain unknown. Here we report that the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 2 (HCN2) in NAc ChIs mediates an enhancement in DA signaling in response to rewarding stimuli. The HCN current in NAc ChIs and its modulation by DA, as well as the increase in cholinergic efflux by local cocaine infusion were impaired in mice with deletion of HCN2 in cholinergic cells. Enhancement in the DA efflux and signaling in the NAc in response to rewarding stimuli, as well as cocaine conditioning were also dependent on HCN2 in ChIs. These results provide a mechanistic link between the activity of NAc ChIs and reward encoding.
Experimental evidence for the gaze-signaling hypothesis: White sclera enhances the visibility of eye-gaze direction in humans and chimpanzees
Authors: Kano Fumihiro , Kawaguchi Yuri , Yeow Hanling
Published: September 2021

Hallmark social activities of humans, such as cooperation and cultural learning, involve eye-gaze signaling through joint attentional interaction and ostensive communication. The gaze-signaling and related cooperative-eye hypotheses posit that humans evolved unique external eye morphology, including exposed white sclera (the white of the eye), to enhance the visibility of eye-gaze for conspecifics. However, experimental evidence is still lacking. This study tested the ability of human and chimpanzee participants to detect the eye-gaze directions of human and chimpanzee images in computerized tasks. We varied the level of brightness and size in the stimulus images to examine the robustness of the eye-gaze directional signal against visually challenging conditions. We found that both humans and chimpanzees detected gaze directions of the human eye better than that of the chimpanzee eye, particularly when eye stimuli were darker and smaller. Also, participants of both species detected gaze direction of the chimpanzee eye better when its color was inverted compared to when its color was normal; namely, when the chimpanzee eye has artificial white sclera. White sclera thus enhances the visibility of eye-gaze direction even across species, particularly in visually challenging conditions. Our findings supported but also critically updated the central premises of the gaze-signaling hypothesis.
Self-organized emergence of hyaline cartilage in hiPSC-derived multi-tissue organoids
Authors: Li Manci , Abrahante Juan E. , Vegoe Amanda , Chai Yi Wen , Lindborg Beth , Toth Ferenc , Larsen Peter A. , O’Brien Timothy D.
Published: September 2021

Despite holding great therapeutic potential, existing protocols for in vitro chondrogenesis and hyaline cartilage production from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) are laborious and complex with unclear long-term consequences. Here, we developed a simple xeno- and feeder-free protocol for human hyaline cartilage production in vitro using hydrogel-cultured multi-tissue organoids (MTOs). We investigate gene regulatory networks during spontaneous hiPSC-MTO differentiation using RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. We find the interplays between BMPs and neural FGF pathways are associated with the phenotype transition of MTOs. We recognize TGF-beta/BMP and Wnt signaling likely contribute to the long-term maintenance of MTO cartilage growth and further adoption of articular cartilage development. By comparing the MTO transcriptome with human lower limb chondrocytes, we observe that the expression of chondrocyte-specific genes in MTO shows a strong correlation with fetal lower limb chondrocytes. Collectively, our findings describe the self-organized emergence of hyaline cartilage in MTO, its associated molecular pathways, and its spontaneous adoption of articular cartilage development trajectory.
Ownership structure and real earnings management: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: AL-Duais Shaker Dahan , Malek Mazrah , Abdul Hamid Mohamad Ali , Almasawa Amal Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the monitoring role of ownership structure (OWS) on real earnings management (REM) practices; previous studies primarily examined the effect of OWS on accrual-based earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study is 490 companies listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange during the period 2013–2016 (1,960 company-year observations). The regression of a feasible generalized least square was used for data analysis. The authors use three regression models ordinary least squares, panel-corrected standard errors and Driscoll–Kraay standard errors to corroborate the findings and also examine alternative REM measures.

Findings

Analysis of the data shows that family, foreign and institutional ownership has a positive link with the quality of financial reporting and, to a large extent, is capable of alleviating REM. The findings also indicate that some form of OWS significantly affects REM, corroborating existing theories on corporate governance (CG) and the perspectives of practitioners.

