bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha and beta diversity and species co‐occurrence patterns in headwaters supporting rare intermittent‐stream specialists
Authors: Aspin Thomas , House Andy
Published: April 2022

Intermittent rivers are the focus of a burgeoning subdiscipline of freshwater science, driven by mounting recognition of their ubiquity, biodiversity, and climate sensitivity. However, our understanding of their ecology is hampered by a reliance on unstandardised diversity measures, an underrepresentation of certain stream types in metacommunity research and a reticence to acknowledge biotic interactions as a potentially fundamental driver of catchment‐scale patterns in assemblage composition.

This study analysed both local‐ and catchment‐scale responses of invertebrates to flow intermittence and hydrological isolation in an understudied ecosystem type (low‐gradient, groundwater‐fed headwaters). We compared responses of conventional (taxonomic richness, Shannon diversity) and more robust (coverage‐adjusted Hill–Shannon) α‐diversity metrics to drying, and analysed changes in β‐diversity components as a function of hydrological and spatial distances between samples. We also inferred the influence of biotic interactions on metacommunity structure, using hierarchical species distribution modelling to capture species‐to‐species associations after accounting for hydrological variability and dispersal traits.

The conventional and robust α‐diversity metrics exhibited broadly similar shifts, although richness overestimated the decline in α‐diversity with intermittence and the Shannon index failed to detect a significant interaction between flow duration and hydrological isolation. Decomposition of β‐diversity revealed a dominance of species turnover over nestedness along the flow gradient, a finding contrary to prevailing conceptual wisdom in intermittent river ecology and one we attribute to the climatic and geological context of our study.

Even after accounting for differences in hydrological niche occupation, we discovered a significant propensity for species to co‐occur with others of similar conservation status, implying that competition/colonisation trade‐offs involving rare specialists and widespread generalists could underpin metacommunity assembly in some drying headwater networks.

Our results suggest that enhancing aquatic habitat connectivity in headwaters harbouring intermittent‐stream specialists could be counterproductive, and conservation plans should instead look to safeguard isolated habitats serving as biotic refuges for rare species.
Identifying climate refugia for high‐elevation Alpine birds under current climate warming predictions
Authors: Brambilla Mattia , Rubolini Diego , Appukuttan Ojan , Calvi Gianpiero , Karger Dirk Nikolaus , Kmecl Primož , Mihelič Tomaž , Sattler Thomas , Seaman Benjamin , Teufelbauer Norbert , Wahl Johannes , Celada Claudio
Published: April 2022

Identifying climate refugia is key to effective biodiversity conservation under a changing climate, especially for mountain‐specialist species adapted to cold conditions and highly threatened by climate warming. We combined species distribution models (SDMs) with climate forecasts to identify climate refugia for high‐elevation bird species (Lagopus muta, Anthus spinoletta, Prunella collaris, Montifringilla nivalis) in the European Alps, where the ecological effects of climate changes are particularly evident and predicted to intensify. We considered future (2041–2070) conditions (SSP585 scenario, four climate models) and identified three types of refugia: (1) in‐situ refugia potentially suitable under both current and future climate conditions, ex‐situ refugia suitable (2) only in the future according to all future conditions, or (3) under at least three out of four future conditions. SDMs were based on a very large, high‐resolution occurrence dataset (2901–12,601 independent records for each species) collected by citizen scientists. SDMs were fitted using different algorithms, balancing statistical accuracy, ecological realism and predictive/extrapolation ability. We selected the most reliable ones based on consistency between training and testing data and extrapolation over distant areas. Future predictions revealed that all species (with the partial exception of A. spinoletta) will undergo a range contraction towards higher elevations, losing 17%–59% of their current range (larger losses in L. muta). We identified ~15,000 km2 of the Alpine region as in‐situ refugia for at least three species, of which 44% are currently designated as protected areas (PAs; 18%–66% among countries). Our findings highlight the usefulness of spatially accurate data collected by citizen scientists, and the importance of model testing by extrapolating over independent areas. Climate refugia, which are only partly included within the current PAs system, should be priority sites for the conservation of Alpine high‐elevation species and habitats, where habitat degradation/alteration by human activities should be prevented to ensure future suitability for alpine species.
Changes in patient activation in people starting dialysis: A prospective longitudinal, observational study
Authors: Hussein Wael F. , Bennett Paul N. , Carrasco Anna , Sun Sumi , Reiterman Marc , Watson Emily , Schiller Brigitte
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Increased patient activation is associated with improved health outcomes; however, little is known about patient activation in people with end‐stage kidney disease at the start of their dialysis journey. This study aimed to measure activation status changes over the first 4 months of dialysis.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal, and observational study. Incident patients initiating dialysis at 25 in‐center hemodialysis and 17 home dialysis programs across three US states managed by the same dialysis provider completed the 13‐item Patient Activation Measure (PAM‐13) survey at baseline (month 1 after commencement of dialysis) and follow‐up (month 4). The survey yields a score (0–100) that corresponds to four levels (1–4), with higher scores or levels indicating higher activation.

