bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lichen biocrusts contribute to soil microbial biomass carbon in the northern temperate zone: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Chang , Bu Chongfeng , Wu Shufang , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: June 2024

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have crucial ecological functions in dryland ecosystems, yet understanding the variations in soil microbial biomass within biocrusts across diverse ecosystems, climates and soil conditions remains limited. This knowledge gap constrains our understanding of how microbial communities within biocrusts regulate terrestrial carbon and nitrogen cycling. Hence, we conducted a meta‐analysis using 255 paired observations from 42 study sites across the northern temperate ecosystem. The analysis revealed that biocrusts harbour significantly higher soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen (SMBC and SMBN, respectively) levels than bare (non‐biocrust) soil across all habitat types. Notably, deeper soil layers (5–10 and >10 cm) accumulated less SMBC and SMBN than biocrust and biocrust–5‐cm soil, revealing that biocrusts influence shallow soil environments. Ecosystem type, soil texture, depth and season emerged as key factors influencing the distribution of SMBC within biocrusts. Of particular interest, lichen biocrusts accumulated the most SMBC compared with other biocrust types. Furthermore, the difference in SMBC between biocrust and non‐biocrust soils was more pronounced in oligotrophic habitats (e.g., desert, grassland, sand and sandy loam soils) than in eutrophic habitats (e.g., forest and loam soils). Random forest analysis confirmed that soil variables affected SMBC accumulation in biocrusts more than climatic factors. Soil organic carbon (SOC), as the primary source of SMBC, could be the most important determinant. Moreover, the disparity between non‐biocrust SMBC and biocrust SMBC increased with increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) or decreasing altitude. These insights underscore the substantial contribution of lichen biocrusts to SMBC and emphasize the need to incorporate this knowledge into regional models for predicting the effects of climate change on soil carbon budgets within biocrust microbiomes in temperate ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere.
Principles for area‐based biodiversity conservation
Authors: Riva Federico , Haddad Nick , Fahrig Lenore , Banks‐Leite Cristina
Published: June 2024

Recent international agreements have strengthened and expanded commitments to protect and restore native habitats for biodiversity protection (“area‐based biodiversity conservation”). Nevertheless, biodiversity conservation is hindered because how such commitments should be implemented has been strongly debated, which can lead to suboptimal habitat protection decisions. We argue that, despite the debates, there are three essential principles for area‐based biodiversity conservation. These principles are related to habitat geographic coverage, amount, and connectivity. They emerge from evidence that, while large areas of nature are important and must be protected, conservation or restoration of multiple small habitat patches is also critical for global conservation, particularly in regions with high land use. We contend that the many area‐based conservation initiatives expected in the coming decades should follow the principles we identify, regardless of ongoing debates. Considering the importance of biodiversity for maintenance of ecosystem services, we suggest that this would bring widespread societal benefits.
Mast seeding in European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) is associated with reduced fungal sporocarp production and community diversity
Authors: Michaud Talia J. , Pearse Ian S. , Kauserud Håvard , Andrew Carrie J. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: June 2024

Mast seeding is a well‐documented phenomenon across diverse forest ecosystems. While its effect on aboveground food webs has been thoroughly studied, how it impacts the soil fungi that drive soil carbon and nutrient cycling has not yet been explored. To evaluate the relationship between mast seeding and fungal resource availability, we paired a Swiss 29‐year fungal sporocarp census with contemporaneous seed production for European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.). On average, mast seeding was associated with a 55% reduction in sporocarp production and a compositional community shift towards drought‐tolerant taxa across both ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic guilds. Among ectomycorrhizal fungi, traits associated with carbon cost did not explain species' sensitivity to seed production. Together, our results support a novel hypothesis that mast seeding limits annual resource availability and reproductive investment in soil fungi, creating an ecosystem ‘rhythm’ to forest processes that is synchronized above‐ and belowground.
Internal versus external CSR practices: The trade‐off in family firms
Authors: Rivera‐Franco Pilar , Requejo Ignacio , Suárez‐González Isabel
Published: June 2024

Firms face the challenge of choosing between corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices aimed at different stakeholders (internal and external). Striking the right balance is particularly complex in family firms (FFs), in which CSR practices become a vehicle to express their identity. Our goal is to study FFs' trade‐off between internal and external CSR practices compared to non‐FFs by drawing on the FF identity and socioemotional wealth perspectives. We analyze a panel of 423 European listed companies (3,918 observations) from 2008 to 2017. Our results show that FFs outperform non‐FFs in overall CSR, with FFs' stronger efforts in internal CSR driving their better CSR performance. We also find that FFs' prioritization of internal CSR is more pronounced when CSR credibility at a country level is lower. However, a greater exposure of the family name reverses FFs' preferences and leads them to prioritize external stakeholders' interests.
Behavioral response to chemical cues from injured conspecifics in the livebearing fish, Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora
Authors: Duffy Alexandra G. , Johnson Jerald B.
Published: June 2024

