bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in neuromyelitis optica: An updated systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Luitel Prajjwol , Ghimire Anup , Upadhyay Devansh , Ojha Rajeev 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis is a critical review of studies aiming to assess the safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies as compared with the classical regimen in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.MethodsVarious electronic databases were searched for original articles reporting results from the use of monoclonal antibodies in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The Expanded Disability Status Scale and annualized relapse rate score before and after treatment were the primary effect measures. The pooled standardized mean difference with 95% CI was calculated using the random effects model. The heterogeneity of the included studies was calculated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics.ResultsOf 36 included studies, meta‐analysis was carried out from 27 studies. The pooled analysis of 1010 patients showed a mean reduction in the mean annualized relapse rate ratio after tocilizumab therapy −2.45 (95% CI −3.13 to −1.77) to be higher compared with rituximab −1.49 (95% CI −1.81 to −1.17). Likewise, the mean reduction in the Expanded Disability Status Scale after tocilizumab was higher −1.10 (95% CI −1.75 to −0.44) compared with rituximab −0.80 (95% CI −1.11 to −0.48).ConclusionTocilizumab has a greater effect than rituximab in terms of the reduction of the annualized relapse rate and Expanded Disability Status Scale in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients. The greater efficacy of tocilizumab could result from its multiple dynamic pharmacodynamics (i.e. its effect on interleukin‐6‐dependent inflammatory processes, involving CD20‐negative plasmablasts, pathogenic T cells and regulatory T cells) and to some degree due to heterogeneity in our study. Satralizumab (monotherapy or add‐on), eculizumab and inebilizumab (monotherapy) are effective in aquaporin‐4‐positive cases with good safety profiles. Ublituximab, bortezomib, bevacizumab and C1‐esterase inhibitors are both effective and safe add‐on drugs.
CEO origin and stock price crash risk: Insider versus outsider CEOs
Authors: Choi Heeick , Karim Khondkar , Tao Anqi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractResearch question/issueThe recent market trend in the United States has drawn attention to the fact that new chief executive officers (CEOs) are increasingly being recruited from outside rather than getting promoted from within. This study examines the influence of CEO origin on stock price crash risk.Research findings/insightsUsing a sample of 13,331 firm‐year observations during the 1997–2017 period, we find that CEOs promoted from inside the firm are less likely to trigger stock price crashes than CEOs hired from outside. Further, we show that the negative relation between insider CEOs and stock price crash risk is more pronounced for firms with more conservative accounting policies. Additional analyses document that the difference in stock price crash risk between insider and outsider CEOs is stronger in the early years of their tenure and for CEOs with higher pay‐for‐performance sensitivity and higher turnover risk.Theoretical/academic implicationsOur study contributes to the research on stock price crash risk, especially the recent studies investigating the impact of managerial behavior and traits on stock price skewness. The findings are consistent with the bad news hoarding theory of stock price crashes. Our findings also lend further empirical support to the horizon problem of CEO origin by showing that the relatively short average horizon for outsider CEOs incentivizes them to withhold bad news, leading to higher stock price crash risk.Practitioner/policy implicationsOur study adds to the debate on whether to choose a CEO from inside or outside the firm. The potential higher risk of stock price crashes might help boards of directors rethink their approaches to succession.