Findings

One hundred eighty‐two participants (139 center, 43 home) completed both baseline and follow‐up surveys. Mean age was 60 ± 15 years, 40% female. Mean PAM‐13 scores were 65.1 ± 16.8 and 64.8 ± 17.8 at baseline and follow‐up, respectively; mean intraindividual change: −0.3 ± 17.3. The proportions of patients at levels 1–4 at baseline were 11%, 23%, 35%, and 31% respectively. At follow‐up, 50%, 64%, 52%, and 37% of participants at levels 1–4, respectively, changed to a different PAM level (Spearman correlation = 0.47; p < 0.001). Home dialysis was associated with higher PAM scores when compared to in‐center hemodialysis in multivariable analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, and predialysis nephrology care (β = 5.74, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.11–11.37 and 9.02, 95% CI: 3.03–15.02, at baseline and follow–up, respectively).

Discussion

Although aggregated group scores and levels remained stable, intra‐individual patient activation changed significantly during the first 4 months of dialysis. This novel finding is foundational to future projects aiming to design interventions to improve patient activation.
Comparison of topical sucralfate with dexpanthenol in rat wound model
Authors: Yildizhan Eda , Ulger Burak Veli , Akkus Murat , Akinci Dilara , Basol Omer
Published: April 2022

Wound healing is a dynamic process initiated in response to injury. There are many factors that have detrimental effects on the wound healing process. Numerous studies have been conducted for improving wound healing processes. Dexpanthenol is widely used to accelerate wound healing. Sucralfate is used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. We aimed to compare the efficacy of topical Dexpanthenol and Sucralfate in an experimental wound model in rats via histopathological examinations and immune histochemical determinations, as well, to evaluate their effects on EGF levels. Three different groups were formed: the Control Group, the Dexpanthenol Group and the Sucralfate Group. Full‐thickness skin wounds were created on the back of each rat and isotonic saline was applied to the wounds of the rats in the control group, Bepanthol® cream was applied in Dexpanthenol Group and 10% Sucralfate cream was applied in Sucralfate Group, once a day. On the 7th, 14th and 21st days the wounds were measured and seven rats from each group were sacrificed and the wounds were excised for histopathological examination. Sucralfate increased wound healing rates by increasing neovascularization, fibroblast activation, reepithelialization and collagen density, as well as dexpanthenol. Our study revealed that the dexpanthenol and sucralfate groups were better than the control group in terms of their effects on wound healing, however there was no statistically significant difference among these two groups. Sucralfate improves EGF expression in skin wounds and has positive results on skin wound healing comparable to dexpanthenol.
Patient‐level and organizational‐level factors influencing in‐hospital falls
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Lee Eunhee , Jung Yoomi , Kwon Hyunjeong , Lee Sunmi
Published: April 2022

Aim

In‐hospital fall is one key safety issue in a healthcare setting. Although healthcare providers apply several strategies for preventing falls, falls still occur in hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate patient‐level and organizational‐level factors influencing in‐hospital falls.

Design

A multicentre retrospective observational study.

Methods

This study used the national healthcare database and supplemented with organizational data obtained through a survey. Data extraction and survey were conducted between July and August 2020. A mixed‐effect logistic regression model was used to analyse factors influencing in in‐hospital falls.

Results

A total of 43,286 patients admitted in 86 hospitals were included in this study. Fall rate was 0.85 per 1000 days. Length of stay was significantly longer for fall patients than for no‐fall patients. Patient‐level factors (including age, mobility impairment and surgery) and organizational‐level factors (including nurse staffing and proportion of new nurses) were significant factors influencing in‐hospital falls.

Conclusion

Since in‐hospital falls increase economic burden to patients, we should consider various fall prevention strategies to reduce falls. For a strategy to be applied stably to patients, organizational factors must be supported.

Impact

Proactive fall management in acute settings is essential to ensure patient safety. Considering that the number of patients with fall risk is increasing due to ageing, organizational factors should be supported to provide quality nursing care for fall risk patients. Therefore, nurse leaders should primarily ensure an appropriate level of nurse staffing. They also need to make efforts to strengthen clinical competency of nurses.
Psycho‐behavioural factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults: The moderating role of age
Authors: Kim Gi Yon , Shin Taeksoo , Son Youn‐Jung , Choi Jihea
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aimed to identify the psycho‐behavioural factors influencing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults. We examined the primary effects of eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self‐efficacy on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy using the information‐motivation‐behavioural skills (IMB) model. The moderating effect of age on the relationship between psycho‐behavioural factors and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy was also examined.

Design

The study used a cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

An online survey was completed by 500 Korean adults (253 men and 247 women) aged 20–60 years. Data collection took place in May 2021. The constructed hypothetical model for eHealth literacy, social responsibility, self‐efficacy and age was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM).

