bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glukhoye Lake: Middle to Late Holocene environments of Kunashir Island (Kuril Archipelago, Russian Far East)
Authors: Lozhkin Anatoly V. , Cherepanova Marina V. , Anderson Patricia M. , Minyuk Pavel S. , Finney Bruce P.
Published: October 2021

A multiproxy analysis of a sediment core from Glukhoye Lake in the southern Kuril Islands indicates that the basin originated c. 8.2 cal. ka BP as a brackish lagoon with the subsequent development of a freshwater lake (c. 4.0 to 3.3 cal. ka BP), a bog (c. 3.3 to 2.4 cal. ka BP) and a second lake (c. 2.4 cal. ka BP to present). The basin history primarily reflects local coastal dynamics and is not related to proposed Archipelago‐wide changes in sea level. Between c. 8.2 and 8.0 cal. ka BP, the vegetation of southern Kunashir Island was characterized by Betula–Quercus forest with a secondary component of temperate broadleaf trees. Quercus broadleaf forest established c. 8.0 to 6.5 cal. ka BP and represents the Holocene thermal maximum. The remainder of the record shows a gradual decrease in temperate and an increase in conifer taxa, indicating a gradual cooling from the Holocene thermal maximum to c. 2.3 cal. ka BP. Maxima in Picea and Abies pollen between c. 2.3 and 1.1 cal. ka BP suggest conditions that were slightly cooler than present. Palaeovegetation changes in the Kuril Islands as inferred from lake and section data differ in the timing and/or composition of the vegetation communities, although results from the two types of sites become more similar as the number of sections increases. The lake results do not support a previous conceptual model developed for the southern Russian Far East, which linked changes in sea levels to Holocene climate fluctuations. Rather the depositional environments in the lake cores seem more related to coastal dynamics that are independent of fluctuations in sea levels or climate. The difficulty in developing accurate age models for sites with multiple depositional environments may be the most important obstacle for documenting and understanding the Archipelago’s vegetation and climate histories.
Model‐informed assessment of ethnic sensitivity and dosage justification for Asian populations in the global clinical development and use of cladribine tablets
Authors: Munafo Alain , Terranova Nadia , Li Dandan , Liu Ping , Venkatakrishnan Karthik
Published: October 2021

Cladribine tablets have been approved in many countries for the treatment of patients with various forms of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Cladribine has a unique pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile with a short elimination half‐life (~ 1 day) relative to a prolonged PD effect on specific immune cells (most notably a reversible reduction in B and T lymphocyte counts). This results in a short dosing schedule (up to 20 days over 2 years of treatment) to sustain efficacy for at least another 2 years. Global clinical studies were conducted primarily in White patients, in part due to the distinctly higher prevalence of MS in White patients. Given the very low prevalence in Asian countries, MS is considered as a rare disease there. In spite of the limited participation of Asian patients, to demonstrate favorable benefit/risk profile in the treatment of MS demanded application of a Totality of Evidence approach to assess ethnic sensitivity for informing regulatory filings in Asian countries and supporting clinical use of cladribine in Asian patients. Population PD modeling and simulation of treatment‐related reduction in absolute lymphocyte count, as a mechanism‐related biomarker of drug effect, confirmed consistent PDs in Asian and non‐Asian patients with MS, supporting absence of ethnic sensitivity and a common dosage across populations. Through this example, we demonstrate the value of holistic integration of all available data using a model‐informed drug development (MIDD) framework and a Totality of Evidence mindset to evaluate ethnic sensitivity in support of Asia‐inclusive development and use of the drug across populations.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma with aberrant cytokeratin expression: An unusual mimicker of poorly differentiated carcinomas
Authors: Lee Jack , Jiang Hong , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: October 2021

An 81‐year‐old male presented with a rapidly growing cheek nodule. Biopsy revealed a dermal infiltrate of large atypical cells, some exhibiting a horseshoe‐shaped nucleus. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for CD4, CD3, CD45, and CD30 (>95%). Melanocytic markers, cytotoxic markers, CD20, CD56, ALK1, synaptophysin, CD1a, and ETS‐related gene (ERG) were negative. Notably, there was weak but diffuse expression of pan‐cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and Oscar keratin. There was also a weak expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). CAM 5.2, p40, and IRF4/DUSP22 rearrangement were negative. Further staging revealed skin‐limited disease. A diagnosis of primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (PC‐ALCL) was rendered. We present a rare case of cytokeratin positive PC‐ALCL, a finding never reported in the literature. Both PC‐ALCL and systemic ALCL (S‐ALCL) evoke a broad differential. CD45, EMA, and cytokeratin stains help differentiate from metastatic carcinomas. There have been rare prior reports of cytokeratin expression in S‐ALCL, which tend to stain with an unusual cytoplasmic and membranous pattern like our case, have variable co‐expression of EMA, and null T‐cell phenotypes. These show the significant diagnostic challenges that can arise in differentiating ALCL from metastatic or primary skin carcinomas. Awareness, careful attention to morphology (e.g., hallmark cells), and considering routine CD30 can help lead the pathologist to the correct diagnosis.
Health service use among adults with cerebral palsy: a mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Manikandan Manjula , Kerr Claire , Lavelle Grace , Walsh Michael , Walsh Aisling , Ryan Jennifer M
Published: October 2021

Aim

To determine the proportion of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) using health services and frequency of use, and to explore experiences and perceptions of health services for this population.

