bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An axe to grind: Family outsiders and firms doing good
Authors: Jiang Fuxiu , Jiang Ping , Zheng Xiaojia
Published: January 2023

Research Question/Issue

This paper examines the relationship between having nonfamily members (i.e., family outsiders) as board chairs and corporate philanthropy.

Research Findings/Insights

In a hand‐collected dataset of Chinese family firms, we find that firms invest less in philanthropy when the board chair is a nonfamily member. However, this impact is mitigated when the chair's discretion is restricted, as in highly visible firms or firms controlled by the founding family. The negative relation between nonfamily chairs and corporate philanthropy is also weaker when the interest of chairs is more aligned with that of the controlling family, where chairs are inside‐promoted or members of founding team, when board chairs and the families have more goal consistency, when stakeholders have higher demands for corporate social responsibility or investors care less about profitability. Further analysis shows that nonfamily chairs help firms reduce overinvestment in philanthropy, the board chair has a more salient effect than the CEO on philanthropic giving, and the results are not driven by expropriation issues of the controlling family.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study highlights the heterogeneity of board chairs in family firms, board chair's significant influence on a firm's social performance, and the agency problem related with the board chair, which are all underexplored topics in prior literature.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our evidence offers insights to practitioners about the impact of board chairs on corporate philanthropy. Family firms need pay attention to the recruitment of board chairs and hold a comprehensive view of family firm professionalization as a nonfamily board chair might negatively affect firms' stakeholder relationship management but bring benefits by mitigating excess philanthropic activities. Besides, practitioners shall be aware of agency problems originating from board chairs. Incentives or monitoring over chairs might be useful to address potential conflicts of interest.
Responses to exercise in systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Donnelly Ronan P. , Smyth Anita E. , Mullan Charles , Riley Marshall S. , Nicholls D. Paul
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Pulmonary complications in systemic sclerosis (SSc) significantly increase morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to determine the factors limiting exercise capacity in SSc patients with and without interstitial lung disease (ILD), and to identify and quantify abnormalities during exercise that might assist in clinical assessment of this complication.

Methods

Fifteen patients with SSc and ILD (SSc‐ILD) were compared with 10 patients with SSc without ILD and 9 age‐ and sex‐matched normal volunteers. Subjects performed symptom‐limited incremental treadmill exercise with online measurement of respiratory gas exchange, arterial blood gas sampling and measurement of neurohormones in venous blood.

Results

Patients with SSc‐ILD had lower exercise capacity than SSc patients without ILD or normal subjects (peak oxygen consumption (PV̇O2) (17.1 [4.2] vs. 22.0 [4.7] and 23.0 [5.4] ml kg−1 min−1, respectively, mean [SD], p < 0.01 ANOVA), but PV̇O2 did not correlate with static pulmonary function measurements. Ventilatory equivalent for CO2 (V̇E/V̇CO2; nadir) was higher in SSc‐ILD patients than the other two groups (36.6 [8.0] vs. 29.9 [4.4] and 30.0 [2.5], p < 0.005) as were peak exercise dead‐space tidal volume ratio (0.44 [0.06] vs. 0.26 [0.09] and 0.26 [0.05], p < 0.001) and peak exercise alveolar–arterial difference (28.9 [16.9] vs. 18.8 [14.0] and 11.5 [6.9] mmHg, p < 0.05). Atrial natriuretic peptide was elevated in both SSc patient groups.

Conclusions

SSc‐ILD results in lower exercise capacity than SSc without ILD, and abnormalities of gas exchange are seen. The possible use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to identify disease and quantify impairment in SSc‐ILD merits further study.
Professional continuous glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Di Molfetta Sergio , Caruso Irene , Cignarelli Angelo , Natalicchio Annalisa , Perrini Sebastio , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco
Published: January 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effect on glucose control of professional continuous glucose monitoring (p‐CGM)‐based care as compared with standard care in the management of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

The PubMed database was searched comprehensively to identify prospective or retrospective studies evaluating p‐CGM as a diagnostic tool for subsequent implementation of lifestyle and/or medication changes and reporting glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as an outcome measure.

Results

We found 872 articles, 22 of which were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall, the use of p‐CGM was associated with greater HbA1c reduction from baseline (−0.28%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.36% to −0.21%, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001) than usual care, irrespective of type of diabetes, length of follow‐up, frequency of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use and duration of CGM recording. In the few studies describing CGM‐derived glucose metrics, p‐CGM showed a beneficial effect on change in time in range from baseline (5.59%, 95% CI 0.12 to 11.06, I2 = 0%, P = 0.05) and a neutral effect on change in time below the target range from baseline (−0.11%, 95% CI −1.76% to 1.55%, I2 = 33%, P = 0.90).

