bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Source height and contact with terrestrial soil drive transplanted epiphyte performance
Authors: Spicer Michelle Elise , Ortega Josué 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Epiphytes are characterized by their ability to survive without a root connection to the ground, but many basic life‐history traits and ecological trade‐offs of this unique aerial growth habit remain largely uncharacterized. Mortality causes are still not well understood, but falling from the host tree has been suggested as a leading cause of epiphyte mortality and community dynamics. Little empirical evidence exists for why epiphytes do not survive when forced to become terrestrial, and few studies exist that transplant epiphytes between high‐ and low‐forest strata to test trade‐offs between thriving in canopy environments and survival in the forest understorey.

Here, we experimentally test two hypotheses regarding the drivers of epiphyte mortality in a cloud forest of central Panama. We test whether simple contact with terrestrial soil is deleterious to epiphytes, preliminarily testing the epiphyte enemy escape hypothesis, and test the vertical niche differentiation hypothesis, wherein epiphytes are specifically adapted for microsites throughout the vertical forest strata. By monitoring survival, leaf loss and health status of 270 transplanted epiphytes for a year and a half, we pinpoint the extent to which soil contact and height of origin regulate epiphyte performance.

We found that contact with terrestrial soil itself was detrimental to epiphytes in situ, providing some of the first empirical data to explain why falling onto the ground, versus falling into the understorey, is particularly fatal to epiphytes. However, we also found that mortality rates vary substantially among taxonomic groups and among epiphytes that originally came from different height strata.

Synthesis. Plants that are adapted for the canopy experience a trade‐off with higher mortality when in contact with terrestrial soil. Follow‐up studies should explore the role of terrestrial soil microbes and physiological constraints as potential drivers of decreased grounded epiphyte survival.
Gender dimorphic species flower earlier than cosexuals
Authors: Richardson Sarah J. , McCarthy James K. , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Houliston Gary J. , Ausseil Anne‐Gaelle , Wilton Aaron D. , Clearwater Mike J. , Burge Olivia R. , Perry George L. W. , McGlone Matthew S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The timing of flowering is central to plant life‐history as it initiates sexual reproduction, thus controlling plant interaction with pollinators and climate factors. A fundamental question is: what are the drivers of flowering time strategy in a species?

We assembled mean flowering times for the indigenous dicotyledonous flora of New Zealand (n = 1303 species, including 177 tree species) and used phylogenetic models to determine how climate, plant traits, and evolutionary history (phylogeny) controlled interspecific variation in flowering times across an island flora.

Across all species, on average, flowering was 19 days earlier in abiotically pollinated species relative to biotically pollinated species, 23 days earlier in woody species, relative to herbaceous species, 45 days earlier in species with fleshy‐fruits, relative to species with dry fruits and 31 days earlier in gender dimorphic species, relative to cosexual species. Species in warmer and drier climates flowered earlier than those growing under cool, moist climates.

When all factors were considered together, the strongest influence on flowering time was sexual system: gender dimorphic species flowered earlier than cosexuals, even after accounting for other factors.

