bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do unions increase participation in further education?
Authors: Kostøl Fredrik B.
Published: March 2024

The race between education and technology is a key issue for trade unions. Unions often include skill upgrading and training in collective bargains, which might be an important tool to facilitate lifelong learning. In this article, I investigate how trade unions influence workers’ participation in further education using Norwegian‐matched employer–employee panel data on full‐time workers and a fixed‐effects framework. In contrast to most existing studies, which rely on more or less representative surveys, our data comprise the entire working population over a period of 16 years, allowing us to control for unobserved individual heterogeneity. An increase in the workplace union density is estimated to raise the individual propensity to participate in tertiary vocational education. I also find that workers in unionized establishments enjoy higher salaries during further education but at the expense of lower post‐training wage premiums. In addition, unions are found to lower employee turnover. Together, these findings give empirical support to the theoretical prediction of Acemoglu and Pischke (1999), where firms may optimally choose to sponsor investments in workers’ skills in the absence of perfect competition in the labour market.
Addition of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to a ‘quadrifecta’ composite in radical cystectomy
Authors: D’Andrea David , Soria Francesco , Moschini Marco , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Hurle Rodolfo , Mancon Stefano , Antonelli Alessandro , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Pradere Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of incorporating neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) into the ‘quadrifecta’ outcomes composite for reporting outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) creating a pentafecta score.

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective multicentre analysis of patients treated with RC, with or without NAC, for bladder cancer between 2002 and 2023. The primary outcome was the effect of adding NAC to a quadrifecta outcomes composite on cancer‐specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS). The quadrifecta outcomes composite included a yield of ≥16 lymph nodes, negative soft tissue surgical margin, absence of major complication within 30 days from surgery, and no delay in RC.

Results

A total of 590 patients were included in the analyses. A total of 233 (39.5%) patients achieved all quadrifecta outcomes and 82 (13.9%) patients were additionally treated with NAC, achieving the pentafecta. Achieving the quadrifecta outcomes composite was significantly associated with better CSS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32–0.75; P = 0.001) and OS (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34–0.69; P < 0.01). The addition of NAC to the quadrifecta composite outcomes significantly improved the discrimination of patients more likely to have better CSS (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.57; P = 0.002) and OS (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12–0.55; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

We propose a new pentafecta that may serve as a tool for standardising outcomes reporting and measuring the quality of RC.
Flubendazole suppresses VEGF‐induced angiogenesis in HUVECs and exerts antitumor effects in PC‐3 cells
Authors: Zhang Baoyue , Zhao Jun , Kang De , Wang Zhe , Xu Lvjie , Zheng RuiFang , Liu Ailin
Published: March 2024

Flubendazole, an FDA‐approved anthelmintic, has been predicted to show strong VEGFR2 inhibitory activity in silico screening combined with in vitro experimental validation, and it has shown anti‐cancer effects on some human cancer cell lines, but little is known about the anti‐angiogenesis effects and anti‐prostate cancer effects. In this study, we analyzed the binding modes and kinetic analysis of flubendazole with VEGFR2 and first demonstrated that flubendazole suppressed VEGF‐stimulated cell proliferation, wound‐healing migration, cell invasion and tube formation of HUVEC cells, and decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and serine/threonine kinase Akt, which are the downstream proteins of VEGFR2 that are important for cell growth. What's more, our results showed that flubendazole decreased PC‐3 cell viability and proliferation ability, and suppressed PC‐3 cell wound healing migration and invasion across a Matrigel‐coated Transwell membrane in a concentration‐dependent manner. The antiproliferative effects of flubendazole were due to induction of G2‐M phase cell cycle arrest in PC‐3 cells with decreasing expression of the Cyclin D1 and induction of cell apoptosis with the number of apoptotic cells increased after flubendazole treatment. These results indicated that flubendazole could exert anti‐angiogenic and anticancer effects by inhibiting cell cycle and inducing cell apoptosis.
If not angioedema, what is it? Diagnostic approach to facial edema
Authors: Velasco‐Amador Juan Pablo , Prados‐Carmona Álvaro , Navarro‐Triviño Francisco José
Published: March 2024

Facial edema is a relatively frequent clinical presentation encountered in patients seen in allergology and dermatology clinics. The differential diagnosis is broad, and sometimes the definitive diagnosis can be a challenge for the clinician. Facial angioedema itself encompasses different etiopathologies (histaminergic, bradykinergic, etc.) that must be distinguished from other causes of facial edema, such as allergic contact dermatitis, granulomatous conditions, inflammatory causes, infections, neoplasms or paraneoplastic syndromes, autoimmune diseases, among other entities hereby referred as miscellanea. A proper diagnostic approach is essential to order the appropriate tests, as well as to prescribe a targeted treatment. This review focuses on entities that present with facial edema and summarize their characteristic clinical features.
Treatment and outcomes of patients with chronic lung disease and acute myocardial infarction: Insights from the nationwide AMIS plus registry
Authors: Beckmann C. , Foster‐Witassek F. , Brutsche M. , Maeder M. T. , Eberli F. , Roffi M. , Pedrazzini G. , Radovanovic D. , Rickli H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Limited data are available on patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to analyse baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome of those patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide prospective AMIS Plus registry.

