bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the inner speech, with emphasis on the role of incorporating clinical data
Authors: Alexander Julianne M. , Stark Brielle C.
Published: July 2024

Neuroscience has largely conceptualized inner speech, sometimes called covert speech, as being a part of the language system, namely, a precursor to overt speech and/or speech without the motor component (impoverished motor speech). Yet interdisciplinary work has strongly suggested that inner speech is multidimensional and situated within the language system as well as in more domain general systems. By leveraging evidence from philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience and cognitive science, we argue that neuroscience can gain a more comprehensive understanding of inner speech processes. We will summarize the existing knowledge on the traditional approach to understanding the neuroscience of inner speech, which is squarely through the language system, before discussing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the cognitive, linguistic and neural substrates/mechanisms that may be involved in inner speech. Given our own interests in inner speech after brain injury, we finish by discussing the theoretical and clinical benefits of researching inner speech in aphasia through an interdisciplinary lens.
Beyond biomass: Resource effects on primary production and consumer nutrient assimilation in streams
Authors: Schlenker Alexandra , Brauns Mario , Fink Patrick , Weitere Markus
Published: July 2024

Primary production in aquatic ecosystems is strongly controlled by resource availability (bottom‐up). At the same time, grazers exert top‐down pressure on algae. The effects of both resources and grazers on algal communities have been investigated extensively for both benthic and planktonic systems. However, most studies focus exclusively on net effects on algal standing stock, while the underlying ecological functions and processes often remain unknown.

Here, we tested the effects of the two resources, light (L) and the limiting nutrient phosphorus (P), on both primary production (net oxygen production) by benthic algae (periphyton) and matter assimilation by the next trophic guild (particularly nitrogen assimilation by grazers). For this, we grew natural periphyton communities in stream mesocosm flumes together with two native grazer taxa and 15N as a tracer.

Both resources resulted in an initial increase in net primary production, but this effect equalised after 36 days in the more mature communities. While both resources still showed strong positive effects on algal biovolume, the biovolume‐specific net primary production decreased with resource level and was lowest in the double elevated (+L, +P) treatment. The response of nitrogen assimilation by grazers was more closely related to the response of periphyton quality (stoichiometric and taxonomic composition) than to its biomass. In addition, light affected the nitrogen assimilation of both grazers negatively.

These findings demonstrate that the responses of ecological functions, here primary production and assimilation by grazers, are not necessarily proportional to algal biomass and are thus not easily predictable from the common use of biomass as a proxy for functions.
Clinical characteristics and predictors of long‐term postoperative urinary incontinence in patients treated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Kohada Yuki , Kitano Hiroyuki , Tasaka Ryo , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Hatayama Tomoya , Shikuma Hiroyuki , Iwane Kyohsuke , Yukihiro Kazuma , Takemoto Kenshiro , Naito Miki , Kobatake Kohei , Sekino Yohei , Goto Keisuke , Goriki Akihiro , Hieda Keisuke , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics and predictors of long‐term postoperative urinary incontinence (PUI) after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

This study included patients who underwent RARP at our institution and were stratified into PUI (≥1 pad/day) and continence (0 pad/day) groups at 60 months after RARP. A propensity score‐matched analysis with multiple preoperative urinary status (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary subdomains, total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and IPSS‐quality of life scores) was performed to match preoperative urinary status in these groups. Serial changes in urinary status and treatment satisfaction preoperatively and until 60 months after RARP were compared, and predictors of long‐term PUI were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 228 patients were included in the PUI and continence groups (114 patients each). Although no significant difference in preoperative urinary status was observed between the two groups, the postoperative urinary status significantly worsened overall in the PUI group than in the continence group. Treatment satisfaction was also significantly lower in the PUI group than in the continence group from 12 to 60 months postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (≥70 years) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) were significant predictors of the long‐term PUI group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with long‐term PUI had poor overall postoperative urinary status and lower treatment satisfaction than the continence group. Considering the age and risk of BCR is important for predicting long‐term PUI when performing RARP.
The burden of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Australia: an analysis of Global Burden of Disease study from 1990 to 2019
Authors: George Elena S. , Sood Surbhi , Uddin Riaz , Roberts Stuart K. , Islam Sheikh M. S.
Published: July 2024

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2019 reported a rise in prevalence (9–13%) in Australia, which also ranked third highest for NAFLD prevalence compared to 14 similar countries. As a result of underdiagnosis, NAFLD burden is underestimated by GBD.
A new Fermatean fuzzy multi‐objective indefinite quadratic transportation problem with an application to sustainable transportation
Authors: Singh Aakanksha , Arora Ritu , Arora Shalini
Published: July 2024

