bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertical gradients in photosynthetic physiology diverge at the latitudinal range extremes of white spruce
Authors: Schmiege Stephanie C. , Griffin Kevin L. , Boelman Natalie T. , Vierling Lee A. , Bruner Sarah G. , Min Elizabeth , Maguire Andrew J. , Jensen Johanna , Eitel Jan U. H. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLight availability drives vertical canopy gradients in photosynthetic functioning and carbon (C) balance, yet patterns of variability in these gradients remain unclear. We measured light availability, photosynthetic CO2 and light response curves, foliar C, nitrogen (N) and pigment concentrations, and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) on upper and lower canopy needles of white spruce trees (Picea glauca) at the species' northern and southern range extremes. We combined our photosynthetic data with previously published respiratory data to compare and contrast canopy C balance between latitudinal extremes. We found steep canopy gradients in irradiance, photosynthesis and leaf traits at the southern range limit, but a lack of variation across canopy positions at the northern range limit. Thus, unlike many tree species from tropical to mid‐latitude forests, high latitude trees may not require vertical gradients of metabolic activity to optimize photosynthetic C gain. Consequently, accounting for self‐shading is less critical for predicting gross primary productivity at northern relative to southern latitudes. Northern trees also had a significantly smaller net positive leaf C balance than southern trees suggesting that, regardless of canopy position, low photosynthetic rates coupled with high respiratory costs may ultimately constrain the northern range limit of this widely distributed boreal species.
Verrucous epidermal nevus as a manifestation of a type 2 mosaic PTEN mutation in Cowden syndrome
Authors: Plana‐Pla Adrià , Condal Laura , Jaka Ane , Blanco Ignacio , Castellanos Elisabeth , Bielsa Isabel 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLinear Cowden nevus, also known as linear PTEN nevus, is a type of epidermal nevus, first described in 2007, which is seen in patients with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. It is considered to be a type 2 form of segmental mosaicism, and we suggest that it has certain clinical features that distinguish it from epidermal nevi seen in similar conditions, such as Proteus syndrome. We present a case of linear Cowden nevus in a 4‐year‐old boy and review the literature.
Exploring epigenetic variation for breeding climate resilient apple crops
Authors: Lempe Janne , Flachowsky Henryk , Peil Andreas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractClimate change with warmer winter and spring temperatures poses major challenges to apple fruit production. Long‐term observations confirm the trend toward earlier flowering, which leads to an increased risk of frost damage. New breeding strategies are needed to generate cultivars that are able to stay largely unaffected by warmer temperatures. Recently, epigenetic variation has been proposed as a new resource for breeding purposes and seems suitable in principle for apple breeding. However, to serve as a new resource for apple breeding, it is necessary to clarify whether epigenetic variation can be induced by the environment, whether it can create phenotypic variation, and whether this variation is stable across generations. In this brief review, we summarize the impact of climate change on the timing of apple phenology, highlight how epigenetic variation can potentially support novel breeding strategies, and point out important features of epigenetic variation that are required for its application in breeding programs.
Seasonal adjustment of leaf embolism resistance and its importance for hydraulic safety in deciduous trees
Authors: Sorek Yonatan , Greenstein Smadar , Hochberg Uri 
Published: September 2022

AbstractEmbolism resistance is often viewed as seasonally stable. Here we examined the seasonality in the leaf xylem vulnerability curve (VC) and turgor loss point (ΨTLP) of nine deciduous species that originated from Mediterranean, temperate, tropical, or sub‐tropical habitats and were growing on the Volcani campus, Israel. All four Mediterranean/temperate species exhibited a shift of their VC to lower xylem pressures (Ψx) along the dry season, in addition to two of the five tropical/sub‐tropical species. In three of the species that exhibited VC seasonality, it was critical for avoiding embolism in the leaf. In total, seven out of the nine species avoided embolism. The seasonal VC adjustment was over two times higher as compared with the seasonal adjustment of ΨTLP, resulting in improved hydraulic safety as the season progressed. The results suggest that seasonality in the leaf xylem vulnerability is common in species that originate from Mediterranean or temperate habitats that have large seasonal environmental changes. This seasonality is advantageous because it enables a gradual seasonal reduction in the Ψx without increasing the danger of embolism. The results also highlight that measuring the minimal Ψx and the VC at different times can lead to erroneous estimations of the hydraulic safety margins. Changing the current hydraulic dogma into a seasonal dynamic in the vulnerability of the xylem itself should enable physiologists to understand plants' responses to their environment better.