Practical implications

The evidence concerns the significant role played by the OWS in reducing REM activities. The findings are useful in support of regulatory activities, particularly in the design of policies to regulate the OWS. The results may also provide useful insights to inform other policymakers, investors, shareholders and researchers about the active role of family, foreign and institutional investors in monitoring Malaysia's public listed companies (PLCs) to strengthen CG practices. This also leads to less REM and enhances the quality of financial reporting.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this work is pioneering research from a developing country, specifically from Malaysia, to investigate the manner in which all possible OWSs influence REM. More importantly, the study recommends that regulators and researchers do not envisage OWS as a holistic phenomenon.
A framework to guide the implementation of lean management in emergency department
Authors: Tiso Anna , Crema Maria , Verbano Chiara
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The paper aims at enriching the knowledge of the application of lean management (LM) in emergency department (ED), structuring the methodology for implementing LM projects and summarizing the relevant dimensions of LM adoption in ED.

Design/methodology/approach

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature review has been performed, extracting a database of 34 papers. To answer the research purpose, a descriptive and content analyses have been carried out.

Findings

The descriptive analysis demonstrates that the dealt topic is worldwide emerging and multidisciplinary as it arouses interest by medical and engineering communities. Despite the heterogeneity in the adopted methodology, a framework can be grasped from the literature review. It points out the phases and activities, the tools and techniques and the enablers to be considered for guiding the developing of LM project in ED.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive overview on how to adopt LM in ED, contributing to fill in the gap emerged in the literature. From a practical perspective, this paper provides healthcare managers with a synthesis of the best managerial practices and guidelines in developing a LM project in ED.
Quick and dirty or rapid and informative? Exploring a participatory method to facilitate implementation research and organizational change
Authors: von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Andersson Kin , Loeb Carina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose is explore an approach to acquire, analyze and report data concerning an organizational change initiative that combines knowledge generation and knowledge use, and contrast that with a method where knowledge generation and use is separated. More specifically, the authors contrast a participatory group workshop with individual interviews analyzed with thematic analysis, focusing on information about the change process and its perceived practical relevance and usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were managers responsible for implementing a broad organizational change aiming to improve service quality (e.g. access and equity) and reduce costs in a mental health service organization in Sweden. Individual interviews were conducted at two points, six months apart (i1: n = 15; i2: n = 18). Between the interviews, a 3.5-h participatory group workshop was conducted, during which participants (n = 15) both generated and analyzed data through a structured process that mixed individual-, small- and whole-group activities.

Findings

Both approaches elicited substantive information about the content, purpose and process of change. While the content and purpose findings were similar across the two data sources, the interviews described how to lead a change process, whereas the workshop yielded concrete information about what to do. Benefits of interviews included personal insights about leading change while the workshop provided an opportunity for collective sense-making.

Originality/value

When organizational stakeholders work through the change process through a participatory workshop, they may get on the same page, but require additional support to take action.
An expansion of the technology acceptance model applied to the halal tourism sector
Authors: Berakon Izra , Wibowo Muhammad Ghafur , Nurdany Achmad , Aji Hendy Mustiko
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The increasing number of tourists in the Muslim world every year has encouraged digital business developers and the Sharia banking industry to integrate halal product and service apps with the Sharia mobile banking system. The fourth wave of the industrial revolution has changed the consumer paradigm, creating a young generation that uses digital service transaction systems in their daily lives. This paper aims to investigate the factors that determine intention to use halal tourism apps amongst Muslim tourists to provide insights promoting the development of halal tourism in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using an online survey approach. The sample comprised 205 Muslim Millennial and Generation Z travellers. The data collected were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling. There were three analysis stages: evaluation of the measurement model, assessment of the structural model and hypothesis testing.

Findings

The findings indicated that trust mediated the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on individual intentions and that halal knowledge positively and significantly impacted individual intentions. In contrast, religiosity was not a significant influence on individual intentions.