Results

eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self‐efficacy had significant negative effects on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. Age had a significant moderating effect on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. The moderating effects of age on the relationship between eHealth literacy and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and between social responsibility and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy enhanced the explanatory power by high effect size. The overall fitness of the hypothetical model was good. The standardized root mean square residual value was 0.007, which explained 18.5% of the COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusion

To reduce COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults, a strategic approach that considers age should be adopted to enhance eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self‐efficacy.

Impact

The findings of this study suggest that providing correct health information online related to the COVID‐19 vaccine is likely to be effective in decreasing COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in older individuals, whereas inspiring a sense of social responsibility is more likely to be effective in younger individuals. These strategic nursing interventions could contribute to improving COVID‐19 vaccination rates among Korean adults.
Intensified support for juvenile offenders on probation: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Engel Christoph , Goerg Sebastian J. , Traxler Christian
Published: April 2022

This paper studies a probation program in Cologne, Germany. The program, which has a clear rehabilitative focus, offers intensified personal support to serious juvenile offenders over the first 6 months of their probation period. To evaluate the program's impact on recidivism, we draw on two research designs. Firstly, a small‐scale randomized trial assigns offenders to probation with regular or intensified support. Secondly, a regression discontinuity design exploits a cutoff that defines program eligibility. The results suggest that the program reduces recidivism. The effect seems persistent over at least 3 years. Our evidence further indicates that the drop in recidivism is strongest among less severe offenders.
Hospice interventions for persons living with dementia, family members and clinicians: A systematic review
Authors: Lassell Rebecca K. F. , Moreines Laura T. , Luebke Matthew R. , Bhatti Karandeep S. , Pain Kevin J. , Brody Abraham A. , Luth Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Hospice care was initially designed for seriously ill individuals with cancer. Thus, the model and clinicians were geared toward caring for this population. Despite the proportion of persons living with dementia (PLWD) receiving hospice care substantially increased over the past 10 years, and their longer lengths of stay, established hospice interventions for this population are scarce. No systematic review has previously evaluated those interventions that do exist. We synthesized hospice intervention studies for PLWD, their families, and hospice professionals by describing the types of interventions, participants, outcomes, and results; assessing study quality; and identifying promising intervention strategies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using a comprehensive search of five databases through March 2021 and follow‐up hand searches. Included studies were peer‐reviewed, available in English, and focused on hospice interventions for persons with dementia, and/or care partners, and clinicians. Using pre‐determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, data was extracted guided by the Cochrane Checklist, and quality was assessed using a 26‐item Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Checklist.

Results

The search identified 3235 unique studies in total, of which 10 studies met inclusion criteria. The search revealed three types of interventions: clinical education and training, usual care plus care add‐on services, and “other” delivered to 707 participants (mostly clinicians). Five studies included underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Outcomes measured knowledge and skills, psychosocial and health outcomes, feasibility, and acceptability, with significant improvements in six studies. Study quality was reflective of early‐stage research with clinical education and training strategies showing deliberate progression towards real‐world efficacy testing.

Implications

Hospice interventions for PLWD are sparse and in early‐phase research. More research is needed with rigorous designs, diverse samples, and outcomes considering the concordance of care.
Institutional Arrangements and Inflation Bias: A Dynamic Heterogeneous Panel Approach
Authors: GABRIEL VASCO J. , LAZOPOULOS IOANNIS , LIMA DIANA
Published: April 2022

The paper investigates whether the institutional arrangements that determine the conduct of monetary and prudential policies influence policymakers' actions in pursuing their designated mandates. Employing recently developed dynamic heterogeneous panel methods and using data for 25 industrialized countries from 1960 to 2018, we empirically assess whether central banks' main objective of inflation stability is compromised when assigned with both policy mandates manifested as inflation bias. Our results show that, once we appropriately control for relevant policy and institutional factors, the separation of macroprudential regulation and monetary policy does not have a significant effect on inflation outcomes.
Eyebrow lifting with barbed threads: A simple, safe, and effective ambulatory procedure
Authors: Santorelli Adriano , Cirillo Pierfrancesco , Fundarò Salvatore Piero , Cavallini Maurizio , Salti Giovanni , Avvedimento Stefano
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Changes in brow positioning are one of the first facial aging signs. A more beautiful and younger look can be achieved by repositioning the tissues involved in brow descent and sagging eyelids.

Methods

We report the outcome of eyebrow thread lifting in a series of patients who came to our clinic to improve their gaze. Response to treatment was assessed at 6‐ and 12‐months using FACE‐Q™ upperlids and eyebrow/forehead scales.

Results

A total of 38 patients with mild‐to‐moderate brow ptosis or without ptosis underwent eyebrow thread lifting (mean age 35.5, all female). No serious complications were observed during or after treatment. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the intervention. Mean FACE‐Q™ scores improved at six months compared with baseline. A statistically significant increase in mean FACE‐Q™ scores was still seen at 12 months and was more evident in younger women. Patients were able to go back to their daily lives the day after the procedure.

