bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A global overview of studies about land management, land‐use change, and climate change effects on soil organic carbon
Authors: Beillouin Damien , Cardinael Rémi , Berre David , Boyer Annie , Corbeels Marc , Fallot Abigail , Feder Frédéric , Demenois Julien
Published: December 2021

Major drivers of gains or losses in soil organic carbon (SOC) include land management, land‐use change, and climate change. Thousands of original studies have focused on these drivers of SOC change and are now compiled in a growing number of meta‐analyses. To critically assess the research efforts in this domain, we retrieved and characterized 192 meta‐analyses of SOC stocks or concentrations. These meta‐analyses comprise more than 13,200 original studies conducted from 1910 to 2020 in 150 countries. First, we show that, despite a growing number of studies over time, the geographical coverage of studies is limited. For example, the effect of land management, land‐use change, and climate change on SOC has been only occasionally studied in North and Central Africa, and in the Middle East and Central Asia. Second, the meta‐analyses investigated a limited number of land management practices, mostly mineral fertilization, organic amendments, and tillage. Third, the meta‐analyses demonstrated relatively low quality and transparency. Lastly, we discuss the mismatch between the increasing number of studies and the need for more local, reusable, and diversified knowledge on how to preserve high SOC stocks or restore depleted SOC stocks.
Site index as a predictor of the effect of climate warming on boreal tree growth
Authors: Pau Mathilde , Gauthier Sylvie , Chavardès Raphaël D. , Girardin Martin P. , Marchand William , Bergeron Yves
Published: December 2021

The boreal forest represents the terrestrial biome most heavily affected by climate change. However, no consensus exists regarding the impacts of these changes on the growth of tree species therein. Moreover, assessments of young tree responses in metrics transposable to forest management remain scarce. Here, we assessed the impacts of climate change on black spruce (Picea mariana [Miller] BSP) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lambert) growth, two dominant tree species in boreal forests of North America. Starting with a retrospective analysis including data from 2591 black spruces and 890 jack pines, we forecasted trends in 30‐year height growth at the transitions from closed to open boreal coniferous forests in Québec, Canada. We considered three variables: (1) height growth, rarely used, but better‐reflecting site potential than other growth proxies, (2) climate normals corresponding to the growth period of each stem, and (3) site type (as a function of texture, stoniness, and drainage), which can modify the effects of climate on tree growth. We found a positive effect of vapor pressure deficit on the growth of both species, although the effect on black spruce leveled off. For black spruce, temperatures had a positive effect on the height at 30 years, which was attenuated when and where climatic conditions became drier. Conversely, drought had a positive effect on height under cold conditions and a negative effect under warm conditions. Spruce growth was also better on mesic than on rocky and sub‐hydric sites. For portions of the study areas with projected future climate within the calibration range, median height‐change varied from 10 to 31% for black spruce and from 5 to 31% for jack pine, depending on the period and climate scenario. As projected increases are relatively small, they may not be sufficient to compensate for potential increases in future disturbances like forest fires.
Surface chlorophyll concentration as a mesoplankton biomass assessment tool in the Southern Ocean region
Authors: Vereshchaka Alexander L. , Lunina Anastasiia A. , Mikaelyan Alexander S.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Mesoplankton of the Southern Ocean is the key trophic link between phytoplankton and other consumers and an important part of the biological carbon pump, a critical component of climate regulation. Although general patterns of mesoplankton distribution and life cycles are known, we still cannot estimate mesoplankton standing stocks at specified ocean‐basin scales.

Location

Southern Ocean, 34.4−56.9°S, 0–14.4°E.

Time period

December 2009.

Major taxa studied

All mesoplankton 0.2–20.0 mm.

Methods

We assessed biomass of dominant taxa and total wet mesoplankton biomass (B, mg/m3) using surface chlorophyll a concentration (Chl) as a proxy of phytoplankton biomass and surface temperature (ST), a basic hydrological parameter. We sampled three strata within the layer 0–300 m at 43 stations with a Judey net (0.1 m2, 180 µm).

Results

We identified 163 taxa and calculated their biomass, biomass of major trophic groups, and total mesoplankton biomass. Monthly Chl and ST derived from satellite imaging were averaged at various temporal and spatial scales. B in the upper layer and in the integrated layer 0–300 m was significantly linked to antecedent Chl signals; the most significant regressions were found between B and monthly Chl and ST averaged two months prior to the survey and 10° upstream of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Larger mesoplankton fractions showed longer response periods to Chl signal than smaller fractions.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest the integral mesoplankton stock is 2.47–3.69 Gt wet weight wtot (ww), or 0.12–0.18 Gt C, in the whole Southern Ocean. Mesoplankton was dominated by omnivores (69%–74%) followed by carnivores (25%) and herbivores (20%), which suggests the leading role of omnivory in the Southern Ocean pelagic during the austral summer. We anticipate that these results will help to provide a deeper insight into the Southern Ocean ecosystems and will benefit models predicting changes in the carbon–climate Earth system.
The use of electric potential drop techniques to detect delamination in a melt‐infiltrated SiC‐based composite
Authors: Gupta Ankita , Singh Yogesh P. , Morscher Gregory N.
Published: December 2021

