bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space‐for‐time substitutions exaggerate urban bird–habitat ecological relationships
Authors: Eyster Harold N. , Chan Kai M. A. , Fletcher Morgan E. , Beckage Brian
Published: November 2024

North American bird abundance has declined by 29% over the last 50 years. These continental population dynamics interact with local landscape changes to affect local bird diversity. Mitigating local declines in cities is particularly significant because (a) such declines greatly impact human–bird relationships since most people live in cities and (b) cities provide levers to create bird‐friendly habitat, such as managing yards and gardens, street trees, and urban parks.

Yet, the potential for cities to modify habitats to mitigate broader bird declines remains unclear. Studies have been stymied by the difficulty of assembling mutidecadal habitat–bird population datasets. Instead, studies have substituted space for time (e.g. used habitat associations across space at one time point to project future species abundance due to changing land use), but this method may fail amidst nonstationary environments of the Anthropocene.

Here, we test the validity of space‐for‐time substitutions for explaining changes in bird abundance in a North American city over the past two decades by examining the degree to which these changes are explainable by changes in local landcover at multiple spatial scales. Specifically, we use longitudinal urban bird surveys of Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada from 1997 and 2020; deep learning models of remote sensing data to classify contemporaneous landcover; out‐of‐sample prediction and boosted regression trees to identify multiple spatial scales of landcover that best explained bird abundance (i.e. optimal scale of effect for each species by each habitat); and Bayesian multispecies abundance models in Stan to determine relationships between changes in landcover and bird abundance.

We found that total bird abundance declined by 26% over the last two decades. Landcover measured at both 50 m and optimal scales explained spatial variation in bird abundance, but only landcover at the optimal scale explained temporal changes, and only partially.

These results suggest that space‐for‐time substitutions overemphasize habitat–bird ecological relationships, urban habitats only partially determine bird abundance, and measuring habitat at the appropriate scale is important for capturing the most relevant changes in landscapes.
The diagnostic utility of prehospital hyperglycaemia in major trauma patients: An observational study
Authors: Shahab Jordi , Noonan Michael , Cox Shelley , Nehme Ziad , Shepherd Matthew , Meadley Ben , Mitra Biswadev , Olaussen Alexander
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Stress‐induced hyperglycaemia (SIH) is an elevated blood glucose level (≥11.1 mmol/L) in patients experiencing physiological stress, in the absence of diabetes mellitus. Although early in‐hospital SIH has been associated with worse outcomes following major trauma, the predictive value of SIH in the prehospital setting has not been established. To investigate the role of prehospital SIH as a predictor of in‐hospital mortality following major trauma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of non‐diabetic, adult major trauma patients was undertaken to determine the association between prehospital SIH and in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ED disposition and ED length of stay.

Results

Of 1179 trauma patients included, 89 (8%) had SIH. Prehospital SIH was associated with higher Injury Severity Scores (median (interquartile range): 25 (17–33) vs 17 (14–25)), lower GCS (GCS 3–7: 48.3% vs 10.9%, P < 0.001), lower systolic BP (mean (SD): 122 (44.0) vs 133 (30.3)), lower oxygen saturations (mean (SD): 88% (16) vs 96% (7)) and abnormal heart and respiratory rate. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 9.9% in non‐SIH patients and 42.7% among patients with SIH (odds ratio (OR): 6.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.3–10.8, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating curve for blood glucose alone in predicting mortality was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.60–0.70). Prehospital blood glucose was an independent predictor of mortality after adjustment for age, sex, GCS and vital signs (adjusted OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5–5.5, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated an association between prehospital SIH and in‐hospital mortality following major trauma. Further prospective research is warranted to examine the utility and integration of prehospital SIH into predicting models of trauma care.
Disposable e‐cigarettes: Prevalence of use in Germany from 2016 to 2023 and associated user characteristics
Authors: Klosterhalfen Stephanie , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Kotz Daniel
Published: November 2024

Aims

To provide data on prevalence and trends in the use of different types of e‐cigarettes (disposable, pod, tank) in Germany (a country with high smoking prevalence of approximately 30%) from 2016 to 2023, and to analyse the characteristics and smoking behaviours of users of these types.

Design

A series of nationally representative cross‐sectional face‐to‐face household surveys.

Setting

General population of Germany, 2016–2023.

Participants

A total of 92 327 people (aged ≥14 years) of which 1398 reported current use of e‐cigarettes.

Measurements

Type of e‐cigarette usually used (single choice: disposable, pod, or tank), person characteristics, and smoking/vaping behaviour.

