bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticipating Shared Futures: Emotion, Connection & Relationships
Authors: HEFFERNAN SARAH
Published: December 2021

Unprecedented. Unprecedented. Unprecedented. How often did we hear that word at the onslaught of the Covid‐19 pandemic? But was it really unprecedented? We've been warned for years that a pandemic was imminent. We know the world has been devastated by them in the past. So why did we declare Covid‐19 unprecedented? And why wasn't there a shared anticipation of it?

Reflecting on an idea that was first sparked while working as a bungy jump operator, this PechaKucha explores how facts, figures and predictions are not enough when it comes to helping people anticipate and embrace the unthinkable. This discovery is layered with the grief I experience for a way of life I've never lived and the feeling of hope that comes from a futures project that is not about creating something new.
Hands Are People Too: Reflections on the Value of Hands (and How to Study Them)
Authors: CURY MARIA , KIM KAHYUN SOPHIE
Published: December 2021

Did you know that hands have bodies, relationships, and minds of their own? In the coming years as a new wave of technologies focused on our hands is under development, and as AR/VR may include haptics as a key mode of interaction, we need to design for hands as we would for people – keeping the technology in the background to ensure hands can learn, collaborate, and shine. We conducted a study in 2020 about what gives hands unique value to people. The ambition was to understand hand‐based skills across contexts and domains of practical expertise. We asked practitioners to record themselves using their hands, analyzed the video footage, and watched the recordings together with each practitioner. We asked practitioners to reflect on their hands and compare how their skills might apply to other contexts. Through this process, we uncovered that the hands have bodies, relationships, and minds of their own. These fundamental observations help us to imagine and anticipate future technology interactions that are not only relevant and useful, but that respect and enable the aspects of our hands that make us feel most human. Note: The presentation was intended to feature GIFs from fieldwork video, but only still images are allowed per the rules of the pecha kucha format; we therefore storyboarded stills from the recordings as the visuals, to highlight the haptic movements.
“Do Not Fear Mistakes—There Are None”: Ethnography as Improvisation
Authors: METZO KATHERINE
Published: December 2021

I use the iconic album, Kind of Blue, to re‐frame a conversation around ethnography and innovation. Moving fast and breaking stuff is not how ethnography brings value to the business. Rather, we use our craft to move nimbly through the complex terrain of “users” in much the same way as jazz musicians improvise. We are grounded in our craft through practice, but technical mastery is not enough. Bounded by structures and constraints, we move nimbly because knowing the rules allows us to creatively push against boundaries. And ethnography never exists in a vacuum, even if we're the only anthropologist in the room. Instead, we riff off those who came before us, in community with those who innovate alongside us. The core value of ethnography is to improvise—to use our mastery of our craft to build on what came before, to make sense of it, and anticipate what comes next.
Holidays and the Anticipation of Ritual
Authors: MURRAY ROB
Published: December 2021

COVID‐19 disrupted so much. It also disrupted rituals, holidays and events on an incredible scale. Many of us lost track of time without these expected markers.

But 2021 is all about a new perspective. I found myself anticipating and wanting to engage with rituals as never before. January 2021 was the beginning of a journey to reestablish ritual and patterns of time. I chose to note and celebrate and anticipate simple holidays. This is new territory for me as I did not celebrate holidays to any degree pre‐2021. They were noted but I did not really participate. That has changed. The curious researcher in me is on a journey to explore and embrace holidays and ritual. I now anticipate holidays instead of being a passive passenger in time. Calendars adorn my walls and I plan holidays like people plan vacations. And I'm shopping…

I think this effort is underpinned by observation. I'm really taking a step back to see these rituals with new eyes. I'm even excited to buy holiday themed postage stamps! Who does that?! Well, me now. A big part of the enjoyment is deconstructing holidays into anthropological components – color, food, patterns, icons, context, clothing, decorations, symbols, etc. All researchers should embrace these rituals as a kind of cognitive and temporal exercise and use these experiences to connect with people, colleagues and participants. I've been able to use this holiday hobby to entertain and amuse, but more importantly, to connect with people. At first virtually, but now more and more in real life. It's whimsical, It's fun, it's silly, but it's a new story that my socially‐distanced friends and family can engage with.