For composite systems where the matrix is electrically conductive, the possibility that the nature of electrical current flow in the composite can be used to detect defects such as out‐of‐plane delamination. Melt‐infiltrated SiC‐based composites are an ideal candidate material for such to verify this since the Si content of the matrix is the primary current carrier in the system. Two different potential drop techniques utilizing the four‐point probe method were developed on a composite panel that had a large preexisting delamination defect that occurred during processing. The first technique incorporated current leads to supply current in a through‐thickness manner and determine the nature of current spreading (voltage drop) some distance away from the current source to assess the location of the delamination. The other technique incorporated current leads in a more conventional manner to produce axial current flow and assessed the nature of current flow in between the current leads on both surfaces of the composite. In this way, in the presence of a delamination, current flow was forced to primarily flow on the side of the current leads. Both techniques were quite effective at locating the preexisting delamination in a panel of 2D woven Tyranno ZMI slurry‐derived melt‐infiltrated SiC composite.
Formal and informal learning as deterrents of turnover intentions: Evidence from frontline workers during a crisis
Authors: Randall Jason G. , Brooks Ricardo R. , Heck Martin J.
Published: December 2021

Employee learning and development is critical to organizational success, particularly during times of crisis when increased volatility and demand necessitate adaptability and skill. We draw on theories of workplace learning and social exchange to investigate the unique influence of formal training, informal learning, and organizational support for training on the turnover intentions of frontline workers battling COVID‐19. Survey data were gathered from a sample of Direct Support Professionals (N = 481) in New York state who continued their work supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities during the global coronavirus pandemic. The results support our predictions that employee engagement in formal training and, to a lesser extent, informal learning, as well as individuals’ perceptions of organizational support for training, explain unique variance in turnover intentions. Alternative predictors, including tenure and region, explained some unique variance in turnover intentions, but neither age nor learning goal orientation demonstrated meaningful effects. Relative weights analysis revealed that the strongest negative predictors of turnover intentions were organizational support for training and engagement in formal training. Altogether these findings identify possible methods of deterring turnover intentions, by highlighting the key role that organizations play in supporting continuous learning amongst their employees, even in times of crisis. Implications of this study are discussed for research and practice on workforce learning and development for frontline workers and others, more generally.
COBRA: COde Blue Retrospective Audit in a metropolitan hospital
Authors: Paul Robert A. , Beaman Craig , West David A. , Duke Graeme J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Inhospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is an uncommon but challenging problem.

Aims

To investigate the management and outcomes of IHCA, and to investigate the effect of introducing a medical emergency team (MET) on IHCA prevalence.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review of 176 adult IHCA episodes at Box Hill Hospital, a university‐affiliated public hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, from July 2012 to June 2017. Inpatients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation for IHCA, in inpatient wards, intensive care unit, cardiac catheterisation laboratory and operating theatres were included. Data collected included demographics, resuscitation management and outcomes. Average treatment effect (ATE) was derived from margins estimates and linear regression fitted to hospital outcome, adjusted for IHCA factors. An exponentially weighed moving average control chart was used to explore IHCA prevalence over time.

Results

There were 65.3% of IHCA patients who died in hospital. IHCA prevalence was unchanged after the introduction of a dedicated MET service. Factors associated with higher likelihood of survival to discharge were initial cardiac of rhythm ventricular tachycardia (VT) (ATE 0.10 (95% CI = −0.03 to 0.25)) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) (ATE 0.28 (95% CI = 0.11–0.46)), cardiac monitoring at the time of arrest (ATE 0.06 (95%CI = −0.04 to 0.16)) and time to return of spontaneous circulation (ATE 0.023 (95% CI = 0.015–0.031)).

Conclusions

IHCA is uncommon and is associated with high mortality. IHCA prevalence was unchanged after the introduction of a dedicated MET service. Factors associated with improved survival to hospital discharge were initial rhythm VT or VF, cardiac monitoring and shorter resuscitation times.
Non‐beneficial resuscitation during inhospital cardiac arrests in a metropolitan teaching hospital
Authors: Crosbie David , Ghosh Angaj , Van Ekeren Narkitaa , Dowling Monica , Hayes Barbara , Cross Anthony , Jones Daryl
Published: December 2021

Background

There is increasing recognition that a proportion of hospitalised patients receive non‐beneficial resuscitation, with the potential to cause harm.

Aim

To describe the prevalence of non‐beneficial resuscitation attempts in hospitalised patients and identify interventions that could be used to reduce these events.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all adult inhospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a teaching hospital over 9 years. Demographics and arrest characteristics were obtained from a prospectively collected database. Non‐beneficial CPR was defined as CPR being administered to patients who had a current not‐for‐resuscitation (NFR) order in place or who had a NFR order enacted on a previous hospital admission. Further antecedent factors and resuscitation characteristics were collected for these patients.