Predicted changes in the functional structure of earthworm assemblages in France driven by climate change
Authors: Fourcade Yoan , Vercauteren Mathias 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimSpecies shift their ranges as a consequence of climate change, hence modifying the structure of local assemblages. This may have important consequences for ecosystem functioning in the case of ecosystem engineers such as earthworms, especially when community restructuring leads to an alteration of their functional diversity. Here, we aimed to model the potential modification of the functional diversity of French earthworm assemblages in a context of climate change.LocationMetropolitan France.MethodsWe fitted boosted regression trees to earthworm data collected using a standardized protocol across France in the 1960s. We used model projections constrained by a macroecological model of species richness to predict the composition of earthworm assemblages in the present and in two scenarios of climate change and two future time periods. We coupled these results with a large set of species traits to calculate predicted changes in functional diversity, which we summarized by ecoregion.ResultsModels predicted a clear decline in functional richness between the period of sampling and nowadays which are expected to continue in the future, with substantial differences depending on ecoregions and on whether species will be able to disperse or not. However, predicted changes in functional evenness and divergence are much weaker, suggesting that climate change will not affect all facets of functional diversity in the same way.Main ConclusionsOur results mostly pointed to a potential reduction of the functional richness of earthworm communities in the future, but this predicted loss of diversity could be weaker if species are able to colonize new suitable sites or to persist in microclimate refugia. There are concerns, though, that these changes lead to an alteration of soil processes and of the ecosystem services they provide.
Translocation experiment gives new insights into the navigation capacity of an African duck
Authors: Cumming Graeme S. , Henry Dominic A. W. , Reynolds Chevonne 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimMovement is integral to the distribution and abundance of wildlife. We undertook an experimental test of the navigation capacity of Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiacus to better understand the movements of moult‐migratory waterfowl and the implications of navigation capacity for their ecology.LocationSouthern Africa. In June 2015, we translocated six post‐flightless moult Egyptian Geese 1250 km south, from north‐west South Africa (Barberspan) to the south‐west coast (Strandfontein). We compared their movements to those of 29 previously tracked resident Egyptian Geese from the source and translocation sites, and three additional sites (Voelvlei; Jozini Dam; Lake Manyame, north‐central Zimbabwe).MethodsWe used solar‐powered satellite GPS to track movement patterns and compared the movement paths of different birds using net‐squared displacement analysis and multiple regression analysis of different measures of movement paths.ResultsOver time periods up to 658 days, none of the translocated Egyptian Geese returned to Barberspan and only one appeared to fly towards it. Translocated birds showed some novel and risky behaviours. Longer, searching‐type movements were evident with the onset of both the breeding and moulting seasons. Quantitative comparisons suggested that translocated birds retained elements of learned behaviours.Main conclusionsNavigation by Egyptian Geese appears to have a strong learned (internal) element, with long‐distance movement triggered by internal states such as the need to moult. Translocated animals modified their movement patterns in ways that mostly allowed them to survive. Our results have interesting implications for understanding the dynamics of individual populations; a strong reliance on learned behaviours may explain the unresolved conundrum of why no African duck species has colonized Europe without human assistance. Our analysis demonstrates the complexity of influences on animal movement and highlights the importance of navigation capacity for conservation biogeography.
Complex connections: A young man presenting with shortness of breath, hypoxemia, right lumbar pain and left limb swelling
Authors: Filomena Domenico , Monosilio Sara , Sannino Michele , Cimino Sara , Maestrini Viviana , Bruno Emanuele , Miraldi Fabio , Fedele Francesco , Vizza Carmine Dario , Agati Luciano 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA 43‐year‐old Caucasian man was admitted to hospital due to shortness of breath, right lumbar pain and lower left limb swelling. Arterial blood gas sample showed mild hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis. CT scan confirmed pulmonary embolism, splenic and bilateral renal ischemic lesions. Echocardiography showed right ventricular and coronary sinus (CS) dilatation. Using contrast echocardiography, a superior sinus venous atrial septal defect and persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) draining in CS were suspected. Cardiac CT confirmed the diagnosis and showed overriding right superior vena cava (RSVC) draining in both atria. The patient underwent successful surgical correction.