Anticipation is all about curiosity and the future. Holidays can help build muscle memory for experience, connection and empathy which are critical skills for researchers and the curious. Participating in rituals like holidays is a way to become a better observer. Think of it as temporal exercise.
Putting the Pacific marine heatwave into perspective: The response of larval fish off southern California to unprecedented warming in 2014–2016 relative to the previous 65 years
Authors: Thompson Andrew R. , Ben‐Aderet Noah J. , Bowlin Noelle M. , Kacev Dovi , Swalethorp Rasmus , Watson William
Published: December 2021

The 2014–2016 Northeast Pacific marine heatwave (MHW) induced the warmest 3‐year period on record in the California Current Ecosystem. We tested whether larval fish assemblage structure, phenology, and diversity dynamics were comparable to past warming events from 1951 to 2013. First, we hypothesized, based on past observations of biological effect of warming, that mesopelagic species with southern distributions relative to southern California and Pacific sardine Sardinops sagax (a coastal pelagic species) would increase during the MHW while northern mesopelagics and northern anchovy Engraulis mordax (coastal pelagic) abundances would decline. Similar to past warming, southern mesopelagics increased and northern mesopelagics decreased. Unexpectedly, however, a common southern mesopelagic, Mexican lampfish Triphoturus mexicanus, was approximately three times more abundant than the previous annual high. Furthermore, whereas sardine abundance did not increase, larval anchovy abundance rose to near‐record highs in summer 2016. Second, we hypothesized that fishes would spawn earlier during the MHW. Fishes did not spawn in an earlier season within a year, but five of six southern mesopelagic taxa spawned earlier than typical within winter and spring. Third, we predicted that species richness would increase moderately due to an influx of southern and exodus of northern species. Richness, however, was very high in all seasons and the highest ever during the summer as multiple species with primarily southern distributions were recorded spawning for the first time in southern California. The richness of northern species was also unexpectedly high during the MHW. Northern species likely persisted in the study area because in addition to the warm water, pockets of cold water were consistently present. If, as predicted, conditions similar to the MHW become more common as oceans warm, this unique and largely unexpected combination of fishes may reflect future biological conditions.
Coral reef benthic community changes in the Anthropocene: Biogeographic heterogeneity, overlooked configurations, and methodology
Authors: Reverter Miriam , Helber Stephanie B. , Rohde Sven , de Goeij Jasper M. , Schupp Peter J.
Published: December 2021

Non‐random community changes are becoming more frequent in many ecosystems. In coral reefs, changes towards communities dominated by other than hard corals are increasing in frequency, with severe impacts on ecosystem functioning and provision of ecosystem services. Although new research suggests that a variety of alternative communities (i.e. not dominated by hard corals) exist, knowledge on the global diversity and functioning of alternative coral reef benthic communities, especially those not dominated by algae, remains scattered. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis of 523 articles, we analyse the different coral reef benthic community changes reported to date and discuss the advantages and limitations of the methods used to study these changes. Furthermore, we used field cover data (1116 reefs from the ReefCheck database) to explore the biogeographic and latitudinal patterns in dominant benthic organisms. We found a mismatch between literature focus on coral‐algal changes (over half of the studies analysed) and observed global natural patterns. We identified strong biogeographic patterns, with the largest and most biodiverse biogeographic regions (Western and Central Indo‐Pacific) presenting previously overlooked soft‐coral‐dominated communities as the most abundant alternative community. Finally, we discuss the potential biases associated with methods that overlook ecologically important cryptobenthic communities and the potential of new technological advances in improving monitoring efforts. As coral reef communities inevitably and swiftly change under changing ocean conditions, there is an urgent need to better understand the distribution, dynamics as well as the ecological and societal impacts of these new communities.
Century‐long changes and drivers of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions across the contiguous United States
Authors: Lu Chaoqun , Yu Zhen , Zhang Jien , Cao Peiyu , Tian Hanqin , Nevison Cynthia
Published: December 2021

The atmospheric concentration of nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased by 23% since the pre‐industrial era, which substantially destructed the stratospheric ozone layer and changed the global climate. However, it remains uncertain about the reasons behind the increase and the spatiotemporal patterns of soil N2O emissions, a primary biogenic source. Here, we used an integrative land ecosystem model, Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM), to quantify direct (i.e., emitted from local soil) and indirect (i.e., emissions related to local practices but occurring elsewhere) N2O emissions in the contiguous United States during 1900–2019. Newly developed geospatial data of land‐use history and crop‐specific agricultural management practices were used to force DLEM at a spatial resolution of 5 arc‐min by 5 arc‐min. The model simulation indicates that the U.S. soil N2O emissions totaled 0.97 ± 0.06 Tg N year−1 during the 2010s, with 94% and 6% from direct and indirect emissions, respectively. Hot spots of soil N2O emission are found in the US Corn Belt and Rice Belt. We find a threefold increase in total soil N2O emission in the United States since 1900, 74% of which is from agricultural soil emissions, increasing by 12 times from 0.04 Tg N year−1 in the 1900s to 0.51 Tg N year−1 in the 2010s. More than 90% of soil N2O emission increase in agricultural soils is attributed to human land‐use change and agricultural management practices, while increases in N deposition and climate warming are the dominant drivers for N2O emission increase from natural soils. Across the cropped acres, corn production stands out with a large amount of fertilizer consumption and high‐emission factors, responsible for nearly two‐thirds of direct agricultural soil N2O emission increase since 1900. Our study suggests a large N2O mitigation potential in cropland and the importance of exploring crop‐specific mitigation strategies and prioritizing management alternatives for targeted crop types.
Relationship between the Kihon Checklist and all‐cause hospitalization among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Koyama Shingo , Otobe Yuhei , Suzuki Mizue , Kimura Yosuke , Ishiyama Daisuke , Kojima Iwao , Masuda Hiroaki , Kusumi Haruhiko , Yamada Minoru
Published: December 2021

