bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study comparing the WHO C‐Model caesarean section rates and observed caesarean section rates at Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Boas Jameson T. , Mola Glen D.L. , Elijah Arthur
Published: October 2022

Background

Worldwide, there is an increase in caesarean deliveries. Ideal caesarean section (CS) rates continue to be a matter for debate. The World Health Organization (WHO) C‐Model, is a mathematical modelling tool to assist health facilities estimate expected CS rates based on the quality middle income facilities practice.

Aim

To compare WHO C‐Model derived CS rates with actual CS rates at Port Moresby General Hospital.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and obstetric data for women who delivered during a four months period was used to calculate CS probability using the WHO C‐Model online calculator. Comparisons of CS rates were made for the entire cohort, as well as for each Robson Classification group to assess whether there was either ‘under’ or ‘overusage’ of CS according to the C‐Model estimates.

Results

The actual CS rate of 5.5% (246/4437) was lower than the mean C‐Model rate of 8%. The C‐Model rate equates to an almost 45% increase in CS rates or an additional 111 caesarean deliveries be done during the four months study period.

Conclusion

The WHO C‐Model had good predictability among most of the low‐risk Robson groups that accounted for just over 80% of the study population. The suggested additional 111 caesarean deliveries needed to be performed among high‐risk Robson groups represented 15% of the study population. Local hospital protocols pertaining to management of both low‐ and high‐risk cases are credited for keeping CS rates to a minimum. A lower threshold for CS in Robson groups two and four could have led to better perinatal outcomes.
Prevalence of probable eating disorders and associated risk factors: An analysis of the Northern Ireland Youth Wellbeing Survey using the SCOFF
Authors: Nolan Emma , Bunting Lisa , McCartan Claire , Davidson Gavin , Grant Anne , Schubotz Dirk , Mulholland Ciaran , McBride Orla , Murphy Jamie , Shevlin Mark
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Eating disorders (ED) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates and are most common in young people aged between 15 and 19 years. Large representative surveys on disordered eating in youth are lacking. The main aims were to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating in a representative sample of 11–19 year olds in Northern Ireland and investigate the associations between probable eating disorder and a range of risk factors.

Designs and Methods

A large nationally representative household survey was conducted, and the bivariate and multivariate associations between demographic, familial, economic and psychological risk factors and probable eating disorder were assessed.

Results

A total of 16.2% (n = 211) of the sample met the SCOFF screening criteria for disordered eating. Probable eating disorder was associated with being female (OR = 2.44), having a parent with mental health problems (OR = 1.68), suffering from certain psychological problems, such as mood or anxiety disorder (OR = 2.55), social media disorder (OR = 2.95), being the victim of physical bullying (OR = 1.71) and having smoked (OR = 2.46).

Conclusions

This study provides the first prevalence estimates of probable eating disorder among youth in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the study identifies unique risk factors for probable eating disorder among this representative sample.
Beyond item analysis: Connecting student behaviour and performance using e‐assessment logs
Authors: Lahza Hatim , Smith Tammy G. , Khosravi Hassan
Published: October 2022

Traditional item analyses such as classical test theory (CTT) use exam‐taker responses to assessment items to approximate their difficulty and discrimination. The increased adoption by educational institutions of electronic assessment platforms (EAPs) provides new avenues for assessment analytics by capturing detailed logs of an exam‐taker's journey through their exam. This paper explores how logs created by EAPs can be employed alongside exam‐taker responses and CTT to gain deeper insights into exam items. In particular, we propose an approach for deriving features from exam logs for approximating item difficulty and discrimination based on exam‐taker behaviour during an exam. Items for which difficulty and discrimination differ significantly between CTT analysis and our approach are flagged through outlier detection for independent academic review. We demonstrate our approach by analysing de‐identified exam logs and responses to assessment items of 463 medical students enrolled in a first‐year biomedical sciences course. The analysis shows that the number of times an exam‐taker visits an item before selecting a final response is a strong indicator of an item's difficulty and discrimination. Scrutiny by the course instructor of the seven items identified as outliers suggests our log‐based analysis can provide insights beyond what is captured by traditional item analyses.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Traditional item analysis is based on exam‐taker responses to the items using mathematical and statistical models from classical test theory (CTT). The difficulty and discrimination indices thus calculated can be used to determine the effectiveness of each item and consequently the reliability of the entire exam.

What this paper adds

Data extracted from exam logs can be used to identify exam‐taker behaviours which complement classical test theory in approximating the difficulty and discrimination of an item and identifying items that may require instructor review.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Identifying the behaviours of successful exam‐takers may allow us to develop effective exam‐taking strategies and personal recommendations for students.