Method

A mixed‐methods systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Five databases were searched to September 2020. Observational and qualitative studies were included. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts; extracted data; and assessed the quality of included studies. Separate meta‐analyses were used to pool the proportion of adults using each service and frequency of use. A meta‐aggregation approach was used to synthesize qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated using the Andersen and Newman Model of health care utilization.

Results

Fifty‐seven studies (31 quantitative, 26 qualitative) of 14 300 adults with CP were included. The proportion of adults using services ranged from 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2–13%) for urologists to 84% (95% CI: 78–90%) for general practitioners. Incidence of visits ranged from 67 (95% CI: 37–123) hospital admissions to 404 (95% CI: 175–934) general practitioner visits per 100 person‐years. Qualitative themes highlighted issues regarding accessibility, caregivers’ involvement, health workers’ expertise, unmet ageing needs, transition, and health system challenges.

Interpretation

Adults with CP used a wide range of health services but faced context‐specific challenges in accessing required care. Appropriate service delivery models for adults with CP are required. This review emphasizes a need to develop an appropriate service model for adults with CP to meet their needs.
Delayed perihematomal hypoperfusion is associated with poor outcome in intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Morotti Andrea , Busto Giorgio , Boulouis Gregoire , Scola Elisa , Bernardoni Andrea , Fiorenza Alessandro , Amadori Tommaso , Carbone Federico , Casetta Ilaria , Montecucco Fabrizio , Fainardi Enrico
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize the temporal evolution and prognostic significance of perihematomal perfusion in acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

A single‐centre prospective cohort of patients with primary spontaneous ICH receives computed tomography perfusion (CTP) within 6 h from onset (T0) and at 7 days (T7). Cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time (MTT) were measured in the manually outlined perihematomal low‐density area. Poor functional prognosis (modified Rankin Scale 3–6) at 90 days was the outcome of interest, and predictors were explored with multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 150 patients were studied, of whom 52 (34.7%) had a mRS 3–6 at 90 days. Perihematomal perfusion decreased from T0 to T7 in all patients, but the magnitude of CBF and CBV reduction was larger in patients with unfavourable outcome (median CBF change −7.8 vs. −6.0 ml/100 g/min, p < .001, and median CBV change −0.5 vs. −0.4 ml/100 g, p = .010, respectively). This finding remained significant after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio [OR] for 1 ml/100 g/min CBF reduction: 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.15–1.55), p < .001; OR for 0.1 ml/100 g CBV reduction: 1.67, 95% CI 1.18–2.35, p = .004). The presence of CBF < 20 ml/100 g/min at T7 was then demonstrated as an independent predictor of poor functional outcome (adjusted OR: 2.45, 95% CI 1.08–5–54, p = .032).

Conclusion

Perihaemorrhagic hypoperfusion becomes more severe in the days following acute ICH and is independently associated with poorer outcome. Understanding the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for delayed decrease in perihematomal perfusion is a necessary step towards outcome improvement in patients with ICH.
The transitional care pathway following traumatic dental injuries: Patient perspectives
Authors: Morgan Emma , Fox Kathryn , Jarad Fadi , Albadri Sondos
Published: October 2021

Background and aim

The nature of complex traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) often means that management continues through paediatric to adult dental services. Evidence suggests that failure in transitional care can have detrimental impacts on health. There is limited evidence regarding patients' experiences of transitional care pathways (TCPs) in dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the views and experiences of the TCP from paediatric to adult care for individuals who have experienced TDIs.

Materials and methods

Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken. Ethical approval was granted by the Health Research Authority and sponsored by the University of Liverpool. Inclusion criteria included individuals aged 16 to 21 years old who had received care in both paediatric and adult restorative dentistry departments at Liverpool University Dental Hospital following a TDI. Five purposively sampled patients were interviewed. Thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo.

Results

Thematic analysis identified 5 main themes with regard to transitional care experience: patient–clinician communication, impact of dental trauma, feelings of uncertainty, patient personal development and transitional care planning. Feelings of uncertainty with regard to the long‐term prognosis of traumatized teeth were highlighted. Clear communication and involvement of young people in decision‐making was identified as a vital factor to facilitate a successful TCP experience.

