bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intersexual flower differences in an andromonoecious species: small pollen‐rich staminate flowers under resource limitation
Authors: Murakami K. , Katsuhara K. R. , Ushimaru A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Andromonoecy, the presence of perfect and staminate flowers in the same individual, has evolved repeatedly in angiosperms. The staminate flowers are generally smaller than the perfect flowers in species that produce staminate flowers plastically when resources are limited. The smaller staminate flowers are expected to be less attractive to pollinators and have reduced size‐matching with pollinators than perfect flowers. We hypothesized that these potential disadvantages of staminate versus perfect flowers facilitate the evolution of sex‐specific floral morphology, such as allometric relationship between flower size and male reproductive organ.

We compared six floral morphology traits, pollen production, pollinator visits and pollen removal from anthers between staminate and perfect flowers in several natural Commelina communis populations. Nectarless and zygomorphic C. communis flowers have polymorphic stamens with attracting, feeding and pollinating anthers and were visited by diverse pollinators.

Staminate flowers were significantly smaller than perfect flowers, despite a large overlap in size between sexes. The lengths of pollinating stamens did not differ between staminate and perfect flowers, and staminate flowers produced significantly more pollen. We observed significantly more pollinator visits to perfect flowers than to staminate flowers. By contrast, pollen removal from pollinating stamens was significantly higher in staminate flowers than in perfect flowers.

There is sexual dimorphism in flower morphology in C. communis. Staminate flowers with smaller attraction organs, similar pollinating stamens and higher pollen production assure higher pollen donor success relative to perfect flowers. Our results suggest that the morphological changes in staminate flowers enhance pollination success, even with limited resources.
Stem and leaf xylem of angiosperm trees experiences minimal embolism in temperate forests during two consecutive summers with moderate drought
Authors: Guan X. , Werner J. , Cao K.‐F. , Pereira L. , Kaack L. , McAdam S. A. M. , Jansen S. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Drought events may increase the likelihood that the plant water transport system becomes interrupted by embolism. Yet our knowledge about the temporal frequency of xylem embolism in the field is frequently lacking, as it requires detailed, long‐term measurements.

We measured xylem embolism resistance and midday xylem water potentials during the consecutive summers of 2019 and 2020 to estimate maximum levels of embolism in leaf and stem xylem of ten temperate angiosperm tree species. We also studied vessel and pit membrane characteristics based on light and electron microscopy to corroborate potential differences in embolism resistance between leaves and stems.

Apart from A. pseudoplatanus and Q. petraea, eight species experienced minimum xylem water potentials that were close to or below those required to initiate embolism. Water potentials corresponding to ca. 12% loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) could occur in six species, while considerable levels of embolism around 50% PLC were limited to B. pendula and C. avellana. There was a general agreement in embolism resistance between stems and leaves, with leaves being equally or more resistant than stems. Also, xylem embolism resistance was significantly correlated to intervessel pit membrane thickness (TPM) for stems, but not to vessel diameter and total intervessel pit membrane surface area of a vessel.

Our data indicate that low amounts of embolism occur in most species during moderate summer drought, and that considerable levels of embolism are uncommon. Moreover, our experimental and TPM data show that leaf xylem is generally no more vulnerable than stem xylem.
The sweet and musky scent of home: biogenic ethylene fine‐tunes seed germination in wetlands
Authors: Phartyal S. S. , Rosbakh S. , Gruber M. , Poschlod P. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Wetlands are known for comparatively high production of biogenic ethylene from decomposed sediment. Because the gas has various well‐documented effects on seed physiology, we asked whether it can be a vital seed germination cue for wetland plants. Specifically, we explored whether ethylene plays an ecological role in (i) breaking/weakening seed dormancy, (ii) broadening the germination niche width, (iii) promoting germination speed or (iv) altering the germination requirements of six plant species with different occurrence along a hydroperiod gradient.

In a factorial experiment, both ethylene‐treated and untreated seeds were incubated in combinations of temperature (constant versus fluctuating), illumination (light versus darkness) and oxygen (aerobic versus hypoxia) with and without cold stratification.

Our results revealed seed exposure to ethylene did not weaken or break dormancy without cold stratification treatment. However, ethylene helped to broaden the germination niche width, increased overall germination percentage and speed of cold‐stratified (non‐dormant) seeds. This indicates that ethylene helps those seeds that lost dormancy (non‐dormant) to sense favourable water‐saturated versus flooded substrate depending on their requirement for aerobic versus hypoxic conditions to trigger germination.