Analysing exam logs may also provide an additional tool for identifying struggling students and items in need of revision.
Development and radiosterilization of new hydrazono‐quinoline hybrids as DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors: Antimicrobial and hemolytic activities against uropathogenic isolates with molecular docking study
Authors: Ammar Yousry A. , Micky Jehan A. , Aboul‐Magd Dina S. , Abd El‐Hafez Sondos M. A. , Hessein Sadia A. , Ali Abeer M. , Ragab Ahmed
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to synthesize new potent quinoline derivatives based on hydrazone moieties and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. The newly synthesized hydrazono‐quinoline derivatives 2, 5a, 9, and 10b showed the highest antimicrobial activity with MIC values ≤1.0 μg/ml against bacteria and ≤8.0 μg/ml against the fungi. Further, these derivatives exhibited bactericidal and fungicidal effects with MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratio ≤4. Surprisingly, the most active compounds displayed good inhibition to biofilm formation with MBEC values ranging between (40.0 ± 10.0 – 230.0 ± 31.0) and (67.0 ± 24.0 – 347.0 ± 15.0) μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The hemolytic assays confirmed that the hydrazono‐quinoline derivatives are non‐toxic with low % lysis values ranging from 4.62% to 14.4% at a 1.0 mg/ml concentration. Besides, compound 5a exhibited the lowest hemolytic activity value of ~4.62%. Furthermore, the study suggests that the hydrazono‐quinoline analogs exert their antibacterial activity as dual inhibitors for DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV enzymes with IC50 values ranging between (4.56 ± 0.3 – 21.67 ± 0.45) and (6.77 ± 0.4 – 20.41 ± 0.32) μM, respectively. Additionally, the recent work advocated that compound 5a showed the reference SAL at the ɣ‐radiation dose of 10.0 kGy in the sterilization process without affecting its chemical structure. Finally, the in silico drug‐likeness, toxicity properties, and molecular docking simulation were performed. Besides, the result exhibited good oral‐bioavailability, lower toxicity prediction, and lower binding energy with good binding mode rather than the positive control.
Sinomenine attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation and apoptosis of WI‐38 cells by reducing glutathione S‐transferase M1 expression
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Huilin , Zhao Xiao
Published: October 2022

Pediatric pneumonia is an infectious lung disease with high morbidity and mortality. Sinomenine, an alkaloid extracted from Caulis Sinomenii, exerts anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic activities. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is widely used for the establishment of an inflammatory model. This research aimed to explore the influences of sinomenine on LPS‐caused inflammatory injuries in fetal lung WI‐38 cells. WI‐38 cells were treated with LPS to establish a cellular model of pediatric pneumonia. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK‐8 assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining and caspase‐3 activity assays. Inflammatory cytokines and NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation levels were measured by Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Glutathione S‐transferase M1 (GSTM1) expression was detected by western blotting. Results showed that LPS reduced WI‐38 cell viability, and sinomenine protected cells against LPS‐induced viability reduction. Sinomenine concentration‐dependently attenuated LPS‐induced inflammation by reducing TNF‐α, IL‐1β and MCP‐1, and increasing IL‐10 levels. Sinomenine mitigated LPS‐induced apoptosis. GSTM1 was screened by matching the targets of sinomenine and pediatric pneumonia. GSTM1 was upregulated in LPS‐treated WI‐38 cells, and this effect was attenuated after sinomenine treatment. GSTM1 was upstream of NF‐κB pathway. Overexpression of GSTM1 reversed the suppressive functions of sinomenine on LPS‐stimulated inflammation and apoptosis. Overall, sinomenine attenuates inflammation and apoptosis in WI‐38 cells stimulated by LPS via inhibiting GSTM1 expression, indicating the therapeutic potential of sinomenine in pediatric pneumonia.
Young children's lives in East London through the pandemic: Relationships, activities and social worlds
Authors: Cameron Claire , Hauari Hanan , Hollingworth Katie , O′Brien Margaret , Whitaker Lydia
Published: October 2022

Children's lives in the Covid‐19 pandemic were subject to unparalleled restrictions on and disruption to their daily lives. This paper explores the day‐to‐day relational, social participation and activities of young children in one East London borough in early 2021, as told through qualitative interviews with their parents. We adopt a social‐ecological model of children's development, a child rights focused understanding of well‐being, underpinned by an agentic view of both parents and children. We find that for some children, parents had additional time to spend with them and new activities were possible. But for others, particularly those living ‘compressed lives’ in low‐income households and over‐crowded accommodation with no outside space of their own, all three aspects—relational, participatory and activities—were significantly diminished.
Association between homocysteine and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Fu Liwan , Wang Yuquan , Hu Yue‐Qing
Published: October 2022

Background

Many observational studies explore the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), whereas the causality of this association remains uncertain, especially in European populations. We performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation study to elucidate the causal association between Hcy and NAFLD. Furthermore, we explored the relationship of Hcy with liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Methods

Two‐sample Mendelian randomisation study was conducted. Summary statistics for Hcy were obtained from a genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) meta‐analysis comprising 44,147 subjects. Summary‐level data for NAFLD were acquired from a GWAS meta‐analysis of 8434 cases and 770,180 noncases and another GWAS meta‐analysis of 1483 cases and 17,781 noncases. Summary‐level data for three liver enzymes were available from the UK Biobank.