Findings

E‐cigarette use in the population of Germany has increased from 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1,2.2) in 2016 to 2.2% (95% CI = 1.6,3.0) at the end of 2023. Disposable e‐cigarette use has increased in this period from 0.1% (95% CI = 0.0,0.3) to 0.8% (95% CI = 0.4,1.8). Pod type use exhibited the most stable trend, with a steady rise to 0.6% (95% CI = 0.4,0.9) in 2023. Tank e‐cigarette use peaked at 1.6% (95% CI = 1.3,1.9) in November 2017, declined to 0.7% (95% CI = 0.6,0.9) in December 2020, and has since remained constant at 0.8% (95% CI = 0.6,1.0). Disposable e‐cigarette users were on average 3.5 and 4.1 years younger than tank and pod users, respectively. They were more likely than tank users to be female, non‐daily users, and dual users of tobacco. In the subgroup of dual users, there were no significant differences with regard to urges to smoke, cigarettes smoked per day, motivation to stop, and attempts to stop smoking between users of disposables and other types.

Conclusions

The use of e‐cigarettes has increased in Germany from 2016 to 2023, especially that of disposable e‐cigarettes, which are now the most commonly used type with a prevalence rate of 0.8%. However, the use of e‐cigarettes is still much lower compared with tobacco smoking.
Putting Big Tech in its place: A view of the virtual from Los Angeles
Authors: Messeri Lisa
Published: November 2024

This article considers how ideas about technology take on distinct and divergent meanings in different centers of power. Through a study of the virtual reality (VR) community in Los Angeles, I identify concepts and ideas that seem to immutably travel between LA and San Francisco's Silicon Valley but that through ethnographic examination reveal flexible, local meanings. VR's charismatic identification as an empathy machine, connections between storytelling and innovation, and appeals to workforce diversity all travel widely through networks occupied by tech elites. While these common concerns were discussed in multiple places, attention to local differences revealed the flexible meanings attached to these conversations. This, in turn, surfaced overlooked narratives and understudied networks of power that expand the terrain upon which VR in specific and tech in general can be critiqued and understood.
Examining the impacts of school bus travel on students' academic performance in two major cities
Authors: Lutz Kerstyn L. , Rakowska Scarlett B. , Adams Matthew D.
Published: November 2024

School buses are a prevalent mode of school travel that may negatively affect students’ academic performance due to numerous factors, including longer commutes. These extended travel times can introduce or exacerbate mental and physical stressors, including air pollution exposure and bullying, while reducing opportunities for health‐promoting activities like physical activity and sleep. While a few researchers have explored the effects of school bus transportation on academic achievement, the research is limited. In this study, we used data from two major Canadian cities, Toronto and Ottawa, to investigate the relationship between the proportion of students commuting by bus to and from school and the percentage meeting standards on standardized tests. We employed beta regression models to analyze performance in reading, writing, math, and literacy across Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10 while controlling for family and income variables that may influence school travel mode and student achievement. Our findings indicate a significant inverse correlation between school bus transportation and academic achievement for Grade 10 literacy. Longer commutes appear to impair academic performance, given that Grade 10 students presumably spend more time on the bus than younger students. Notably, the negative effects on literacy outcomes are greater than on math.
Vicarious death: Grief, politics, and identity after the flight PS752 tragedy
Authors: Bayatrizi Zohreh , Erfani Rezvaneh , Torabi Samira
Published: November 2024

In January 2020, Ukrainian Flight PS752 was shot down shortly after take‐off from Tehran's IKA airport, killing all 176 passengers, the majority of whom were headed to Canada via connecting flights. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many among the Iranian diaspora in Canada, ourselves included, were stricken by an unexpectedly deep sense of shock and sorrow, to the point that some experienced what we term as “vicarious death.” Drawing on 49 in‐depth interviews with the Iranian diaspora in Edmonton, this study explores questions about how being an immigrant, being far from “Home,” and being a member of a racialized group might shape and deepen the experience of collective grief and how, conversely, collective grief might influence the meaning of “Home” and bring into question one's ethno‐national self‐identity. Our results present a multi‐dimensional, sociological understanding of grief as a collective, rather than individualistic, experience and highlight the complexity and depth of emotional experiences among immigrants.
Evaluation of Internal and External Hexagon Connections in Immediately Loaded Full‐Arch Rehabilitations: A Multicenter Randomized Split‐Mouth Controlled Trial With a 6‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Bagnasco Francesco , Menini Maria , Pesce Paolo , Gibello Umberto , Carossa Massimo , Pera Francesco
Published: November 2024

Background

Full‐arch immediate loading rehabilitations are now a widely used rehabilitation method that guarantees predictable medium‐ and long‐term results. Numerous factors can influence its success and stability in the medium and long term. Among these the implant‐abutment connection seems to play an important role, however there is still little information on which is the most suitable in this type of treatment.

Purpose

The aim of the present multicenter split‐mouth controlled trial is to evaluate whether external hexagonal connections (EHC) and internal hexagonal connections (IHC) can influence success, bone resorption and peri‐implant parameters in immediate‐load full‐arch rehabilitations.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients were rehabilitated with immediately loaded fixed full‐arch rehabilitations. All the implants presented the same macro‐ and micro‐topography but different implant‐abutment connection. IHC were used in one randomly selected side of the jaw and EHC was used in the other side. Outcome measures were implant survival rate, peri‐implant marginal bone loss (MBL), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BoP) evaluated at 3, 6, 12, 36, and 72‐month post‐loading. Technical and biological complications were recorded.