We conclude that ethylene does not interfere directly with the dormancy‐breaking process in autumn‐dispersed seeds that are naturally cold‐stratified in winter and germinate in spring/summer. However, ethylene plays a crucial ecological role as a ‘flood detector' for different wetland plant communities (reed, mudflat, swamp, shallow water) to synchronize germination of non‐dormant seeds in the most suitable habitat at the right time.
Synchronized flowering in pomegranate, following pruning, is associated with expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T homolog, PgFT1
Authors: Patil Hemant Bhagwan , Chaurasia Akhilesh Kumar , Kumar Sandeep , Krishna Bal , Subramaniam Vadakanthara Ramakrishnan , Sane Aniruddha Prafullachandra , Sane Prafullachandra Vishnu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFlowering in angiosperms is a crucial event that marks the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase. In many perennials, pruning is an important horticultural practice that induces synchronized and profuse flowering. In pomegranate, vegetative growth immediately after pruning is associated with activation of PgCENa, a flowering suppressor of the phosphatidyl ethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) family, while a reduction is associated with synchronous flowering. We show that flowering in pomegranate is activated by expression of another PEBP family member, PgFT1, a homolog of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene that promotes flowering. PgFT1 shows a rapid reduction in expression during the extensive vegetative growth immediately after pruning but shows robust expression during synchronous flowering post‐pruning, in flower‐bearing shoots but not in branches that do not bear flowers. A continuous low‐level flowering in the absence of pruning is associated with continuous but reduced expression of PgFT1. Flowering by heterologous expression of PgFT1 in Arabidopsis is affected by a single amino acid change in the C‐terminal region of PgFT1, which upon correction, promotes flowering in Arabidopsis. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms by which pruning affects flowering pathways in tropical perennial fruit plants such as pomegranate.
Beyond a Numbers Game? Impact of Diversity and Inclusion on the Perception of Organizational Justice
Authors: Hoang Trang , Suh Jiwon , Sabharwal Meghna 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOrganizational justice, diversity, and inclusion are central tenets of social equity in public organizations. This study explores the effects of diversity management and inclusive leadership practices on employees' perceptions of organizational justice. Drawing from FedScope and the 2019 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, we find that an increase in the number of women and Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) is not sufficient to improve employees' perceptions toward organizational justice; rather, as workforce diversity increases, the perception of organizational justice decreases when the relationship is moderated by an active form of diversity management, such as an organization's policies and programs to promote heterogeneous workgroups. The results suggest that as workplace diversity increases, inclusive leadership practices positively influence organizational justice. The findings also indicate that the impact of diversity and inclusion on employees' perceptions of organizational justice differs by gender and race.
Factors influencing the cariogenic potential of oral nutritional supplements indicated for use in adults with or at risk of malnutrition
Authors: Frydrych Agnieszka M , Banerjee Chandrama , Mansoor Khadija , Kujan Omar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesMalnutrition can be a significant problem among older adults and the medically compromised individuals, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Causes of malnutrition are complex and varied. Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are often prescribed to individuals with or at risk of malnutrition. Although beneficial, concerns have been raised about their cariogenic potential. The purpose of this study is to report on the currently available ONS in Australia, focusing on factors that impact their cariogenicity.MethodsA list of ONS was compiled based on their availability in Australia and indication for use in adults with or at risk of malnutrition. Data concerning composition, clinical indications and the recommended daily consumption was ascertained from product labels, company websites and customer services. Measurements of pH and viscosity were obtained for all ONS.ResultsA total of 33 ONS were identified, which were noted to vary in their cariogenic potential.ConclusionsRecognition of the possible caries risk associated with the use of ONS is important. Awareness facilitates the making of informed decisions when ONS are chosen. When the need arises to use ONS in individuals where the associated caries risk is considered significant, caries preventive protocols should be implemented by the prescriber.
Hope, interreligious democracy, good ancestors, and gossamer threads: A response to Valerie Miles‐Tribble's distinguished faculty lecture
Authors: Davidson Jennifer W. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this response to the 46th Annual Distinguished Faculty Lecture by Valerie Miles‐Tribble at the Graduate Theological Union, I reflect on four questions: (1) What practices can help us cultivate and restore hope when our hope inevitably wanes? (2) How do we vigorously, even relentlessly expose injustices (and our complicities with them) even while we seek to fire the creative energies we need to come up with solutions? (3) How can we, imperfect as we are, be good ancestors or—as the indigenous environmental justice activist Winona LaDuke phrases it: “Be the ancestor our descendants would be proud of?” (4) Where are we threadbare, and what is the thread like that each of us is contributing to the tapestry?
