bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revising the trait‐based filtering framework to include interacting filters: Lessons from grassland restoration
Authors: Funk Jennifer L.
Published: August 2021

A trait‐based framework of community assembly holds great promise for directing ecological restoration, both for selecting species with desirable traits and for manipulating community factors to enhance plant establishment and persistence. Dispersal, abiotic and biotic factors ‘filter’ species into local communities based on their traits, but interactions among these filters may complicate the use of trait‐based assembly models. In this paper, I review recent studies that apply community‐based theory to grassland restoration and propose a framework for incorporating interacting ecological filters into restoration design.

Dispersal limits restoration success in many grassland communities while others are simultaneously limited by dispersal, environmental factors and biotic interactions. Furthermore, the relative importance of ecological filters can change over space and time. Species also differentially respond to filter manipulations which suggests that trait–environment relationships should be used to generate planting recommendations based on optimal trait values for interacting filters at a given site.

Synthesis. A better understanding of how traits interact with dynamic community assembly filters will allow for site‐specific management recommendations, resulting in restored communities that are resilient to a range of filter modifications including climate change, invasion by non‐native species, and altered disturbance regimes.
Bacterial communities at a groundwater‐surface water ecotone: gradual change or abrupt transition points along a contamination gradient?
Authors: Lehosmaa Kaisa , Muotka Timo , Pirttilä Anna Maria , Jaakola Iikka , Rossi Pekka M. , Jyväsjärvi Jussi
Published: August 2021

Microbial communities contribute greatly to groundwater quality, but the impacts of land‐use practices on bacteria in groundwaters and groundwater‐dependent ecosystems remain poorly known. With 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we assessed bacterial community composition at the groundwater‐surface water ecotone of boreal springs impacted by urbanization and agriculture, using spring water nitrate‐N as a surrogate of contamination. We also measured the rate of a key ecosystem process, organic matter decomposition. We documented a recurrent pattern across all major bacterial phyla where diversity started to decrease at unexpectedly low nitrate‐N concentrations (100–300 μg L−1). At 400 NO3−‐N μg L−1, 25 bacterial exact sequence variants showed a negative response, resulting in a distinct threshold in bacterial community composition.Chthonomonas,AcetobacteralesandHyphomicrobiumwere the most sensitive taxa, while only three taxa (Duganella,UndibacteriumandThermoanaerobaculaceae) were enriched due to increased contamination. Decomposition rate responded unimodally to increasing nitrate‐N concentration, with a peak rate at ~400 NO3−‐N μg L−1, parallelly with a major shift in bacterial community composition. Our results emphasize the utility of bacterial communities in the assessment of groundwater‐dependent ecosystems. They also call for a careful reconsideration of threshold nitrate values for defining groundwater ecosystem health and protecting their microbial biodiversity.
When the wheels come off: Actor‐network therapy for mental health recovery in the bicycle repair workshop
Authors: Marks Nicholas
Published: August 2021

Professional accounts of emotional distress originate from within mainstream mental illness discourses and are underpinned by largely conjectural biomedical, brain‐based conceptions of disorder. Alternative, formulation‐based approaches remain delimited by cultural norms and linguistic resources. Service users frequently declare the most ordinary aspects of therapy the most helpful: listening, understanding, and respectfulness; these are not contingent upon the presence of a mental health professional. This paper describes ameliorations in states of emotional distress amongst volunteer trainee mechanics in a bicycle workshop, which has little overtly to do with mental health. Possible explanations for these ameliorations, or ‘recoveries’, are presented. In an enabling setting that offers the social and material resources conducive to particular ways of being, an applied actor‐network approach is introduced as a practical way to disentangle the concomitant complexities of bicycles and everyday life. This approach to analysing states of distress—introduced here as ‘actor‐network therapy’—combines notions of enactment and enhandedness in the appreciation of ‘engrenage’ – the intriguing intricacy of locally generated, provisional realities.
COVID‐19, asset markets and capital flows
Authors: Beirne John , Renzhi Nuobu , Sugandi Eric , Volz Ulrich
Published: August 2021