Predator–prey dynamics have led to a strong selection of prey's ability to detect and respond to information about the risk environment. Further, intrinsic factors, such as sex, may cause prey to perceive and respond to information differently. Chemical alarm cues from injured conspecifics are a classic example of how prey have evolved to use publicly available information to shape their behavior and enhance fitness, yet sex‐specific alarm reactions are rarely considered. The purpose of our study was to compare how males and females respond to conspecific chemical alarm cues in the livebearing fish species, Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora. Furthermore, we tested males and females from populations with a high‐ or low‐predation environment. Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora showed strong alarm reactions, but contrary to our predictions, showed limited variation due to sex or predation environment. We found that males and females from both populations displayed lower activity levels and increased their swimming depth when exposed to an alarm cue, despite variable and consistent baseline behaviors among individuals. These data further contribute to our understanding of what factors shape the evolution of behavioral responses to chemical alarm cues in fishes.
Grip strength complements performance status in assessing general condition in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab
Authors: Endo Kei , Kakisaka Keisuke , Abe Tamami , Yusa Kenji , Nakaya Ippeki , Watanabe Takuya , Abe Hiroaki , Suzuki Akiko , Yoshida Yuichi , Oikawa Takayoshi , Miyasaka Akio , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: June 2024

Aim

An accurate assessment of the general condition of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential. We evaluated the impact of grip strength (GS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG‐PS) on the clinical outcomes of patients with unresectable HCC (u‐HCC) treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.

Methods

This observational cohort study analyzed 89 patients with u‐HCC treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab between October, 2020 and October, 2023. A Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier curve were used to identify the prognostic factors associated with survival outcomes.

Results

There were 33 patients who had low GS and 16 had an ECOG‐PS ≥1. The frequency of patients with low GS increased as the ECOG‐PS score increased. The overall survival of the normal GS group was significantly higher than that of the low GS group (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in progression‐free survival between the normal GS group and low‐GS group (p = 0.28). Among the patients in the ECOG‐PS 0 groups, the overall survival in the normal GS group was significantly higher than that in the low GS group (p < 0.01). A multivariate analysis revealed that modified albumin‐bilirubin 2b (HR 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–4.73), α‐fetoprotein ≥100 ng/mL (HR 2.35; 95% CI 1.20–4.58), and low GS (HR 2.87; 95% CI 1.31–6.27) were independently associated with a poor overall survival.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that GS is a sensitive marker for detecting a subclinical decline in the general condition and is therefore a potential predictor of the outcome of u‐HCC patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.
Integrated policy of medical expense subsidies and clinical registry for patients with liver cancer and decompensated cirrhosis in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Yasue , Nozawa Akinori , Yukimoto Atsushi , Kitsuka Masayuki , Tateishi Ryosuke , Koike Kazuhiko , Okano Kazuyuki , Kanto Tatsuya
Published: June 2024

Chronic hepatitis B and C are among the most significant infectious diseases worldwide, and are major risk factors for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In Japan, comprehensive hepatitis measures are implemented for the testing and treatment of viral hepatitis, thus enabling the early diagnosis of liver cancer. Nevertheless, patients with decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer often have unfavorable prognoses and require repetitive long‐term treatment. In fiscal year 2018, an integrated policy of medical expense subsidies and research was established in Japan that aimed to alleviate patients' financial burden and launch the clinical registry of advanced liver disease. Over time, updates to the eligibility for the subsidy increased access to patients and has led to an increased number of beneficiaries. Additionally, the accumulation of clinical data in the registry has revealed the treatment choices for these diseases. However, the disparities in efforts across prefectures have also become evident. Raising public awareness of the policy and tightening the multisector healthcare network are keys to success in supporting qualifying patients with advanced liver disease.
Engaging women to set the research agenda for assisted vaginal birth
Authors: Torloni Maria R. , Campos Lucia F. , Coullaut Arantza , Hartmann Katharina , Opiyo Newton , Bohren Meghan , Bonet Mercedes , Betrán Ana P.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Public and patient involvement can provide crucial insights to optimise research by enhancing relevance and appropriateness of studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) engaged in an inclusive process to ensure that both technical experts and women had a voice in defining the research gaps and needs to increase or reintroduce the use of assisted vaginal birth (AVB) in settings where this intervention is needed but unavailable or underused.

Methods

We describe the methods and outcomes of online workshops led by WHO to obtain women representatives' perspectives about AVB research gaps and needs.

