bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The malnutrition screening tool STRONGKIDS performed better than other screening tools for children hospitalised in Egypt
Authors: Omar Omneya Magdy , Tayel Dalia I. , Saleh Radwa Mohamed , Ramadan Magdy Abdelfatah
Published: January 2024

Aim

To compare the accuracy of three different screening tools, namely, the Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS), Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP), and Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGKIDS), in assessing malnutrition risk in hospitalised children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 300 children aged 6 months to 15 years at Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Egypt. The sensitivity and specificity of each tool were calculated to detect acute and chronic malnutrition, and an agreement test was conducted between the nutritional screening tools. The patients were classified into different nutritional risk groups, and their classification was compared with anthropometric measures and clinical variables, such as the length of hospital stay (LOS).

Results

The prevalence of stunting and wasting on admission was found to be 3% and 6.6%, respectively. Children categorised as high‐risk on admission had a longer LOS than those at low risk. The agreement test between the STAMP score and STRONGKIDS score on admission showed the most significant agreement, and STRONGKIDS had the best accuracy in detecting acute and chronic malnutrition.

Conclusion

The comparison of the three screening tools revealed that STRONGKIDS exhibited the best accuracy in detecting acute and chronic malnutrition.
Effects of 30 days bed rest and exercise countermeasures on PBMC bioenergetics
Authors: Buescher F.‐M. , Schmitz M. T. , Frett T. , Kramme J. , de Boni L. , Elmenhorst E. M. , Mulder E. , Moestl S. , Heusser K. , Frings‐Meuthen P. , Jordan J. , Rittweger J. , Pesta D.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Altered mitochondrial function across various tissues is a key determinant of spaceflight‐induced physical deconditioning. In comparison to tissue biopsies, blood cell bioenergetics holds promise as a systemic and more readily accessible biomarker, which was evaluated during head‐down tilt bed rest (HDTBR), an established ground‐based analog for spaceflight‐induced physiological changes in humans. More specifically, this study explored the effects of HDTBR and an exercise countermeasure on mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Methods

We subjected 24 healthy participants to a strict 30‐day HDTBR protocol. The control group (n = 12) underwent HDTBR only, while the countermeasure group (n = 12) engaged in regular supine cycling exercise followed by veno‐occlusive thigh cuffs post‐exercise for 6 h. We assessed routine blood parameters 14 days before bed rest, the respiratory capacity of PBMCs via high‐resolution respirometry, and citrate synthase activity 2 days before and at day 30 of bed rest. We confirmed PBMC composition by flow cytometry.

Results

The change of the PBMC maximal oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS) amounted to an 11% increase in the countermeasure group, while it decreased by 10% in the control group (p = 0.04). The limitation of OXPHOS increased in control only while other respiratory states were not affected by either intervention. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between white blood cells, lymphocytes, and basophils with PBMC bioenergetics in both groups.

Conclusion

This study reveals that a regular exercise countermeasure has a positive impact on PBMC mitochondrial function, confirming the potential application of blood cell bioenergetics for human spaceflight.
From A to E: Uniting vitamins against stroke risk—A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Tripathi Shashank , Nath Manabesh , Misra Shubham , Kumar Pradeep
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Stroke represents a significant public health challenge, necessitating the exploration of preventive measures. This network meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of different vitamin treatments compared to a placebo in preventing stroke.

Methods

A systematic electronic search in databases including PubMed, EmBASE, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar until 31 May 2023 was conducted, to identify published studies investigating the association between vitamin intake and the risk of stroke. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using a frequentist network meta‐analysis. Furthermore, we ranked vitamins based on p‐scores, facilitating a comparative assessment of their effectiveness in preventing stroke.

Results

A total of 56 studies, including 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 39 cohort studies were analyzed. Direct estimates obtained from network meta‐analysis, we found that vitamin A (RR: .81 [.72–.91]), vitamin B‐complex (RR: .85 [.74–.97]), vitamin B6 (RR: 79 [.68–.92]), folate (RR: .86 [.75–.97]), vitamin C (RR: .77 [.70–.85]) and vitamin D (RR: .73 [.64–.83]) were significantly associated with a decreased stroke risk. However, no significant association was observed for vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Subsequent to network meta‐analysis, vitamins were ranked in decreasing order of their efficacy in stroke prevention based on p‐score, with vitamin D (p‐score = .91), vitamin C (p‐score = .79), vitamin B6 (p‐score = .70), vitamin A (p‐score = .65), vitamin B‐complex (p‐score = .53), folate (p‐score = .49), vitamin B2 (p‐score = .39), vitamin E (p‐score = .28), vitamin B12 (.13) and placebo (.10).