Conclusion

The involvement of young people in decision‐making is essential for a successful TCP. Consideration should be given to development of TCP guidance, to allow for the provision of timely and consistent information regarding the process. Despite this, there needs to be adaptivity within the TCP to create a successful TCP for every young person.
Genomic evidence for host‐associated differentiation in an animal parasite, Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick
Authors: Tietjen Mackenzie , Esteve‐Gasent Maria D. , Castro‐Arellano Ivan , Medina Raul F.
Published: October 2021

The process responsible for the formation of genetically distinct populations associated with different host species is known as host‐associated differentiation (HAD). Many insect parasites of plants have been shown to exhibit HAD but there have been fewer studies of HAD in parasites of vertebrate animals. Previous to this study, HAD has been documented in at least three species of ticks. The American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) was chosen as the focal species for this study due to its importance as the vector of tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Previous population genetic studies of this tick found the existence of various haplotypes but the tick’s host origins were unknown. In this study, ticks were collected from 15 vertebrate host species to test for HAD using single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs). In total, 136 individual D. variabilis ticks were sequenced using ddRADseq. Genomic evidence was found to point to D. variabilis exhibiting HAD on eight different hosts. A STRUCTURE analysis showed that the highest posterior probability was obtained with a population size of eight and these populations correlated with host species. Pairwise FST values were as high as 0.622 and indicated a range of genetic distinction between host groups. In addition, ticks collected from the vegetation appeared as one homogenous distinct genotype suggesting the existence of nidicolous (nest dwelling) and non‐nidicolous genotypes. The identification of host race formation occurring in this animal parasite has implications for the understanding of D. variabilis pathogen transmission and targeted control efforts because genetically distinct populations can differ in traits relevant to these applications.
Transmission of Verticillium nonalfalfae via root contact from inoculated Ailanthus altissima in close‐to‐nature conditions
Authors: Dubach Vivanne , Schneider Salome , Vögtli Irina , Queloz Valentin , Stroheker Sophie
Published: October 2021

Ailanthus altissima is an invasive alien species in Europe. Biological control of this tree species by Verticillium nonalfalfae is a potential alternative control approach. This study investigates host specificity, pathogenicity and transmission of V. nonalfalfae to neighbouring plants with root contact in mini‐ecosystems. V. nonalfalfae led to dieback of all inoculated Ailanthus trees. Furthermore, V. nonalfalfae was transmitted to neighbouring Ailanthus trees, causing wilt and dieback, and, in one case, to Quercus petraea, which did not display any disease symptoms. Lastly, V. nonalfalfae could not be detected in the soil, which suggests transmission via root contact.
Penetration of topically administered dexamethasone disodium phosphate and prednisolone acetate into the normal equine ocular fluids
Authors: Hermans Hanneke , van den Berg Els M. H. , Slenter Inge J. M. , Vendrig Dax J. C. , de Nijs‐Tjon Lilian J. L. , Vernooij Johannes C. M. , Brommer Harold , Boevé Michael H. , Gehring Ronette
Published: October 2021

Background

Topical dexamethasone and prednisolone are currently the mainstay treatment for equine ophthalmic inflammatory diseases, such as equine recurrent uveitis. Comparative pharmacokinetic studies in horses are lacking and current guidelines are mainly based on empirical data and extrapolation from other species.

Objectives

To investigate the penetration and local concentrations of topically applied dexamethasone and prednisolone in normal equine ocular fluids and serum.

Study design

Prospective randomised experimental pharmacokinetic study.

Methods

Twenty‐one Shetland ponies without ophthalmic disease were treated bilaterally topically every 2 hours during 24 hours to obtain steady state drug concentrations. One eye was treated with 0.15 mg of dexamethasone disodium phosphate (0.1%), and the other eye was simultaneously treated with 1.5 mg of prednisolone acetate (1%). Serum samples were taken prior to the induction of general anaesthesia. Aqueous and vitreous humour samples were taken during euthanasia at time points after administration of the last dose (t = 5 min,t = 15 min,t = 30 min,t = 60 min,t = 90 min,t = 120 min,t = 180 min). Each pony was randomly assigned to one time point, and three ponies were sampled per time point. Dexamethasone and prednisolone concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

Results

The mean dexamethasone concentration in aqueous humour was 32.4 ng/mL (standard deviation [SD] 10.9) and the mean prednisolone concentration was 321.6 ng/mL (SD 96.0). In the vitreous and in serum samples concentrations of both corticosteroids were below the limit of detection (LOD 2.5 ng/mL).

Main limitations

The study group was limited to subjects without evidence of current ophthalmic disease. A limited number of time points were measured.

