bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc Oxide-Based Nanoformulation Zinkicide Mitigates the Xylem-Limited Pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in Tobacco and Southern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Shantharaj Deepak , Naranjo Eber , Merfa Marcus V. , Cobine Paul A. , Santra Swadeshmukul , De La Fuente Leonardo
Published: September 2022

The xylem-limited pathogen Xylella fastidiosa causes severe economic losses worldwide, and no effective antimicrobial disease management options are available. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel ZnO-based nanoparticle formulation, Zinkicide TMN110 (ZnK), against X. fastidiosa in vitro and in planta. In vitro, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ZnK analyzed in Pierce’s Disease 2 medium was estimated at approximately 60 ppm. Time-kill kinetics assay showed a 100% reduction of culturable X. fastidiosa in less than 1 h after ZnK treatment. Microfluidic chambers assays showed that ZnK also inhibits X. fastidiosa cell aggregation and growth under flow conditions. Phytotoxicity assessments in the greenhouse demonstrated that ZnK can be applied as a soil drench in 50 ml at 500 ppm/plant/week up to four times to tobacco and blueberry without causing visible damage. ZnK was also evaluated for disease control in the greenhouse using tobacco infected with X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa strain TemeculaL. ZnK soil drench weekly applications at concentrations of 500 followed by 1,000 ppm (500/1,000) and 500/500/1,000 ppm (in 50 ml each), reduced X. fastidiosa populations by >2 to 3 log10 units and disease severity by approximately 57 and 76%, respectively, compared with the untreated control. Similarly, when blueberry plants infected with X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex strain AlmaEm3 were soil drenched with ZnK at concentrations 1,000/1,000 ppm and 1,000/1,000/500 ppm (in 200 ml each), the bacterial population was reduced by approximately 1 to 2 log10 units, and disease severity decreased by approximately 39 and 43%, respectively. Overall, this study shows antibacterial activity of ZnK against X. fastidiosa and its effectiveness in plants to reduce disease symptoms under controlled conditions.
Sports Medicine Physicians Comfort and Competence in Caring for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patients and Athletes
Authors: Eberman Lindsey E. , Winkelmann Zachary K. , Crossway Ashley K. , Lopez Rebecca M. , Nye Emma A. , Rogers Sean M. , Walen Daniel R. , Olewinski Luci H.
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore primary care sports medicine physicians' comfort, competence, education, and scope of training in caring for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) patients/athletes.

Design:

Mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Online.

Patients (or Participants):

In total, 4300 e-mails were successfully sent with 252 eligible responses received from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine members.

Independent Variables:

Previous relationships with TGNC persons; previous relationships with TGNC patients/athletes; frequency of care for TGNC patients/athletes.

Main Outcome Measures:

The participants completed a 38-item tool used to assess perceived comfort and competence treating TGNC patients/athletes. Physicians defined “transgender” and described their thoughts on unfair competitive advantage of transgender athletes.

Results:

Most participants had worked with a TGNC patient (70.2%, n = 177), but far fewer worked with a TGNC athlete (n = 26.6%, n = 67). Among the participants who provided a definition of transgender (n = 183), only 28.4% (n = 52) of participants were able to correctly define the term, whereas most were able to partially (57.9%, n = 106) characterize the term. The most common mechanisms identified for learning about TGNC patients were reading peer-reviewed journal articles (44.8%, n = 113) and CME (41.3%, n = 104). Those with previous TGNC friend/family, patient, and athlete relationships had a significantly different level of comfort and competence treating TGNC patients/athletes.

Conclusions:

Previous care relationships with TGNC strongly influences comfort and perceived competence of primary care sports medicine physicians. Training, from unbiased peer-reviewed sources of data, is critical to improve care for TGNC patients/athletes.
Pre-rehabilitation scores of functioning measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule in persons with nonspecific low back pain: a scoping review
Authors: Wong Jessica J. , DeSouza Astrid , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , De Groote Wouter , Varmazyar Hamid , Mior Silvano A. , Stern Paula J. , Southerst Danielle , Alexopulos Stephanie , Belchos Melissa , Lemeunier Nadège , Nordin Margareta C. , Murnaghan Kent , Cieza Alarcos , Côté Pierre
Published: September 2022