Methods

All AMI patients enrolled between January 2002 and December 2021 with data on CLD, as defined in the Charlson Comorbidity Index, were included. The primary endpoints were in‐hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as all‐cause death, reinfarction and cerebrovascular events. Baseline characteristics, in‐hospital treatments and outcomes were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

Among 53,680 AMI patients enrolled during this time, 5.8% had CLD. Compared with patients without CLD, CLD patients presented more frequently with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and type 2 MI (12.8% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.001). With respect to treatment, CLD patients were less likely to receive P2Y12 inhibitors (p < 0.001) and less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary interventions (68.7% vs. 82.5%; p < 0.001). In‐hospital mortality declined in AMI patients with CLD over time (from 12% in 2002 to 7.3% in 2021). Multivariable regression analysis showed that CLD was an independent predictor for MACCE (adjusted OR was 1.28 [95% CI 1.07–1.52], p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Patients with CLD and AMI were less likely to receive evidence‐based pharmacologic treatments, coronary revascularization and had a higher incidence of MACCE during their hospital stay compared to those without CLD. Over 20 years, in‐hospital mortality was significantly reduced in AMI patients, especially in those with CLD.
The different responses of Batocera horsfieldi adults to Juglans regia bark and leaf volatile compounds
Authors: Xu Danping , Qian Qianqian , Zhuo Zhihang
Published: March 2024

Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an important pole borer pest. It causes serious harm to various hosts, particularly Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae). In this study, headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and electroantennogram (EAG) responses were combined to examine the mechanism by which B. horsfieldi adults locate their host, J. regia. The results showed that J. regia contained 65 volatile compounds in all, with 36 and 42 volatile substances in bark and leaves, respectively. Moreover, terpenes accounted for the largest relative content among the volatile compounds of bark and leaves, 43.4 and 78.9%, respectively. Ten of 19 selected volatile components elicited significant EAG responses in adult B. horsfieldi, which indicated that the pest may prefer certain volatile compounds when selecting a host. Sex and volatile concentration affected the responses of B. horsfieldi. Male adults had the strongest EAG responses to 1‐octen‐3‐ol, whereas female adults had the strongest EAG responses to linalool. Host selection in B. horsfieldi was somewhat positively associated with the concentrations of the effective volatile compounds in the host. Furthermore, B. horsfieldi showed varying preferences for isomers. This work provided data support for the development of insect attractants, and laid a theoretical foundation for the ecological protection of local forestry.
Does the temperature–size rule apply to idiobiont parasitoids?
Authors: Gagnon Annie‐Ève , Martel Véronique , Boivin Guy
Published: March 2024

In most ectotherms, several life‐history traits, including body size, respond to environmental conditions through the temperature–size rule (TSR). The mechanisms underlying the TSR are still being debated, but studying idiobiont insect parasitoids, which develop with a fixed amount of resources, may shed light on this relationship. In this study, we conducted experiments to determine how the developmental temperature affects various characteristics of male and female Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an idiobiont egg parasitoid of Lepidoptera. The study tested various hypotheses, including the cellular or oxygen diffusion hypotheses and the resource acquisition hypothesis, to understand whether T. euproctidis follows the TSR. The developmental time of both male and female T. euproctidis decreased with increasing temperature. Both males and females displayed a unimodal distribution for size, dry mass, and lipid content, with individuals at lower and higher temperatures being smaller, weighing less, and containing fewer lipids. Female lifetime fecundity increased from 13 to 24 °C and then decreased at 31 °C. Additionally, the number and size of gametes in male and female T. euproctidis displayed a unimodal distribution with increasing temperature. Trichogramma euproctidis deviates from the TSR as it follows a non‐linear reaction norm with an optimal developmental temperature. This result supports the hypothesis that for species following TSR and having unlimited access to food resources, the resource acquisition hypothesis is a significant mechanism explaining the TSR. With climate change affecting temperature, understanding the TSR is crucial, and research on insect parasitoids may help reveal how the interplay between environmental temperature and resource allocation affects the TSR in natural populations.
Experimentally monitored calcium dynamics at synaptic active zones during neurotransmitter release in neuron–muscle cell cultures
Authors: Sun Xiaoping , Yazejian Bruce , Peskoff Arthur , Grinnell Alan D.
Published: March 2024

