bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediating Effect of Job Burnout on the Relationship Between Organisational Support and Quiet Quitting in Nurses
Authors: Gün İbrahim , Balsak Habip , Ayhan Fatma
Published: November 2024

Aim

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential mediating role of job burnout in the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting among nurses. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the associations between organisational support, job burnout and quiet quitting.

Design

This study was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This descriptive and cross‐sectional study included a total of 383 nurses. The convenience sampling method was used, and the study was conducted in Türkiye. Self‐reported measures, which included organisational support, job burnout and the quiet quitting scale, were completed by using an online version of the scale.

Results

Statistically significant associations were found between organisational support, job burnout and quiet quitting. Organisational support had a significant negative effect on quiet quitting. Additionally, job burnout had a positive effect on quiet quitting behaviour. Moreover, job burnout partially mediated the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of considering job burnout as a critical factor in mitigating the positive effect of organisational support on quiet quitting. Prioritising the job burnout of healthcare workers plays a significant role in reducing quiet quitting behaviour through organisational support.

Impact

This study focused on how organisational support and burnout interact with quiet quitting, which is a current issue among nurses, and explained the mediating role of job burnout in the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting. The main findings of this research provide evidence that organisational support influences quiet quitting behaviour. Similarly, job burnout affects quiet quitting behaviour. Moreover, job burnout plays a mediating role in the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting behaviour. It has been proven that job burnout is a significant barrier to the impact of organisational support in reducing quiet quitting behaviour. This research will have an impact on the management and strategic planning of healthcare organisations.

Reporting Method

STROBE reporting method has been followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
The Behavior Problem Inventory‐Short Form: Psychometric Properties in a Spanish Sample of Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Reyes‐Martin Juliana , Simó‐Pinatella David , Andrés Ana
Published: November 2024

Background

Behavioural problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities have a negative impact on them. Limited assessment measures exist in Spain. This study aimed to validate the Behavior Problems Inventory‐Short Form (BPI‐S) in the Spanish population by examining its psychometric properties and factorial structures.

Method

This study included 458 individuals with intellectual disabilities evaluated by 137 professionals. The validity and reliability of the scale were examined.

Results

The validity of the measurement tool confirmed a three‐factor model. Significant correlations were observed between problem behaviours and maladaptive behaviour indicators, with negative associations found between problem behaviours and adaptive behaviour scores.

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the BPI‐S demonstrated good internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validities. The most common behaviours were identified, and the scale was refined to 28 items. The three‐factor model showed an acceptable fit. Further research is required to establish clinical norms and explore the factorial structures.
Latitudinal Patterns and Macroclimatic Drivers of Phylogenetic Structure in Regional Liverwort Assemblages in North America
Authors: Qian Hong , Qian Shenhua , Kessler Michael , Wang Jian
Published: November 2024

Aim

Most plant groups originated under tropical conditions, leading to the hypothesis of tropical niche conservatism, according to which species assemblages of a clade originating and diversifying in tropical climates are expected to have low phylogenetic diversity and dispersion in temperate climates because only few lineages have adapted to these novel conditions. The opposite may be expected for clades originating under temperate conditions, but this temperate niche conservatism hypothesis has not been tested for a broad temperature gradient including both tropical and arctic climates. Liverworts are thought to have originated in temperate climates, and may thus follow the pattern of temperate niche conservatism. Here, we test this hypothesis using regional liverwort floras across a nearly full temperature gradient from tropical through temperate to arctic climates in North America. In addition, we investigate whether temperature‐related variables and climate extreme variables play a more important role in determining phylogenetic structure of liverwort assemblages, compared to precipitation‐related variables and climate seasonality variables, respectively.

Location

North America.

Taxon

Liverworts (Marchantiophyta).

Methods

Phylogenetic diversity (measured as mean pairwise distance) and phylogenetic dispersion (measured as standardised effect size of mean pairwise distance) in liverworts in regional floras in North America were related to latitude and climatic variables. Variation partitioning analysis was used to assess the relative importance of temperature‐ versus precipitation‐related variables and of climate extremes versus seasonality on phylogenetic diversity and dispersion.

Results

Phylogenetic diversity and dispersion in liverworts is highest in temperate climates, compared to both tropical and arctic climates. Temperature‐related variables and climate extreme variables explained more variation in phylogenetic diversity and dispersion of liverwort assemblages than did precipitation‐related variables and climate seasonality variables, respectively.

Main Conclusions

Variations in phylogenetic diversity and dispersion in liverworts along the latitudinal gradient in North America are consistent with the temperate niche conservatism hypothesis.
Temperature Effects on the Distribution of Aragonitic and Calcite‐Secreting Epifaunal Bivalves
Authors: Eichenseer Kilian , Balthasar Uwe , Smart Christopher W. , Kiessling Wolfgang
Published: November 2024

Aim

To test if temperature significantly influences the global biogeographic distribution of marine epifaunal bivalves via their skeletal mineralogy.