This paper empirically examines the reaction of global financial markets across 38 economies to the COVID‐19 outbreak, with special focus on the dynamics of capital flows across 14 emerging market economies. The effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policy responses to COVID‐19 is also tested. Using daily data over the period January 4, 2010 to August 31, 2020, and controlling for a host of domestic and global macroeconomic and financial factors, we use a fixed effects panel approach and a structural VAR framework to show that emerging markets have been more heavily affected than advanced economies. In particular, emerging economies in Asia and Europe have experienced the sharpest impacts on stock, bond and exchange rates due to COVID‐19, as well as abrupt and substantial capital outflows. Quantitative easing and fiscal stimulus packages mainly helped to boost stock prices, notably for advanced and emerging economies in Asia. Our findings also highlight the role that global factors and developments in the world's leading financial centers have on financial conditions in EMEs. Importantly, the impact of COVID‐19 related quantitative easing measures by central banks in advanced countries extended to EMEs, with significant positive spillovers to EME stock markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Going forward, while the ultimate resolution of COVID‐19 may be expected to lead to a market correction as uncertainty declines, our impulse response analysis suggests that there may be persistent effects on bond markets in emerging Europe and on EME capital flows.
Self‐protection by fact‐checking: How pandemic information seeking and verifying affect preventive behaviours
Authors: Zhao Xinyan , Tsang Stephanie J.
Published: August 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has witnessed the proliferation of a plethora of (mis)information on various media platforms and inconsistent crisis instructions from different sources. People consume crisis information from multiple channels and sources to better understand the situation and fact‐check COVID‐19 information. This study elucidates how Americans determine their preventive behaviours based on their information seeking and verifying behaviours during the pandemic. Our results were based on a US nationally representative sample (N = 856), and showed that proactive preventive behaviours (e.g., washing hands frequently) were positively affected by information‐seeking through interpersonal channels, news media, and the government, whereas avoidance preventive behaviours (e.g., avoiding social gatherings) were only positively affected by information‐seeking through news media. Crisis information verifying had positive effects on all types of preventive behaviours. Crisis managers are recommended to reach out to the public using appropriate channels and sources and facilitate individual's ability and motivation in verifying pandemic information.
Strategies for sustaining high‐quality pediatric asthma care in community hospitals
Authors: Jaladanki Sravya , Schechter Sarah B. , Genies Marquita C. , Cabana Michael D. , Rehm Roberta S. , Howell Eric , Kaiser Sunitha V.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify strategies associated with sustained guideline adherence and high‐quality pediatric asthma care in community hospitals.

Data sources

Primary qualitative data from clinicians in hospitals across the United States (collected December 2019–February 2021).

Study design

Pathways for Improving Pediatric Asthma Care (PIPA) was a national quality improvement (QI) intervention. In a prior quantitative study, data from 23 community hospitals in PIPA were analyzed to identify sites with the highest and lowest performance in sustaining improvements for 2 years. In this qualitative study, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with multidisciplinary clinicians from these hospitals to identify strategies associated with sustainability.

Data collection/extraction methods

We purposefully sampled and interviewed participants involved in clinical care of children hospitalized with asthma at the identified hospitals (those with the highest/lowest sustainability performance). We transcribed and analyzed interview data using constant comparative methods.

Principal findings

Clinicians (n = 19) from five higher‐ and three lower‐performing hospitals participated. In higher‐performing hospitals, dedicated local champions more consistently provided reminders of evidence‐based practices and delivered ongoing education. They also modified/developed electronic health record (EHR) tools (e.g., order sets with decision support). Higher‐performing hospitals had a collaborative culture receptive to practice change and set firm expectations that evidence‐based practices would be followed without exception. In lower‐performing hospitals, participants described unique barriers, including delays in modifying the EHR and lack of automation of EHR tools (requiring clinicians to remember new EHR tasks without automated prompts). Barriers to sustainability for all hospitals included challenges with quality monitoring, decreasing focus of local champions over time, and ongoing difficulties developing consensus around evidence‐based practices.

Conclusions

To better ensure sustained high‐quality care for children with asthma and greater returns on QI investments, QI leaders should prioritize: designating long‐term local champions to continue reminders and educational efforts and developing electronic order sets to provide ongoing decision support.
Returns to Scale in Residential Construction: The Marginal Impact of Building Height
Authors: Eriksen Michael D. , Orlando Anthony W.
Published: August 2021

We estimate the marginal cost and break‐even rent of developing multifamily apartment buildings in the 50 largest cities in the United States using a novel data set of required construction inputs of standardized assemblies. We find nonlinearities in the marginal cost curve at the fourth and eighth stories that directly impact a developer's returns to scale with respect to height. This curve allows us to identify a developer's maximum willingness to pay for land for each building height, which we then compare to existing single‐family land prices to determine whether new multifamily development will occur. The analysis concludes by simulating the impact of height regulations on break‐even rents of new supply. We find that height regulation often has large, negative effects on housing affordability, with increasing magnitudes for more expensive land markets.
The effects of drying the rinsed dissected heart on postmortem heart weight
Authors: Garland Jack , Kesha Kilak , Glenn Charley , Morrow Paul , Stables Simon , Ondruschka Benjamin , Lohner Larissa , Tse Rexson
Published: August 2021

Blood and blood clots should be removed from the heart chambers before being weighed. The actual method in removing blood and blood clots may vary and can include manual removal with subsequent rinsing the heart in water. It is unclear whether drying the rinsed heart affects the heart weight. The objective of this article was to investigate the effects drying the rinsed dissected heart (residual rinsing water) on postmortem heart weight. The prospective study compared 44 dissected heart weights after being rinsed and after being pat dried. An average 18–20 g of residual rinsing water (4% of heart weight) was present in the dissected heart. The amount of residual rinsing water correlates positively with heart weight. The effects of drying the rinsed dissected heart were considered clinically insignificant. Although being clinically insignificant, this study highlights the lack of standardized approach in weighing the heart and the potential implications in interpreting heart weights.
Utilization of Vaccinium meridionale S. pomace as an eco‐friendly and functional colorant in Greek‐style yogurt
Authors: Garzón Gloria Astrid , Medina José L. , Montana Tania L. , Sánchez Mhateo , Novoa Carlos F. , Gutiérrez Luis‐Felipe
Published: August 2021

Greek‐style yogurt (GSY) has gained reputation as a healthy food because of its high protein content. Vaccinium meridionale S. is a bilberry with a high content of bioactive phytochemicals, whose vaccinium meridionale pomace (VMP) represents about 20% of the fruit weight. However, this byproduct is normally discarded as waste. In this study, VMP was used as a natural colorant in GSY. Coloring before or after the fermentation process resulted in significant increase in anthocyanins, total phenolics content, antioxidant activity, conjugated linoleic acid, and sensory acceptance. These results indicate that VMP is a potential natural, eco‐friendly, and functional colorant to improve the nutritional value of GSY.