Results

Genetic associations of Hcy concentrations with NAFLD and liver enzymes were observed. Genetically predicted higher Hcy concentrations were consistently associated with an increased NAFLD risk in two data sources. The combined odds ratio of NAFLD was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.45) per SD increase in Hcy concentrations. Genetically predicted higher Hcy concentrations showed significant association with ALP (Beta .69; 95% CI, 0.04–1.34), ALT (Beta 0.56; 95% CI, 0.15–0.97) and AST levels (Beta .57; 95% CI, 0.10–1.04). Genetic liability to NAFLD was not associated with Hcy concentrations.

Conclusions

This study has clinical implications as it indicates that increased Hcy concentrations increase the relevant liver enzymes and may play a role in NAFLD risk in European populations.
Factors associated with the severity of COVID‐19 outcomes in people with neuromuscular diseases: Data from the International Neuromuscular COVID‐19 Registry
Authors: Pizzamiglio Chiara , Pitceathly Robert D. S. , Lunn Michael P. , Brady Stefen , De Marchi Fabiola , Galan Lucia , Heckmann Jeannine M. , Horga Alejandro , Molnar Maria J. , Oliveira Acary S. B. , Pinto Wladimir B. V. R. , Primiano Guido , Santos Ernestina , Schoser Benedikt , Servidei Serenella , Sgobbi Souza Paulo V. , Venugopalan Vishnu , Hanna Michael G. , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Machado Pedro M. ,   for the Neuromuscular Diseases and COVID‐19 Study Group
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

Clinical outcome information on patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) who have been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 is limited. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with the severity of COVID‐19 outcomes in people with NMDs.

Methods

Cases of NMD, of any age, and confirmed/presumptive COVID‐19, submitted to the International Neuromuscular COVID‐19 Registry up to 31 December 2021, were included. A mutually exclusive ordinal COVID‐19 severity scale was defined as follows: (1) no hospitalization; (2) hospitalization without oxygenation; (3) hospitalization with ventilation/oxygenation; and (4) death. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for severe outcome, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, NMD, comorbidities, baseline functional status (modified Rankin scale [mRS]), use of immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medication, and pandemic calendar period.

Results

Of 315 patients from 13 countries (mean age 50.3 [±17.7] years, 154 [48.9%] female), 175 (55.5%) were not hospitalized, 27 (8.6%) were hospitalized without supplemental oxygen, 91 (28.9%) were hospitalized with ventilation/supplemental oxygen, and 22 (7%) died. Higher odds of severe COVID‐19 outcomes were observed for: age ≥50 years (50–64 years: OR 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–4.31; >64 years: OR 4.16, 95% CI 2.12–8.15; both vs. <50 years); non‐White race/ethnicity (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.07–3.06; vs. White); mRS moderately severe/severe disability (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.6–5.69; vs. no/slight/moderate disability); history of respiratory dysfunction (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.79–5.58); obesity (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.18–4.25); ≥3 comorbidities (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.76–5.83; vs. ≤2; if comorbidity count used instead of specific comorbidities); glucocorticoid treatment (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.14–4.78); and Guillain–Barré syndrome (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.35–7.13; vs. mitochondrial disease).

Conclusions

Among people with NMDs, there is a differential risk of COVID‐19 outcomes according to demographic and clinical characteristics. These findings could be used to develop tailored management strategies and evidence‐based recommendations for NMD patients.
Genetic evidence for a single stock of giant tiger prawns Penaeus monodon in demarcated prawn fishing zones of Tanzania
Authors: Rumisha Cyrus , Kochzius Marc
Published: October 2022

Tanzania demarcated three prawn fishing zones along its coast to spread fishing pressure and help the prawn fishery to recover. However, it is unknown whether the demarcated zones correspond to the genetic stock structure of the world's most commercially important prawn, the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). Thus, this study used partial mitochondrial control region sequences (534 base pairs) to test the hypotheses that (1) giant tiger prawns in Tanzania's demarcated prawn fishing zones are a single stock and (2) the giant tiger prawns on the Tanzanian coast experienced a recent demographic expansion. The sequences showed high haplotype diversity (h = 0.998–1.0) and low nucleotide diversity (θπ = 1.89%–2.24%). The neutrality test and mismatch analysis showed that the hypothesis of recent demographic expansion could not be rejected. The analysis of molecular variance revealed low and insignificant fixation indices between the zones (FST = 0.00025, p > 0.05; ΦST = −0.00027, p > 0.05), suggesting that the three demarcated fishing zones constitute a single stock and that fishers may be targeting the same stock. Furthermore, it was discovered that Zone 2 has the potential to replenish depleted areas; thus, it should be prioritised in future conservation planning.
What are the views of three key stakeholder groups on extending the breast screening interval for low‐risk women? A secondary qualitative analysis
Authors: Taylor Grace , McWilliams Lorna , Woof Victoria G. , Evans D. Gareth , French David P.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There is increasing interest in risk‐stratified breast screening, whereby the prevention and early detection offers vary by a woman's estimated risk of breast cancer. To date, more focus has been directed towards high‐risk screening pathways rather than considering women at lower risk, who may be eligible for extended screening intervals. This secondary data analysis aimed to compare the views of three key stakeholder groups on how extending screening intervals for low‐risk women should be implemented and communicated as part of a national breast screening programme.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of three qualitative studies exploring the views of distinct stakeholder groups was conducted. Interviews took place with 23 low‐risk women (identified from the BC‐Predict study) and 17 national screening figures, who were involved in policy‐making and implementation. In addition, three focus groups and two interviews were conducted with 26 healthcare professionals. A multiperspective thematic analysis was conducted to identify similarities and differences between stakeholders.