Conclusions

In patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, p‐CGM‐driven care is superior to usual care in improving glucose control without increasing hypoglycaemia.
Functional roles of nematodes associated with the walnut twig beetle and eastern black walnut in the inland northwest
Authors: Williams Geoffrey M. , Ginzel Matthew D.
Published: January 2023

Beetles (Scolytinae) form intimate associations with a taxonomically and functionally diverse suite of nematodes that are phytopathogens, fungal feeders, and entomoparasites. Despite their ubiquity, the ecological significance of nematodes in the lifecycles of economically important bark and ambrosia beetle species (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and associated plant diseases remains largely unexplored. Thousand cankers disease (TCD) is caused by the walnut twig beetle (WTB, Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman) and the fungus Geosmithia morbida (Kolařík, Freeland, Utley & Tisserat; Ascoymycota: Hypocreales) and causes foliar senescence, progressive crown dieback, and mortality in black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) throughout western North America. In this study, nematodes recovered from P. juglandis and J. nigra in Idaho (ID) and Washington (WA) were identified morphologically and by constructing multilocus phylogenies to infer taxonomic relationships to taxa for which molecular data were available. We conducted assays to determine the extent to which nematodes feed and reproduce on G. morbida and other fungi commonly found in galleries of P. juglandis. Inoculation experiments were conducted to determine the effect of nematodes on the area of subdermal necrotic lesions (cankers) caused by G. morbida in branches of mature J. nigra and stems of seedlings. The phoretic nematode Bursaphlenhus juglandis (Ryss, Parker, Alvarez‐Ortega, Nadeler & Subbotin) was frequently found under elytra of WTB in all locations, and a free‐living nematode (Panagrolaimus sp.) was also widespread and found in the bark of mature trees. Both B. juglandis and Panagrolaimus sp. reduced the size of cankers caused by G. morbida in seedlings and branches of mature trees, respectively. However, these species may play opposite roles as disease synergists and antagonists based on the observation that exudates and/or microbiota associated with Panagrolaimus sp., but not B. juglandis destroyed G. morbida colonies in culture. Furthermore, B. juglandis contributed to foliar symptoms in seedlings inoculated with G. morbida. An entomoparasitic nematode (Aphelenchoididae), most closely resembling an Ektaphelenchus sp., was also found in the haemocoel of WTB. Infection rates were positively related to beetle population sizes as inferred from emergence rates. Ditylenchus sp. was also found in incubated walnut wood in WA and Rhabtidolaimus sp. was phoretic on P. juglandis and found in incubated walnut wood in WA and ID. The community of nematodes in J. nigra in WA and ID differed substantially from what has been observed associated with J. nigra in its native range.
Transcranial direct current stimulation for focal status epilepticus or lateralized periodic discharges in four patients in a critical care setting
Authors: Fisher Robert S. , McGinn Ryan J. , Von Stein Erica L. , Wu Teresa Q. , Qing Kurt Y. , Fogarty Adam , Razavi Babak , Venkatasubramanian Chitra
Published: January 2023

Objective

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been advocated for various neurological conditions, including epilepsy. A 1–4‐mA cathodal current applied to the scalp over a seizure focus can reduce spikes and seizures. This series of four patients with focal status epilepticus is among the first case series to demonstrate benefit of tDCS in the critical care setting.

Methods

Patients in the intensive care unit were referred for tDCS treatment when focal status epilepticus or clinically relevant lateralized periodic discharges did not resolve with conventional antiseizure medications and anesthetics. Battery‐powered direct cathodal current at 2 mA was delivered by an ActivaDose (Caputron) tDCS device via a saline‐soaked sponge on the scalp over the seizure focus. Anode was on the contralateral forehead or shoulder. Treatment was for 30 min, repeated twice in a day, then again 1–4 times more over the next few days.

Results

Three females and one male, aged 34–68 years, were treated. Etiologies of status epilepticus were posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in association with immunosuppressants for a liver transplant, perinatal hypoxic–ischemic injury, a prior cardioembolic parietal stroke, and central nervous system lupus. tDCS led to significant reduction of interictal spikes (.78 to .38/s, p < .0001) in three cases and electrographic seizures (3.83/h to 0/h, p < .001) in two cases. Medication reductions were enabled in all cases subsequent to tDCS. The only side effect of tDCS was transient erythema under the sponge in one case. Two patients died of causes unrelated to tDCS, one was discharged to a nursing home, and one became fully responsive as seizures were controlled with tDCS.