Conclusions

Potentially effective dexamethasone and prednisolone concentrations were measured in the anterior chamber, but vitreal concentrations were negligible. Systemic uptake was low. Therefore, treatment with only topically administered corticosteroids is deemed insufficient in horses in cases of posterior uveitis. Further studies evaluating other routes of administration are warranted.
Exploring the impact of climate change on the global distribution of non‐spinose planktonic foraminifera using a trait‐based ecosystem model
Authors: Grigoratou Maria , Monteiro Fanny M. , Wilson Jamie D. , Ridgwell Andy , Schmidt Daniela N.
Published: October 2021

Planktonic foraminifera are one of the primary calcifiers in the modern ocean, contributing 23%–56% of total global pelagic carbonate production. However, a mechanistic understanding of how physiology and environmental conditions control their abundance and distribution is lacking, hindering the projection of the impact of future climate change. This understanding is important, not only for ecosystem dynamics, but also for marine carbon cycling because of foraminifera's key role in carbonate production. Here we present and apply a global trait‐based ecosystem model of non‐spinose planktonic foraminifera (‘ForamEcoGEnIE’) to assess their ecology and global distribution under future climate change. ForamEcoGEnIE considers the traits of calcium carbonate production, shell size, and foraging. It captures the main characteristic of biogeographical patterns of non‐spinose species – with maximum biomass concentrations found in mid‐ to high‐latitude waters and upwelling areas. The model also reproduces the magnitude of global carbonate production relatively well, although the foraminifera standing stock is systematically overestimated. In response to future scenarios of rising atmospheric CO2(RCP6 and RCP8.5), on a regional scale, the modelled foraminifera biomass and export flux increases in the subpolar regions of the North Atlantic and the Southern Ocean while it decreases everywhere else. In the absence of adaptation, the biomass decline in the low‐latitude South Pacific suggests extirpation. The model projects a global average loss in non‐spinose foraminifera biomass between 8% (RCP6) and 11% (RCP8.5) by 2050 and between 14% and 18% by 2100 as a response to ocean warming and associated changes in primary production and ecological dynamics. Global calcium carbonate flux associated with non‐spinose foraminifera declines by 13%–18% by 2100. That decline can slow down the ocean carbonate pump and create short‐term positive feedback on rising atmosphericpCO2.
“Conflicts of interests” within and between elite assemblages in the legal production of space: Indigenous cultural heritage preservation and the Dakota Access Pipeline
Authors: Horowitz Leah S.
Published: October 2021

This paper represents a “studying‐up” of the controversy over federal regulatory processes regarding protection of Lakota and Dakota cultural heritage in permitting the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). To analyse this controversy, I engage with interest‐convergence theory, a component of Critical Race Theory, alongside a critique of its arguably simplistic definition of “white interests.” Agreeing that we need a finer‐grained understanding of elite interests as multiple, conflicting, and not always based purely in material self‐interest, I argue that interests should be understood as nonhuman components of elite assemblages, shaped by both emotions and societal ideologies yet constrained by – and in conflict with – top‐down, ideology‐driven missions and institutional cultural norms, as well as pressure from other assemblages. I use this framework to examine conflicts within and among various elite assemblages’ interests surrounding Lakota and Dakota cultural heritage. The US Army Corps of Engineers’ emotion‐ and ideology‐driven interests in demonstrating sensitivity to tribes’ concerns were constrained by their mission‐driven interests in accomplishing duties in a timely manner. These interests, in turn, conflicted with concerns (or lack thereof) manifested by other federal entities (Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, DC District Court) about DAPL’s impacts on cultural heritage, and with the company’s and federal government’s financial interests in pressuring USACE to enable completion of the pipeline’s construction. I unpack power differentials and dynamics among these various groups, as realised through particular interpretations and implementations of relevant legislation. I suggest that examining such “conflicts of interests” within and between elite assemblages, within the legal production of space, can elucidate controversies over industrial expansion’s socio‐environmental threats.
Statin usage and cardiovascular risk among people living with HIV in the U.S. Military HIV Natural History Study
Authors: Larson Derek , Won Seung Hyun , Ganesan Anuradha , Maves Ryan C. , Kronmann Karl , Okulicz Jason F. , Chu Xiuping , Schofield Christina , O’Bryan Thomas , Agan Brian K. , Deiss Robert
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2013 atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) management guidelines, we conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of people living with HIV in the US Military HIV Natural History Study to determine whether individuals were receiving statins when indicated.

Methods

Prescription data was taken from Military Health System data. Statin eligibility was defined by ASCVD guidelines. We used the 10‐year ASCVD pooled cohorts' equation to evaluate risk for each participant.

Results

Across all categories, 31.9% (n = 390) of individuals met criteria for statin use, and when adding these subjects to the number of those already receiving statins (n = 96), 62.1% of all eligible subjects (n = 302/486) were actually receiving statin therapy. In multivariable analysis, individuals of African American race [odds ratio (OR) = 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31–0.73] or Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.94) were less likely to receive statin prescriptions than white individuals. Individuals with a higher CD4 count (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.20 per 100 cells/μL]) were significantly more likely to receive a statin prescription.