Results

After technical experts created a list of research questions based on various evidence syntheses, WHO organised four online workshops with 31 women's representatives from 27 mostly low‐ and middle‐income (LMIC) countries. Women rated the importance and priority of the research questions proposed by the technical experts, improving and broadening some of them, added new questions, and voiced their main concerns and views about AVB. Women helped to put the research questions into context in their communities, highlighted neglected factors/dimensions that influence practices and affect women's experience during labour and childbirth, underscored less salient consequences of AVB, and highlighted the main concerns of women about research on AVB. The consolidated vision of technical experts and women's representatives resulted in a technical brief published by WHO. The technical brief is expected to stimulate global research and action closely aligned with women's priorities.

Conclusions

We describe a successful experience of engaging women, mostly from LMICs, in the identification of research gaps and needs to reintroduce AVB use. This process contributed to better aligning research questions with women's views, concerns, and priorities. Given the scarcity of reports about engaging women from LMICs to optimise research, this successful experience can serve as an inspiration for future work.

Patient or Public Contribution

Women representatives were involved at every stage of the workshops described in full in this manuscript.
Addressing conflict between fishermen and the Titicaca Grebe (Rollandia microptera) through diet analysis
Authors: Villar D. A. , Yanes Ever , Gutiérrez Tito Edwin R. , Gosler Andrew G.
Published: June 2024

Human–wildlife conflict is often a driver of species declines, and understanding the material basis of this conflict is the first step in addressing it. The Titicaca Grebe Rollandia microptera is an endangered endemic species found solely in the Lake Titicaca watershed of Peru and Bolivia, and has experienced population declines due to fisheries bycatch. Human fishers often have negative opinions of the Titicaca Grebe, because they consider it as a competitor for declining fish stocks. We tested that assumption by an analysis of the bird's diet and found that the Titicaca Grebe does not compete with fishers for more lucrative fish species such as trout Oncorhynchus sp. and Pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis, but does compete for the less desirable (to human fishers) native Orestias sp.
Developmental dynamics in oral fluency and learner motivation: A dual‐focus approach
Authors: Yu Hanjing , Peng Hongying
Published: June 2024

Adopting a comprehensive dual‐focus approach to oral fluency development, the present study examined the developmental trajectories of oral fluency in tertiary‐level Chinese EFL learners and identified the motivational attractor states helpful for shaping their oral production. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected over two semesters with monologue tasks and semi‐structured interviews, respectively. Oral fluency development was examined using moving min–max graphs, change point analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations, while the retrodiction approach was utilized to identify influential motivational attractor states. Results showed that, over the course of the study, the two learners experienced distinct variability and phase shifts in their development of oral fluency, largely attributable to their unique motivational attractor states. By employing such a dual‐focus approach, the present study provided a nuanced picture of Chinese EFL learners’ developmental dynamics in terms of both oral fluency and learning motivation and the adaptive interactions between them, thus enriching our understanding of how oral fluency development relates to learner motivation.
Transcriptional network analysis of peripheral blood leukocyte subsets in multiple sclerosis identifies a pathogenic role for a cytotoxicity‐associated gene network in myeloid cells
Authors: Jordan Margaret A , Gresle Melissa M , Gemiarto Adrian T , Stanley Dragana , Smith Letitia D , Laverick Louise , Spelman Tim , Stankovich Jim , Willson Annie ML , Dinh Xuyen T , Johnson Laura , Robertson Kylie , Reid Christopher AR , Field Judith , Butzkueven Helmut , Baxter Alan G
Published: June 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system affecting predominantly adults. It is a complex disease associated with both environmental and genetic risk factors. Although over 230 risk single‐nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with MS, all are common human variants. The mechanisms by which they increase the risk of MS, however, remain elusive. We hypothesized that a complex genetic phenotype such as MS could be driven by coordinated expression of genes controlled by transcriptional regulatory networks. We, therefore, constructed a gene coexpression network from microarray expression analyses of five purified peripheral blood leukocyte subsets of 76 patients with relapsing remitting MS and 104 healthy controls. These analyses identified a major network (or module) of expressed genes associated with MS that play key roles in cell‐mediated cytotoxicity which was downregulated in monocytes of patients with MS. Manipulation of the module gene expression was achieved in vitro through small interfering RNA gene knockdown of identified drivers. In a mouse model, network gene knockdown modulated the autoimmune inflammatory MS model disease—experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This research implicates a cytotoxicity‐associated gene network in myeloid cells in the pathogenesis of MS.
Effect of coping strategies on household food insecurity in Pakistan amid global economic crisis
Authors: Anwar Mumtaz , Shair Waqas , Hussain Saem
Published: June 2024