Findings

Three themes were produced: Questionable assumptions about negative consequences, highlighting how other stakeholders lack trust in how women are likely to understand extended screening intervals; Preserving the integrity of the programme, centring on decision‐making and maintaining a positive reputation of breast screening and Negotiating a communication pathway highlighting communication expectations and public campaign importance.

Conclusions

A risk‐stratified screening programme should consider how best to engage women assessed as having a low risk of breast cancer to ensure mutual trust, balance the practicality of change whilst ensuring acceptability, and carefully develop multilevel inclusive communication strategies.

Patient and Public Contribution

The research within this paper involved patient/public contributors throughout including study design and materials input.
Safety and efficacy of midline catheters versus peripheral intravenous catheters: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marsh Nicole , Larsen Emily N. , O'Brien Catherine , Ware Robert S. , Kleidon Tricia M. , Groom Peter , Hewer Barbara , Alexandrou Evan , Flynn Julie , Woollett Kaylene , Rickard Claire M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite pervasive need for peripheral intravenous catheters, insertion is often difficult, and approximately two thirds fail prematurely. Midline catheters are an alternative long peripheral catheter, inserted in the upper arm, ideal for patients with difficult access.

Aim

The aim of this study is to test feasibility of the protocol and compare the efficacy and safety of midline catheters to peripheral intravenous catheters.

Design

A parallel‐group, pilot randomized controlled trial of adult medical/surgical hospitalized patients, from a single Australian referral hospital.

Methods

Participants with difficult vascular access (≤2 palpable veins) and/or anticipated ≥5 days of peripherally compatible intravenous therapy were recruited between May 2019 and March 2020. Participants were randomized to (1) peripheral intravenous catheter or (2) midline catheter. Primary feasibility outcome measured eligibility, recruitment, protocol adherence, retention and attrition. Primary clinical outcomes measured device insertion failure and post‐insertion failure.

Results

In total, n = 143 participants (71 peripheral intravenous catheters and 72 midline catheters) were recruited; n = 139 were analysed. Most feasibility criteria were met. Peripheral intravenous catheters had shorter functional dwell time, with higher incidence of post‐insertion failure compared to midline catheters.

Conclusion

Midline catheters appear to be superior for patients with difficult vascular access or receiving prolonged intravenous therapy; a large, multi‐centre trial to confirm findings is feasible.
Defining the optimal template of salvage lymph node dissection for unilateral pelvic nodal recurrence of prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Van Eecke Henri , Devos Gaëtan , Vansevenant Bram , Vander Stichele Arthur , Devlies Wout , Berghen Charlien , Everaerts Wouter , De Meerleer Gert , Joniau Steven
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Several retrospective studies have shown that salvage bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (sLND) is a valid treatment option in the setting of oligorecurrent nodal prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy. Little is known about the optimal template of such sLND in patients with strictly unilateral pelvic recurrence on PET‐CT imaging. In this study, we investigated whether a unilateral pelvic sLND could be sufficient in such a setting.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data of patients treated with sLND between 2010 and 2019 at the University Hospitals, Leuven. Patients were included if they developed recurrence following radical prostatectomy, characterized by ≤3 unilateral pelvic lymph node metastases on Choline or PSMA PET‐CT and received a super‐extended bilateral pelvic sLND as first metastasis‐directed therapy. As a primary endpoint, we investigated in how many cases a unilateral sLND would have been sufficient.

Results

In total, 44 patients with strictly unilateral pelvic recurrence were treated with super‐extended bilateral pelvic sLND. In 5 out of 44 (11%) patients, histological examination showed presence of prostate cancer in the contralateral hemi‐pelvis. In the group with a single positive node on imaging prior to sLND, only 1 out of 27 (3%) patients had contralateral disease at final pathology. No one (0%) in this group subsequently developed recurrence in the contralateral hemi‐pelvis following sLND.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study suggests that unilateral pelvic sLND could be sufficient in patients with a single unilateral pelvic lymph node recurrence on PET/CT imaging.
Clinical significance of limited and extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for patients with localized prostate cancer: A retrospective, propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Hori Shunta , Nakai Yasushi , Tachibana Akira , Omori Chihiro , Nishimura Nobutaka , Inoue Kuniaki , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Shimizu Takuto , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , Yoneda Tatsuo , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Tanaka Nobumichi
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We investigated the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of limited or extended pelvic lymph node dissection during a robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

Methods

Diagnostic and therapeutic benefits were assessed according to the rates of pN1 and biochemical recurrence, respectively. The primary outcome was the biochemical recurrence‐free rate, and secondary outcomes included the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of pelvic lymph node dissection.