Conclusions

These data highlight discrepancies between ASCVD guidelines and primary care management of people living with HIV (PLWH) in the military health system, along with important racial differences. Targeted interventions are critical to identify and treat appropriate candidates for statin therapy among PLWH in the military and other settings.
Association of subtle alterations in thyroid function with presarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Ping , Ding Li , Zhen Jinyang , Hu Jingxin , Fan Yuxin , Liu Ming
Published: October 2021

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the association of subtle alterations in thyroid function with presarcopenia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,865 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study, excluding patients with overt thyroid dysfunction. Skeletal muscle mass measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to assess presarcopenia. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of thyroid hormones on presarcopenia, and subgroup analyses were carried out in different strata of age, sex and body mass index, respectively.

Results

Compared with the euthyroid group (Euthy), the subclinical hyperthyroidism group had an increased odds of presarcopenia (multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio 1.99, 95% confidence interval 1.09–3.63), but the subclinical hypothyroidism group did not (P > 0.05). In the subclinical hyperthyroidism group, age and body mass index <24 kg/m2 were independent risk factors for presarcopenia. In the overall Euthy group, an increased odds of presarcopenia was correlated with the elevated free thyroxine : free triiodothyronine ratio (all P for trend <0.05), whereas not with increment in free triiodothyronine level (P for trend >0.05). Additionally, in Euthy subgroup analyses stratified by middle‐age, sex and body mass index, a similar association was noted (all P for trend <0.05), but not in the older‐aged patients (P for trend >0.05).

Conclusions

Subclinical hyperthyroidism was an independent risk factor for presarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but subclinical hypothyroidism was not. In the Euthy group with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a high free thyroxine : free triiodothyronine ratio was a good index of presarcopenia in addition to older age.
Building kinetic models to determine moisture content in apples and predicting shelf life based on spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Penghui , Qiao Yichen , Hou Bingru , Xi Ziting , Hu Yaohua
Published: October 2021

Moisture content (MC) directly affects the storage of apples. This study explored the prediction of MC and the shelf life of apples stored at room temperature. Using wavelengths selected by the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling algorithm and chemical kinetic reactions, a quantitative prediction model based on optical fiber spectroscopy and a kinetic model were established to determine the MC of apples stored at room temperature. The shelf life of apples was predicted based on the developed quantitative prediction and kinetic models. The determination coefficients of the calibration and prediction of the quantitative prediction model were determined as .9810 and .9686, with root mean square errors of .0020 and .0022, respectively, and a residual predictive deviation of 6.55. In addition, the correlation coefficient of the kinetic model was derived as .9957, with a root mean square error of .0011. Results demonstrate that when the MC of the fresh apples exceeds 85% and the initial MC of apples stored at room temperature equals 87%, the freshness preservation time of the apples should not exceed 28 days. The proposed quantitative and kinetic models are able to rapidly and accurately monitor the MC of apples, and the real‐time prediction of apple shelf life can be realized according to the difference in the spectral information pre‐ and post‐storage at room temperature.

Practical Application

This study provides a method for the determination of moisture content (MC) in apples and the prediction of shelf life based on kinetic models. According to the proposed method, enterprises can not only quickly and accurately detect the MC of apples to determine whether they are fresh, but can also easily predict the shelf life of apples to determine whether they are safe.
European Association of Oral Medicine 2021 Conference ‐ Crispian Scully Lecture: Applying Human Factors to Improve Patient Safety and Performance
Authors: Brennan Peter A , Jarvis Steve , Oeppen Rachel S
Published: October 2021

Background

This paper is a synopsis of the Crispian Scully Lecture, presented by one of the authors (PAB), at the 2021 European Association of Oral Medicine (EAOM) Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

It provides an overview of human factors that affect individuals and teams, highlighting ways to reduce the chances of error and improve patient safety.

Discussion and Conclusion

Error is an inevitable and ‘normal’ part of being human, and it can never be completely eliminated, though learning from mistakes is essential.

Human factor application in health care can greatly improve patient safety and lead to better team working and staff morale. Personal factors including tiredness, hunger, dehydration and stress can all reduce performance and raise the risk of clinical error. It is also important to understand and optimise interaction within the clinical team. Poor communication, steep hierarchy and loss of situational awareness can all potentially compromise patient safety.
Sociolinguists and their publics: Epistemological tension and disciplinary contestation over language in Catalonia
Authors: Erdocia Iker , Soler Josep
Published: October 2021

This article aims to investigate the relationship of sociolinguists with the publics in Catalonia and to disentangle the complex interrelationships among academics within the discipline. By examining material from mainstream media outlets and data from interviews with a selected number of sociolinguist scholars, we show how the public sphere is a site in which competing epistemological and disciplinary visions contest for discursive dominance in language‐in‐society matters, institutional authorization, and resources. Rather than seeing the engagement of sociolinguists with publics as a disinterested activity of knowledge dissemination and the provision of facts, we argue that the publics are better conceived as a terrain toward which sociolinguists direct institutional, disciplinary, and professional interests. Ultimately, our article contributes to a more encompassing understanding of ourselves as sociolinguists.
Factors associated with admission of children to an intensive care unit and readmission to hospital within 28 days of discharge: A population‐based study
Authors: Bond Diana M , Ampt Amanda , Festa Marino , Teo Arthur , Nassar Natasha , Schell David
Published: October 2021

Aim

Hospital readmissions within 28 days are an important performance measurement of quality and safety of health care. The aims of this study were to examine the rates, trends and characteristics of paediatric intensive care unit admissions, and factors associated with readmissions to hospital within 28 days of discharge.