Synthesis. We propose that these differences in flowering time arise because of sexual selection for early male flowering and sexual conflict between male and female individuals. As sexual selection and conflict may be stronger in gender dimorphic species than in cosexual species, our study suggests that plant sexual system is an important force structuring the phenology of plant communities, with potential consequences for ecological interactions and ecosystem processes.
‘We manage, but yeah, it's challenging’: A mixed‐methods study of enablers and barriers to hearing assessments for parents of children in metropolitan and regional Australia
Authors: Zussino Jenna , Zupan Barbra , Preston Robyn 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundEarly identification and intervention for hearing loss is important for supporting language development. Despite this, parents are required to overcome barriers to access hearing assessments for their children.AimsTo identify the enablers and barriers to accessing hearing assessments for Australian children identified by their parents, and to compare between metropolitan, regional and rural areas.Methods & ProceduresThis sequential, explanatory mixed‐methods study was undertaken online and included participants in metropolitan, regional and rural area of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. A total of 56 participants participated in the surveys, and 10 participated in semi‐structured interviews.Outcomes & ResultsParticipants in metropolitan areas were more likely to have services in their area; however, access to hearing assessment was related more to individual circumstances (including health literacy skills) rather than geographical location. Many participants experienced long wait times, reduced flexibility, and a lack of audiologists experienced in working with children.Conclusions & ImplicationsBarriers to hearing assessments (which assist with early identification and intervention for hearing loss) should be addressed so that children have access to clear auditory information to assist with their speech and language development.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDSWhat is already known on the subject
Poor audiological input can lead to poor speech, language and literacy outcomes for children.What this paper adds to the existing knowledge
Although previous research indicates that people in regional and remote locations experience difficulty accessing health services within a reasonable timeframe, in this study barriers were experienced regardless of geographical location, and were dependent on individual circumstances. Many parents are unaware of the impact of hearing on speech and language.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?
Further research might examine how health literacy affects access to hearing assessment. Parents shared several potential solutions to these access barriers which should be considered by service providers.
Activation through welfare conditionality and marketisation in active labour market policies: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Nguyen Phuc , Putra Fadillah , Considine Mark , Sanusi Anwar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRegardless of their prevalence and considerable expansion since the 1980s, evidence concerning the impact of welfare conditionality and marketisation in active labour market policies (ALMPs) has been inconclusive and mostly limited to developed and transition economies. Using mixed methods for collecting and analysing data, this study investigates the deployment of these two policy instruments in the latest addition to the stock of ALMPs: the Kartu Prakerja Program of Indonesia. Our findings indicate positive effects derived from such incorporation of the two instruments in this new program. Specifically, we observed a high level of jobseekers’ engagement and employment outcomes. The program also shaped the development of a provider market that is of higher standard of professionalism. It, however, is not exempt from problems that seem to be of perennial nature in other welfare‐to‐work programs, pointing to the need for greater service tailoring and provider engagement. Impressively, the program represents an example of a genuine policy learning in both policy formulation and re‐formulation during the time of crisis, given that it has been run successfully, along with various adaptions quickly made in response to changing circumstances.Points for practitioners
Welfare conditionality and marketisation in the delivery of publicly funded employment services have been two key features of many welfare regimes. However, evidence concerning their impact is still inconclusive and especially lacking in a developing country context.
There exist similarities in the impacts of these two policy instruments across country contexts. Notably, national factors such as economy informality and culture are critical to interpret and understand their impacts.
Coupled with genuine policy learning in both policy formulation and re‐formulation, successful innovations during a time of crisis are possible.
Roosting ecology of the southernmost bats, Myotis chiloensis and Histiotus magellanicus, in southern Tierra del Fuego, Chile
Authors: Ossa Gonzalo , Lilley Thomas M. , Waag Austin G. , Meierhofer Melissa B. , Johnson Joseph S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere are few studies of day‐roosting ecology of bats inhabiting the southernmost forests of South America, where cool summer temperatures and land management practices pose several challenges. The goal of the present study was to describe day‐roosting habitats and patterns of thermoregulation in two bat species occurring on Tierra del Fuego, Myotis chiloensis (Chilean myotis) and Histiotus magellanicus (southern big‐eared brown bat), during late austral spring. To do so, we tagged 17 bats with temperature‐sensitive radio‐transmitters, located 17 day‐roosts, and collected 81 days of skin temperature data. We concurrently recorded ambient air temperature to determine its effect on torpor use. Both species were found roosting in large diameter (77.8 ± 6 cm), typically live, Nothofagus pumilio trees (lenga) located on the edges of forest gaps or within stands primarily composed of smaller, younger trees. Bats of both species frequently used torpor, with skin temperatures dropping below a torpor threshold on 89% of days (n = 72) and daily minimum skin temperatures averaging 16.5°C over the course of our study. Average daily air temperature was a significant predictor of torpor use, with lower skin temperatures and more time spent in torpor observed on colder days. Minimum skin temperature and time spent torpid did not vary between bat species, nor did the characteristics of day‐roosts. These data show that spring ambient temperatures in Tierra del Fuego pose an energetic challenge that bats meet through frequent use of torpor and, likely, habitat selection. We recommend local conservation efforts keep these thermal challenges in mind by retaining large trees, which may provide warmer microclimates or room for social groups.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Evidence for resident African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations in Luengue‐Luiana National Park, Angola
Authors: Nieman Willem A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study aims to fill the knowledge gap and provide evidence of resident African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations in the northeast of Luengue‐Luiana National Park (LLNP) in Angola. Camera traps and direct observations were used to collect data between 2021 and 2023. The results confirm the presence of multiple distinct groups of resident wild dogs within LLNP, with 26–28 individuals identified in each survey year; including captures of females, individuals at different age classes and the same individuals across multiple surveys. The findings support the revision of the IUCN/SSC distribution range of wild dogs in southeastern Angola. It also highlights the lower wild dog numbers in the southeast of LLNP, potentially limiting dispersal to neighbouring countries.