Practical Application

Vaccinium meridionale pomace is a waste product with potential to be utilized as a natural, eco‐friendly, and functional colorant to obtain value‐added Greek‐style yogurt. Besides providing bioactive compounds and natural color, this pomace improves the nutritional value, sensory acceptance, and functional properties of Greek yogurt.
A genome‐wide SNP genotyping resource for tropical pine tree species
Authors: Jackson Colin , Christie Nanette , Reynolds Sharon Melissa , Marais Gerhard C. , Tii‐kuzu Yokateme , Caballero Madison , Kampman Tamanique , Visser Erik A. , Naidoo Sanushka , Kain Dominic , Whetten Ross W. , Isik Fikret , Wegrzyn Jill , Hodge Gary R. , Acosta Juan J. , Myburg Alexander A.
Published: August 2021

We performed gene and genome targeted SNP discovery towards the development of a genome‐wide, multispecies genotyping array for tropical pines. Pooled RNA‐seq data from shoots of seedlings from five tropical pine species was used to identify transcript‐based SNPs resulting in 1.3 million candidate Affymetrix SNP probe sets. In addition, we used a custom 40 K probe set to perform capture‐seq in pooled DNA from 81 provenances representing the natural ranges of six tropical pine species in Mexico and Central America resulting in 563 K candidate SNP probe sets. Altogether, 300 K RNA‐seq (72%) and 120 K capture‐seq (28%) derived SNP probe sets were tiled on a 420 K screening array that was used to genotype 576 trees representing the 81 provenances and commercial breeding material. Based on the screening array results, 50 K SNPs were selected for commercial SNP array production including 20 K polymorphic SNPs for P. patula, P. tecunumanii, P. oocarpa and P. caribaea, 15 K for P. greggii and P. maximinoi, 13 K for P. elliottii and 8K for P. pseudostrobus. We included 9.7 K ancestry informative SNPs that will be valuable for species and hybrid discrimination. Of the 50 K SNP markers, 25% are polymorphic in only one species, while 75% are shared by two or more species. The Pitro50K SNP chip will be useful for population genomics and molecular breeding in this group of pine species that, together with their hybrids, represent the majority of fast‐growing tropical and subtropical pine plantations globally.
Hypophosphataemia is common in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Erritzøe‐Jervild Mai , Wesierski Jesper , Romano Stefano , Frikke‐Schmidt Ruth , Orre Matias , Eskesen Vagn , Olsen Markus H. , Møller Kirsten
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Hypophosphataemia is common in critically ill patients, but neither its prevalence nor its association with outcome have been investigated specifically in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

Patients with aSAH and at least one phosphate measurement were included from two independent cohorts; an American cohort extracted from two open‐access databases (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care‐III and eICU Collaborative Research Database v. 2.0) and a Danish cohort consisting of patients with aSAH admitted to Rigshospitalet, Denmark over a 4‐year period. In each cohort, we calculated the prevalence of mild (0.32–0.80 mmol/L) and severe (<0.32 mmol/L) hypophosphataemia and their association with in‐hospital mortality before and after propensity‐score matching.

Results

Hypophosphataemia occurred in 72.4% (95% CI: 68.1–76.3) of patients in the American cohort (n = 471) and 54.9% (50.0–59.7) in the Danish cohort (n = 419). However, it was not associated with mortality in neither full (American: Mild, Odds ratio (OR) 0.99 (0.91–1.07), Severe OR 1.20 (0.95–1.51); Danish: Mild, OR 1.01 (0.95–1.08), Severe OR 1.20 (0.95–1.51)) nor propensity‐score matched cohorts (American (n = 168): Mild, OR 1.06 (0.88–1.28), Severe OR 1.46 (0.96–2.12); Danish (n = 44): Mild, OR 1.16 (0.82–1.65), Severe OR 0.45 (0.13–1.55)).

Conclusion

In this retrospective study of patients with aSAH, hypophosphataemia was common.
Molecular investigation of the pine‐tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pini (L.) population in Scotland: a new arrival or an old acquaintance?
Authors: A'Hara Stuart , Moore Roger , Cottrell Joan
Published: August 2021

Pine‐tree lappet moth (Dendrolimus pini L.) larvae can be serious defoliators of pine in several countries within mainland Europe. A breeding population of pine‐tree lappet moth was confirmed near Inverness, Scotland in 2009, prior to which the species had only been observed in the United Kingdom as an occasional nonbreeding migrant to southern England.

To investigate whether a geographic pattern of DNA variation exists that could elucidate whether the population is native or introduced, we analysed nuclear (ITS2) and mitochondrial (NAD and COI) sequence data from D. pini from across a broad geographic range. Additionally, microsatellite marker data were used to examine neutral genetic diversity and to look for evidence of a recent population bottleneck in the Scottish population.