Significance

Spikes and electrographic seizure frequency significantly improved within 1 day of tDCS. Results are potentially confounded by multiple ongoing changes in medications and treatments. These results might encourage further investigation of tDCS in the critical care setting, but verification by controlled studies will be required.
Male‐specific nocturnal song functions similarly to day song in a diurnal bird species
Authors: Dickerson Ashton L. , Jones Therésa M. , Moore Kaya B. , Hall Michelle L.
Published: January 2023

Historically, birdsong research has been biased towards song of male birds at dawn and during the day, even though some diurnal birds sing at night. To address this gap, we studied how song in the willie wagtail, Rhipidura leucophrys—a diurnal species with prolific male‐specific nocturnal song during the breeding season—varies with time of day, breeding status and simulated intrusions. We recorded male nocturnal and dawn song over three breeding seasons and examined how this related to fertile and non‐fertile breeding stages of females. To test whether song functions for territory defence, we simulated territorial intrusion experimentally in both sexes with daytime and nighttime playback of male and female song. To test whether nocturnal song could function for mate guarding or post‐pairing mate attraction, we describe the mating system of willie wagtails using molecular genetic methods. We showed that both nocturnal and day song of male willie wagtails has roles in mate attraction and territory defence, while day song by females functioned primarily for territorial defence. Males increased song behaviour during fertile periods of resident females, suggesting possible roles in mate stimulation and mate guarding. Males and females responded similarly to simulated daytime intrusions and no differences were seen in male responses dependent on the time of day. We found 10%–14% of offspring were fathered by extra‐pair males, suggesting song may also function for mate guarding and post‐pairing mate attraction. In a species with small repertoires and simple songs like the willie wagtail, differences between males in overall song output achieved through nocturnal singing may be important in mate attraction and territory defence.
Environmental microbiome engineering for the mitigation of climate change
Authors: Silverstein Michael R. , Segrè Daniel , Bhatnagar Jennifer M.
Published: January 2023

Environmental microbiome engineering is emerging as a potential avenue for climate change mitigation. In this process, microbial inocula are introduced to natural microbial communities to tune activities that regulate the long‐term stabilization of carbon in ecosystems. In this review, we outline the process of environmental engineering and synthesize key considerations about ecosystem functions to target, means of sourcing microorganisms, strategies for designing microbial inocula, methods to deliver inocula, and the factors that enable inocula to establish within a resident community and modify an ecosystem function target. Recent work, enabled by high‐throughput technologies and modeling approaches, indicate that microbial inocula designed from the top‐down, particularly through directed evolution, may generally have a higher chance of establishing within existing microbial communities than other historical approaches to microbiome engineering. We address outstanding questions about the determinants of inocula establishment and provide suggestions for further research about the possibilities and challenges of environmental microbiome engineering as a tool to combat climate change.
Adult spawners: A critical period for subarctic Chinook salmon in a changing climate
Authors: Howard Kathrine G. , von Biela Vanessa
Published: January 2023

Concurrent, distribution‐wide abundance declines of some Pacific salmon species, including Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), highlights the need to understand how vulnerability at different life stages to climate stressors affects population dynamics and fisheries sustainability. Yukon River Chinook salmon stocks are among the largest subarctic populations, near the northernmost extent of the species range. Existing research suggests that Yukon River Chinook salmon population dynamics are largely driven by factors occurring between the adult spawner life stage and their offspring's first summer at sea (second year post‐hatching). However, specific mechanisms sustaining chronic poor productivity are unknown, and there is a tremendous sense of urgency to understand causes, as declines of these stocks have taken a serious toll on commercial, recreational, and indigenous subsistence fisheries. Therefore, we leveraged multiple existing datasets spanning parent and juvenile stages of life history in freshwater and marine habitats. We analyzed environmental data in association with the production of offspring that survive to the marine juvenile stage (juveniles per spawner). These analyses suggest more than 45% of the variability in the production of juvenile Chinook salmon is associated with river temperatures or water discharge levels during the parent spawning migration. Over the past two decades, parents that experienced warmer water temperatures and lower discharge in the mainstem Yukon River produced fewer juveniles per spawning adult. We propose the adult spawner life stage as a critical period regulating population dynamics. We also propose a conceptual model that can explain associations between population dynamics and climate stressors using independent data focused on marine nutrition and freshwater heat stress. It is sobering to consider that some of the northernmost Pacific salmon habitats may already be unfavorable to these cold‐water species. Our findings have immediate implications, given the common assumption that northern ranges of Pacific salmon offer refugia from climate stressors.
Development and early‐stage evaluation of a patient portal to enhance familial communication about hereditary cancer susceptibility testing: A patient‐driven approach
Authors: Pollard Samantha , Weymann Deirdre , Loewen Rosalie , Nuk Jennifer , Sun Sophie , Schrader Kasmintan A. , Hessels Chiquita , Regier Dean A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes (HCSs) can improve health outcomes through cancer risk mitigation strategies. Effective communication between tested individuals and their family members is key to reducing the hereditary cancer burden. Our objective was to develop a patient portal to improve familial communication for patients undergoing HCS genetic testing, followed by an early‐phase evaluation.

Methods

The portal was developed following the completion of 25 semistructured interviews with individuals having undergone HCS susceptibility testing at BC Cancer. Following initial development, we recruited patients and healthcare providers to provide critical feedback informing portal refinement. Quantitative feedback was summarized using descriptive statistics, and qualitative feedback was synthesized by two reviewers who engaged in iterative discussion within the research team to prioritize recommendations for integration.