In this work, a Fermatean fuzzy (FF) multi‐objective indefinite quadratic transportation problem (TP) is introduced. Due to some unavoidable reasons, real‐life transportation parameters such as supply, demand and costs are indeterminate in nature and cannot be expressed in crisp terms. We represent these parameters using FF numbers, an extension of fuzzy numbers, which are capable of representing indeterminacy efficiently. A multi‐objective indefinite quadratic TP where each objective is a product of two linear factors (cost functions) is considered. Defuzzification of FF numbers is accomplished by the introduction of ‐cut for the first time. The obtained crisp TP is solved using the intuitionistic fuzzy programming approach and FF programming approach to arrive at a compromise solution. To substantiate the work, solution methodology based on defuzzification using the ranking function is also deliberated. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through a sustainable TP, which simultaneously minimizes transportation cost with depreciation cost and packaging cost with wastage cost. The resulting value of the objective functions and the aspiration levels are compared to depict the efficacy of the proposed method over the ranking function method. The concluding section summarizes the work, and future avenues along with some limitations of the work are also specified.
Broad Scope of Site‐Specific Crop Management and Specific Role of Remote Sensing Technologies Within It—A Review
Authors: Ali Abid , Hassan Muhammad Umair , Kaul Hans‐Peter
Published: July 2024

Precision agriculture (PA) has great potential to increase agricultural productivity and profitability while reducing input costs and environmental impacts. Within PA, site‐specific crop management (SSCM) is considered the main premise, in which tillage operations and precise crop inputs (such as seed, fertiliser, water, pesticide and agrochemical) are applied according to field variability. The main aim of this review was to highlight the methods and tools used for spatial crop monitoring, soil and weather data influencing crop productivity and to support the adoption of SSCM technology. To achieve this goal: we discussed the main five components of SSCM, methods for monitoring crop and soil data, delineating field management zones (FMZs) and variable rate technologies (VRT) such as precision planting and digital smart sensors used for SSCM application. The review summarised that recent advances in plant and soil sensing systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning should be used in retrieving and analysing GIS big data for optimised crop inputs supply. Within VRT, light‐bar systems, automatic controllers and sensors are user‐friendly technologies that should be employed in SSCM solution. The authors highlight that adoption of PA can be increased through proper training and education of the farmers, and developing simple, affordable and efficient PA technologies. The review suggests five criteria that should be strictly adopted to get maximum benefits from SSCM: (i) all factors influencing crop yields can be identified; (ii) their effects on crop yields can be determined by using appropriate digital tools and crop modelling; (iii) variable rate crop inputs (VRCIs) should be calculated based on accurate information obtained from plant, soil and environment; (iv) targeted crop inputs should be exercised through global positioning system (GPS) enabled automatic controllers or wireless sensors network (WSN); and (v) right doses of crop inputs (e.g., nitrogen and irrigation) must be applied at the right time and place.
Bracing for the next wave: A critical incident study of frontline decision‐making, adaptation and learning in ambulance care during COVID‐19
Authors: Hedqvist Ann‐Therese , Holmberg Mats , Bjurling‐Sjöberg Petronella , Ekstedt Mirjam
Published: July 2024

Aim

To explore frontline decision‐making, adaptation, and learning in ambulance care during the evolving COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Descriptive and interpretative qualitative study.

Methods

Twenty‐eight registered nurses from the Swedish ambulance services described 56 critical incidents during the COVID‐19 pandemic through free‐text questionnaires. The material was analysed using the Critical Incident Technique and Interpretive Description through the lens of potential for resilient performance.

Results

The findings were synthesized into four themes: ‘Navigating uncharted waters under never‐ending pressure’, ‘Balancing on the brink of an abyss’, ‘Sacrificing the few to save the many’ and ‘Bracing for the next wave’. Frontline decision‐making during a pandemic contribute to ethical dilemmas while necessitating difficult prioritizations to adapt and respond to limited resources. Learning was manifested through effective information sharing and the identification of successful adaptations as compared to maladaptations.

Conclusions

During pandemics or under other extreme conditions, decisions must be made promptly, even amidst emerging chaos, potentially necessitating the use of untested methods and ad‐hoc solutions due to initial lack of knowledge and guidelines. Within ambulance care, dynamic leadership becomes imperative, combining autonomous frontline decision‐making with support from management. Strengthening ethical competence and fostering ethical discourse may enhance confidence in decision‐making, particularly under ethically challenging circumstances.

Impact

Performance under extreme conditions can elevate the risk of suboptimal decision‐making and adverse outcomes, with older adults being especially vulnerable. Thus, requiring targeted decision support and interventions. Enhancing patient safety in ambulance care during such conditions demands active participation and governance from management, along with decision support and guidelines. Vertical communication and collaboration between management and frontline professionals are essential to ensure that critical information, guidelines, and resources are effectively disseminated and implemented. Further research is needed into management and leadership in ambulance care, alongside the ethical challenges in frontline decision‐making under extreme conditions.