Gypsum application lowers cadmium uptake in cacao in soils with high cation exchange capacity only: A soil chemical analysis
Authors: Argüello David , Dekeyrel Jesse , Chavez Eduardo , Smolders Erik 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSoil liming to lower cadmium (Cd) bioavailability is challenged in perennial cacao orchards by the low penetration of lime in soils, not reaching deeper roots. Some studies suggest that gypsum (CaSO4) could reduce Cd uptake by enhanced Ca2+:Cd2+ competition at the root surface. A pot experiment was conducted to identify soil conditions affecting gypsum efficacy in cacao plantlets (5‐month‐old CCN‐51). Plants grew for 115 days in soils sampled from six locations with variable cation exchange capacity (CEC, 6–50 cmolc.kg−1) and soil solution Ca2+ (1.3–17 mM). Soils were either mixed or not mixed with a dose equivalent to 4.0 Mg gypsum ha−1. Leaf Cd concentration in plants grown on gypsum applied soils was statistically lower compared to unamended soils in only one of the six soils. The reduction factor of leaf Cd concentrations due to gypsum (RF = control/amended Cd concentration ratio) ranged from 2.32 (high effect) to 0.76 (no effect), and it was positively correlated with the Ca2+ in the solution of the unamended soil (R2 = 0.58) and with increasing CEC (R2 = 0.52), that is, gypsum only reduced Cd bioavailability in high CEC soils, confirming a trend found in earlier publications. Soil solution analyses showed that gypsum application enhanced total dissolved Cd by forming CdSO40 complexes with, in some cases, even enhanced Cd2+ ion activities, likely related to Ca2+‐induced Cd2+ mobilisation. Data suggest that Ca2+ derived from gypsum has counteracting effects on Cd mobilisation and ion competition at the root surface. The former reactions are less pronounced in high CEC soils. More research is needed to unravel gypsum effects on high Ca2+ soils to corroborate our findings.Highlights
The effect of soil properties on the efficacy of gypsum to reduce Cd uptake in cacao was studied.
Gypsum only reduced Cd uptake in cacao in the soil sample with highest CEC and highest Ca in solution.
This finding implies a possible competition between Ca2+ and Cd2+ for root uptake in cacao.
Clinical outcomes in transient epileptic amnesia: A 10‐year follow‐up cohort study of 47 cases
Authors: Savage Sharon A. , Baker John , Milton Fraser , Butler Christopher , Zeman Adam 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTransient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a form of adult‐onset epilepsy where presenting features are well described, but little is known regarding prognosis. This study aimed to elucidate the long‐term prognosis of TEA regarding seizure control, memory, medical comorbidities, and life expectancy.MethodsUp‐to‐date clinical information was collected for 47 people diagnosed with TEA who had joined the The Impairment of Memory in Epilepsy (TIME) study 10 years earlier. At entry to the study, information about comorbid conditions was systematically collected. Details regarding subsequent diagnoses, seizure activity, changes to treatment, or reports of cognitive impairment were obtained through the family doctor. The variables of interest were compared with UK population data.ResultsMortality in the cohort was 21 of 47 (45%), with an average age at death of 82.5 years. Seizures remained well controlled for the majority but medications required adjustments in dose and type for some (28%). A small number (three cases) remained seizure‐free without medication. History of cardiovascular disorders was frequent (78.7%), typically involving hypertension (55.3%). Autoimmune disorders (25.5%), cancer (23.4%), and depression (21.3%) were also commonly reported. Although persisting memory problems were often noted, dementia was diagnosed in seven cases (14.9%). Life expectancy and comorbidities in TEA did not differ from available population norms.SignificanceResults suggest that life expectancy is not reduced in TEA. Although TEA does not appear to be a self‐limiting form of epilepsy, seizures are typically well controlled via medication. Because adjustments to medication may be required, even after long periods of stability, ongoing medical monitoring is recommended. Comorbid vascular disorders are frequent but appear similar to general population estimates. Monitoring mood may be important, given that people with chronic conditions are often vulnerable to depression. Because of persisting memory difficulties, the development of effective memory interventions for people with TEA is warranted.
