bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stem density induces differential effects of litter on native and invasive plants
Authors: Huang Jingxin , Zhang Fuqiong , Qi Lanlan , Zhang Xiaole , Qiu Shiyun , Xu Xiao , Zhou Chenhao , Nie Ming , Lu Meng , Li Bo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLitter plays an important role in plant invasion. Our previous studies have found that litter had two opposite effects as Spartina alterniflora invading native plant Phragmites australis community. Litter stimulated the growth of S. alterniflora on the edge of the community, while it inhibited the growth in the old community. Accordingly, we hypothesized that litter may play different roles in different stages of plant invasions. We selected three types of communities: P. australis monoculture (PAM), S. alterniflora monoculture (SAM), S. alterniflora–P. australis mixture (SPM) and conducted a comparative study by keeping and removing litter at Chongming Dongtan in the Yangtze River estuary, China. Our results revealed that litter removal significantly increased light intensity in SAM, and enhanced it in SPM, but had no significant influence on it in PAM. The effect of litter on light intensity resulted in a higher chlorophyll content and higher plant height of S. alterniflora monoculture after litter removal, which eventually led to a higher single weight and aboveground biomass for PAM and SAM after litter removal, and to a higher aboveground biomass for S. alterniflora in SPM. Litter removal significantly enhanced the dominance of S. alterniflora relative to P. australis in SPM. We concluded that the effects of invasive plants' litter on the invasion processes depend on the stem density of invasive plants relative to native plants. If an invasive species had a higher plant density, its litter may not have a shelter effect on native species, but could restrict its own growth.
Water deficit affects inter‐kingdom microbial connections in plant rhizosphere
Authors: Bazany Kathryn E. , Wang Jun‐Tao , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Singh Brajesh K. , Trivedi Pankaj 
Published: May 2022

SummaryThe frequency and severity of drought are increasing due to anthropogenic climate change and are already limiting cropping system productivity in many regions around the world. Few microbial groups within plant microbiomes can potentially contribute towards the fitness and productivity of their hosts under abiotic stress events including water deficits. However, microbial communities are complex and integrative work considering the multiple co‐existing groups of organisms is needed to better understand how the entire microbiome responds to environmental stresses. We hypothesize that water deficit stress will differentially shape bacterial, fungal, and protistan microbiome composition and influence inter‐kingdom microbial interactions in the rhizospheres of corn and sugar beet. We used amplicon sequencing to profile bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities in corn and sugar beet rhizospheres grown under irrigated and water deficit conditions. The water deficit treatment had a stronger influence than host species on bacterial composition, whereas the opposite was true for protists. These results indicate that different microbial kingdoms have variable responses to environmental stress and host factors. Water deficit also influenced intra‐ and inter‐kingdom microbial associations, wherein the protist taxa formed a separate cluster under water deficit conditions. Our findings help elucidate the influence of environmental and host drivers of bacterial, fungal, and protistan community assembly and co‐occurrence in agricultural rhizosphere environments.
Adult offspring's experiences of living with a parent with an alcohol misuse problem
Authors: Bugeja Annaliza , Galea Michael 
Published: May 2022

AbstractStudies on the effects of parental alcoholism on adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) have been mostly quantitative. To acquire a richer and better understanding of this realm in Malta, while outlining concrete recommendations to further contain this problem, a qualitative study was thus employed. Six participants were selected after meeting all inclusion criteria. Data were analysed following interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) guidelines. Semi‐structured interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three superordinate themes, namely a) psychosocial impact, b) coping strategies, and c) a sense of identity, were elevated. A number of findings resulting from this study may point at the resilient nature and skills exhibited by ACOAs, who move on to lead successful lives, despite their past hard life. Recommendations for future applications are discussed. Overall, recognition of children of parents who misuse alcohol should be prioritised in service planning to ensure that their needs are not overlooked.
Who cares where the doctors are? The expectation of mobility and its effect on health outcomes
Authors: Brewster Liz , Lambert Michael , Shelton Cliff 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDoctors are typically portrayed as active agents in their work lives. However, this paper argues that this construction of agency ignores the effects of the healthcare structures that constrain choice, which in turn affects population health outcomes. Medical training pathways, regional boundaries, and rationalisation all have a long‐lasting impact on the provision of healthcare. Using a mobilities lens to examine the movement of doctors, this paper examines how the expectation of movement built into training programmes perpetuates unequal access to healthcare. Long waiting times, poor care quality and lack of preventative care all perpetuate health inequalities; as one of the socio‐economic determinants, access to healthcare affects health outcomes.