Aim

To examine the relationship between the Kihon Checklist (KCL) and incidence of hospitalization among community‐dwelling older adults.

Method

We analyzed the cohort data of 2920 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥65 years, who were living independently in a city in Shiga prefecture. We investigated the frailty status, instrumental activities of daily living, physical function, nutritional status, oral function, homebound status, cognitive function and mood using the KCL in the baseline survey. The outcome was incident all‐cause hospitalization in the 2‐year period. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the relationships between the frailty status and each domain of the KCL as well as all‐cause hospitalization.

Results

The prevalence of frailty, pre‐frailty and robustness were 29.7%, 34.5% and 35.8%, respectively. During the 2‐year follow‐up period, 417 participants (14.3%) underwent an incident of all‐cause hospitalization. The participants with frailty (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05–1.81) had a significantly elevated incidence of hospitalization according to the multivariate analysis compared with patients with robustness, but not in participants with pre‐frailty (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.82–1.40). Participants with low physical function (adjusted OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12–1.87) and depressed mood (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.70) had a significantly elevated incidence of hospitalization according to multivariate analysis compared with non‐risk.

Conclusion

These results suggest that older adults with frailty are more likely to be hospitalized and that the KCL may be the screening tool to estimate the hospitalization risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 132–137.
Platform ecology: A user‐centric and relational conceptualization of online platforms
Authors: Ibert Oliver , Oechslen Anna , Repenning Alica , Schmidt Suntje
Published: December 2021

Online platforms provide a technological infrastructure allowing social actors to enact and utilize networks with a global reach. They play important roles as intermediaries and algorithm‐based curators of social interaction. This paper addresses two knowledge gaps: First, while a growing number of empirical studies has deepened our insights into the social dynamics characterizing single platforms, little is known about the multiple ways in which users or user groups combine diverse online offers according to their preferences. Second, the empirical focus has mainly been on online interaction. However, in everyday practices, the online is always situated in offline practices. It is thus necessary to understand the complex interdependencies of online and offline spheres. This paper therefore aims to develop an ecological heuristic that positions the user(s) and their practices center stage in the analysis and to elucidate the on/offline opportunity spaces and the affordances and constraints they provide for user agency.
Beyond blue ocean? The roles of intermediaries in the cross‐border labour market between Japan and Vietnam
Authors: Muranaka Aimi
Published: December 2021

The field of migration studies regards intermediaries as actors who manage the mobility of people, but academic works on their roles in the making of cross‐border labour markets remain scarce. Using the frameworks of market‐making and relational work, this study examines how Japanese intermediaries participate in the making of a cross‐border labour market between Japan and Vietnam. The study's findings are threefold. First, linguistic certification by an intermediary serves as a gatekeeper of labour's quality and allows an officially implemented linguistic boundary to shift. Second, intermediaries train employers and skilled migrant worker candidates by adjusting their presentation in recruitment venues. Third, intermediaries assist in officializing the employment relationship between employers and migrant workers. This study argues that, due to the absence of a concrete migration policy in Japan, intermediaries actively participate in market‐making practices by shifting, adjusting and making visible the boundaries within cross‐border labour exchanges.
A qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators affecting ethnic minority patient groups when accessing medicine review services: Perspectives of healthcare professionals
Authors: Robinson Anna , Elarbi Muna , Todd Adam , Husband Andy
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Healthcare inequalities and ethnicity are closely related. Evidence has demonstrated that patients from ethnic minority groups are more likely to report a long‐term illness than their white counterparts; yet, in some cases, minority groups have reported poorer adherence to prescribed medicines and may be less likely to access medicine services. Knowledge of the barriers and facilitators that impact ethnic minority access to medicine services is required to ensure that services are fit for purpose to meet and support the needs of all.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals were conducted between October and December 2020, using telephone and video call‐based software. Perspectives on barriers and facilitators were discussed. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis enabled the development of themes. QSR NVivo (Version 12) facilitated data management. Ethical approval was obtained from the Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee.