ITS2 sequence analysis confirmed that the Scottish population was D. pini and identified a distinct Western European group of D. pini samples. Analysis of the mitochondrial sequences grouped the haplotypes into two main phylogenetic groups (A and B) and a well‐supported Western European sub‐group (b1). A high number of unique haplotypes were recorded, highlighting the haplotype diversity across the species range. The Scottish haplotype did not have an exact match but grouped with haplotypes from group B. The microsatellite markers highlighted low genetic diversity in the Scottish population but there was no evidence of a recent population bottleneck.

Evidence to distinguish between a native versus a recent introduction origin of the Scottish population is equivocal. Further sampling to increase haplotype coverage may help to clarify this question.
Maize price volatility and deforestation
Authors: Lundberg Clark , Abman Ryan
Published: August 2021

We develop a model of deforestation using a real option on agricultural land conversion and establish an important link between agricultural commodity price volatility and forest loss. Higher price volatility of staple commodities increases incentives to delay land conversion and is associated with lower levels of deforestation. Using satellite‐derived estimates of local deforestation and high‐frequency local maize prices across a panel of market catchments across 26 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, we find strong empirical evidence that maize price volatility is negatively associated with forest loss. Our findings are driven by catchments in biomes that are relatively well‐suited to maize production. Instrumenting for changes in price levels and price volatility with spatially explicit temperature and rainfall anomalies yields results consistent with our main approach. The findings highlight important tensions between agricultural price stabilization policies, conservation efforts, and environmental externalities.
Cannabigerolic acid, a major biosynthetic precursor molecule in cannabis, exhibits divergent effects on seizures in mouse models of epilepsy
Authors: Anderson Lyndsey L. , Heblinski Marika , Absalom Nathan L. , Hawkins Nicole A. , Bowen Michael T. , Benson Melissa J. , Zhang Fan , Bahceci Dilara , Doohan Peter T. , Chebib Mary , McGregor Iain S. , Kearney Jennifer A. , Arnold Jonathon C.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Cannabis has been used to treat epilepsy for millennia, with such use validated by regulatory approval of cannabidiol (CBD) for Dravet syndrome. Unregulated artisanal cannabis‐based products used to treat children with intractable epilepsies often contain relatively low doses of CBD but are enriched in other phytocannabinoids. This raises the possibility that other cannabis constituents might have anticonvulsant properties.

Experimental Approach

We used the Scn1a+/− mouse model of Dravet syndrome to investigate the cannabis plant for phytocannabinoids with anticonvulsant effects against hyperthermia‐induced seizures. The most promising, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), was further examined against spontaneous seizures and survival in Scn1a+/− mice and in electroshock seizure models. Pharmacological effects of CBGA were surveyed across multiple drug targets.

Key Results

The initial screen identified three phytocannabinoids with novel anticonvulsant properties: CBGA, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) and cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA). CBGA was most potent and potentiated the anticonvulsant effects of clobazam against hyperthermia‐induced and spontaneous seizures, and was anticonvulsant in the MES threshold test. However, CBGA was proconvulsant in the 6‐Hz threshold test and a high dose increased spontaneous seizure frequency in Scn1a+/− mice. CBGA was found to interact with numerous epilepsy‐relevant targets including GPR55, TRPV1 channels and GABAA receptors.

Conclusion and Implications

These results suggest that CBGA, CBDVA and CBGVA may contribute to the effects of cannabis‐based products in childhood epilepsy. Although these phytocannabinoids have anticonvulsant potential and could be lead compounds for drug development programmes, several liabilities would need to be overcome before CBD is superseded by another in this class.
Detrital apatite geochemistry and thermochronology from the Oligocene/Miocene Alpine foreland record the early exhumation of the Tauern Window
Authors: Hülscher Julian , Sobel Edward R. , Verwater Vincent , Groß Philip , Chew David , Bernhardt Anne
Published: August 2021