Knowledge of the pre-rehabilitation generic status of functioning in individuals with low back pain is necessary to understand the clinical utility of rehabilitation care. We conducted a scoping review to describe the pre-rehabilitation functioning status of persons with nonspecific low back pain using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS)-36 or WHODAS-12. We searched multiple databases from 2010 to 2021 for studies reporting pre-rehabilitation scores using WHODAS in persons with low back pain. Reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data, and we descriptively summarized results by the duration of low back pain (acute/subacute <3 months; chronic ≥3 months), and the WHODAS version. Of 1770 citations screened, eight citations were relevant. Five studies were conducted in Europe, two in America, and one in the African Region (mostly high-income countries). In persons with acute low back pain, the mean WHODAS-36 pre-rehabilitation summary score (complex scoring) was 22.8/100 (SD = 15.4) (one study). In persons with chronic low back pain, the mean WHODAS-36 summary score (complex scoring) ranged from 22.8/100 (SD = 5.7) to 41.5/100 (SD = 13.8) (two studies). For WHODAS-12 in persons with chronic low back pain, the mean summary score was 11.4/48 (SD = 8.7) or 14.4/48 (SD = 9.4) using simple scoring (two studies), and 25.8/100 (SD = 2.2) using complex scoring (one study). No floor or ceiling effects were observed in WHODAS-36 summary scores for chronic low back pain. Our scoping review comprehensively summarizes available studies reporting pre-rehabilitation levels of functioning using WHODAS in persons with low back pain. Persons with low back pain seeking rehabilitation have moderate limitations in functioning, and limitations level tends to be worse with chronic low back pain.
Demonstrating the Value of a Standardized Cognitive Assessment Tool Through the Use of Interprofessional Rapid Safety Rounds
Authors: Hayes Mariah , Wheeling Dianne , Kaul-Connolly Sabine
Published: September 2022

Background:

Understanding patients' cognitive functional status is critical to prevent adverse outcomes, such as falls and injuries. However, there is variation in nurses' proficiency in assessing patients' cognitive status, and cognitive screening tools often do not provide guidance on safety interventions to keep patients safe.

Problem:

Lack of appropriate cognitive screening and interventions may have contributed to increased fall rates on an acute care trauma unit.

Approach:

A comprehensive 6-level Cognitive Pyramid, including guidance on safety interventions for each level, was developed and used during interprofessional Rapid Safety Rounds to assess patients' cognitive status.

Outcomes:

The Cognitive Pyramid demonstrated appropriate face validity from 12 subject matter experts. After implementing the Cognitive Pyramid during interdisciplinary rounds, the fall rate decreased to 0 per 1000 admissions.

Conclusions:

Assessment of patients' cognition using the Cognitive Pyramid, and implementing appropriate interventions, may help improve patient safety.
White-Eyed Orbital Blowout Fracture With Oculocardiac Reflex Secondary to Extraocular Entrapment in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Amarath-Madav Rushay , Adamkiewicz Daniel , Bigler Diana , Yu Jack C. , Lima Maria Helena
Published: September 2022

White-eyed orbital blowout fractures in the pediatric population can present with acute onset diplopia, ophthalmalgia, and abnormal duction. These findings are attributed to the tendency of younger bone to break and reapproximate owing to greater elasticity. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as the greenstick fracture, increases the risk of entrapment of surrounding soft tissue structures in orbital floor fractures. Further concern arises in the presence of an oculocardiac reflex, which requires urgent intervention to prevent serious bradycardia. Prolonged entrapment can go unnoticed and result in irreversible ischemic damage to entrapped tissues. This case discusses the presentation 16-year-old female who sustained a left sided, white-eyed blowout fracture from a face-first ground level fall. On admission, she displayed restrictive strabismus and mild periorbital edema around the left eye. Vertical gaze was restricted when looking inferiorly on the affected side. With sustained upward gaze, her heart rate decreased from 99 to 81 beats per minute. High-resolution non-contrast computed tomography scans of the head showed entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle and periorbital fat. Liberation of entrapped tissues with reduction of bony segments was performed urgently, utilizing a MEDPOR® Titan 3D orbital floor plate and secured with two screws. The patient had an uneventful postoperative period and showed considerable improvements in periorbital edema, duction, and ophthalmalgia on the affected side. In addition, the oculocardiac reflex could no longer be elicited on prolonged upward gaze. Mild and improving paresthesia was noted in the maxillary distribution of the left trigeminal nerve. Sensory deficits like this are the result of fracture communication with the infraorbital canal, which may cause irritation of the infraorbital nerve responsible for sensation by the maxillary division. By postoperative week 7, she had complete resolution of periorbital edema, indiscernible duction abnormalities, and complete healing of surgical incision sites, and an oculocardiac reflex could not be elicited.
Regression of Folliculosebaceous Cystic Hamartoma in the Palpebral Conjunctiva After Incisional Biopsy
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiro , Vaidya Aric , Kakizaki Hirohiko
Published: September 2022

A 72-year-old man presented with a mass in the lower palpebral conjunctiva on the left side that recurred after biopsy at another clinic. On the first examination, a hard, yellow-white mass was located in the lower palpebral conjunctiva on the left side with some vessels running onto the tumor surface. A small piece of the tumor was removed for pathologic examination, and the results of the examination corresponded to folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma. The patient noticed reduction in size of the residual tumor at 3 weeks postbiopsy. Slit-lamp examination revealed considerable regression of the tumor. At 6 months of follow-up, the tumor did not recur.
Raloxifene/Vitamin D Combination Therapy vs. Raloxifene Monotherapy on Serum 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Level among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee You-Bin , Baek Ki-Hyun , Chung Ho Yeon , Byun Dong-Won , Min Yong-Ki
Published: September 2022