Prevalence and characteristics of frequent presenters to Auburn Hospital emergency department
Authors: Cordell Billie , Nguyen Khanh , Shahir Ahmed K , Lord Sarah J , Gallego Gisselle 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesFrequent presenters (FPs) to the ED are common and contribute to ED overcrowding. Our aim was to identify the proportion of FPs over a 12‐month period and to investigate the sociodemographic, clinical and attendance characteristics of FPs.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) presenting to Auburn Hospital ED between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. Patients with ≥4 presentations in 12 months were classified as FP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics and FP.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 22 679 presentations to the ED from 16 624 adult patients. FPs represented 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8–5.5) of the total population, but 15.8% of the total ED visits. Median age of FPs was 46 years (interquartile range 29–72), 51.9% were males. Age over 65 was the strongest determinant of FP (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% CI 2.01–2.72 adjusted for sex). FP was more likely for Arabic speakers compared to English speakers (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.28–1.86 adjusted for age and sex) and least likely for Mandarin speakers (adjusted OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.27–0.59).ConclusionsFPs represent a significant proportion of ED visits, yet a small proportion of ED patients. Our findings suggest that identifying ways to provide targeted services to older FPs may reduce the overall rates. The differences between language groups and FP highlights the importance of social context and culture when developing targeted interventions.
Oesophageal perforation following cervical spinal surgery with instrumentation: A case report on primary repair with pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap reinforcement and review of the literature
Authors: Chan Yan Lilian , Cheuk Kwan Yee , Lai Kit Wai , Mak Kwong Lin , Lai Tak Wing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAnterior cervical spine fusion and stabilisation is an entrenched procedure for managing traumatic spinal fracture. Oesophageal perforation by spinal hardware after cervical spinal fusion surgery is a rare complication that can be life‐threatening. We present a case with a complication of oesophageal perforation following anterior and posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation performed 7 years ago with a review of literature.
Altitude‐dependent variation in leaf structure and pigment content provides the performance of a relict shrub in mountains of Mongolia
Authors: Ivanov Leonid A. , Migalina Svetlana V. , Ronzhina Dina A. , Tumurjav Shinekhuu , Gundsambuu Tserenkhand , Bazha Sergey N. , Ivanova Larissa A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMountain climate and vegetation change rapidly with altitude therefore many plant species may be found within a narrow elevation range. In the mountains of northern Mongolia, a relict shrub Prunus sibirica L. occurs within restricted upland areas. We studied 25 whole‐plant and leaf traits of P. sibirica at 10 locations in the Khentei Mountains. A comparison with a global trait variation of terrestrial plants and a path model of apricot data measured were used to evaluate the pattern of functional response to altitude. The intraspecific variation of pigment content found in Siberian apricot was surprisingly comparable to the ranges of interspecific variation among terrestrial plants over a global scale. Increasing altitude caused a dramatic increase in both chlorophylls and chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio and a decrease in the chlorophyll a/b. We also found a decrease in leaf thickness contributed to transpiration and water use efficiency. Photosynthetic capacity and kinetics, plant sizes and biomass were not affected by altitude. The path modelling revealed that pigment content and leaf structure were two independent ways to maintain the plant carbon and water balance. Our results identify the important role of intraspecific variation in leaf pigments and structure in plant response to altitude. We propose that these leaf traits could be used as predictors for the species altitudinal limits.
Effect of a brain‐penetrant selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) on binge drinking in female mice
Authors: Chen Hu , Lu Yunlong , Xiong Rui , Rosales Carlo I. , Coles Cassandre , Hamada Kana , Asad Nuria , Thatcher Gregory R. J. , Lasek Amy W. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundGreater circulating levels of the steroid hormone 17β‐estradiol (E2) are associated with higher levels of binge drinking in women. In female mice, estrogen receptors in the ventral tegmental area, a dopaminergic region of the brain involved in the motivation to consume ethanol, regulate binge‐like ethanol intake. We recently developed a brain‐penetrant selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), YL3‐122, that could be used to test the behavioral role of brain estrogen receptors. We hypothesized that treating female mice with this compound would reduce binge‐like ethanol drinking.MethodsFemale C57BL/6J mice were treated systemically with YL3‐122 and a related SERD with low brain penetrance, XR5‐27, and tested for binge‐like ethanol consumption in the drinking in the dark (DID) test. Mice were also tested for sucrose and water consumption and blood ethanol clearance after treatment with the SERDs. Finally, the effect of ethanol exposure on Esr1 gene expression was measured in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and ventral hippocampus (vHPC) of male and female mice by quantitative real‐time PCR after 4 DID sessions.ResultsYL3‐122 reduced ethanol consumption when mice were in diestrus but not estrus. YL3‐122 also decreased sucrose consumption but did not alter water intake or blood ethanol clearance. XR5‐27 did not affect any of these measures. Binge‐like ethanol drinking resulted in increased Esr1 transcript in the VTA of both sexes, male vHPC, and female PFC.ConclusionsThese results indicate that SERD treatment can decrease binge‐like ethanol drinking in female mice. Thus, it could be a novel strategy to reduce binge drinking in women, with the caveat that effectiveness may depend on menstrual cycle phase. In addition, Esr1 transcript is increased by binge ethanol exposure in both sexes but in a brain region‐specific manner.