Conclusion

Our study has established noteworthy connections between vitamin A, vitamin B‐complex, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin D in the realm of stroke prevention. These findings add substantial weight to the accumulating evidence supporting the potential advantages of vitamin interventions in mitigating the risk of stroke. However, to solidify and validate these observations, additional research is imperative. Well‐designed clinical trials or cohort studies are needed to further explore these associations and formulate clear guidelines for incorporating vitamin supplementation into effective stroke prevention strategies.
Top ten hazards to avoid when modeling species distributions: a didactic guide of assumptions, problems, and recommendations
Authors: Soley‐Guardia Mariano , Alvarado‐Serrano Diego F. , Anderson Robert P.
Published: January 2024

Species distribution models, also known as ecological niche models or habitat suitability models, have become commonplace for addressing fundamental and applied biodiversity questions. Although the field has progressed rapidly regarding theory and implementation, key assumptions are still frequently violated and recommendations inadvertently overlooked. This leads to poor models being published and used in real‐world applications. In a structured, didactic treatment, we summarize what in our view constitute the ten most problematic issues, or hazards, negatively affecting implementation of correlative approaches to species distribution modeling (specifically those that model suitability by comparing the environments of a species' occurrence records with those of a background or pseudoabsence sample). For each hazard, we state relevant assumptions, detail problems that arise when violating them, and convey straightforward existing recommendations. We also discuss five major outstanding questions of active current research. We hope this contribution will promote more rigorous implementation of these valuable models and stimulate further advancements.
The whitewashing of blame
Authors: Chislenko Eugene
Published: January 2024

I argue that influential recent discussions have whitewashed blame, characterizing it in ways that deemphasize or ignore its morally problematic features. I distinguish “definitional,” “creeping,” and “emphasis” whitewash, and argue that they play a central role in overall endorsements of blame by T.M. Scanlon, George Sher, and Miranda Fricker. In particular, these endorsements treat blame as appropriate by definition (Scanlon), or as little more than a wish (Sher), and infer from blame's having one useful function that it is a good practice overall (Fricker). I use an analogy with revenge to illustrate the mechanisms of whitewashing, including broadening a concept to include available alternatives to it and inference from one feature of a practice to an overall conclusion about that practice. Several features of blame make it particularly prone to whitewashing, including blamers' personal or emotional stake in blaming and widespread disagreement about the nature of blame. I argue that a non‐whitewashing treatment of blame must pay closer attention both to blame's harms, and to comparisons between blame and alternative, non‐blaming reactions.
Time‐ and cycle‐dependent growth of surface cracks in alloy 718
Authors: Satin Morris M. , Johnson W. Steven , Neu Richard W.
Published: January 2024

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) crack growth of Alloy 718 when the cycle includes long high‐temperature tensile dwells is often accelerated because sustained‐load crack growth occurs during the dwells and a temperature affected zone (TAZ) develops ahead of a crack tip that reduces fatigue crack growth resistance upon application of a cycle after the long dwell. This paper presents new TMF and sustained‐load tests that aim to study and characterize the TAZ development and growth ahead of semi‐elliptical and single‐edge cracks. The influence of constraint on crack growth is assessed. This investigation focuses on a coarse‐grained (CG) Alloy 718 at 650°C. By comparing the crack growth behavior between a fine‐grained and CG microstructure after a long tensile dwell, a modification of the TAZ growth prediction model that includes the influence of grain size is proposed. Using this improved model for TAZ growth and acceleration, the TMF crack growth prediction of surface cracks is improved.
Dissolved silica affects the bulk iron redox state and recrystallization of minerals generated by photoferrotrophy in a simulated Archean ocean
Authors: Zhou Alice , Templeton Alexis S. , Johnson Jena E.
Published: January 2024