Location

Global.

Taxa

Marine, epifaunal bivalves.

Methods

The skeletal mineralogy of 45,789 epifaunal bivalve occurrences from 669 species from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) was related to sea surface temperatures from Bio‐ORACLE. Binomial regression was used to assess the influence of temperature and seasonality on the distribution of aragonitic and calcite‐secreting bivalve occurrences, aggregated in equal‐area grid cells.

Results

The proportion of aragonitic bivalve occurrences significantly increases with mean annual temperature in our global analysis and most marine biogeographic realms. A greater prevalence of calcite‐secreting bivalves in seasonal climates could be shown at low mean annual temperatures at the global scale but not within biogeographic realms.

Main Conclusions

The global biogeographic distribution of epifaunal bivalves is significantly influenced by water temperature via their skeletal mineralogy. The mechanism driving this pattern is best explained by the temperature modulation of the effect of Mg2+ on calcite growth. Although this Mg2+ effect predicts an advantage for aragonite secretion at higher temperatures, poleward migration in response to higher temperature extremes will expose tropical taxa to cooler temperatures in the cold season, which may impede aragonite secretion in taxa not adapted to these climates.

Significance

Our results suggest that skeletal mineralogy is likely to influence ocean warming‐induced migration patterns.
Artificial intelligence‐aided colonoscopic differential diagnosis between Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Park Kwangbeom , Lim Jisup , Shin Seung Hwan , Ryu Minkyeong , Shin Hyungeun , Lee Minyoung , Hong Seung Wook , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Myung Seung‐Jae , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Namkug , Byeon Jeong‐Sik
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Differentiating between Crohn's disease (CD) and gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB) is challenging. We aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of an artificial intelligence (AI) model for this purpose.

Methods

The AI model was developed and assessed using an internal dataset comprising 1,132 colonoscopy images of CD and 1,045 colonoscopy images of GITB at a tertiary referral center. Its stand‐alone performance was further evaluated in an external dataset comprising 67 colonoscopy images of 17 CD patients and 63 colonoscopy images of 14 GITB patients from other institutions. Additionally, a crossover trial involving three expert endoscopists and three trainee endoscopists compared AI‐assisted and unassisted human interpretations.

Results

In the internal dataset, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AI model in distinguishing between CD and GITB were 95.3%, 100.0%, and 97.7%, respectively, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.997. In the external dataset, the AI model exhibited a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 77.8%, 85.1%, and 81.5%, respectively, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.877. In the human endoscopist trial, AI assistance increased the pooled accuracy of the six endoscopists from 86.2% to 88.8% (P = 0.010). While AI did not significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy for the experts (96.7% with AI vs 95.6% without, P = 0.360), it significantly improved accuracy for the trainees (81.0% vs 76.7%, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

This AI model shows potential in aiding the accurate differential diagnosis between CD and GITB, particularly benefiting less experienced endoscopists.
Motor signs and incident dementia with Lewy bodies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Liampas Ioannis , Siokas Vasileios , Stamati Polyxeni , Zoupa Elli , Tsouris Zisis , Provatas Antonios , Kefalopoulou Zinovia , Chroni Elisabeth , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Dardiotis Efthimios
Published: November 2024

Background

Motor signs may herald incident dementia and allow the earlier detection of high‐risk individuals and the timely implementation of preventive interventions. The current study was performed to investigate the prognostic properties of motor signs with respect to incident dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Emphasis was placed on sex differences. The specificity of these associations was explored.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. Participants 55 + years old with a diagnosis of MCI were included in the analysis. Those with Parkinson's disease (PD) or other parkinsonian disorders at baseline and those with PD dementia at follow‐up were excluded. UPDRS III was used to assess the presence or absence of motor signs in nine domains: hypophonia; masked facies; resting tremor; action/postural tremor; rigidity; bradykinesia; impaired chair rise; impaired posture/gait; postural instability. Αdjusted Cox proportional hazards models featuring sex by motor sign interactions were estimated.

Results

Throughout the average follow‐up of 3.7 ± 3.1 years, among 4623 individuals with MCI, 2211 progressed to dementia (66 of whom converted to DLB). Masked facies [HR = 4.21 (1.74–10.18)], resting tremor [HR = 4.71 (1.44–15.40)], and bradykinesia [HR = 3.43 (1.82–6.45)] exclusively increased the risk of DLB. The HR of DLB was approximately 15 times greater in women compared to men with masked facies. Impaired posture–gait (approximately 10 times) and resting tremor (approximately 8.5 times) exhibited a similar trend (prominent risk‐conferring properties in women compared to men) but failed to achieve statistical significance. Rigidity and hypophonia elevated the risk of other dementia entities, as well. The remaining motor features were not related to incident dementia of any type.