Conclusion

Eyebrow thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure able to overcome mild‐to‐moderate ptosis with excellent aesthetic results. In the absence of ptosis, thread lifting is a good choice to reposition the brow and improve the gaze. The technique is simple to perform and safe.
Relieving postoperative pain using tumescent solution with ropivacaine in follicular unit excision
Authors: Dai Da‐mao , Qu Qian , Fan Zhe‐xiang , Hu Zhi‐qi , Miao Yong
Published: April 2022

Background

Local tumescent anesthesia relieves postoperative pain.

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of injecting a tumescent solution with/without ropivacaine on postoperative pain.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind control study was conducted in 314 patients who underwent first follicular unit excision after obtaining informed consent and ethics committee approval. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: intra‐groups (group 1, injected with tumescent solution with ropivacaine; group 2, without ropivacaine) and inter‐group (group 3, right‐head/left‐head side with/without ropivacaine). Postoperative pain was recorded using the 5‐point Wong–Baker Faces Pain Scale. No preoperative analgesic was administered to any patient. The survival rate of hair follicles was measured using dermoscopy during follow‐up. Data were statistically analyzed.

Results

Of the 314 patients included in the study, 166 were men and 148 were women with a mean age of 32.15 ± 4.58 (range, 25–45) years. Postoperative pain with ropivacaine was significantly more relieved compared with that without ropivacaine in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between sex and survival rate of hair follicles in the intra‐ or inter‐group.

Conclusion

A tumescent solution with ropivacaine has proven to relieve postoperative pain and is a safe and valuable form of local anesthesia in follicular unit excision.
Comparison of ultrasound‐guided peripheral intravenous catheter insertion with landmark technique in paediatric patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kleidon Tricia M , Schults Jessica , Paterson Rebecca , Rickard Claire M , Ullman Amanda J
Published: April 2022

Background

Paediatric peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion using traditional landmark insertion technique can be difficult.

Aim

To systematically review the evidence comparing landmark to ultrasound guidance for PIVC insertion in general paediatric patients.

Study design

Cochrane methodology to systematically search for randomised controlled trials comparing landmark to ultrasound‐guided PIVC insertion.

Data sources

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, US National Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Embase.

Data extraction

English‐language, paediatric trials published after 2000, reporting first‐attempt insertion success, overall PIVC insertion success, and/or time to insert were included. Central venous, non‐venous and trials including only difficult intravenous access were excluded. Data were independently extracted and critiqued for quality using GRADE by three authors, and analysed using random effects, with results expressed as risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Registration (CRD42020175314).

Results

Of 70 titles identified, 5 studies (995 patients; 949 PIVCs) were included. There was no evidence of an effect of ultrasound guidance, compared to landmark, for first‐attempt insertion success (RR 1.27; 95% CI 0.90–1.78; I2 = 88%; moderate quality evidence), overall insertion success (RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.90–1.44; I2 = 82%; low quality evidence), or time to insertion (mean difference −3.03 min; 95% CI −12.73 to 6.67; I2 = 92%; low quality evidence).

Limitations

Small sample sizes, inconsistent outcomes and definitions in primary studies precluded definitive conclusions.

Conclusions

Large clinical trials are needed to explore the effectiveness of ultrasound guidance for PIVC insertion in paediatrics. Specifically, children with difficult intravenous access might benefit most from this technology.
An autopsy case of MV2K‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease presenting with characteristic clinical, radiological, and neuropathological findings
Authors: Matsuo Koushun , Goto Daiki , Hasegawa Masato , Ogita Kenji , Koyama Takeo , Akagi Akio , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yoshida Mari , Iwasaki Yasushi
Published: April 2022

In Japan, because MV2‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is rare, little is known about its clinical and neuropathological characteristics. An autopsy case of MV2K‐type sporadic CJD is presented, and the characteristic clinical, radiological, and neuropathological findings are discussed. The patient was a Japanese woman who died at the age of 72 years. Her initial symptom was rapidly progressive dementia. She then developed truncal ataxia and delusions. Approximately nine months after onset, she exhibited akinetic mutism. The total clinical course was 11 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintensity areas in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and hippocampus on diffusion‐weighted images. In the cerebral cortex, this finding was slight and inconspicuous. Electroencephalography revealed no periodic sharp wave complexes. Prion protein (PrP) gene analysis revealed no mutations, and polymorphic codon 129 exhibited methionine and valine heterozygosity. In the cerebrospinal fluid, levels of both total tau and 14‐3‐3 proteins were elevated. Grossly, the brain weighed 1050 g before fixation and exhibited diffuse cortical atrophy. On histopathological examination, extensive fine vacuole‐type spongiform degeneration was noted in the cerebral cortex. Numerous kuru plaques were observed in the cerebellum. PrP immunohistochemistry revealed extensive diffuse synaptic‐ and perineuronal‐type PrP deposits in the cerebral cortex. Kuru plaques were strongly immunoreactive for PrP. Western blot analysis of brain tissue samples revealed mixed type 2 and intermediate type. Systematic and comprehensive investigations of both clinical and neuropathological aspects are required for accurate diagnosis.
CD38 Drives Progress of Osteoarthritis by Affecting Cartilage Homeostasis
Authors: Ma Jin‐jin , Ying Jun , Wang Jin‐yu , Xu Tao‐tao , Xia Han‐ting , Jin Hong‐ting , Xiao Lu‐wei , Shang Wen‐jun , Wang Wei‐qian , Feng Jian‐yin
Published: April 2022

Objective

To observe expression of CD38, a key modulator of nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism in mice with knee osteoarthritis, and protective effect of CD38 inhibition during the osteoarthritis (OA) development.

