bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Band gap mechanism and vibration attenuation of a quasi-zero stiffness metastructure
Authors: Li Yingli , Tijjani Muhammad Zahradeen , Jiang Xudong , Ahmed Jamiu Opeyemi
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the vibration isolation performance of a quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) metastructure by employing the band gap (BG) mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The metastructure QZS characteristic was investigated through static analysis by numerical simulation. Based on that, the BG mechanism is primarily used in this article to investigate the wave propagation characteristics of this structure. The model's dispersion relation is then examined using theoretical (perturbation method) and finite element techniques. The dynamic response of the finite-size systems and experimental analysis is used to confirm the vibration mitigation property under investigation. Finally, the model's ability to absorb energy was examined and contrasted with a traditional model.

Findings

The analytical analysis reveals the dispersion curve and the effect of the nonlinear parameter on the curve shifting. The dispersion curve in the finite element method (FEM) result depicts five complete BGs within the range of 0–1,000 Hz, and the BG width accounted for 67.4% of the frequency concerned (0–1,000 Hz). Eigenmodes of the dispersion curves were analyzed to investigate the BG formation mechanisms. The dependence of BG opening and closure on structure parameters was also studied. Finally, the energy absorption property of the QZS metastructure was evaluated by comparing it with a classical model. The QZS structure absorbs 4.08 J/Kg compared to the 3.69 J/Kg absorbed by the classical model, which reveals that the QZS demonstrates better energy absorption performance. Based on the BG mechanism, it is clear that this model is an excellent vibration isolator, and the study reveals the frequencies at which complete vibration mitigation is achieved. As a result, this model could be a promising candidate for vibration mitigation engineering structures and energy absorption.

Originality/value

The tough vibration issue, which is primarily experienced in mechanical equipment, will be resolved in this study. This study provides a precise understanding of the QZS metastructure's isolation of vibration, including the frequencies at which this isolation occurs.
The outlook of sustainability assurance in global trends: a bibliometric review and research agenda
Authors: Oware Kofi Mintah , Moulya V. Harshitha
Published: November 2022

Purpose

There is a growing interest in how firms respond to environmental degradation and societal challenges. Firms respond through their sustainability reports, but assurance of the reports gives confidence to the stakeholders. This study aims to identify the main research development in sustainability assurance which is rising in global studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a bibliometric analysis to assess the global trend in sustainability assurance studies. The methodology is based on descriptive, performance and science mapping. The set is based on 655 documents from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2005 to 2022.

Findings

The findings from the study suggest that sustainability studies are relevant, and the researcher's examination of the domain has dramatically increased from 2014 to date. This is due to the rise in the concerns expressed by stakeholders in satisfying themselves about the firm's responsibility to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. The findings also show that most research on sustainability assurance is from Spain, the USA, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. However, the UK has the most collaboration in terms of co-authorship. It is suggestive that the UK has more links than Spain, which is the most productive country with more publications. This may be attributed to the influx of more international students completing a second and third degree in the UK. The study highlights intellectual foundations and emerging trends and outlines avenues for future studies.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the data obtained from the Scopus database.

Originality/value

This study is the first bibliometric study of the sustainability assurance domain.
A phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluating a single, patient‐initiated dose of amenamevir for recurrent herpes labialis
Authors: Kawashima Makoto , Watanabe Daisuke , Fujio Kosuke , Komazaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Amenamevir (ASP2151), a novel, non‐nucleoside analog, antiviral drug, inhibits the enzyme activities of helicase and primase, which are essential for replication of herpes viral genomic DNA. In this phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study, the authors investigated the efficacy and safety of a single patient‐initiated dose of amenamevir to treat recurrent herpes labialis. Adult immunocompetent patients with recurrent herpes labialis who had the experience and ability to recognize prodromal symptoms were randomly assigned to administer amenamevir 1200 mg or placebo as a patient‐initiated therapy within 6 hours after onset of prodromal symptoms. The primary efficacy end point was time to healing of all herpes labialis lesions in the modified intention‐to‐treat population. Secondary efficacy end points were time to crusting of all herpes labialis lesions, time to resolution of pain accompanying herpes labialis, proportion of patients with aborted lesions, and time to resolution of subjective symptoms accompanying herpes labialis. The modified intention‐to‐treat population, which excluded patients with aborted lesions, comprised 298 patients who self‐initiated amenamevir and 307 who took placebo. Amenamevir demonstrated superiority over placebo for the primary end point; the median time to all lesion healing was 5.1 days for amenamevir versus 5.5 days for placebo (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.46; p = 0.0085). Time to crusting of all lesions was significantly shorter with amenamevir versus placebo (p = 0.0065); there were no significant between‐group differences in other secondary outcomes. Treatment‐emergent adverse events in both groups were generally mild in severity; there were two moderate events that were judged unrelated to study treatment, and no severe or serious events. In summary, a single patient‐initiated dose of amenamevir 1200 mg taken within 6 hours of prodromal symptom onset significantly shortened the time to all lesion healing of recurrent herpes labialis compared with placebo, with no clinically important safety concerns.
Community biomass is driven by dominants and their characteristics – The insight from a field biodiversity experiment with realistic species loss scenario
Authors: Lisner Aleš , Konečná Marie , Blažek Petr , Lepš Jan
Published: November 2022

