bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Well-being and working from home during COVID-19
Authors: Schifano Sonia , Clark Andrew E. , Greiff Samuel , Vögele Claus , D'Ambrosio Conchita
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The authors track the well-being of individuals across five European countries during the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and relate their well-being to working from home. The authors also consider the role of pandemic-policy stringency in affecting well-being in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have four waves of novel harmonised longitudinal data in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Sweden, covering the period May–November 2020. Well-being is measured in five dimensions: life satisfaction, a worthwhile life, loneliness, depression and anxiety. A retrospective diary indicates whether the individual was working in each month since February 2020 and if so whether at home or not at home. Policy stringency is matched in per country at the daily level. The authors consider both cross-section and panel regressions and the mediating and moderating effects of control variables, including household variables and income.

Findings

Well-being among workers is lower for those who work from home, and those who are not working have the lowest well-being of all. The panel results are more mitigated, with switching into working at home yielding a small drop in anxiety. The panel and cross-section difference could reflect adaptation or the selection of certain types of individuals into working at home. Policy stringency is always negatively correlated with well-being. The authors find no mediation effects. The well-being penalty from working at home is larger for the older, the better-educated, those with young children and those with more crowded housing.

Originality/value

The harmonised cross-country panel data on individuals' experiences during COVID-19 are novel. The authors relate working from home and policy stringency to multiple well-being measures. The authors emphasise the effect of working from home on not only the level of well-being but also its distribution.
Cracking the fault line in stock markets: the case of bonus issue announcements
Authors: Isiker Murat , Tas Oktay
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to measure the magnitude of the event-induced return anomaly around bonus issue announcement days in Turkey for recent years. Also, by describing the information content of these announcements with the current data, the study tries to find out the factors that cause return anomaly in Borsa Istanbul when firm boards release the bonus issue decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts event study methodology for detecting market anomaly around bonus issue announcements. For the pairwise comparison purpose, t-test and one-way ANOVA methods are applied to examine if abnormal returns vary according to the information content of the announcements.

Findings

Announcement returns for bonus issues from internal resources outperform the issues that are distributed from last year's net income as bonus shares. Findings indicate different return behaviour among internal resources sub-groups. Findings also suggest that investors in Turkey welcome larger-sized issues, while cumulated returns for the initial offers significantly differ from the latter issues.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited to the Turkish equity market. Also, the Public Disclosure Platform of Turkey, which is the main data source of the study, does not provide bonus issue announcements before 2010. Therefore, the previous year's data cannot be included in the analysis.

Originality/value

This paper is novel in terms of considering the main resources of the bonus issue in detail to measure the announcement's impact on stock returns.
Organizational perspectives on implementing complex health interventions: clinical genomics in Australia
Authors: Best Stephanie , Long Janet C. , Gaff Clara , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Taylor Natalie
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Clinical genomics is a complex, innovative medical speciality requiring clinical and organizational engagement to fulfil the clinical reward promised to date. Focus thus far has been on gene discovery and clinicians’ perspectives. The purpose of this study was to use implementation science theory to identify organizational barriers and enablers to implementation of clinical genomics along an organizations’ implementation journey from Preadoption through to Adoption and Implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a deductive qualitative approach study design drawing on implementation science theory - (1) Translation Science to Population Impact Framework, to inform semi structured interviews with organizational decision-makers collaborating with Australian and Melbourne Genomics, alongside and (2) Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), to guide data analysis.

Findings

We identified evolving organizational barriers across the implementation journey from Preadoption to Implementation. Initially the organizational focus is on understanding the value of clinical genomics (TDF code: belief about consequences) and setting the scene (TDF code: goals) before organizational (TDF codes: knowledge and belief about consequences) and clinician (TDF codes: belief about capability and intentions) willingness to adopt is apparent. Once at the stage of Implementation, leadership and clarity in organizational priorities (TDF codes: intentions, professional identity and emotion) that include clinical genomics are essential prerequisites to implementing clinical genomics in practice. Intuitive enablers were identified (e.g. ‘providing multiple opportunities for people to come on board) and mapped hypothetically to barriers.

Originality/value

Attention to date has centred on the barriers facing clinicians when introducing clinical genomics into practice. This paper uses a combination of implementation science theories to begin to unravel the organizational perspectives of implementing this complex health intervention.
Higher moments anomaly: evidence from the Indian equity market
Authors: Ali Asgar , Badhani K.N.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study investigates the impact of higher moments on cross-sectional returns in the Indian equity market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the daily data of 3,085 Bombay Stock Exchange-listed stocks spanning over 20 years from January 2000 to December 2019, the study evaluates the relationship between higher moments (skewness and kurtosis) and stock returns at individual stock and portfolio levels. The variations in the returns of the equal-weighted and the value-weighted portfolios are analysed, where the portfolios are constructed by sorting the stocks on skewness and kurtosis. The returns are adjusted for five common factors – market excess-returns, size, value, momentum and illiquidity, to controls other cross-sectional effects. Besides, the study employs Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regression and time-series tests of higher moments as robustness measures.