The early exhumation history of the Tauern Window in the European Eastern Alps and its surface expression is poorly dated and quantified, partly because thermochronological and provenance information are sparse from the Upper Austrian Northern Alpine Foreland Basin. For the first time, we combine a single‐grain double‐dating approach (Apatite Fission Track and U‐Pb dating) with trace‐element geochemistry analysis on the same apatites to reconstruct the provenance and exhumation history of the late Oligocene/early Miocene Eastern Alps. The results from 22 samples from the Chattian to Burdigalian sedimentary infill of the Upper Austrian Northern Alpine Foreland Basin were integrated with a 3D seismic‐reflection data set and published stratigraphic reports. Our highly discriminative data set indicates an increasing proportion of apatites (from 6% to 23%) with Sr/Y values <0.1 up‐section and an increasing amount of apatites (from 24% to 38%) containing >1,000 ppm light rare‐earth elements from Chattian to Burdigalian time. The number of U‐Pb ages with acceptable uncertainties increases from 40% to 59% up‐section, with mostly late Variscan/Permian ages, while an increasing number of grains (10%–27%) have Eocene or younger apatite fission track cooling ages. The changes in the apatite trace‐element geochemistry and U‐Pb data mirror increased sediment input from an ≥upper amphibolite‐facies metamorphic source of late Variscan/Permian age – probably the Ötztal‐Bundschuh nappe system – accompanied by increasing exhumation rates indicated by decreasing apatite fission track lag times. We attribute these changes to the surface response to upright folding and doming in the Penninic units of the future Tauern Window starting at 29–27 Ma. This early period of exhumation (0.3–0.6 mm/a) is triggered by early Adriatic indentation along the Giudicarie Fault System.
Cultivating the paradigm of disruptive innovation: Knowledge production in a transdisciplinary field under a cocitation analysis
Authors: Shu Cheng , Sun Sunny Li , Zeng Xiaodan
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to gain an impression of recent developments in the field of disruptive innovation and to analyse changes in the intellectual structure of this field from 1994 to 2014 using bibliographic methods. Applying “Mode 2” transdisciplinarity knowledge production and paradigm development theory, we perform a citation and cocitation analysis with multidimensional scaling tools using the Web of Science as the data source. Through the analysis, we present major research trends as well as the evolution of paradigm development in the transdisciplinary field of disruptive innovation. We also find that the conversation between theory and practice and the pollination from divergent sources are critical to the advancement of disruptive innovation.
Methylation‐associated silencing of miR‐9‐1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression and glycolysis via HK2
Authors: Xu Qian‐Lan , Luo Zan , Zhang Bin , Qin Guan‐Jie , Zhang Ru‐Yun , Kong Xiang‐Yun , Tang Hua‐Ying , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2021

Characteristically, cancer cells metabolize glucose through aerobic glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect. Accumulating evidence suggest that during cancer formation, microRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate such metabolic reprogramming. In the present study, miR‐9‐1 was identified as significantly hypermethylated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines and clinical tissues. Ectopic expression of miR‐9‐1 inhibited NPC cell growth and glycolytic metabolism, including reduced glycolysis, by reducing lactate production, glucose uptake, cellular glucose‐6‐phosphate levels, and ATP generation in vitro and tumor proliferation in vivo. HK2 (encoding hexokinase 2) was identified as a direct target of miR‐9‐1 using luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting. In NPC cells, hypermethylation regulates miR‐9‐1 expression and inhibits HK2 translation by directly targeting its 3' untranslated region. MiR‐9‐1 overexpression markedly reduced HK2 protein levels. Restoration of HK2 expression attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR‐9‐1 on NPC cell proliferation and glycolysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization results indicated that miR‐9‐1 expression was an independent prognostic factor in NPC. Our findings revealed the role of the miR‐9‐1/HK2 axis in the metabolic reprogramming of NPC, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for NPC.
Prognostic significance of human papillomavirus 16 viral load level in patients with oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Hashida Yumiko , Higuchi Tomonori , Matsumoto Shuichi , Iguchi Mitsuko , Murakami Ichiro , Hyodo Masamitsu , Daibata Masanori
Published: August 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a major determinant for better prognosis. However, there remain HPV‐positive patients who have poor outcomes. The stratification strategy for detecting high‐risk patients among those with HPV‐positive OPSCC has not been well delineated, especially for Asian patients. We undertook a retrospective cohort study on the survival rate of 89 Japanese patients diagnosed with primary OPSCC. The tumors were concurrently analyzed for the presence of HPV E6 DNA/mRNA, viral DNA load, p16 expression, viral physical status, and viral variant lineage. Human papillomavirus 16 viral DNA was found in 45 (51%) OPSCCs. Human papillomavirus 16 DNA‐positive OPSCCs with higher viral load (classified as HPV16 DNA‐medium/high OPSCCs) showed significantly favorable overall survival and progression‐free survival compared with HPV16 DNA‐positive OPSCCs with lower viral load (<10 copies/cell; HPV16 DNA‐low OPSCCs) and HPV16 DNA‐negative OPSCCs. E6 mRNA expression was observed in all HPV16 DNA‐medium/high OPSCCs but not in HPV16 DNA‐low OPSCCs. Notably, p16‐positive and HPV16 DNA‐negative/low OPSCCs showed significantly worse survival than p16‐positive and HPV16 DNA‐medium/high OPSCCs and resembled HPV‐unrelated OPSCCs with regard to survival and risk factor profile. Although not significant, a trend toward shorter survival was observed for HPV16‐integrated OPSCCs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major types of HPV16 variants termed Asian (A4) and European (A1/A2/A3) variants, but no difference in survival between these variants was observed. Altogether, these findings suggest that HPV viral load is a potentially informative factor for more accurate risk stratification of patients with OPSCC.
Improved function and balance in T cell modulation by endothelial cells in young people
Authors: Tang Shu-Qian , Yao Wei-Li , Wang Ya-Zhe , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Zhao Hong-Yan , Wen Qi , Wang Yu , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Huang Xiao-Jun , Kong Yuan
Published: August 2021