Results

Eighteen healthcare professionals were interviewed across primary, secondary and tertiary care settings; their roles spanned medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. Three themes were developed from the data regarding the perceived barriers and facilitators affecting access to medicine services for ethnic minority patients. These centred around patient expectations of health services; appreciating cultural stigma and acceptance of certain health conditions; and individually addressing communication and language needs.

Conclusion

This study provides much‐needed evidence relating to the barriers and facilitators impacting minority ethnic communities when seeking medicine support. The results of this study have important implications for the delivery of person‐centred care. Involving patients and practitioners in coproduction approaches could enable the design and delivery of culturally sensitive and accessible medicine services.

Patient or Public Contribution

The Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group at Newcastle University had extensive input in the design and concept of this study before the research was undertaken. Throughout the work, a patient champion (Harpreet Guraya) had input in the project by ensuring that the study was conducted, and the findings were reported, with cultural sensitivity.
Exploring the expectations, experiences and tensions of refugee patients and general practitioners in the quality of care in general practice
Authors: Patel Pinika , Muscat Danielle M. , Trevena Lyndal , Zachariah Dipti , Nosir Hanaa , Jesurasa Nishanthie , Hadi Amina , Bernays Sarah
Published: December 2021

Background

Refugees and asylum seekers arrive in the Australian community with complex health needs and expectations of healthcare systems formed from elsewhere. Navigating the primary healthcare system can be challenging with communication and language barriers. In multicultural societies, this obstacle may be removed by accessing language‐concordant care. Emerging evidence suggests language‐concordance is associated with more positive reports of patient experience. Whether this is true for refugees and asylum seekers and their expectation of markers of quality patient‐centred care (PCC) remains to be explored. This study aimed to explore the expectations around the markers of PCC and the impacts of having language‐concordant care in Australian primary healthcare.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured individual in‐language (Arabic, Dari, and Tamil) remote interviews with 22 refugee and asylum seekers and 9 general practitioners (GPs). Interview transcripts were coded inductively and deductively, based on the research questions, using Thematic Analysis. Extensive debriefing and discussion took place within the research team throughout data collection and analysis.

Results

Community member expectations of markers of PCC are constantly evolving and adapting based on invisible and visible actions during clinical encounters. Challenges can occur in the clinical encounter when expectations are ‘unsaid’ or unarticulated by both community members and GPs due to the assumption of shared understanding with language concordant care. Expectations of what constitutes satisfactory, quality PCC are dynamic outcomes, which are influenced by prior and current experiences of healthcare.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of understanding that language concordant care does not always support aligned expectations of the markers of quality PCC between community members and their GP. We recommend that GPs encourage community members to provide explicit descriptions about how their prior experiences have framed their expectations of what characterizes quality PCC. In addition, GPs could develop a collaborative approach, in which they explain their own decision‐making processes in providing PCC to refugees and asylum seekers.

Patient or Public Contribution

Bilingual researchers from multicultural backgrounds and experience working with people from refugee backgrounds were consulted on study design and analysis. This study included individuals with lived experiences as refugees and asylum seekers and clinicians as participants.
Self‐perceived halitosis among young adults undergoing orthodontic treatment
Authors: Banjar Arwa A. , Hassan Shaymaa M , Alyafi Rusha A. , Alawady Sara A. , Alghamdi Morouj H. , Baik Khadijah M.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Halitosis is a common oral health problem that significantly impacts the quality of life of the affected individuals. In most cases, poor oral hygiene is responsible for the problem. Orthodontic therapy aims to correct malocclusion using different devices. It has been suggested that orthodontic treatment can promote gingival health by facilitating daily oral hygiene measures. However, the treatment may harm gingival health as these appliances may lead to a more significant accumulation of plaque, increasing the microbial load in the subgingival environment leading to halitosis.

Objective

The primary goal of this survey is to assess the prevalence of self‐perceived halitosis in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods

An online questionnaire was randomly distributed to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. A total of 289 subjects completed the questionnaire. It included questions about: demographic data, medical history, social habits, past dental treatment and oral hygiene habits. Descriptive statistics as frequency distributions and percentages were calculated for the study variables.

Results

The prevalence of self‐perceived halitosis was 41.5%. The majority of the participants started to notice this problem during and after orthodontic treatment (62.5%). A statistically significant correlation was found between the regular dental visits and halitosis in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances (p‐value = 0.010). Also, those patients had a substantial increase in tongue coating formation (p‐ value = 0.010).