Findings

The study presents higher moments anomaly in the Indian equity market. Contrary to what is expected based on a risk-averse rational agent model, a robust positive relationship is observed between the skewness and stock returns. The relationship between the kurtosis and stock returns is negative, albeit statistically weak. These results are robust for the Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regression and time-series tests.

Originality/value

It is among the earlier attempts to investigate the pricing impact of higher moments at different levels of asset prices in an emerging market. Besides the standard portfolio methodology for explaining cross-sectional variations, the study also employs the time-series tests for higher moment factors, hence provides more robust results. Results have wider implications for asset pricing in emerging markets and highlight many issues for further research.
A good dentist or not: understanding the role of storytelling in online dentist reviews
Authors: Mao Bingjing , Li Cong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Narrative comments about dentists on physician review sites have been documented to increasingly influence people's selection of their dentists. From a communication standpoint, these comments are a type of narrative communication that people share their experiences with dentists by telling stories. Based on the frameworks of rhetoric structure theory and extended elaborated likelihood model, this study aimed to examine the effects of such storytelling from two perspectives including narrative structure and narrative focus.

Design/methodology/approach

A 4 (narrative structure) × 2 (narrative focus) between-subjects experiment was conducted to examine the proposed hypotheses and research questions

Findings

The results showed that a one-sided comprehensive comment focusing on technical competence generated the strongest persuasion effects measured by attitude and behavioral intention. These effects were mediated by perceived narrative credibility and enjoyment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature in two ways. First, it extends previous studies of online narrative comments by showing which narrative structure and focus are deemed to be more persuasive when selecting a dentist. Second, it offers a test of two routes of information processing (i.e. cognitive and experiential) to understand the mechanism underlying the effects of narrative comments.

Peer review

The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-08-2020-0359
Jumping to conclusions – an analysis of the NBA Draft Combine athleticism data and its influence on managerial decision-making
Authors: Berger Tobias , Daumann Frank
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The NBA Draft policy pursues the goal to provide the weakest teams with the most talented young players to close the gap to the superior competition. But it hinges on appropriate talent evaluation skills of the respective organizations. Research suggests the policy might be valid but to date unable to produce its intended results due to the “human judgement-factor”. This paper investigates specific managerial selection-behavior-influencing information to examine why decision-makers seem to fail to constantly seize the opportunities the draft presents them with.

Design/methodology/approach

Athleticism data produced within the NBA Draft Combine setting is strongly considered in the player evaluations and consequently informs the draft decisions of NBA managers. Curiously, research has failed to find much predictive power within the players pre-draft combine results for their post-draft performance. This paper investigates this clear disconnect, by examining the pre- and post-draft data from 2000 to 2019 using principal component and regression analysis.

Findings

Evidence for an athletic-induced decision-quality-lowering bias within the NBA Draft process was found. The analysis proves that players with better NBA Draft Combine results tend to get drafted earlier. Controlling for position, age and pre-draft performance there seems to be no proper justification based on post-draft performance for this managerial behavior. This produces systematic errors within the structure of the NBA Draft process and leads to problematic outcomes for the entire league-policy.

Originality/value

The paper delivers first evidence for an athleticism-induced decision-making bias regarding the NBA Draft process. Informing future selection-behavior of managers this research could improve NBA Draft decision-making quality.
Autogenic regulation and resilience in tropical dry forest
Authors: Muñoz Rodrigo , Bongers Frans , Rozendaal Danaë M. A. , González Edgar J. , Dupuy Juan M. , Meave Jorge A.
Published: July 2021

Engineering resilience, a forest's ability to maintain its properties in the event of disturbance, comprises two components: resistance and recovery. In human‐dominated landscapes, forest resilience depends mostly on recovery. Forest recovery largely depends on autogenic regulation, which entails a negative feedback loop between rates of change in forest state variables and state variables themselves. Hence community dynamics change in response to deviations from forest equilibrium state. Based on the premise that autogenic regulation is a key aspect of the recovery process, here we tested the hypothesis that combined old‐growth forest (OGF) and secondary forest (SF) dynamics should show autogenic regulation in state variables, and thus convergence towards OGF‐based reference points, indicating forest resilience.

We integrated dynamic data for OGF (11‐year monitoring) and SF (16‐year monitoring) to analyse three key state variables (basal area, tree density and species richness), their annual rates of change and their underlying demographic processes (recruitment, growth and mortality). We examined autogenic regulation through generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) to quantify functional relationships between rates of change of state variables (and underlying demographic processes) and their respective state variables.

State variables in OGF decreased moderately over time, against our prediction of OGF constancy. In turn, the three state variables analysed showed negative relationships with their respective rates of change, which allows the return of SF to OGF values after disturbance. In all cases, recruitment decreased with increasing values in state variables, while mortality increased.