Originality/value

The paper expanded the technology acceptance model by incorporating the key constructs of halal knowledge, religiosity and trust into an integrated research framework; this represented a novel step, especially in the context of halal tourism. The finding that trust mediated the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness fills a gap in previous research, which has rarely included the trust construct in technology acceptance models.
Can generational differences and feeling trusted improve knowledge-sharing behavior? Consequences of high-performance work systems
Authors: Almadana Aulia Vidya , Suharnomo Suharnomo , Perdhana Mirwan Surya
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationships between high-performance work systems (HPWS) on knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) among Indonesian employees through the mediating role of feeling trusted (FT) and moderating role of generational differences (GD).

Design/methodology/approach

Sample were collected from 278 employees working in the Indonesian financial companies. This research used structural equation modeling to investigate the associations of HPWS and KSB. Furthermore, Sobel Test was applicated to test the mediation effect of FT. Finally, Hayes PROCESS was used to test the moderation impact of GD.

Findings

The empirical results revealed that HPWS positively impact FT and KSB. Hereafter, FT also positively impacts KSB and then succeeds to mediate the relationships between HPWS and KSB. Finally, GD were failed to moderate the relationships between HPWS and KSB.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few studies that illustrate the roles of GD between the relationships between HPWS and KSB.
Enhancing agro-environment and socio-economic condition of rural poor: the case of Lupin corporate social responsibility
Authors: Yadava Ram Nayan , Sinha Bhaskar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of different programs (Self Help Groups, Farmers Clubs, Check Dams, and Training Programs) being implemented by Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF), Bhopal, under corporate social responsibility in enhancing the capacity of rural people to improve their socio-economic and agro-environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment of different programs was carried out using field-based survey along with the semi-structured interview of total 123 sampled individual beneficiaries spread in 23 villages of Raisen and Vidisha districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Findings

This study revealed that the CSR programs impacted significantly to beneficiaries in improving their socio-economic and agro-environmental conditions.

Originality/value

It further emphasized that there is scope for improvement in planning and execution of CSR programs for enhancing agricultural production and creating employment by integrating with ongoing government programs related to rural development.
The elephant in the family: Costs and benefits of elder siblings on younger offspring life‐history trajectory in a matrilineal mammal
Authors: Berger Vérane , Reichert Sophie , Lahdenperä Mirkka , Jackson John , Htut Win , Lummaa Virpi
Published: September 2021

Many mammals grow up with siblings, and interactions between them can influence offspring phenotype and fitness. Among these interactions, sibling competition between different‐age offspring should lead to reproductive and survival costs on the younger sibling, while sibling cooperation should improve younger sibling's reproductive potential and survival. However, little is known about the consequences of sibling effects on younger offspring life‐history trajectory, especially in long‐lived mammals.

We take advantage of a large, multigenerational demographic dataset from semi‐captive Asian elephants to investigate how the presence and sex of elder siblings influence the sex, survival until 5 years old, body condition, reproductive success (i.e. age at first reproduction and lifetime reproductive success) and long‐term survival of subsequent offspring.

We find that elder siblings have heterogeneous effects on subsequent offspring life‐history traits depending on their presence, their sex and the sex of the subsequent offspring (namedfocal calf).

Overall, the presence of an elder sibling (either sex) strongly increased focal calf long‐term survival (either sex) compared to sibling absence. However, elder sisters had higher impact on the focal sibling than elder brothers. Focal females born after a female display higher long‐term survival, and decreased age at first reproduction when raised together with an elder sister rather than a brother. Focal males born after a female rather than a male showed lower survival but higher body weight when both were raised together. We did not detect any sibling effects on the sex of the focal calf sex, survival until 5 years old and lifetime reproductive success.

Our results highlight the general complexity of sibling effects, but broadly that elder siblings can influence the life‐history trajectory of subsequent offspring. We also stress the importance of considering all life stages when evaluating sibling effects on life trajectories.
Synzootics
Authors: Sweeny Amy R. , Albery Gregory F. , Becker Daniel J. , Eskew Evan A. , Carlson Colin J.
Published: September 2021

Ecologists increasingly recognise coinfection as an important component of emergent epidemiological patterns, connecting aspects of ecoimmunology, behaviour, ecosystem function and even extinction risk.

Building on syndemic theory in medical anthropology, we propose the term ‘synzootics’ to describe co‐occurring enzootic or epizootic processes that produce worse health outcomes in wild animals. Using framing from syndemic theory, we describe how the synzootic concept offers new insights into the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases.