Conclusion

Self‐perceived halitosis is a common problem in patients receiving orthodontic treatment.
Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus: Lessons for Doctrinal Development Theory in Catholic Theology
Authors: Meszaros Andrew
Published: December 2021

This article examines the development of the axiom Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus with a view towards drawing certain lessons for doctrinal development theory. The article traces the axiom's development and points to some of the reasons behind it. It then draws on some key passages of John Henry Newman to explain what has been happening during this process of development. Following thereupon, it finally offers some constructive principles for applying development theory today.
What are the experiences and the perceptions of service users attending Emergency Department for a mental health crisis? A systematic review
Authors: Sacre Maya , Albert Rikke , Hoe Juanita
Published: December 2021

Historically, dualistic healthcare systems have resulted in limited mental healthcare provision within physical health settings, with service users reporting poor care specifically while attending emergency departments (EDs) in a mental health crisis. Modern approaches to healthcare recognize these inequalities and are moving towards integrating healthcare systems that allow more holistic and seamless experiences for service users. This mixed‐method review examines the experiences and perceptions of service users attending EDs for a mental health crisis. Systematic searches of eight databases on two platforms (EBSCO, OVID) and grey literature databases (Open Grey, Base) were conducted. Studies were systematically screened for inclusion based on predetermined eligibility criteria and quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were tabulated and synthesized using thematic synthesis. Ten studies consisting of qualitative and mixed‐method designs were included in the review. Five overarching themes emerged from the synthesis: social constructs, service provider, service provision, effectiveness, and emotional impact. The findings from this review show that service users continue to have negative experiences in EDs due to stigmatizing attitudes and low skill in managing mental health needs, whereas more positive experiences are attributed to the availability of mental health liaison services. Tackling stigma, improving communication and staff training, providing calm environments, and addressing structural issues that promote better interagency working and reduce gaps in services are needed to improve mental health service user experience. Future research should focus on trauma‐informed approaches in EDs to improve person‐centred care for service users experiencing a mental health crisis.
Experimental proof of moisture clog through neutron tomography in a porous medium under truly one‐directional drying
Authors: Moreira Murilo Henrique , Dal Pont Stefano , Tengattini Alessandro , Luz Ana Paula , Pandolfelli Victor Carlos
Published: December 2021

Structural failure of concrete buildings on fire and complete destruction of the monolithic refractory lining during their drying stage are dangerous examples of the effect of explosive spalling on partially saturated porous media. Several observations in both cases indicated the presence of moisture accumulation ahead of the drying front, which are in tune with the most common theories on the explosive spalling of concrete. Previous studies have shown evidence of the existence of this phenomenon, however, they were biased by artifacts and experimental limitations (such as the beam hardening effect and changes in the microstructure of the material due to the presence of pressure and temperature sensors). In the current work, rapid neutron tomography was used to investigate the in‐operando drying behavior of a high‐alumina refractory castable, proposing a novel experimental layout aimed at a truly one‐dimensional drying front. This setup provided more realistic boundary conditions, such as the behavior of a larger wall heated from one of its sides, while also preventing some nonphysical artifacts (notably beam hardening). By eliminating these aspects, a direct proof that moisture accumulates ahead of the drying front was obtained. This work also lays the basis for further studies focusing on the response sensitivity analysis to boundary conditions and other parameters (e.g., heating rates and properties of the sample related to the moisture clog formation), as well as useful data for the validation and characterization stages of numerical models of partially saturated porous media.
Drivers of phylogenetic structure in Amazon freshwater fish assemblages
Authors: Salgueiro Laís , Cassemiro Fernanda A. S. , Albert James S. , Frederico Renata G. , Hidalgo Max , Hugueny Bernard , Jézéquel Céline , Ortega Hernan , Tedesco Pablo A. , Torrente‐Vilara Gislene , Zuanon Jansen , Oberdorff Thierry , Dias Murilo S.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Phylogenetic relatedness among species can provide useful information on the diversification history and past dispersal events that may have shaped contemporary assemblages. Here, using of the most comprehensive fish occurrence database currently available and a global molecular phylogeny of ray‐finned fishes, we evaluate the respective roles of historical and contemporary processes in generating and maintaining fish assemblage phylodiversity patterns among 97 sub‐drainages covering the Amazon River basin.

Location

Amazon River basin.

Taxon

Freshwater fishes.

Methods

Using a large comprehensive database of freshwater fish species distributions, and a global molecular phylogeny of ray‐finned (actinopterygian) fishes, we estimated historical and contemporary environmental effects on sub‐drainage fish phylodiversity patterns using three phylogenetic metrics standardized for richness effect: Phylogenetic Diversity (ses.PD), Mean pairwise Phylogenetic Distance between species capturing patterns at older evolutionary timescales (ses.MPD), and Mean Nearest Taxon Distance capturing patterns at younger evolutionary timescales (ses.MNTD).

Results

We found significant effects of elevation gradients, contemporary climate, and water types on assemblage phylodiversity patterns. Furthermore, we found significant relationships among the three phylogenetic metrics used, and between these metrics and the distance of sub‐drainages to the Amazon River mouth, representing the Amazon basin West‐East longitudinal gradient.