Results

The patient portal includes four key components consisting of (a) targeted educational information about hereditary cancer and HBOC syndrome associated risks and testing process overview, (b) a general frequently asked questions ‘FAQ’ page informed by the qualitative interviews, patient partner feedback, and consultation with the HCP, (c) guidance to support familial communication including a video developed with a patient partner describing their lived experience navigating the communication process and (d) a series of lay summaries of genetic test findings to support information transfer among family members. Thirteen healthcare providers and seven patients participated in user testing. Domains within which participant recommendations were provided included presentation, educational content and process clarification.

Conclusions

This investigation demonstrates the value of continual integration of patient and provider preferences through the development of tools endeavouring to assist with complex genomics‐informed decision‐making. Our work aims to broaden the population‐wide impact of HCS testing programs by improving communication processes between probands and their potentially affected family members.

Patient or Public Contribution

This work involved a patient partner who was actively engaged in all aspects of the research investigation including protocol development, review and editing of all study documentation (including that of the previously published qualitative investigation), interpretation of results, as well as reviewing and editing the manuscript. Patient partners and healthcare professionals were recruited as research participants to provide critical feedback on the patient portal.
Structure and redox ratio of soda‐lime‐silica glasses with high iron oxide concentrations
Authors: Tasheva Tina , Harizanova Ruzha , Mihailova Irena , Cherkezova‐Zheleva Zara , Paneva Daniela , Nedkova Milena , Rüssel Christian
Published: January 2023

The high temperature synthesis of glasses in the system (100‐x)(0.16Na2O/0.10CaO/0.74SiO2)/xFe2O3, x = 5 ÷ 20 mol% is reported. For Fe2O3 concentrations ≤15 mol%, glasses are formed while the sample with 20 mol% crystallizes during cooling the melt. X‐ray diffraction shows the crystallization of magnetite. The microstructure of the glass‐crystalline sample is investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and two types of iron‐rich crystals corresponding to magnetite and hematite are detected. The refractive indices as determined by the Becke line method are in the 1.567 ‐ 1.639 range and. increase with increasing Fe2O3 concentration. The structure is characterized using Infra‐red spectroscopy. The presence of symmetric stretching, asymmetric stretching and bending vibrations of Si‐O‐Si is detected and attributed to the occurrence of SiO4 tetrahedral units with varying numbers of nonbridging oxygens. Also, the increasing Fe2O3 concentration results in occurrence of Fe‐O‐Si bonds indicating the glass network depolymerization due to Fe2O3 addition. In all samples, the presence of Fe3+ and Fe2+ and the existence of iron ions in tetrahedral and octahedral coordination, as well as a very small amount of Fe0 and the precipitation of hematite and magnetite in the glass‐crystalline sample is revealed by Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Influence of alternating magnetic field on the quality of beef and its protein during cold storage
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Wang Yuan , Zhu Xinpeng , Cui Bo , Yang Na
Published: January 2023

Magnetic field is an appropriate physical field, it can be used as a process parameter for the preservation of meat products. In this study, fresh beef was subjected to an alternating magnetic field of 2 mT during cold storage at 4°C, then microbial indicators, physicochemical properties of beef samples and its protein indicators were investigated. The results showed that the alternating magnetic field could inhibit the microbial growth on beef sample, and TVB‐N content, drip loss and characteristic putrefactive amine were lower than the control. The total bacterial count and TVB‐N value of beef samples in the control exceeded the threshold value on the 8th day, respectively, while the samples in the alternating magnetic field exceeded the threshold value on the 13th day. Meanwhile, it demonstrated that the field could delay the transformation of free amino acids to biogenic amines and inhibit the accumulation of bitter amino acids, so maintaining its nutritional characteristics. With the extension of storage period, the sulfhydryl content of beef myofibrillar proteins subjected to alternating magnetic field was lower than that of the control. It demonstrated that the protein oxidation of samples was inhibited, which would also be the reason the Ca2+‐ ATPase activity of myofibrillar proteins was maintained at a low level during the period. Furthermore, the upward trend of carbonyl group content was delayed. It provides a reference for the application of alternating magnetic field on cold storage of meat.
Molecular identification of carboxylesterase genes and their potential roles in the insecticides susceptibility of Grapholita molesta
Authors: Li Jianying , Jia Yujie , Zhang Dongyue , Li Zhen , Zhang Songdou , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: January 2023

Grapholita molesta is one of the most damaging pests worldwide in stone and pome fruits. Application of chemical pesticides is still the main method to control this pest, which results in resistance to several types of insecticides. Carboxylesterase (CarE) is one of the important enzymes involved in the detoxification metabolism and tolerance of xenobiotics and insecticides. However, the roles of CarEs in insecticides susceptibility of G. molesta are still unclear. In the present study, the enzyme activity of CarEs and the mRNA expression of six CarE genes were consistently elevated after treatment with three insecticides (emamectin benzoate, lambda‐cyhalothrin, and chlorantraniliprole). According to spatio‐temporal expression profiles, six CarE genes expressed differently in different developmental stages, and highly expressed in some detoxification metabolic organs. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of these six CarE genes indicated that the susceptibility of G. molesta to all these three insecticides were obviously raised after GmCarE9, GmCarE14, GmCarE16, and GmCarE22 knockdown, respectively. Overall, these results demonstrated that GmCarE9, GmCarE14, GmCarE16, and GmCarE22 play a role in the susceptibility of G. molesta to emamectin benzoate, lambda‐cyhalothrin, and chlorantraniliprole treatment. This study expands our understanding of CarEs in insects, that the same CarE gene could participate in the susceptibility to different insecticides.
Energy density of mesopelagic fishes from the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: López‐Pérez Cristina , Olivar María Pilar , Tuset Víctor M. , Bernal Ainhoa , Hulley Percy Alexander
Published: January 2023