Background: We compared the efficacy of a fixed dose combination of raloxifene 60 mg/vitamin D 800 IU to raloxifene 60 mg alone on vitamin D status, as indicated by change in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels.Methods: In this 16-week, open-label, randomized, active controlled, multicenter clinical trial conducted in 4 university-affiliated hospitals in Korea, postmenopausal women aged 55 to 70 years with osteoporosis or osteopenia were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive raloxifene 60 mg/cholecalciferol 800 IU combination therapy or raloxifene 60 mg monotherapy. Primary endpoint was change in serum 25(OH)D level from baseline to 16 weeks after the intervention.Results: A total of 96 participants were randomly assigned to raloxifene/vitamin D combination therapy (N=49) and raloxifene monotherapy (N=47) groups. At week 16, serum 25(OH)D level increased from baseline, only in the raloxifene/vitamin D combination therapy group. Change in serum 25(OH)D level from baseline to week 16 was higher in the raloxifene/vitamin D combination therapy group (2.7±6.5 ng/mL) than in the raloxifene monotherapy (-1.7±6.2 ng/mL; P=0.0034) group. Proportions and number of adverse events (AEs) categorized by the System-Organ Class were not different between the groups. There was only one severe AE case (spondylolisthesis; raloxifene/vitamin D group), unlikely to be related to trial intervention.Conclusions: Among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia, a fixed dose combination of raloxifene 60 mg/vitamin D 800 IU showed superior efficacy in elevating serum 25(OH)D levels compared with raloxifene 60 mg alone during 16 weeks of follow-up. The safety of raloxifene/vitamin D combination was comparable to raloxifene alone.
Roles of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone on Bone Metabolism in Late Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Jeong Chaiho , Kim Jinyoung , Lim Yejee , Ha Jeonghoon , Kim Mee Kyoung , Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Song Ki-Ho , Kang Moo Il , Baek Ki-Hyun
Published: September 2022

Background: The effects of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on physiological changes in the bone remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the association between FSH concentrations and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTM) in late postmenopausal women.Methods: A total of 169 Korean women were enrolled. The participants’ ages ranged from 60 to 84 years (mean age, 69.0±5.1) and reported a mean duration of 19.4±6.6 years since menopause (YSM). The participants showed an average body mass index (BMI) of 24.4±2.8 kg/m2. Age, YSM, estradiol, testosterone, and BMI were confounders in the Pearson's partial correlation. A test for trends across the quartiles of FSH levels was performed for each variable.Results: The mean FSH and estradiol concentrations were 61.5 IU/L and 2.9 pg/mL, respectively. Serum FSH concentration was not significantly associated with BMD (lumbar, r=0.09, P=0.30; total hip, r=0.00, P=0.96; and femoral neck, r=0.05, P=0.62). BTM across the FSH quartiles did not show any trend association (bone-specific alkaline phosphate, P=0.31; crosslinked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, P=0.90). Instead, FSH levels were negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.34, P=0.00). In the multivariate regression model adjusted for age, testosterone, and estradiol, only BMI showed a negative value across the FSH quartiles (β coefficient -0.11, P=0.00).Conclusions: This study identified that high FSH concentrations were not associated with bone loss or high bone turnover in women in the late postmenopausal period.
Effects of the Revised Reimbursement Guideline for Anti-Osteoporosis Medication in South Korea
Authors: Ko Young-Seung , Jeong Yeonsuk , Park Jung-Wee , Lee Young-Kyun , Koo Kyung-Hoi
Published: September 2022

Background: The Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement guideline was revised in May 2015 with the aim of preventing secondary osteoporotic fractures. Here we compared the: (1) rate of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements; (2) prescription rate of anti-osteoporosis medication within 3 months after hip fracture surgery (HFS); (3) incidence of a second hip fracture; and (4) first-year mortality rate after HFS.Methods: This before-after study used the revised reimbursement system as a reference period. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 515 patients who underwent HFS at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. The period 1 group underwent HFS in 2014, while the period 2 group underwent HFS in 2016.Results: Despite the fact that there was no significant intergroup difference in BMD measurement rate, the period 2 group had a higher prescription rate for anti-osteoporosis drugs within 3 months of HFS. However, the incidence of a second hip fracture did not differ between groups. The first-year mortality rate was higher in the period 1 versus period 2 group.Conclusions: Revision of the NHI guideline in May 2015 was associated with an increased prescription rate of anti-osteoporosis medication in osteoporotic hip fracture patients.
Tunable, soft robotics-enabled patient-specific hydrodynamic model of aortic stenosis and secondary ventricular remodeling
Authors: Rosalia Luca , Ozturk Caglar , Goswami Debkalpa , Bonnemain Jean , Wang Sophie X. , Bonner Benjamin , Weaver James , Nguyen Christopher T. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: September 2022