Results

A total of 534 patients were analyzed. Out of the 534 patients, 207 (38.8%) received limited pelvic lymph node dissection while 134 (25.1%) received extended dissection. There were 297 patients with a Briganti index ≥5%. Extended dissections yielded significantly more resected lymph nodes (p < 0.0001), and 72.2% of cases of pN1 were located outside the obturator. The incidence rate of pN1 was 6.1%, and performance of extended lymph node dissection was an independent predictor for pN1 (odds ratio 9.0, 95% confidence interval 2.5–33.1). The rate of biochemical recurrence was 14.9%, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of the propensity score matched population revealed that patients with high or very‐high risk tended to benefit from limited lymph node dissection (hazard ratio 8.4, 95% confidence interval 0.8–82.3) while the therapeutic benefit of extended dissection was unclear by comparison.

Conclusions

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection significantly improves diagnostic accuracy; however, the therapeutic benefit of pelvic lymph node dissection was not observed in this study.
Development and international validation of logistic regression and machine‐learning models for the prediction of 10‐year molar loss
Authors: Troiano Giuseppe , Nibali Luigi , Petsos Hari , Eickholz Peter , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Santamaria Pasquale , Jian Jao , Shi Shuwen , Meng Huanxin , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Wang Hom‐Lay , Ravidà Andrea
Published: October 2022

Aim

To develop and validate models based on logistic regression and artificial intelligence for prognostic prediction of molar survival in periodontally affected patients.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and radiographic data from four different centres across four continents (two in Europe, one in the United States, and one in China) including 515 patients and 3157 molars were collected and used to train and test different types of machine‐learning algorithms for their prognostic ability of molar loss over 10 years. The following models were trained: logistic regression, support vector machine, K‐nearest neighbours, decision tree, random forest, artificial neural network, gradient boosting, and naive Bayes. In addition, different models were aggregated by means of the ensembled stacking method. The primary outcome of the study was related to the prediction of overall molar loss (MLO) in patients after active periodontal treatment.

Results

The general performance in the external validation settings (aggregating three cohorts) revealed that the ensembled model, which combined neural network and logistic regression, showed the best performance among the different models for the prediction of MLO with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.726. The neural network model showed the best AUC of 0.724 for the prediction of periodontitis‐related molar loss. In addition, the ensembled model showed the best calibration performance.

Conclusions

Through a multi‐centre collaboration, both prognostic models for the prediction of molar loss were developed and externally validated. The ensembled model showed the best performance in terms of both discrimination and validation, and it is made freely available to clinicians for widespread use in clinical practice.
Lygus rugulipennis on chrysanthemum: Supplemental prey effects and an evaluation of trap plants
Authors: Woelke Jozef B. , Bouw Machteld , Cusumano Antonino , Messelink Gerben J.
Published: October 2022

The European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis Poppius, is considered a major pest in chrysanthemum nurseries in The Netherlands. Adults puncture plant's apical meristem, after which the growing point splits and growth is inhibited. Flower buds and flowers can also be severely damaged. Both types of damage result in economic losses for growers. Despite the importance of this pest for chrysanthemum nurseries, there is only very limited information about L. rugulipennis development on chrysanthemum plants, Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat., and whether L. rugulipennis can be controlled using trap plants is not known. We investigated whether: (1) L. rugulipennis could develop from egg to adult on the vegetative and flowering stages of chrysanthemum; (2) their performance was enhanced when a supplemental prey source (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs) or another common pest (the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer) was present; and (3) there were alternative plant species more attractive than chrysanthemum for use as trap plants for local pest control or monitoring of L. rugulipennis. L. rugulipennis developed on both vegetative and flowering chrysanthemum stages without any additional food source. Nonetheless, when chrysanthemum was supplemented with E. kuehniella eggs, L. rugulipennis achieved the best performance in terms of the number of adults developed and faster developmental time. Interestingly, L. rugulipennis developed faster on chrysanthemum infested with the aphid M. persicae compared to non‐infested plants, however, there was no difference in the number of adults developed. In a trap plant experiment with 16 plant species in the vegetative stage, we found that white mustard, Sinapis alba L., was significantly more attractive than chrysanthemum to both adult and nymph L. rugulipennis. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential of S. alba as a trap plant for monitoring L. rugulipennis and how the presence of prey in the crop influences L. rugulipennis.
Inhibition of individual and combination of cell free supernatants of phenyllactic acid, pediocin‐ and nisin‐producing lactic acid bacteria against food pathogens and bread spoilage molds
Authors: Sung Wen‐Chieh , Lu Szu‐Hsaun , Chen Yi‐Chen , Pan Chorng‐Liang , Hsiao Hsin‐I
Published: October 2022