Methods

This retrospective, population‐based record linkage study included all children ≥28 days and <16 years old admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in a New South Wales (NSW) public hospital from 2004 to 2013. Data were sourced from the NSW Admitted Patients Data Collection and the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Death Registration.

Results

We identified 21 200 ICU admissions involving 17 130 children. Admissions increased by 24% over the study period with the greatest increase attributed to respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions. A higher proportion of children were <5 years, male, lived in major cities, were publicly insured and had chronic conditions. The median length of ICU stay was 42 h and overall hospital stay was 7 days. There were 905 deaths, two‐thirds during the index admission with the leading causes being injuries, cancer and infections. Twenty‐three per cent of ICU admissions were readmitted to hospital within 28 days of discharge. Associated independent factors were younger age, longer index hospital stay and emergency index admission. Children with chronic conditions of cancer and genitourinary disorders were more likely to be readmitted.

Conclusions

Identification of complex chronic conditions, consideration of long‐term health planning and interventions intended to reduce readmission is warranted in order to reduce the burden to families and the health‐care system.
The determinants of aggregate fluctuations: The role of firm‐borrowing channels
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Ghosh Dastidar Sayantan
Published: October 2021

The paper examines the empirical relationship between firm‐borrowing channels and aggregate fluctuations for the 100 largest US firms over 2000–2018. The motivation for this study originates from the general consensus in macroeconomics that microeconomic shocks to firms cannot generate significant aggregate fluctuations. The analysis extends Gabaix's 2011 baseline model by incorporating measures for “bank shocks” at the firm‐level. In addition to supporting the granular hypothesis, the econometric results indicate that bank shocks have a weak impact on GDP fluctuations, whereas non‐bank loans exert a strong impact on the same. The above findings survive certain robustness checks associated with the presence of oil and monetary shocks, as well as with the firms’ location factor.
Natural selection drives genome‐wide evolution via chance genetic associations
Authors: Gompert Zachariah , Feder Jeffrey L. , Nosil Patrik
Published: October 2021

Understanding selection's impact on the genome is a major theme in biology. Functionally neutral genetic regions can be affected indirectly by natural selection, via their statistical association with genes under direct selection. The genomic extent of such indirect selection, particularly across loci not physically linked to those under direct selection, remains poorly understood, as does the time scale at which indirect selection occurs. Here, we use field experiments and genomic data in stick insects, deer mice and stickleback fish to show that widespread statistical associations with genes known to affect fitness cause many genetic loci across the genome to be impacted indirectly by selection. This includes regions physically distant from those directly under selection. Then, focusing on the stick insect system, we show that statistical associations between SNPs and other unknown, causal variants result in additional indirect selection in general and specifically within genomic regions of physically linked loci. This widespread indirect selection necessarily makes aspects of evolution more predictable. Thus, natural selection combines with chance genetic associations to affect genome‐wide evolution across linked and unlinked loci and even in modest‐sized populations. This process has implications for the application of evolutionary principles in basic and applied science.
Cryptic diversity within thePoecilochirus carabimite species complex phoretic onNicrophorusburying beetles: Phylogeny, biogeography, and host specificity
Authors: Canitz Julia , Sikes Derek S. , Knee Wayne , Baumann Julia , Haftaro Petra , Steinmetz Nadine , Nave Martin , Eggert Anne‐Katrin , Hwang Wenbe , Nehring Volker
Published: October 2021