Ca2+‐dependent K+ (BK) channels at varicosities in Xenopus nerve–muscle cell cultures were used to quantify experimentally the instantaneous active zone [Ca2+]AZ resulting from different rates and durations of Ca2+ entry in the absence of extrinsic buffers and correlate this with neurotransmitter release. Ca2+ tail currents produce mean peak [Ca2+]AZ ~ 30 μM; with continued influx, [Ca2+]AZ reaches ~45–60 μM at different rates depending on Ca2+ driving force and duration of influx. Both IBK and release are dependent on Ca2+ microdomains composed of both N‐ and L‐type Ca channels. Domains collapse with a time constant of ~0.6 ms. We have constructed an active zone (AZ) model that approximately fits this data, and depends on incorporation of the high‐capacity, low‐affinity fixed buffer represented by phospholipid charges in the plasma membrane. Our observations suggest that in this preparation, (1) some BK channels, but few if any of the Ca2+ sensors that trigger release, are located within Ca2+ nanodomains while a large fraction of both are located far enough from Ca channels to be blockable by EGTA, (2) the IBK is more sensitive than the excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) to [Ca2+]AZ (K1/2–26 μM vs. ~36 μM [Ca2+]AZ); (3) with increasing [Ca2+]AZ, the IBK grows with a Hill coefficient of 2.5, the EPSC with a coefficient of 3.9; (4) release is dependent on the highest [Ca2+] achieved, independent of the time to reach it; (5) the varicosity synapses differ from mature frog nmjs in significant ways; and (6) BK channels are useful reporters of local [Ca2+]AZ.
Effectiveness of coral (Bilbunna) relocation as a mitigation strategy for pipeline construction at Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Smith Adam K. , Cook Nathan , Songcuan Al , Brown Rachelle E. , Molinaro Gemma , Saper Julia , Keane Kristin
Published: March 2024

Coral reef management techniques such as relocation and transplantation are increasingly implemented in the context of increasing coastal development and a global decline of coral reefs over the last 30 years. A 170 m submarine desalination pipeline was constructed in 2020 to discharge wastewater from the desalination plant for Hayman Island resort, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia. Pre‐construction site assessments were conducted indicating a healthy, diverse and recovering coral community between intertidal and 12 m depth in the proposed route of the pipeline. Mitigation options included the selection of a pipeline route that minimised impact on coral, and relocation and transplantation of hard corals. Two hundred and four corals comprising 35 species from 15 genera, with estimated sizes ranging from small (less than 2 kg) to extra large (over 50 kg), were relocated from the pipeline footprint to a similar nearby site. The estimated total weight of relocated corals was 873–2850 kg. The most common species transplanted were Hump Coral (Porites lutea) (27%), Lesser Star Coral (Goniastrea aspera) (8.3%) and Starflower Coral (Astreopora ocellata) (7.8%). Individual coral survivorship and growth was monitored at zero, one, six, 12 and 24 months. After 24 months total coral survival was 77.5%. The survivorship of relocated coral exceeded the mean for global coral restoration projects and was deemed successful by the regulator. To assist benchmarking of future coral relocation projects we propose a standard of below 50% as poor, 50–60% as below average, over 60% as acceptable and over 80% coral survival at two years as excellent.
Global patterns and determinants of multiple facets of plant diversity
Authors: Tordoni Enrico , Carmona Carlos Pérez , Toussaint Aurèle , Tamme Riin , Pärtel Meelis
Published: March 2024

Aim

Combining different biodiversity dimensions can reveal new diversity patterns disclosing the relative roles of historical, environmental and anthropogenic factors in shaping global seed plant diversity.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

We collated a database encompassing taxonomic (249,000 species), functional and phylogenetic information (34,694 species) of seed plants across different regions of the world. Species richness in each region was weighted accounting for their phylogenetic and functional distinctiveness, obtaining a new metric—μ‐diversity—which was modelled to disentangle the relative roles of historical factors such as climate variability since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), environmental features (e.g. actual evapotranspiration—AET) and anthropogenic factors (past and current).

Results

Higher μ‐diversity was observed in Papuasia, South East Asia, Australia and Central America, whereas the lowest values were primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere. Climate variability and AET were the most important determinants of μ‐diversity and individual diversity facets, whereas the importance of past human impacts (i.e. the onset of pastoralism) equated or exceeded those of the present ones.

Main conclusions

Our integrative approach proved more sensitive in describing species diversity patterns. Few areas on Earth host high and unique proportions of multiple diversity facets and individual diversity facets contribute differently to μ‐diversity across continents. Historical climate stability and water‐energy dynamics strongly affect species diversity, but we also observed that past land‐use legacy may have influenced current plant diversity, which is under intense anthropogenic pressure, especially in Asia as well as in Central and South America.
Benefits and risks of non‐factor therapies: Redefining haemophilia treatment goals in the era of new technologies
Authors: Mancuso Maria Elisa , Croteau Stacy E. , Klamroth Robert
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Over the last decades progress in haemophilia treatment has been remarkable and prophylaxis with clotting factor concentrates in haemophilia A and B has been established as the standard of care in individuals with haemophilia and a severe bleeding phenotype. Besides clotting factor products with prolonged half‐life non‐factor therapies were developed which enable prophylaxis via subcutaneous administration. Factor VIIIa mimetics like emicizumab facilitate the coagulation pathway and are used in routine clinical practice for indivdiduals with haemophilia A. Rebalancing therapeutic agents like fitusiran, concizumab, marstacimab and serpin PC block the anticoagulant pathway and clinical trials using these products in individuals with haemophilia A and B are ongoing.

Aim and Methods

A narrative review to asess the benefits and risks of non‐factor therapies taking in to account re‐defined haemophilia treatment goals.