We then recommend a set of empirical criteria and lines of evidence that can be used to identify synzootics in nature. We conclude by exploring how synzootics could indirectly drive the emergence of novel pathogens in human populations.
From taxonomic to functional dark diversity: Exploring the causes of potential biodiversity and its implications for conservation
Authors: Morel Loïs , Jung Vincent , Chollet Simon , Ysnel Frédéric , Barbe Lou
Published: September 2021

The conservation of natural habitats requires an accurate assessment of both their degradation and their potential for restoration. Among the tools available, dark diversity is promising, since it estimates all the species that could be present in a community due to favourable environmental conditions but are currently lacking. However, current experimental approaches measure dark diversity mainly from species co‐occurrences, which rely partly on neutral processes, and also suffer from several problems concerning the inclusion of rare species.

Here, we propose a novel method to estimate dark diversity, which is based on more deterministic co‐occurrence and also strongly limits the problems of rarity: the co‐occurrence of species' functional features. We adapted the Beals' co‐occurrence index using functional groups, and we estimated functional dark diversity based on co‐occurrence of functional groups. To illustrate the interests of our approach, we then addressed as an example a major issue of restoration ecology: how does passive rewilding (i.e. spontaneous restoration of woodlands) impact the ecological integrity of recovered communities? We compared post‐agricultural woodlands with ancient forests, in terms of taxonomic and functional dark diversity of vascular plants and spiders.

For both taxa, the patterns of dark diversity in recent woodlands and ancient forests changed depending on whether we used the taxonomic or functional approach. This was due to the detection of functional features even if they were hosted by rare species, and to the consideration of ecological redundancy between species in functional groups. Notably, recent woodlands harboured plant communities with a similar amount of taxonomic dark diversity compared to ancient forests, but with less functional dark diversity. Also, the composition of functional dark diversity clearly differed between forest types.

Synthesis and applications. Functional dark diversity brings novel perspectives for ecological diagnostic and restoration. In particular, it provides a more mechanistic understanding of the constraints which limit the re‐assembly of natural communities during restoration practices (e.g. dispersal limitation). The functional approach usefully complements the taxonomical one to identify habitat conservation and restoration interests, especially for highly degraded sites where the detection of missing groups via species is biased because of their rarity.
Unmasking photogranulation in decreasing glacial albedo and net autotrophic wastewater treatment
Authors: Park Chul , Takeuchi Nozomu
Published: September 2021

In both natural and built environments, microbes on occasions manifest in spherical aggregates instead of substratum‐affixed biofilms. These microbial aggregates are conventionally referred to as granules. Cryoconites are mineral rich granules that appear on glacier surfaces and are linked with expanding surface darkening, thus decreasing albedo, and enhanced melt. The oxygenic photogranules (OPGs) are organic rich granules that grow in wastewater, which enables wastewater treatment with photosynthetically produced oxygen and which presents potential for net autotrophic wastewater treatment in a compact system. Despite obvious differences inherent in the two, cryoconite and OPG pose striking resemblance. In both, the order Oscillatoriales in Cyanobacteria envelope inner materials and develop dense spheroidal aggregates. We explore the mechanism of photogranulation on account of high similarity between cryoconites and OPGs. We contend that there is no universal external cause for photogranulation. However, cryoconites and OPGs, as well as their intravariations, which are all under different stress fields, are the outcome of universal physiological processes of the Oscillatoriales interfacing with goldilocks interactions of stresses. Finding the rules of photogranulation may enhance engineering of glacier and wastewater systems to manipulate their ecosystem impacts.
Compromised end‐of‐life syndrome: Concept development from the condition of adults and older adults in palliative care
Authors: Almeida Antônia Rios , Santana Rosimere Ferreira , Brandão Marcos Antônio Gomes
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to develop the nursing diagnosis concept “compromised end‐of‐life syndrome” in palliative care.

Methods

The authors used the integrative strategy by Meleis to develop the concept in this study and identifying clinical indicators from a literature review. For data organization, we applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis (PRISMA).