Conclusions

Specific motor signs may herald DLB among individuals with MCI. Different associations may exist between masked facies, impaired posture–gait, resting tremor, and incident DLB in men versus women.
A service evaluation of FODMAP restriction, FODMAP reintroduction and long‐term follow‐up in the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Foulkes Rosie , Shah Paru , Twomey Alice , Dami Lara , Jones Danielle , Lomer Miranda C. E.
Published: November 2024

Background

The dietary restriction of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), called the low‐FODMAP diet (LFD), is frequently used to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This service evaluation aimed to assess the long‐term effectiveness of the LFD in managing IBS symptoms and whether symptom response and dietary adherence to the LFD were associated.

Methods

This observational service evaluation collected data via questionnaires during clinical dietetic appointments for IBS management. Symptom severity was reported at baseline, short term (following FODMAP restriction) and long term (following FODMAP reintroduction). Additional data that captured experiences following the LFD were collected at long‐term follow‐up.

Results

Of 184 patients, 14% reported satisfactory relief from global symptoms at baseline, which increased to 69% at short‐term follow‐up and 57% at long‐term follow‐up (p < 0.001). The most notable improvements in individual symptoms between baseline and long‐term follow‐up were abdominal bloating (72% baseline, 48% long term, p < 0.001), abdominal pain (61% baseline, 30% long term, p < 0.001) and flatulence (71% baseline, 40% long term, p < 0.001). High adherence with the LFD at short‐term follow‐up was not associated with long‐term symptom improvement, but there was an association between long‐term adherence and global symptom severity (p = 0.032). Completion of FODMAP reintroduction as per protocol was associated with long‐term symptom improvement (p = 0.049).

Conclusions

The LFD is an effective treatment for managing IBS symptoms in the long term, particularly, when the diet is adhered to and reintroduction is completed as per dietetic education. Further randomised‐controlled trials are required to explore the cause‐and‐effect relationship between LFD and IBS symptom management.
The effect of subsidized flood insurance on real estate markets
Authors: Garbarino Nicola , Guin Benjamin , Lee Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Subsidized insurance against extreme weather events improves affordability among households in at‐risk areas but it can weaken the risk signal via property prices. Leveraging a granular data set of all property transactions and flood events in England, we study the effects of a reinsurance scheme that lowers insurance premiums for at‐risk properties. We document that the introduction of this scheme increases prices and transaction volumes of flood‐prone properties. This fully offsets the negative direct effects of flooding on property prices, with high‐income areas and high‐value properties benefiting relatively more. Our findings speak to the debate on climate adaptation policies and their consequences for wealth distribution.
National Health Education Standards: Model Guidance for Curriculum and Instruction (Third Edition)*
Authors: Birch David A. , McNeill Elisa Beth , Tappe Marlene , Ubbes Valerie A.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Since the 1990s, national standards have been developed in K‐12 subject areas. National standards in health education were first released in 1995 with a second set released in 2007. A third edition, the  National Health Education Standards: Model Guidance for Curriculum and Instruction was developed in 2022 under the auspices of the National Consensus for School Health Education. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the third edition including descriptions of the development process; the 8 standards and aligned performance expectations; considerations related to the translation, dissemination, and implementation of the standards; and projections for potential impact regarding teaching and student outcomes.

METHODS

To develop new standards, the National Consensus formed 3 groups: the Management, Development, and Expert Review Groups. These groups employed an iterative process that included the development of 3 drafts of the standards before finalization. This process included a review of each draft by the 3 groups. The second draft included additional qualitative feedback from over 500 school health education leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders.

RESULTS

The third edition includes 8 standards with aligned performance expectations. A description and rationale are provided for each standard along with standard‐specific teaching guidance.

CONCLUSIONS

The third edition of the National Standards for School Health Education provides guidance to state departments of education and local schools in the development and implementation of health instruction that promotes meaningful learning to guide students in the promotion of their own health and the health of others.
Classroom Instruction During Study Abroad: A Comparative Exploration of Chinese Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Chen Junming , Howard Martin
Published: November 2024

Exploring the underinvestigated area of instruction during study abroad, this article offers a quantitative study of linguistic development among second language university learners of Chinese during a semester in China. A comparison is made between learners following task‐based language teaching and a comparison group following a traditional approach at two proficiency levels. Spoken task data are analyzed within the framework of complexity, accuracy, and fluency. Quantitative findings point to enhanced linguistic development on the various measures used over the course of instruction abroad across the groups irrespective of instructional treatment and proficiency level. However, relative differences between the two groups point to an advantage of task‐based learning in a study‐abroad context. The findings are discussed in relation to the insights they allow into the role of different instructional treatments during study abroad, along with some directions for future research.
Safety and Feasibility of Internal Fixation Using Bioabsorbable Versus Titanium Materials for Short‐Level Lamina Reimplantation: A Comparative Clinical Study
Authors: Chen Dingbang , Song Jinhan , Zhang Luosheng , Gao Xin , Huang Quan , Yang Xinghai
Published: November 2024