A large population‐based study on the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities: A result of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study
Authors: Saffar Soflaei Sara , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Moodi Ghalibaf AmirAli , Jafari Maryam , Alimi Hedieh , Talkhi Nasrin , Shahri Bahram , Heidari‐Bakavoli Alireza , Malakouti Fatemeh , Velayati Mahla , Assaran‐Darban Reza , Abedsaeidi Malihehsadat , Azarian Farnoosh , Latifi MohammadReza , Mohammad Taghizadeh Sarabi Mohammad Reza , Ferns Gordon A. , Esmaily Habibollah , Moohebati Mohsen , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundTwelve‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common and inexpensive tool for the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected cardiovascular disease, both in clinical and epidemiological settings. The present study was designed to evaluate ECG abnormalities in Mashhad population.MethodsECGs were taken as part of MASHAD cohort study (phase1) and were coded according to the Minnesota coding criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS.ResultsTotal 9035 ECGs were available for final analysis including 3615 (40.0%) male and 5420 (60.0%) female. Among ECG abnormalities precordial Q wave, major T‐wave abnormalities, inferior Q wave, sinus bradycardia, and left axis deviation were the most prevalent abnormalities. The frequency of precordial and inferior Q wave, inferior QS pattern, major and minor ST abnormalities, major and minor T abnormalities, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White and Brugada pattern, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, left axis deviation, ST elevation, and tall T wave were significantly different between two genders. Moreover, the frequency of Q wave in precordial and aVL leads, QS pattern in precordial and inferior leads, major and minor T‐wave abnormalities, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White, atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, left axis deviation, and ST elevation were significantly different in different age groups. A comparison of the heart rate, P‐wave duration, and QRS duration between men and women indicated that there was a significant difference.ConclusionsOur finding indicated that the prevalence ECG abnormalities are different between men and women and also it varied in different age groups.
Does hospital setting influence shoulder replacement revision rate? A national comparison of outcomes between private and public settings
Authors: Paltoglou Nicholas G. , Gill Stephen D. , Lorimer Michelle , Corfield Sophia , Page Richard S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAustralian healthcare relies on both private and public sectors to meet the demand for surgical care. Rapid growth of shoulder replacement surgery highlights a disparity in service provision, with two‐thirds occurring privately. This study aimed to assess the influence of hospital setting on shoulder replacement revision rate at a national level.MethodsAll primary shoulder replacements recorded by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry from April 2004 to December 2020 were included. Private and public settings were compared for stemmed total shoulder replacement (sTSR) for osteoarthritis (OA), reverse total shoulder replacement (rTSR) for OA/cuff arthropathy (CA), and rTSR for fracture. The primary outcome was cumulative percent revision (CPR), with Kaplan–Meier estimates of survivorship to determine differences between private and public hospitals, recorded as hazard ratios (HR). Secondary analyses investigated differences between hospital settings, targeting hospital outliers for revision and prosthesis selection.ResultsPrimary sTSR (OA) demonstrated a higher revision rate in private hospitals compared to public hospitals (HR = 1.27; P = 0.001), as did rTSR (OA/CA) after 3 months (HR = 1.33; P = 0.003). However, no significant difference was observed for primary rTSR (fracture) (HR = 1.10; P = 0.484). Restricting rTSR (OA/CA) to the best performing prosthesis combinations eliminated the difference between private and public outcomes (HR 1.10; P = 0.415). No other secondary analysis altered the primary result.ConclusionsDifferences exist between private and public hospitals for revision rate following primary shoulder replacement. Prosthesis selection accounts for some of the variation. Further analysis into patient specific characteristics is necessary to better understand these disparities.
Low utility of ocular screening in sarcoidosis in Finland
Authors: Joukainen Elli , Antonen Jaakko , Leinonen Sanna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeSystematic ocular screening is recommended in sarcoidosis, because of a high rate of ocular involvement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ocular screening is useful in sarcoidosis in a Finnish university hospital population with 0.5 M inhabitants.MethodsPatient charts of patients with sarcoidosis, without a history of ocular sarcoidosis, without ocular inflammatory symptoms, and with a comprehensive eye exam from January 2014 to January 2021 at Tays Eye Centre, Tampere, Finland, were studied.ResultsFive of 262 patients (2%) were diagnosed with asymptomatic uveitis. No other types of ocular sarcoidosis were found. Anterior uveitis without complications was present in three patients, unilaterally in two and bilaterally in one patient. Posterior uveitis was present in two patients, a unilateral choroidal granuloma requiring treatment in one and bilateral punched‐out chorioretinal lesions in the other patient.ConclusionsWith this low rate of ocular involvement requiring treatment in sarcoidosis, systematic screening for asymptomatic ocular sarcoidosis does not seem useful in a Finnish population. In Tays Eye Centre, systematic screening of ocular sarcoidosis was discontinued in 2021.
Endothelial cell plasticity in kidney fibrosis and disease
Authors: Pohl Layla , Schiessl Ina Maria 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRenal endothelial cells demonstrate an impressive remodeling potential during angiogenic sprouting, vessel repair or while transitioning into mesenchymal cells. These different processes may play important roles in both renal disease progression or regeneration while underlying signaling pathways of different endothelial cell plasticity routes partly overlap. Angiogenesis contributes to wound healing after kidney injury and pharmaceutical modulation of angiogenesis may home a great therapeutic potential. Yet, it is not clear whether any differentiated endothelial cell can proliferate or whether regenerative processes are largely controlled by resident or circulating endothelial progenitor cells. In the glomerular compartment for example, a distinct endothelial progenitor cell population may remodel the glomerular endothelium after injury. Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the kidney is vastly documented and often associated with endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, and kidney disease progression. Especially the role of EndoMT in renal fibrosis is controversial. Studies on EndoMT in vivo determined possible conclusions on the pathophysiological role of EndoMT in the kidney, but whether endothelial cells really contribute to kidney fibrosis and if not what other cellular and functional outcomes derive from EndoMT in kidney disease is unclear. Sequencing data, however, suggest no participation of endothelial cells in extracellular matrix deposition. Thus, more in‐depth classification of cellular markers and the fate of EndoMT cells in the kidney is needed. In this review, we describe different signaling pathways of endothelial plasticity, outline methodological approaches and evidence for functional and structural implications of angiogenesis and EndoMT in the kidney, and eventually discuss controversial aspects in the literature.
Fibroscan liver stiffness after anti‐viral treatment for hepatitis C is independently associated with adverse outcomes
Authors: Vutien Philip , Kim Nicole J. , Moon Andrew M. , Pearson Meredith , Su Feng , Berry Kristin , Gelman Hannah , Ioannou George N. 
Published: September 2023