Results

Prophylaxis for prevention of bleeds using non‐factor products by subcutaneous administration is effective and results in reductions of bleeding episodes in individuals with haemophilia A or B with and without inhibitors. The treatment with emicizumab showed tolerable safety both in clinical trials and long‐term real‐world observations with few thrombotic events. In some clinical trials with rebalancing therapies (fitusiran and concizumab) thrombotic events occurred. Monitoring of the haemostatic function of novel therapies especially with concomitant haemostatic treatment is not yet established.

Conclusion

With the advent of novel therapeutic agents including factor concentrates with ultra‐long half‐life and improved FVIIIa mimetics aimed at raising the bar of protection into the non‐hemophilic range redefinition of haemophilia treatment goals is eagerly needed.
Administrative burden in older adults: A look at SNAP
Authors: Negoita Marian , Levin Madeleine , Paprocki Anne , Goger Annelies
Published: March 2024

An extensive literature has shown that the rules that govern access to social safety net programs create undue administrative burdens for citizens in accessing the programs. In this paper, we contribute to this literature by describing the experience of older adults with one US social safety net program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Our study gathered data from a total of 267 older adults through interviews and focus groups. Many of our respondents had recently experienced several financial, health, and life crises which affected their ability to seek information, memorize important details, and plan adequately. The main finding of the study is that older adults often experience multiple challenges whose effects tend to amplify each other, affecting their decision‐making abilities. The findings suggest that policies that simplify eligibility processes, reduce the amount of paperwork, and minimize the number of client‐caseworker encounters, have the potential to facilitate greater program access.
Work–family and family–work conflict and negative attitudes toward having children: A multilevel cross‐national analysis
Authors: Jiang Chaoxin , Ren Cheng , Jiang Shan
Published: March 2024

The relationship between work–family and family–work conflict and attitudes toward having children has been established; however, how it varies by different national cultural dimensions remains unclear. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the moderating effects of two cultural dimensions, individualism–collectivism and indulgence‐restraint, across a sample of 40 countries and regions. Data from the 2012 round of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) are utilized, encompassing 30,613 participants (M = 43.33 years old; SD = 13.22). Multilevel modeling is employed to integrate individual‐level and country‐level factors and examine the cross‐level moderating effects. The findings demonstrate that both work–family conflict and family–work conflict are positively associated with negative attitudes toward having children. Moreover, these relationships between work–family and family–work conflicts and negative attitudes toward having children are more pronounced in individualistic societies compared with collectivist societies. Furthermore, these relationships are stronger in restrained societies as opposed to indulgent societies. These results underscore the significance of addressing work–family and family–work conflict both at the policy and practice levels and emphasize the need for considering cultural dimensions.
Large families and poverty in Austria: What explains their disproportionate risk of experiencing income poverty?
Authors: Heitzmann Karin , Pennerstorfer Astrid
Published: March 2024

In many countries, large families with three or more children have high income poverty rates. In this article, we aim to understand why this is the case by examining the relevance of family structure, socio‐economic characteristics, and welfare state transfers targeted at this family form. For our analyses, we use cross‐sectional data from three waves (2017–2019) of the Austrian European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions dataset. Our results, based on descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, and decomposition analyses, confirm the higher poverty risk of large families compared with smaller families. However, when differentiating between poor and non‐poor families, it is not the family type that seems to be relevant in explaining the poverty risk, but rather the parental work intensity, the age of the youngest child, the place of residence, being a single‐parent household, and the parental migration background. Moreover, cash transfers from the welfare state, in particular family benefits, contribute to reducing poverty for a significant number of large families. Policy makers are therefore well advised to either further increase the cash transfers targeted at large families, and/or to improve the employability and ultimately the work intensity of parents in large families in order to reduce their income poverty risk.
Influence of limited mouth opening in children on intraoral scanning accuracy: An in vitro study
Authors: Ye Ju Ri , Park Seung Hwan , Lee Hyeonjong , Hong Seoung‐Jin , Chae Yong Kwon , Lee Ko Eun , Lee Hyo‐Seol , Choi Sung Chul , Nam Ok Hyung
Published: March 2024

Background

Although intraoral scanning is highly reliable, little is known about its accuracy in young children with limited mouth‐opening ability.

Aim

To determine the accuracy of intraoral scans based on the degree of mouth opening.

Design

To simulate mouth opening in children with primary dentition, three groups (n = 5 per group) were allocated by maximum mouth opening of 30, 37 and 40 mm. After the primary dentition model was connected to a dental phantom, intraoral scanning was performed using iTero and TRIOS4. The scanned files were digitally evaluated. Root mean square values were calculated to assess trueness and precision.