Results

There were 257 IHCA, of which 115 (44.7%) occurred on general wards, with 19.8% of all patients surviving to discharge home. There were 39 (15.2%) instances of non‐beneficial CPR, of which 28 (72%) of 39 occurred in unmonitored patients on the ward comprising nearly one‐quarter (28/115) of all arrests in this patient group. A specialist had reviewed 30 (76.9%) of 39 of these patients, and 33.3% (13/39) had a medical emergency team (MET) review prior to their arrest.

Conclusions

Over one in seven resuscitation attempts were non‐beneficial. MET reviews and specialist ward rounds provide opportunities to improve the documentation and visibility of NFR status.
Nurse preceptors' experience‐based strategies for supporting learning in the ambulance service—A combined focus group and dyadic interview study
Authors: Wallin Kim , Werkander Harstäde Carina , Bremer Anders , Hörberg Ulrica
Published: December 2021

Ambulance service organizations worldwide report about an expanding professional role, responsibilities and scope of practice for ambulance clinicians, resulting in discussions concerning educational design and desired professional competencies. To face the contemporary demands in ambulance care, non‐technical skills are advocated and clinical practice considered fundamental for the development of these abilities. However, there is very little research concerning educational strategies for supporting the desired competencies for novice registered nurses in the ambulance service.

Aim

To describe and explore nurse preceptors' experience‐based strategies for supporting registered nurses learning in the ambulance service.

Design

The study had an inductive and data‐driven approach, guided by phenomenological epistemology.

Methods

Twenty‐seven Swedish nurse preceptors were interviewed in three focus groups and four dyadic interviews between October 2019 and April 2020. The data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

The nurse preceptors use several learning strategies, focusing on a socialization process and a clinical competence process, intertwined during clinical practice to support the development of a situated professional identity and a clinical decision‐making competence. Supportive structures facilitate a progressive learning strategy when addressing desired skills and cognitive abilities in teamwork processes and clinical judgement.

Conclusion

Supporting novice clinicians, prior to and during clinical practice in the ambulance service, should include medical assessment skills, situation awareness and processes for effective teamwork. Further, novice clinicians need to develop complex cognitive abilities to deal with the dynamic nature of decision‐making in ambulance care.

Impact

The study findings show contextual strategies, previously not described and desired competencies when supporting learning for registered nurses in the ambulance service. A theoretical grounding in episteme, techne, phronesis and situation awareness may guide educators at universities, managers in the ambulance service, preceptors and novice clinicians worldwide in the planning and performance of teaching and learning in the ambulance service.
Therapeutic role of adipose tissue–derived stem cells versus microvesicles in a rat model of cerebellar injury
Authors: Mazen Nehad F. , Abdel‐Fattah Eman A. , Desoky Shimaa R. , El‐Shal Amal S.
Published: December 2021

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a controversial food additive reported to cause negative effects on public health. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) and their derived vesicles (MVs) represent a promising cure for human diseases. This work was planned to compare the therapeutic effects of adipose stem cells and microvesicles in MSG‐induced cerebellar damage. Forty adult healthy male Wister rats were equally divided into four groups: Group I (control group), group II (MSG‐treated), group III (MSG/ASCs‐treated), and group IV (MSG/MVs‐treated). Motor behaviour of rats was assessed. Characterization of ASCs and MVs was done by flow cytometry. The cerebellum was processed for light and electron microscopic studies, and immunohistochemical localization of PCNA and GFAP. Morphometry was done for the number of Purkinje cells in H&E‐stained sections, area per cent of GFAP immune reactivity and number of positive PCNA cells. Our results showed MSG‐induced deterioration in the motor part. Moreover, MSG increases oxidant and apoptotic with decreases of antioxidant biomarkers. Structural changes in the cerebellar cortex as degeneration of nerve cells and gliosis were detected. There were also a decrease in the number of Purkinje cells, an increase in the area per cent of GFAP immune reactivity and a decrease in the number of positive PCNA cells, as compared to the control. Rats treated with ASCs showed marked functional and structural improvement in comparison with MV‐treated rats. Thus, both ASCs and MVs had therapeutic potential for MSG‐induced cerebellar damage with better results in case of ASCs.
Epigenetic therapy attenuates oxidative stress in BMSCs during ageing
Authors: Su Xiaoxia , Zhang Haoyu , Lei Fengzhen , Wang Rui , Lin Tingting , Liao Li
Published: December 2021