Elderly individuals exhibit unbalanced bone marrow (BM) effector T cell subset differentiation, such as increased T helper type 1 (Th1) and T cytotoxic type 1 (Tc1) cell frequencies, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Endothelial cells (ECs), which are instructive components of the BM microenvironment, exhibit the phenotype of semi-professional antigen-presenting cells and regulate T cell recruitment and activation. Thus, we compared the frequency and function of BM ECs, especially their capacity to regulate effector T cell subsets, between young and elderly healthy individuals, and explored the underlying mechanism of this immunomodulatory discrepancy. Although the young and elderly EC percentages were comparable, young ECs showed fewer reactive oxygen species and better migratory and tube-forming abilities than elderly ECs. Notably, increased T cell activation molecules and inflammatory cytokines were found in elderly ECs which regulated T cells to differentiate into more proinflammatory T cells, including Th1 and Tc1 cells, than young ECs.
Prevalence of zonulopathy in primary angle closure disease
Authors: Salimi Ali , Fanous Anthony , Watt Harrison , Abu‐Nada Mohamed , Wang Anna , Harasymowycz Paul
Published: August 2021

Background

To determine the prevalence of zonulopathy in a large cohort of eyes with primary angle closure disease (PACD) that underwent cataract surgery.

Methods

Retrospective consecutive case series of PACD eyes (including primary angle closure suspect, primary angle closure, and primary angle closure glaucoma) that underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery or clear lens extraction between 2009 and 2020 at a single ophthalmology centre. Those with risk factors for zonulopathy such as history of trauma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, intraocular surgery, retinitis pigmentosa or connective tissue disorders were excluded. The primary outcomes included the prevalence of zonulopathy assessed intraoperatively and secondary pigment dispersion syndrome.

Results

In our cohort of 806 consecutive PACD eyes, the prevalence of zonulopathy was 7.3% (59 of 806 eyes) – significantly greater than the 0.46%–2.6% range reported for the general population (p < 0.001). Intraoperative signs of zonular weakness included floppy capsular bag (29 eyes, 3.6%), zonular laxity (25 eyes, 3.1%) and zonular dehiscence (11 eyes, 1.4%). Among these eyes, capsular tension ring was used in 23 eyes (39.0%), six eyes (10.2%) experienced vitreous prolapse intraoperatively and underwent anterior vitrectomy, and two eyes (3.4%) experienced posterior capsular rupture, one of which required a scleral‐fixated intraocular lens. Secondary pigment dispersion syndrome was observed in 141 eyes (17.5%).

Conclusions

This study evidenced a high prevalence of zonulopathy among a large cohort of PACD eyes and suggests zonulopathy as a possible under‐recognised cause of angle closure. Until more sophisticated imaging modalities become available, awareness about the prevalence of zonulopathy in angle closure disease coupled with careful preoperative examinations can help minimise or prevent the complications of zonulopathy.
Enhanced recovery after surgery programs improve short‐term outcomes after liver transplantation–A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tinguely Pascale , Morare Nolitha , Ramirez‐Del Val Alejandro , Berenguer Marina , Niemann Claus U. , Pollok Joerg M. , Raptis Dimitri A. , Spiro Michael
Published: August 2021

This systematic review aimed to investigate the available quality of evidence (QOE) of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for liver transplantation (LT) on short‐term outcomes, grade recommendations, and identify relevant components for ERAS protocols. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted on short‐term outcomes after LT when applying comprehensive ERAS protocols (> 1 ERAS component) versus control groups (CRD42021210374), following the GRADE approach for grading QOE and strength of recommendations. Endpoints were morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and readmission rates after ERAS for LT. Of 858 screened articles, two randomized controlled trials, two prospective, and one retrospective cohort studies were included (2002–2020). Frequent ERAS components were early extubation and postoperative antibiotic, fluid, and nutrition management. Overall complications were reduced in ERAS versus control cohorts (OR .4 (CI .2, .7), with no significant differences in mortality and hospital readmission rates. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were shorter in ERAS groups (percentage decrease, 55% and 29%, respectively). QOE for individual outcomes was rated moderate to low. ERAS protocols in LT are related to improved short‐term outcomes after LT (QOE; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong), but currently lack standardization.
‘You drink at home so they can go to work safely’: A case study exploring alcohol marketing during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kennedy Laura J. , Cukier Samantha , Khoury Liane , Steeves Dan
Published: August 2021

Alcohol marketing is linked to heavy consumption. Researchers have begun to examine how the alcohol industry has adapted its marketing practices during the 2020 Global COVID‐19 pandemic. In Canada, Nova Scotia's culture of heavy drinking has been identified as a cause for concern by community, health care and government. This case study examines how one alcohol company coopted the facilities, staff, logos and fundraising efforts of a local health charity to market the sale and home delivery of a 6% alcohol by volume product via social media. This case study details the marketing practices of the alcohol brand, suggests why the marketing practices are problematic and concludes with recommendations for health promotion practice as well as suggestions for future research.
Firm performance and economic development: Evidence from a unique dataset of China
Authors: Cao Jing , Mao Jie
Published: August 2021

Using a unique firm‐level dataset from 2007 to 2015, we investigated the characteristics and trends of China's economic development from the perspective of firm performance. We found that China's economic development in the recent decade has made the following achievements: less reliance on investment for growth, enterprises’ deleveraging, a more competitive market environment and improvement in labour income distribution. Yet, it still faced severe challenges, such as increasing tax and fee burdens, high employment pressure, low total factor productivity (TFP) growth rate, and how to realize the coordinated development of the economy and environment.
Inheritance of DNA methylation differences in the mangroveRhizophora mangle
Authors: Mounger Jeannie , Boquete M. Teresa , Schmid Marc W. , Granado Renan , Robertson Marta H. , Voors Sandy A. , Langanke Kristen L. , Alvarez Mariano , Wagemaker Cornelis A. M. , Schrey Aaron W. , Fox Gordon A. , Lewis David B. , Lira Catarina Fonseca , Richards Christina L.
Published: August 2021