Results

In 20 patients, 43 EHC and 40 IHC implants were placed. Between 32 and 72 months of follow‐up two patients withdrew (died) and no implants were lost. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 97.44% for EHC implants and 97.22% for IHC implants. The MBL presented a resorption of 2 mm in the EHC group and 1.9 mm in the IHC group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the parameters at any time. No biological or technical complications were detected between the 36th and 72nd month of follow‐up.

Conclusions

After 72 months in function, both internal and external hexagon connections provided good clinical outcomes and were not associated with any significant difference in the clinical outcomes.
A homozygous TARS2 variant is a novel cause of syndromic neonatal diabetes
Authors: Donis Russell , Patel Kashyap A. , Wakeling Matthew N. , Johnson Matthew B. , Amoli Masha M. , Yildiz Melek , Akçay Teoman , Aspi Irani , Yong James , Yaghootkar Hanieh , Weedon Michael N. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Flanagan Sarah E. , De Franco Elisa
Published: November 2024

Aims

Neonatal diabetes is a monogenic condition which can be the presenting feature of complex syndromes. The aim of this study was to identify novel genetic causes of neonatal diabetes with neurological features including developmental delay and epilepsy.

Methods

We performed genome sequencing in 27 individuals with neonatal diabetes plus epilepsy and/or developmental delay of unknown genetic cause. Replication studies were performed in 123 individuals with diabetes diagnosed aged ≤1 year without a known genetic cause using targeted next‐generation sequencing.

Results

Three individuals, all diagnosed with diabetes in the first week of life, shared a rare homozygous missense variant, p.(Arg327Gln), in TARS2. Replication studies identified the same homozygous variant in a fourth individual diagnosed with diabetes at 1 year. One proband had epilepsy, one had development delay and two had both.

Biallelic TARS2 variants cause a mitochondrial encephalopathy (COXPD‐21) characterised by severe hypotonia, epilepsy and developmental delay. Diabetes is not a known feature of COXPD‐21. Current evidence suggests that the p.(Arg327Gln) variant disrupts TARS2's regulation of the mTORC1 pathway which is essential for β‐cells.

Conclusions

Our findings establish the homozygous p.(Arg327Gln) TARS2 variant as a novel cause of syndromic neonatal diabetes and uncover a role for TARS2 in pancreatic β‐cells.
Preparation of Cf/Si3N4 composites based on vat photopolymerization combined with precursor infiltration and pyrolysis
Authors: Wang Xuye , Li Shan , Duan Wenyan , Li Yalin , Liu Bingshan , Wang Gong , Cui Congcong , Li Wei , Chen Fei
Published: November 2024

The development of vat photopolymerization (VPP) 3D printing technology has created the conditions for the fabrication of complex structured Si3N4 ceramics. However, Si3N4 ceramics produced through VPP often lack sufficient mechanical properties, which limiting their applications. This study introduces short carbon fibers (Cf) into the VPP‐Si3N4 ceramics, combined with the polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process, to prepare Cf/Si3N4 composites. The effect of Cf content on slurry preparation, green part printing, and mechanical properties of the Cf/Si3N4 composites was systematically investigated. The results indicate that Cf significantly enhances the mechanical properties of Cf/Si3N4 composites. At 6 wt.% Cf content, the samples exhibit the highest strength and fracture toughness, reaching 183.2 MPa and 6.2 MPa·m1/2, respectively, representing increases of 29.7% and 92.3% compared to samples without Cf. The improvement in mechanical properties is partly due to the ‘pinning effect’ of Cf, which enhances interlayer bonding strength in the printed green parts, positively impacting the overall mechanical properties of the composites. Additionally, inherent toughening mechanisms of Cf, such as fiber pull‐out, crack deflection, and crack bridging, further enhance the composite's mechanical properties. This study confirms the feasibility of using Cf to enhance the mechanical properties of VPP‐Si3N4 ceramic.
Ceramic membranes production using quartzite waste for treatment of domestic wastewater
Authors: França Simone A. S. , Santana Lisiane N. L. , Rodriguez Miguel A. , Menezes Romualdo R. , Arimatéia Rafaela R. , Lira Hélio L.
Published: November 2024

In this work, flat ceramic membranes were prepared using ball clay, quartzite waste, and corn starch as porogenic agent. The raw materials were characterized by X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The compositions were characterized by the following techniques: X‐ray diffraction and heating microscopy. The membranes were produced using the uniaxial pressing process and sintered at different temperatures (900, 1000 and 1100°C). Subsequently, they were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, mercury porosimetry, flexural strength, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membrane contents 20 wt.% of corn starch sintered at 1000°C was selected because it has porosity of 35%, pore size of 1.3 µm, flexural strength of 8.6 MPa and permeability of 203 L.h−1.m−2.bar−1. The microfiltration membrane was tested in the treatment of domestic laundry wastewater and showed good decreasing (>91%) of turbidity and clarification of the wastewater.
Competition between surficial and volumetric diffusion in sintering TiO2 polymorphs by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Li Jiang , Yang Haozhen , Yin Deqiang , Pi Wenli
Published: November 2024