Revealing the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning (BEF) has been a major focus of ecological research over recent decades. In general, results from artificially assembled communities point to the important role of biodiversity showing that loss of species has a negative effect on various ecosystem functions (mostly assessed by above‐ground peak biomass). However, the evidence from manipulations of natural communities is scarce, and results are often contradictory between these two approaches. In particular, the importance of species dominance for ecosystem functioning remains poorly understood.

We created a gradient of plant species richness in a meadow community following a realistic species loss scenario (removal of less abundant species) to test the effect of diversity on community biomass and assess the importance of subordinate species compared with dominants in a 5‐year experiment.

Contrasting with results of BEF experiments with artificial assembly, we did not find any relationship between plant species diversity and above‐ground biomass across the timeframe of the experiment. We provide evidence that dominant species' identity and traits are the main drivers of community biomass because dominant species were able to maintain biomass production after substantial species loss. Furthermore, dominants prevented community biomass from declining and biomass was indirectly influenced not by species richness but through differences in functional diversity. Our results support the mass ratio hypothesis, showing much bigger effect of dominant species on community biomass production and hints to the rather minor importance of the complementarity effect between species. We emphasize that BEF research should more focus on the role of dominant species in maintaining various ecosystem functions.

Synthesis. Species diversity is a poor predictor of community above‐ground biomass production and dominant species can effectively compensate the total production after substantial loss of other species in a grassland community.
Stochastic and deterministic processes shape bioenergy crop microbiomes along a vertical soil niche
Authors: Benucci Gian Maria Niccolò , Beschoren da Costa Pedro , Wang Xinxin , Bonito Gregory
Published: November 2022

Sustainable biofuel cropping systems aim to address climate change while meeting energy needs. Understanding how soil and plant‐associated microbes respond to these different cropping systems is key to promoting agriculture sustainability and evaluating changes in ecosystem functions. Here, we leverage a long‐term biofuel cropping system field experiment to dissect soil and root microbiome changes across a soil‐depth gradient in poplar, restored prairie and switchgrass to understand their effects on the microbial communities. High throughput amplicon sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and prokaryotic 16S DNA regions showed a common trend of root and soil microbial community richness decreasing and evenness increasing with depth. Ecological niche (root vs. soil) had the strongest effect on community structure, followed by depth, then crop. Stochastic processes dominated the structuring of fungal communities in deeper soil layers while operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in surface soil layers were more likely to co‐occur and to be enriched by plant hosts. Prokaryotic communities were dispersal limited at deeper depths. Microbial networks showed a higher density, connectedness, average degree and module size in deeper soils. We observed a decrease in fungal‐fungal links and an increase of bacteria–bacteria links with increasing depth in all crops, particularly in the root microbiome.
Hidden Delegations: The Assignment of Contractual Rights and Consumer Debt
Authors: Shiffrin Seana Valentine
Published: November 2022

Investigating consumer debt assignment exposes a submerged but significant philosophical tension in contract law's treatment of rights transfers. On the one hand, contract law adopts a highly permissive stance toward rights‐transfers (assignments) undertaken on the unilateral initiative of the rights‐holder. On the other hand, it reasonably takes a restrictive posture toward duty‐transfers (delegations), requiring greater input from the duty's beneficiary about the identity of the duty‐holder. Where, however, an assignment integrally, albeit covertly, involves a duty‐transfer, then the more restrictive rules of delegation should apply. Debt assignments represent a significant, but not isolated, case of such hidden delegation because, in addition to rights to repayment, creditors have an array of moral and legal duties toward debtors. Recognition of this doctrinal tension should alter our legal treatment of significant cases of assignment and sensitise us, philosophically, to the relational components of economic behaviors often treated as purely transactional.
Effect of relative humidity on the quality and safety of peeled almond kernels (Prunus dulcis Mill.) during simulated maritime transport/storage
Authors: Fernandes Luana , Graeff Francieli , Jelassi Arij , Sulyok Michael , Garcia Carolina , Rodrigues Nuno , Pereira José Alberto , Bento Albino , Kanoun Alifa , Rodrigues Paula , Pereira Ermelinda Lopes , Ramalhosa Elsa
Published: November 2022