Aortic stenosis (AS) affects approximately 1.5 million people in the US and is associated with a 5-year survival rate of 20% if untreated. In these patients, aortic valve replacement is performed to restore adequate hemodynamics and alleviate symptoms. The development of next-generation prosthetic aortic valves seeks to provide enhanced hemodynamic performance, durability, and long-term safety, emphasizing the need of high-fidelity testing platforms for these devices. We propose a soft robotic model of AS capable of recapitulating patient-specific hemodynamics of AS and secondary ventricular remodeling, validated against clinical data. The model leverages 3D printed replicas of each patient’s cardiac anatomy and patient-specific soft robotic sleeves to recreate the patients’ hemodynamics. An aortic sleeve allows mimicry of AS lesions due to degenerative or congenital disease, while a left ventricular sleeve recapitulates loss of ventricular compliance, and impaired filling associated with AS. Through a combination of echocardiographic and catheterization techniques, this system is shown to recreate clinical metrics of AS with greater controllability compared to methods based on image-guided aortic root reconstruction, and parameters of cardiac function which rigid systems fail to mimic physiologically. Finally, we demonstrate the use of this model for the evaluation of transcatheter aortic valves in a subset of patients with diverse anatomies, etiologies, and disease states. Through the development of a high-fidelity model of AS and secondary remodeling, this work pioneers the use of patient-specific soft robotic platforms of cardiovascular disease, with potential application in device development, procedural planning, and outcome prediction in industrial and clinical settings.

One Sentence Summary

A high-fidelity, soft robotics-driven model recreates patient-specific biomechanics and hemodynamics of cardiovascular disease.
A cross-sectional study of quantitative CT measurements associated with the diffusion capacity of the lung in recovered COVID-19 patients with normalised chest CT
Authors: Wen Han , Kanth Shreya , Carrera Julio Huapaya , Sun Junfeng , Do Michael , Chen Marcus Y. , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Suffredini Anthony F.
Published: September 2022

Impairment of the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) is commonly reported in convalescent and recovered COVID-19 patients, although the cause is not fully understood especially in patients with no radiological sequelae. In a group of 47 patients at 7 - 51 weeks post infection with either none or minimal scarring or atelectasis on chest CT scans (total < 0.1% of lung volume), dispersions in DLco-adj % and total lung capacity (TLC) % of predicted were observed, with median(quartiles) of 87(78, 99)% and 84(78, 92)%, respectively. Thirteen(27.1%) patients had DLco-adj% < 80%. Although the DLco-adj% did not significantly correlate with the severity of the illness in the acute phase, time since the onset of symptoms, the volume of residual lesions on CT, age or sex, DLco-adj/alveolar volume (Kco-adj) % predicted was correlated with the measurements of small blood vessel volume fraction (diameter <= 5mm) and parenchyma density on CT. Multivariate analysis revealed that these two CT metrics significantly contributed to the variance in DLco-adj% independent of TLC%. Comparing to between-subject variability of DLco-adj in healthy individuals, patients in this cohort with DLco-adj% < 80% were likely abnormal with a degree of disease not visually detectable on CT. However, it is not clear whether the associated variance of parenchyma density and small vessel volume fraction were a consequence of the COVID-19 disease or a pre-existing background variance.
Revising the global biogeography of plant life cycles
Authors: Poppenwimer Tyler , Mayrose Itay , DeMalach Niv
Published: September 2022

Plants exhibit two primary life cycles – annual and perennial – which vary in their effects on ecosystem functioning. Here, we assembled a database of 235,000 species to assess the worldwide distribution of plant life cycles. We found that annuals are half as common as previously thought (6% of all plant species). Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates that annuals are favored under hot and dry conditions, especially under a prolonged dry season. Strikingly, this pattern remains consistent among different families, indicating convergent evolution. Moreover, we show that increasing climate variability and anthropogenic disturbance further increase the favorability of annuals. Overall, our analysis raises concerns for the future of ecosystem services provided by perennials because the ongoing climate and land-use changes are leading to an annuals-dominated world.