Exploring the metabolome of seminal plasma in two different horse types: Light versus draft stallions
Authors: Bazzano Marilena , Zhu Chenglin , Laus Fulvio , Giambattista Andrea Di , Laghi Luca 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe application of the ‘omics’ studies in the field of animal reproduction has been aimed at identifying novel biomarkers of fertility since the last few years. When assessing reproductive efficiency in horses, breed should also be taken into account as it can influence semen quality and fertility. Considering the growing interest in metabolomic analysis to evaluate male fertility, we aimed to investigate the metabolomic profile of seminal plasma in two different horse breeds. Twelve healthy stallions, n.6 American Quarter Horse (AQH) and n.6 Italian Draft Horse (IDH) stallions, regularly used for artificial insemination, were included in the study. Two semen collections, performed 30‐day apart, were considered for the assessment of semen parameters including gel‐free volume, spermatozoa (spz) concentration, spz progressive motility and seminal plasma analysis by 1H‐NMR.Semen characteristics differed between IDH and AQH (p < .05) as well as the first cycle conception rate that was higher in AQH than IDH (p = .001). Metabolomic analysis quantified 56 molecules in equine seminal plasma, with 11 metabolites showing different concentrations in IDH compared to AQH (p < .05).This study provided evidence of differences in seminal plasma metabolites' concentrations between studied horse types, highlighting specific metabolomic fingerprints characterizing AQH and IDH sperm.
Foreign corporate accountability: The contested institutionalization of mandatory due diligence in France and Germany
Authors: Gustafsson Maria‐Therese , Schilling‐Vacaflor Almut , Lenschow Andrea 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn the recent past, European states have adopted mandatory due diligence (MDD) laws for holding companies accountable for the environmental and human rights impacts of their supply chains. The institutionalization of the international due diligence norm into domestic legislation has, however, been highly contested. Our contribution analyzes the discursive struggles about the meaning of due diligence that have accompanied the institutionalization of MDD in Germany and France. Based on document analysis and legal analysis of laws and law proposals, we identify a state‐centric, a market‐based, and a polycentric‐governance discourse. These discourses are based on fundamentally different understandings of how the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights should be translated into hard law. By outlining these discourses and comparing the related policy preferences, we contribute with a better understanding of different ways in which MDD is institutionalized, with important consequences for the possibilities to enhance corporate accountability in global supply chains.
Including migrant skills in a knowledge economy: The politics of recognition of foreign qualifications, work experience and industry courses
Authors: Aerne Annatina , Trampusch Christine 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe lack of skilled labour pushes mature knowledge economies towards importing skills. Previous studies have shown that migrants' economic and social integration in their host societies depend on the recognition of their skills. Yet, the degree to which the certificates of migrants and their practical experience are recognised and additional training is offered, is contested. Interests conflict not only between unions and employers, but also among employers and unions themselves. We argue that social partners' preferences on foreign qualification recognition (FQR), recognition of experience and industry‐wide training (in the following: FQR and related measures) are mainly determined by the existence of occupational labour markets. An occupational labour market segments the labour market and subsequently restricts access to these segments. FQR and related measures constitute a regulated avenue into these occupational labour markets, protecting these labour markets from an uncontrolled influx of workers. Empirically, this contribution compares whether and how hospitality and construction industries—two sectors that depend heavily on migrants and difficult to organise due to seasonal activity—recognise and remunerate foreign skills. The construction sector recognises and remunerates foreign skills to a much larger extent than the hospitality industry. Adopting the method of difference and based on expert interviews, the paper shows that the more social partners protect their domestic occupational labour market, the more they also support FQR and related measures. The article discusses the implications for migrants' wages and social inclusion, contributing to the analysis of socio‐economic tensions in mature knowledge economies.