Oxidative stress, a hallmark of ageing, inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in long bone. The dysfunction of the cellular antioxidant defence system is a critical cause of oxidative stress, but the mechanism of the decline of antioxidant defence in senescent stem cells remains elusive. Here, we found that EZH2, an epigenetic regulator of histone methylation, acted as a suppressor of the antioxidative defence system in BMSCs from the femur. The increased EZH2 led to a decrease in the levels of antioxidant enzymes and exaggerated oxidative damage in aged BMSCs, resulting in the defect of bone formation and regeneration. Mechanistically, EZH2 enhanced the modification of H3K27me3 on the promoter of Foxo1 and suppressed its function to activate the downstream genes in antioxidant defence. Moreover, epigenetic therapy targeting EZH2‐mediated H3K27me3 modification largely recovered the antioxidant defence in BMSCs and attenuate oxidative damage, leading to the recovery of the osteogenesis in old BMSCs. Taken together, our findings revealed novel crosstalk between histone epigenetic modification and oxidative stress during stem cell ageing, suggesting a possibility of epigenetic therapy in the recovery of BMSCs senescence and treatment of age‐related bone disease.
A symptom level perspective on reactive and proactive aggressive behaviours and ADHD symptoms in childhood
Authors: Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis , Luciano Michelle , Auyeung Bonnie , Murray Aja Louise
Published: December 2021

Objective

Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent childhood disorders, affecting around 3.4% of children worldwide. A common and impairing correlate of ADHD is aggressive behaviour. ADHD symptoms and aggression are both heterogeneous and it has been speculated that certain symptoms of ADHD might be more important in aggressive behaviours of different types than others. This study uses a symptom‐level analysis to investigate the concurrent and temporal links between ADHD symptoms and aggressive behaviours.

Methods

Using Gaussian Graphical Models and Graphical Vector Autoregression Models, longitudinal and cross‐sectional networks of ADHD symptoms and aggressive behaviours, measured using parent‐reported Social Behaviour Questionnaires, were estimated. Participants included 1,246 children taking part in the longitudinal Swiss z‐proso cohort study at ages 7, 9 and 11.

Results

The longitudinal network highlighted that ADHD symptoms and aggressive behaviours share a multitude of reciprocal temporal relations, with inattentive ADHD symptoms preceding both reactive and proactive aggression. Cross‐sectional networks suggested that hyperactive/impulsive symptoms were predominantly connected to reactive aggressive behaviours but also to a form of proactive aggression, namely dominating other children.

Conclusion

Findings provide preliminary evidence which specific symptoms are the most promising targets for reducing aggressive behaviours in children with ADHD. They also highlight the potential importance of targeting feedback loops resulting from aggressive behaviours. Future research is needed to better understand the mechanisms through which ADHD and aggressive behaviours become linked.
Mitigating primary care provider burnout with interdisciplinary dyads and shared care delivery
Authors: Norful Allison A. , He Yun , Rosenfeld Adam , Abraham Cilgy M. , Chang Bernard
Published: December 2021

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Increased incidence of chronic illnesses coupled with physician shortages have yielded strain on primary care provider (PCP) to meet care demands. Interdisciplinary providers have increasingly been embedded into primary care teams to alleviate some workload demand. Little evidence exists about the impact of interdisciplinary PCP care delivery models on provider strain in primary care. To determine the impact of interdisciplinary PCP care delivery on burnout, job satisfaction and intention to leave current position.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional mail survey using Dillman methodology of primary care practices (e.g., internal medicine) across New York State. A random sample of interdisciplinary PCPs (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) (n = 333) responded. The Provider Comanagement Index (α = 0.85) was used to measure how well interdisciplinary dyads comanagement care delivery attributes (effective communication; mutual respect and trust; shared philosophy of care). Provider outcomes were measured with validated Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Health Resources and Services Administration items for burnout, job satisfaction and intention to leave position. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated, controlling for participant and practice characteristics.

Results

Almost 30% of participants reported burnout with three times the odds of intending to leave their current position within 1 year. With each unit increase in effective comanagement between interdisciplinary dyads there was 15% less burnout and 10% less odds of intention to leave position.

Conclusion

Incorporating interdisciplinary specialties in primary care appears promising to alleviate some adverse provider outcomes. Organizations contemplating delivery models to promote well‐being and retention may consider comanagement. Cost effectiveness research is needed to determine financial sustainability of interdisciplinary care delivery.
Towards patient‐centred communication in the management of older patients' medications across transitions of care: A focused ethnographic study
Authors: Ozavci Guncag , Bucknall Tracey , Woodward‐Kron Robyn , Hughes Carmel , Jorm Christine , Manias Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Background

Communication about managing medications during transitions of care can be a challenging process for older patients since they often have complex medication regimens. Previous studies highlighted that links between communication breakdowns and medication incidents in older patients occur mainly at discharge or in the post‐discharge period. Little attention has been paid to exploring communication strategies facilitating patient‐centred medication communication at transitions of care from a discourse‐analytic perspective.

Objectives

To explore, through a discursive lens, strategies that enable patient‐centred medication communication at transitions of care.

Design

A focused ethnographic study was employed for this study. The study was reported according to the COREQ checklist.