One-Sentence Summary

This extensive update to plant life cycle biogeography deciphers their dependence on temperature, rainfall, and disturbance.
Microglial colonisation of the developing brain is facilitated by clonal expansion of highly proliferative progenitors and follows an allometric scaling
Authors: Barry-Carroll Liam , Greulich Philip , Marshall Abigail R. , Riecken Kristoffer , Fehse Boris , Askew Katharine E. , Li Kaizhen , Garaschuk Olga , Menassa David A. , Gomez-Nicola Diego
Published: September 2022

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain and arise from yolk sac-derived macrophages during early embryogenesis. On entering the brain, microglia undergo in situ proliferation and eventually colonise the entire brain by the second and third postnatal weeks in mice. However, the intricate dynamics of their developmental expansion remain unclear. Here, we examine and characterise the proliferative dynamics of microglia during embryonic and postnatal development. Using complementary fate-mapping techniques, we demonstrate that the developmental colonisation of the brain by microglia is facilitated by clonal expansion of highly proliferative microglial progenitors that occupy spatial niches throughout the brain. We also find that the distribution of microglia switches from a clustered to a random pattern between embryonic and late postnatal development. Moreover, the developmental increase in microglia follows the proportional growth of the brain in an allometric manner with the density of microglia eventually stabilising when the mosaic distribution has been established. Overall, our findings offer insight into how the competition for space acts as a driving force for microglial colonisation by clonal expansion during development.
Sister chromatid cohesion establishment during DNA replication termination
Authors: Cameron George , Gruszka Dominika , Xie Sherry , Nasmyth Kim A , Srinivasan Madhusudhan , Yardimci Hasan
Published: September 2022

The cohesin complex tethers sister chromatids together from the moment they are generated in S-phase until their separation in anaphase1,2. This fundamental phenomenon, called sister chromatid cohesion, underpins orderly chromosome segregation. The replisome complex coordinates cohesion establishment with replication of parental DNA3. Cohesion can be established by cohesin complexes bound to DNA before replication4,5, but how replisome interaction with pre-loaded cohesin complexes results in cohesion is not known. Prevailing models suggest cohesion is established by replisome passage through the cohesin ring or by transfer of cohesin behind the replication fork by replisome components5. Unexpectedly, by visualising single replication forks colliding with pre-loaded cohesin complexes, we find that cohesin is pushed by the replisome to where a converging replisome is met. Whilst the converging replisomes are removed during DNA replication termination, cohesin remains on nascent DNA. We demonstrate that these cohesin molecules tether the newly replicated sister DNAs together. Our results support a new model where sister chromatid cohesion is established during DNA replication termination, providing important insight into the molecular mechanism of cohesion establishment.
School enculturation discourse: a meta synthesis from research in the learning sciences
Authors: Hod Yotam , Sagy Ornit
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Enculturation is a central and defining idea within socioculturally minded research that informs the design of school learning environments. Now, three decades since the idea has emerged in the field, the authors believe it is time to reflect on it because of several ambiguities that have emerged from its use, which is the purpose of this study

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a metasynthesis of learning scientists’ school enculturation discourse. This included reviewing the concept within 84 articles found in six leading and relevant learning sciences journals.

Findings

This study’s findings show that school enculturation discourse is divided between those that view it unidirectionally, bidirectionally or both, and that three reifications of associated cultures (authentic, designed and traditional) together with various conduits frame the way learning environments are designed to facilitate enculturation.

Research limitations/implications

This metasynthesis can help advance sociocultural research in schools by clarifying the meaning and conceptualization of a central idea in the field.

Practical implications

This study can help teachers and educational researchers clarify the role that culture has in the designs of their learning environments.

Social implications

Culture is a vital facet of learning; designers of learning environments need to understand the way culture interplays with learning.

Originality/value

As this research shows, current school enculturation discourse is vague and often appears to be applied inconsistently. It is vital for any field to reflect on its own discourse to sharpen the conceptual tools that it uses so that it can advance.
Economic policy uncertainty and firm propensity to invest in corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Mian Rehman Uddin , Suleman Muhammad Tahir
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on firm investment in corporate social responsibility (CSR)’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions. Additionally, the study examines whether firm size moderates the EPU–CSR relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 2,017 US. firms from 2002 to 2018. Data on ESG scores are drawn from the Asset-4 database in Thomson Reuters to measure CSR investment. ordinary least square regression, including fixed effects at the year and industry level, is used as the main econometric specification. Moreover, the study employed the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments to address the endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The findings reveal that firms increase their CSR investment in response to high EPU. The results are consistent in all the three ESG/CSR dimensions: ESG. Moreover, the positive association between EPU and CSR is driven by firm size, indicating that large-sized firms have the resources and incentives to invest more in CSR. Our main findings remain consistent after addressing the endogeneity concerns and controlling for the effect of omitted variable biasness.