Objective

Lamina‐implantation is gradually becoming the main surgical method for the treatment of intraspinal tumors. Traditional titanium (Ti) internal fixation not only produces artifacts, which affects the observation of tumors and dural sac closure, but also faces the problem of secondary surgical removal. In this study, absorbable material were used in lamina replantation for the first time and was evaluated for its efficacy and safety.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent short‐segment lamina replantation for intraspinal tumors in our center from February 2020 to November 2022. After condition matching of the number of fixation segment and fixation position, the baseline information, complications, neurological function, quality of life, spinal mobility and bone healing rate of the absorbable group and the Ti group were compared. Fisher exact, Chi‐square, or rank sum test were used for categorical variables, and t‐test was used for continuous variables to distinguish differences between groups.

Results

Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most common complication, with no difference between the two groups (12.9% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.366). The bone healing rates of the two groups at 3 months after surgery were 77.4% and 87.1%, respectively, and there was no significant difference (p = 0.508). At 1 year after surgery, the resorbable group showedlower levels of anxiety/depression (1.20 ± 0.41 vs. 1.61 ± 0.61, p = 0.050), however, it did not affect the overall quality of life of the patients at 1 year.

Conclusion

Both titanium and absorbable internal fixation have shown good clinical results in the treatment of intraspinal tumors by laminareplantation. Regardless of cost, absorbable screws and plates are also suitable options for patients undergoing lamina replantation, because it has no stress shielding effect and does not require secondary removal. In addition, there are no artifacts in the image, which is more conducive to observing the recurrence of the tumor and the closure of the dural sac.
Shrimp Intestinal Microbiota Homeostasis: Dynamic Interplay Between the Microbiota and Host Immunity
Authors: Zhou Kai‐Min , Liu Ping‐Ping , Yao Jia‐Yun , Vasta Gerardo R. , Wang Jin‐Xing , Wang Xian‐Wei
Published: November 2024

The shrimp intestine harbors a microbiota that has pivotal roles for host's physiology. Imbalance of shrimp intestinal microbiota has been shown closely related to the occurrence of diseases. The morphological and biological features of the shrimp intestine are considered suboptimal for stable microbial colonization, making the intestinal microbiota composition highly susceptible to the impact of environmental changes or stressors, and particularly unstable. Therefore, the relative unsteadiness of the microbiota composition represents a continuous threat to host survival. Shrimp intestinal microbiota homeostasis is achieved through a dynamic interplay between the microbiota and the host's innate immunity. The shrimp intestine possesses effective innate immune mechanisms that can suppress the uncontrolled proliferation of microbiota components, and simultaneously protect the microbiota from elimination. The mechanism(s) by which the microbial components and the intestinal innate immunity interact with each other to achieve homeostasis represents an interesting interplay between host and microbiota. This review summarizes the current knowledge about intestinal microbiota colonization in shrimp, as well as the intricate mechanisms employed by the intestinal immune system to regulate this microbiota. Moreover, the potential intervention strategies to promote and protect shrimp intestinal homeostasis by modulating the microbiota are also discussed. Thus, this review seeks to comprehensively analyze the current information and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the shrimp intestinal microbiota and innate immunity in maintaining shrimp intestinal homeostasis and overall health. This enhanced understanding may potentially open new avenues for aquaculture management and disease mitigation strategies, ultimately benefiting the shrimp farming industry.
Deep return of straw improves topsoil health and maize productivity more efficiently than shallow return
Authors: Li Jin , Jin Xinxin , Li Jiaqi , Li Xiaoyu , Han Yanyu , Dong Lili , Zou Hongtao
Published: November 2024