The competition between surficial and volumetric diffusion during the sintering process for ceramic polymorphism at different sintering temperatures is worth deeply exploring. In the current work, various sintering cases of mixed TiO2 nanoparticles with rutile and anatase types were investigated and the effects of crystalline phase, sintering temperature, and particle size on the sintering process were systematically investigated. The difference in thermodynamic stability and surficial activity of the crystalline phase could promote the decomposition and densification of the nanoparticles. Comparing the mixed‐phase sintering process at different sintering temperatures, the results showed that the particle binding process at low temperature relied mainly on surficial diffusion, however, volumetric diffusion played a crucial role at high temperature. The internal occurrence of volumetric diffusion inhibited the surficial diffusion, resulting in a smaller diameter of the sintering neck and a different sintering rate. In the case of sintering three nanoparticles with rutile and anatase types, it could be found that the decomposition of nanoparticles is more uniform in mixed‐phase sintering at high temperatures and the sintering rate is not significantly influenced by the sintering temperature. This work demonstrates the advantage of a mixed‐phase sintering strategy for TiO2 nanoparticles, which could provide insight into ceramic materials with polymorphism.
Fabrication of BiScO3–PbTiO3/epoxy 1–3 piezoelectric composites for high‐temperature transducer applications
Authors: Hu Liqing , Jin Ruoqi , Qiu Chenyu , Ren Xiaodan , Wang Sanhong , Xu Zhuo , Tian Hua , Li Xiaotian , Yan Yongke
Published: November 2024

1–3 piezoelectric composites are widely used in piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers due to their high thickness electromechanical coupling factor. However, the applications of the composites in high‐temperature fields are limited by the low heat resistance of both the piezoelectric and polymer phases. To tackle this, we designed and fabricated the BiScO3–PbTiO3/epoxy high‐temperature 1–3 piezoelectric composites. These composites exhibit a high thickness electromechanical coupling factor kt of 63%, a large piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 470 pC/N, and a pure thickness vibration mode. Furthermore, we fabricated a high‐temperature transducer based on the BiScO3–PbTiO3/epoxy 1–3 composites. The bandwidths of the composites measured in water and silicone oil (30% and 23%, respectively) are approximately 1.65 times greater than those of monolithic piezoelectric ceramics (18% and 14%, respectively). The bandwidth of the transducer can be increased to 78% by adding a porous alumina backing layer, with the working temperature reaching up to 300°C. The results indicate that the BS–PT/epoxy 1–3 composite is a potential candidate for high‐temperature transducer applications.
Nursing practice of the prevention and control guidelines for vascular catheter‐related bloodstream infections
Authors: Yang Qingyan , Li Jingna , Ai Xiaoyan , He Ruijing , Yan Bing , Cui Zhiqiang , Liang Tao
Published: November 2024

Objective

To apply the Ottawa Model of Research Use to translate the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Vascular Catheter‐Associated Bloodstream Infections.

Methods

The Ottawa model of research use is used to provide a framework and guidance. This study was organized by the Nursing Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, and the Intravenous Therapy Group was responsible for the implementation of the study. The hospital's intravenous therapy administrators, members of the sedation team, and specialist nurses will be organized to evaluate the importance, exactness, and clinical practicability of 34 entries. Twelve clinical departments and intravenous therapy clinics with a high number of central venous catheters were used as sites for translating evidence from this project. The evidence‐based team assessed the practice environment, potential practitioners, and clinical status of clinical translation of evidence through symposia, review of relevant systems, operational procedures, on‐site inspections, and questionnaires. They compare evidence with existing processes and decide on change strategies.

Results

Before and after the application of the evidence, there was a significant increase in the knowledge, belief, and behavior of healthcare workers on CLABSI prevention and control, especially in the acquisition of related knowledge (χ2 = 26.648 p < 0.001). The associated implementation rate was also significantly improved, with a significant decrease in CLABSI incidence from 0.29 per 1000 to 0.11 per 1000 (χ2 = 8.625 p = 0.004). The assessment of the integration of issues showed that 8 aspects, including workflow, knowledge mastery, monitoring reports, and aseptic operations, do not meet the qualified standards.