Long‐term transport and storage of peeled almonds under unsuitable conditions may cause the product's rejection. To get knowledge in this topic, peeled almonds were stored at 25°C and 60, 70, and 80% relative humidity (RH). The maintenance of high RH (80%) caused some visual defects after 4 months. Even though the 60, 70, and 80% RH did not clearly affect the production of primary and secondary products formed in the lipid oxidation during the 6 months of storage, sometimes an increase in the values of the specific extinction at the wavelength of 268 nm (K268) was observed at 80% RH, suggesting the occurrence to some extent of secondary oxidation. Concerning microbial counts, the almonds stored at 60 and 70% RH presented a satisfactory microbial quality until 6 months; however, at 80% RH, the mold counts were higher than the reference values after 2 months. Several mycotoxins were detected at low levels, including aflatoxins B1 and G1, although some showed higher amounts at 80% RH. In general, it is recommended that almond producers and industrials should consider the use of low RH (< 80%) for maritime transport and long‐term storage of almond kernels.

Practical Application

High levels of relative humidity during storage/transport of almond kernels favor fungal growth, mycotoxin production, and secondary oxidation (rancidity). It is recommended to keep the almond kernels under low RH (< 80%) in maritime transport and long storage, especially in tropical countries.
Limits to ecological forecasting: Estimating uncertainty for critical transitions with deep learning
Authors: Lapeyrolerie Marcus , Boettiger Carl
Published: November 2022

In the current age of a rapidly changing environment, it is becoming increasingly important to study critical transitions and how to best anticipate them. Critical transitions pose extremely challenging forecasting problems, which necessitate informative uncertainty estimation rather than point forecasts. In this study, we apply some of the most cutting edge deep learning methods for probabilistic time series forecasting to several classic ecological models that examine critical transitions.

Our analysis focuses on three different simulated examples of critical transitions: a Hopf bifurcation, a saddle‐node bifurcation and a stochastic transition. For each scenario, we compare the forecasts from four deep learning models, long‐short term memory networks, gated recurrent unit networks, lock recurrent neural networks and transformers, to forecasts from an ARIMA model and a MCMC estimated model that is given the true transition dynamics.

We found that the deep learning models were able to perform comparably to the idealized MCMC model on the stochastic transition case, and generally in between the MCMC and ARIMA models on the Hopf and saddle‐node bifurcation examples.

Our results establish that deep learning methods warrant further exploration on the challenging class of critical transition forecasting problems.
Accuracy of “TICS” ultrasound protocol in detecting simple and complicated diverticulitis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Shokoohi Hamid , Selame Lauren A. , Loesche Michael A. , Almulhim Abdullah , Al Saud Ahad A. , Goldsmith Andrew J. , Eke Onyinyechi F. , Springer Caitlin , Arru Chiara D. , Gullikson Jamie , McKaig Brenna N. , Liteplo Andrew S. , Huang Calvin K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (US) has been suggested as the primary imaging in evaluating patients with suspected diverticulitis. Discrimination between simple and complicated diverticulitis may help to expedite emergent surgical consults and determine the risk of complications. This study aimed to: (1) determine the accuracy of an US protocol (TICS) for diagnosing diverticulitis in the emergency department (ED) setting and (2) assess the ability of TICS to distinguish between simple and complicated diverticulitis.

Methods

Patients with clinically suspected diverticulitis who underwent a diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scan were identified prospectively in the ED. Emergency US faculty and fellows blinded to the CT results performed and interpreted US scans. The presence of simple or complicated diverticulitis was recorded after each US evaluation. The diagnostic ability of the US was compared to CT as the criterion standard. Modified Hinchey classification was used to distinguish between simple and complicated diverticulitis.

Results

A total of 149 patients (55% female, mean ± SD age 58 ± 16 years) were enrolled and included in the final analyses. Diverticulitis was the final diagnosis in 75 of 149 patients (50.3%), of whom 53 had simple diverticulitis and 22 had perforated diverticulitis (29.4%). TICS protocol's test characteristics for simple diverticulitis include a sensitivity of 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87%–99%), specificity of 76% (95% CI 65%–86%), positive predictive value of 80% (95% CI 71%–88%), and negative predictive value of 93% (95% CI 84%–98%). TICS protocol correctly identified 12 of 22 patients with complicated diverticulitis (sensitivity 55% [95% CI 32%–76%]) and specificity was 96% (95% CI 91%–99%). Eight of 10 missed diagnoses of complicated diverticulitis were identified as simple diverticulitis, and two were recorded as negative.