Reporting Method

Findings are reported per consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Processes regulating local community assembly of plants and spiders in high latitude mountains
Authors: Måsviken Johannes , Dalén Love , Norén Karin , Dalerum Fredrik
Published: July 2024

Aim

Mountains are often used to study how environmental factors influence biodiversity. However, we have limited understanding of the processes causing biodiversity variation in mountains and whether such processes vary across trophic levels and spatial scales. The aim of this study was to evaluate (i) whether community assembly processes varied along elevational gradients, (ii) whether there were differences in such variation between primary producers (vascular plants) and secondary consumers (spiders) and (iii) whether there were scale dependencies in any elevational variation in community assembly.

Location

Fennoscandia, Northern Sweden.

Taxon

Vascular plants, spiders.

Methods

We used phenotypic and phylogenetic dispersion to quantify how elevation influenced community assembly of vascular plants and spiders and whether there were any scale dependencies in such influences. Our original data of plant and spider communities came from our own field surveys, phenotypic dispersion was calculated based on matrices of ecological traits, and phylogenetic dispersion was calculated from phylogenetic trees for each organism group. Trait matrices were based on a combination of literature values and our own measurements. The phylogeny for vascular plants was based on a published plant super‐tree, whereas the phylogeny for spiders was created by ourselves based on the DNA sequences at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI).

Results

Plants were environmentally filtered throughout all elevations and scales, but the importance of convergent evolution increased with elevation. For spiders, the importance of environmental filtering as well as niche conservatism increased with elevation. For both groups, communities at smaller scales were more influenced by biotic regulation and niche conservatism than at larger scales.

Main Conclusions

Our study highlights both taxonomic differences and scale dependencies in how elevation influences community assembly. We argue that these results can have broad ramifications for our understanding of how spatial variation in biodiversity is generated and maintained. This may have particular relevance for our ability to predict the ecological consequences of climate change. Our results further highlight that high elevation specialists may suffer increased risks of climate driven extinctions due to a combination of increased competition and increased fragmentation of suitable habitats. Particularly for spiders, which had high elevation specialists clustered along specific lineages, such extinctions could lead to significant loss of phylogenetic variation.
Artificial intelligence innovation and stock price crash risk
Authors: Zhang Junru , Cui Chen , Zheng Chen , Taylor Grantley
Published: July 2024

This study examines the association between artificial intelligence innovation (AII) and stock price crash risk (SPCR). AII serves as a governance mechanism that can bolster strength in internal controls, leading to increased financial transparency and thereby reducing the likelihood of future SPCR. The results hold after accounting for possible endogeneity issues Further, we find that monitoring through corporate governance mechanisms, level of following by equity analysts, and the reduced information asymmetry constitute important channels that mediate the association between AII and SPCR. Additionally, the relationship between AII and SPCR varies across corporate life cycle stages and workplace culture.
Community health worker training on older adults: A qualitative needs assessment
Authors: Spadoni Nora , Baron Aliza , Zavala Elizabeth , Burns Maureen , Draw Kandis , Hernandez Wandy , Bennett Jenil , Gleason Lauren J. , Levine Stacie
Published: July 2024

Background

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health personnel who serve as liaisons between vulnerable patient populations and the healthcare system. They are instrumental in health promotion and education for urban‐dwelling older adults. However, no research exists on training that CHWs receive on age‐friendly health care. This article explores CHW education on the 4Ms of an Age‐Friendly Health System and identifies areas where additional training may be necessary.

Methods

As part of a two‐pronged qualitative needs assessment, four focus groups were held with a total of 17 CHWs and semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 clinicians, including both healthcare providers and social workers. Focus group and interview transcripts were then analyzed for major themes in Dedoose, a qualitative coding software.

Results

Clinicians most often identified Mentation and Mobility as areas where CHWs can have the greatest impact. Correspondingly, CHWs felt under‐equipped to assist patients in these areas and expressed strong interest in additional training. In general, CHWs and clinicians agreed that Medications and What Matters do not fall under CHW scope of practice.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the critical role that CHWs can play in promoting the health and well‐being of urban‐dwelling older adults. However, we also demonstrate that many CHWs lack adequate training in age‐friendly care. To meet the social and medical needs of a rapidly aging US population, there is a pertinent need to develop a novel community health worker training curriculum on Mentation and Mobility.
Ripening and rot: How ripening processes influence disease susceptibility in fleshy fruits
Authors: Li Shan , Zhao Yu , Wu Pan , Grierson Donald , Gao Lei
Published: July 2024