Chemical sedimentary deposits called Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) are one of the best surviving records of ancient marine (bio)geochemistry. Many BIF precursor sediments precipitated from ferruginous, silica‐rich waters prior to the Great Oxidation Event at ~2.43 Ga. Reconstructing the mineralogy of BIF precursor phases is key to understanding the coevolution of seawater chemistry and early life. Many models of BIF deposition invoke the activity of Fe(II)‐oxidizing photoautotrophic bacteria as a mechanism for precipitating mixed‐valence Fe(II,III) and/or fully oxidized Fe(III) minerals in the absence of molecular oxygen. Although the identity of phases produced by ancient photoferrotrophs remains debated, laboratory experiments provide a means to explore what their mineral byproducts might have been. Few studies have thoroughly characterized precipitates produced by photoferrotrophs in settings representative of Archean oceans, including investigating how residual Fe(II)aq can affect the mineralogy of expected solid phases. The concentration of dissolved silica (Si) is also an important variable to consider, as silicate species may influence the identity and reactivity of Fe(III)‐bearing phases. To address these uncertainties, we cultured Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE‐1 as a photoferrotroph in synthetic Archean seawater with an initial [Fe(II)aq] of 1 mM and [Si] spanning 0–1.5 mM. Ferrihydrite was the dominant precipitate across all Si concentrations, even with substantial Fe(II) remaining in solution. Consistent with other studies of microbial iron oxidation, no Fe‐silicates were observed across the silica gradient, although Si coprecipitated with ferrihydrite via surface adsorption. More crystalline phases such as lepidocrocite and goethite were only detected at low [Si] and are likely products of Fe(II)‐catalyzed ferrihydrite transformation. Finally, we observed a substantial fraction of Fe(II) in precipitates, with the proportion of Fe(II) increasing as a function of [Si]. These experimental results suggest that photoferrotrophy in a Fe(II)‐buffered ocean may have exported Fe(II,III)‐oxide/silica admixtures to BIF sediments, providing a more chemically diverse substrate than previously hypothesized.
When ice and sea are not barriers for flies: First report of Trichocera maculipennis (Diptera) in South America
Authors: Contador Tamara , Maturana Claudia S. , Gañan Melisa , Rendoll‐Cárcamo Javier , Troncoso‐Villar Matías , Kennedy James , Convey Peter , Krzemińska Ewa , Kim Sanghee , Lobos Isabel , Piñeiro Alejandro , Hernandez Jordan , Benítez Hugo A.
Published: January 2024

During the 2022/2023 austral winter, large swarms of Trichocera (Saltrichocera) maculipennis Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Trichoceridae), were observed around house roofs in Puerto Williams (Navarino Island, southern Chile, 54° S). In January 2023, the presence of this species was also confirmed in Punta Arenas (53° S), with specimens collected within the Chilean Antarctic Institute warehouse facilities.

Trichocera maculipennis is native to the Holarctic region and became established on King George Island (South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctic) over 15 years ago. However, the species has not previously been reported from South America.

Taxonomic and molecular identification techniques were used to confirm the identity of the new specimens obtained from Navarino Island and Punta Arenas. Preliminary observations of the fly's habitat preferences and swarming behaviour in Puerto Williams are provided, as well as comparisons in wing morphometrics between flies from Puerto Williams and King George Island.

The fly's extensive distribution and high abundance in Puerto Williams are consistent with human‐facilitated introduction and several years' establishment.

These findings emphasise the importance of implementing robust management strategies and biosecurity measures, particularly during transportation between logistical hubs in southern South America and the remote areas of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve and Antarctica.
Substance P/calcitonin gene‐related peptide and their receptors expression in human periodontal ligament after root canal preparation with five different systems
Authors: Caviedes‐Bucheli Javier , Muñoz‐Alvear Hernan Dario , Lopez‐Moncayo Luis Fernando , Kacharaju Kranthi Raja , Velasquez‐Rivera Adriana Carolina , Carlosama‐Recalde Luis Alberto , Pazmiño Juan Camilo , Gomez‐Sosa Jose Francisco , Diaz‐Barrera Luis Eduardo , Munoz Hugo Roberto
Published: January 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of five different root canal preparation instruments on Substance P (SP), Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and their receptors expression in healthy human periodontal ligament.