Method

The destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model was performed in mice to mimic the process of OA. Immunofluorescence of CD38 was performed to evaluate its response during the OA process. Limb bud‐derived mesenchymal cells were isolated for micromass culture. 100 nM or 1 μM CD38 inhibitor (78c) treatment for 14 days and CD38 sgRNA infection were then used to explore the effects of chondrogenic differentiation via Alcian blue staining. The expressions of chondrogenic markers were detected using RT‐PCR and Western blot. To explore the protective effect of CD38 inhibitor on cartilage degradation during OA in vivo, a CD38 inhibitor was injected into the knee joint after DMM operations. Micro‐CT analysis and Safranin O‐fast green staining were used to evaluate subchondral bone micro‐architecture changes and cartilage degeneration.

Results

Compared to the control group, the CD38 expression in superficial cartilage was obviously increased in DMM group (P < 0.05). During the normal chondrogenic differentiation, the extracellular matrix formed and expression of Sox9, Col2, aggrecan increased apparently while CD38 expression decreased, which could be reversed with ablation of CD38 in limb bud‐derived mesenchymal cells. Consistent with findings in vitro, CD38 blockage via CD38 inhibitor injection protected against osteosclerosis in medial subchondral bone and cartilage degeneration in DMM‐induced experimental mice. Compared to the Sham group, DMM mice showed significantly increased values of BV and BV/TV in subchondral bone (P < 0.05) and Mankin score, which could be rescued by 78c treatment (P < 0.05). Also the CD38 inhibitor contributed to homeostasis of anabolism and catabolism by upregulating Sox9, Col2, aggrecan and downregulating Runx2, Col10 and Mmp13.

Conclusion

This study primarily implicates CD38 as an important regulator of chondrogenic differentiation. Inhibition of CD38 demonstrated protection against cartilage degeneration, which suggests that CD38 could be a potential therapeutic target for OA.
Understanding the interplay of temperature and moisture on the germination niche to improve management of threatened species impacted by mining
Authors: Rajapakshe Rajapakshe P. V. G. S. W. , Cross Adam T. , Turner Shane R. , Tomlinson Sean
Published: April 2022

The return of vegetation to mined lands often requires broadcast seeding of diverse native seed mixes. However, seeds are highly adapted to germination windows with specific hydrothermal thresholds that maximize the likelihood of seedling survival, and post‐mining landscapes typically offer markedly different hydrothermal conditions than pre‐disturbance ecosystems. According to niche theory, generalist species should exhibit broader hydrothermal performance niches than specialist taxa, which may influence the success of recruitment from seeds in post‐mining ecological restoration. To test this assumption, the impact of hydrothermal stress (incubation temperature (10–30°C) and osmotic potential (−0.8 to 0 MPa)) on the time to 50% germination (t50) and maximum germination (Gmax) was compared between two narrow‐range species of conservation concern (Acacia woodmaniorum and A. karina) restricted to mining‐impacted Banded Ironstone Formations (BIF) and three broadly distributed congenerics (A. assimilis, A. exocarpoides, and A. ramulosa). The hydrothermal germination niches of the study species were broadly congruent with hydrothermal conditions of their habitats. The two range‐restricted taxa were more tolerant of hydrothermal stress compared to the three widely distributed taxa, suggesting that tolerance of greater hydrothermal stress by both range‐restricted Acacia species is likely to be adaptive to establishment in uncontested niche space. Complex interactions between thermal and water stress suggest these environmental gradients may shape the germination niche as well as patterns of plant diversity in BIF ecosystems. This study highlights the importance of quantifying interactions between niche dimensions and their implications for species performance, which will aid future restoration efforts for micro‐endemic species impacted by mining.
Home monitoring of lung function, symptoms and quality of life after admission with COVID‐19 infection: The HOMECOMIN' study
Authors: Nakshbandi Gizal , Moor Catharina C. , Nossent Esther J. , Geelhoed J. J. Miranda , Baart Sara J. , Boerrigter Bart G. , Aerts Joachim G. J. V. , Nijman Suzan F. M. , Santema Helger Y. , Hellemons Merel E. , Wijsenbeek Marlies S.
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

To develop targeted and efficient follow‐up programmes for patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), structured and detailed insights in recovery trajectory are required. We aimed to gain detailed insights in long‐term recovery after COVID‐19 infection, using an online home monitoring programme including home spirometry. Moreover, we evaluated patient experiences with the home monitoring programme.