The observed negative relationships between state variables, their rates of change and their underlying demographic processes support our hypothesis of integrated OGF and SF dynamics showing autogenic regulation for state variables. Competition seems to be a major driver of autogenic regulation given its dependence on a resource availability that declines as forest structure develops.

Synthesis. Based on a straightforward and comprehensive approach to quantify the extent to which tropical forest dynamics is self‐regulated, this study highlights the importance of autogenic regulation for tropical dry forest as a basic component of its resilience. This approach is potentially valuable for a generalized assessment of engineering resilience of forests world‐wide.
Bacteria associated with wood tissues of Esca‐diseased grapevines: functional diversity and synergy with Fomitiporia mediterranea to degrade wood components
Authors: Haidar Rana , Yacoub Amira , Vallance Jessica , Compant Stéphane , Antonielli Livio , Saad Ahmad , Habenstein Birgit , Kauffmann Brice , Grélard Axelle , Loquet Antoine , Attard Eléonore , Guyoneaud Rémy , Rey Patrice
Published: July 2021

Fungi are considered to cause grapevine trunk diseases such as esca that result in wood degradation. For instance, the basidiomycete Fomitiporia mediterranea (Fmed) is overabundant in white rot, a key type of wood‐necrosis associated with esca. However, many bacteria colonize the grapevine wood too, including the white rot. In this study, we hypothesized that bacteria colonizing grapevine wood interact, possibly synergistically, with Fmed and enhance the fungal ability to degrade wood. We isolated 237 bacterial strains from esca‐affected grapevine wood. Most of them belonged to the families Xanthomonadaceae and Pseudomonadaceae. Some bacterial strains that degrade grapevine‐wood components such as cellulose and hemicellulose did not inhibit Fmed growth in vitro. We proved that the fungal ability to degrade wood can be strongly influenced by bacteria inhabiting the wood. This was shown with a cellulolytic and xylanolytic strain of the Paenibacillus genus, which displays synergistic interaction with Fmed by enhancing the degradation of wood structures. Genome analysis of this Paenibacillus strain revealed several gene clusters such as those involved in the expression of carbohydrate‐active enzymes, xylose utilization and vitamin metabolism. In addition, certain other genetic characteristics of the strain allow it to thrive as an endophyte in grapevine and influence the wood degradation by Fmed. This suggests that there might exist a synergistic interaction between the fungus Fmed and the bacterial strain mentioned above, enhancing grapevine wood degradation. Further step would be to point out its occurrence in mature grapevines to promote esca disease development.
The effect of offering a third‐trimester routine ultrasound on pregnancy‐specific anxiety and mother‐to‐infant bonding in low‐risk women: A pragmatic cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Westerneng Myrte , de Jonge Ank , van Baar Anneloes L. , Witteveen Anke B. , Jellema Petra , Paarlberg K. Marieke , Rijnders Marlies , van der Horst Henriëtte E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Third‐trimester routine ultrasounds are increasingly offered to monitor fetal growth. In addition to limited evidence for its clinical effectiveness, little is known about its importance for pregnancy‐specific anxiety and mother‐to‐infant bonding.

Methods

1275 low‐risk women participated in a Dutch nationwide pragmatic cluster‐randomized trial and answered questionnaires on pregnancy‐specific anxiety (PRAQ‐R) and prenatal mother‐to‐infant bonding (MAAS) before and after a third‐trimester routine ultrasound was offered to the intervention group. Linear mixed model regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of offering a third‐trimester routine ultrasound on pregnancy‐specific anxiety and mother‐to‐infant bonding. In addition, we examined whether the effect depended on maternal background characteristics and level of satisfaction with the ultrasound procedure.

Results

We found no effect of offering a third‐trimester routine ultrasound on pregnancy‐specific anxiety and mother‐to‐infant bonding. However, interaction analyses showed that women with high levels of depressive symptoms at baseline and women who were very satisfied with the ultrasound procedure benefited somewhat more from offering a third‐trimester routine ultrasound in terms of mother‐to‐infant bonding compared with women with low or no depressive symptoms, or less satisfied women.

Conclusions

The relationship between offering a third‐trimester routine ultrasound with pregnancy‐specific anxiety and mother‐to‐infant bonding is limited. A beneficial effect only applies to some subgroups of women. This implies that, in terms of psychological outcomes, there are no counterarguments to implementing a third‐trimester routine ultrasound. Strong evidence for offering all pregnant women a third‐trimester routine ultrasound for psychological reasons, however, is lacking.
Tumor suppressor miR‐193a‐3p enhances efficacy of BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF‐mutated colorectal cancer
Authors: Hiraide Sakura , Takahashi Masanobu , Yoshida Yuya , Yamada Hideharu , Komine Keigo , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: July 2021