Methodology

STROBE guidelines were used to design a study using 60 periodontal ligament samples obtained from healthy lower premolars where extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. Prior to extraction 40 of these premolars were equally divided into four groups and root canals were prepared using different systems: Mtwo, Reciproc Blue, HyFlex EDM and Plex‐V. Ten premolars were prepared with hand files and served as a positive control group. The remaining 10 premolars where extracted without treatment and served as a negative control group. All periodontal ligament samples were processed to measure the expression of SP, CGRP and their receptors by radioimmunoassay. Kruskal–Wallis and Duncan tests were performed to determine statistically significant differences between the groups for each variable.

Results

Greater expression of all the peptides measured were found in the hand‐file preparation group, followed by the Reciproc Blue, Mtwo, HyFlex EDM and Plex‐V groups. The lower SP, CGRP and their receptors values were for the intact teeth control group. Kruskal–Wallis test showed statistically significant differences amongst groups (p < .001). Dunn post‐hoc tests showed statistically significant differences in SP, CGRP and their receptors expression between the intact teeth and the hand‐file and Reciproc Blue groups. Hand‐file group showed significant differences with the other groups, except with Reciproc Blue, where no differences were observed in any of the peptides measured. Finally, no differences were observed between Plex‐V and HyFlex in any of the peptides measured.

Conclusions

Root canal preparation with hand files and Reciproc Blue generates the highest expression of SP, CGRP, NK1 and CGRP1R in human periodontal ligament, whilst Plex‐V and HyFlex maintain the basal expression of neuropeptides and their receptors. Mtwo showed intermediate results between Reciproc Blue and HyFlex.
Phase separation during the direct powder bed fusion of SiC
Authors: Lamm Benjamin W. , Karakoc Omer , Mao Keyou , Koyanagi Takaaki , Liu Jian , Katoh Yutai
Published: January 2024

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is an attractive additive manufacturing option for fabrication of SiC object with complex geometries. However, the density and microstructure controls remain a challenge. This study is aimed at understanding laser–SiC interactions, with emphasis on microstructure‐processing relationships, to identify potential solutions for the process improvement. SiC tubes were fabricated by PBF of pure SiC powders without sintering additives. Comprehensive analysis by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy indicated that binding of SiC particles was achieved by incongruent melting of SiC to a Si/C mixture containing SiC micro‐ and nanocrystallites. The phase evolution under laser irradiation of SiC was explained by phase diagrams. This study uncovered the PBF SiC microstructure at different length scales and the relationship between the microstructure and the processing parameters.
Rapid geometric characterization of ceramics fragments through split Hopkinson pressure bar tests
Authors: Li Dan , Zhao Bing , Meng Maozhou
Published: January 2024

The research on fracture mechanisms of brittle materials is extremely difficult such as the determination of the energy absorption modes and the geometric characteristics of debris. In this paper, a dynamic experimental fragment recovery device was developed to study the facture characteristics of A99 ceramics (the mass of Al2O3 accounts for 99%) based on the Split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experiments, in which the energy absorption mechanism was revealed. A three‐view characterization method was developed to obtain the geometric characterization formula under various strain rate; therefore, the geometric parameters of the fragments can be quickly characterized. The failure mode was investigated in correlation between strain rate and micro‐cracks. It was found that the shape of the strain rate controlled the proportion of dissipated energy. At a lower strain rate the fragment was prone to needle shape, while at a higher strain rate (above 2001 s−1) the proportion of dissipated energy increased to 72% and the fragment shape tended to be nearly spherical. A formula based on strain rate was proposed to characterize the geometric parameters of the fragments without the need of geometry dimensions; therefore, the fragment rate can be quickly obtained, which could provide guidance for the design of ceramics parts.
Alleviating administrative burden through digitalization and redesign: A laboratory experiment on student financial aid in Germany
Authors: Kalucza Janne , Sievert Martin
Published: January 2024