Originality/value

Using a unique sample of US firms, this study empirically contributes to the current literature on the association between EPU and CSR investment. Moreover, firm size plays a vital role in moderating this relationship.
The very long‐chain fatty acid elongase FgElo2 governs tebuconazole sensitivity and virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Wang Haixia , Chen Yun , Hou Tingjun , Jian Yunqing , Ma Zhonghua
Published: September 2022

Very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), the precursors for the synthesis of sphingolipids (SLs), play pivotal roles in the development and stress response in eukaryotes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, VLCFAs are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through a four‐step elongation cycle. However, the functions of VLCFA elongases in phytopathogenic fungi remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified a single copy of the VLCFA elongase gene FgELO2 in Fusarium graminearum that causes Fusarium head blight worldwide. FgElo2 localized to ER membrane, and deletion mutant of FgELO2 exhibited serious defects in vegetative growth and conidiation. Importantly, ΔFgElo2 led to ergosterol content reduction and disrupted the ER‐localization of 14‐α‐demethylase FgCyp51s, indicating that the scarce of SLs reduced ergosterol, which ultimately elevated the sensitivity of ΔFgElo2 to tebuconazole. Fluorescent microscopic examination suggested that FgElo2 was degraded upon cell membrane stress. ΔFgElo2 showed decreased phosphorylation of high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway and subsequently exhibited remarkable sensitivity to osmotic stress. In addition, fungal virulence was dramatically reduced in ΔFgElo2 via inhibiting deoxynivalenol production and formation of infection structures. Together, this study demonstrates that the VLCFA elongase FgElo2 modulates fungal development, tebuconazole sensitivity, stress responses and virulence, which may advance our understanding of pathogen–host interactions mediated by VLCFAs.
Evaluating the Effects of Riparian Habitat Type on Nutrient Concentrations in Agricultural Headwater Streams
Authors: Balcerzak Ashlee M. , Smiley Peter C. , Kalcic Margaret M.
Published: September 2022

Grass filter strips and other riparian buffer types are frequently used in agricultural watersheds to reduce nonpoint source pollution, but there is only limited information available on their long‐term watershed scale effects. Our research questions were as follows: (1) does nutrient concentrations differ among agricultural headwater streams with different riparian habitat types? and (2) does the effect of riparian habitat type differ annually or seasonally? Eight streams in central Ohio were selected based on watershed size, proportion of watershed agricultural land use, and riparian habitat type. Three streams possessed unplanted riparian habitats, three streams had grass filter strips, and two streams had forested riparian habitats. Water samples for the measurement of ammonia, nitrate + nitrite, total nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon concentrations were collected weekly from two sites in each stream from March 2007 to February 2017. Mean nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05) among riparian habitat types. Mean dissolved organic carbon concentrations exhibited different (p < 0.05) annual and seasonal trends among riparian habitat types. Our results indicated that planting grass filter strips alone may not decrease nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and highlighted the influence of riparian woody vegetation on the temporal dynamics of dissolved organic carbon concentrations.
Evaluation of a coastal acoustic buoy for cetacean detections, bearing accuracy and exclusion zone monitoring
Authors: Palmer Kaitlin J. , Tabbutt Sam , Gillespie Douglas , Turner Jesse , King Paul , Tollit Dominic , Thompson Jessica , Wood Jason
Published: September 2022

There is strong socio‐political support for offshore wind development in US territorial waters and construction is planned off several east coast states. Some of the planned development sites coincide with important habitat for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Both exclusion zones and passive acoustic monitoring are important tools for managing interactions between marine mammals and human activities. Understanding where animals are with respect to exclusion zones is important to avoid costly construction delays while minimizing the potential for negative impacts. Impact piling from construction of hundreds of offshore wind turbines likely require exclusion zones as large as 10 km.

We have developed a three‐hydrophone passive acoustic monitoring system that provides bearing information along with marine mammal detections to allow for informed management decisions in real‐time. Multiple units form a monitoring system designed to determine whether marine mammal calls originate from inside or outside of an exclusion zone. In October 2021, we undertook a full system validation, with a focus on evaluating the detection range and bearing accuracy of the system with respect to right whale upcalls. Five units were deployed in Mid‐Atlantic waters and we played more than 3500 simulated right whale upcalls at known locations to characterize the detection function and bearing accuracy of each unit. The modelled results of the detection function error were then used to compare the effectiveness of a bearing‐based system to a single sensor that can only detect a signal but not ascertain directivity.

Field trials indicated maximum detection ranges from 4–7.3 km depending on source and ambient noise levels. Simulations showed that incorporating bearing detections provide a substantial improvement in false alarm rates (6 to 12 times depending on number of units, placement and signal to noise conditions) for a small increase in the risk of missed detections inside of an exclusion zone (1%–3%).