Fleshy fruits become more susceptible to pathogen infection when they ripen; for example, changes in cell wall properties related to softening make it easier for pathogens to infect fruits. The need for high‐quality fruit has driven extensive research on improving pathogen resistance in important fruit crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In this review, we summarize current progress in understanding how changes in fruit properties during ripening affect infection by pathogens. These changes affect physical barriers that limit pathogen entry, such as the fruit epidermis and its cuticle, along with other defenses that limit pathogen growth, such as preformed and induced defense compounds. The plant immune system also protects ripening fruit by recognizing pathogens and initiating defense responses involving reactive oxygen species production, mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling cascades, and jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, and abscisic acid signaling. These phytohormones regulate an intricate web of transcription factors (TFs) that activate resistance mechanisms, including the expression of pathogenesis‐related genes. In tomato, ripening regulators, such as RIPENING INHIBITOR and NON_RIPENING, not only regulate ripening but also influence fruit defenses against pathogens. Moreover, members of the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF) family play pivotal and distinct roles in ripening and defense, with different members being regulated by different phytohormones. We also discuss the interaction of ripening‐related and defense‐related TFs with the Mediator transcription complex. As the ripening processes in climacteric and non‐climacteric fruits share many similarities, these processes have broad applications across fruiting crops. Further research on the individual contributions of ERFs and other TFs will inform efforts to diminish disease susceptibility in ripe fruit, satisfy the growing demand for high‐quality fruit and decrease food waste and related economic losses.
What Drives Inventory Accumulation? News on Rates of Return and Marginal Costs
Authors: GÖRTZ CHRISTOPH , GUNN CHRISTOPHER , LUBIK THOMAS A.
Published: July 2024

We study the determinants of inventory accumulation in a structural vector autoregression (VAR) framework with news shocks. Specifically, we investigate how news shocks affect two key determinants of inventory movements, namely, rates of return and marginal costs. We establish that inventories react strongly and positively to news about future increases in total factor productivity. We provide evidence that changes in external and internal rates of return are central to the transmission for such news shocks. We do not find evidence for a dominant role of marginal costs.
Organelle phenotyping and multi‐dimensional microscopy identify C1q as a novel regulator of microglial function
Authors: Sakthivel Pooja S. , Scipioni Lorenzo , Karam Josh , Keulen Zahara , Blurton‐Jones Mathew , Gratton Enrico , Anderson Aileen J.
Published: July 2024

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, are dynamic and heterogenous cells. While single cell RNA sequencing has become the conventional methodology for evaluating microglial state, transcriptomics do not provide insight into functional changes, identifying a critical gap in the field. Here, we propose a novel organelle phenotyping approach in which we treat live human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived microglia (iMGL) with organelle dyes staining mitochondria, lipids, lysosomes and acquire data by live‐cell spectral microscopy. Dimensionality reduction techniques and unbiased cluster identification allow for recognition of microglial subpopulations with single‐cell resolution based on organelle function. We validated this methodology using lipopolysaccharide and IL‐10 treatment to polarize iMGL to an “inflammatory” and “anti‐inflammatory” state, respectively, and then applied it to identify a novel regulator of iMGL function, complement protein C1q. While C1q is traditionally known as the initiator of the complement cascade, here we use organelle phenotyping to identify a role for C1q in regulating iMGL polarization via fatty acid storage and mitochondria membrane potential. Follow up evaluation of microglia using traditional read outs of activation state confirm that C1q drives an increase in microglia pro‐inflammatory gene production and migration, while suppressing microglial proliferation. These data together validate the use of a novel organelle phenotyping approach and enable better mechanistic investigation of molecular regulators of microglial state.

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Negative urgency as a state‐level process
Authors: King Kevin M. , Feil Madison C. , Gomez Juarez Nancy , Moss Diego , Halvorson Max A. , Dora Jonas , Upton Natalie F. , Bryson Morgan A. , Seldin Katherine , Shoda Yuichi , Lee Christine M. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Test whether global self‐reports of urgency moderated the within‐person associations of affect and impulsive behaviors.

Background

Negative urgency is a personality trait that is a risk factor for a range of psychopathology. Although it is assumed that global self‐reports of urgency measure individual tendencies to act more impulsively in the face of negative emotions, evidence from ecological momentary assessment studies is mixed.

Method

In this Registered Report, we used ecological momentary assessment data from a large sample of young adults (n = 496, age 18–22, 5 surveys per day for 40 days).

Results

All forms of momentary impulsivity were impaired in moments when people reported more intense negative emotions, but global self‐reports of urgency did not explain individual differences in this association. Moreover, averaged affective states, rather than specific dimensions, affective circumplex, or appraisals, best predicted impulsive states.