Results

iTero showed deviations of three‐dimensional trueness of 0.067 ± 0.008, 0.063 ± 0.001 and 0.065 ± 0.005 mm, and TRIOS4 of 0.07 ± 0.002, 0.064 ± 0.003 and 0.066 ± 0.002 mm in the 30, 37 and 40 mm groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in either mouth opening (p > .017) or the intraoral scanners (p > .05). The same statistical results were obtained for precision, with the exception of the 30 mm of mouth opening.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, limited mouth opening hardly influenced the accuracy of intraoral scanning.
Phase transition mechanism and long‐term stability of LiF‐assisted sintered Li2MgxZrO3+x microwave dielectric ceramics
Authors: Chu Xin , Gan Lin , Jiang Juan , Wang Jinzhao , Zhang Tianjin
Published: March 2024

Herein, Li2MgxZrO3+x (x = 0–1) +2 wt.% LiF ceramics with a rock salt structure were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. The phase transition mechanism was systematically investigated by X‐ray diffraction, and first‐principles calculations. With a gradual increase in MgO content, the samples underwent a monoclinic‐Li2ZrO3 to tetragonal‐Li2ZrO3 to tetragonal‐Li2MgZrO4 to cubic‐phase transition. The variations of the microwave dielectric properties due to the phase transition were systematically analyzed by the multi‐phase mixtures law. In addition, CO2 adsorption of the samples was quantitatively analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the long‐term stability of the Q × f of the samples was investigated. The optimal microwave dielectric properties were obtained in Li2Mg0.2ZrO3.2 ceramic at 950°C: εr = 19.5, Q × f = 44 500 GHz, and τf = 2.6 ppm/°C. In addition, the ceramic samples were compatible with Ag, which indicates that Li2MgxZrO3+x (x = 0−1) +2 wt.% LiF is a promising material for low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics.
Large room temperature magnetoelectric response in quasi 1–2 nanocomposite films on mica substrate
Authors: Pan Weijuan , Liu Yuanji , Ao Yuan , Zhou Peng , Fedulov Fedor , Fetisov Yuri , Zhang Tianjin , Xing Sainan , Srinivasan Gopalan , Qi Yajun
Published: March 2024

A novel quasi 1–2 type magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposite films composted of one‐dimensional CoFe2O4 nanofibers and two‐dimensional PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 films on flexible mica substrate have been designed and fabricated. The ME coupling effects have been greatly enhanced due to the release of the clamping effect and the high strain transfer efficiency between the large aspect ratio of the nanofibers and ferroelectric thin films. The release of the clamping effect was confirmed by reducing the thickness of the mica substrate, in which the piezoelectric coefficient and ME coupling coefficient of the nanocomposite films have been greatly boosted by the decrease in the mica thickness. A large direct ME coupling coefficient of 630 mV/(cm Oe) and a converse ME coupling coefficient of 1.43 × 10−8 s/m have been achieved in the quasi 1–2 nanocomposite film with a substrate thickness of 25 µm. Furthermore, the stain‐mediated ME coupling was revealed by magnetic field/electric field‐induced local ferroelectric/magnetic domain switching dynamics.
The association of leader–member exchange and team–member exchange with nurses' innovative behaviours: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cheng Liangying , Wei Wanhong , Zhang Jinyan , Yao Ying , Zhang Yanhui , Zhu Weiyan
Published: March 2024

Aim

To measure the association of leader–member exchange and team–member exchange with nurses' innovative behaviours through social exchange theory.

Background

The field of nursing is actively advocating innovation. Other fields have proven that leader–member exchange and team–member exchange can promote innovative behaviour, but such an association is not clear in nursing.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 560 nurses were selected from five tertiary hospitals in Henan Province (China) by multistage sampling. Data were collected from a self‐report questionnaire. Thirty nurses in the pre‐survey were used to verify the validity of the questionnaire. SPSS PROCESS macro was used to verify the association of leader–member exchange and team–member exchange with nurses' innovative behaviours.

Results

Leader–member exchange and team–member exchange were significantly associated with nurses' innovative behaviours, and team–member exchange had a mediating effect on the relationship between leader–member exchange and innovative behaviour.

Conclusions

Leader–member exchange and team–member exchange positively affect nurses' innovative behaviours. Leader–member exchange can promote nurses' innovative behaviours through the mediating role of team–member exchange.

Impact

This study indicated that leader–member exchange and team–member exchange should be given more attention in promoting nurses' innovative behaviours. This finding has implications for the promotion of innovative behaviours in nurses. Leaders need to focus on the innovative needs of nurses and offer support. Meanwhile, leadership training programs are necessary for managers to create positive team relationships.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.
Impact of weight adjusted high frequency low tidal volume ventilation and atrial pacing in lesion metrics in high‐power short‐duration ablation: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Vassallo Fabricio , Volponi Carlos , Cunha Christiano , Corcino Lucas , Serpa Eduardo , Simoes Aloyr , Gasparini Dalbian , Barbosa Luiz Fernando , Schmidt Andre
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Lesion size index (LSI) was introduced with the use of Tacticath™ and as a surrogate of lesion quality. The metric used to achieve the predetermined values involves combined information of contact force (CF), power and radiofrequency time. Rapid atrial pacing (RAP) and high‐frequency low‐tidal volume ventilation (HFLTV) independently or in combination improve catheter stability and CF and quality of lesions. Data of the impact of body weight adjusted HFLTV ventilation strategy associated with RAP in the lesion metrics still lacking. The study aimed to compare the results of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) atrial fibrillation ablation using simultaneous weight adjusted HFLTV and RAP and standard ventilation (SV) protocol.