Methods

In this prospective multicentre study, we included adults hospitalized due to COVID‐19 with radiological abnormalities. For 6 months after discharge, patients collected weekly home spirometry and pulse oximetry measurements, and reported visual analogue scales on cough, dyspnoea and fatigue. Patients completed the fatigue assessment scale (FAS), global rating of change (GRC), EuroQol‐5D‐5L (EQ‐5D‐5L) and online tool for the assessment of burden of COVID‐19 (ABCoV tool). Mixed models were used to analyse the results.

Results

A total of 133 patients were included in this study (70.1% male, mean age 60 years [SD 10.54]). Patients had a mean baseline forced vital capacity of 3.25 L (95% CI: 2.99–3.44 L), which increased linearly in 6 months with 19.1% (Δ0.62 L, p < 0.005). Patients reported substantial fatigue with no improvement over time. Nevertheless, health status improved significantly. After 6 months, patients scored their general well‐being almost similar as before COVID‐19. Overall, patients considered home spirometry useful and not burdensome.

Conclusion

Six months after hospital admission for COVID‐19, patients' lung function and quality of life were still improving, although fatigue persisted. Home monitoring enables detailed follow‐up for patients with COVID‐19 at low burden for patients and for the healthcare system.
Regularization in dynamic random‐intercepts models for analysis of longitudinal data
Authors: Mofidian Naieni Amir‐Abbas , Rikhtehgaran Reyhaneh
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the problem of simultaneous variable selection and estimation in the random‐intercepts model with the first‐order lag response. This type of model is commonly used for analyzing longitudinal data obtained through repeated measurements on individuals over time. This model uses random effects to cover the intra‐class correlation, and the first lagged response to address the serial correlation, which are two common sources of dependency in longitudinal data. We demonstrate that the conditional likelihood approach by ignoring correlation among random effects and initial responses can lead to biased regularized estimates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that joint modeling of initial responses and subsequent observations in the structure of dynamic random‐intercepts models leads to both consistency and Oracle properties of regularized estimators. We present theoretical results in both low‐ and high‐dimensional settings and evaluate regularized estimators' performances by conducting simulation studies and analyzing a real dataset. Supporting information is available online.
Comparative clinical utility of screening for Suicide Crisis Syndrome versus suicidal ideation in relation to suicidal ideation and attempts at one‐month follow‐up
Authors: Rogers Megan L. , Bafna Anokhi , Galynker Igor
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Suicidal ideation (SI) has numerous limitations in predicting suicidal behavior. The Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS) is proposed as an alternative method of detecting risk. This study compares the relative utility of SI and SCS in statistically predicting SI and behaviors at one‐month follow‐up.

Methods

382 psychiatric patients (98 inpatients, 284 outpatients) completed baseline measures and provided information about suicide‐related outcomes one month later. Participants were grouped based on responses to measures assessing SCS and SI.

Results

Rates of follow‐up suicidal behavior were significantly higher among those reporting both SCS and SI (22.2%) than those reporting SI alone (6.0%) or neither SCS nor SI (0.9%). SCS alone (8.3%) had descriptively, but not statistically, higher rates of suicidal behavior than those with neither SCS nor SI, and did not differ from SI alone and the combination of SCS and SI. Those reporting SI—with and without SCS—had higher levels of follow‐up suicidal thoughts than those without SI.

Conclusion

The SCS was equivalent to SI, and incrementally informative alongside SI, in detecting individuals at risk of future suicidal behavior, whereas SI was more strongly related to future SI than SCS. The combination of SCS and SI may be clinically useful in detecting individuals who are at risk for suicide.
Effects of lead leg selection on bilateral landing force‐time characteristics: Return to sport testing implications
Authors: Lawson Drew , Jordan Matthew J. , Herzog Walter
Published: April 2022

We quantified the effect of lead leg selection on landing force–time characteristics during a vertical drop landing (VDL) initiated with a step‐off. Plyometric‐trained subjects (male: n = 8; female: n = 5; age =23 ± 3.3 years; body mass =74.4 ± 11.2 kg) performed 6 step‐off‐initiated VDLs from a 45‐cm box (n = 3/lead leg). Pooled and lead leg stratified between‐limb comparisons of limb‐specific initial ground contact timing, peak vertical ground reaction force (Fzpeak), and early landing‐phase impulse (Impulse100ms) were assessed by a two‐factor, within‐subject ANOVA, and limb symmetry indexes were calculated (α = 0.05). Pooled data showed that the lead leg made contact prior to the trail leg and contributed a greater fraction to Fzpeak compared with the trail leg. Stratifying trials by lead leg selection led to significant between‐limb differences in Fzpeak (p < 0.05) and Impulse100ms (p < 0.01) with the right leg leading but not with the left leg leading. Lead leg selection in step‐off‐initiated VDLs influenced landing performance and limb symmetry indexes of variables associated with lower limb injury risk, suggesting the need to control for lead leg selection in these tasks. A step‐off may not be a suitable technique to initiate landing tasks when assessing limb symmetry.
The Chinese‐style macroeconomic control: The role of state‐owned enterprises
Authors: Fang Hongsheng , Hu Wen‐Quan , Shi Ruhua , Zhang Xufei
Published: April 2022