Food insecurity tends to be more prevalent amid crises. Several households employ various coping strategies to soften the crisis's financial impact and access adequate food for consumption. This study investigates the impact of various coping strategies on household food insecurity in Pakistan. The study endeavours to identify a more effective coping strategy for reducing food insecurity amid an economic crisis. The study uses nationally represented data surveyed to ‘evaluate the socio‐economic impact of a pandemic on the well‐being of people’. We applied the Ordered Logit and Inverse Probability Weighting model to estimate the aftermath of coping strategies on food insecurity levels. The study's findings suggest that a household that used coping strategies amid crisis is a vulnerable household and more likely to have food insecurity status. Moreover, the study suggests that the coping strategies’ extent (quantity) is positively associated with the likelihood of food insecurity. Finally, the study's aftermath suggests that amongst the different coping strategies, the erosive coping strategy has a lower likelihood of incidence of food insecurity than other strategies. However, within the erosive coping strategies, a household sold real estate asset has less likelihood of being food insecure than other erosive coping strategies. Moreover, spending savings or investments and liquidating real estate are crucial in determining the household's food security status amid the crisis. The study's key findings put forth some potential policy implications related to strategies that can hedge against the crisis and promote resilience in the face of food insecurity.
The Art of Becoming a Visual Arts Teacher – the Wildebeest, the Feeling‐Beast and the Cat
Authors: Hellman Annika
Published: June 2024

In this article, I ask what becoming a sustainable visual arts teacher might look like, and how a sustainable teaching practice might be created. The problem for education, and teachers’ becoming, is that formal schooling presumes how life should be lived there, how the assemblage of learning should be composed and the prescribed identities of humans and objects. This article aims to explore visual arts teachers’ becoming as a relational and entangled process. A Deleuze and Guttarian framework for thinking about the becoming(‐teacher) involves relational and differentiated co‐becoming that fold, unfold and refold in the process of becoming. The research questions of this article explore the potentials of the concept of becoming animal to activate and facilitate thinking differently about visual arts teachers’becoming. By mapping the academic degree project of one visual arts teacher student, this research investigates how multiple lines of becoming a visual arts teacher change and intermingle through the degree project. The results shows that animal becoming creates new sensitivities, dilating one's perception as a teacher. Sustainable teacher becoming involves the balancing (cat‐)act of not only following molar lines of the curriculum, or the idols of pedagogy, but also making the curriculum come alive through molecular cat‐becoming. Becoming cat means opposing administrative burdens and showing one's claws, as well as developing agility to find new ways of thinking, acting, resting, and finding space for playful inventiveness as a teacher.
Prevalence of faecal incontinence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Severity and its relationship with quality of life
Authors: Ilsar Tal , Liebergall‐Wischnitzer Michal , Solnica Amy , Zusman Nurit , Rottenstreich Moshe , Katz Lior
Published: June 2024

Aims

To describe the prevalence of faecal incontinence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, assess its severity, and correlation with quality of life. We adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, STROBE method.

Design

Correlational‐descriptive study.

Methods

Hebrew‐speaking patients seen at an inflammatory bowel disease clinic in a large tertiary medical center in Jerusalem between February 2020 and December 2020 completed the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index and the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale.

Results

Ninety‐six patients participated in the study, of which 70 (72.9%) had Crohn's disease, and 26 (27.1%) had ulcerative colitis. Eighty‐five (88.5%) reported faecal incontinence with an overall Faecal Incontinence Severity Index mean of 27.66 (SD 15.99), yet only 14 (14.7%) reported that their physician or nurse inquired about faecal incontinence. Quality of life scores for patients with faecal incontinence was the lowest on the coping/behaviour scale (M = 2.44; SD 0.94) and the highest on the depression/self‐perception scale (M = 2.86; SD 1.04). Significant correlations were found between faecal incontinence severity and quality of life in all scales except for self‐embarrassment. Moderate correlations in the same scales were noted in patients with Ulcerative Colitis, while no significant correlations were found in the Crohn's Disease group.

Conclusion

A high proportion of inflammatory bowel disease patients reported faecal incontinence associated with impaired quality of life. Only a few were questioned about faecal incontinence by their physician or nurse.

Impact

There is limited literature regarding the prevalence and severity of faecal incontinence in inflammatory bowel disease patients. A high proportion of patients reported faecal incontinence, which negatively correlated with quality of life. Physicians and nurses must inquire about faecal incontinence to improve patient care.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Exploring influences of environmental information, beliefs and self‐efficacy on nurses' climate health behaviours and their relationships
Authors: Yi Jeongmin , Yi Yeojin
Published: June 2024

Background

To create a healthy nursing environment and protect human health in response to climate change, it is essential to encourage behaviour change among nurses. Although numerous studies have been conducted on nurses to address climate change, few studies have explored the relationships of factors that influence and promote nurses' climate health behavioural behavioural change, making it difficult to determine how nurses should act and prioritise regarding climate health behaviours.