Findings

Some clusters of unpleasant signs and symptoms in palliative care patients at the end of life, such as pain, dyspnea, depression, constipation, and anxiety, were identified. Through conceptualization, the authors propose a new nursing diagnosis, “compromised end‐of‐life syndrome.” The manuscript includes a model case of a patient with nursing diagnosis syndrome as a clinical example.

Conclusions

Simultaneous patterns of signs and symptoms present in the literature reinforce the utility of the proposition of end‐of‐life syndrome as a nursing diagnostic construct.

Implications for nursing practice

The concept development related to patients’ unpleasant signs and symptoms critically ill at palliative care supports the proposition of a new nursing diagnosis relevant to selecting adequate nursing interventions and nursing outcomes. Some clusters of unpleasant signs and symptoms in palliative care patients at the end of life, such as pain, dyspnea, depression, constipation, and anxiety were identified. Conceptualization was used to propose a new nursing diagnosis, “compromised end‐of‐life syndrome.” A model case of a patient with nursing diagnosis syndrome is described as a clinical example.

Conclusion

Simultaneous patterns of signs and symptoms present in the literature reinforce the utility of the proposition of end‐of‐life syndrome as nursing diagnostic construct.

Implications for Nursing practice: The concept development related to patients' unpleasant signs and symptoms critically ill at palliative care supports the proposition of a new nursing diagnosis relevant to selecting adequate nursing interventions and nursing outcomes.
Direct Method Operating Cash Flow Disclosures: Determinants and Incremental Usefulness
Authors: Sidhu Baljit K. , YU CHUAN
Published: September 2021

This study explores the determinants and incremental usefulness of disclosing components of operating cash flow (CFO) using the direct method in a voluntary US setting and in the Australian setting where it was mandatory prior to 2007. Based on the US voluntary sample, we find that relatively highly levered firms issuing new debt are more likely to voluntarily adopt the direct method. The results are consistent with prior literature in that direct method components are important in the debt financing process. More generally, our results suggest that direct method components of CFO are incrementally useful beyond their estimated counterparts in predicting one‐year ahead cash flows and earnings when firms are in a more volatile life cycle stage (e.g., in the growth and decline stage). Additionally, we find that the incremental usefulness is also more pronounced when there are more uncertainties in estimating the direct components; specifically, when the estimation differences are large, when firms issue new debt, and when firms have longer operating cycles. To provide further corroborating evidence, we show that the disclosed direct method components are incrementally useful beyond the estimated counterparts for the group of Australian firms with similar characteristics to the voluntary sample from the United States.
Cathodoluminescence microscopy for interpreting the fabric and heating process of ancient pottery: Preliminary study on the technological features of pottery from the Kur River basin
Authors: Emami Mohammadamin , Chapoulie Rémy , Abdi Kamyar
Published: September 2021

Heterogeneous sherds were collected from 10 archaeological sites located in the Kur River Basin (KRB) in southern Iran. They have been analysed through routinely standard microscopic approach, including momentous cathodoluminescence microscopy in order to characterize the pottery fabrication and diversities in raw material and firing behaviour between different pottery production from the eighth to third millennium BCE. Cathodoluminescence interpretations identify the diverse properties of the sherds from the KRB material. Conversely, their microfabrics are essentially conceded to a not tightly packed fabrication. Characterizing the raw material, additives and initial vitrification texture were identified through petrography and SEM. The effect of heating in such heterogenous body was essentially characterized by cathodoluminescence microscopy. Combining these methods demonstrates the advantages of multimicroscopical methods for studying insights among diverse raw materials and heat gradient from the surface into the core of ancient pottery, which led to display selective experimental pottery production.
Secondary stability achieved in dental implants with a calcium‐coated sandblasted, large‐grit, acid‐etched (SLA) surface and a chemically modified SLA surface placed without mechanical engagement: A preclinical study
Authors: Song Young Woo , Paeng Kyoung‐Won , Kim Myong Ji , Cha Jae‐Kook , Jung Ui‐Won , Jung Ronald E. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess the osseointegration of calcium‐coated (CS) and chemically modified, sandblasted, large‐grit, acid‐etched (MS) dental implants with a lack of primary mechanical stability.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen implants in CS and MS groups each were loosely placed in the mandible of six mongrel dogs and allowed to heal for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) and implant stability test (IST) values recorded periodically and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and the number of Haversian canals per 1 mm2 measured histologically were statistically analysed (p < .05).