Main conclusions

Phylogenetic diversity showed a highly non‐random spatial distribution across the Amazon basin. Beyond significant regional effects of several contemporary and historical drivers, there was a significant West‐East decline in sub‐drainage assemblages phylogenetic clustering, along with an increase in phylogenetic diversity. These latter patterns suggest deeper evolutionary divergences among taxa located to the East, and more recent radiations in the Western sub‐drainages. Based on these findings and given that assemblages are, on average more species‐rich in sub‐basins of the Western part of the basin than in their Eastern relatives, we conclude that Western Amazon can be seen as an evolutionary “cradle” of biodiversity for freshwater fishes.
Early arrhythmia recurrence after cryoballoon ablation in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vrachatis Dimitrios A. , Papathanasiou Konstantinos A. , Kossyvakis Charalampos , Kazantzis Dimitrios , Giotaki Sotiria G. , Deftereos Gerasimos , Sanz‐Sánchez Jorge , Raisakis Konstantinos , Kaoukis Andreas , Avramides Dimitrios , Lambadiari Vaia , Siasos Gerasimos , Giannopoulos George , Deftereos Spyridon
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Early arrhythmia recurrence within the 3‐month blanking period is a common event that historically has been attributed to reversible phenomena. While its mechanistic links remain obscure, accumulating evidence support the argument of shortening the blanking period. We aimed to elucidate the association between early and late arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation cryoablation.

Methods

The MEDLINE database, ClinicalTrials. gov, medRxiv, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating early and late arrhythmia recurrence rates in patients undergoing cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Data were pooled by meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model. The primary endpoint was late arrhythmia recurrence.

Results

Early arrhythmia recurrence was found predictive of decreased arrhythmia‐free survival after evaluating 3975 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent cryoablation (odds ratio [OR]: 5.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.75–7.51). This pattern remained unchanged after subanalyzing atrial fibrillation type (paroxysmal; OR: 7.16; 95% CI: 4.40–11.65 and persistent; OR: 7.63; 95% CI: 3.62–16.07) as well as cryoablation catheter generation (first generation; OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 2.39–11.11 and advanced generation; OR: 5.83, 95% CI: 3.68–9.23). Studies permitting antiarrhythmic drug utilization during the blanking period or examining early recurrence as a secondary outcome were found to be a significant source of statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that early arrhythmia recurrence is predictive of late outcomes after cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Identifying which patients deserve earlier reintervention is an open research avenue.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and incident functional limitations among older community‐dwelling men
Authors: Bauer Scott R. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Suskind Anne M. , Newman John C. , Fink Howard A. , Lu Kaiwei , Scherzer Rebecca , Hoffman Andrew R. , Covinsky Kenneth , Marshall Lynn M. ,   For the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: December 2021

Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are associated with frailty phenotype, a risk factor for functional decline. Our objective was to determine the association between baseline LUTS and 2‐year risk of new functional limitation among older men.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study with baseline at Year 7 and follow‐up through Year 9. Participants included 2716 community‐dwelling men age ≥ 71 years without any baseline self‐reported functional limitation. LUTS severity (American Urologic Association Symptom Index) was classified as none/mild (score 0–7), moderate (8–19), and severe (20–35). At baseline and follow‐up, men reported their ability to complete several mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), and cognition‐dependent tasks. Risk was estimated for 3 incident functional limitation outcomes: (1) mobility (any difficulty walking 2–3 blocks or climbing 10 steps), (2) ADL (any difficulty bathing, showering, or transferring), and (3) cognition‐dependent (any difficulty managing money or medications). We used Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator to model adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% CIs controlling for age, site, and comorbidities; other demographic/lifestyle factors did not meet criteria for inclusion.

Results

Overall, the 2‐year risk was 15% for mobility, 10% for ADLs, and 4% for cognition‐dependent task limitations. Compared to none/mild LUTS, risk of incident mobility limitations was increased for moderate (ARR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.63) and severe LUTS (ARR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.64). Men were also at higher risk for incident ADL limitations if they reported moderate (ARR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67) and severe LUTS (ARR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07,2.43). Results were somewhat attenuated after adjusting for the frailty phenotype but remained statistically significant. LUTS were not associated with incident cognition‐dependent task limitations.