Aims

To investigate influential environmental factors on climate health behaviours among nurses through the causal relationships between environmental information, environmental beliefs and environmental self‐efficacy using the Information‐Motivation‐Behavioural Skills (IMB) model.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study recruited 186 nurses working in hospitals nationwide in July 2023. Self‐reported questionnaires (Climate, Health, and Nursing Tool; National Environmental Consciousness Survey; New Ecological Paradigm Scale; Personal Efficacy Scale) were used to collect the data. Path analysis was performed.

Results

The factors influencing nurses' climate health behaviours were environmental information, environmental beliefs and environmental self‐efficacy. Environmental self‐efficacy was found to be more influenced by the exogenous variables of environmental information than environmental beliefs and to be the most significant factor affecting climate health behaviours.

Conclusions

It is more important for nurses to obtain environmental information than environmental beliefs to achieve the goal of climate health behaviours. This in turn, will lead to personal self‐efficacy that nurses can mitigate the climate crisis. Their strong self‐efficacy affects their climate health behaviours.

Implications for the Profession

Nurses should seek and draw on the appropriate environmental information related to climate health change and nurses with environmental self‐efficacy become environmental nursing leaders, encouraging other health care workers to participate actively in climate health behaviours and continuously carry out the behaviours within daily life, hospital and community environments.

Impact

The study addressed the lack of relationship research on factors influencing nurses' climate health behaviours, emphasizing the importance of accessing environmental information to foster self‐efficacy. Nurses with heightened self‐efficacy can lead healthcare professionals in climate health actions.

Reporting Method

This research has adhered to relevant EQUATOR and STROBE.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
International expert consensus recommendations for the use of dermocosmetics in acne
Authors: Thiboutot Diane , Layton Alison M. , Traore Ibrahima , Gontijo Gabriel , Troielli Patricia , Ju Qiang , Kurokawa Ichiro , Dreno Brigitte
Published: June 2024

Background

A wide variety of dermocosmetics (products with both active skincare and cosmetic activity) are available for the management of acne vulgaris. These products are important because they may be the first line of approach for patients desiring to self‐treat and they can also have beneficial effects—reducing lesion counts and improving global acne severity. When used in conjunction with medical therapy, dermocosmetics can improve tolerability and enhance results. We reviewed available evidence and combined it with our clinical experience to help guide clinicians in selecting skincare products with acne‐targeting ingredients.

Methods

An international panel of dermatologists with an interest and expertise in managing acne performed a literature review, formulated clinical questions related to the role of dermocosmetics in the acne setting, used a modified GRADE approach to evaluate available evidence and then utilized an online iterative Delphi process to create consensus recommendations. It should be noted that due to the limited number of available studies, the category of dermocosmetics was evaluated rather than specific ingredients.

Results

The quality of evidence was found to be low to moderate. Key recommendations were made based on available evidence for the use of dermocosmetics in acne to improve acne global assessment, reduce acne lesion counts, reduce superficial skin oiliness and serve as maintenance therapy after medical treatment, while providing a good tolerability. Recommendations were also made for using dermocosmetics as adjuncts to medical treatment.

Conclusions

While there is a need for better quality evidence, dermocosmetics have demonstrated some benefit for acne both when used alone in its milder clinical presentations or in maintenance post acne medication and as adjunct to acne treatments.
Rating Anticipation and Strategic Downward Selection in Consumer‐Generated Rating Systems: Evidence from a Peer‐to‐Peer Platform Market
Authors: Bird Yanhua
Published: June 2024

This paper examines how sellers use strategic downward selection to game consumer‐generated rating systems. I highlight the role of rating anticipation in sellers' selection of buyers – concerns regarding buyers' post‐hoc evaluations of a seller influence whom she chooses to transact with at the outset. To reduce evaluation anxiety, sellers strategically avoid buyers with superior market standings, preferring those with an inferior standing, who are perceived as more likely to be satisfied and provide positive evaluations. Analysing nearly half a million transactions on a major peer‐to‐peer lodging platform in which all participants list their homes, I find that hosts are more inclined to approve requests from guests with inferior homes. This tendency is stronger when hosts experience rating declines, heightening their evaluation anxiety. It is also more pronounced among experienced hosts who better understand consumer‐generated rating systems, and when hosts and guests are in the same country, facilitating social comparisons.
Health care access barriers among metropolitan and nonmetropolitan populations of eight geographically diverse states, 2018
Authors: Zahnd Whitney E. , Hung Peiyin , Crouch Elizabeth L. , Ranganathan Radhika , Eberth Jan M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Nonmetropolitan populations face frequent health care access barriers compared to their metropolitan counterparts, but differences in the number of these barriers across groups are not known. Our objective was to examine the differences in health care access barriers across metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore populations.