Results

All CS and MS implants placed survived. Compared with immediately after installation, ISQ and IST values in both groups increased significantly to over 76 at 2 weeks (p < .0083) and remained stable thereafter. BIC was significantly greater at 8 weeks (61.3 ± 13.6% in CS group; 57.6 ± 5.9% in MS group) compared to 2 and 4 weeks in both groups (p < .017). There were no significant intergroup differences in ISQ, IST or BIC at different time points. Significantly more Haversian canals were observed in group CS (6.2 ± 1.0/mm2) compared with group MS at 4 weeks (3.7 ± 1.8 /mm2; p < .05), while intergroup difference was not significant at 8 weeks.

Conclusion

Both CS and MS implants inserted without primary stability obtained osseointegration within 2 weeks, and lamellar bone adjacent to the implants was first observed at 8 weeks. The formation of primary osteons was more active at 4 weeks in group CS than in group MS.
Cemented versus screw‐retained posterior implant‐supported single crowns: A 24‐month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wolfart Stefan , Rittich Anne , Groß Karin , Hartkamp Oliver , von der Stück Annabelle , Raith Stefan , Reich Sven
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To compare the incidence of biological and technical complications of cemented and screw‐retained monolithic lithium‐disilicate implant‐supported posterior single crowns.

Material and Methods

Forty‐one subjects with a total of 56 implants received randomly allocated 28 cemented and 28 screw‐retained crowns. In the screw‐retained group, monolithic lithium‐disilicate restorations were luted to titanium bases extraorally. In the cemented group, monolithic lithium‐disilicate crowns were cemented on individualized titanium abutments intraorally. All restorations were examined according to modified FDI criteria within 2 weeks of inserting the crowns (baseline) and after 12 (n = 46) and 24 (n = 43) months. Bone loss was evaluated by standardized radiographs at baseline and 12 months.

Results

After 12 months, the incidence of mucositis (positive bleeding on probing) was 14.2% (screw‐retained) and 17.9% (cement‐retained). The gingival and plaque index and a mean marginal bone loss between 0.03–0.15 mm showed no significant difference between the groups. In the cemented group, cement residues were detected at baseline at two restorations (6.9%) by radiographic examination. A complete digital workflow was realized in most cases (85.7%). At 24 months, no restoration had failed, and no chipping of the ceramic had occurred. In the screw‐retained group, screw loosening occurred in one implant. In both groups, there was obvious deterioration in the quality of 32% of the occlusal and of 18% of the proximal contact points.

Conclusions

The type of retention mode of monolithic implant‐retained lithium‐disilicate posterior crowns had no influence on the biological and technical complication rate.
Intraoperative fluid management and kidney transplantation outcomes: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Harbell Monica W. , Kraus Molly B. , Bucker‐Petty Skye A. , Harbell Jack W.
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients undergoing kidney transplantation traditionally receive liberal amounts of fluid during surgery. However, excessive fluids can lead to fluid overload and ileus. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the effect of restrictive versus liberal fluid therapy on kidney transplantation outcomes.

Methods

Patients who underwent deceased‐donor kidney transplantation at Mayo Clinic from January 2014 to March 2019 were included. Those who received <3 L of intravenous fluids intraoperatively were categorized as “restrictive;” those who received ≥3 L were categorized as “liberal.” The primary outcome was incidence of delayed graft function (DGF). Secondary outcomes included length of stay, readmission within 30 days, time to return of bowel function, and incidence of postoperative complications.

Results

Of the 1171 patients included, 557 were in the restrictive group and 614 in the liberal group. The mean (SD) fluid intake was 2.17 (.54) L in the restrictive group and 3.67 (.68) L in the liberal group (P<.001). There was no difference in DGF (relative risk, 1.03; P = .56), length of stay (P = .34), readmission (P = .80), return of bowel function (P = .71), or other postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Intraoperative restrictive fluid therapy during kidney transplantation was not associated with DGF or worse outcomes when compared with liberal fluid therapy.