Conclusions

LUTS severity is associated with incident mobility and ADL limitations among older men. Increased clinical attention to risk of functional limitations among older men with LUTS is likely warranted.
Multi‐scenario simulation on reducing CO2 emissions from China's major manufacturing industries targeting 2060
Authors: Zhou Sheng , Gu Alun , Tong Qing , Guo Yuefeng , Wei Xinyang
Published: December 2021

CO2 emissions from industrial processes are the main components of global greenhouse gas emissions. Based on analyzing the industrial activity level, technological progress, raw material substitution, and CO2 recycling ratio from the cement, aluminum, ammonia, steel, lime, and ferroalloy industries, this paper considers three scenarios, namely, national determined contribution (NDC), carbon mitigation scenario (CMS), and deep mitigation scenario (DMS), and systematically explores the CO2 emissions from future industrial processes as well as relevant cumulative emissions, emission sources, mitigation potentials, and mitigation sources in China. The results demonstrate that CO2 emissions of the six main industrial processes can be continuously and significantly reduced in China. In the scenarios, compared with the 2020 level (1448 million metric tons of CO2), the CO2 emissions can be reduced by 71%, 82%, and 94%, respectively, in 2060, mainly owing to the reduction of the activity level, the adjustment of the product structure and the application of carbon capture and storage (CCS) under the DMS scenario. This paper provides several major policy implications to reduce the CO2 emissions through adjusting the industrial structure and current lifestyles, improving the durability of industrial products and the management and technical levels, increasing the substitution ratio of low‐carbon raw materials in industrial production, supporting innovative low‐carbon technologies, the establishment and operation of the carbon market and carbon pricing mechanism, and further promoting the current “leader” system of energy‐intensive industries.
Effect of ethnicity, country of origin and workplace on health behaviors and health perception among nurses: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kagan Ilya , Ziv Arnona , Rubin Carmit , Murad Havi , Valinsky Liora , Asman Oren , Tabak Nili , Wilf Miron Rachel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The study aimed to (1) examine health behaviors and perceived health among nurses; (2) analyze the effect of nurses’ personal and work characteristics on these variables; and (3) explore the relationship between health behaviors and nurses’ health perception.

Design and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among nurses working in health care organizations (HCOs) across Israel. An email with the online questionnaire was sent to nurses working in 19 HCOs across Israel during September–December 2018.

Findings

Of 18,120 nurses employed, 3542 completed the survey. Mean age was 44.8 years, 91% were female), 64.6% were hospital nurses and 52.8% were clinical staff nurses. Two‐thirds of nurses did not achieve the physical activity (PA) target; the majority reported unfavorable eating habits; 66% slept less than 7 h at night and 15% smoke. Hospital nurses working night shifts reported the least favorable health behaviors. Non‐Jewish nurses had less eating habits compared with Jewish nurses. Nurses born in the Former Soviet Union perceived their health as significantly worse than that of the other respondents. Binomial logistic regression demonstrated that, age, Israeli origin, achieving the PA target, having food breaks during work, consuming a Mediterranean diet, sleeping at least 7 h, undergoing screening tests as recommended, and not smoking predicted better health perception among nurses.

Conclusions

Nurses, particularly hospital‐based, non‐Jewish and immigrants from the Soviet Union, demonstrated unfavorable health behaviors that may negatively affect their wellbeing and health perception.

Clinical relevance

Interventions aimed at improving the health promoting mindset of nurses have the potential to improve their health and wellbeing and to enable them to become role models and health educators for patients and their families.
Topical growth factors and home‐based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation
Authors: Quinlan Daniel J. , Ghanem Ali M. , Hassan Haidar
Published: December 2021

Background

Cosmeceutical products are an important therapeutic option for facial rejuvenation. Of these, topical application of growth factors has been shown to increase dermal collagen synthesis, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Limited data exist for the use of growth factors in combination with microneedling.

Objective

This prospective, single‐center, uncontrolled study evaluated the efficacy of topical growth factor treatment in conjunction with transdermal delivery of growth factors via home‐based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation.

Patients/Methods

Eleven healthy female individuals aged 33–61 years, with mild‐moderate facial wrinkling were included in the study. Over 3 months, participants received twice‐daily application of a topical recombinant human growth factor preparation (SkinGenuity®Regenerative and Reparative Serums) along with twice‐weekly transdermal delivery of growth factors using a home‐based microneedling (0.2 mm) device. Objective skin analysis (VISIA®) and a subjective patient‐reported outcome (FACE‐Q®) assessment measuring satisfaction with appearance were performed at baseline and after 3 months.