Methods

We used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from the optional “Health Care Access” module to perform a cross‐sectional analysis examining access barriers across levels of rurality using bivariate analyses and Poisson models. Access barriers were operationalized as a count ranging from 0 to 5, reflective of the number of financial barriers and nonfinancial barriers.

Results

Micropolitan and noncore respondents had lower educational attainment, were older, and were less racially/ethnically diverse than metropolitan respondents. They also reported more barriers, including lacking health insurance, medical debt, and foregoing care or medication due to cost. These barriers were most pronounced in non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native nonmetropolitan populations, compared to their White counterparts. In adjusted analysis, micropolitan respondents reported more barriers compared to metropolitan (prevalence rate ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.10) as did women, racial/ethnic minority populations, and those with less education.

Conclusions

Micropolitan populations experience more barriers to health care, and nonmetropolitan respondents report more cost‐related barriers than their metropolitan counterparts, raising concerns on health care disparities and financial burdens for these underserved populations. This underscores the need to mitigate these barriers, particularly among those in micropolitan areas and minorized populations.
Longitudinal analysis of echocardiographic and cardiac biomarker variables in dogs with atrial fibrillation: The optimal rate control in dogs with atrial fibrillation II study
Authors: Pedro Brigite , Mavropoulou Antonia , Oyama Mark A. , Linney Christopher , Neves João , Dukes‐McEwan Joanna , Fontes‐Sousa Ana P. , Gelzer Anna R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Rate control (RC; meanHRHolter ≤ 125 bpm) increases survival in dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF). The mechanisms remain unclear.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Investigate echocardiographic and biomarker differences between RC and non‐RC (NRC) dogs. Determine if changes post‐anti‐arrhythmic drugs (AAD) predict successful RC in subsequent Holter monitoring. Evaluate if early vs late RC affects survival.

Animals

Fifty‐two dogs with AF.

Methods

Holter‐derived mean heart rate, echocardiographic and biomarker variables from dogs receiving AAD were analyzed prospectively at each re‐evaluation and grouped into RC or NRC. The primary endpoint was successful RC. Between group comparisons of absolute values, magnitude of change from admission to re‐evaluations and end of study were performed using Mann‐Whitney tests or unpaired t‐tests. Logistic regression explored variables associated with inability to achieve RC at subsequent visits. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to compare survival time of early vs late RC.

Results

At visit 2, 11/52 dogs were RC; at visit 3, 14/52 were RC; and at visit 4, 4/52 were RC. At the end of study, 25/52 remained NRC. At visit 2, both groups had increased cardiac dimensions, but NRC dogs had larger dimensions; biomarkers did not differ. At the end of study, RC showed decreased cardiac dimensions and end‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) compared with NRC. No variables were useful at predicting RC success in subsequent visits. Survival analysis found no differences between early vs late RC.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The RC dogs had decreased cardiac dimensions and NT‐proBNP, suggesting HR‐mediated reverse‐remodeling might benefit survival, even with delayed RC achievement. Pursuit of RC is crucial despite initial failures.
Experts and arbitration outcomes: Insights from public procurement contract disputes
Authors: Detotto Claudio , Marselli Riccardo , McCannon Bryan C. , Vannini Marco
Published: June 2024

We explore the use of experts in arbitration proceedings by analysing public procurement contract disputes in Italy. Balancing cost with accuracy, participants to a contract select arbitration when speedy dispute resolution is valued highly. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms tend to give appointed arbitrators discretion in how to proceed. Consequently, principal‐agent problems can arise. Using an inverse‐probability‐weighted approach, we show that the use of an expert causes a slowing down of the case resolution, without having an effect on the outcome of the dispute nor resolving uncertainty as measured by unanimous decisions by the panel of arbitrators. Conflict resolution mechanism designers should consider the alignment of incentives between the disputants and the service providers.
The trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol facilitates cell‐to‐cell invasion during wheat‐tissue colonization by Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Armer Victoria J. , Urban Martin , Ashfield Tom , Deeks Michael J. , Hammond‐Kosack Kim E.
Published: June 2024