Mesopelagic fishes play a central role in marine food webs linking primary consumers to top predators. In this study, measures of direct calorimetry were used to analyse the energy density (ED) of 34 mesopelagic species collected at 12 stations in the equatorial and tropical Atlantic. Mean ED ranged from 2.7 kJ g−1 wet weight (WW) for the lanterfish Lampanyctus nobilis to 8.7 kJ g−1 WW for the lanterfish Benthosema glaciale. This study includes species of the orders Myctophiformes and Stomiiformes and represents migrants, non‐migrants and partial‐migrants species. The majority of the species were grouped into the medium‐energy quality category (ED from 4 to 6 kJ g−1); Myctophiformes showed higher energetic values than the Stomiiformes. For the different species, the ED values were discussed in relation to spawning period and energy allocation strategies for reproduction and growth and feeding and migratory behaviour, as well as the ecoregion of study. These values will be useful for future assessment of energetic transfer between trophic levels and energetic modelling of Atlantic ecosystems.
Hospital‐associated disability due to avoidable hospitalizations among older adults
Authors: Skains Rachel M. , Zhang Yue , Osborne John D. , O'Leary Tobias , Fowler Mackenzie E. , Markland Alayne , Buford Thomas W. , Brown Cynthia J. , Kennedy Richard E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hospital‐associated disability (HAD) is a common complication during the course of acute care hospitalizations in older adults. Many admissions are for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), considered potentially avoidable hospitalizations—conditions that might be treated in outpatient settings to prevent hospitalization and HAD. We compared the incidence of HAD between older adults hospitalized for ACSCs versus those hospitalized for other diagnoses.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in inpatient (non‐ICU) medical and surgical units of a large southeastern regional academic medical center. Participants were 38,960 older adults 65 years of age admitted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was HAD, defined as decline on the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale from hospital admission to discharge. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine differences in HAD between hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis for an ACSC using standard definitions versus primary diagnosis for other conditions, adjusting for covariates and repeated observations for individuals with multiple hospitalizations.

Results

We found that 10% of older adults were admitted for an ACSC, with rates of HAD in those admitted for ACSCs lower than those admitted for other conditions (16% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). Age, comorbidity, admission functional status, and admission cognitive impairment were significant predictors for development of HAD. ACSC admissions to medical and medical/surgical services had lower odds of HAD compared with admissions for other conditions, with no significant differences between ACSC and non‐ACSC admissions to surgical services.

Conclusions

Rates of HAD among older adults hospitalized for ACSCs are substantial, though lower than rates of HAD with hospitalization for other conditions, reflecting that acute care hospitalization is not a benign event in this population. Treatment of ACSCs in the outpatient setting could be an important component of efforts to reduce HAD.
Defensa comunitaria y culturas del terror: Crimen organizado y violencia de Estado en comunidades originarias de Guerrero, México
Authors: Delgado Inés Giménez
Published: January 2023

Rich in raw materials, the state of Guerrero, Mexico, is one of the main enclaves of opium production, mineral extraction, and a focus for the multiplication of armed actors in Latin America, which, together with the overlapping of counterinsurgent violence in the past, post‐colonial violence and the militarization of the policies of the so‐called fight against drugs has contributed to very high rates of multiple and continuous violence. Drawing on investigative ethnographic fieldwork, testimonial work and a hemerographic review in Guerrero, this article investigates how the entanglement between state, para‐state, criminal and community actors leads to some short of “state of exception,” as well as to the emergence of forms of territorial organization. Through a case study in rural Nahua communities of Chilapa and echoing studies on the anthropology of violence, state anthropology and anarchist anthropology, we discuss the culture of terror at the margins of the state and the strategies of community and everyday resistance, that, although seek to ensure their political and economic survival, are at risk of being captured by some forms of the violence they fight.
The triage Nurse's ability in electrocardiogram interpretation in real clinical practice
Authors: Zaboli Arian , Sibilio Serena , Brigo Francesco , Magnarelli Gabriele , Fanni Canelles Massimiliano , Paulmichl Rupert , Pfeifer Norbert , Turcato Gianni
Published: January 2023

Aims and Objective

The study aimed to assess the triage nurse's skill in the recognition of abnormal electrocardiogram during actual clinical practice and to identify nurse‐ and patient‐related factors associated with errors in electrocardiogram interpretation.