Epidemiological study on the incidence of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in five Western Balkan countries for a 10‐year period: 2006–2015
Authors: Štrbac Mirjana , Vuković Vladimir , Patić Aleksandra , Medić Snežana , Pustahija Tatjana , Petrović Vladimir , Lendak Dajana , Ličina Mirjana Kosanović , Bakić Marijan , Protić Jelena , Pranjić Nurka , Jandrić Ljubica , Sokolovska Nikolina , Ristić Mioljub 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundLarge‐scale epidemics of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) have been reported mostly in Asia and Europe, with around 100,000 people affected each year. In the Southeast Europe, Balkan region, HFRS is endemic disease with approximately 100 cases per year. Our aim was to describe epidemiological characteristics of HFRS in five Western Balkan (WB) countries and to describe correlation between HFRS incidence and major meteorological event that hit the area in May 2014.MethodsNational surveillance data of HFRS from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia obtained from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2015 were collected and analysed.ResultsIn a 10‐year period, a total of 1,065 HFRS patients were reported in five WB countries. Cumulative incidence rate ranged from 0.05 to 15.80 per 100.000 inhabitants (in North Macedonia and Montenegro respectively). Increasing number of HFRS cases was reported with a peak incidence in three specific years (2008, 2012, and 2014). Average incidence for the entire area was higher in males than females (5.63 and 1.90 per 100.000 inhabitants respectively). Summer was the season with the highest number of cases and an average incidence rate of 1.74/100.000 inhabitants across 10‐year period. Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome incidence was significantly increased (7.91/100.000 inhabitants) in 2014, when a few months earlier, severe floods affected several WB countries. A strong significant negative correlation (r = −.84, p < .01) between the monthly incidence of HFRS and the number of months after May's floods was demonstrated for the total area of WB.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that the HFRS incidence had similar distribution (general, age, sex and seasonality) across majority of the included countries. Summer was the season with the highest recorded incidence. Common epidemic years were detected in all observed countries as well as a negative correlation between the monthly incidence of HFRS and the number of months after May's cyclone.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and correlates of six ethnic groups living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: a population-based cross-sectional study, June–October 2020
Authors: Coyer Liza , Boyd Anders , Schinkel Janke , Agyemang Charles , Galenkamp Henrike , Koopman Anitra D M , Leenstra Tjalling , Moll van Charante Eric P , van den Born Bert-Jan H , Lok Anja , Verhoeff Arnoud , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Jurriaans Suzanne , van Vught Lonneke A , Stronks Karien , Prins Maria 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesIt has been suggested that ethnic minorities have been disproportionally affected by the COVID-19. We aimed to determine whether prevalence and correlates of past SARS-CoV-2 exposure varied between six ethnic groups in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.Design, setting, participantsParticipants aged 25–79 years enrolled in the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting population-based prospective cohort (n=16 889) were randomly selected within ethnic groups and invited to participate in a cross-sectional COVID-19 seroprevalence substudy.Outcome measuresWe tested participants for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and collected information on SARS-CoV-2 exposures. We estimated prevalence and correlates of SARS-CoV-2 exposure within ethnic groups using survey-weighted logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and calendar time.ResultsBetween 24 June and 9 October 2020, we included 2497 participants. Adjusted SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was comparable between ethnic Dutch (24/498; 5.1%, 95% CI 2.8% to 7.4%), South-Asian Surinamese (22/451; 4.9%, 95% CI 2.2% to 7.7%), African Surinamese (22/400; 8.3%, 95% CI 3.1% to 13.6%), Turkish (30/408; 7.9%, 95% CI 4.4% to 11.4%) and Moroccan (32/391; 7.2%, 95% CI 4.2% to 10.1%) participants, but higher among Ghanaians (95/327; 26.3%, 95% CI 18.5% to 34.0%). 57.1% of SARS-CoV-2-positive participants did not suspect or were unsure of being infected, which was lowest in African Surinamese (18.2%) and highest in Ghanaians (90.5%). Correlates of SARS-CoV-2 exposure varied across ethnic groups, while the most common correlate was having a household member suspected of infection. In Ghanaians, seropositivity was associated with older age, larger household sizes, living with small children, leaving home to work and attending religious services.ConclusionsNo remarkable differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence were observed between the largest ethnic groups in Amsterdam after the first wave of infections. The higher infection seroprevalence observed among Ghanaians, which passed mostly unnoticed, warrants wider prevention efforts and opportunities for non-symptom-based testing.
Identification of acute respiratory distress syndrome subphenotypes de novo using routine clinical data: a retrospective analysis of ARDS clinical trials