SummaryBackgroundFibroscan‐derived liver stiffness decreases after anti‐viral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which may affect the associations and interpretation of liver stiffness.AimsTo assess whether liver stiffness pre‐ or post‐anti‐viral therapy is associated with the development of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or death.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we identified US veterans who initiated HCV treatment and had at least one liver stiffness before (n = 492) or after (n = 877) HCV therapy. We used Cox proportional hazards regression (adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, history of cirrhosis, body mass index, diabetes, FIB‐4 score, Charlson comorbidity index, alcohol use disorder, Model for end‐stage liver disease score and sustained virological response status) to determine the associations between pre‐ or post‐treatment liver stiffness values and the development of decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, death or liver transplant.ResultsIn the post‐treatment liver stiffness cohort, during a mean follow‐up of 27.3 months, 21 (2.4%) developed decompensated cirrhosis, 26 (3.0%) developed HCC and 57 (6.5%) died or underwent liver transplant. Compared to patients with post‐treatment liver stiffness ≤12.5 kPa, those with post‐treatment liver stiffness >20 kPa, had higher rates of developing decompensated cirrhosis (adjusted HR 3.85, 95% CI 1.29‐11.50) and the composite outcome of death, liver transplant, decompensated cirrhosis or HCC (adjusted HR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07‐3.56). There were no significant associations between pre‐treatment liver stiffness and any outcomes on multivariable analysis.ConclusionsPost‐treatment liver stiffness >20 kPa, but not pre‐treatment liver stiffness, was independently associated with the development of decompensated cirrhosis and the composite outcome in multivariable analyses. Measuring liver stiffness should be considered after anti‐viral treatment because it predicts adverse outcomes even beyond routinely available clinical predictors.
Collagen proportionate area predicts clinical outcomes in patients with alcohol‐related liver disease
Authors: Israelsen Mads , Guerrero Misas Marta , Koutsoumourakis Anastasios , Huang Yi , Thiele Maja , Hall Andrew , Rasmussen Ditlev , Covelli Claudia , Buzzetti Elena , Prat Laura Iogna , Roccarina Davide , Detlefsen Sönke , Luong Tu Vinh , Quaglia Alberto , Krag Aleksander , Jeffrey Gary , Pinzani Massimo , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A. 
Published: September 2023