Background

The nurse's ability to interpret the electrocardiogram has only been evaluated in simulation settings and has reported conflicting results.

Design

A prospective single‐centre observational study.

Methods

During the evaluation of a patient with a cardiovascular symptom, the triage nurses were asked to define whether the 12‐lead electrocardiogram performed during the triage evaluation was pathological or non‐pathological for the presenting symptom. Patient characteristics and some nurse‐related variables were recorded. Inter‐rater agreement between the physician and nurse in the electrocardiogram interpretation was considered the primary outcome, while the association of a major acute cardiovascular event related to patient access in the Emergency Department was the secondary outcome. We have followed the STROBE checklist for the preparation of this manuscript.

Results

Twenty nurses agreed to participate to the study and collect data. Of the 644 patients enrolled, 21.6% (139/644) reported a pathological electrocardiogram according to the ED Physician. The concordance between nurse and physician was modest with Cohen's Kappa of 0.666.

An error in the electrocardiogram interpretation was present in 11% of the patients. Nurses who performed an electrocardiogram course within 1 year and studied electrocardiogram interpretation autonomously presented a lower error rate, while older patients and patients with more previous cardiovascular disease were found to be more associated with an error in electrocardiogram interpretation.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that triage nurses have a fair ability to interpret the electrocardiogram.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Specific educational programmes for electrocardiogram interpretation could improve the skill of electrocardiogram interpretation by the nurse and enable this instrument to become an indispensable tool in triage assessment.
Evaluation of a nurse practitioner clinical practicum module using a capability education framework: A case study design
Authors: Ryder Mary , Smith Rita , Furlong Eileen
Published: January 2023

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this research was to evaluate a nurse practitioner's clinical practicum module designed with a capability education framework. The objectives were to determine if the module prepared students adequately for their role and to determine if the Mini‐CEX assessment tool was suitable for use with nurse practitioners.

Background

Capability is a necessary part of expertise, where a capable person takes responsibility to develop their own education, knowledge and skills. The capability learning framework offers nurse practitioners flexible learning pathways between the student, the university and clinical practice. This capability learning framework focuses on the wider complexities of nurse practitioner practice as opposed to a point‐in‐time assessment.

Design

A case study design was used.

Methods

Mixed methods including, document review, focus group and field notes were used in the case study evaluation adhering to the standards for the reporting of organisational case studies.

Results

A layered incremental approach to learning and assessments were applied. Students and assessors were satisfied with using the Mini‐CEX assessment tool in the module. The Mini‐CEX tool was familiar to clinical mentors, who compared students demonstrating competency in a similar manner to medicine. The feedback component of the tool provided deep and meaningful engagement for students. The module provided mentors with insight and understanding of the nurse practitioner role. Students identified the transitioning process from competent to capable practitioners. The module learning and assessments were mapped to regulatory nurse practitioner standards and requirements.

Conclusions

The module provided comprehensive preparation for students to develop their nurse practitioner role. The Mini‐CEX assessment tool is a fitting assessment for nurse practitioner students, particularly when supplemented with a corresponding reflective exercise. The assessments and feedback provided the students with opportunities to focus on agreed learning outcomes in their specialist area of practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse practitioners are required to practice autonomously and independently at a level of capability in clinical practice. The education preparation of nurse practitioner students must be directed appropriately.
For better or worse: Economic strain, furlough, and relationship quality during the Covid‐19 lockdown
Authors: Perelli‐Harris Brienna , Chao Shih‐Yi , Berrington Ann
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study evaluates the role of objective and subjective measures of economic uncertainty, as well as furlough schemes, on changes in couples' relationships during the first lockdown in the UK.

Background

Most theories of relationship quality argue that economic uncertainty strains intimate relationships, leading to a deterioration in relationship quality. Few studies capture such an intense period of economic uncertainty, and the role of government policy to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis.

Method

The study employs the UK Household Longitudinal Covid‐19 surveys conducted in April–June 2020. Using multinomial logit regression models (N = 5792), we examine how self‐reported change in relationship quality is associated with socioeconomic status, subjective financial uncertainty, and change in employment situation, especially for those furloughed through the UK government's Employment Protection Scheme.

Results

The study finds that 8% of individuals reported a decline in their couple relationship quality, but 19% reported improvements. Those with higher education and household earnings were more likely to experience improvements in relationship quality. Reduced work hours or job loss was not associated with changes in relationship, although expecting a worse future financial situation was. Furlough was strongly associated with improvements in relationships, and furloughed men were slightly more likely to report an improvement in their relationships than women.