Are Australians willing to pay more tax to support wage increases for aged care workers? Findings from a national survey
Authors: Crocker Matthew , Milte Rachel , Duff Gordon , Lawless Michael , Corlis Megan , Ratcliffe Julie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the perceptions of the Australian public regarding Australia's aged care workforce, including their willingness to pay more tax to fund better pay and conditions for aged care workers.MethodsAn online survey was developed and administered to a representative sample of Australian adults (aged ≥18 years) by age group, gender and Australian state. Survey respondents completed a series of attitudinal statements to elicit their perceptions of the value of Australia's aged care workforce and were asked to indicate their willingness to pay additional tax to fund better pay and conditions for aged care workers. Those who gave a positive response were then asked to indicate what percentage of additional tax per year they would be willing to pay to ensure better pay and conditions for aged care workers.ResultsA total of 2033 adult respondents completed the survey. A majority (78%) of respondents either ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that aged care workers should be paid more. Approximately half of the respondents (50.57%) expressed a willingness to pay more tax to ensure better pay and conditions for aged care workers. The mean willingness to pay was 1.31% additional tax overall, and mean percentage additional tax values were relatively consistent across key socio‐demographic indicators.ConclusionsA majority of the Australian public are in favour of improving the wages and employment conditions of aged care workers. However, only one in two Australians is willing to pay more tax to ensure better pay and conditions for aged care workers.
Air pollution exposure impairs lung function in infants
Authors: Lundberg Björn , Gruzieva Olena , Eneroth Kristina , Melén Erik , Persson Åsa , Hallberg Jenny , Pershagen Göran 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimTo assess associations between air pollution exposure and infant lung function.MethodsHealthy infants from Stockholm were recruited to two cohorts (n = 99 and n = 78). Infant spirometry included plethysmography and raised volume forced expiratory flows. In pooled analyses, lung function at ~6 months of age was related to time‐weighted average air pollution levels at residential addresses from birth until the lung function test. The pollutants included particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm (PM10) or <2.5 μm and nitrogen dioxide.ResultsThere were significant inverse relations between air pollution exposure during infancy and forced expiratory volume at 0.5 s (FEV0.5) as well as forced vital capacity (FVC) for all pollutants. For example, the decline was 10.1 ml (95% confidence interval 1.3–18.8) and 10.3 ml (0.5–20.1) in FEV0.5 and FVC, respectively, for an interquartile increment of 5.3 μg/m3 in PM10. Corresponding associations for minute ventilation and functional residual capacity were 43.3 ml/min (−9.75–96.3) and 0.84 ml (−4.14–5.82).ConclusionsAir pollution exposure was associated with impaired infant lung function measures related to airway calibre and lung volume, suggesting that comparatively low levels of air pollution negatively affect lung function in early life.
Screening for neurodegeneration in Langerhans cell histiocytosis with neurofilament light in plasma
Authors: Sveijer Malin , von Bahr Greenwood Tatiana , Jädersten Martin , Kvedaraite Egle , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Lourda Magda , Gavhed Désirée , Henter Jan‐Inge 
Published: May 2022

SummaryPatients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may develop progressive neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (ND‐CNS‐LCH). Neurofilament light protein (NFL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a promising biomarker to detect and monitor ND‐CNS‐LCH. We compared paired samples of NFL in plasma (p‐NFL) and CSF in 10 patients (19 samples). Nine samples had abnormal CSF‐NFL (defined as ≥380 ng/l) with corresponding p‐NFL ≥ 2 ng/l. Ten samples had CSF‐NFL < 380 ng/l; eight (80%) with p‐NFL < 2 ng/l (p < 0.001; Fisher's exact test). Thus, our results suggest that p‐NFL may be used to screen for ND‐CNS‐LCH. Further studies are encouraged, including the role of p‐NFL for monitoring of ND‐CNS‐LCH.
Toric intraocular lenses: Evidence‐based use
Authors: Goggin Michael 
Published: May 2022

AbstractUncorrected refractive astigmatism degrades visual acuity. Spherical intraocular lenses (IOLs) leave astigmatic errors resident in the cornea manifest in refractive astigmatism. Toric IOLs, correcting for this corneal astigmatism, contribute to spectacle‐free vision in the pseudophakic eye. This review provides information to assist surgeons in a rational choice of eyes suitable for toric IOL implantation, methods of IOL cylinder power calculation, surgical techniques for toric IOLs and management of complications. With appropriate application of this information, correction of visually detrimental astigmatism can be achieved routinely.