Consumer demand has led to an increase in the use of natural antimicrobials for baked good preservation. In this study, the cell‐free culture supernatants of three antagonistic bacterial strains were tested, and their individual and combined antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus neoniger, and Penicillium roqueforti were examined. The mixture of phenyllactic acid and pediocin with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on E. coli growth (RIA 85%). Nisin mixed with phenyllactic acid or pediocin with EDTA exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on B. cereus growth with RIA 85% and 80%, respectively. Phenyllactic acid had a stronger inhibitory effect on P. roqueforti than on A. neoniger at 50 mg/ml MIC. The antipathogenic effects of phenyllactic acid, nisin, and pediocin (alone or in combination, with or without adjuncts) were stronger than their mold‐controlling effects. A combination of such biopreservatives with EDTA is a suitable alternative to the preservatives used to improve the shelf life of perishable food products.
Leaders' Networking Behaviours in a Time of Crisis: A Qualitative Study on the Frontline against COVID‐19
Authors: Tasselli Stefano , Sancino Alessandro
Published: October 2022

What do leaders do when they interact with followers and stakeholders in a time of crisis? What networking behaviours do leaders manifest in such a context of emergency? We answer these questions through qualitative research and cluster analysis conducted on a sample of leaders involved in community management in the most affected region in northern Italy during the three key phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our findings span a period of 18‐months and show that leaders display a behavioural repertoire that includes six networking actions. Grouped together, these actions identify three clusters of leaders: Churners, who engage mainly in network generation and network termination; Divergent leaders, who manifest high levels of network conflict and re‐construal; and Sense‐makers, who are high in network deepening and teleology. Our research contributes to unveil the idiographic micro‐foundations of networking behaviour during organizational jolts.
The identity impact of witnessing selective incivility: A study of minority ethnic professionals
Authors: Fernando Dulini , Kenny Etlyn
Published: October 2022

We examine how minority ethnic employees account for witnessing selective incivility to ethnically similar others. Our study is based on qualitative interviews with British Asian employees – the majority who witnessed incivility directed towards migrant Asian employees working for the same company. Our findings indicate that, for those whose minority ethnic identity was of central importance, witnessing selective incivility towards others from a similar ethnic background can be perceived as an identity threat. We provide insights into three identity work strategies undertaken by witnesses of selective incivility, while illuminating how minority ethnic identity shapes the way witnesses' respond to selective incivility in the workplace.
Pacific Alliance: Trade implications on member countries and other regional trade agreements
Authors: Fairlie Alan , Collantes Erika
Published: October 2022

The Pacific Alliance, born as an alternative to “postliberal regionalism,” aimed at reinforcing the liberalization and openness strategies as well as the North–South agreements previously subscribed by its members. It sought to enhance intraregional trade, promote value chains, and reach out to the Asia‐Pacific region. Ten years after the creation of the Pacific Alliance, it is relevant to assess its effect on trade flows among its members and with other regional trade agreements like the Andean Community and the Southern Common Market. We use an augmented gravity model and the panel data methodology to provide evidence that the Pacific Alliance has not affected trade flows significantly among its members or with other South American regional trade agreements.
Genomic profiling of climate adaptation in Aedes aegypti along an altitudinal gradient in Nepal indicates nongradual expansion of the disease vector
Authors: Kramer Isabelle Marie , Pfenninger Markus , Feldmeyer Barbara , Dhimal Meghnath , Gautam Ishan , Shreshta Pramod , Baral Sunita , Phuyal Parbati , Hartke Juliane , Magdeburg Axel , Groneberg David A. , Ahrens Bodo , Müller Ruth , Waldvogel Ann‐Marie
Published: October 2022

Driven by globalization, urbanization and climate change, the distribution range of invasive vector species has expanded to previously colder ecoregions. To reduce health‐threatening impacts on humans, insect vectors are extensively studied. Population genomics can reveal the genomic basis of adaptation and help to identify emerging trends of vector expansion. By applying whole genome analyses and genotype‐environment associations to populations of the main dengue vector Aedes aegypti, sampled along an altitudinal gradient in Nepal (200–1300 m), we identify putatively adaptive traits and describe the species' genomic footprint of climate adaptation to colder ecoregions. We found two differentiated clusters with significantly different allele frequencies in genes associated to climate adaptation between the highland population (1300 m) and all other lowland populations (≤800 m). We revealed nonsynonymous mutations in 13 of the candidate genes associated to either altitude, precipitation or cold tolerance and identified an isolation‐by‐environment differentiation pattern. Other than the expected gradual differentiation along the altitudinal gradient, our results reveal a distinct genomic differentiation of the highland population. Local high‐altitude adaptation could be one explanation of the population's phenotypic cold tolerance. Carrying alleles relevant for survival under colder climate increases the likelihood of this highland population to a worldwide expansion into other colder ecoregions.
On the path from xylem hydraulic failure to downstream cell death
Authors: Mantova Marylou , Cochard Hervé , Burlett Régis , Delzon Sylvain , King Andrew , Rodriguez‐Dominguez Celia M. , Ahmed Mutez A. , Trueba Santiago , Torres‐Ruiz José M.
Published: October 2022

Xylem hydraulic failure (HF) has been identified as a ubiquitous factor in triggering drought‐induced tree mortality through the damage induced by the progressive dehydration of plant living cells. However, fundamental evidence of the mechanistic link connecting xylem HF to cell death has not been identified yet. The main aim of this study was to evaluate, at the leaf level, the relationship between loss of hydraulic function due to cavitation and cell death under drought conditions and discern how this relationship varied across species with contrasting resistances to cavitation.