Conclusions

Results suggest that face‐valid interpretations of global self‐report of urgency are inaccurate, and it may be important to understand how some people come to understand themselves as high on urgency rather than assuming that people's self‐reports of their motivations are accurate. Momentary experiences of emotions globally impact multiple weakly to moderately associated impulsive behaviors, and future research should seek to understand both when and for whom these associations are strongest.
Paediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Epidemiology, clinical features and treatment outcomes in a tertiary care centre in Western Australia
Authors: Shah Snehal , Khan Aleksandra , Khan Mohd , Lakshmanan Rahul
Published: July 2024

Aim

This retrospective study aims to analyse the epidemiology, clinical and neuroimaging features, treatment modalities, and outcomes of paediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in a tertiary care centre in Australia.

Methods

Using the International Classification of Diseases Diagnostic Criteria for IIH, we identified and analysed a cohort of children diagnosed with IIH over a 5‐year period (2017–2022). Data on patient demographics, symptomatology, examination findings, investigative results, treatments and outcomes were collected from medical records and electronic health records.

Results

A total of 45 cases were analysed. The pre‐pubertal group saw a male predominance and the post‐pubertal a female one. Increased body mass index was an associated comorbidity in majority of patients. Headaches (89%) and visual symptoms (56%) were the most common symptoms, with tinnitus also seen in 20% of patients. Papilledema was detected in 91% of the cases examined. The commonest neuroimaging features were optic nerve sheath distention (78%) and empty sella (49%). Acetazolamide was the primary treatment, with most patients responding well. Only a minority required surgical intervention. Long‐term resolution of headaches was achieved in 89% of patients.

Conclusions

The incidence of paediatric IIH in the West Australian population appears relatively high. It presents with subtle symptoms, emphasising the need for increased awareness among health‐care providers. Younger children may represent a distinct subgroup with unique clinical features. Timely diagnosis and aggressive medical management lead to favourable outcomes. However, weight loss interventions showed limited effectiveness. This study underscores the importance of early recognition and management of paediatric IIH to optimise patient outcomes.
A multimodal approach to diagnosis of neuromuscular neosporosis in dogs
Authors: Alf Vanessa , Tirrito Federica , Fischer Andrea , Cappello Rodolfo , Kiviranta Anna‐Mariam , Steinberg Tanja A. , Poli Federica , Stotz Felix , Del Vecchio Omar V. , Dörfelt Stefanie , Falzone Cristian , Knittel André , Loderstedt Shenja , Mercuriali Edy , Tabanez Joana , Zagarella Paolo , Matiasek Kaspar , Rosati Marco
Published: July 2024

Background

Early diagnosis of neosporosis in dogs is challenging.

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of a compound multimodal testing approach for diagnosing in dogs neuromuscular and combined forms of neosporosis.

Animals

A total of 16 dogs diagnosed with solely neuromuscular neosporosis or with a combination of neuromuscular and central nervous system neosporosis.

Methods

Retrospective review of clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome with focus on the diagnostic utility of different tests. Development of a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of Neospora caninum in paraffin‐embedded muscle samples.

Results

13/16 dogs had only neuromuscular signs of neosporosis, 3/16 had disease signs with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Serology was performed in 15/16, with 10/15 showing titers >1 : 160 at admission. PCR on muscle samples detected N. caninum DNA in 11/16. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected N. caninum in 9/16 and ISH in 9/16. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myopathy in 10/16, necrotizing myopathy in 5/16, borderline changes in 1/16 and tachyzoites in 9/16. In 4 cases, N. caninum infection was confirmed with all 5 diagnostic methods, 3 cases with 4, 2 with 3, 6 with 2, and 1 animal with 1.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Diagnosis of N. caninum infection should rely on a multimodal diagnostic approach and negativity of 1 single test should not allow for exclusion. Serology in combination with direct parasite identification via histopathology, DNA via PCR, or both modalities, appears a reliable diagnostic approach.
Treatment of moderate acute malnutrition through community health volunteers is a cost‐effective intervention: Evidence from a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Ilboudo Patrick G. , Donfouet Hermann Pythagore Pierre , Wilunda Calistus , Cichon Bernardette , Tewoldeberhan Daniel , Njiru James , Keane Emily , Mwangi Bonventure , Mwaniki Elizabeth , Zerfu Taddese Alemu , Schofield Lilly , Maina Lucy , Kutondo Edward , Agutu Olivia , Okoth Peter , Raburu Judith , Kavoo Daniel , Karimurio Lydia , Matanda Charles , Mutua Alex , Gichohi Grace , Kimani‐Murage Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Treatment outcomes for acute malnutrition can be improved by integrating treatment into community case management (iCCM). However, little is known about the cost‐effectiveness of this integrated nutrition intervention. The present study investigates the cost‐effectiveness of treating moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) through community health volunteer (CHV) and integrating it with routine iCCM. A cost‐effectiveness model compared the costs and effects of CHV sites plus health facility‐based treatment (intervention) with the routine health facility‐based treatment strategy alone (control). The costing assessments combined both provider and patient costs. The cost per DALY averted was the primary metric for the comparison, on which sensitivity analysis was performed. Additionally, the integrated strategy's relative value for money was evaluated using the most recent country‐specific gross domestic product threshold metrics. The intervention dominated the health facility‐based strategy alone on all computed cost‐effectiveness outcomes. MAM treatment by CHVs plus health facilities was estimated to yield a cost per death and DALY averted of US$ 8743 and US$ 397, respectively, as opposed to US$ 13,846 and US$ 637 in the control group. The findings also showed that the intervention group spent less per child treated and recovered than the control group: US$ 214 versus US$ 270 and US$ 306 versus US$ 485, respectively. Compared with facility‐based treatment, treating MAM by CHVs and health facilities was a cost‐effective intervention. Additional gains could be achieved if more children with MAM are enrolled and treated.
Animal‐assisted interventions in adult hospital rehabilitation settings: A scoping review
Authors: O'Loughlin Mary , Edwards Rachael , Bould Em , Devine Sue , Downing Sandra
Published: July 2024