Conclusion and Implications

Although prior research has found that economic uncertainty is detrimental to relationships, employment protection schemes seem to have mitigated some of the worst effects on families.
High–Quality Formative Writing Assessment for Middle School Students in Tier 2 Literacy Interventions
Authors: Reed Deborah K , Binning Kelly , Jemison Emily A. , DeSalle Nicole
Published: January 2023

Increased expectations for writing performance have created a need for formative writing assessments that will help middle school teachers better understand adolescents’ grade–appropriate writing skills and monitor the progress of students with or at risk for writing disabilities. In this practice piece, we first explain research–based recommendations for high–quality writing prompts that are interesting to students, provide clear directions, and ensure accessibility and fairness. Then, we use lessons learned from working with adolescents in Tier 2 literacy intervention classes to demonstrate how teachers can apply the recommendations to identify or develop prompts that will encourage students to write responses. In addition, we explain how analytic rubrics may be used to evaluate responses as a means of informing instruction and further refining the prompts.
The dual role of a multi‐heme cytochrome in methanogenesis: MmcA is important for energy conservation and carbon metabolism in Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Downing Blake E. , Gupta Dinesh , Nayak Dipti D.
Published: January 2023

Methanogenic archaea belonging to the Order Methanosarcinales conserve energy using an electron transport chain (ETC). In the genetically tractable strain Methanosarcina acetivorans, ferredoxin donates electrons to the ETC via the Rnf (Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation) complex. The Rnf complex in M. acetivorans, unlike its counterpart in Bacteria, contains a multiheme c‐type cytochrome (MHC) subunit called MmcA. Early studies hypothesized MmcA is a critical component of Rnf, however recent work posits that the primary role of MmcA is facilitating extracellular electron transport. To explore the physiological role of MmcA, we characterized M. acetivorans mutants lacking either the entire Rnf complex (∆mmcA‐rnf) or just the MmcA subunit (∆mmcA). Our data show that MmcA is essential for growth during acetoclastic methanogenesis but neither Rnf nor MmcA is required for methanogenic growth on methylated compounds. On methylated compounds, the absence of MmcA alone leads to a more severe growth defect compared to a Rnf deletion likely due to different strategies for ferredoxin oxidation that arise in each strain. Transcriptomic data suggest that the ∆mmcA mutant might oxidize ferredoxin by upregulating the cytosolic Wood‐Ljundahl pathway for acetyl‐CoA synthesis, whereas the ∆mmcA‐rnf mutant may repurpose the F420 dehydrogenase complex (Fpo) to oxidize ferredoxin coupled to proton translocation. Beyond energy conservation, the deletion of rnf or mmcA leads to global transcriptional changes of genes involved in methanogenesis, carbon assimilation and regulation. Overall, our study provides systems‐level insights into the non‐overlapping roles of the Rnf bioenergetic complex and the associated MHC, MmcA.
Contrasting photoprotective responses of forest trees revealed using PRI light responses sampled with airborne imaging spectrometry
Authors: Gamon John A. , Wang Ran , Russo Sabrina E.
Published: January 2023

The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) provides an optical indicator of photosynthetic light‐use efficiency, photoprotection, and stress in plants. Although PRI can be applied in remote sensing, its interpretation depends on irradiance, which is hard to obtain from satellite or airborne imagery.

To quantify forest photoprotective responses remotely, we developed a framework for modeling and interpreting PRI‐light responses of individual trees and species using airborne imaging spectrometry coupled with georeferenced forest inventory data from a temperate broad‐leaved forest. We derived an irradiance proxy, used hierarchical modeling to analyze PRI‐light responses, and developed a framework of physiological interpretations of model parameters as facultative and constitutive components of photoprotection.

Photochemical Reflectance Index declined with illumination, and PRI‐light relationships varied with landscape position and among tree crowns and species. More sun‐exposed foliage had lower intercepts and slopes of the relationship, indicating greater constitutive, but less facultative, photoprotection.

We show that tree photoprotective strategies can be quantified at multiple scales using airborne hyperspectral data in structurally complex forests. Our findings and approach have important implications for the remote sensing of forest stress by offering a new way to assess functional diversity through dynamic differences in photoprotection and photosynthetic downregulation and providing previsual indicators of forest stress.
Evaluation of the feasibility of an Education‐Career pathway in Healthcare for Older People (ECHO) for early career nurses
Authors: Naughton Corina , Hayes Nicky , Ezhova Ivanka , Fitzpatrick Joanne M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Rapid population ageing is driving demand for qualified gerontological nurses. Yet, early career nurse attrition and limited focus on retention in the speciality limits supply.

Objectives

To test the feasibility and acceptability of an Education‐Career pathway in Healthcare for Older People (ECHO) intervention for early career nurses to improve retention and capability in gerontological nursing. ECHO is a multicomponent intervention with integrated education, career planning and coaching components, tested over two 6‐month cycles.