Drought was induced by withholding water from potted seedlings, and their leaves were sampled to measure their relative water content (RWC) and cell mortality. Vulnerability curves to cavitation at the leaf level were constructed for each species.

An increment in cavitation events occurrence precedes the onset of cell mortality. A variation in cells tolerance to dehydration was observed along with the resistance to cavitation.

Overall, our results indicate that the onset of cellular mortality occurs at lower RWC than the one for cavitation indicating the role of cavitation in triggering cellular death. They also evidenced a critical RWC for cellular death varying across species with different cavitation resistance.
Epidermal growth factor activates a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α–microRNA‐21 axis to inhibit aquaporin 4 in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chen Junjun , Liu Dong , Yang Jingpu , Jin Chengxun , Zhao Chang , Cheng Jinzhang
Published: October 2022

The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is largely unknown, but accumulating evidence supports the role of the airway epithelium in its pathophysiology. In our study here, we evaluated whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α)–microRNA‐21 (miR‐21)–aquaporin 4 (AQP4) axis in nasal epithelial cells from CRS patients. We found that, compared with normal sinus mucosa, EGF, HIF‐1α, and miR‐21 were upregulated and AQP4 was downregulated in sinus mucosa from patients with CRS and in a CRS mouse model. It was established that EGF upregulated HIF‐1α and miR‐21 expression, that HIF‐1α regulated miR‐21 transcription, and that the AQP4 gene was a target of miR‐21. Knockdown of EGF and HIF‐1α mRNAs and of miR‐21, or overexpression of AQP4 mRNA, inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of hypoxia‐exposed human nasal epithelial cells, effects that were associated with reduced levels of α‐SMA, fibronectin, and vimentin, as well as promoted caspase‐3 activity and E‐cadherin levels. In the mouse CRS model, EGF elevation increased in vivo production of inflammatory IL‐4 and IFN‐γ to promote CRS, which was reversed by AQP4 elevation. Collectively, EGF upregulates HIF‐1α and miR‐21 expression to inhibit AQP4 expression, thereby promoting the proliferation of nasal epithelial cells and the development of CRS.
Evaluation of the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on the growth of cassava storage roots by destructive harvests and ground penetrating radar scanning approaches
Authors: Ruiz‐Vera Ursula M. , Balikian Riley , Larson Timothy H. , Ort Donald R.
Published: October 2022

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production will need to be improved to meet future food demands in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The selection of high‐yielding cassava cultivars requires a better understanding of storage root development. Additionally, since future production will happen under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]), cultivar selection should include responsiveness to elevated [CO2]. Five farmer‐preferred African cassava cultivars were grown for three and a half months in a Free Air CO2 Enrichment experiment in central Illinois. Compared to ambient [CO2] (~400 ppm), cassava storage roots grown under elevated [CO2] (~600 ppm) had a higher biomass with some cultivars having lower storage root water content. The elevated [CO2] stimulation in storage root biomass ranged from 33% to 86% across the five cultivars tested documenting the importance of this trait in developing new cultivars. In addition to the destructive harvests to obtain storage root parameters, we explored ground penetrating radar as a nondestructive method to determine storage root growth across the growing season.
The time course of acclimation to the stress of triose phosphate use limitation
Authors: McClain Alan M. , Cruz Jeffrey A. , Kramer David M. , Sharkey Thomas D.
Published: October 2022

Triose phosphate utilisation (TPU) limits the maximum rate at which plants can photosynthesise. However, TPU is almost never found to be limiting photosynthesis under ambient conditions for plants. This, along with previous results showing adaptability of TPU at low temperature, suggest that TPU capacity is regulated to be just above the photosynthetic rate achievable under the prevailing conditions. A set of experiments were performed to study the adaptability of TPU capacity when plants are acclimated to elevated CO2 concentrations. Plants held at 1500 ppm CO2 were initially TPU limited. After 30 h they no longer exhibited TPU limitations but they did not elevate their TPU capacity. Instead, the maximum rates of carboxylation and electron transport declined. A timecourse of regulatory responses was established. A step increase of CO2 first caused PSI to be oxidised but after 40 s both PSI and PSII had excess electrons as a result of acceptor‐side limitations. Electron flow to PSI slowed and the proton motive force increased. Eventually, non‐photochemical quenching reduced electron flow sufficiently to balance the TPU limitation. Over several minutes rubisco deactivated contributing to regulation of metabolism to overcome the TPU limitation.
Engineering effector‐triggered immunity in rice: Obstacles and perspectives
Authors: Vo Kieu Thi Xuan , Yi Qi , Jeon Jong‐Seong
Published: October 2022