Faculty perceptions on one‐best MCQ development
Authors: Adnan Samira , Sarfaraz Shaur , Nisar Muhammad Kashif , Jouhar Rizwan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the perception of faculty of undergraduate medical and dental programmes in various private and public sector institutes regarding their Readiness, Attitude and Institutional support for developing high‐quality one‐best MCQs.MethodsA validated questionnaire was designed for recording demographic data and responses related to Readiness, Attitude and Institutional support based on 5‐point Likert scale and multiple options. Scores for items on Likert scale were categorised (Readiness: poor 0–12, good 13–24, Attitude: negative 0–12, positive 13–24, Institutional support: no support 0–12, highly supportive 13–24). The individual and overall scores related to Readiness, Attitude and Institutional support were compared to demographic characteristics using Independent samples and Paired samples t‐test as appropriate. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. P‐value of <0.05 (two‐sided) was considered significant.ResultsWith a response rate of 87.5%, the mean scores for Institutional support were higher (14.45 ± 4.73) compared to those for Readiness (13.39 ± 4.51) and Attitude (12.54 ± 4.59). Responses to multiple choice items revealed that faculty considered MCQ writing workshops to be effective while facing most difficulty in formulating scenario and homogenous options. Most faculty reported no commitment issues but desired on‐job protected time for item development. No significant association was found between the scores and age group, gender, qualification, institute type, department and designation of participants.ConclusionOverall, the faculty were found to be motivated and committed to developing high‐quality one‐best MCQs. With continued institutional support, faculty can be expected to further engage in writing such items.
Real‐world data with the use of caplacizumab in the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A single‐center with homogeneous treatment experience
Authors: Jiménez Moraima , Bobillo Sabela , Pons Verónica , Sánchez Carla , Pérez Ana , Molero Antonieta , Miranda Nayibe , Sánchez Ángela , Tabares Elizabeth , Bosch Francesc , Valcárcel David 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundRecently, real‐world data confirmed the effectiveness of caplacizumab in the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP); however, limitations as different treatment protocols from multicenter experiences and the front‐line use of rituximab could overshadow the real impact of the addition of caplacizumab.Study Design and MethodsWe report the clinical characteristics and response to treatment of 30 consecutive cases of aTTP treated under a homogeneous therapeutic protocol with the only exception of the addition of caplacizumab in the last 10 cases (caplacizumab group), whose primary outcome we compare with the previous 20 cases (control group).ResultsCaplacizumab was started at a median of 2.5 days after diagnosis (interquartile range [IQR] 1–4) and maintained for a median of 37.5 days (IQR 32–39). Safety was in line with previous reports with 30% of patients showing mild adverse events, the most common bleeding. The caplacizumab group achieved platelet count normalization after a median of 3 (IQR 2–5) versus 4 (IQR 2–8.5) days in the control group (p = .067). The caplacizumab group required a lower median number of plasma exchanges, 10 (IQR 9–11) versus 16.5 (IQR 11–20) in the control group (p = .0053) and a shorter length of hospitalization, 12 (IQR 12–14) vs. 22 (IQR 15–27) days (p = .0025). There were no refractory cases and no deaths in the caplacizumab group compared to five refractory cases and three aTTP‐related death (15%) in the control group.DiscussionOur experience confirms improvement in the outcomes with a decrease in refractoriness and mortality since the introduction of caplacizumab.
Two is not necessarily better than one: A double lens in a pre‐metamorphic adult axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Authors: Smith Levi H. , Park Shinae A. , Gjeltema Jenessa , Moore Bret A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old female pre‐metamorphic axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) was examined for a suspected anterior lens luxation. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy revealed two lens‐like structures in the anterior chamber of the right eye (OD), each with cataractous change. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed without sedation, and revealed small lenticular structures each with distinct nuclei and cortices. Although a distinct connection of the two lenticular structures could not be definitively ruled out, the structures appeared separate. Each of the lenticular structures was closely associated with its respective iris leaflet. This report demonstrates application of advanced imaging for diagnostic use in axolotl ophthalmology, showing that imaging of the lens can be performed without sedation, topical anesthetic, nor contact gel with high diagnostic quality. Although two distinct lenses were diagnosed with no historical evidence of trauma, the small sizes of each lenticular structure, with no detectable connection between them, are suggestive of a possible regenerative abnormality. This report opens discussion for the regenerative capabilities of the pre‐metamorphic adult axolotl and possible implementations of their use in regenerative medicine research for the development of future therapies.