Methods

A feasibility study with a pre‐post design using a multi‐methods evaluation. Twenty‐nine early career nurse participants were recruited from eight NHS acute and community care Trusts in England. ECHO participants completed online questionnaires at baseline (Time 1), 6‐month (T2, end of intervention) and follow‐up at 18 months from baseline (T3). Outcome measures were career intention, self‐reported knowledge, career planning confidence, and burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with participants (n = 23) and organizational stakeholders (n = 16) who facilitated ECHO. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and non‐parametric tests for paired data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Results

Overall, 19 of 29 participants (65%) completed all aspects of the intervention. The evaluation was completed by 23 participants. ECHO was well received by participants and stakeholders. At T3, the 23 participants were working in the speciality, though two had changed organizations. There was a significant improvement in self‐reported gerontological knowledge, pre 87 (IQR 81–102), post 107 (IQR 98–112)p = 0.006, but no significant changes in other outcomes. In qualitative data, participants and organizational stakeholders held similar views, presented under four main themes: intended outcomes (personal and professional development, raise gerontological profile, expand horizons); nurse retention‐a double‐edged sword, ECHO logistics, and sustainability.

Conclusion

Education‐Career pathway in Healthcare for Older People was feasible and may positively impact early career nurse retention, capability and socialization into gerontological nursing. ECHO requires further refinement and piloting, but learning can contribute to retention strategies.

Implications for practice

Attracting and retaining early‐career nurses to the gerontological speciality requires greater innovation, organizational and senior nurse leadership.
Hydrogen sulfide upregulates the alternative respiratory pathway in mangrove plant Avicennia marina to attenuate waterlogging‐induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in a calcium‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhong You‐Hui , Guo Ze‐Jun , Wei Ming‐Yue , Wang Ji‐Cheng , Song Shi‐Wei , Chi Bing‐Jie , Zhang Yu‐Chen , Liu Jing‐Wen , Li Jing , Zhu Xue‐Yi , Tang Han‐Chen , Song Ling‐Yu , Xu Chao‐Qun , Zheng Hai‐Lei
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered to mediate plant growth and development. However, whether H2S regulates the adaptation of mangrove plant to intertidal flooding habitats is not well understood. In this study, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) was used as an H2S donor to investigate the effect of H2S on the responses of mangrove plant Avicennia marina to waterlogging. The results showed that 24‐h waterlogging increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in roots. Excessive mitochondrial ROS accumulation is highly oxidative and leads to mitochondrial structural and functional damage. However, the application of NaHS counteracted the oxidative damage caused by waterlogging. The mitochondrial ROS production was reduced by H2S through increasing the expressions of the alternative oxidase genes and increasing the proportion of alternative respiratory pathway in the total mitochondrial respiration. Secondly, H2S enhanced the capacity of the antioxidant system. Meanwhile, H2S induced Ca2+ influx and activated the expression of intracellular Ca2+‐sensing‐related genes. In addition, the alleviating effect of H2S on waterlogging can be reversed by Ca2+ chelator and Ca2+ channel blockers. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence to explain the role of H2S in waterlogging adaptation in mangrove plants from the mitochondrial aspect.
l‐Glutamate activates salicylic acid signaling to promote stomatal closure and PR1 expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tsuruda Toshihiko , Yoshida Riichiro
Published: January 2023

Glutamate (l‐Glu), an animal neurotransmitter, plays an essential role in plant signaling and regulates various plant physiological responses. We previously showed that l‐Glu regulates stomatal closure in Arabidopsis via the glutamate receptor‐like 3.5 gene (GLR3.5). Here, we showed that l‐Glu activates salicylic acid (SA) signaling in Arabidopsis. l‐Glu not only promoted stomatal closure but also triggered the expression of the PR1 gene via GLR3.5. These l‐Glu‐dependent actions were strongly suppressed in SA‐insensitive npr1‐1 and SA‐deficient sid2‐2 mutants, indicating that SA is involved in l‐Glu signaling. A loss‐of‐function mutant of the gene encoding the SRK2E/OST1 kinase, which plays a pivotal role in abscisic acid signaling, was insensitive to both l‐Glu‐induced stomatal closure and PR1 expression. The glr3.5 mutants did not alleviate SA‐induced stomatal closure, indicating that SA may function downstream of GLR3.5. These results indicate that l‐Glu activates SA signaling, and that SRK2E/OST1 may play pivotal roles in such signaling.
Periodontal microbiology and microbial etiology of periodontal diseases: Historical concepts and contemporary perspectives
Authors: Belibasakis Georgios N. , Belstrøm Daniel , Eick Sigrun , Gursoy Ulvi K. , Johansson Anders , Könönen Eija
Published: January 2023

This narrative review summarizes the collective knowledge on periodontal microbiology, through a historical timeline that highlights the European contribution in the global field. The etiological concepts on periodontal disease culminate to the ecological plaque hypothesis and its dysbiosis‐centered interpretation. Reference is made to anerobic microbiology and to the discovery of select periodontal pathogens and their virulence factors, as well as to biofilms. The evolution of contemporary molecular methods and high‐throughput platforms is highlighted in appreciating the breadth and depth of the periodontal microbiome. Finally clinical microbiology is brought into perspective with the contribution of different microbial species in periodontal diagnosis, the combination of microbial and host biomarkers for this purpose, and the use of antimicrobials in the treatment of the disease.