Animal‐assisted interventions (AAIs) have the potential to enhance people's well‐being and function and are increasingly being implemented across a range of settings. This scoping review explored how AAIs have been used in adult hospital rehabilitative care. Using JBI and PRISMA‐ScR guidelines, a systematic search of four databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria involved adults, aged >18 years, who had received AAIs in the hospital rehabilitation setting. Twenty‐two articles met the inclusion criteria. Results identified two intervention types: visitation activities (n = 8 studies) and structured therapeutic interventions (n = 14 studies). Dogs were the most common animal species. Improvements in social and emotional well‐being were reported across both types of interventions, with improvements in ambulation, motor skills, and verbal communication reported by those engaged in structured therapeutic interventions. Implementation challenges included a dependency on volunteer dog‐handlers; the need for better recording of interventions in medical records to enable evaluation; and cost, safety, infection control, and animal welfare considerations. Strengthening the planning of AAIs is fundamental for the realization of potential outcomes from human–animal interactions in hospital rehabilitative care.
Registered nurses' perceptions of nursing student preceptorship: Content analysis of open‐ended survey questions
Authors: Regaira‐Martínez E. , Ferraz‐Torres M. , Mateo‐Cervera A. M. , Vázquez‐Calatayud M.
Published: July 2024

Nursing preceptors play a crucial role in supporting and educating clinical students. Understanding the perceptions and needs of nurse preceptors is essential to enhance their role as preceptors and to improve their teaching practices. This study aimed to explore preceptorship in diverse settings and specific contexts. Content analysis was performed to analyze open‐ended responses from a questionnaire based on nurses' perceptions of preceptorship with undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected from two university hospitals, with different healthcare provision levels. Of the 370 responses, 295 (96%) were those of women, and 34.5% were in the age group of 41‐50 years. Three main themes were identified: (1) the role of preceptorship as a key component in learning, (2) challenges in student preceptorship, and (3) personal recognition and compensation for teaching work. This study highlights the positive experiences and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by nurse preceptors in their teaching roles, and emphasizes the need for institutional support and educational programs to enhance their teaching responsibilities. Improving communication and collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for improving learning outcomes and satisfaction.
Overactive bladder symptoms experiences of diabetic women in Türkiye: A qualitative study
Authors: Erkoc Arzu , Polat Dunya Cansu , Yucesoy Medine , Adas Mine
Published: July 2024

In diabetic patients, poor management of hyperglycemia and prolonged disease duration may lead to neuropathy‐related overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. To effectively manage OAB symptoms in women with type 2 diabetes, it is essential to know how patients perceive these problems, their lives, and strategies. This study aimed to understand the experience of OAB symptoms in Turkish women with type 2 diabetes from their point of view. A qualitative descriptive design was adopted with individual, semi‐structured interviews. Participants were selected by purposive sampling. The data were evaluated by using Van Manen's thematic analysis method. The symptom management theory formed the conceptual framework of this study. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used. A total of 18 patients were recruited and individually interviewed. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted from May to August 2023. The three main themes emerged: (i) the meaning of OAB symptoms; (ii) difficulties caused by OAB symptoms; and (iii) coping with OAB symptoms. The subthemes included the negative effects of OAB symptoms on daily life, difficulties in physical, psychological, and sexual life, and positive and negative behavior in coping with OAB symptoms. OAB symptoms affect the physical, psychosocial, and sexual lives of women with type 2 diabetes. Women with type 2 diabetes try to cope in different ways but often do not receive the support they need from families. Therefore, nurses should integrate the urinary problems of women with type 2 diabetes into routine clinical assessments and provide counseling to women.
A transcriptional repressor HVA regulates vascular bundle formation through auxin transport in Arabidopsis stem
Authors: Du Qian , Yuan Bingjian , Thapa Chhetri Gaurav , Wang Tong , Qi Liying , Wang Huanzhong
Published: July 2024

Vascular bundles transport water and photosynthate to all organs, and increased bundle number contributes to crop lodging resistance. However, the regulation of vascular bundle formation is poorly understood in the Arabidopsis stem.