Conclusion

Through this clinical change, a perfect prevention and control system has been established, and the level of knowledge, belief, and behavior of medical staff in preventing CLABSI has been improved, while the incidence of CLABSI has been reduced.
A new species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins
Authors: Araújo Felipe , Ferreira Marlon , Monteiro Iann , Wosiacki Wolmar
Published: November 2024

The Hypancistrus genus is recognized in the Río Orinoco basin and Rio Xingu in the Guiana and Brazilian Shields, respectively. Some of its species are important in ornamental fishing. Despite this significance, many other undescribed species are still awaiting to be named. Here we describe a new species of Hypancistrus found on bedrock in the Rio Tocantins, representing an extension of the distribution of the genus. Also, a multigene phylogeny is presented to evaluate the taxonomic position of this species concerning congeners. The new species differs from all congeners by (1) hypertrophied odontodes on cheeks reaching beyond the cleithrum, (2) a supraoccipital crest conspicuously elevated, (3) a supraorbital crest slightly convex, (4) oblique bars on the anterior part of the body, (5) a dark E‐shaped mark on the snout, (6) three oblique dark bars on the anterior part of the body and horizontal vermicular bars from the pectoral girdle to the posterior insertion of the dorsal fin, (7) a thin light gray bar on the posterior of the head extending across the branchial opening, (8) a tan background color, (9) a developed suspensorium with a diminished appendix in the metapterygoid, and (10) a dentary plate robust significantly fused with the angulo‐articular bone. The molecular phylogenetic results show the new species forming a group with Hypancistrus zebra (Brazilian Shield—Rio Xingu) as a clade, a sister group of a monophyletic group consisting of all congeners from the Río Orinoco.
Comparison of outcomes of labor induction with dinoprostone vaginal insert (PROPESS) and double balloon cook catheter in term nulliparous pregnancies
Authors: Li Shiyu , He Hua , Zheng Wenpei , Liu Jing , Chen Chaoli
Published: November 2024

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of dinoprostone vaginal insert (PROPESS) and double balloon cook catheter (DBC) in term nulliparous pregnancies.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1682 cases were enrolled, all of which were divided into two groups: PROPESS and DBC. The primary outcomes were rate of vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS) and successful VD within 24 h and CS indications; the secondary outcomes were labor duration, oxytocin augmentation, complications during labor, maternal/neonatal outcomes, and predictors of successful VD within 24 h.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the rates of VD between the PROPESS group (73.74%) and the DBC group (77.73%) (p = 0.36). The VD rate within 24 h was significantly higher in PROPESS group than in the DBC group (55.45% vs. 38.43%, p < 0.001). The occurrence of nonreassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) patterns was higher in the CS indications of the PROPESS group than in the DBC group (56.86% vs. 37.81%, p < 0.001). The oxytocin augmentation was significantly lower in the PROPESS group than in the DBC group (52.79% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.001). The incidence of chorioamnionitis was significantly higher in the DBC group as compared with PROPESS group (4.36% vs. 1.34%, p < 0.001), while neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups. PROPESS (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 2.478, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.718–3.574), oxytocin augmentation (p < 0.001, OR 32.759, 95% CI 20.654–51.958), and amniotomy (p = 0.016, OR 1.897, 95% CI 1.331–2.704) were predictors of VD within 24 h.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of delivery was comparable between the two groups. The PROPESS group resulted in a high successful VD rate within 24 h, although accompanied by NRFHR occurrence. Two cases with fetal presentation change (cephalic to breech) and four cases with umbilical cord prolapse were observed in the DBC group. PROPESS, oxytocin augmentation, and amniotomy were associated with VD interval within 24 h.
Propaganda and thought work in the Mao era: Absoluteness, sharp transitions, and political instability
Authors: Li Haoguang
Published: November 2024

This paper elucidates the reasons behind Deng Xiaoping's initiation of political reform from a propaganda perspective by examining the features of Mao's propaganda and thought work and their implications for the Chinese Communist Party, analyzing cases such as the “Two‐Hundred Policy,” the “Anti‐Rightist Campaign,” propaganda campaigns related to the USSR, and the transformation of Lin Biao's image. It argues that Mao's propaganda and thought work, characterized by their absoluteness and sharp transitions, were detrimental to the stability of the communist regime. These characteristics led to widespread indifference, distrust, and even resistance toward the Chinese Communist Party among the Chinese populace since the late Mao era. China had entered a post‐trust era, marked by a growing tendency among the populace to preemptively view official messages as untrustworthy. To restore the party's credibility, Deng Xiaoping initiated reforms in propaganda and thought work to address these shortcomings.
Characterisation of the Phenotypic Reaction of Brazilian Soybean Genotypes to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Borges A. B. , Huzar‐Novakowiski J. , Pasquali M. , Baretta D.
Published: November 2024