Coevolution is often considered a major driver of speciation, but evidence for this claim is not always found because diversity might be cryptic. When morphological divergence is low, molecular data are needed to uncover diversity. This is often the case in mites, which are known for their extensive and often cryptic diversity. We studied mites of the genusPoecilochirusthat are phoretic on burying beetles (Silphidae:Nicrophorus).Poecilochirustaxonomy is poorly understood. Most studies on this genus focus on the evolutionary ecology ofPoecilochirus carabi sensu lato, a complex of at least two biological species. Based on molecular data of 230 specimens from 43 locations worldwide, we identified 24 genetic clusters that may represent species. We estimate that these mites began to diversify during the Paleogene, when the clade containingP.subterraneusbranched off and the remaining mites diverged into two further clades. One clade resemblesP.monospinosus. The other clade contains 17 genetic clusters resemblingP.carabi s.l.. Among these areP.carabi sensu stricto,P.necrophori, and potentially many additional cryptic species. Our analyses suggest that these clades were formed in the Miocene by large‐scale geographic separation; co‐speciation of mites with the host beetles can be largely ruled out. Diversification also seems to have happened on a smaller scale, potentially due to adaptation to specific hosts or local abiotic conditions, causing some clusters to specialize on certain beetle species. Our results suggest that biodiversity in this genus was generated by multiple interacting forces shaping the tangled webs of life.
Beneficial worm allies warn plants of parasite attack below‐ground and reduce above‐ground herbivore preference and performance
Authors: Kamali Shokoofeh , Javadmanesh Ali , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Kyndt Tina , Seifi Alireza , Cheniany Monireh , Zaki‐Aghl Mohammad , Hosseini Mojtaba , Heydarpour Mahyar , Asili Javad , Karimi Javad
Published: October 2021

Antagonistic interactions among different functional guilds of nematodes have been recognized for quite some time, but the underlying explanatory mechanisms are unclear. We investigated responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to two functional guilds of nematodes—plant parasite (Meloidogyne javanica) and entomopathogens (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae below‐ground, and S. carpocapsae)—as well as a leaf mining insect (Tuta absoluta) above‐ground. Our results indicate that entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs): (1) reduced root knot nematode (RKN) infestation below‐ground, (2) reduced herbivore (T. absoluta) host preference and performance above‐ground, and (3) induced overlapping plant defence responses by rapidly activating polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activity in roots, but simultaneously suppressing this activity in above‐ground tissues. Concurrently, we investigated potential plant signalling mechanisms underlying these interactions using transcriptome analyses. We found that both entomopathogens and plant parasites triggered immune responses in plant roots with shared gene expression. Secondary metabolite transcripts induced in response to the two nematode functional guilds were generally overlapping and showed an analogous profile of regulation. Likewise, we show that EPNs modulate plant defence against RKN invasion, in part, by suppressing active expression of antioxidant enzymes. Inoculations of roots with EPN triggered an immune response in tomato via upregulated phenylpropanoid metabolism and synthesis of protease inhibitors in plant tissues, which may explain decreased egg laying and developmental performance exhibited by herbivores on EPN‐inoculated plants. Furthermore, changes induced in the volatile organic compound‐related transcriptome indicated that M. javanica and/or S. carpocapsae inoculation of plants triggered both direct and indirect defences. Our results support the hypothesis that plants “mistake” subterranean EPNs for parasites, and these otherwise beneficial worms activate a battery of plant defences associated with systemic acquired resistance and/or induced systemic resistance with concomitant antagonistic effects on temporally co‐occurring subterranean plant pathogenic nematodes and terrestrial herbivores.
Oomycete intracellular effectors: specialised weapons targeting strategic plant processes
Authors: Fabro Georgina
Published: October 2021

Oomycete phytopathogens have adapted to colonise plants using effectors as their molecular weapons. Intracellular effectors, mostly proteins but also small ribonucleic acids, are delivered by the pathogens into the host cell cytoplasm where they interfere with normal plant physiology. The diverse host processes emerging as ‘victims’ of these ‘specialised bullets’ include gene transcription and RNA‐mediated silencing, cell death, protein stability, protein secretion and autophagy. Some effector targets are directly involved in defence execution, while others participate in fundamental metabolisms whose alteration collaterally affects defences. Other effector targets are susceptibility factors (SFs), that is host components that make plants vulnerable to pathogens. SFs are mostly negative regulators of immunity, but some seem necessary to sustain or promote pathogen colonisation.
The Madingley general ecosystem model predicts bushmeat yields, species extinction rates and ecosystem‐level impacts of bushmeat harvesting
Authors: Barychka Tatsiana , Mace Georgina M. , Purves Drew W.
Published: October 2021