Patients with BRAF‐mutated colorectal cancer (CRC) have a poor prognosis despite recent therapeutic advances such as combination therapy with BRAF, MEK, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that can improve the efficacy of BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib (DAB) and MEK inhibitor trametinib (TRA), we screened 240 miRNAs in BRAF‐mutated CRC cells and identified five candidate miRNAs. Overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p, one of the five screened miRNAs, in CRC cells inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. Reverse‐phase protein array analysis revealed that proteins with altered phosphorylation induced by miR‐193a‐3p were involved in several oncogenic pathways including MAPK‐related pathways. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p in BRAF‐mutated cells enhanced the efficacy of DAB and TRA through inhibiting reactivation of MAPK signaling and inducing inhibition of Mcl1. Inhibition of Mcl1 by siRNA or by Mcl1 inhibitor increased the antiproliferative effect of combination therapy with DAB, TRA, and anti‐EGFR antibody cetuximab. Collectively, our study demonstrated the possibility that miR‐193a‐3p acts as a tumor suppressor through regulating multiple proteins involved in oncogenesis and affects cellular sensitivity to MAPK‐related pathway inhibitors such as BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and/or anti‐EGFR antibodies. Addition of miR‐193a‐3p and/or modulation of proteins involved in the miR‐193a‐3p–mediated pathway, such as Mcl1, to EGFR/BRAF/MEK inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy against BRAF‐mutated CRC.
Current status of quinoxaline and quinoxaline 1,4‐di‐N‐oxides derivatives as potential antiparasitic agents
Authors: Soto‐Sánchez Jacqueline , Ospina‐Villa Juan David
Published: July 2021

Parasitic diseases are a public health problem, especially in developing countries where millions of people are affected every year. Current treatments have several drawbacks: emerging resistance to the existing drugs, lack of efficacy, and toxic side effects. Therefore, new antiparasitic drugs are urgently needed to treat and control diseases that affect human health, such as malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, giardiasis schistosomiasis, and filariasis, among others. Quinoxaline is a compound containing a benzene ring and a pyrazine ring. The oxidation of both pyrazine ring nitrogens allows the obtention of quinoxaline 1,4‐di‐N‐oxides (QdNOs) derivatives. By modifying the chemical structure of these compounds, it is possible to obtain a wide variety of biological properties. This review investigated the activity of quinoxaline derivatives and QdNOs against different protozoan parasites and helminths. We also cover the structure–activity relationship (SAR) and summarize the main findings related to their mechanisms of action from published works in recent years. However, further studies are needed to determine specific molecular targets. This review aims to highlight the new development of antiparasitic drugs with better pharmacological profiles than current treatments.
The Influence of Ethnic‐Racial Identity Developmental Processes on Global Bicultural Competence Development
Authors: Safa M. Dalal , White Rebecca M.B. , Knight George P.
Published: July 2021

This study investigated ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) developmental processes (i.e., exploration and resolution) as pathways for adolescents to develop global bicultural competence, or the ability to meet heritage and host cultural demands. The sample included 749 U.S. Mexican‐origin youth (30% Mexico‐born; 51% male) followed from early‐to‐late adolescence (Mage = 12.79–17.38 years). Longitudinal structural equation analyses revealed that youth’s sequential engagement in ERI exploration and resolution (from early‐to‐middle adolescence) promoted global bicultural competence in late adolescence. The findings highlight the benefits of achieving clarity about one’s ERI via self‐exploration efforts for adolescents’ ability to respond effectively to bicultural demands. This study advances mechanisms via which ERI development may support youth adaptation to multiple cultural systems.
Princess Power: Longitudinal Associations Between Engagement With Princess Culture in Preschool and Gender Stereotypical Behavior, Body Esteem, and Hegemonic Masculinity in Early Adolescence
Authors: Coyne Sarah M. , Linder Jennifer Ruh , Booth McCall , Keenan‐Kroff Savannah , Shawcroft Jane E. , Yang Chongming
Published: July 2021

Princess culture is criticized for contributing to gender stereotypes and poor body esteem, however, there is little longitudinal research examining these claims. This study examines associations between engagement with princess culture during early childhood and gender stereotypes, body esteem, and adherence to hegemonic masculinity in early adolescence. Participants included 307 children (51% female, Mage = 4.83 years, 87% White) who completed questionnaires at two time points, 5 years apart. The results indicated that early engagement with princess culture was not associated with later adherence to female gender stereotypes. However, princess engagement was associated with lower adherence to norms of hegemonic masculinity and higher body esteem. Socioeconomic status and gender moderated the results. Effect sizes were small to moderate. The changing nature of Disney princesses is discussed in the context of gender development across childhood.
Cardiac transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease: A single center case series
Authors: Heid Christopher A. , Chandra Raghav , Liu Charles , Pruszynski Jessica , Khoury Mitri K. , Vela Ryan , Zeng Xue , Maaraoui Kayla , Kalsbeek Anya , Ring W. Steves , Amin Alpesh , Murala John , Peltz Matthias
Published: July 2021

Background

Adult congenital heart disease (CHD) transplant recipients historically experienced worse survival early after transplantation. We aim to review updated trends in adult CHD transplantation.