White mould is a disease caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and it is considered one of the most devastating diseases in soybean crops, causing huge losses in productivity. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the genetic control of this disease by characterising the phenotypic reaction of 67 Brazilian soybean genotypes to S. sclerotiorum under controlled conditions. Plants were artificially inoculated with mycelium discs when they reached the four‐node phenological stage. Symptoms of white mould developed in all soybean genotypes. The resistance reaction was characterised by measuring the length of lesions on the main stem at 7 days after inoculation. Of the 67 genotypes evaluated, nine showed greater resistance to S. sclerotiorum, including 17S‐01443‐L8, 16S‐00630‐L4, GER_00003, 13S‐00001‐L2/FPS 2457 RR, BMX Torque I2X, P95Y02 IPRO, 17S‐00842‐L5, HO Pirapó IPRO and TMG 2359 IPRO. Twenty‐three genotypes showed an intermediate response, while 35 genotypes showed greater susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum. Further studies should be conducted under field conditions with the soybean genotypes that showed greater resistance response to S. sclerotiorum under controlled conditions.
Understanding the longitudinal trends (2005–2018) and multilevel risk factors of complementary feeding in Guinea
Authors: Schwendler Teresa R. , Shakya Evaniya , Kodish Stephen R. , Na Muzi
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to define complementary feeding trends in Guinea from 2005 to 2018 and complementary feeding risk factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Data from 2005 to 2018 demographic health surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys were used to describe complementary feeding trends in Guinea. The most recent DHS was used to examine complementary feeding risk factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Complementary feeding indicators including introduction to complementary foods (INTRO), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were calculated based on the 2010 World Health Organisation guidance. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify significant risk factors (p < 0.05). Since 2005, there has been a marginal increase in MDD and MAD, but a decrease in INTRO and MMF. The 2018 DHS survey revealed various complementary feeding risk factors. At the individual level, travelling 1–60 min to get water was associated with decreased odds of meeting INTRO, while iron supplementation and maternal education were associated with increased odds of meeting MMF and MDD, respectively. Routine vitamin A supplementation, fever in the past 2 weeks, and low birth weight were associated with increased odds of meeting MAD. At the household level, being in a lower wealth quintile was associated with decreased odds of meeting MDD and MAD. National and subnational programmes and policies designed to improve infant and young child diets may consider tailored approaches that address the specific indicators and risk factors associated with poorer diets in this Guinean context.
What Predicts Gene Flow During Speciation? The Relative Roles of Time, Space, Morphology and Climate
Authors: Streicher Jeffrey W. , Lambert Shea M. , Méndez de la Cruz Fausto R. , Martínez‐Méndez Norberto , García‐Vázquez Uri Omar , Nieto Montes de Oca Adrián , Wiens John J.
Published: November 2024

The processes that restrict gene flow between populations are fundamental to speciation. Here, we develop a simple framework for studying whether divergence in morphology, climatic niche, time and space contribute to reduced gene flow among populations and species. We apply this framework to a model system involving a clade of spiny lizards (Sceloporus) occurring mostly in northeastern Mexico, which show striking variation in morphology and habitat among closely related species and populations. We developed a new time‐calibrated phylogeny for the group using RADseq data from 152 individuals. This phylogeny identified 12 putative species‐level clades, including at least two undescribed species. We then estimated levels of gene flow among 21 geographically adjacent pairs of species and populations. We also estimated divergence in morphological and climatic niche variables among these same pairs, along with divergence times and geographic distances. Using Bayesian generalised linear models, we found that gene flow between pairs of lineages is negatively related to divergence time and morphological divergence among them (which are uncorrelated), and not to geographic distance or climatic divergence. The framework used here can be applied to study speciation in many other organisms having genomic data but lacking direct data on reproductive isolation. We also found several other intriguing patterns in this system, including the parallel evolution of a strikingly similar montane blue–red morph from more dull‐coloured desert ancestors within two different, nonsister species.
Effect of infusion line connection and infusion line characteristics on start‐up fluid delivery from syringe infusion pumps used for microinfusion
Authors: Weiss Markus , Wendel‐Garcia Pedro David , Cannizzaro Vincenzo , Kleine‐Brueggeney Maren
Published: November 2024

Background

Connecting an infusion line to a closed stopcock results in pressurization of fluid within the syringe infusion pump assembly leading to flow irregularities when opening the stopcock and activating the pump.

Aims

It was the purpose of this study to assess the extent of pressurization under different conditions and its impact on start‐up fluid delivery.

Methods

Intraluminal pressures and start‐up fluid delivery at 1 mL/h flow rate were assessed with connection of the infusion line 1 min (delayed connection) or immediately after purging (immediate connection) using two different infusion lines made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE).

Results

Delayed connection resulted in an increase of intraluminal pressures from zero to 5.1 [4.5 to 5.7] mmHg with the PVC line and from zero to 47.1 [44.8 to 49.3] mmHg with the PE line (mean difference 42.0 [95% CI 39.3–44.7] mmHg; p < .0001). Immediate connection resulted in an increase of intraluminal pressures from zero to 44.3 [41.8–46.8] mmHg with the PVC line and from zero to 61.3 [57.2–65.4] mmHg with the PE line (mean difference 17.0 [95% CI 11.8–22.2] mmHg; p < .0001). The increase in intraluminal pressures was significantly higher with PE lines for both delayed and immediate connection when compared to the PVC lines (mean difference 29.5 [95% CI 19.3–39.7] mmHg; p < .0001). Related fluid volumes delivered at 10 s and 360 s after starting the pump ranged from −252% to 1321% (10 s) of expected infusion volumes and from 59% to 129% (360 s), respectively.