We show that the system can be used for monitoring exclusion zones and clearly highlight the value of including bearing estimation into exclusion zone monitoring plans while noting that placement and configuration of units should reflect anticipated ambient noise conditions.
Can Close Election Regression Discontinuity Designs Identify Effects of Winning Politician Characteristics?
Authors: Marshall John
Published: September 2022

Politician characteristic regression discontinuity (PCRD) designs leveraging close elections are widely used to isolate effects of an elected politician characteristic on downstream outcomes. Unlike standard regression discontinuity designs, treatment is defined by a predetermined characteristic that could affect a politician's victory margin. I prove that, by conditioning on politicians who win close elections, PCRD estimators identify the effect of the specific characteristic of interest and all compensating differentials—candidate‐level characteristics that ensure elections remain close between candidates who differ in the characteristic of interest. Avoiding this asymptotic bias generally requires assuming either that the characteristic of interest does not affect candidate vote shares or that no compensating differential affects the outcome. Because theories of voting behavior suggest that neither strong assumption usually holds, I further analyze the implications for interpreting continuity tests and consider if and how covariate adjustment, bounding, and recharacterizing treatment can mitigate the posttreatment bias afflicting PCRD designs.
Domain‐specific and domain‐general neural network engagement during human–robot interactions
Authors: Hogenhuis Ann , Hortensius Ruud
Published: September 2022

To what extent do domain‐general and domain‐specific neural network engagement generalize across interactions with human and artificial agents? In this exploratory study, we analysed a publicly available functional MRI (fMRI) data set (n = 22) to probe the similarities and dissimilarities in neural architecture while participants conversed with another person or a robot. Incorporating trial‐by‐trial dynamics of the interactions, listening and speaking, we used whole‐brain, region‐of‐interest and functional connectivity analyses to test response profiles within and across social or non‐social, domain‐specific and domain‐general networks, that is, the person perception, theory‐of‐mind, object‐specific, language and multiple‐demand networks. Listening to a robot compared to a human resulted in higher activation in the language network, especially in areas associated with listening comprehension, and in the person perception network. No differences in activity of the theory‐of‐mind network were found. Results from the functional connectivity analysis showed no difference between interactions with a human or robot in within‐ and between‐network connectivity. Together, these results suggest that although largely similar regions are activated when speaking to a human and to a robot, activity profiles during listening point to a dissociation at a lower level or perceptual level, but not higher order cognitive level.
Standing osteosynthesis of an accessory carpal bone fracture in a Warmblood mare with a 6‐hole 3.5 talonavicular fusion plate and 3.5‐mm screws
Authors: Aßmann Anton D. , Fürst Anton E. , Bischofberger Andrea S.
Published: September 2022

A 9‐year‐old Warmblood, high‐level showjumping mare sustained an acute, closed, vertical, comminuted fracture of the left accessory carpal bone (ACB) during a fall. The fracture was repaired under standing sedation and local anaesthesia, using a 6‐hole APTUS® 3.5 TFP and 5 × 3.5‐mm self‐tapping TriLock© screws. The mare recovered from surgery without complications. Upon follow‐up examination 9 months post‐operatively the mare was sound in all gaits and back to full athletic activity. The ACB fracture had completely healed. The displaced dorsoproximal fracture fragment was in a stationary position and there was evidence of mild nonprogressive osteoarthritis of the antebrachiocarpal joint.
Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis related miRNA‐expression in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Noone Stephanie , Schubert Ralf , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Hilberg Thomas , Alesci Sonja , Miesbach Wolfgang , Klophaus Nils , Wehmeier Udo F.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Elevated markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation indicate worse endothelial function in the aging haemophilia population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. Several miRNAs have been shown to be involved in the process of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the underlying molecular pathways of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in haemophilia patients.

Methods

A total of 25 patients with severe or moderate haemophilia A (20 patients) or B (5 patients), 14 controls and 18 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after myocardial infarction were included in this study. Expression of miRNA‐126, ‐155, ‐222, ‐1, ‐let7a, ‐21 and ‐197 were analysed using a real time polymerase chain reaction. Network‐based visualisation and analysis of the miRNA‐target interactions were performed using the MicroRNA ENrichment TURned NETwork (MIENTURNET).

Results

Expression of miRNA‐126 (p < .05) and miRNA‐let7a (p < .05) were significantly higher in CAD patients compared to haemophilia patients and controls. MiRNA‐21 (p < .05) was significantly elevated in CAD patients compared to controls. MiRNA‐155 (p < .05), miRNA‐1 (p < .05) and miRNA‐197 (p < .05) were significantly higher expressed in CAD and haemophilia patients compared to controls and showed a strong correlation with increased levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1). The network analysis revealed interactions in the cytokine signalling, focal adhesion and VEGFA‐VEGFR2 pathway (Vascular endothelial growth factor, ‐receptor).