Methods

We performed a single center case series of adult cardiac transplants from January 2013 through July 2020. Outcomes of patients with CHD were compared to non‐CHD. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included a variety of post‐operative complications.

Results

18/262 (7%) transplants were CHD recipients. CHD patients were younger with median age 41 (32—47) versus 58 (48–65) (P < .001). Fontan circulation for single ventricle physiology was present in 4/18 (22%) of CHD recipients, while 16/18 (89%) had systemic right ventricles. CHD recipients had higher rates of previous cardiovascular operations (94% vs. 51%, P < .001). 9/18 (50%) of CHD patients required reconstructive procedures at the time of transplant. Operative and cardiopulmonary bypass times were longer for the CHD cohort (7.5 h [6.6–8.5] vs. 5.6 h [4.6–7] P < .001) and (197 min [158–240] vs. 130 [105–167] P < .001), respectively. There were no differences in operative complications or survival between CHD and non‐CHD recipients.

Conclusions

These data highlight the added technical challenges of performing adult CHD transplants. However, similar outcomes can be achieved as for non‐CHD recipients.

Modern advances in palliation of congenital heart defects (CHD) has led to increased survival into adulthood. Many of these patients require heart transplantation as adults. There are limited data on adult CHD transplantation. Historically, these patients have had worse perioperative outcomes with improved long‐term survival. We retrospectively analyzed 262 heart transplants at a single center, 18 of which were for adult CHD. Here, we report our series of 18 CHD recipients. We detail the palliative history of all CHD patients and highlight the added technical challenges for each of the 18 patients at transplant. In our analysis, CHD patients had more prior cardiovascular surgeries as well as longer transplant operative and bypass times. Despite this, there were no differences in perioperative and long‐term outcomes. We have added patient and institution specific data for transplanting patients with adult CHD. We hope that our experience will add to the growing body of literature on adult CHD transplantation.
Banting Memorial Lecture 2021—Banting, banting, banter and bravado: Convictions meet evidence in the scientific process
Authors: Lean Michael E. J.
Published: July 2021

This personal account presents some glimpses into the clinical research processes which have made radical changes to our understanding of disease and treatment, and some characteristics of researchers, drawn from history and personal experiences around obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some summary messages emerge: The history of clinical diabetes research has shown how, perhaps through skilful leadership, combining very different personalities, skills and motivation can solve great challenges: Type 2 diabetes is a primary nutritional disease, secondary to the disease‐process of obesity, not a primary endocrine disease. Type 2 diabetes is a manifestation of the disease‐process of obesity, revealed by weight gain in people with underlying metabolic syndrome genetics/diathesis, mediated in large part at least by reversible ectopic fat accumulation impairing function of organs (liver, pancreas, brown adipose tissue). Treat overweight/obesity more seriously (defined as a disease‐process with multiple organ‐specific complications—not as a disease‐state or BMI cut‐off). Discuss the complications and risks of T2D openly: remission is as important as for cancers. Offer and support an optimal dietary weight management program as soon as possible from diagnosis, specifically aiming for remission: (a) Warn against non‐evidence‐based programs that look similar or claim to have similar potential: we have fully evidence‐based programs; (b) Target sustained loss of >15 kg for Europeans (possibly less, e.g. >10 kg for Asians?). Increase future research support to enhance long‐term weight loss maintenance. Several approaches need consideration: (a) Personalise diet compositions (recognising there is no intrinsic advantage from different carbohydrate/fat content). (b) Novel diet strategies (e.g. 5:2, time‐restricted, flexible diet compositions). (c) New pharmaceutical agents as adjuncts to diet if necessary. (d) Novel food supplements to increase endogenous GLP‐1 secretion.
Understanding the emergence of contingent and deterministic exclusion in multispecies communities
Authors: Song Chuliang , Uricchio Lawrence H. , Mordecai Erin A. , Saavedra Serguei
Published: July 2021

Competitive exclusion can be classified as deterministic or as historically contingent. While competitive exclusion is common in nature, it has remained unclear when multispecies communities formed by more than two species should be dominated by deterministic or contingent exclusion. Here, we take a fully parameterised model of an empirical competitive system between invasive annual and native perennial plant species to explain both the emergence and sources of competitive exclusion in multispecies communities. Using a structural approach to understand the range of parameters promoting deterministic and contingent exclusions, we then find heuristic theoretical support for the following three general conclusions. First, we find that the life‐history of perennial species increases the probability of observing contingent exclusion by increasing their effective intrinsic growth rates. Second, we find that the probability of observing contingent exclusion increases with weaker intraspecific competition, and not with the level of hierarchical competition. Third, we find a shift from contingent exclusion to deterministic exclusion with increasing numbers of competing species. Our work provides a heuristic framework to increase our understanding about the predictability of species persistence within multispecies communities.
Diagnostic challenges in patients with temporal lobe seizures and features of autoimmune limbic encephalitis
Authors: Ismail Fatme Seval , Spatola Marianna , Woermann Friedrich G. , Popkirov Stoyan , Jungilligens Johannes , Bien Christian G. , Wellmer Jörg , Schlegel Uwe
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Consensus criteria for autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) allow for a diagnosis even without neuronal antibodies (Abs), but it remains unclear which clinical features should prompt neuronal Ab screening in temporal lobe epilepsy patients. The aim of the study was to investigate whether patients with temporal lobe seizures associated with additional symptoms or signs of limbic involvement may harbor neuronal Abs, and which clinical features should prompt neuronal Ab screening in these patients.