Conclusions

Both, timing of infusion line connection after purging and infusion line characteristics considerably affect intraluminal pressures and start‐up fluid delivery when connecting a new syringe infusion pump assembly to a closed stopcock. Consecutive alterations in drug administration can have considerable hemodynamic consequences when dealing with catecholamine infusions in critically ill patients.
Natural Killer Cell Phenotypes and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Kahan Riley H. , Abraham Nader , Lee Hui‐Jie , Ettenger Robert B. , Grimm Paul C. , Reed Elaine F. , Reeves R. Keith , Sarwal Minnie M. , Stempora Linda L. , Warshaw Barry L. , Kirk Allan D. , Martinez Olivia M. , Chambers Eileen T.
Published: November 2024

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells have gained recognition for playing an integral role in both alloimmunity and protective immunity, particularly viral infection control, in solid organ transplantation. Using data from the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children (CTOTC) study entitled, “Immune Development in Pediatric Transplantation,” (NCT00951353), we aimed to identify NK cell phenotypes that were associated with viral infection versus alloreactive events during the first year after transplantation. We also examined the relationship between NK cells with 7‐year patient and allograft survival using the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database.

Methods

A secondary analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 98 children aged 1–20 years old with kidney transplants was conducted using multiparameter flow cytometry for the following NK cell phenotypes: CD56bright, CD56dim, and CD56negative. We associated these phenotypes with either viral infection or alloimmunity (de novo donor‐specific antibody (dnDSA) development or acute rejection), using Fine‐Gray subdistribution hazard models for competing risks. Secondary outcomes included allograft and patient survival.

Results

We demonstrated that specific baseline NK cell phenotypes obtained prior to transplantation may be associated with either viral infection or alloimmunity. An elevation in CD56dim frequency was associated with an increased risk of infection, while an increase in CD56negative absolute count was associated with an increased risk of an alloimmune event. NK cells were not associated with graft survival.

Conclusions

NK cell phenotyping may be a useful tool to help differentiate infectious from alloimmune risk.
The first record of Gelidium divaricatum (Gelidiaceae, Rhodophyta) in Mexico based on a molecular and morphological approach
Authors: Quiroz‐González Nataly , Ponce‐Márquez Ma. Edith , Aguilar‐Estrada Luis Gabriel , Rodriguez Dení
Published: November 2024

The species Gelidium divaricatum was originally described from Hong Kong by G. Martens (1866). Mexico did not have any records of this species until the present study. The species was found from a study for which the research objective is to evaluate specimens of Gelidium collected in Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur (the entrance to the Gulf of California) using morphological and molecular techniques, including the rbcL marker. Phylogenetic analyses using the rbcL marker revealed that the studied specimens are in the same clade of G. divaricatum from the type locality with their sequence differences being less than 0.3%, indicating that the specimens are the same species as G. divaricatum. This is the first record of the species for Mexico. The most important morphological difference was the branching pattern, which was irregular to pinnate in the Hong Kong specimens, whereas it was simple or irregular in the Mexican thalli.
Implicit affective responses to suicide‐related stimuli: Differences as a function of suicide attempt history and concurrent substance use
Authors: Grove Jeremy L. , Tunno Angela M. , Cheek Shayna M. , Weller Bridget E. , Heilbron Nicole C. , Inscoe Adrienne B. , Payne B. Keith , Tyndal Tia L. , Goldston David B.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Individuals who are depressed, have suicide attempts, and a substance use disorder (SUD) may have different patterns of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and respond differently to cues associated with suicide and death.

Method

Implicit affective reactions to visual cues suggestive of suicide and death (as well as to pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral cues), were compared among three groups of hospitalized adults: (a) depressed patients without the histories of suicidal behavior (depression only), (b) depressed patients with suicide attempts, but no current substance abuse disorder (SA), and (c) depressed patients with both suicide attempts and substance use disorder (SA + SUD).

Results

The SA group demonstrated higher positive evaluations of visual cues associated with suicide and death when compared to the SA + SUD group. The SA + SUD group demonstrated the lowest positive evaluation of suicide‐related stimuli as well as less positive evaluation of visual cues of generally unpleasant stimuli.