Conclusions

In ED patients with suspected diverticulitis, US demonstrated high accuracy in ruling out or diagnosing diverticulitis, but its reliability in differentiating complicated from simple diverticulitis is unsatisfactory.
Selection signatures for fiber production in commercial species: A review
Authors: Ghildiyal Kanika , Panigrahi Manjit , Kumar Harshit , Rajawat Divya , Nayak Sonali Sonejita , Lei Chuzhao , Bhushan Bharat , Dutt Triveni
Published: November 2022

Natural fibers derived from diverse animal species have gained increased attention in recent years due to their favorable environmental effects, long‐term sustainability benefits, and remarkable physical and mechanical properties that make them valuable raw materials used for textile and non‐textile production. Domestication and selective breeding for the economically significant fiber traits play an imperative role in shaping the genomes and, thus, positively impact the overall productivity of the various fiber‐producing species. These selection pressures leave unique footprints on the genome due to alteration in the allelic frequencies at specific loci, characterizing selective sweeps. Recent advances in genomics have enabled the discovery of selection signatures across the genome using a variety of methods. The increased demand for ‘green products’ manufactured from natural fibers necessitates a detailed investigation of the genomes of the various fiber‐producing plant and animal species to identify the candidate genes associated with important fiber attributes such as fiber diameter/fineness, color, length, and strength, among others. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the concept of selection signature and selective sweeps, discuss the main methods used for its detection, and address the selection signature studies conducted so far in the diverse fiber‐producing animal species.
Does the type of pushing at delivery influence pelvic floor function at 2 months postpartum? A pragmatic randomized trial—The EOLE study
Authors: Barasinski Chloé , Debost‐Legrand Anne , Savary Denis , Bouchet Pamela , Curinier Sandra , Vendittelli Françoise
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Maternal pushing techniques during the second stage of labor may affect women's pelvic floor function. Our main objective was to assess the impact of the type of pushing used at delivery on the mother's medium‐term pelvic floor function.

Material and methods

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02474745) that took place in four French hospitals from 2015 through 2017 (n = 250). Women in labor with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at term who had undergone standardized training in both of these types of pushing were randomized after cervical dilation ≥7 cm. The exclusion criteria were a previous cesarean, a cesarean delivery in this pregnancy or a fetal heart rate anomaly. In the intervention group, open‐glottis (OG) pushing was defined as a prolonged exhalation contracting the abdominal muscles to help move the fetus down the birth canal. Closed‐glottis (CG) pushing was defined as Valsalva pushing. The principal outcome was the stage of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) assessed by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse‐Quantification 2 months after delivery. A secondary outcome was incidence of urinary incontinence (UI). The results of our multivariable, modified intention‐to‐treat analysis are reported as crude relative risks (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Our analysis included 207 women. Mode of birth was similar in both groups. The two groups did not differ for stage II POP: 10 of 104 (9.4%) in the OG group compared with 7 of 98 (7.1%) in the CG group, for a RR 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52–3.33, and an adjusted RR of 1.22, 95% CI 0.42–3.6. Similarly, the incidence of UI did not differ: 26.7% in the OG group and 28.6% in the CG group (aRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.42–1.53). Subgroup analysis suggests that for secundiparous and multiparous women, OG pushing could have a protective effect on the occurrence of UI (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.80).

Conclusions

The type of directed pushing used at delivery did not impact the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse 2 months after delivery. OG pushing may have a protective effect against UI among secundiparous and multiparous women.
Transcriptomics of acute myeloid leukaemia core bone marrow biopsies reveals distinct therapy response‐specific osteo‐mesenchymal profiles
Authors: Treaba Diana O. , Bonal Dennis M. , Chorzalska Anna , Castillo‐Martin Mireia , Oakes Alissa , Pardo Makayla , Petersen Max , Schorl Christoph , Hopkins Kelsey , Melcher Dean , Zhao Ting C. , Liang Olin , So Eui‐Young , Reagan John , Olszewski Adam J. , Butera James , Anthony Douglas C. , Rintels Peter , Quesenberry Peter , Dubielecka Patrycja M.
Published: November 2022

While the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is significantly remodelled in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), molecular insight into AML‐specific alterations in the microenvironment has been historically limited by the analysis of liquid marrow aspirates rather than core biopsies that contain solid‐phase BM stroma. We assessed the effect of anthracycline‐ and cytarabine‐based induction chemotherapy on both haematopoietic and non‐haematopoietic cells directly in core BM biopsies using RNA‐seq and histological analysis. We compared matched human core BM biopsies at diagnosis and 2 weeks after cytarabine‐ and anthracycline‐based induction therapy in responders (<5% blasts present after treatment) and non‐responders (≥5% blasts present after treatment). Our data indicated enrichment in vimentin (VIM), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) and Snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2) transcripts in responders, consistent with the reactivation of the mesenchymal population in the BM stroma. Enrichment of osteoblast maturation‐related transcripts of biglycan (BGN), osteopontin (SPP1) and osteonectin (SPARC) was observed in non‐responders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating distinct osteogenic and mesenchymal transcriptome profiles specific to AML response to induction chemotherapy assessed directly in core BM biopsies. Detailing treatment response‐specific alterations in the BM stroma may inform optimised therapeutic strategies for AML.
Can allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation be curative in classical Crohn's disease?
Authors: McLaughlin Laura , DeZoeten Edwin , Verneris Michael R.
Published: November 2022

The article by Moser et al. details the outcomes of 11 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as the main manifestation of their immune deficiency syndrome who are treated with allogeneic transplantation. The authors report low rates of complications (including graft‐versus‐host disease) and resolution of symptoms. Here we outline whether allogeneic transplantation should be considered more broadly for IBD.