Fusarium head blight disease on small‐grain cereals is primarily caused by the ascomycete fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum. Infection of floral spike tissues is characterized by the biosynthesis and secretion of potent trichothecene mycotoxins, of which deoxynivalenol (DON) is widely reported due to its negative impacts on grain quality and consumer safety. The TRI5 gene encodes an essential enzyme in the DON biosynthesis pathway and the single gene deletion mutant, ΔTri5, is widely reported to restrict disease progression to the inoculated spikelet. In this study, we present novel bioimaging evidence revealing that DON facilitates the traversal of the cell wall through plasmodesmata, a process essential for successful colonization of host tissue. Chemical complementation of ΔTri5 did not restore macro‐ or microscopic phenotypes, indicating that DON secretion is tightly regulated both spatially and temporally. A comparative qualitative and quantitative morphological cellular analysis revealed infections had no impact on plant cell wall thickness. Immunolabelling of callose at plasmodesmata during infection indicates that DON can increase deposits when applied exogenously but is reduced when F. graminearum hyphae are present. This study highlights the complexity of the interconnected roles of mycotoxin production, cell wall architecture and plasmodesmata in this highly specialized interaction.
Adaptive substitutions at two amino acids of HCPro modify its functional properties to separately increase the virulence of a potyviral chimera
Authors: Sun Hao , Ciska Malgorzata , Makki Mongia , Tenllado Francisco , Canto Tomás
Published: June 2024

We had previously reported that a plum pox virus (PPV)‐based chimera that had its P1‐HCPro bi‐cistron replaced by a modified one from potato virus Y (PVY) increased its virulence in some Nicotiana benthamiana plants, after mechanical passages. This correlated with the natural acquisition of amino acid substitutions in several proteins, including in HCPro at either position 352 (Ile→Thr) or 454 (Leu→Arg), or of mutations in non‐coding regions. Thr in position 352 is not found among natural potyviruses, while Arg in 454 is a reversion to the native PVY HCPro amino acid. We show here that both mutations separately contributed to the increased virulence observed in the passaged chimeras that acquired them, and that Thr in position 352 is no intragenic suppressor to a Leu in position 454, because their combined effects were cumulative. We demonstrate that Arg in position 454 improved HCPro autocatalytic cleavage, while Thr in position 352 increased its accumulation and the silencing suppression of a reporter in agropatch assays. We assessed infection by four cloned chimera variants expressing HCPro with none of the two substitutions, one of them or both, in wild‐type versus DCL2/4‐silenced transgenic plants. We found that during infection, the transgenic context of altered small RNAs affected the accumulation of the four HCPro variants differently and hence, also infection virulence.
Candida albicans skin infection in diabetic patients: An updated review of pathogenesis and management
Authors: Shahabudin Sakina , Azmi Nina Suhaity , Lani Mohd Nizam , Mukhtar Muhammad , Hossain Md. Sanower
Published: June 2024

Candida species, commensal residents of human skin, are recognized as the cause of cutaneous candidiasis across various body surfaces. Individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with immunosuppressive conditions, are significantly more susceptible to this infection. Diabetes mellitus, a major metabolic disorder, has emerged as a critical factor inducing immunosuppression, thereby facilitating Candida colonization and subsequent skin infections. This comprehensive review examines the prevalence of different types of Candida albicans‐induced cutaneous candidiasis in diabetic patients. It explores the underlying mechanisms of pathogenicity and offers insights into recommended preventive measures and treatment strategies. Diabetes notably increases vulnerability to oral and oesophageal candidiasis. Additionally, it can precipitate vulvovaginal candidiasis in females, Candida balanitis in males, and diaper candidiasis in young children with diabetes. Diabetic individuals may also experience candidal infections on their nails, hands and feet. Notably, diabetes appears to be a risk factor for intertrigo syndrome in obese individuals and periodontal disorders in denture wearers. In conclusion, the intricate relationship between diabetes and cutaneous candidiasis necessitates a comprehensive understanding to strategize effective management planning. Further investigation and interdisciplinary collaborative efforts are crucial to address this multifaceted challenge and uncover novel approaches for the treatment, management and prevention of both health conditions, including the development of safer and more effective antifungal agents.
PsSOC1 is involved in the gibberellin pathway to trigger cell proliferation and budburst during endodormancy release in tree peony
Authors: Zhang Yuxi , Niu Demei , Yuan Yanchao , Liu Fang , Wang Zhiwei , Gao Linqiang , Liu Chunying , Zhou Gongke , Gai Shupeng
Published: June 2024

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) undergoes bud endodormancy, and gibberellin (GA) pathway plays a crucial role in dormancy regulation. Recently, a key DELLA protein PsRGL1 has been identified as a negative regulator of bud dormancy release. However, the mechanism of GA signal to break bud dormancy remains unknown.

In this study, yeast two‐hybrid screened PsSOC1 interacting with PsRGL1 through its MADS domain, and interaction was identified using pull‐down and luciferase complementation imaging assays Transformation in tree peony and hybrid poplar confirmed that PsSOC1 facilitated bud dormancy release. Transcriptome analysis of PsSOC1‐overexpressed buds indicated PsCYCD3.3 and PsEBB3 were its potential downstream targets combining with promoter survey, and they also accelerated bud dormancy release verified by genetic analysis.