Methods

Prospective, nonrandomized study with 136 patients undergoing de novo ablation divided into two groups; 70 in RAP (100 ppm) + HFLTV with 4 mL/kg of tidal volume and 25 breaths/min (group A) and 66 patients with SV in intrinsic sinus rhythm (group B). Ablation using 50 W, CF of 5–10 g/10–20 g and 40 mL/minute flow rate on the posterior and anterior left atrial wall, respectively.

Results

No procedure‐related complications. Group A: Mean LSI points 70 ± 16.5, mean total lower LSI 3.4 ± 0.5, mean total higher LSI 8.2 ± 0.4 and mean total LSI 5.6 ± 0.6. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LSI was 6.0 ± 0.4 and 4.2 ± 0.3, respectively. Mean local impedance drop (LID) points were 118.8 ± 28.4, mean LID index (%) 12.9 ± 1.5, and mean LID < 12% points 55.9 ± 23.8. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LID index were 13.6 ± 2.0 and 11.9 ± 1.7, respectively. Recurrence in 11 (15.7%) patients. Group B: Mean LSI points 56 ± 2.7, mean total lower LSI 2.9 ± 0.7, mean total higher LSI 6.9 ± 0.9, and mean total LSI 4.8 ± 0.8. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LSI was 5.1 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.5, respectively. Mean LID points were 111.4 ± 21.5, mean LID index (%) 11.4 ± 1.2, and mean LID < 12% points 54.9 ± 25.2. Anterior and posterior wall mean total LID index were 11.8 ± 1.9 and 10.3 ± 1.7, respectively. Recurrence in 14 (21.2%) patients. Mean follow up was 15.2 ± 4.4 months.

Conclusion

Weight adjusted HFLTV ventilation with RAP HPSD ablation produced lower recurrence rate and better LSI and LID parameters in comparison to SV and intrinsic sinus rhythm.
Dynamic functional connectivity in anorexia nervosa: alterations in states of low connectivity and state transitions
Authors: Boehm Ilka , Mennigen Eva , Geisler Daniel , Poller Nico W. , Gramatke Katrin , Calhoun Vince D. , Roessner Veit , King Joseph A. , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: March 2024

Background

The onset of anorexia nervosa (AN) frequently occurs during adolescence and is associated with preoccupation with body weight and shape and extreme underweight. Altered resting state functional connectivity in the brain has been described in individuals with AN, but only from a static perspective. The current study investigated the temporal dynamics of functional connectivity in adolescents with AN and how it relates to clinical features.

Method

99 female patients acutely ill with AN and 99 pairwise age‐matched female healthy control (HC) participants were included in the study. Using resting‐state functional MRI data and an established sliding‐window analytic approach, we identified dynamic resting‐state functional connectivity states and extracted dynamic indices such as dwell time (the duration spent in a state), fraction time (the proportion of the total time occupied by a state), and number of transitions (number of switches) from one state to another, to test for group differences.

Results

Individuals with AN had relatively reduced fraction time in a mildly connected state with pronounced connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and an overall reduced number of transitions between states.

Conclusions

These findings revealed by a dynamic, but not static analytic approach might hint towards a more “rigid” connectivity, a phenomenon commonly observed in internalizing mental disorders, and in AN possibly related to a reduction in energetic costs as a result of nutritional deprivation.
Evaluating the sensitivity to threat and affiliative reward (STAR) model in relation to the development of conduct problems and callous‐unemotional traits across early adolescence
Authors: Paz Yael , Perkins Emily R. , Colins Olivier , Perlstein Samantha , Wagner Nicholas J. , Hawes Samuel W. , Byrd Amy , Viding Essi , Waller Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Background

The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model proposes low threat sensitivity and low affiliation as risk factors for callous‐unemotional (CU) traits. Preliminary evidence for the STAR model comes from work in early childhood. However, studies are needed that explore the STAR dimensions in late childhood and adolescence when severe conduct problems (CP) emerge. Moreover, it is unclear how variability across the full spectrum of threat sensitivity and affiliation gives rise to different forms of psychopathology beyond CU traits.

Methods

The current study addressed these gaps using parent‐ and child‐reported data from three waves and a sub‐study of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study® of 11,878 youth (48% female; ages 9–12).

Results

Consistent with the STAR model, low threat sensitivity and low affiliation were independently related to CU traits across informants and time. Moreover, there was significant interaction between the STAR dimensions, such that children with lower sensitivity to threat and lower affiliation had higher parent‐reported CU traits. Unlike CU traits, children with higher threat sensitivity had higher parent‐reported CP and anxiety. Finally, children with lower affiliation had higher parent‐reported CP, anxiety, and depression. Results largely replicated across informants and time, and sensitivity analysis revealed similar findings in children with and without DSM‐5 defined CP.