Methods

Interviews, observations and focus groups were analysed utilising Critical Discourse Analysis and the Medication Communication Model following thematic analysis. Data collection was undertaken in eight wards across two metropolitan hospitals in Australia.

Results

Patient preferences and beliefs about medications were identified as important characteristics of patient‐centred communication. Strategies included empathetic talk prioritising patients' medication needs and preferences for medications; informative talk clarifying patients' concerns; and encouraging talk for enhancing shared decision‐making with older patients. Challenges relating to the use of these strategies included patients' hearing, speech or cognitive impairments, language barriers and absence of interpreters or family members during care transitions.

Relevance to clinical practice

To enhance medication communication, nurses, doctors and pharmacists should incorporate older patients' preferences, previous experiences and beliefs, and consider the challenges faced by patients across transitions. Strategies encouraging patients' contribution to decision‐making processes are crucial to patient‐centeredness in medication communication. Nurses need to engage in informative talk more frequently when administering the medications to ensure older patients' understanding of medications prescribed or altered in hospital settings.
Cultural Racism and Depression in Black Adolescents: Examining Racial Socialization and Racial Identity as Moderators
Authors: Gibson Stephen M. , Bouldin Briana M. , Stokes McKenzie N. , Lozada Fantasy T. , Hope Elan C.
Published: December 2021

The current study explored parental racial socialization and racial regard as moderators of the effects of cultural racism on depression symptoms among Black adolescents (N = 604, Mage = 15.44). When adolescents reported lower private regard and lower cultural pride messages or higher public regard and lower alertness to discrimination messages, the negative effects of cultural racism on depression symptoms were exacerbated. When adolescents reported higher private regard and more cultural pride messages, the negative effects of cultural racism on depression symptoms were attenuated. Findings suggest that racial messages transmitted to Black adolescents combined with their own racial attitudes can alter the effect of cultural racism on depression symptoms.
The consequences of response options: Including both “Protestant” and “Christian” on surveys
Authors: Burge Ryan P.
Published: December 2021

The term “Protestant” is used extensively by scholars of religion and has been included in surveys about American religion for decades. Yet it is possible that many Americans do not have a full understanding of the meaning of this term and its inclusion may be introducing measurement error on surveys. Two recent survey efforts provide illumination to this question. The Nationscape question on religion replicates all the options included in the Cooperative Survey, but also includes an option for “Christian.” This provides an ideal opportunity to assess the implications of adding this response choice. When the “Protestant” and “Christian” groups are combined in the Nationscape and compared to the “Protestant” group in the Cooperative Election Study (CES), there is a great deal of similarity between the two samples. But, the results from the Nationscape indicate that the term “Protestant” is becoming increasingly unfamiliar to younger Americans, especially for racial minorities.
Changes of lipid composition and fatty acid content in the hepatopancreas and expression of FABP before and after molting in red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)
Authors: Qin Gaochan , Chen Honglin , Liu Feng , Chu Tianqi , Wang Mengjie , Lou Bao , Qian Haojie , Yao Zhenhai
Published: December 2021

To explore energy utilization during molting stage, matured and juvenile red claw crayfish were selected to determine changes in lipid composition and fatty acid contents of hepatopancreas. Moreover, the expression of the fatty acid binding protein (FABP) gene was determined to verify changes of fatty acids at the molecular level. Results showed that after molting, the crude lipid content was significantly lower than before molting (p <.05). Among them, the triglyceride content in the hepatopancreas showed no significant differences both before and after molting. The cholesterol content only increased significantly after the matured red claw crayfish had molted. Phospholipids of matured red claw crayfish decreased significantly after molting, but increased significantly after molting in juvenile (p <.05). Saturated fatty acid content did not differ significantly before and after molting in matured red claw crayfish, while it increased after molting in juveniles. The monounsaturated fatty acid content increased, while polyunsaturated fatty acid content decreased significantly after molting (p <.05). The expression of FABP was consistent with the phospholipids change trend of both matured and juvenile red claw crayfish, which may be the molecular indicator of phospholipids during the molting stage. The specific lipid metabolism pathway still needs further exploration.
Do job vacancies variations anticipate employment variations by sector? Some preliminary evidence from Italy
Authors: Lovaglio Pietro Giorgio
Published: December 2021