Yeast one‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shifts assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR, and dual luciferase assays confirmed that PsSOC1 could directly bind to the CArG motif of PsCYCD3.3 and PsEBB3 promoters via its MADS domain. PsRGL1–PsSOC1 interaction inhibited the DNA‐binding activity of PsSOC1. Additionally, PsCYCD3.3 promoted bud dormancy release by rebooting cell proliferation.

These findings elucidated a novel GA pathway, GA‐PsRGL1‐PsSOC1‐PsCYCDs, which expanded our understanding of the GA pathway in bud dormancy release.
A bacterial effector manipulates plant metabolism, cell death, and immune responses via independent mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Achen , Xian Liu , Franco Ortega Sara , Yu Gang , Macho Alberto P.
Published: June 2024

Bacterial pathogens inject effector proteins inside plant cells to manipulate cellular functions and achieve a successful infection. The soil‐borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith), the causal agent of bacterial wilt disease, secretes > 70 different effectors inside plant cells, although only a handful of them have been thoroughly characterized. One of these effectors, named RipI, is required for full R. solanacearum pathogenicity. RipI associates with plant glutamate decarboxylases (GADs) to promote the accumulation of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), which serves as bacterial nutrient.

In this work, we found that RipI can also suppress plant immune responses to bacterial elicitors, which seems to be unrelated to the ability of RipI to induce GABA accumulation and plant cell death.

A detailed characterization of the RipI features that contribute to its virulence activities identified two residues at the C‐terminal domain that mediate RipI interaction with plant GADs and the subsequent promotion of GABA accumulation. These residues are also required for the appropriate homeostasis of RipI in plant cells and the induction of cell death, although they are partially dispensable for the suppression of plant immune responses.

Altogether, we decipher and uncouple the virulence activities of an important bacterial effector at the biochemical level.
The RXLR effector PpE18 of Phytophthora parasitica is a virulence factor and suppresses peroxisome membrane‐associated ascorbate peroxidase NbAPX3‐1‐mediated plant immunity
Authors: Cao Yimeng , Zhang Qiang , Liu Yuan , Yan Tiantian , Ding Liwen , Yang Yang , Meng Yuling , Shan Weixing
Published: June 2024

Phytophthora parasitica causes diseases on a broad range of host plants. It secretes numerous effectors to suppress plant immunity. However, only a few virulence effectors in P. parasitica have been characterized.

Here, we highlight that PpE18, a conserved RXLR effector in P. parasitica, was a virulence factor and suppresses Nicotiana benthamiana immunity. Utilizing luciferase complementation, co‐immunoprecipitation, and GST pull‐down assays, we determined that PpE18 targeted NbAPX3‐1, a peroxisome membrane‐associated ascorbate peroxidase with reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging activity and positively regulates plant immunity in N. benthamiana. We show that the ROS‐scavenging activity of NbAPX3‐1 was critical for its immune function and was hindered by the binding of PpE18. The interaction between PpE18 and NbAPX3‐1 resulted in an elevation of ROS levels in the peroxisome.

Moreover, we discovered that the ankyrin repeat‐containing protein NbANKr2 acted as a positive immune regulator, interacting with both NbAPX3‐1 and PpE18. NbANKr2 was required for NbAPX3‐1‐mediated disease resistance. PpE18 competitively interfered with the interaction between NbAPX3‐1 and NbANKr2, thereby weakening plant resistance.

Our results reveal an effective counter‐defense mechanism by which P. parasitica employed effector PpE18 to suppress host cellular defense, by suppressing biochemical activity and disturbing immune function of NbAPX3‐1 during infection.
MoLO: Drift‐free lidar odometry using a 3D model
Authors: Zhao H. , Zhao Y. , Tomko M. , Khoshelham K.
Published: June 2024

LiDAR odometry enables localising vehicles and robots in the environments where global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are not available. An inherent limitation of LiDAR odometry is the accumulation of local motion estimation errors. Current approaches heavily rely on loop closure to optimise the estimated sensor poses and to eliminate the drift of the estimated trajectory. Consequently, these systems cannot perform real‐time localization and are therefore not practical for a navigation task. This paper presents MoLO, a novel model‐based LiDAR odometry approach to achieve real‐time and drift‐free localization using a 3D model of the environment containing planar surfaces, namely the structural elements of buildings. The proposed approach uses a 3D model of the environment to initialise the LiDAR pose and includes a scan‐to‐scan registration to estimate the pose for consecutive LiDAR scans. Re‐registering LiDAR scans to the 3D model at a certain frequency provides the global sensor pose and eliminates the drift of the trajectory. Pose graphs are built frequently to acquire a smooth and accurate trajectory. A geometry‐based method and a learning‐based method to register LiDAR scans with the 3D model are tested and compared. Experimental results show that MoLO can eliminate drift and achieve real‐time localization while providing an accuracy equivalent to loop closure optimization.