We report a novel semi‐dominant mutant with high vascular activity, hva‐d, showing increased vascular bundle number and enhanced cambium proliferation in the stem. The activation of a C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor, AT5G27880/HVA, is responsible for the hva‐d phenotype. Genetic, biochemical, and fluorescent microscopic analyses were used to dissect the functions of HVA.

HVA functions as a repressor and interacts with TOPLESS via the conserved Ethylene‐responsive element binding factor‐associated Amphiphilic Repression motif. In contrast to the HVA activation line, knockout of HVA function with a CRISPR‐Cas9 approach or expression of HVA fused with an activation domain VP16 (HVA‐VP16) resulted in fewer vascular bundles. Further, HVA directly regulates the expression of the auxin transport efflux facilitator PIN1, as a result affecting auxin accumulation. Genetics analysis demonstrated that PIN1 is epistatic to HVA in controlling bundle number.

This research identifies HVA as a positive regulator of vascular initiation through negatively modulating auxin transport and sheds new light on the mechanism of bundle formation in the stem.
Chronic clinical performance of a novel subxiphoidal pacemaker system: Early feasibility study design
Authors: Libbus Imad , Tholakanahalli Venkatakrishna , Roukoz Henri , Verma Varun , Isac Divya , Manicka Yatheendhar
Published: July 2024

Background

Extravascular and leadless pacemakers are a new class of cardiac devices that may reduce the rate of complications common to traditional cardiac pacemakers with intracardiac leads. These devices also have the potential of expanding access to cardiac pacing therapy by simplifying the complexity and cost of implantation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the implantation, chronic safety, and performance of a novel subxiphoidal pacemaker.

Methods

This study is an open‐label, non‐randomized, early feasibility study. Ten patients indicated for implantation of a single‐chamber ventricular pacemaker will be enrolled and implanted with the investigational device. The pacemaker will be inserted underneath the ribcage and clipped to the xiphoid process, with stimulation electrodes positioned on the cardiac pericardium. Patients will be programmed to chronic pacing; pacing capture threshold, sensing amplitude, and lead impedance will be measured at implant and regularly scheduled follow‐up visits. 24‐h Holter ECG and cardiac troponin will also be periodically measured. Adverse events will be recorded throughout the study period.

Conclusion

This study is designed to assess the feasibility, safety, and chronic performance of a novel extravascular pacemaker, and will provide valuable data on whether this device has the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional pacemakers.
When saying sorry is not enough: The paradox of a political apology offered to Irish mother and baby home survivors
Authors: Foran Aoife‐Marie , O'Donnell Aisling T. , Moroney Dearbhla , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: July 2024

While political apologies cannot undo what has been done, they are often perceived as highly relevant for healing and reconciliation. However, these apologies are often mired in controversy and highly political. While research on political apologies has focused on the role of intergroup relations, limited research has explored the intragroup dynamics involved. The present article explores how the paradoxical features of a political apology to ingroup members have their source in partisanship. The analysis used methods derived from discursive psychology. Using data from six parliamentary statements that were given in response to the political apology offered to Irish mother and baby home survivors, we demonstrated how these speakers constructed and understood the apology and how these constructions relate to their own political positions. Specifically, the apology to mothers and babies is used for political purpose, allowing majority members of government to position the wrongdoings experienced by mothers and babies in the past and to encourage the national collective to move on. Others seeking progressive social change—a parliamentary minority—use the apology to shape a political narrative that demands national collective action. Our work highlights the important role that identity‐based power relations play in confronting historical injustice, and how this may result in a dual schism with people within a nation becoming divided over both the apology and the appropriate response.
Association between the level of social participation and depressive symptoms among older Japanese adults: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Shimoda Takahiro , Tomida Kouki , Nakajima Chika , Kawakami Ayuka , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2024

Background

Social participation is recommended for older adults to remain actively involved in daily life. Social participation is a broad concept, ranging from ‘interacting with others without doing a specific activity with them’ to ‘actively contributing to society.’ However, previous studies have not taken into account the components of social participation. Depressive symptoms are significant outcomes in older adults. Social participation mitigates these risks owing to its association with reduced mortality and enhanced quality of life. This study aimed to examine the association between the level of social participation and depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

We included 17 040 individuals aged ≥65 years. Social participation was categorised into Level 3, interacting with others without doing a specific activity with them; Level 4, engaging in an activity with others; Level 5, helping others; and Level 6, contributing to society, based on a previous study by Levasseur et al. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the level of social participation and depressive symptoms.