Conclusions

Results support the STAR model hypotheses as they pertain to CU traits and delineate threat sensitivity and affiliation as independent transdiagnostic risk factors for different types of psychopathology. Future research is needed to develop fuller and more reliable and valid measures of affiliation and threat sensitivity across multiple assessment modalities.
Effect of weekly vitamin D supplementation on the severity of atopic dermatitis and type 2 immunity biomarkers in children: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Borzutzky Arturo , Iturriaga Carolina , Pérez‐Mateluna Guillermo , Cristi Francisca , Cifuentes Lorena , Silva‐Valenzuela Sergio , Vera‐Kellet Cristián , Cabalín Carolina , Hoyos‐Bachiloglu Rodrigo , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Cossio María Laura , Le Roy Catalina , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is common among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and often associated with severity. However, randomized trials of VD supplementation in AD have had equivocal results, and there is little information regarding the effect of VD supplementation on type 2 immunity in AD patients.

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of VD supplementation to decrease severity of AD and to alter type 2 immunity biomarkers.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. We randomly assigned 101 children with AD to weekly oral vitamin D3 (VD3) or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the Severity Scoring of AD (SCORAD).

Results

Mean age of subjects was 6.3 ± 4.0 years, and baseline SCORAD was 32 ± 29. At baseline, 57% of children were VD deficient, with no difference between groups. Change in 25(OH)D was significantly greater with VD3 than placebo (+43.4 ± 34.5 nmol/L vs. +2.3 ± 21.2 nmol/L, p < 0.001). SCORAD change at 6 weeks was not different between VD and placebo (−5.3 ± 11.6 vs. −5.5 ± 9.9, p = 0.91). There were no significant between‐group differences in change of eosinophil counts, total IgE, Staphylococcal enterotoxin specific IgE, CCL17, CCL22, CCL27, LL‐37 or Staphylococcus aureus lesional skin colonization. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms FokI, ApaI and TaqI did not modify subjects' response to VD supplementation.

Conclusions

Among children with AD, weekly VD supplementation improved VD status but did not modify AD severity or type 2 immunity biomarkers compared to placebo (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01996423).
Redescription of Cyprinion muscatense (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) with the first phylogenetic analysis of the genus
Authors: Esmaeili Hamid Reza , Masoumi Amir Hassan , Sayyadzadeh Golnaz , Zarei Fatah , Maclaine James
Published: March 2024

Members of the genus Cyprinion (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) are found in the Indus River basin west to the Arabian Peninsula and the Tigris‐Euphrates River drainages (Persian Gulf basin). The taxonomic status of Cyprinion including Cyprinion muscatense is poorly understood when compared to other cyprinid genera. C. muscatense has been considered as a member of the Cyprinion watsoni‐microphthalmum group and a valid species endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. Here, we redescribe C. muscatense based on an integrative morphological and molecular approach and freshly sampled material from several localities in the Oman Mountains ecoregion. The results showed that C. muscatense is distinguished from the other Cyprinion species in the Arabian Peninsula by having a short, thin, and slightly serrated last unbranched dorsal fin ray; the lower number of circumpeduncular scales; lateral line scales; and also scales between the lateral line and the dorsal‐fin origin. Subterminal mouth, presence of one pair of small barbels at the mouth corner, 3–4 unbranched and 9½–10½ dorsal‐fin branched rays, 12–14 pectoral‐fin rays, 7–8 pelvic‐fin rays, 2–3 unbranched and 6½–7½ branched anal‐fin rays, and 37–40 lateral line scales are other morphological characteristics of C. muscatense. C. muscatense is also well distinguished by molecular characters among its congeners. The first molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus, covering all currently recognized Cyprinion species except for C. watsoni, is also presented. C. muscatense is resolved as the sister species to another endemic fish of the Arabian Peninsula Cyprinion mhalense, with a Kimura‐2‐Parameter model distance of 5.3%.
Effect of different ultrasound conditions and other parameters on solids gain, water loss, and properties of osmotically dehydrated carrots
Authors: Basumatary Smriti , Sarkar Bhaswati , Singh Awanish , Sit Nandan
Published: March 2024

Osmotic dehydration (OD) of carrots was studied by varying the OD conditions (ultrasound as pretreatment [USP], ultrasound‐assisted OD [USOD], and OD without ultrasound [no treatment]), solute concentration (50, 60, and 70°Brix) and solid‐to‐solution ratio (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5). The osmotically dehydrated carrots obtained from the different combinations were then analyzed for solid‐gain (SG) and water loss. Color and texture measurements along with carotenoid content were also studied. Among the different solid‐to‐solution ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5), samples dehydrated with 1:4 yielded the best result for different tests. USOD samples (1:4) gave significantly (p < 0.05) better results for water‐loss (68.74%) and SG (16.57%) as compared to SG of USP (12.46%) and SG of non‐treated samples (11.6%). USOD samples underwent the least amount of color change but had significantly higher values of hardness (240.38 N) than other treatments. The yield of total carotenoids was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the USOD samples (22.30 mg/100 g) when compared with USP (18.27 mg/100 g) and non‐treated samples (13.94 mg/100 g). The better quality of products from USOD treatment in terms of color, texture, and nutrition can make it a popular choice in the food industry for various applications.