Government policy has placed increasing emphasis on the need for robust labour market projections. The job vacancy rate is a key indicator of the state of the economy underpinning most monetary policy decisions. However, its variation over time is rarely studied in relation to employment variations, especially at the sectoral level. The present paper assesses whether changes in the number of vacancies from quarter to quarter are a leading anticipator of employment variation in certain economic sectors over the previous decade in Italy, using multivariate time‐series tools (the vector autoregressive and error correction models) with Eurostat data. As robustness checks for integration order and cointegration, we compare traditional critical values with those provided by response surface models. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has evaluated this relationship using Italian data over the last decade. The results demonstrate that percentage changes in numbers employed (occupied persons) react to percentage changes in vacancies (one‐quarter lagged), but not vice versa, indicating that variations of vacancies are weakly exogenous. The fastest short‐term adjustment from disequilibrium is seen in the construction industry, whereas the manufacturing and the information and communication technology sectors demonstrate the strongest long‐run relationships among variations. This suggests that the matching rates – the likelihood that a vacancy is filled – are higher for these than for other sectors, as a result of developments in recruitment technology for professional figures of such industries.
Industrial structure and evasion dynamics, is there any link?
Authors: Coppier Raffaella , Michetti Elisabetta , Scaccia Luisa
Published: December 2021

We propose a model to describe the link between industrial structure and evasion dynamics in a heterogeneous setting, in which the monitoring efforts put in place by the State to fight evasion of firms depend on the market share of each firm. More precisely, while the convenience to evade taxes is determined as a Nash solution of an incomplete information game, a differentiated monitoring activity related to market concentration represents the original contribution of this work w.r.t. previous studies on the topic. As empirical evidence shows, high dimensional firms are more likely to be monitored, hence, when dynamics are considered, evasion and industrial structure evolution are strictly related. In fact, by combining analytical findings and simulation results, our work shows that: (1) firms with a sufficiently large market share, that is, larger than a certain dimensional threshold, comply with fiscal rules, thus confirming empirical evidence; (2) this dimensional threshold changes with the competition level between firms in a nonlinear way; (3) evasion affects the market structure, so that markets with high (low) competition tend to increase (decrease) their concentration over time; (4) evasion is affected by market structure and is minimum in moderately concentrated markets.
Root phosphatase activity aligns with the collaboration gradient of the root economics space
Authors: Han Mengguang , Chen Ying , Li Rui , Yu Miao , Fu Liangchen , Li Shuaifeng , Su Jianrong , Zhu Biao
Published: December 2021

The adoption of diverse resource acquisition strategies is critical for plant growth and species coexistence. Root phosphatase is of particular importance in the acquisition of soil phosphorus (P), yet it is often overlooked in studies of root trait syndromes.

Here, we evaluated the role of root phosphatase activity (RPA) within the root economics space and the order‐based variation of RPA, as well as the correlations between RPA and a suite of leaf traits and soil properties over a range of evergreen tree species in a subtropical forest.

Root phosphatase activity exhibited a high degree of inter‐specific variation. We found that there were two leading dimensions of the multidimensional root economics space, the root diameter–specific root length axis (collaboration trait gradient) and the root tissue density–root nitrogen concentration axis (classical trait gradient), and RPA aligned with the former. Root phosphatase activity is used as a ‘do it yourself’ strategy of soil P acquisition, and was found to be inversely correlated with mycorrhizal colonization, which suggests a trade‐off in plant P acquisition strategies. Compared with soil and foliar nutrient status, root traits mattered most for the large inter‐specific changes in RPA. Furthermore, RPA generally decreased from first‐ to third‐order roots.

Taken together, such diverse P‐acquisition strategies are conducive to plant coexistence within local forest communities. The use of easily measurable root traits and their tight correlations with RPA could be a feasible and promising approach to estimating species‐specific RPA values, which would be helpful for better understanding plant P acquisition and soil P cycling.
High‐fat diets on the enteric nervous system: Possible interactions and mechanisms underlying dysmotility
Authors: Almeida Patricia Pereira , Valdetaro Luisa , Thomasi Beatriz Bastos de Moraes , Stockler‐Pinto Milena Barcza , Tavares‐Gomes Ana Lúcia
Published: December 2021

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects various physiological systems. Among them, the gastrointestinal tract appears to be a main target of this disease. High‐fat diet (HFD) animal models can help recapitulate the classic signs of obesity and present a series of gastrointestinal alterations, mainly dysmotility. Because intestinal motility is governed by the enteric nervous system (ENS), enteric neurons, and glial cells have been studied in HFD models. Given the importance of the ENS in general gut physiology, this review aims to discuss the relationship between HFD‐induced neuroplasticity and gut dysmotility observed in experimental models. Furthermore, we highlight components of the gut environment that might influence enteric neuroplasticity, including gut microbiota, enteric glio‐epithelial unit, serotonin release, immune cells, and disturbances such as inflammation and oxidative stress.
Integrative Analysis of ceRNA Networks in human periodontal ligament stem cells under hypoxia
Authors: Ye Yu , Fu Lin , Liu Liu , Xiao Tong , Cuba Manduca Ana Gloria , Yu Jinhua
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effect of hypoxia on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) through RNA sequencing (RNA SEQ). Human PDLSCs were cultured in normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (2% O2).

Material and Methods

Total RNA was extracted and sequenced. The expression profiles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were determined, and the lncRNA/circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA networks were analyzed.