The capacity to respond to environmental challenges ultimately relies on phenotypic variation which manifests from complex interactions of genetic and nongenetic mechanisms through development. While we know something about genetic variation and structure of many species of conservation importance, we know very little about the nongenetic contributions to variation.Rhizophora mangleis a foundation species that occurs in coastal estuarine habitats throughout the neotropics where it provides critical ecosystem functions and is potentially threatened by anthropogenic environmental changes. Several studies have documented landscape‐level patterns of genetic variation in this species, but we know virtually nothing about the inheritance of nongenetic variation. To assess one type of nongenetic variation, we examined the patterns of DNA sequence and DNA methylation in maternal plants and offspring from natural populations ofR. manglefrom the Gulf Coast of Florida. We used a reduced representation bisulfite sequencing approach (epi‐genotyping by sequencing; epiGBS) to address the following questions: (a) What are the levels of genetic and epigenetic diversity in natural populations ofR. mangle? (b) How are genetic and epigenetic variation structured within and among populations? (c) How faithfully is epigenetic variation inherited? We found low genetic diversity but high epigenetic diversity from natural populations of maternal plants in the field. In addition, a large portion (up to ~25%) of epigenetic differences among offspring grown in common garden was explained by maternal family. Therefore, epigenetic variation could be an important source of response to challenging environments in the genetically depauperate populations of this foundation species.
Dietary multivalent anti‐Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin Y significantly increase the H. pylori eradication and improve the clinical symptoms in patients
Authors: Guo Rong , Wu Shan , Guan Li , Xie Yongmei , Yang Xifei , Li Zaixin , Zhang Zhi
Published: August 2021

Background

The oral chicken immunoglobulin Y (IgY) as a novel model of immunotherapy to control Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, Hp) infection has gained much interest in recent years. However, none of the current IgY therapies showed a total eradication of H. pylori on patients.

Methods

In this report, the recombinant antigens of H. pylori, including UreB (1710 bp), BabA2 (1269 bp), and FlaA (399 bp), were, respectively, expressed and purified, and then mixed and subjected to immunize laying hens for the preparation of multivalent anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin Y (anti‐Hp mIgY). Next, the biological activities of anti‐Hp mIgY, including the recognition to antigens and the inhibition on H. pylori growth, were tested. Moreover, to perform a clinical trial, 94 Hp‐infected patients, according to the values of 13C urea breath test and the characteristics of gastroscopy of volunteers, were enrolled to evaluate the effects of dietary anti‐Hp mIgY against H. pylori infection. After continuous dietary of anti‐Hp mIgY for 2 weeks, the oral administration was terminated. The clinical symptoms of the patients were followed up at 2nd, 4th, and 6th week, respectively, and the 13C urea breath test were re‐examined at 6th week.

Results

The anti‐Hp mIgY could bind to recombinant antigens very well, and the titers of anti‐Hp mIgY to UreB, Baba2, and FlaA, are 62.5, 125, and 250 μg/ml, respectively. The in vitro antibacterial test showed that the 2 mg/ml of anti‐Hp mIgY could completely inhibit the H. pylori growth for 36 h. After a 2‐week dietary of anti‐Hp mIgY, the value of 13C urea breath test was significantly decreased by 56.0% (25.9 ± 14.1 vs 11.4 ± 9.78, p < 0.001), the total improvement rate of clinical symptoms in volunteers was 87.3%, and the H. pylori eradication rate was 30.6%.

Conclusion

Two‐week dietary of anti‐Hp mIgY greatly improved the clinical symptoms and the quality of life of Hp‐infected patients, and the H. pylori eradication rate reached up to 30.6%.
Metabarcoding reveals selective dietary responses to environmental availability in the diet of a nocturnal, aerial insectivore, the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
Authors: Mitchell Lucy J. , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Dawson Deborah A. , Maher Kathryn H. , Arnold Kathryn E.
Published: August 2021

Many bird species are vulnerable to environmental change, so knowledge of their diet and its variation can help understand population status and flexibility to respond to change. Insectivorous species are predicted to have a flexible diet within and between individuals, which can respond to naturally fluctuating prey abundance, thus allowing opportunistic exploitation of available resources. We analysed the diet of a nocturnal, aerial insectivore, the European NightjarCaprimulgus europaeus, using high‐throughput metabarcoding. We quantified diet diversity and composition of 130 faecal samples from nests and roosts on a northern breeding site in the UK from 2015 to 2018, and compared differences among individuals and years. Although dominated by moths, diet varied significantly between individual faecal samples and between years and months. Prey species composition varied between years, and was more variable between samples in 2017 than in other years. Faecal samples were significantly more likely to contain moth species with a wingspan of > 60 mm and less likely to contain moth species of < 25 mm wingspan. This indicated size‐selective foraging, which also varied between months and years. Diet was driven by interindividual variation, indicating population‐level flexibility in prey choice. Metabarcoding provided a valuable tool in the exploration of insectivorous diets, but efforts are needed to build comprehensive reference libraries in order to compile full prey species lists.
Patient handover education programme based on situated learning theory for nursing students in clinical practice
Authors: Kim Jung Hee , Lim Jong Mi , Kim Eun Man
Published: August 2021