Conclusion

This study characterises miRNA expression in haemophilia patients in comparison to CAD patients and healthy controls. The results imply comparable biological processes in CAD and haemophilia patients.
Contributions of animal models to mechanistic understandings of antibody‐dependent disease and roles of the amplification loop
Authors: Holers V. Michael
Published: September 2022

The complement system plays an important pathophysiologic role in human diseases associated with immune or ischemic insults. In addition to understanding the effector mechanisms that are important for the biological effects of the system, substantial efforts have gone into understanding which specific complement activation pathways generate these potent effects. These approaches include the use of gene‐targeted mice and specific pathway inhibitors, as well as the integration of human disease genetic and biomarker studies. In some disease states, it is quite clear that the alternate pathway plays a unique role in the initiation of the complement system. However, although initially a widely unexpected finding, it has now been shown in many tissue‐based disease models and in initial human studies that engagement of the amplification loop is also essential for tissue injury when the classical and/or lectin pathways initiate pathway activation through pathogenic autoantibodies. This review provides evidence for such a conclusion through animal models, focusing on pathogenic antibody passive transfer models but also other relevant experimental systems. These data, along with initial biomarkers and clinical trial outcomes in human diseases that are associated with pathogenic autoantibodies, suggest that targeting the alternative pathway amplification loop may have near‐universal therapeutic utility for tissue‐based diseases.
Reply to “Role in nocturnal pulse rate variability in predicting clinical outcome for patients with OSA”
Authors: Sabil AbdelKebir , Blanchard Margaux , Gervès‐Pinquié Chloé , Gagnadoux Frédéric ,   behalf of the Pays de la Loire Sleep Cohort
Published: September 2022

This letter comments on the letter by Abdulghani Sankari
The prevalence of significant cognitive delay among 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children growing up in low‐ and middle‐income countries: results from 126 nationally representative surveys undertaken in 73 countries
Authors: Emerson E. , Llewellyn G.
Published: September 2022

Background

We sought to (1) update estimates of the prevalence of significant cognitive delay (SCD) among nationally representative samples of young children overall, and in upper‐middle, lower‐middle and low‐income countries; (2) investigate whether variation in prevalence between countries was systematically associated with national wealth and other country characteristics; (3) investigate the stability of prevalence estimates over time; (4) examine the correlation between SCD and 2019 Global Burden of Disease estimates on the prevalence of the impairment of developmental intellectual disability under 5 years of age; and (5) investigate the extent to which risk of SCD within countries varies with child age and gender, maternal education and household wealth.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data collected in 126 nationally representative Multiple Cluster Indicators Surveys (MICS) conducted under the supervision of UNICEF in 73 countries involving a total of 396 596 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children.

Results

The overall prevalence of SCD was 9.7% (95% CI 8.6–10.9%). Between‐country variation in prevalence was strongly related to national wealth, the Human Development Index, the Human Inequality‐adjusted Development Index and the Multidimensional Poverty Index, but not income inequality. In the 46 countries in which more than one survey was available prevalence estimates were reasonably stable over time (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). There were strong independent associations between increased risk of cognitive delay and younger child age, lower levels of maternal education and lower levels of household wealth (but not male gender). There was only a weak association across countries between the estimated prevalence of SCD and Global Burden of Disease estimates of the under 5 prevalence of the impairment of developmental intellectual disability.

Conclusions

UNICEF's MICS data are readily (and freely) available to researchers and provide a cost‐effective opportunity for researchers who are concerned about better understanding the situation of young children growing up in the world's LMICs with a marked loss of developmental potential in areas of cognition and learning.
Healthcare needs and assets of gender diverse older adults: A systematic integrative review
Authors: Catlett Lauren
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Gender diverse older adults often endure health disparities, encounter discrimination in healthcare settings, and experience lack of access to healthcare. However, members of this population also have assets that help to mitigate these healthcare challenges. A systematic integrative review was performed to synthesize recent studies of the healthcare needs and assets of gender diverse older adults living in the United States.

Methods

A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted. Findings from selected studies were organized by theme and subtheme.

Results

Thirty‐five articles met inclusion criteria. Seven themes were identified: (1) Inclusivity and acceptance, (2) Antidiscrimination protections, (3) Community, (4) Care of mind, body, and spirit, (5) End of life preparations, (6) Financial security, and (7) Intersectionality. These themes were further divided into 20 healthcare needs and 9 healthcare assets.

Conclusion

The findings call for increased training for healthcare providers to provide safe, gender‐inclusive care environments; policy to combat discrimination across all healthcare settings; supportive community resources and healthcare advocacy; empowerment of gender diverse older adults through acknowledgment of their healthcare assets; and more research to discern the role of intersectionality in the applicability of the identified themes to gender diverse older adults of various sociodemographic backgrounds.

Clinical relevance

This review benefits clinicians by suggesting practice changes to address healthcare needs of gender diverse older adults while describing healthcare assets of this population for integration into health promotion initiatives.
Gradient symbolic representations in Harmonic Grammar
Authors: Hsu Brian
Published: September 2022

This paper presents an overview of Harmonic Grammar with gradient symbolic representations (a.k.a. Gradient Harmonic Grammar), a weighted‐constraint model of grammatical computation in which language structures are mentally represented with numerically continuous levels of activity, or degree of presence. In this system, the penalty of each constraint violation is proportional to the activity of the structure that incurs it. The adoption of gradient activity permits unique advances in generative approaches to key types of idiosyncratic patterns in language. I review the main proposals that have been made in the framework, and outstanding issues such as the existence of gradient activity in output structures.