Improving rice immunity is one of the most effective approaches to reduce yield loss by biotic factors, with the aim of increasing rice production by 2050 amidst limited natural resources. Triggering a fast and strong immune response to pathogens, effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) has intrigued scientists to intensively study and utilize the mechanisms for engineering highly resistant plants. The conservation of ETI components and mechanisms across species enables the use of ETI components to generate broad‐spectrum resistance in plants. Numerous efforts have been made to introduce new resistance (R) genes, widen the effector recognition spectrum and generate on‐demand R genes. Although engineering ETI across plant species is still associated with multiple challenges, previous attempts have provided an enhanced understanding of ETI mechanisms. Here, we provide a survey of recent reports in the engineering of rice R genes. In addition, we suggest a framework for future studies of R gene−effector interactions, including genome‐scale investigations in both rice and pathogens, followed by structural studies of R proteins and effectors, and potential strategies to use important ETI components to improve rice immunity.
Yikes! The Effect of Incidental Disgust and Information on Public Attitudes During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Georgarakis George N.
Published: October 2022

Existing research has focused extensively on the role of emotions such as anger, fear, and enthusiasm in explaining public opinion, but less is known about the importance of disgust, an innate disease‐related emotion. To study the independent and joint effects of disgust and information, I draw on the case of the COVID‐19 pandemic. I demonstrate that experimentally induced incidental disgust and exposure to information about how to flatten the curve of the COVID‐19 cases have distinctive effects on political, racial, and health attitudes. Independently, exposure to information affects preferences only for restrictive policies to fight the spread of the virus. In contrast, the stand‐alone effect of incidental disgust, as well as its joint effect with exposure to information, are responsible for attitude change toward both pandemic‐relevant and irrelevant policies, Asian minorities, and prevention measures. Importantly, the study finds that citizens respond symmetrically to disgusting stimuli and information across degrees of political awareness, ideology, partisan affiliation, and trait authoritarianism. The results draw attention to the far‐reaching implications of disgust on public opinion under threatening conditions.
Mixed messages & bounded rationality: The perverse consequences of realIDfor immigration policy
Authors: Stobb Maureen , Miller Banks , Kennedy Joshua
Published: October 2022

Policies concerning undocumented immigrants are inevitably ambivalent, creating uncertainty and confusion in the implementation process. We identify a clear example of this ambivalence —U.S. law setting standards for determining the credibility of asylum seekers—that resulted in an increase in asylum grants despite policymakers' intention to make it harder for individuals to obtain the status. We argue that this law, The REAL ID Act of 2005, sent mixed messages to immigration judges (IJs), street‐level bureaucrats who implement immigration policy. It increased IJ discretion, but set vague limits. We theorize that IJs, behaving in a bounded rationality framework, use their professional legal training as a short‐cut and look primarily to the courts for guidance. Our evidence supports our argument. After the passage of the REAL ID Act, IJ decision‐making is more closely aligned with the preferences of their political and legal principals, and, in the final score, the federal circuit courts are the winners.
Bayesian inference for a mixture double autoregressive model
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Qingqing , Yu Xinyang , Dong Xiaogang
Published: October 2022

This paper considers a mixture double autoregressive model with two components, which can flexibly capture the features usually exhibited by many financial returns such as heteroscedasticity, large kurtosis and multimodal marginals. Bayesian method based on modern Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technology is used to estimate the model parameters. The heteroscedasticity test problem for the underlying process is also addressed by means of Bayes factor. The performances of the proposed methods are evaluated via some simulations. It is shown that the MCMC algorithm is an effective tool to deal with the mixture model. Finally, the proposed model is applied to the S&P500 index data.set.
Cidofovir‐induced anterior uveitis in an allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient
Authors: O'Brien Aine , Boan Peter
Published: October 2022

Anterior uveitis is a reported complication of intravenous cidofovir, almost exclusively described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients treated for cytomegalovirus retinitis. In this study, we report the case of an allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient with significant visual impairment and hypotony following administration of high‐dose intravenous cidofovir for hemorrhagic cystitis due to BK virus.
Lung abscess and empyema in a heart transplant recipient from Thailand
Authors: Bruminhent Jackrapong , López‐Medrano Francisco , Pogatchnik Brian Patrick , Nascimento Ellen , Namsiripongpun Warunyu , Yingchoncharoen Teerapat , Ngodngamthaweesuk Montien , Sukprapruet Araya , Naratreekoon Bundit , Rodriguez‐Goncer Isabel , Hernández Ana , Polanco Natalia , Andrés Amado , Aguado José María , Pouch Stephanie M. , Clemente Wanessa Trindade
Published: October 2022

The case discussed involves a 69‐year‐old Thai woman who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation 9 months before this event. She presented with fever without localizing signs or symptoms. However, her chest images revealed mass‐like consolidation in the left upper lobe. Blood culture and lung tissue identified Rhodococcus equi. She was successfully treated with a combination of antimicrobial therapy, optimization of immunosuppressants, and surgical resection.