Practical applications

Osmotic dehydration (OD) is a useful technique to preserve the nutritional and sensory qualities of carrots and extend its shelf life. OD is a time‐consuming process and the rate of mass transfer from foods can be increased when OD is combined with other processes. Ultrasound (US) processing is a non‐thermal process that can be used to increase the mass transfer rate during the OD process. In the present work, US was applied as a pretreatment before carrying out the OD process and during the OD process, that is, US was applied in the osmotic solution after putting the carrot slices to see which method was better in increasing the mass transfer rate and preserving the quality of the dehydrated carrots. The findings will help in deciding the proper way for US to be applied for the OD process for carrots and can be extended to other fruits and vegetables.
Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding, and Lactating Parents’ Experiences With Online Support Groups: An Integrative Review
Authors: Reicher Haley K. , Spatz Diane L.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The aim of this integrative review is to understand (1) how parents in specific populations engage with online breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or lactation support groups, (2) how these support groups influence extended breastfeeding duration and other outcomes, and (3) whether the use of support groups by these specific populations has changed since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Of the articles identified across 4 electronic databases, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria; they were published between 2013 and 2023, written in English, and focused on the use of online peer support groups for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and lactation support in specific populations. Eight of these studies are qualitative, 1 is a randomized controlled trial, and 1 is mixed methods.

Results

Eight themes were identified: (1) overcoming lack of real world support, (2) normalization, (3) practical support, (4) emotional support and shared experiences, (5) building a bridge to in‐person relationships, (6) reciprocity and activism, (7) self‐efficacy and outcomes, and (8) issues with online support groups.

Discussion

Specific subpopulations of breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and lactating parents and their partners found comfort in online support groups because they normalized more unique feeding practices and offered a space to provide and receive encouragement. Additionally, this review includes fathers/partners as a previously ignored subpopulation who benefit from education and support with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and lactation. This subpopulation is also an area for expanded research on the use of online support groups by partners of lactating parents.
Xanthurenic acid: A role in brain intercellular signaling
Authors: Maitre Michel , Taleb Omar , Jeltsch‐David Hélène , Klein Christian , Mensah‐Nyagan Ayikoe‐Guy
Published: March 2024

Xanthurenic acid (XA) raises a growing multidisciplinary interest based upon its oxidizing properties, its ability to complex certain metal ions, and its detoxifier capacity of 3‐hydroxykynurenine (3‐HK), its brain precursor. However, little is still known about the role and mechanisms of action of XA in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, many research groups have recently investigated XA and its central functions extensively. The present paper critically reviews and discusses all major data related to XA properties and neuronal activities to contribute to the improvement of the current knowledge on XA's central roles and mechanisms of action. In particular, our data showed the existence of a specific G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) for XA localized exclusively in brain neurons exhibiting Ca2+‐dependent dendritic release and specific electrophysiological responses. XA properties and central activities suggest a role for this compound in brain intercellular signaling. Indeed, XA stimulates cerebral dopamine (DA) release contrary to its structural analog, kynurenic acid (KYNA). Thus, KYNA/XA ratio could be fundamental in the regulation of brain glutamate and DA release. Cerebral XA may also represent an homeostatic signal between the periphery and several brain regions where XA accumulates easily after peripheral administration. Therefore, XA status in certain psychoses or neurodegenerative diseases seems to be reinforced by its brain‐specific properties in balance with its formation and peripheral inputs.

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MoAti1 mediates mitophagy by facilitating recruitment of MoAtg8 to promote invasive growth in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Shi Huanbin , Meng Shuai , Qiu Jiehua , Xie Shuwei , Jiang Nan , Luo Chaoxi , Naqvi Naweed I. , Kou Yanjun
Published: March 2024

Mitophagy is a selective autophagy for the degradation of damaged or excessive mitochondria to maintain intracellular homeostasis. In Magnaporthe oryzae, a filamentous ascomycetous fungus that causes rice blast, the most devastating disease of rice, mitophagy occurs in the invasive hyphae to promote infection. To date, only a few proteins are known to participate in mitophagy and the mechanisms of mitophagy are largely unknown in pathogenic fungi. Here, by a yeast two‐hybrid screen with the core autophagy‐related protein MoAtg8 as a bait, we obtained a MoAtg8 interactor MoAti1 (MoAtg8‐interacting protein 1). Fluorescent observations and protease digestion analyses revealed that MoAti1 is primarily localized to the peripheral mitochondrial outer membrane and is responsible for recruiting MoAtg8 to mitochondria under mitophagy induction conditions. MoAti1 is specifically required for mitophagy, but not for macroautophagy and pexophagy. Infection assays suggested that MoAti1 is required for mitophagy in invasive hyphae during pathogenesis. Notably, no homologues of MoAti1 were found in rice and human protein databases, indicating that MoAti1 may be used as a potential target to control rice blast. By the host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) strategy, transgenic rice plants targeted to silencing MoATI1 showed enhanced resistance against M. oryzae with unchanged agronomic traits. Our results suggest that MoATI1 is required for mitophagy and pathogenicity in M. oryzae and can be used as a target for reducing rice blast.