Results

Objective skin analysis showed a significant improvement in skin texture (17.6%,p < 0.001), wrinkles (17.3%,p < 0.001), red areas (12.4%,p =0.004), and brown spots (6.0%,p =0.03) at 3 months follow‐up. FACE‐Q scales showed a significant improvement from baseline, including satisfaction with skin, facial appearance, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lower face/jawline (allp ≤ 0.02). Numerical improvement in adverse effects related to skin was also observed (p = 0.07). No serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

Three months of twice‐daily topical growth factor treatment in conjunction with transdermal delivery of growth factors via microneedling improved skin analysis parameters and participant‐reported outcome measures, indicative of facial skin rejuvenation.
Microfocused ultrasound with visualization: Consensus on safety and review of energy‐based devices
Authors: Pavicic Tatjana , Ballard John R. , Bykovskaya Tatiana , Corduff Niamh , Hirano Cyro , Park Je‐Young , Saromytskaya Alena , Sevi Julia , Vasconcelos Suyan
Published: December 2021

Background

Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU‐V; Ultherapy®, Merz North America) is US Food and Drug Administration‐cleared as a non‐invasive procedure that lifts the soft tissue of the neck, submentum and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. Several other energy‐based devices are in use in countries outside the USA where they are marketed for indications similar to those of MFU‐V, although published studies supporting these indications are limited and none of the other devices provides visualization or verification they reach the superficial musculoaponeurotic system.

Methods

Due to the evolving landscape of ultrasound technology as more devices enter the market, seven global thought leaders who are qualified experts on the use of various high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)/MFU‐V technologies convened to review data from an independent evaluation of the software, thermal characteristics, transducer acoustics and ultrasound therapy of MFU‐V and three other ultrasound‐based devices.

Results

The independent testing demonstrated the devices have key differences in several parameters that play a role in safety and effectiveness. Specifically, MFU‐V has visualization capability but the other devices lack that feature. Other differences include the retention of patient history, consistent size and uniformity of thermal coagulation points (TCPs), precise localization of energy concentration at the focal point, and reliable thermal regulation during use. The expert panel established a consensus on the types of preventable complications associated with ultrasound‐based energy devices and techniques for preventing and treating complications.

Conclusions

The independent test results of MFU‐V/HIFU devices and the consensus panel conclusions provide strong support that real‐time visualization and the capability to detect coupling, features found only in MFU‐V, help prevent complications and enhance the safety and effectiveness of energy‐based devices. The independent evaluation also revealed that MFU‐V has several additional features that play key roles in safety and clinical effectiveness, including uniformity of TCPs, tight thermal regulation, large focal gain, and short beam length, that were not found collectively in any of the HIFU devices.
Equal Benefits? An Examination of the Potential Consequences of Later School Start Times for Adolescents and Their Mental Health
Authors: Peltz Jack S. , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Given the documented benefits of later school start times on adolescents' mental health, the aim of the current study was to examine if the association between school start times and depressive symptoms differed across adolescents from families of different socioeconomic status levels.

METHODS

Using a cross‐sectional design, the current study incorporated an online survey for high school students and their parents across the United States, with average sleep duration measured through a 7‐day sleep diary. A total of 193 adolescent (Meanage = 15.7 years old, SD = .94; 54.4% female; 71% white) and parent (Meanage = 47.6 years old, SD = 5.4; 80% female; 79% white) dyads participated. Adolescents reported on depressive symptoms, sleep quality and duration, chronotype, and demographic covariates; parents reported on school start times and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Results suggested that only in adolescents from higher socioeconomic status families (+1 SD) did the association between later start times and fewer depressive symptoms emerge as significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more school start times research is needed to understand its impact across diverse groups of students, current findings suggest a disproportionate benefit of reduced depression for youth from families of higher socioeconomic status with having a later start time.
Influence of environmental factors on the tropical peatlands diazotrophic communities from the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest
Authors: Etto R.M. , Jesus E.C. , Cruz L.M. , Schneider B.S.F. , Tomachewski D. , Urrea-Valencia S. , Gonçalves D.R.P. , Galvão F. , Ayub R.A. , Curcio G.R. , Steffens M.B.R. , Galvão C.W.
Published: December 2021

The tropical peatlands of southern Brazil are essential for the maintenance of the Atlantic Rain Forest, one of the 25 hotspots of biodiversity in the world. Although diazotrophic micro-organisms are essential for the maintenance of this nitrogen limited ecosystem, so far studies have focused only on micro-organisms involved in the carbon cycle. In this work, peat samples were collected from three tropical peatland regions during dry and rainy seasons and their chemical and microbial characteristics were evaluated. Our results showed that the structure of the diazotrophic communities in the Brazilian tropical peatlands differs in the evaluated seasons. The abundance of the genus Bradyrhizobium showed to be affected by rainfall and peat pH. Despite the shifts of the nitrogen-fixing population in the tropical peatland caused by seasonality it showed to be constantly dominated by α-Proteobacteria followed by Cyanobacteria. In addition, more than 50% of nifH gene sequences have not been classified, indicating the necessity for more studies in tropical peatland, since the reduction of N supply in the peatlands stimulates the recalcitrant organic matter decomposition performed by peatland micro-organisms, influencing the C stock.