Aim

If not conducted correctly, nursing handover can threaten patient safety, and so nursing students require good handover education. This study evaluated a handover education programme based on situated learning theory in a clinical practicum.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental design and convenience sampling technique were used. The participants (fourth‐grade nursing students recruited from a college in the C province of South Korea) were assigned to an intervention group (n = 38) or a control group (n = 39). A handover education programme that included lectures, expert observations, role playing, peer learning and reflection was received by the intervention group. The control group attended lectures and observed handovers. The handover skills of all participants were tested 2 weeks before and on the last day of the clinical practicum. Handover performance ability, handover clinical judgement ability and handover self‐efficacy were outcome variables.

Results

Significant improvements in handover performance ability, handover clinical judgement ability and handover self‐efficacy were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The significance of this study lies in the development and application of a programme based on situated learning theory for handover education. Application of theory‐based handover education in clinical practicums is recommended to improve the handover capabilities of nursing students.
The physiological and proteomic characteristics of oilseed rape stem affect seed yield and lodging resistance under different planting densities and row spacing
Authors: Kuai Jie , Li Xiaoyong , Ji Jianli , Li Zhen , Xie Yan , Wang Bo , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: August 2021

Lodging is an important factor that restricts the yield of rapeseed and the mechanical harvesting. To explore agricultural practise and mechanisms that can synergistically improve the rapeseed yield and lodging resistance, a conventional plant type HZ 62 was selected in 2016–2017, and HZ 62 and an erect‐leaf type 1,301 were grown in 2017–2018. The planting density was set as main plots at 15 × 104 plants ha1 (D1), 30 × 104 plants ha‐1 (D2) and 45 × 104 plants ha−1 (D3), with the row spacing as sub‐plots of 15 cm (R15), 25 cm (R25) and 35 cm (R35). The results showed that with increased density and narrowed row spacing, the radiation utilisation efficiency (RUE) of the population and seed yield were greatly increased. Compared with that at D1R25, the yield of HZ 62 at D3R15 was increased by 19.00% and 22.53%, respectively, in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018, whereas the yield of 1,301 rose by 31.98%. The influence of the RUE on the seed yield reached the peak at flowering stage. With increased planting density and narrowed row spacing, the lodging index of HZ 62 declined. The lodging index of 1,301 was increased with higher density and declined with narrowed row spacing. Compared with D1R25, the averaged lodging index across different parts of HZ 62 at D3R15 declined by 15.03% and 10.80%, respectively, in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018, and that of 1,301 was increased by 25.47%. Compared with D1R25, the stem proteomics during the flowering stage showed the expression of photosynthesis‐related proteins (A0A078FHG9, A0A078JZM9 and A0A078JQI2) up‐regulated, that consistent with Rubisco, SPS and FBPase activities; proteins related to phenylpropanes metabolism, A0A078IWR4 of HZ 62 and A0A078JWZ9 of 1,301 increased that consistent with POD activity, which resulted in more sucrose, starch and lignin in the stem at D3R15. Moreover, the protein related to cellulose synthesis (A0A078I4D9), the activity of β‐1,3‐glucanase and content of cellulose in the stem were up‐regulated in HZ 62 but down‐regulated in 1,301, contrary to the variation in the stem lodging index. The cellulose synthesis differed between the varieties in different treatment combinations of planting density and row spacing. This was the key process by which planting density and row spacing influence the lodging of rapeseed varieties with varied plant architecture.
Clinical impact of medication adherence on 10‐year cardio‐cerebrovascular mortality in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients
Authors: Kim Cho‐Long , Do Yoon‐Sung , Kim Byung‐Jun , Lee Kyeong‐Soo , Nah Min‐Ah , Kim Ung , Lee Jung‐Hee , Hwang Tae‐Yoon
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of medication adherence on cardio‐cerebrovascular (CCV) mortality in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. The authors retrospectively reviewed data from 20,836 patients who newly diagnosed hypertension from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005. Medication adherence was calculated from the compliance ratio (CR) during the first year after the diagnosis of hypertension. CCV mortality for 10 years was assessed according to the presence or absence of complications of hypertension. The risk of CCV death was significantly reduced in the CR ≥ 70% group than in the CR < 70% group (hazard ratio, 0.70; p = .004) for 10 years. In the patients without complications, the risk of CCV death was significantly lower in the CR ≥ 70% group than in the CR < 70% group (hazard ratio, 0.56; p = .014). However, in patients with complications, there was no significant difference in risk of CCV death between the CR ≥ 70% group and the CR < 70% group (hazard ratio, 0.79; p = .100). Only the CR ≥ 90% group had a significantly lower risk of CCV death (hazard ratio, 0.56; p < .001) for those with complications. Medication adherence is significantly associated with CCV mortality during 10 years in newly diagnosed hypertensives patients. Patients with complications of hypertension have to continue a high adherence rate (CR ≥ 90) for better long‐term clinical outcomes.