Commentary on: Moser et al. Treatment of inborn errors of immunity patients with inflammatory bowel disease phenotype by allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Br J Haematol 2023;200:595‐607.
Allicin ameliorates imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation via disturbing the interaction of keratinocytes with IL‐17A
Authors: Zhang Lu , Ma Xuehong , Shi Rongmei , Zhang Libo , Zhao Ruolin , Duan Ran , Qin Yuanyuan , Gao Sijia , Li Xinxia , Duan Jingjing , Li Jianguang
Published: November 2022

Background and Purpose

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease of chronic recurrence mediated by the interaction between IL‐17 and keratinocytes, which sustains a vicious circle of inflammation. Safe and effective natural medicine is a potential strategy for the clinical treatment of psoriasis. Given its prominent anti‐proliferative and anti‐inflammatory properties, we investigated the actions of allicin in improving psoriasis.

Experimental Approach

Pharmacodynamic studies were carried out in mice after topical administration of allicin against psoriasis‐like lesions induced by imiquimod. Skin sensitization tests were evaluated on guinea pigs. Toxicological studies and skin irritation tests were assessed by consecutive topical allicin alone on the skin of rabbits. RNA‐seq probed transcriptomic changes following allicin. Western blot explored the actions of allicin on the interaction between IL‐17A and keratinocytes. Changes in inflammatory factor expression were analysed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry.

Key Results

Allicin significantly improved the epidermal structure by inhibiting the excessive proliferation and reduced apoptosis of keratinocytes. Furthermore, allicin reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐17A/F, IL‐22, IL‐12, and IL‐20), chemokines (CXCL2, CXCL5, and CCL20), and anti‐bacterial peptides (S100a8/9). Mechanistically, allicin directly inhibited the IL‐17‐induced TRAF6/MAPK/NF‐κB and STAT3/NF‐κB signalling cascades in keratinocytes, thus breaking the positive inflammatory feedback and alleviating imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like dermatitis in mice. Importantly, topical administration of allicin did not cause skin allergy, and the safety and adaptability of long‐term application were verified.

Conclusions and Implications

Interfering with IL‐17 signalling in keratinocytes with allicin is a promising strategy for treating psoriasis, given its safety and effectiveness.
Elafin and its precursor trappin‐2: What is their therapeutic potential for intestinal diseases?
Authors: Deraison Céline , Bonnart Chrystelle , Langella Philippe , Roget Karine , Vergnolle Nathalie
Published: November 2022

Elafin and its precursor trappin‐2 are known for their contribution to the physiological mucosal shield against luminal microbes. Such a contribution seems to be particularly relevant in the gut, where the exposure of host tissues to heavy loads of microbes is constant and contributes to mucosa‐associated pathologies. The expression of trappin‐2/elafin has been shown to be differentially regulated in diseases associated with gut inflammation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the protective effects of trappin‐2/elafin in gut intestinal disorders associated with acute or chronic inflammation, or with gluten sensitization disorders. The protective effects of trappin‐2/elafin in the gut are discussed in terms of their pleiotropic modes of action: acting as protease inhibitors, transglutaminase substrates, antimicrobial peptides or as a regulator of pro‐inflammatory transcription factors. Further, the question of the therapeutic potential of trappin‐2/elafin delivery at the intestinal mucosa surface is raised. Whether trappin‐2/elafin mucosal delivery should be considered to ensure intestinal tissue repair is also discussed.
Circadian rhythms and glial cells of the central nervous system
Authors: Brécier Aurélie , Li Vina W. , Smith Chloé S. , Halievski Katherine , Ghasemlou Nader
Published: November 2022

Glial cells are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system and play crucial roles in neural development, homeostasis, immunity, and conductivity. Over the past few decades, glial cell activity in mammals has been linked to circadian rhythms, the 24‐h chronobiological clocks that regulate many physiological processes. Indeed, glial cells rhythmically express clock genes that cell‐autonomously regulate glial function. In addition, recent findings in rodents have revealed that disruption of the glial molecular clock could impact the entire organism. In this review, we discuss the impact of circadian rhythms on the function of the three major glial cell types – astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes – across different locations within the central nervous system. We also review recent evidence uncovering the impact of glial cells on the body's circadian rhythm. Together, this sheds new light on the involvement of glial clock machinery in various diseases.
Impacts of paediatric chronic pain on parents: A qualitative study
Authors: Ngo Danny , Aouad Phillip , Goodison‐Farnsworth Meg , Gorrie Andrew , Kenmuir Tracey , Jaaniste Tiina
Published: November 2022

Background

Paediatric chronic pain adversely impacts the child's functioning, health‐related quality of life and development. However, there is a need for a holistic assessment of parental impacts of caring for a child with chronic pain. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the possible psychosocial, functional and work impacts of caring for a child with chronic pain on parents, including any positive effects of the experience.