Straw return is an important nature‐based solution to identify optimal management practices to maintain cropland soil health and food security. However, there is still limited information available regarding the impacts of different straw return strategies on soil health, especially when considering a comprehensive assessment of soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Soil microorganisms are the core and key to maintaining soil health. The present research aims to determine the impact of straw return to different depths on soil health index (SHI) and crop productivity across different soil layers. We conducted a 3–year field experiment with four treatments: a blank control with no straw return (NR), straw return treatments with shallow return (SR), mulch return (MR) and deep return (DR), and the straw application rate was 10,500 kg/ha. The results showed that it was the microbial indicators that dominated the effects on soil health, rather than soil organic carbon (SOC). Specifically, we found that the SR treatment exhibited the highest extracellular enzyme activities of both hydrolases and oxidases in the subsoil, and the peroxidase (PEO) activity was 758.99 nmol/g/h. In addition, compared with MR and DR treatments, the abundance of symbiotroph fungi in SR treatment increased by 78.41% and 54.38%, releasing more nutrients to the soil. Hence, SR treatment increased SHI mainly by increasing the PEO activity and NO3−–N content, and SR treatment significantly increased SHI by 25.59% and 22.16% compared with MR and DR treatments. By contrast, the DR treatment greatly increased the topsoil SHI by 43.33% and 58.98% compared with SR and SM treatments, mainly due to the enhanced microbial biomass N (MBN) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). The DR treatment in topsoil had the lowest soil bulk density (BD) which enhanced Bacteroidota but decreased Methylomirabilota abundance, thus resulting in the accumulation of MBN. Moreover, DR treatment led the highest maize yield which increased with an increasing SHI. To conclude, DR treatment is an effective method to improve SHI and crop productivity in nutrient‐rich topsoil, while SR treatment has a much better effect in the subsoil. Our results will provide a theoretical paradigm for selecting straw return strategies, which is crucial for promoting soil health and food productivity, achieving high crop yields, and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Intrathecal enalapril reduces adhesion formation in experimentally induced digital flexor tendon sheath injuries in horses
Authors: Willette Jaclyn A. , Tsoi Mayra , Frobish Daniel , VanderBroek Ashley R.
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objectives of the study were to describe a standing percutaneous adhesion induction model in the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) of horses and to evaluate the effect of intrathecal administration of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril on tendon healing and adhesion formation.

Study design

Randomized, blinded, controlled experimental study.

Animals

Eight healthy horses.

Methods

A collagenase‐induced adhesion model was implemented in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) of both forelimbs under standing ultrasonographic guidance. Daily intrathecal injections of 5 mg enalapril (the treatment condition) were administered to a randomly assigned forelimb for 5 days, with the contralateral limb receiving an equivalent volume of 0.9% NaCl (the control). Lameness and limb circumference were recorded weekly. Horses were euthanized after 8 weeks and evaluated for gross digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) adhesions. Tendons were collected for histopathologic scoring of DDFT healing. Paired data were analyzed using a one‐sided alternative sign test and longitudinal regression.

Results

Multiple DFTS adhesions were formed in control limbs of all horses. The median number of gross DFTS adhesions in treated limbs was less than in control limbs (p = .0039). The average reduction in limb circumference and lameness scores over time occurred faster in treated versus control limbs (p < .025). There were no differences in DDFT histopathologic scores between groups.

Conclusion

The standing percutaneous DFTS adhesion induction model demonstrated that intrathecal enalapril reduced DFTS adhesion formation, lameness scores, and limb circumference over time.

Clinical significance

Intrathecal enalapril administration may reduce morbidity in horses with naturally occurring tendon injuries.
The scaling limit of random cubic planar graphs
Authors: Stufler Benedikt
Published: November 2024

We study the random cubic planar graph with an even number of vertices. We show that the Brownian map arises as Gromov–Hausdorff–Prokhorov scaling limit of as tends to infinity, after rescaling distances by for a specific constant . This is the first time a model of random graphs that are not embedded into the plane is shown to converge to the Brownian map. Our approach features a new method that allows us to relate distances on random graphs to first‐passage percolation distances on their 3‐connected core.
Probing trade-off between critical size and velocity in cold-pray: An atomistic simulation
Authors: Ghasemi Mahyar , Seifi Alireza , Kateb Movaffaq , Gudmundsson Jon Tomas , Brault Pascal , Marashi Pirooz
Published: November 2024