Methods

We identified 47 patients from a tertiary epilepsy center with mediotemporal lobe seizures and additional features suggestive of limbic involvement, including either memory deficits, psychiatric symptoms, mediotemporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hyperintensities or inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Neuronal Ab testing was carried out at two independent reference laboratories (Bielefeld‐Bethel, Germany, and Barcelona, Spain). All brain MRI scans were assessed by two reviewers independently.

Results

Temporal lobe seizures were accompanied by memory deficits in 35/46 (76%), psychiatric symptoms in 27/42 (64%), and both in 19/42 patients (45%). Limbic T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery signal hyperintensities were found in 26/46 patients (57%; unilateral: n = 22, bilateral: n = 4). Standard CSF studies were abnormal in 2/37 patients (5%). Neuronal Abs were confirmed in serum and/or CSF in 8/47 patients (17%) and were directed against neuronal cell‐surface targets (leucine‐rich glioma inactivated protein 1: n = 1, contactin‐associated protein‐2: n = 1, undetermined target: n = 3) or glutamic acid decarboxylase in its 65‐kD isoform (n = 3, all with high titers). Compared to Ab‐negative patients, those who harbored neuronal Abs were more likely to have uni‐ or bilateral mediotemporal MRI changes (8/8, 100% vs. 18/38, 47%; p = 0.01, Fisher's exact test).

Conclusions

In patients with temporal lobe seizures and additional limbic signs, 17% had neuronal Abs affirming ALE diagnosis. Mediotemporal MRI changes were found in all Ab‐positive cases and had a positive likelihood ratio of 2.11 (95% confidence interval 1.51–2.95).
Meet your MAKR: the membrane‐associated kinase regulator protein family in the regulation of plant development
Authors: Novikova Daria D. , Korosteleva Anastasia L. , Mironova Victoria , Jaillais Yvon
Published: July 2021

A small family composed of BRI1 KINASE INHIBITOR1 (BKI1) and MEMBRANE‐ASSOCIATED KINASE REGULATORS (MAKRs) has recently captured the attention of plant biologists, due to their involvement in developmental processes downstream of hormones and Receptor‐Like Kinases (RLK) signalling. BKI1/MAKRs are intrinsically disordered proteins (so‐called unstructured proteins) and as such lack specific domains. Instead, they are defined by the presence of two conserved linear motifs involved in the interaction with lipids and proteins, respectively. Here, we first relate the discovery of the MAKR gene family. Then, we review the individual function of characterized family members and discuss their shared and specific modes of action. Finally, we explore and summarize the structural, comparative and functional genomics data available on this gene family. Together, this review aims at building a comprehensive reference about BKI1/MAKR protein function in plants.
Important constraints on soil organic carbon formation efficiency in subtropical and tropical grasslands
Authors: Mitchell Elaine , Scheer Clemens , Rowlings David , Cotrufo Francesca , Conant Richard T. , Grace Peter
Published: July 2021