Results

In total, 15 miRNAs, 449 lncRNAs, and 53 circRNAs were differentially expressed. Among them, 21 circRNAs, 262 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 5 mRNAs were selected to construct competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were carried out to explore potential related pathways and regulatory functions. Several ceRNA axes (lncRNA‐FTX/circRNA‐FAT1‐hsa‐miR‐4781‐3p‐SMAD5 and circRNA LPAR1‐hsa‐miR‐342‐3p‐ADAR) may provide a theoretical basis on the study of osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under hypoxia.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the expression profiles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs had changed significantly in PDLSCs cultured in 2% O2; specific circRNAs/lncRNAs may play a competitive role in the differentiation of PDLSCs.
Technical Tips for Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy: A Three‐step Maneuver for Puncture and Early Clinical Experience
Authors: Wang Rui , Liang Ze Yan , Chen Xin Yao , Chen Chun Mei
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) with three‐step maneuver for puncture (TSMP) for lumbar herniated disc (LDH).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent PTED using TSMP for LDH and met inclusion criteria from January 2018 to September 2018. The primary outcome, leg or back pain, was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patient surgical satisfaction was measured at 12 months post surgery using a five‐point Likert scale. Potential prognostic factors measured were demographic characteristics, duration of symptom (DOS), and involved levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and t‐test. TSMP is a three‐step maneuver that builds on the concept of needle puncture site and trajectory determination based on the principles of Kambin's triangle. First, accurate direction of the puncture is confirmed by inserting the needle horizontally. Then by gradually raising the needle tail in the manner described, the superior articular facet and the intervertebral foramen are sequentially located. Finally, the needle tip slides into the intervertebral foramen to reach the target superior articular facet.

Results

Preoperative mean VAS was 7.6 ± 1.19, which decreased to 1.4 ± 0.97 at 12 months following treatment (P < 0.0001). Rates of surgical satisfaction per Likert scale were as follows: very satisfied and satisfied in 26 patients (86.7%). Three recurrent disc herniations of adjacent segmental levels were observed in the L5‐S1 group at eight and 12 months after surgery. VAS scores at 12 months varied significantly between L4‐L5 level surgery and L5‐S1 level surgery groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

TSMP is a reliable technique for puncture into the intervertebral foramen.
Motor outcomes in young children pre‐and one‐year post‐liver transplant
Authors: Patterson Catherine , So Stephanie , Rogers Alaine , Ng Vicky L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Motor skill acquisition plays an important role in physical activity participation and overall social and physical health. Limited studies have examined motor development in children pre‐and post‐liver transplant (LT).

Methods

Retrospective review of motor outcomes in children <6 years old with cholestatic liver disease assessed pre‐and 1‐year post‐isolated LT. Measures include Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (gross motor quotient (GMQ), fine motor quotient (FMQ), and total motor quotient (TMQ)). Association of medical variables with motor outcomes was explored.

Results

Participants included 33 (58% male) children with diagnoses of biliary atresia (70%), Alagille syndrome (21%), and others (9%). Median age at LT was 10 (IQR 7.0–20.5) months. Pre‐LT >75% of children were at risk for motor delay (≤10th percentile on AIMS/ ≥1SD below mean GMQ). Post‐LT, 52% scored ≥1 SD below the mean GMQ compared with 22% FMQ. Children at risk/delayed pre‐LT had an increased risk of motor delay on GMQ post‐LT (odds ratio 11.43, 95% CI 1.12–116.7, p = .017). Higher INR pre‐LT correlated with lower TMQ post‐LT (r = −.51, p = .003). Longer waitlist time correlated with lower FMQ post‐LT (r = .41, p = .03). GMQ post‐LT and height z‐scores pre‐LT (r = .46, p = .02) and post‐LT (r = .45, p < .01) were positively correlated. There was no correlation with presence of ascites, weight z‐score, length of hospitalization, and age at LT.

Conclusions

Young children have increased risk of motor delay pre‐LT, which may persist post‐LT. Severity of liver disease and growth delays may impact motor development, highlighting the need for ongoing rehabilitation pre‐ and post‐LT.
A Social Identity Approach to How Elite Outgroups Are Invoked by Politicians and the Media in Nativist Populism
Authors: Shayegh John , Storey Lesley , Turner Rhiannon N. , Barry John
Published: December 2021

Existing research into nativist populist (NP) rhetoric has shown that elite outgroups can be used by politicians to further anti‐immigration agendas. The social identity functions of elite outgroups outside of cultivating anti‐immigrant prejudice, however, remain poorly understood. In addition, whether populist news media can be considered social identity entrepreneurs in their own right remains an underexplored topic. This study examines the rhetorical use of elite outgroups in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia from a social identity perspective, focusing on political leaders and newspapers op‐eds. Our findings demonstrate shared strategies across the countries and source types: (1) NPs depict elites as working through collusion to undermine trust in information production within society and vie for control of the ingroup informational influence; (2) NPs present themselves as nonelite and more ingroup prototypical on dimensions relevant to the elite collusion (being under attack and equally susceptible); (3) NPs contest ingroup norms through constructions of an anti‐immigrant consensus which is suppressed by elites. We conclude that social identity researchers should pay more attention to the rhetorical functions of elite outgroups in addition to cultivating anti‐immigrant prejudice, and that the media‐as‐identity‐entrepreneur is an important aspect of constructing shared social realities, and mobilizing support, within populism.
Comparative analysis of three methods in anti‐dsDNA antibodies detection: implications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus diagnosis
Authors: Cuomo Laura , Vitillo Marina , Della Rocca Massimiliano , Trivedi Pankaj
Published: December 2021