Traditional approaches to guiding decisions about harvesting bushmeat often employ single‐species population dynamic models, which require species‐ and location‐specific data, are missing ecological processes such as multi‐trophic interactions, cannot represent multi‐species harvesting and cannot predict the broader ecosystem impacts of harvesting. In order to explore an alternative approach to devising sustainable harvesting strategies, we employ the Madingley general ecosystem model, which can simulate ecosystem dynamics in response to multi‐species harvesting given nothing other than location‐specific climate data. We used the model to examine yield, extinctions and broader ecosystem impacts, for a range of harvesting intensities of duiker‐sized endothermic herbivores. Duiker antelope (such asCephalophus callipygusandCephalophus dorsalis) are the most heavily hunted species in sub‐Saharan Africa, contributing 34–95% of all bushmeat in the Congo Basin. Across a range of harvesting rates, the Madingley model gave estimates for optimal harvesting rate, and extinction rate, that were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the estimates from conventional single‐species Beverton–Holt model. Predicted yields were somewhat greater (around five times, on average) for the Madingley model than the Beverton–Holt, which is partly attributable to the fact that the Madingley simulates multi‐species harvesting from an initially pristine ecosystem. Also, the Madingley model predicted a background local extinction probability for the target species of at least 10%. At medium and high levels of harvesting of duiker‐sized herbivores, the Madingley model predicted statistically significant, but moderate, reductions in the densities of the targeted functional group; increases in small‐bodied herbivores; decreases in large‐bodied carnivores; and minimal ecosystem‐level impacts overall. The results illustrate how general ecosystem models such as the Madingley model could potentially be used more widely to help estimate sustainable harvesting rates, bushmeat yields and broader ecosystem impacts across different locations and target species.
Public perceptions about nurses communicated via Twitter in Turkey
Authors: Şahan Seda , Yıldız Ayşegül , Ergin Eda
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Social media platforms such as Twitter allow people to openly express their views about many topics, including the nursing profession. COVID‐19 is currently a frequently searched and discussed topics on Twitter. This study was performed to identify the image of nursing in the social media before and during COVID‐19 pandemic in Turkey, and to review of public perceptions about nurses’ communication on twitter in Turkey.

Design

This study was conducted using content analysis with a sample of tweets posted on Twitter before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Codes were created, including expressions of respect, anxiety, violence, gratefulness, anger, positivity, and negativity.

Results

Findings showed that 35.65% of the 373 tweets posted prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic were positive while 64.35% were negative. During the pandemic 91.94% of the 1006 tweets were positive and 8.06% were negative.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggests that public opinion about nurses, as reflected on Twitter during the COVID 19 pandemic, was positive.
Perspectives on Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers—Rise of the Dark Dimers†
Authors: Lawrence Karl P. , Delinasios George J. , Premi Sanjay , Young Antony R. , Cooke Marcus S.
Published: October 2021

Some early reports demonstrate that levels of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) may increase after UVR exposure had ended, although these observations were treated as artifacts. More recently, it has been shown unequivocally that CPD formation does occur post‐irradiation, with maximal levels occurring after about 2–3 h. These lesions have been termed “dark CPD” (dCPD). Subsequent studies have confirmed their presence in vitro, in mouse models and in human skin in vivo. Melanin carbonyls have a role in the formation of dCPD, but they have also been observed in amelanotic systems, indicating other, unknown process(es) exist. In both cases, the formation of dCPD can be prevented by the presence of certain antioxidants. We lack data on the spectral dependence of dCPD, but it is unlikely to be the same as for incident CPD (iCPD), which are formed only during irradiation. There is evidence that iCPD and dCPD may have different repair kinetics, although this remains to be elucidated. It is also unknown whether iCPD and dCPD have different biological properties. The formation of dCPD in human skin in vivo has implications for post solar exposure photoprotection, and skin carcinogenesis, with a need for this to be investigated further.
Turgor loss point and vulnerability to xylem embolism predict species‐specific risk of drought‐induced decline of urban trees
Authors: Petruzzellis F. , Tordoni E. , Di Bonaventura A. , Tomasella M. , Natale S. , Panepinto F. , Bacaro G. , Nardini A.
Published: October 2021

Increasing frequency and severity of drought events is posing risks to trees' health, including those planted in urban settlements. Drought‐induced decline of urban trees negatively affects ecosystem services of urban green spaces and implies cost for maintenance and removal of plants. We aimed at identifying physiological traits that can explain and predict the species‐specific vulnerability to climate change in urban habitats.

We assessed the relationships between long‐term risk of decline of different tree species in a medium‐sized town and their key indicators of drought stress tolerance, i.e. turgor loss point (TLP) and vulnerability to xylem embolism (P50).

Starting from 2012, the study area experienced several summer seasons with positive anomalies of temperature and negative anomalies of precipitation. This trend was coupled with increasing percentages of urban trees showing signs of crown die‐back and mortality. The species‐specific risk of decline was higher for species with less negative TLP and P50 values.

The relationship between species‐specific risk of climate change‐induced decline of urban trees and key physiological indicators of drought tolerance confirms findings obtained in natural forests and highlights that TLP and P50 are useful indicators for species selection for tree plantation in towns, to mitigate negative impacts of climate change.
Firing on all cylinders: Decomposing regional growth dynamics in South Africa
Authors: Visagie Justin , Turok Ivan
Published: October 2021

The poor performance of the South African economy has been widely analysed, yet this disguises considerable internal variation, both between sectors and regions. Most disaggregated analysis focuses on national industry trends and neglects the role of geography. We undertake a shift‐share analysis with multifactor partitioning to decompose the growth performance of provinces into nationwide industry and region‐specific (or ‘place‐based’) shares between 1995 and 2018. The main finding is that place‐based effects explain as much of the variation in growth as nationwide industry effects in most provinces. This implies that the economic capabilities of each region need careful consideration as part of national growth strategies and reforms.