Individuals encounter and experience different costs, conceptualized as administrative burdens, when seeking access to social welfare programs. Scholars and practitioners suggest that digitalizing and redesigning application processes could alleviate and shift some of these negative experiences. However, empirical research testing whether real interventions achieve this remains scarce. In a laboratory experiment, we randomly assigned participants (n = 120) to one of two application processes for a student financial aid program: the standard paper‐based or a digitalized and redesigned application procedure. Students encountering the latter experienced significantly less administrative burdens, were more satisfied, and completed a higher proportion of process steps. Furthermore, functional literacy improved the experience of the bureaucratic encounter. These findings reveal the potential of redesigning and digitalizing application processes to alleviate administrative burdens.
RETRACTED: Effects of quality nursing on the surgical site wound infection after colostomy in patients with colorectal cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Chun , Huang Ping , Hu Hong , Chen Guo‐Wei , Zhu Li
Published: January 2024

To systematically evaluate the effects of quality nursing interventions on surgical site wound infections (SSWI), length of stay in the hospital and postoperative complications in patients with colorectal stomas. A search was conducted on Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to retrieve publicly available data from the construction of the database until September 2023 in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of applying quality nursing in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) stoma surgery. Two authors independently performed literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment. Stata 17.0 was applied for our meta‐analysis. Fifteen RCTs with 1186 patients, with 593 patients in each of the quality nursing and control groups, were included. Meta‐analysis revealed that compared with the control group, the incidence of SSWI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.21–0.54, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.16–0.30, p < 0.001) in the quality nursing group were significantly reduced, and the length of stay in the hospital was significantly shorter (standardised mean difference = −1.12, 95% CI: −1.42 to −0.82, p < 0.001). The application of quality nursing interventions after CRC stoma surgery is effective in reducing the incidence of SSWI and postoperative complications and can also shorten hospital stays.
Clinical efficacy of ablative laser combined with pulsed dye laser in the treatment of pathological scars: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Yuan , Li Meijia , Cheng Rong , Yuan Jian , Hao lijun
Published: January 2024

Objective

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ablative laser combined with pulsed dye laser to treat pathological scars.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all blind, randomized, controlled trials of ablative laser and pulsed dye laser for treating pathological scars. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were used. All research on ablative laser combined with PDL in treating pathological scars with ablative laser or no treatment as controls were included in the meta‐analysis. The retrieved studies' reference lists were thoroughly examined.

Results

POSAS and VSS were used as evaluation criteria in seven studies involving 189 patients. Effect of combined laser group therapy (−1.259 95% confidence interval, −1.515 to −1.003; p < 0.0001). The difference between the combined treatment and control groups was (−1.375; 95% CI, −1.727 to −1.023; p < 0.0001) and (−1.150; 95% CI, −1.523 to −0.777; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Ablative laser combined with PDL is more effective and safer than ablative laser or PDL alone in the treatment of pathological scars.
Optimized thermoelectric performance driven by A‐site deficient in SrxLa0.1TiO3−δ/TiO2−y composites
Authors: Lou Zhihao , Zhang Ping , Chen Penghui , Wei Ziyao , Gou Jianjun , Xu Jie , Gong Chunlin , Gao Feng
Published: January 2024

For thermoelectric applications at high temperatures, perovskite SrTiO3 is a promising contender as an n‐type oxide thermoelectric (TE) material. In this work, SrxLa0.1TiO3−δ/TiO2−y composite ceramics were successfully synthesized by solid state reaction, using a combination of A‐site cation vacancy and composite fabrication. Through X‐ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy analysis, a complex microstructure composed of two kinds of titanium oxides was formed after reductive sintering and annealing. In addition, controlling the content of Sr vacancies in the SrxLa0.1TiO3−δ matrix increased the thermoelectric power factor (PF) by optimizing the weighted mobility in the composite, resulting in the highest PF of 425.8 μW m−1 K−2 and the maximum ZT of 0.16 for the Sr0.875La0.1TiO3−δ/TiO2−y composite through the synergistic optimization of electrical and thermal transport properties. The strategy proposed in this study of design A‐site‐deficient composites with nano‐sized metal paved a new way to fabricate high performance oxide thermoelectric materials.
A theoretical framework for Acute Care Nurse Stress Appraisal: Application of the transactional model of stress and coping
Authors: de Cordova Pamela B. , Reilly Laura L. , Pogorzelska‐Maziarz Monika , Gerolamo Angela Marie , Grafova Irina , Vasquez Abigail , Johansen Mary L.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To develop a framework for understanding the stress appraisal process among acute care nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A secondary analysis of open‐ended responses from a cross‐sectional survey of 3030 frontline, acute care nurses in New Jersey and the effect of burnout during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping guided the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse 1607 open‐ended responses.