More than 10% of Australia's 49 M ha of grassland is considered degraded, prompting widespread interest in the management of these ecosystems to increase soil carbon (C) sequestration—with an emphasis on long‐lived C storage. We know that management practices that increase plant biomass also increase C inputs to the soil, but we lack a quantitative understanding of the fate of soil C inputs into different soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions that have fundamentally different formation pathways and persistence in the soil. Our understanding of the factors that constrain SOC formation in these fractions is also limited, particularly within tropical climates. We used isotopically labelled residue (13C) to determine the fate of residue C inputs into short‐lived particulate organic matter (POM) and more persistent mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM) across a broad climatic gradient (ΔMAT 10°C) with varying soil properties. Climate was the primary driver of aboveground residue mass loss which corresponded to higher residue‐derived POM formation. In contrast, MAOM formation efficiency was constrained by soil properties. The differential controls on POM and MAOM formation highlight that a targeted approach to grassland restoration is required; we must identify priority regions for improved grazing management in soils that have a relatively high silt+clay content and cation exchange capacity, with a low C saturation in the silt+clay fraction to deliver long‐term SOC sequestration.
The effect of resource abundance on Chinese urban green economic growth: A regional heterogeneity perspective
Authors: Tian Ying , Feng Chao
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a slacks‐based global DEA for Chinese urban green economic growth (GECO) and a global Malmquist index for decomposing its changes into three components, technology change (GTEC), scale efficiency change (GSEC), and pure technical efficiency change (GPEC). On this basis, using China's 286 city‐level panel data for the period 2006–2018, this paper then analyses the key driving factors of GECO and the regional heterogeneous effects of resource abundance on GECO. Results show that: (a) during the sample period, the city‐level GECO of China remains at a low level. GTEC and GSEC promote GECO, but much of this growth effect is offset by a reduction in GPEC; (b) there is negative effect of resource abundance on Chinese urban GECO. Specifically, in eastern, central, and western cities, the negative effect on GECO by adversely affecting GSEC and GPEC, while in northeast cities, the main transmission is GTEC; (c) because the key factors which affect the decompositions show different characteristics from regional heterogeneity perspective, this paper takes further step to formulate specific strategies and effective implementation of policies for the improvement of GECO in China's city level.
Uncoupling protein 2 and dynamin‐related protein 1 mRNA expressions as genetic markers for plaque psoriasis
Authors: Shehata Wafaa A. , Hammam Mostafa A. , Enany Rasha S. , El‐Hefnawy Sally M. , Abdelsattar Shimaa
Published: July 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a long‐lasting, inflammatory disease of the skin with not fully understood pathogenesis. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) are the main mitochondrial regulatory proteins implicated in various inflammatory conditions. This work aimed to evaluate the role of UCP2 and Drp1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions in diagnosing plaque psoriasis and to correlate their expression levels with the available clinical data.

Methods

Total number of 210 subjects (105 plaque psoriasis patients and 105 healthy volunteers) was enrolled in the current study. Plasma UCP2 and Drp1 mRNA relative expressions were studied by real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique.

Results

A significant statistical decrease in the expression levels of the mitochondrial regulatory proteins UCP2 and Drp1 mRNA in plasma of patient group in comparison to control subjects (P < 0.001). UCP2 mRNA expression was significantly correlated with the onset of disease and scalp affection (P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was the test used for verification of the accuracy of UCP2 and Drp1 mRNA expressions in identifying cases from healthy control subjects; UCP2 mRNA expression had a greater percent of accuracy (94%), sensitivity (97%), and specificity (87%) than Drp1 mRNA expression.

Conclusions

Although UCP2 and Drp1 mRNA are downregulated in plasma of psoriatic patients, UCP2 could serve better as a promising marker for plaque psoriasis. Despite developments in the treatment of psoriasis, these results provide new insights in disease pathogenesis suggesting UCP2 may be a good target for treatment.
A simplified diagnostic pathway for the differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease
Authors: Svenson Nicola , Bailey James , Durairaj Senthilkumar , Dempsey‐Hibbert Nina
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) are common causes of anaemia with similar clinical and laboratory features. IDA is caused by low iron stores while ACD is due to iron‐restricted erythropoiesis occurring in inflammatory states. Differential diagnosis requires analysis of multiple biochemical and haematological parameters. IDA can occur simultaneously to ACD (mixed aetiology). It is essential that true iron deficiency is identified, as these patients will require iron therapy. This preliminary study investigated whether hepcidin, the master regulator of iron homeostasis, in conjunction with reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent (RetHe) has the potential to differentiate IDA from ACD, and to exclude IDA in patients with mixed aetiology.

Methods

Hepcidin concentration (measured using a commercially available ELISA method), RetHe, and iron parameters along with C‐reactive protein (CRP) were analysed in 77 Gastroenterology patients with anaemia in a secondary care setting.

Results

Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that hepcidin at an optimal cut‐off concentration of <6ng/ml could identify IDA with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 90.6% respectively and could distinguish ACD from IDA with both a sensitivity and specificity of 100% at a cut‐off of >46ng/ml. Identifying true IDA in mixed aetiology patients could be achieved by RetHe analysis and applying an optimal cut‐off of <30pg.

Conclusion

Hepcidin, in conjunction with RetHe, offers a new simplified diagnostic pathway for differential diagnosis of IDA and ACD, thereby reducing the diagnostic turnaround time and allowing appropriate treatment of patients with a true iron deficiency.
Infants scan static and dynamic facial expressions differently
Authors: Prunty Jonathan E. , Keemink Jolie R. , Kelly David J.
Published: July 2021