This paper extends the existing studies of cyclical fiscal policy by providing the first systematic theoretical and empirical study of cyclical quasi‐fiscal investment of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in China. Using data from Chinese listed companies and the System GMM method, the results show that: (1) both central and local SOEs exhibit expansion‐biased investment behaviours; (2) the expansion‐biased investment of central SOEs mainly goes to the tertiary industry and the western regions of China, while the expansion‐biased investment of local SOEs mainly occurs in the tertiary industry and the middle and western regions of China; (3) during the economic recession, the higher the local growth targets, the more bank credit central and local SOEs can obtain, and the more pronounced the expansion‐biased investment. The study shows that apart from the countercyclical fiscal policy implemented by central and local governments, the quasi‐fiscal function of central and local SOE investments is also key for the Chinese economy to quickly recover from recessions.
Investment incentives and leverage: Evidence from China’s accelerated depreciation policy
Authors: Zhao Lexin , Fang Hongsheng
Published: April 2022

Using a difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach, this paper evaluates the effects of China's accelerated depreciation policy on corporate leverage. We find that the policy significantly increases corporate total leverage, which is mainly driven by the increase in long‐term leverage. Moreover, raising investment in fixed assets serves as the primary mediating channel through which the policy affects long‐term leverage and thus, total leverage. Finally, the positive effects of the policy on leverage are primarily significant in firms that are not close to tax exhaustion, and firms that invest in long‐lived assets.
Assessment of changes in blood pancreatic lipase activities using FDC‐v‐LIP in dogs that underwent various surgical procedures
Authors: Saeki Kanna , Saeki Kohei , Yokoyama Nozomu , Ohno Koichi , Nishimura Ryohei
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe the perioperative changes in blood pancreatic lipase activity and explore the contributing clinical factors associated with these changes.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

One hundred and four dogs underwent various surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Blood pancreatic lipase activities, which were measured using FUJI DRI‐CHEM v‐Lip‐P (FDC‐v‐Lip), significantly increased postoperatively compared to preoperative measurements (premedian 58.5 U/L [range, 23–157] vs. postmedian 80 U/L [range, 22–1000],P < 0.0001). The patient with a postoperative increase in FDC‐v‐Lip over the normal range (35 dogs [33.6%]) had significantly higher preoperative FDC‐v‐Lip values.

Conclusions

In this study, dogs had significantly increased pancreas‐specific lipase activities after surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Direct contributors to the increase and its relevance to clinical and histological pancreatitis should be determined in the future.
Septic pericardial disease and mediastinal abscessation in a cat with an intrathoracic needle foreign body
Authors: Bahlmann Kaitlin N. , Kennedy Christopher R. , Bandt Carsten
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe the successful management of a cat with an intrathoracic sewing needle foreign body and septic pericardial effusion.

Case Summary

A 10‐year‐old neutered female domestic longhair cat was referred for an intrathoracic metallic foreign body identified via thoracic radiography. Two weeks prior, the cat may have ingested a sewing needle. She was presented hemodynamically unstable; point‐of‐care thoracic ultrasound identified pericardial effusion with right atrial tamponade. Pericardiocentesis stabilized hemodynamic parameters. The effusion was grossly purulent, and bacterial culture grew an Actinomyces sp. The cat underwent a median sternotomy to remove the foreign body, debride associated mediastinal abscesses, and perform a partial pericardiectomy. Over the next 10 days, the cat was managed in hospital with a left unilateral thoracostomy tube and intermittent lavage of the pleural cavity. The cat was discharged, and follow‐up at 7 days showed no evidence of pericardial or pleural effusion.

New or Unique Information Provided

Contrary to previous reports, this case shows that extra‐gastrointestinal, specifically intrathoracic, sewing needle foreign bodies can cause significant morbidity in cats. To the authors’ knowledge, this report is the first to describe septic pericardial disease resulting from documented foreign body ingestion in the cat. It is also the first case report of successful surgical management of mediastinal abscessation in the cat.
Synaptic plasticity of inhibitory synapses onto medial olivocochlear efferent neurons
Authors: Torres Cadenas Lester , Cheng Hui , Weisz Catherine J. C.
Published: April 2022