Methods

Ten parents (eight mothers and two fathers), whose child attended the Sydney Children's Hospital Interdisciplinary Chronic and Complex Pain Clinic, participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring the impact of caring for a child with chronic pain. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded (with good inter‐coder agreement) and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The parental experience of caring for a child with chronic pain was encapsulated by four overarching themes: (1) ‘the constant and all‐consuming nature of pain’ – parents described the unpredictable, yet constant nature of chronic pain, contributing to wide‐reaching impacts in various areas of their life; (2) ‘dealing with uncertainty’ – their experience was commonly characterized by a sense of uncertainty, stress, hopelessness and fear; (3) ‘importance of support and self‐care’ – strong support networks and prioritizing self‐care were crucial in alleviating the negative effects of paediatric chronic pain; and (4) ‘a revitalized and optimistic view on life and relationships’ – some parents identified unique and positive effects, such as stronger relationships, personal growth and a reformed view on life.

Conclusions

This study provided rich data on the various impacts of caring for a child with chronic pain, highlighting the need for the development of holistic, family‐centred interventions addressing both child and parental functioning.
Ginsenoside Rg1 promotes astrocyte‐to‐neuron transdifferentiation in rat and its possible mechanism
Authors: Shen Kelv , Wu Duanrong , Sun Baihan , Zhu Yin , Wang Hao , Zou Wenjun , Ma Yuhang , Lu Zhengfeng
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Neuronal loss caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) usually contributes to irreversible motor dysfunction. Promoting neuronal regeneration and functional recovery is vital to the repair of SCI.

Aims

Astrocytes, activated by SCI with high proliferative capacity and proximity to neuronal lineage, are considered ideal cells for neuronal regeneration. As previous studies identified several small molecules for the induction of astrocyte‐to‐neuron, we confirmed that ginsenoside Rg1, a neuroprotective herb, could promote the direct transdifferentiation of astrocyte‐to‐neuron in rat.

Methods and Results

Immunofluorescence staining showed that 26.0 ± 1.5% of the induced cells exhibited less astroglial properties and more neuronal markers with typical neuronal morphologies, reflecting 20.6 ± 0.9% of cholinergic neurons and 22.3 ± 1.9% of dopaminergic neurons. Western blot and qRT‐PCR revealed that the induced cells had better antiapoptotic ability and Rg1‐promoted neuronal transdifferentiation of reactive astrocytes might take effect through suppressing Notch/Stat3 signal pathway. In vivo, a revised SCI model treated by Rg1 was confirmed with faster functional recovery and less injury lesion cavity.

Conclusion

In summary, our study provided a novel strategy of direct transdifferentiation of endogenous rat reactive astrocytes into neurons with Rg1 and promotion of neuronal regeneration after SCI.
Ownership and corporate governance across institutional contexts
Authors: Castañer Xavier , Goranova Maria , Hermes Niels , Kavadis Nikolaos , Zattoni Alessandro
Published: November 2022

Research Question/Issue

The purpose of this special issue (SI) is to encourage research examining the effect of different ownership types in and from different countries on corporate governance and objectives.

Research Findings/Insights

The articles included in this SI provide novel insights as to the influence of different types of owners, including states and sovereign wealth funds, families, and different types of institutional investors, as well as of other features of ownership structures, on various aspects of corporate governance, in a variety of institutional contexts.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

As companies face different institutional contexts when they operate internationally, and shareholders have become increasingly global, the resulting heterogeneity of shareholder types poses new challenges in our understanding of their behavior. This SI is a step in the direction of disentangling the complex implications of ownership for corporate governance across institutional contexts.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Together with other owner types, the ever‐increasing $100 trillion global asset management industry representing 40% of global market capitalization (PwC, 2020) fuels corporate governance and performance pressures on portfolio companies. The articles included in the SI provide useful insights as to the new ownership landscape and its consequences for operating firms in different countries.
Increased alcohol‐specific mortality in Germany during COVID‐19: State‐level trends from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Kilian Carolin , Carr Sinclair , Schulte Bernd , Manthey Jakob
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic may have led to an increase in the alcohol‐specific mortality. Against this backdrop, the aim of this report is to explore alcohol‐specific mortality trends in Germany of the years 2010 to 2020.