Despite being inherently dynamic phenomena, much of our understanding of how infants attend and scan facial expressions is based on static face stimuli. Here we investigate how six‐, nine‐, and twelve‐month infants allocate their visual attention toward dynamic‐interactive videos of the six basic emotional expressions, and compare their responses with static images of the same stimuli. We find infants show clear differences in how they attend and scan dynamic and static expressions, looking longer toward the dynamic‐face and lower‐face regions. Infants across all age groups show differential interest in expressions, and show precise scanning of regions “diagnostic” for emotion recognition. These data also indicate that infants' attention toward dynamic expressions develops over the first year of life, including relative increases in interest and scanning precision toward some negative facial expressions (e.g., anger, fear, and disgust).
The Tele‐STELLA protocol: Telehealth‐based support for families living with later‐stage Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lindauer Allison , Messecar Deborah , McKenzie Glenise , Gibson Allison , Wharton Whitney , Bianchi Allison , Tarter Robin , Tadesse Ruth , Boardman Charles , Golonka Ona , Gothard Sarah , Dodge Hiroko H.
Published: July 2021

Aims

We aim to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the Tele‐STELLA (Support via Telehealth: Living and Learning with Advancing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias) intervention. We will also assess the efficacy of the intervention in reducing the frequency of behavioural symptoms of dementia as well as family Care Partner reactivity to the symptoms.

Design

This is a multi‐component, quasi‐experimental study that focuses on facilitating effective management of behavioural symptoms that occur in the later stages of dementia.

Methods

Family Care Partners (n = 124) for persons with Alzheimer's disease will participate in two 8‐week videoconferencing components that address behavioural symptoms—in both the persons with Alzheimer's disease and their Care Partners. In the first component (‘Nova’), Care Partners work with one nurse for an hour/week for 4 weeks, then they join a small group for another 4 weeks. In the second component (‘Constellation’), Care Partners work in a larger group to hone skills and knit supportive relationships. Behavioural symptom frequency and Care Partner reactivity to the behaviours will be measured prior to, during and after the intervention. The study is funded by the United States National Institute on Aging (R01AG067546); funding was initiated as on February, 2021.

Discussion

Tele‐STELLA fills a gap in current videoconference‐based psychoeducational interventions in that it offers real‐time interaction with nurses and peers. The intervention was designed with feedback by pilot participants. This study will assess Tele‐STELLA in its current, novel format; thus, preparing it for a larger, future randomized controlled trial.

Impact

Tele‐STELLA addresses symptoms that occur in the later stages of dementia, providing families with tools to facilitate effective behavioural management. Because Tele‐STELLA is implemented via videoconferencing, it targets Care Partners who face barriers to support, such as cost and transportation.

Trial Registration

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT04627662).
Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms and cystic fibrosis diagnosis
Authors: Grimalt G. , Carbonell M. , Grimalt R.
Published: July 2021

Linked article: A. Alexopoulos et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:1717–1724. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17312.
Gallic acid mitigates LPS‐induced inflammatory response via suppressing NF‐κB signalling pathway in IPEC‐J2 cells
Authors: Cai Long , Wei Zixi , Zhao Xuemei , Li Yanpin , Li Xilong , Jiang Xianren
Published: July 2021

Gallic acid is a phenolic compound that exhibits antibacterial, antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory functions. In a previous study, we found that dietary supplementation with gallic acid decreased incidence of diarrhoea and protected intestinal integrity in weaning piglets. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, a pig intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC‐J2) was used as an in vitro model to explore the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory capacity of gallic acid. IPEC‐J2 cells were stimulated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish oxidative and inflammatory models, respectively. Results showed that H2O2 significantly decreased catalase (CAT) secretion and CAT mRNA abundance in the cells (p < 0.05), while pretreatment with gallic acid did not prevent the decrease in CAT expression induced by H2O2. However, gallic acid pretreatment mitigated the increased expression of the tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐8 genes caused by LPS in IPEC‐J2 cells (p < 0.05). In addition, pretreatment with gallic acid significantly suppressed phosphorylation of NF‐κB and IκBα in LPS‐stimulated IPEC‐J2 cells. Moreover, LPS stimulation decreased the protein abundance of zona occludens 1 (ZO‐1) and occludin, while pretreatment with gallic acid preserved expression level of tight junction proteins ZO‐1 and occludin in LPS‐stimulated IPEC‐J2 cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gallic acid may mitigate LPS‐induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF‐κB signalling pathway, exerting positive effects on the barrier function of IPEC‐J2 cells.
The Ideological and Religious Bases of Attitudes Toward Pope Francis in the United States
Authors: Federico Christopher M.
Published: July 2021

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has achieved influence as a religious leader while also impacting political discussions through his teachings on social justice and environmental matters. In the United States, his teachings on these topics have generated some controversy among right‐leaning figures. In this study, I look at whether this controversy is reflected in mass opinion about Pope Francis. Using data from three national surveys of Americans, I find that individuals who identify with the political right evaluate Francis more negatively. Qualifying this, Catholic religious affiliation weakens the tendency for right‐wing identifiers to evaluate Francis more negatively, while strengthening the tendency for those high in religiosity to evaluate the pope positively. Finally, consistent with the idea that politically aware individuals are more likely to make ideologically informed judgments, the relationship between identification with the political right and negative evaluations of Pope Francis was stronger among the politically engaged.