Authors: Duggal Abhijit , Kast Rachel , Van Ark Emily , Bulgarelli Lucas , Siuba Matthew T , Osborn Jeff , Rey Diego Ariel , Zampieri Fernando G , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Maia Israel , Paisani Denise M , Laranjeira Ligia N , Serpa Neto Ary , Deliberato Rodrigo Octávio 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a heterogeneous condition, and identification of subphenotypes may help in better risk stratification. Our study objective is to identify ARDS subphenotypes using new simpler methodology and readily available clinical variables.SettingThis is a retrospective Cohort Study of ARDS trials. Data from the US ARDSNet trials and from the international ART trial.Participants3763 patients from ARDSNet data sets and 1010 patients from the ART data set.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was 60-day or 28-day mortality, depending on what was reported in the original trial. K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups. Sets of candidate variables were tested to assess their ability to produce different probabilities for mortality in each cluster. Clusters were compared with biomarker data, allowing identification of subphenotypes.ResultsData from 4773 patients were analysed. Two subphenotypes (A and B) resulted in optimal separation in the final model, which included nine routinely collected clinical variables, namely heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, bilirubin, bicarbonate, creatinine, PaO2, arterial pH and FiO2. Participants in subphenotype B showed increased levels of proinflammatory markers, had consistently higher mortality, lower number of ventilator-free days at day 28 and longer duration of ventilation compared with patients in the subphenotype A.ConclusionsRoutinely available clinical data can successfully identify two distinct subphenotypes in adult ARDS patients. This work may facilitate implementation of precision therapy in ARDS clinical trials.
Effectiveness and feasibility of telerehabilitation in patients with COVID-19: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Seid Abubeker Alebachew , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Mohammed Ahmed Adem 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionRespiratory rehabilitation is the use of exercise, education, and behavioural interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Recent studies highlight that respiratory rehabilitation is effective and safe for patients with COVID-19. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of respiratory telerehabilitation on patients infected with COVID-19 by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods and analysisPubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases will be searched from inception to the end of November 2021. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in the management of COVID-19 will be included. The primary outcomes will be functional capacity, cardiopulmonary exercise tests and quality of life. Secondary outcomes will include anxiety/depression level, sleep quality, mortality rate, completion rate, reason for withdrawal, adverse events, service satisfaction, cost-effectiveness and other potential factors. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data and perform quality assessment of included studies. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess risk of bias. Review Manager V.5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) software will be used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity will be analysed using I² statistics. Mean difference or standardised mean difference with 95% CI and p value will be used to calculate treatment effect for outcome variables.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required because this systematic review and meta-analysis is based on previously published data. Final result will be published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences and events.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021287975.
Establishing an alternative accommodation for stable hospitalised antepartum patients: barriers and challenges
Authors: Sullivan M Brad , Rentz Abby , Mathura Pamela , Gleddie Megan , Luthra Tania , Thiele Allison T , Kovacs Burns Katharina , Rich Rebecca , Sia Winnie W 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundPatients in remote communities who risk premature delivery require transfer to a tertiary care centre for obstetric and neonatal care. Following stabilisation, many patients are candidates for outpatient management but cannot be discharged to their home communities due to lack of neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) support.ProblemWithout outpatient accommodation proximal to neonatal ICU, these patients face prolonged hospitalisation—an expensive option with medical, social and psychological consequences. Therefore, we sought to establish an alternative accommodation for out-of-town stable antepartum patients.MethodsQuality Improvement approaches were used to identify process strengths and opportunities for improvement on the antepartum ward in a tertiary care centre. Physician and patient surveys informed outpatient accommodation programme development by a multidisciplinary team. The intervention was implemented using a plan–do–study–act cycle. Barriers to patient discharge and enrolment in the programme were analysed by completing thematic and strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis.ResultsPhysicians broadly supported safe outpatient management, whereas patients were hesitant to leave the hospital even when physicians assured safety. Our alternative accommodation was pre-existing and cost-effective, however, we encountered significant barriers. The physical space limited family visits and social interaction, lacked desired amenities,and the programme proved inconvenient to patients. The thematic and SWOT analysis identified aspects of the intervention which can be optimised to develop future actionable strategies.ConclusionThe utilisation of acute care beds is costly for the healthcare system and must be allocated judiciously. Patient needs, experience and health system barriers need to be considered when establishing alternative outpatient accommodations and strategies for stable antepartum patients.