Method

Alcohol‐specific mortality data aggregated by sex, 5‐year age groups and state were collected from the annual cause‐of‐death statistics and analysed descriptively by visual inspection.

Results

The overall alcohol‐specific mortality rate (age‐standardised) has mainly decreased between 2010 and 2020. However, increased alcohol‐specific mortality rates for the year 2020 compared to 2019 were found for both, women (+4.8%) and men (+5.5%), particularly in age groups between 40 and 69 years. Changes in alcohol‐specific mortality rates differed between federated states, with steeper increases in East Germany.

Discussion and Conclusions

Different mechanisms related to the increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among high‐risk drinkers, and reduced resources in health care may have led to an increase in alcohol‐specific mortality in Germany in 2020. Despite the recent decline in the alcohol‐specific mortality in Germany, an increase in the death toll was observed in 2020.
Late bloomer or language disorder? Differences in toddler vocabulary composition associated with long‐term language outcomes
Authors: Perry Lynn K. , Kucker Sarah C. , Horst Jessica S. , Samuelson Larissa K.
Published: November 2022

Children with delays in expressive language (late talkers) have heterogeneous developmental trajectories. Some are late bloomers who eventually “catch‐up,” but others have persisting delays or are later diagnosed with developmental language disorder (DLD). Early in development it is unclear which children will belong to which group. We compare the toddler vocabulary composition of late talkers with different long‐term outcomes. The literature suggests most children with typical development (TD) have vocabularies dominated by names for categories organized by similarity in shape (e.g., cup), which supports a bias to attend to shape when generalizing names of novel nouns—a bias associated with accelerated vocabulary development. Previous work has shown that as a group, late talkers tend to say fewer names for categories organized by shape and are less likely to show a “shape bias” than TD children. Here, in a retrospective analysis of 850 children, we compared the vocabulary composition of groups of toddlers who were late bloomers or persisting late talkers. At Time 1 (13‐27 months), the persisting late talkers said a smaller proportion of shape‐based nouns than both TD children and late bloomers who “caught up” to typically sized vocabularies months later (18‐38‐months). Additionally, children who received a DLD diagnosis between 4 and 7 years said a significantly smaller proportion of shape‐based nouns in year two than TD children and children with other diagnoses (e.g., dyslexia). These findings bring new insight into sources of heterogeneity amongst late talkers and offer a new metric for assessing risk.

Research Highlights

Toddler vocabulary composition, including the proportion of names for categories organized by shape, like spoon, was used to retrospectively compare outcomes of late talking children

Persisting Late Talkers said a smaller proportion of shape‐based nouns during toddlerhood relative to Late Bloomers (late talkers who later caught up to have typically‐sized vocabularies)

Children with later DLD diagnoses said a smaller proportion of shape‐based nouns during toddlerhood relative to children without a DLD diagnosis

The data illustrate the cascading effects of vocabulary composition on subsequent language development and suggest vocabulary composition may be one important marker of persisting delays
The way to a patient's heart is through their esophagus: A case of esophago‐pericardial fistula
Authors: Ormanci Doğan , Doğanay Kübra , Ari Hasan , Ari Selma , Melek Mehmet , Bozat Tahsin , Yildirim Çınar
Published: November 2022

Here in we present a 74‐year‐old case of esophago‐pericardial fistula with pericardial effusion and pneumopericardium. Bone‐related esophageal trauma was the cause of the esophago‐pericardial fistula. The esophago‐pericardial fistula was diagnosed with echocardiography, computerized tomography (CT) and endoscopy. Pericardiocentesis was performed for drainage the pericardial effusion. The esophago‐pericardial fistula was treated with covered self‐expandable esophageal stent.
The ongoing narrative of Ivory‐billed Woodpecker rediscovery and support for declaring the species extinct
Authors: Troy Jeff R. , Jones Clark D.
Published: November 2022

The Ivory‐billed Woodpecker Campephilus principalis was considered extinct by many until, in 2005, researchers announced its rediscovery in continental North America and released video evidence obtained from the state of Arkansas. This claim garnered worldwide media attention and sparked renewed interest in searching for and conserving the bird. Audio recordings from the same region, including sounds closely resembling the territorial double raps of Campephilus woodpeckers, were also released. Both the video and audio evidence, however, were challenged in several journal articles, though these critiques did not receive as much attention. We estimated that over 578 000 h were collectively spent searching for the species across the southeastern USA from 2004 to 2021, but these efforts failed to yield indisputable proof of the species' persistence. More than US$ 20.3 million in federal and state government funding was spent on the bird from 2005 to 2013, a sharp increase in expenditures from the years before the rediscovery announcement. Regardless of whether or not it was a reallocation of funds from other taxa, this money, along with other associated resources (e.g. time and human effort), would have undoubtedly benefited other underfunded threatened and endangered taxa had it not been spent on the woodpecker. Given the published criticisms and counterevidence, as well as the lack of definitive proof that the species still exists, it appears that this endeavour was driven largely by the narrative of rediscovery advanced by prominent researchers in ornithology, rather than the actual evidence, and that this probably helped to perpetuate the use of poor‐quality evidence in subsequent claims of the species' persistence. In 2021, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed an extinction declaration for the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker. Based on available information, this decision seems logical, and would close this chapter on one of the biggest losses to North American avifauna in modern history.
Hope: Being Human in the Anthropocene
Authors: Ward Graham
Published: November 2022