Conclusion

Differences observed between SA and SA + SUD participants underscore differences in responses to cues related to suicide, which may reflect differences in mechanisms of risk.
Governing Access to Nationality Through Paperwork: The Discretionary Uses of Documentation for Naturalisation in Belgium, France and the United Kingdom
Authors: Sredanovic Djordje , Fargues Émilien
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we examine the discretionary uses of documentation in the implementation of naturalisation through a comparative perspective focusing on Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. We investigate the organisational and professional factors that are likely to impact variation in the uses of discretion based on documentation. Belgium, France and the United Kingdom represent three interesting case studies involving different actors with different mandates. In Belgium, municipal agents are responsible for a mandatory check of applicants' documents before transferring the naturalisation application to public prosecutors. While only the latter have the mandate to check that the legal requirements are met, most municipal agents are involved in the examination of the requirements. In France, before the digitisation of nationality acquisition in 2023, the initial acceptance of an application involved prefectural agents who had the power to refuse application registration if the documentation was deemed insufficient or ‘non‐compliant’. In the United Kingdom, ‘Nationality Checking Services’ (NCS) were available until 2019 in local register offices for an optional check of the application before the transfer to the Home Office, which remains the decision‐making body on nationality applications. As United Kingdom law regulates strictly immigration advice, NCSs were often unwilling to express themselves on the chances of an application. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork consisting of interviews with implementation agents in the three countries and observations of their interactions with applicants, this paper contributes to shedding light on what drives variations in the governance of access to nationality through paperwork.
A systematic review of virtual elective programmes for medical students
Authors: McCarron Luke , Sogandji Nihal , Coakham Luke , Zhu Lun , Zhou Yuhui , Lau Edward , Smith James N. , Arora Anmol , Tulinius Charlotte
Published: November 2024

Background

Clinical electives are a compulsory part of many medical courses, enabling students to gain exposure to foreign health systems. The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a surge in the development in virtual elective programmes, for which there had been a sparse evidence base. This is the first systematic review assessing the implementation, advantages and disadvantages of virtual elective programmes for medical students.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Databases were searched, capturing results from the past 10 years for original evaluations of electives where medical students engaged in a fully virtual programme with another institution, with no restrictions on location. Descriptive, quantitative and qualitative data were extracted by two independent reviewers.

Results

Fourteen articles were included for review. All the articles were published between 2020 and 2023. All studies were conducted in the United States of America. The average length of the virtual electives in the studies was 3 weeks, and a variety of teaching formats including virtual clinics, seminars and one‐on‐one meetings were implemented. Logistical considerations and challenges in delivering virtual electives included the variability in students' learning styles, reduction in patient interactions and technological challenges.

Discussion

Most included studies derived that these virtual electives would play a role in the future, possibly replacing in‐person electives. Positive attributes of virtual electives included increasing diversity of social backgrounds, high student satisfaction and interest and reducing harms to the environment. However, further research is required to thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of virtual electives in medical education.
Unique structural attributes of the PSI‐NDH supercomplex in Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Opatíková Monika , Kouřil Roman
Published: November 2024

Cyclic electron transport around photosystem I (PSI) is essential for the protection of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants under diverse light conditions. This process is primarily mediated by Proton Gradient Regulation 5 protein/Proton Gradient Regulation 5‐like photosynthetic phenotype 1 protein (PGR5/PGRL1) and NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex (NDH). In angiosperms, NDH interacts with two PSI complexes through distinct monomeric antennae, LHCA5 and LHCA6, which is crucial for its higher stability under variable light conditions. This interaction represents an advanced evolutionary stage and offers limited insight into the origin of the PSI‐NDH supercomplex in evolutionarily older organisms. In contrast, the moss Physcomitrium patens (Pp), which retains the lhca5 gene but lacks the lhca6, offers a glimpse into an earlier evolutionary stage of the PSI‐NDH supercomplex. Here we present structural evidence of the Pp PSI‐NDH supercomplex formation by single particle electron microscopy, demonstrating the unique ability of Pp to bind a single PSI in two different configurations. One configuration closely resembles the angiosperm model, whereas the other exhibits a novel PSI orientation, rotated clockwise. This structural flexibility in Pp is presumably enabled by the variable incorporation of LHCA5 within PSI and is indicative of an early evolutionary adaptation that allowed for greater diversity at the PSI‐NDH interface. Our findings suggest that this variability was reduced as the structural complexity of the NDH complex increased in vascular plants, primarily angiosperms. This study not only clarifies the evolutionary development of PSI‐NDH supercomplexes but also highlights the dynamic nature of the adaptive mechanisms of plant photosynthesis.
Global Hilbert expansion for some nonrelativistic kinetic equations
Authors: Lei Yuanjie , Liu Shuangqian , Xiao Qinghua , Zhao Huijiang
Published: November 2024

The Vlasov–Maxwell–Landau (VML) system and the Vlasov–Maxwell–Boltzmann (VMB) system are fundamental models in dilute collisional plasmas. In this paper, we are concerned with the hydrodynamic limits of both the VML and the noncutoff VMB systems in the entire space. Our primary objective is to rigorously prove that, within the framework of Hilbert expansion, the unique classical solution of the VML or noncutoff VMB system converges globally over time to the smooth global solution of the Euler–Maxwell system as the Knudsen number approaches zero. The core of our analysis hinges on deriving novel interplay energy estimates for the solutions of these two systems, concerning both a local Maxwellian and a global Maxwellian, respectively. Our findings address a problem in the hydrodynamic limit for Landau‐type equations and noncutoff Boltzmann‐type equations with a magnetic field. Furthermore, the approach developed in this paper can be seamlessly extended to assess the validity of the Hilbert expansion for other types of kinetic equations.