Poor psychosocial job conditions increase sickness absence: evidence from the PATH Through Life Mid-Aged Cohort
Authors: Leach Liana , Milner Allison , Too Lay San , Butterworth Peter 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesEvidence is mounting that poor psychosocial job conditions increase sickness absence, but there is a need for further rigorous prospective research to isolate the influence of psychosocial job quality from other measured and unmeasured confounders. This study used four waves of prospective longitudinal data (spanning 12 years) to investigate the extent to which increases in poor psychosocial job quality are associated with greater relative risk of day of sickness absence.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingData were from the Australian PATH Through Life cohort study. The analyses adopted hybrid-regression estimations that isolated the effect of within-person change in psychosocial job quality on sickness absence over time.ParticipantsParticipants were from a midlife cohort aged 40–44 at baseline (7644 observations from 2221 participants).Primary outcome measureDays sickness absence in the past 4 weeks.ResultsThe results show that after adjusting for a wide range of factors as well as unmeasured between-person differences in job quality, each additional psychosocial job adversity was associated with a 12% increase in the number of days of sickness absence (relative risk ratio: 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.21). Increases in psychosocial job adversity were also related to greater functional impairment (relative risk ratio: 1.17 (1.05 to 1.30)).ConclusionThe results of this study strengthen existing research highlighting the importance of addressing poor psychosocial job quality as a risk factor for sickness absence.
Bowel ischaemia in COVID-19 infection: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Zhao Yi , Teh Jhia Jiat , Kung Victor , Mallappa Sreelakshmi 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionCOVID-19 disease was declared as a pandemic by WHO since March 2020 and can have a myriad of clinical presentations affecting various organ systems. Patients with COVID-19 are known to have an increased risk of thromboembolism, including cardiovascular, pulmonary and cerebral ischaemic events. However, an increasing number of case studies have reported that COVID-19 infection is also associated with gastrointestinal ischaemia. This scoping review aims to collate the current evidence of COVID-19-related gastrointestinal ischaemia and raise awareness among healthcare professionals of this lesser known, but serious, non-pulmonary complication of COVID-19 infection.MethodsThe proposed scoping review will be conducted as per the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework (2005) the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search will be undertaken on different databases including EMBASE, PubMed and MEDLINE. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles according to the inclusion criteria and extract relevant data from the included articles. Results will be presented in a tabular form with a narrative discussion.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be required for this scoping review. This scoping review will provide an extensive overview of the association between COVID-19 infection and bowel ischaemia. Further ethical and methodological challenges will also be discussed in our findings to define a new research agenda. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at both national and international conferences.
Neonatal acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the community of a low-income country (NeoLIC): protocol for a household cohort study in Moramanga, Madagascar
Authors: Harimanana Aina , Rakotondrasoa Andriniaina , Rivoarilala Lalainasoa Odile , Criscuolo Alexis , Opatowski Lulla , Rakotomanana Elliot Fara Nandrasana , Herindrainy Perlinot , Collard Jean-Marc , Crucitti Tania , Huynh Bich-Tram 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionData regarding the acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) in neonates at the community level are scarce in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the burden of neonatal sepsis is high.Our study aims at identifying and quantifying the role of the different routes of ESBL-PE transmission for neonates, which are still undefined in the community in LMICs.Methods and analysisIn a semirural community in Madagascar, 60 mothers and their neonates will be recruited at delivery, during which a maternal stool sample and meconium of the newborn will be collected. Home visits will be planned the day of the delivery and next at days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Stool samples from the newborn, the mother and every other household member will be collected at each visit, as well as samples from the environment in contact with the newborn (food, surfaces and objects). Sociodemographic data and factors which might drive ESBL-PE acquisition will also be collected.We will analyse the isolated ESBL-PE using DNA sequencing methods to characterise clones, resistance genes and plasmids of ESBL-PE. To analyse these data globally, we will develop novel analytical approaches combining mathematical modelling and statistics. Finally, mathematical simulations will be performed to test different strategies of control of ESBL-PE transmission to neonates.In complement, we will conduct an anthropological investigation to understand local environments and practices that would contribute to neonatal ESBL-PE acquisition. In-depth interviews with members of 16 households will be conducted and 4 mother–newborn pairs will be followed by a participants’ observations methodology.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the ethical committee in Madagascar and by the institutional review board of Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.Findings will be reported to participating families, collaborators and local government; presented at national and international conferences and disseminated by peer-review publications.