Determinants of noncognitive skills: Mediating effects of siblings' interaction and parenting quality
Authors: Hayduk Iryna , Toussaint‐Comeau Maude 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper sheds light on the formation process of noncognitive skills by examining the determinants of a host of personality traits. Using data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), for individuals in larger families (three or more children), we find having a same‐sex sibling leads to improved long‐run noncognitive skills and positive personality traits. The latter result is driven entirely by females. We examine potential mechanisms by exploring the links between parental investment and sibling interactions. The results could possibly speak to public actions to enhance child development and human capital accumulation.
Pigmented PRRX1::NCOA1‐rearranged fibroblastic tumor: A rare morphologic variant of an emerging mesenchymal tumor
Authors: Cloutier Jeffrey M. , Maloney Nolan S. , Wang Wei‐Lien , Lazar Alexander J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPRRX::NCOAx‐rearranged fibroblastic tumor is a recently described, morphologically distinctive subcutaneous fibroblastic tumor with benign behavior. To date, 12 cases have been reported. Here, we report a new case of PRRX::NCOAx‐rearranged fibroblastic tumor showing a prominent pigmented component. The lesion occurred on the shoulder of a 23‐year‐old male. It was an at least 2.5 cm subcutaneous tumor with a multinodular and plexiform appearance. Morphologically, the tumor was characterized by a variably cellular proliferation of uniform oval to spindle cells arranged in fascicles and cords within a myxocollagenous stroma. Irregular, elongated, dilated vessels were prominent at the periphery of tumor nodules. In addition, nests and clusters of pigment‐laden epithelioid and dendritic cells were present. Immunohistochemically, the non‐pigmented tumor cells showed patchy positivity for factor XIIIa and focal positivity for S100 protein. The pigmented cells were positive for S100 protein, SOX10, MITF, and a pan‐melanocytic cocktail (Melan‐A, HMB‐45, and tyrosinase). Next‐generation RNA sequencing identified an in‐frame PRRX1::NCOA1 fusion. In summary, this case highlights a rare pigmented variant of PRRX::NCOAx‐rearranged fibroblastic tumor, expanding the morphologic spectrum of this newly described mesenchymal tumor.
Prenatal auditory experience and its sequelae
Authors: Vogelsang Marin , Vogelsang Lukas , Diamond Sidney , Sinha Pawan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTowards the end of the second trimester of gestation, a human fetus is able to register environmental sounds. This in utero auditory experience is characterized by comprising strongly low‐pass‐filtered versions of sounds from the external world. Here, we present computational tests of the hypothesis that this early exposure to severely degraded auditory inputs serves an adaptive purpose—it may induce the neural development of extended temporal integration. Such integration can facilitate the detection of information carried by low‐frequency variations in the auditory signal, including emotional or other prosodic content. To test this prediction, we characterized the impact of several training regimens, biomimetic and otherwise, on a computational model system trained and tested on the task of emotion recognition. We find that training with an auditory trajectory recapitulating that of a neurotypical infant in the pre‐to‐postnatal period results in temporally extended receptive field structures and yields the best subsequent accuracy and generalization performance on the task of emotion recognition. This strongly suggests that the progression from low‐pass‐filtered to full‐frequency inputs is likely to be an adaptive feature of our development, conferring significant benefits to later auditory processing abilities relying on temporally extended analyses. Additionally, this finding can help explain some of the auditory impairments associated with preterm births, suggests guidelines for the design of auditory environments in neonatal care units, and points to enhanced training procedures for computational models.
The impact of tax policy on firm debt maturity: Evidence from China's VAT reform
Authors: Zou Jingxian , Shen Guangjun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper mainly discusses how tax reduction policies may affect a firm's debt maturity structure by altering firm performance. When an indirect financing system is dominated by banks, such as is the situation in China, tax reduction policies impose two opposite effects on the firm debt maturity structure. The improved profitability will encourage banks to lengthen debt maturity to retain firm customers, which can be called the ‘customer competing effect’. Meanwhile, the increased free cash flow will exaggerate the principle‐agent problem between banks and firms, leading to a shortened debt maturity, which is designated the ‘agency cost effect’. In this paper, based on China's Industrial Enterprise Database, we use China's VAT (value‐added tax) reform as a natural experiment to empirically test the two effects. After the tax reduction, firm debt maturity was found to generally lengthen. Meanwhile, such an extension is found to be larger when the firm's profit gain is greater or the increased free cash flow is less, which confirms our hypothesis.