Advocacy services for survivors of intimate partner violence: Pivots and lessons learned during the COVID‐19 quarantine in Tacoma, Washington
Authors: Moyer Rachel A. , Beck Connie J. , Van Atter Nadia , McLane Abi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (CJFJC), like many advocacy programs for survivors of intimate partner violence, transformed its structure and operating procedures amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. The first confirmed case of COVID‐19 in the United States was in Washington State, where CJFJC is located, and Governor Jay Inslee acted quickly with a strict stay‐at‐home order. This paper describes the pre‐pandemic, in‐person service model used at CJFJC and then the transition to a fully online service model utilizing phone, email and online procedures and platforms. The rapid transition posed many opportunities to learn how to provide services during public pandemics, and how to provide services virtually. We conclude with detailed lessons learned from the experiences of filing domestic violence protection orders online, Zoom court hearings, innovation surrounding community partnerships, and information technology development.
Informing Nature‐based Climate Solutions for the United States with the best‐available science
Authors: Novick Kimberly A. , Metzger Stefan , Anderegg William R. L. , Barnes Mallory , Cala Daniela S. , Guan Kaiyu , Hemes Kyle S. , Hollinger David Y. , Kumar Jitendra , Litvak Marcy , Lombardozzi Danica , Normile Caroline P. , Oikawa Patty , Runkle Benjamin R. K. , Torn Margaret , Wiesner Susanne 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNature‐based Climate Solutions (NbCS) are managed alterations to ecosystems designed to increase carbon sequestration or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While they have growing public and private support, the realizable benefits and unintended consequences of NbCS are not well understood. At regional scales where policy decisions are often made, NbCS benefits are estimated from soil and tree survey data that can miss important carbon sources and sinks within an ecosystem, and do not reveal the biophysical impacts of NbCS for local water and energy cycles. The only direct observations of ecosystem‐scale carbon fluxes, for example, by eddy covariance flux towers, have not yet been systematically assessed for what they can tell us about NbCS potentials, and state‐of‐the‐art remote sensing products and land‐surface models are not yet being widely used to inform NbCS policymaking or implementation. As a result, there is a critical mismatch between the point‐ and tree‐scale data most often used to assess NbCS benefits and impacts, the ecosystem and landscape scales where NbCS projects are implemented, and the regional to continental scales most relevant to policymaking. Here, we propose a research agenda to confront these gaps using data and tools that have long been used to understand the mechanisms driving ecosystem carbon and energy cycling, but have not yet been widely applied to NbCS. We outline steps for creating robust NbCS assessments at both local to regional scales that are informed by ecosystem‐scale observations, and which consider concurrent biophysical impacts, future climate feedbacks, and the need for equitable and inclusive NbCS implementation strategies. We contend that these research goals can largely be accomplished by shifting the scales at which pre‐existing tools are applied and blended together, although we also highlight some opportunities for more radical shifts in approach.
The alleviation of manganese toxicity by ammonium in sugarcane is related to pectin content, pectin methyl esterification, and nitric oxide
Authors: Ling Gui Zhi , Xiao Jing Lin , Yang Shu , Li Dong Ling , Tang Xin Lian , Wang Xiao Xia , Zhang Mu Qing , Li Xiao Feng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCoexistence of ammonium () with manganese (Mn) in acid soils may facilitate the alleviation of Mn toxicity to plants. However, the effect of on Mn toxicity and the corresponding mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the effects of and nitrate () on Mn toxicity, cell wall properties, and nitric oxide (NO) signaling in sugarcane were compared. alleviated Mn‐induced chlorosis in sugarcane seedlings and increased seedling biomass compared with . Exogenous application of decreased the root cell wall pectin content and methyl esterase (PME) activity, but increased the degree of root pectin esterification (PMD). These changes were accompanied by reductions in the Mn content in roots, leaves, root cell wall, and cell wall pectin. An analysis of adsorption kinetic revealed less Mn‐adsorption capacity in cell walls extracted from ‐fed than from ‐fed sugarcane. Mn induced NO accumulation in sugarcane roots, but ‐fed seedlings accumulated less NO. Exogenous application of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside increased the Mn content of root cell wall pectin in ‐fed sugarcane, while the NO scavenger 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxid decreased the Mn content in ‐fed sugarcane. These treatments eliminated the difference in the pectin Mn content between ‐fed and ‐fed sugarcane, as did a similar treatment with the nitrate reductase inhibitor tungstate, which decreased root cell wall pectin content and NO accumulation. These results suggest that (i) alleviates Mn toxicity in sugarcane by reducing root pectin accumulation and root cell wall PME activity, thereby increasing cell wall PMD and decreasing both the Mn‐binding capacity of cell wall and Mn accumulation, and (ii) NO mediates the accumulation of both pectin and Mn in response to different forms of nitrogen. The physiological mechanisms underlying the alleviation of ammonium on Mn phytotoxicity were clarified, which provided important implication for agricultural production and ecosystem functioning in acid soil.