The detailed mechanism of bonding in the cold spray process has remained elusive for both experimental and theoretical parties. Adiabatic shear instability and hydrodynamic plasticity models have been so far the most popular explanations. Here, using molecular dynamics simulation, we investigate their validity at the nanoscale. The present study has potential applications in the fabrication of ultrathin layers in the electronics industry. For this aim, we considered Ti nanoparticles of different diameters and Si substrates of different orientations. It is shown that very high spray velocities are required for a jet to be observed at the nanoscale. We propose a method for thermostating the substrate that enables utilizing high spray velocities. For the first time, we demonstrate an oscillatory behavior in both the normal and radial stress components within the substrate that can propagate into the particle. We have shown that neither the adiabatic shear instability model nor the hydrodynamic plasticity model can be ignored at the nanoscale. In addition, the formation of a low-resistance titanium silicide proper for electronic application is illustrated.
Core-Temperature Responses at the 3-km World Aquatics Open-Water Swimming Masters Championships in Doha 2024
Authors: Esh Chris J. , Dablainville Valentin , Dalansi Feriel , Kathuria Sayyam , Cardinale Marco
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize core-temperature (Tc) responses of swimmers competing at the 2024 3-km World Aquatics Masters Open Water Swimming Championships. Methods: Within a cross-sectional observational study design, swimmers (n = 48 [23 male, 25 female]) ingested a telemetric Tc pill 4 hours before their race. Water temperatures were 20.9 °C (male; mean wet-bulb-globe temperature 25.9 °C) and 20.5 °C (female; mean wet-bulb-globe temperature: 25.4 °C). Linear mixed models determined differences between males and females for race-start, mean in-race, and peak Tc. Random coefficient models determined relationships between (1) sex, race time, body mass index (BMI), body-mass change or age, and Tc peak; (2) sex, race time, BMI, body-mass change or age, and Tc nadir; (3) sex, Tc peak, BMI, body-mass change or age, and race time, and (4) sex, Tc peak, BMI, body-mass change, or age and race ranking. Results: The mean in-race Tc was 37.8 °C (36.1–38.8 °C); however, there were highly variable individual Tc responses (−3.1 to +2.7 °C). One swimmer experienced mild hypothermia (Tc ≤ 35.0 °C), and 5 exceeded 39.0 °C, a risk factor for heat-related illness. There were no statistical differences between males and females for race-start, mean, and peak Tc (P ≥ .243). Higher peak Tc was associated with faster race time (P = .05), higher race rank (P = .027), and higher BMI (P = .001). Conclusions: Highly variable Tc responses (−3.1 to +2.7 °C) were observed, demonstrating that organizers of mass-participation open-water swimming events should always be prepared for, and provide facilities to treat, swimmers experiencing cold-/heat-related health incidents during competition.
Effects of Mental Fatigue on Depth Jump in Division I Female Soccer Players
Authors: Gaffney Madison M. , Ammon Robin , Yoon Jong-Sung , Yang Hyung Suk
Published: November 2024

Mental fatigue has been shown to hinder physical performance, especially in endurance-based sports. However, little research has been done concerning the impacts of mental fatigue on shorter maximal effort movements commonly encountered in sports activities, such as the depth jump. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mental fatigue on depth jump performance and lower limb kinematics in Division I female soccer players. Eighteen participants performed depth jumps before and after a mentally fatiguing Stroop task. Multiple paired t tests were used to examine differences in dependent variables across conditions. The findings revealed a decrease in jump height (p = .002), propulsive impulse (p = .004), and peak hip adduction angles on the left (p = .003), while knee kinematics remained unchanged. This study challenges previous research on maximal anaerobic exercises, revealing mental fatigue’s potential influence on jumping and landing movements. However, mixed results in lower limb kinematics warrant further investigation. The study provides insights into the intricate relationship between mental fatigue and athletic capabilities, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and further exploration of sport-specific movements.
The cancer risk of repeat RNAs
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: November 2024

Repeat RNAs reprogram tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer.
Architectural dissection of adhesive bacterial cell surface appendages from a “molecular machines” viewpoint
Authors: Smith Olivia E. R. , Bharat Tanmay A. M.
Published: November 2024

The ability of bacteria to interact with and respond to their environment is crucial to their lifestyle and survival. Bacterial cells routinely need to engage with extracellular target molecules, in locations spatially separated from their cell surface. Engagement with distant targets allows bacteria to adhere to abiotic surfaces and host cells, sense harmful or friendly molecules in their vicinity, as well as establish symbiotic interactions with neighboring cells in multicellular communities such as biofilms. Binding to extracellular molecules also facilitates transmission of information back to the originating cell, allowing the cell to respond appropriately to external stimuli, which is critical throughout the bacterial life cycle. This requirement of bacteria to bind to spatially separated targets is fulfilled by a myriad of specialized cell surface molecules, which often have an extended, filamentous arrangement. In this review, we compare and contrast such molecules from diverse bacteria, which fulfil a range of binding functions critical for the cell. Our comparison shows that even though these extended molecules have vastly different sequence, biochemical and functional characteristics, they share common architectural principles that underpin bacterial adhesion in a variety of contexts. In this light, we can consider different bacterial adhesins under one umbrella, specifically from the point of view of a modular molecular machine, with each part fulfilling a distinct architectural role. Such a treatise provides an opportunity to discover fundamental molecular principles governing surface sensing, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation.
Cellular NONO protein binds to the flavivirus replication complex and promotes positive-strand RNA synthesis
Authors: Yuan Honggen , Luo Yun , Zou Jiahui , Zhang Junmei , Zhang Jinhua , Cao Gang , Cao Shengbo , Chen Huanchun , Song Yunfeng
Published: November 2024