SummaryBackgroundNo prognostic tools are established for alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD). Collagen proportionate area (CPA) measurement is a technique that quantifies fibrous tissue in liver biopsies using digital image analysis.AimTo assess the predictive value of CPA on hepatic decompensation and liver‐related mortality in ALDMethodsIn a multicentre cohort study, we included 386 patients with biopsy‐verified ALD and with long‐term follow‐up. In the development cohort of 276 patients, we assessed the predictors of hepatic decompensation and liver‐related death in standard and competing risk multivariable Cox regression analyses. The results were validated in an independent prospective cohort of 110 patients, where CPA was also correlated with liver stiffness measurement (LSM).ResultsIn the development cohort, 231 (84%) patients had early/compensated ALD (non‐cirrhotic or compensated cirrhosis) and 45 (16%) had decompensated cirrhosis. In the validation cohort, all patients had early/compensated ALD. Independent predictors of liver‐related mortality were higher CPA values (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02‐1.04) and advanced fibrosis (HR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.29‐6.05) with similar results in standard and competing risk multivariable Cox regression analysis. In early/compensated ALD, CPA was the only independent predictor of hepatic decompensation and liver‐related death (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.06‐1.11). In the prospective cohort, we validated that CPA independently predicts hepatic decompensation in early/compensated ALD. The predictive power of CPA and LSM was equally strong.ConclusionsCPA predicts liver‐related mortality in ALD and hepatic decompensation and/or liver‐related death in early/compensated ALD. Traditional histological assessment may benefit from the addition of CPA to the evaluation of ALD.