The Mini‐Cog: A simple screening tool for cognitive impairment useful in predicting the risk of delirium after major urological cancer surgery
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Matsumoto Shunya , Ookubo Naoya , Tanabe Kenji , Kataoka Madoka , Masuda Hitoshi 
Published: March 2022

AimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the mini‐cognitive assessment instrument (Mini‐Cog) on postoperative delirium after major urological cancer surgery.MethodsIn this single‐center retrospective observational study, medical records were collected for patients who underwent major urologic cancer surgery at our department between 2020 and 2021, and underwent preoperative cognitive screening based on the Mini‐Cog test (n = 331). The probable cognitive impairment is defined as a Mini‐Cog score of <3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors for postoperative delirium.ResultsPatients with probable cognitive impairment were 60 (18%). Postoperative delirium occurred in 26 patients (8%). Using multivariate analysis, the Mini‐Cog score of <3 (odds ratio [OR] = 12.7; P < 0.001), decline of instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 3.0; P = 0.04) and preoperative benzodiazepine use (OR = 8.3; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative delirium. For predicting postoperative delirium, Mini‐Cog score with a cutoff value of <3 granting sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 86.2%, positive predictive value of 30.0% and negative predictive value of 97.1%.ConclusionsThe Mini‐Cog test is a simple screening tool with only two components (a delayed, three‐word recall task and a clock drawing test): it is useful in identifying potential cases of cognitive decline and patients at risk for postoperative delirium along with other information routinely collected preoperatively. Effective screening using the Mini‐Cog test opens the possibility to provide optimal urologic care for older patients Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 319–324.
Temporal Models for Demographic and Global Health Outcomes in Multiple Populations: Introducing a New Framework to Review and Standardise Documentation of Model Assumptions and Facilitate Model Comparison
Authors: Susmann Herbert , Alexander Monica , Alkema Leontine 
Published: March 2022

SummaryThere is growing interest in producing estimates of demographic and global health indicators in populations with limited data. Statistical models are needed to combine data from multiple data sources into estimates and projections with uncertainty. Diverse modelling approaches have been applied to this problem, making comparisons between models difficult. We propose a model class, Temporal Models for Multiple Populations (TMMPs), to facilitate both documentation of model assumptions in a standardised way and comparison across models. The class makes a distinction between the process model, which describes latent trends in the indicator interest, and the data model, which describes the data generating process of the observed data. We provide a general notation for the process model that encompasses many popular temporal modelling techniques, and we show how existing models for a variety of indicators can be written using this notation. We end with a discussion of outstanding questions and future directions.
How uncertainty in industry policy affects corporate investment in China
Authors: Deloof Marc , Yang Jie , Xu Chaoyang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the link between uncertainty in industrial policy and firm investment by focusing on China's five‐year plan (FYP). Our sample period is from 1998 to 2017. In our investigation, we examine whether a change in the FYP is a source of uncertainty in industrial policy because of the difficulties in FYP predictability. Our main finding is that there are systematic decreases in investments in the year prior to a new FYP. The finding is robust to endogeneity. We also find that the relation between the uncertainty in industrial policy and investment is heterogeneous in the cross section. This heterogeneity is caused by information advantages about new FYP, dependence on government subsidies, investment irreversibility and industry competition. Further, investment rebounds after resolving the uncertainty but are dampened by adjustment costs.