Results

Overall, 15 069 older adults met the inclusion criteria. A higher level of social participation was associated with lower odds ratios (ORs) for depressive symptoms (Level 6 = OR: 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.50; Level 5 = OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.41–0.60; and Level 4 = OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.52–0.69). Subgroup analyses based on age and sex yielded similar results across all participants.

Conclusions

Among older adults in Japan, a higher level of social participation was associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms. The relationship between depressive symptoms and the levels of social participation may help develop measures to reduce or prevent depressive symptoms in older adults.
Monitoring Poverty in a Data‐Deprived Environment: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Makdissi Paul , Marrouch Walid , Yazbeck Myra
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses the lack of data and limited statistical capacity in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly amid Lebanon's economic collapse. We apply a novel data augmentation technique to analyze poverty when traditional income data are limited or unavailable. By adapting existing methods, we recover continuous income distributions from interval data and derive dominance conditions for such data, accounting for non‐response. The proposed approach enables robustness checks by estimating the bounds of admissible cumulative distribution functions. Our empirical analysis uses Lebanese data to perform first‐order dominance tests on these bounds, highlighting the importance of the approach. We demonstrate how alternative data sources can be leveraged for essential poverty analysis.
Stratigraphic architecture of fluvial fans shaped by downstream changes in avulsion style
Authors: Valenza Jeffery M. , Edmonds Douglas A. , Martin Harrison K. , Sifuentes Caitlin , Toby Stephan
Published: July 2024

Natural river diversion, or avulsion, controls the distribution of channels on a floodplain and channel sandstone bodies within fluvial stratigraphic architecture. Avulsions establish new flow paths and create channels through several recognized processes, or styles. These include reoccupying existing channels, or annexation, downcutting into the floodplain, or incision, and constructing new channels from crevasse‐splay distributary networks, or progradation. Recent remote sensing observations show that avulsion style changes systematically moving downstream along modern fluvial fans but, to date, no studies have assessed the significance of these trends on fluvial fan stratigraphy. Here, spatiotemporal changes in avulsion stratigraphy are investigated within the Salt Wash Member of the Morrison Formation, deposited in the Cordilleran foreland basin during the Late Jurassic epoch. Measured sections and photographic panels were analysed from 23 locations across the Salt Wash extent. Avulsion style was identified in the stratigraphic record by the basal contact of a channel storey with underlying strata: channel–channel contacts indicate annexation, channel–floodplain contacts indicate incision and channel–heterolithic contacts indicate progradation. Contact types change downstream, such that channel–channel and channel–floodplain contacts dominate proximal locations, while channel–heterolithic contacts become increasingly prevalent downstream. Outcrop results were compared to a numerical model of fluvial fan formation and remote‐sensing analysis of avulsions on modern fans. In both additional datasets, channels in proximal fan positions tend to avulse via annexation, reoccupying abandoned channels, while channels in more distal positions tend to avulse via increasingly significant progradation. These findings suggest a relationship between newly recognized downstream changes in avulsion style and well‐established downstream changes in fluvial fan architecture. Furthermore, this suggests that fan architecture can inform interpretations of ancient fluvial dynamics, including avulsion behaviour, and that avulsions can cause stratigraphically significant and measurable changes to fan architecture.
Monetary policy and heterogeneous price effects in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ilori Ayobami E. , Dery Cosmas , Murgia Lucia M. , Nsafoah Dennis
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the heterogeneous effects of monetary policy on consumer prices in the United Kingdom. We estimate a proxy Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model, using extended high‐frequency monetary surprises from Cesa‐Bianchi et al. (European Economic Review, 123, 2020, 103375) to instrument shifts in UK monetary policy. We then analyze the impulse responses for various components of the UK Consumer Price Index. Our findings reveal that while monetary policy tightening leads to a persistent decline in aggregate consumer prices, the impact on disaggregated components is highly heterogeneous. Notably, we observe that energy price changes offset movements in food, beverage, and tobacco prices, resulting in identical responses of core and headline consumer CPIH inflation measures. The contrasting effects across different CPI components highlight the importance of examining disaggregated data when assessing the transmission of monetary policy to consumer prices.
Organization and organizationality of corruption
Authors: Jancsics David
Published: July 2024

Corrupt actors operate in an environment with numerous mechanisms designed to expose and punish their illegal behavior. Therefore, they organize their activity to reduce risk and uncertainty surrounding the situation, which takes place within and beyond a formal hierarchy. This article approaches the subject from a multidisciplinary perspective, applying theories of organization and organizationality—such as communicative constitution of organizations, social organization, partial organization, complete organization, neopatrimonialism, and patronage–to explain the organizing element of different forms of corruption. By introducing the ideas of the organization and organizationality, this study presents a new dimension of corruption and provides new insight into the scholarship on the topic.