A cellular protein, non-POU-domain-containing octamer binding protein (NONO), bound to the replication complex of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) by directly interacting with the viral 3’ UTR RNA and NS3 protein. These interactions were also identified in West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). The infection of JEV or the expression of JEV NS3 protein in cells could induce relocation of NONO protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In JEV-infected cells, the NS3, NS5, and viral RNA could be concurrently detected in the immunoprecipitation by the NONO-specific antibody, suggesting that NONO could integrate into the replication complex of JEV. Further results of co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that NONO protein interacted with NS3 helicase domains 1 and 2 by its two RNA recognize motifs (RRMs). The knockdown and knockout of NONO in cells could significantly reduce the replication of JEV and ZIKV but had no effect on the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The effect of NONO protein on JEV proliferation occurred during the replication stage, rather than the attachment and entry stages. The level of viral positive-strand RNA in NONO knockout cells was significantly reduced than that in wild-type cells at 12–48 h post-JEV infection. However, the level of negative-strand virus RNA had no difference between NONO knockout and wild-type cells at 12–24 h post-infection. In summary, our study identified a cellular protein that bound to the replication complex of flavivirus and facilitated the synthesis of positive-strand RNA.

IMPORTANCE

Over half of the world’s population is at risk of flaviviruses infection, posing a serious global health concern. To date, there are no antiviral drugs or treatments for the severe symptoms caused by the infection of flaviviruses. Some cellular proteins could participate in the replication of virus, and these cellular proteins were also ideal targets in antiviral strategy. Here, we identified cellular NONO protein was recruited by flavivirus NS3 protein to the cytoplasm, serving as a “scaffold” for viral replication complex. Our findings also revealed that NONO protein was critical for flavivirus positive-strand RNA synthesis. Specific areas where NONO interacted with flavivirus NS3 proteins and viral UTRs have also been identified. These results propose a new mechanism for cellular protein to participate in flavivirus replication and also raise a new potential anti-flavivirus strategy.
Shotgun metagenomics analysis indicates
Bradyrhizobium
spp. as the predominant genera for heavy metal resistance and bioremediation in a long-term heavy metal-contaminated ecosystem
Authors: Agashe Rohan , George Jonathan , Pathak Ashish , Fasakin Olasunkanmi , Seaman John , Chauhan Ashvini
Published: November 2024

Ten soil cores were collected from the long-term heavy metal-contaminated Savannah River Site (SRS) and studied using shotgun metagenomics. In-line with our previous reports,
Bradyrhizobium
spp. dominated the SRS soils, and thus we recommend that SRS bioremediation studies target the
Bradyrhizobium
genus.
ITSxpress version 2: software to rapidly trim internal transcribed spacer sequences with quality scores for amplicon sequencing
Authors: Einarsson Sveinn V. , Rivers Adam R.
Published: November 2024

The nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions are commonly used to identify fungi and other eukaryotic taxa in amplicon sequencing. The highly conserved rRNA regions flanking the ITS are often trimmed before being used for taxonomic assignment. The Python software package ITSxpress rapidly trims single-end or paired-end sequences in FASTQ format for use in amplicon sequence variant clustering methods like DADA2. This new major release of ITSxpress improves the paired-end merging method, simplifies installation of the QIIME 2 ITSxpress plugin, removes major dependencies, adds use cases, and is compatible with newer compression formats. This article discusses the modifications to ITSxpress that improve the output and user experience, leading to a major version increase.

IMPORTANCE

ITSxpress is a sequence trimming method applied to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequences before calling amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The ITS region is used to understand the composition of eukaryotic microbial communities. ITS sequences provide good taxonomic resolution due to their hypervariability, but are flanked by conserved regions that allow their primers to be more universal. Amplicons generated with such primers contain regions with different evolutionary rates, and trimming these conserved regions results in better taxonomic classification and a more valid set of ASVs. This package can be used for most amplicon sequencing methods including for newer long-read sequencing formats, such as PacBio. ITSxpress can be installed from Bioconda, used as a Docker image, or installed from source code. The package works well with high-performance computing clusters or laptops due to its low-resource requirements.
The efficacy of valproate in acute mania, bipolar depression and maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analyses
Authors: Mari Jair , Dieckmann Luiz Henrique Junqueira , Prates-Baldez Daniel , Haddad Michel , Rodrigues da Silva Naielly , Kapczinski Flavio
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to conduct an overview on the comparative efficacy of valproate in acute mania, bipolar depression and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder (BD).

Method

We performed an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024497749). We searched Medline and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Summary measures comparing valproate with placebo or other active drugs were described.