Given the calamities involved in climate change and the impact it is having – and will continue to have, on lives driven towards subsistence – what can be said about the goodness of creation? This essay explores how privileged theologians might rethink the notion of the common good in a situation where the majority are under‐privileged. It argues for a need for imaginative investment to develop empathy, not sympathy; a need to listen in ways that are attentive and tending; and for a learning to accompany, such that dependence can be empowering when recognised and practised as mutual. Theologically, the sharing and accompaniment necessary has to be appreciated as inhering to the existence of all things, such that relationality and dependence are living expressions of the goodness of creation. Such sharing and accompaniment are expressions and incarnations of the uncreated goodness of the Triune God, operating in and through the ongoing processes of creation.
Thinking Faith
Authors: Käfer Anne
Published: November 2022

Faith and science have been continuously portrayed as incompatible counterparts. This article argues conversely that scientific reflection on faith, namely academic theology, is not opposed to but essential for a Christian life. The contents of faith require precise description, as they constitute the Church community and can be even dangerous if unprecise or incorrect. In cooperation with other disciplines, theology contributes to ethical debates, such as the question of interhuman relationships and welfare of non‐human creatures and future generations.
Theology for the Life of the World
Authors: Croasmun Matthew
Published: November 2022

The purpose of theology is to discern, articulate, commend, and embody visions of flourishing life in light of the self‐revelation of God in the life, death, resurrection, exaltation, and coming‐in‐glory of Jesus Christ. This purpose of theology is timeless, but its articulation at this time has a particular shape to it. Aspects of this shape are sketched in light of a number of contemporary material and intellectual contexts. Material contexts include growing economic disparities, ecological crisis, displacement of peoples, and the social fact of pluralism. Intellectual contexts include the dominance of instrumental reason, of negation, and of whiteness.
Ancient DNA reveals interstadials as a driver of common vole population dynamics during the last glacial period
Authors: Baca Mateusz , Popović Danijela , Lemanik Anna , Bañuls‐Cardona Sandra , Conard Nicholas J. , Cuenca‐Bescós Gloria , Desclaux Emmanuel , Fewlass Helen , Garcia Jesus T. , Hadravova Tereza , Heckel Gerald , Horáček Ivan , Knul Monika Vlasta , Lebreton Loïc , López‐García Juan Manuel , Luzi Elisa , Marković Zoran , Mauch Lenardić Jadranka , Murelaga Xabier , Noiret Pierre , Petculescu Alexandru , Popov Vasil , Rhodes Sara E. , Ridush Bogdan , Royer Aurélien , Stewart John R. , Stojak Joanna , Talamo Sahra , Wang Xuejing , Wójcik Jan M. , Nadachowski Adam
Published: November 2022

Aim

Many species experienced population turnover and local extinction during the Late Pleistocene. In the case of megafauna, it remains challenging to disentangle climate change and the activities of Palaeolithic hunter‐gatherers as the main cause. In contrast, the impact of humans on rodent populations is likely to be negligible. This study investigated which climatic and/or environmental factors affect the population dynamics of the common vole. This temperate rodent is widespread across Europe and was one of the most abundant small mammal species throughout the Late Pleistocene.

Location

Europe.

Taxon

Common vole (Microtus arvalis).

Methods

We generated a dataset comprised of 4.2 kb long fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 148 ancient and 51 modern specimens sampled from multiple localities across Europe and covering the last 60 thousand years (ka). We used Bayesian inference to reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships and to estimate the age of the specimens that were not directly dated.

Results

We estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor of all last glacial and extant common vole lineages to be 90 ka ago and the divergence of the main mtDNA lineages present in extant populations to between 55 and 40 ka ago, which is earlier than most previous estimates. We detected several lineage turnovers in Europe during the period of high climate variability at the end of Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3; 57–29 ka ago) in addition to those found previously around the Pleistocene/Holocene transition. In contrast, data from the Western Carpathians suggest continuity throughout the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) even at high latitudes.

Main Conclusions

The main factor affecting the common vole populations during the last glacial period was the decrease in open habitat during the interstadials, whereas climate deterioration during the LGM had little impact on population dynamics. This suggests that the rapid environmental change rather than other factors was the major force shaping the histories of the Late Pleistocene faunas.