The evaluation of anti‐dsDNA antibodies represents one of the essential diagnostic and prognostic marker features in patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we have compared immunoblotting (IB) with Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) in 91 patients referred to our hospital for anti‐dsDNA antibodies detection. The concordance and correlation measured by Cohen's kappa and Spearman's coefficient respectively was significant between CLIFT and CLIA (0.70; 0,7404, P < .0001) and among CLIA and IB (0.79; 0,5377, P < 0,0001) and lower between CLIFT and IB (0.55; 0,4373, P  <0,0001). Among the 46 IB‐positive samples, 14 were positive for either CLIA or CLIFT. It is noteworthy that 11 out of these 14 samples had the final diagnosis of SLE. Thirteen out of fourteen samples were also positive for anti‐nucleosome antibodies as measured concomitantly in immunoblotting. While our observations are based on a limited number of samples and will have to be confirmed in a bigger cohort, they underline the contribution of immunoblotting as an additional assay in defining the anti‐dsDNA antibody profile in association with other well‐established methods such as CLIA and CLIFT.
Importation of plasma and use of apheresis platelets as risk reduction measures for variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease: The SaBTO review
Authors: Thomas Stephen , Katz Matthew , Slowther Anne‐Marie , Coelho Emily , Mallinson Gary ,   Paediatric Components Working Group of the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs
Published: December 2021

Following recognition that blood, blood components, tissues and organs donated by infected donors could transmit infectious prions causing variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease (vCJD), several risk reduction measures were introduced in the UK. The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) established a working group to review the measures in place. Factors considered included: ethical issues around the current provisions and potential changes; operational issues for blood establishments and hospitals; a review from the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) showing the downward trend in the estimated number of future cases of vCJD; and cost‐effectiveness. The working group recommended that the current vCJD risk reduction measures for individuals born after 1995 or with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) could be withdrawn. After consultation with stakeholders, SaBTO accepted these proposals which allow more equal provision of components, less operational complexity and risk, and more resources to be deployed elsewhere in the NHS. The potential saving on plasma will be £500 m and moving to using pooled platelets in additive solution for all recipients will bring potential savings of £280 m over the next 50 to 60 years. There could be small number of additional clinical cases of vCJD: 1–2 (<1–14; 95% CI) from plasma and 3–4 (<1 to 45; 95% CI) from platelets. Local and national guidelines will still be applied for managing individual conditions. UK Ministers for Health accepted SaBTO's recommendations on 9 Sept 2019 and implementation began immediately. This paper describes the review and rationale leading to these recommendations.
Stability of healthcare quality measures for maternal and child services: Analysis of the continuous service provision assessment of health facilities in Senegal, 2012–2018
Authors: Leslie Hannah H. , Hategeka Celestin , Ndour Papa Ibrahima , Nimako Kojo , Dieng Mamadou , Diallo Abdoulaye , Ndiaye Youssoupha
Published: December 2021

Objective

High‐quality healthcare is essential to ensuring maternal and newborn survival. Efficient measurement requires knowing how long measures of quality provide consistent insight for intended uses.

Methods

We used a repeated health facility assessment in Senegal to calculate structural and process quality of antenatal care (ANC), delivery and child health services in facilities assessed 2 years apart. We tested agreement of quality measures within facilities and regions. We estimated how much input‐adjusted and process quality‐adjusted coverage measures changed for each service when calculated using quality measurements from the same facilities measured 2 years apart.

Results

Over 6 waves of continuous surveys, 628 paired assessments were completed. Changes at the facility level were substantial and often positive, but inconsistent. Structural quality measures were moderately correlated (0.40–0.69) within facilities over time, more so in hospitals; correlation was <0.20 for process measures based on direct observation of ANC and child visits. Most measures were more strongly correlated once averaged to regions; process quality of child services was not (−0.32). Median relative difference in national‐adjusted coverage estimates was 6.0%; differences in subnational estimates were largest for process quality of child services (19.6%).

Conclusion

Continuous measures of structural quality demonstrated consistency at regional levels and in higher level facilities over 2 years; results for process measures were mixed. Direct observation of child visits provided inconsistent measures over time. For other measures, linking population data with health facility assessments from up to 2 years prior is likely to introduce modest measurement error in adjusted coverage estimates.