Results

We included 26 systematic reviews. For acute mania (31 RCTs, n=4376), valproate showed a significantly better response than placebo in two high-quality systematic reviews (RR=1.42; 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.71) (OR=2.05; 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.20). No significant differences with lithium were found in most outcomes. Valproate had similar efficacy to quetiapine and lower efficacy compared with risperidone, with conflicting results when compared with olanzapine. In bipolar depression (7 RCTs, n=399), valproate was more effective than placebo in reducing depressive symptoms (OR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.26 to 6.18) and achieving remission (OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.09 to 5.29) (OR=2.15; 95% CI: 0.82 to 5.6), considering the results of three high-quality systematic reviews. No significant difference was observed with lithium, lurasidone, quetiapine or olanzapine plus fluoxetine, but valproate showed superior efficacy to aripiprazole, ziprasidone and agomelatine. In maintenance treatment (11 RCTs, n=1063), valproate was superior to placebo in preventing relapse of any mood episode in two high-quality systematic reviews (RR=0.63; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.83) (RR=0.63; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.83). No significant difference was found with lithium, olanzapine or lamotrigine.

Conclusion

This overview highlights favourable results for valproate compared with placebo in all phases of BD, as well as presenting specific results in comparison with other active drugs. However, these results must be interpreted considering the methodological limitations of our study.
Identifying priorities for future research on reducing and stopping psychiatric medication: results of a James Lind Alliance priority-setting partnership
Authors: Boland Miriam , Higgins Agnes , Beecher Claire , Bracken Pat , Burn Wendy , Cody Anne , Framer Adele , Gronlund Toto , Horowitz Mark , Huff Christy , Jayacodi Sandra , Keating Dolores , Kessler David , Konradsson-Geuken Åsa , Lamberson Nicole , Montagu Luke , Smith Ruth , Cadogan Cathal
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify the top 10 research priorities on reducing and stopping psychiatric medication that reflect the perspectives and unmet needs of three key stakeholder groups (people with lived experience, family members/carers/supporters and healthcare professionals).

Methods

A priority-setting partnership was conducted using the James Lind Alliance’s seven-step process. This involved (1) creating an international Steering Group of key stakeholder representatives and (2) identifying potential partners; (3) gathering stakeholders’ uncertainties about reducing and stopping psychiatric medication using an online survey and summarising the survey responses; (4) checking the summary questions against existing evidence and verifying uncertainties; (5) shortlisting the questions using a second online survey; (6) determining the top 10 research questions through a prioritisation workshop; and (7) disseminating the results.

Results

A total of 3635 questions were collected in the initial survey from 884 respondents of which 32 questions were verified as uncertainties. These questions were then ranked in a second online survey by 526 respondents and the findings discussed in a final prioritisation workshop by 30 participants to produce the final top 10 list of research questions. These questions cover a range of areas including the most effective ways of safely reducing/stopping psychiatric medication and providing support to individuals undergoing the discontinuation process, as well as the best ways to educate healthcare professionals on this topic.

Conclusion

The top 10 list of research priorities was produced through extensive engagement with key stakeholders and highlights important uncertainties and gaps in the existing evidence base that need to be addressed by future research.
Cost-effectiveness of falls prevention strategies for older adults: protocol for a living systematic review
Authors: Davis Jennifer C , Husdal Kirsten , Rice Jordyn , Loomba Sohail , Falck Ryan Stanley , Dimri Vrinda , Pinheiro Marina , Cameron Ian , Sherrington Catherine , Madden Kenneth M , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: November 2024

Introduction

One-third of adults aged 65+ fall annually. Injuries from falls can be devastating for individuals and account for 1.5% of annual healthcare spending. With the growing ageing population, falls place increased strain on scarce health resources. Prevention strategies that target individuals at high risk for falls demonstrate the best value for money; however, limited efficiency (ie, cost-effectiveness) information for fall prevention interventions hinders the implementation of effective falls prevention programmes. Living systematic reviews provide a timely up-to-date evidence-based resource to inform clinical guidelines and health policy decisions. This protocol details the methodology for a living systematic review of the efficiency (ie, cost-effectiveness) of fall prevention interventions for older adults in three settings: community-dwelling, aged care and hospitals.

Methods and analysis

This protocol used the reporting guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol. Peer-reviewed economic evaluations of controlled clinical trials or health state models will be included. Reports will be obtained through monthly systematic searches of CENTRAL (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), SCOPUS (Elsevier) and Web of Science (Clarivate) alongside snowballing and handsearching EconLit and the Tufts Cost Effectivness Analysis Registry. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and risk of bias will be assessed by multiple reviewers. The primary outcomes will be the incremental cost-effectiveness (ie, incremental cost per fall prevented), incremental cost-utility (ie, incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained) or cost-benefit ratio. Additional outcomes will include falls and cost-related measures. All economic outcomes will be reported in a common year and currency. Results will be reported as a narrative synthesis; meta-analysis will be considered based on data quality, suitability and availability.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as primary human data will not be collected. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and a dedicated website.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024532485.