The descending auditory system modulates the ascending system at every level. The final descending, or efferent, stage comprises lateral olivocochlear and medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons. MOC somata in the ventral brainstem project axons to the cochlea to synapse onto outer hair cells (OHC), inhibiting OHC‐mediated cochlear amplification. MOC suppression of OHC function is implicated in cochlear gain control with changing sound intensity, detection of salient stimuli, attention and protection against acoustic trauma. Thus, sound excites MOC neurons to provide negative feedback of the cochlea. Sound also inhibits MOC neurons via medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) neurons. However, MNTB–MOC synapses exhibit short‐term depression, suggesting reduced MNTB–MOC inhibition during sustained stimuli. Further, due to high rates of both baseline and sound‐evoked activity in MNTB neurons in vivo, MNTB–MOC synapses may be tonically depressed. To probe this, we characterized short‐term plasticity of MNTB–MOC synapses in mouse brain slices. We mimicked in vivo‐like temperature and extracellular calcium conditions, and in vivo‐like activity patterns of fast synaptic activation rates, sustained activation and prior tonic activity. Synaptic depression was sensitive to extracellular calcium concentration and temperature. During rapid MNTB axon stimulation, postsynaptic currents in MOC neurons summated but with concurrent depression, resulting in smaller, sustained currents, suggesting tonic inhibition of MOC neurons during rapid circuit activity. Low levels of baseline MNTB activity did not significantly reduce responses to subsequent rapid activity that mimics sound stimulation, indicating that, in vivo, MNTB inhibition of MOC neurons persists despite tonic synaptic depression.

Key points

Inhibitory synapses from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) onto medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons exhibit short‐term plasticity that is sensitive to calcium and temperature, with enhanced synaptic depression occurring at higher calcium concentrations and at room temperature.

High rates of background synaptic activity that mimic the upper limits of spontaneous MNTB activity cause tonic synaptic depression of MNTB–MOC synapses that limits further synaptic inhibition.

High rates of activity at MNTB–MOC synapses cause synaptic summation with concurrent depression to yield a response with an initial large amplitude that decays to a tonic inhibition.
Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Journal Bearings Under Uncertainty: A Non-Probabilistic Perspective
Authors: Fu Chao , Zhu Weidong , Ma Jiaojiao , Gu Fengshou
Published: April 2022

This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of crucial performances of hydrodynamic journal bearings subject to inherent uncertainties from a non-probabilistic perspective. Uncertainties can arise for various reasons such as the evolving service environment, manufacturing errors and assembling imperfections. An efficient non-intrusive frame named the Chebyshev interval finite difference method is proposed to solve the interval Reynolds equations, which allows accurate predictions of variabilities of performance parameters. The uncertain geometrical properties, lubricant viscosity and external load are considered and their effects on the static and dynamic characteristics of the uncertain journal bearing are intensively discussed in different situations. New insightful results are found in various case studies and numerical validations of the proposed method are carried out. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis was carried out and the application of the proposed frame to a Jeffcott rotor was demonstrated. The interval uncertainties are found to have severe effects on the hydrodynamic journal bearings, causing potential critical influences in the corresponding rotating systems. Results and methods in the current study provide references to robust assessment and design of journal bearings, and further guide the investigations on rotor-journal bearing systems.
Robustness Analysis on the Aerothermal Performance of Turbine Blade Squealer Tip
Authors: Huang Ming , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: April 2022

An improved efficient uncertainty quantification (UQ) analysis framework is proposed by the combination of sparse polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) and universal Kriging (UK) metamodel to obtain the surrogate model (UK-PCE). Moreover, a challenging analytical test function and an engineering test are considered to investigate the response performance of UK-PCE method. The results show that the UK-PCE method reduces the computational cost by more than 70% in comparison to the typical PCE method. Then this method was applied to the UQ of the aerodynamic and heat transfer performance of GE-E3 rotor blade squealer tip. Additionally, a series of uncertainty quantities visualization methods based on the data mining method, parallel computing method, and Delaunay triangulation method is proposed to reveal more enlightening uncertainty phenomena in the actual operation. The results of UQ show that under the influence of uncertain inputs, the leakage flow rate and downstream entropy increase will be significantly increased. The statistical average of tip heat flux has increased by 8.56% relative to the design value, and the probability of it deviating from the design value by 10% is as high as 43.27%. In addition, the three-dimensional tip heat flux deviation distributions calculated by the proposed uncertainty quantities visualization method reveal a coupling of the hot corrosion and thermal fatigue of the squealer tip. It is also indicated that under the influence of the uncertain inputs, there is a marked increase in blade tip flux, and the blade tip flux deviation has been maintained at a high value, about 13.0%. The results of sensitivity analysis show that the largest contributor to the uncertainty of the blade tip aerodynamic performance is the tip clearance deviation and its variance index to the uncertainty of leakage flow rate and downstream entropy increase is as high as 88.21% and 62.63%. Therefore, the geometric accuracy of the tip clearance should be strictly ensured in the turbine blade assembly and marching process. The influence of the inlet total temperature deviation on the uncertainty of the heat transfer performance of the squealer tip must also be taken into account. So a satisfactory control system should be designed in the actual operation of the gas turbine to make sure that the fluctuation of inlet total temperature can be attenuated rapidly.