Results

Nine themes emerged during the secondary appraisal of stress. Five themes contributed to distress and burnout including (1) high patient acuity with scarce resources, (2) constantly changing policies with inconsistent messaging, (3) insufficient PPE, (4) unprepared pandemic planning and (5) feeling undervalued. Four themes led to eustress and contributed to post‐traumatic growth including (1) team nursing to ensure sufficient resource allocation, (2) open channels of communication, (3) sense‐ of‐duty and (4) personal strength from new possibilities.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic was a traumatic event for patients and the nursing workforce. Internal and external demands placed on acute care nurses increased burnout, however, a subset of nurses with adequate support experienced personal growth.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Beyond mental health interventions for acute care nurses, organizational interventions such as reevaluation of emergency action plans to optimize resource allocation, and work environment strategies such as improved communication and decision‐making transparency are necessary.

Impact

To better understand how frontline acute care nurses experienced stress during COVID‐19, a data‐informed framework was developed that included a primary and secondary appraisal of stress. Themes contributing to distress and burnout were identified, and themes leading to eustress and post‐traumatic growth were also identified. These findings can assist nurse leaders in optimizing strategies to reduce burnout and promote post‐traumatic growth in the post‐COVID years.

Reporting Method

No patient or public contribution.
COVID‐19 and collective trauma: Implementing a trauma‐informed model of care for post‐COVID patients
Authors: Barton Carly , Troy Lauren , Teoh Alan , Spencer Lissa , Reeves Jack , Cram Vincent , Wai Michael , Jones Lynette
Published: January 2024

Aim

To describe the implementation of a trauma‐informed model of care in the Post COVID Respiratory Clinic of a large tertiary referral centre in NSW.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data Sources

Evidence gathered from a literature search (2008–2022) was used to develop a framework for management of patients presenting to this Post COVID Respiratory Clinic. This paper outlines the personal reflections of the clinic staff as they developed and implemented this framework. Ethical approval was obtained to report the data collected from patient reviews.

Discussion

The literature highlights the high prevalence of trauma in patients following COVID‐19 infection, as well as the larger population both during and after the pandemic. This experience of trauma was observed in patients seen within the clinic, indicating a need for specialized care. In response, a trauma‐informed model of care was implemented.

Conclusion

Reconceptualizing COVID‐19 as a ‘collective trauma’ can help healthcare workers understand the needs of post‐COVID patients and enable them to respond empathetically. A trauma‐informed model is complementary to this cohort as it specifically addresses vulnerable populations, many of whom have been further marginalized by the pandemic.

Implications for Nursing and Patient Care

Frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are well positioned to implement trauma‐informed care due to their high‐level of patient contact. Adequate allocation of resources and investment in staff is essential to ensure such care can be provided.

Impact

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to adverse physical and mental health outcomes for many.

Trauma‐informed care is a way to promote reengagement with the healthcare system in this group.

Post COVID patients globally may benefit from this approach, as it aims to build trust and independence.

Patient or Public Contribution

Feedback was sought from a patient representative to ensure this paper adequately reflected the experience of the post‐COVID patient.
Research trends of game‐based language learning in K‐12 education: A systematic review of SSCI articles during 2009–2022
Authors: Yang Lu , Li Rui , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2024

Background

While game‐based language learning (GBLL) in K‐12 education has received considerable attention, little is still known about its state‐of‐the‐art research trends over the last decade, necessitating a systematic review on its theoretical frameworks, instructional activities and research findings.

Objectives

To fill the gap, drawing on the revised technology‐based learning model, this study aims to conduct a systematic review on the trends of GBLL for K‐12 education in terms of theoretical frameworks, participants, methodology, game genres, instructional activities and application effectiveness.

Methods

Based on the proposed criteria, 83 Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) articles pertaining to GBLL in K‐12 education published during 2009–2022 were finalised for data analysis.

Results and conclusions

The results showed that (1) most GBLL studies adopted cognitive and social frameworks, including flow theory, situated learning and socio‐cultural theory; (2) the most common participants were primary school students, and the most common languages were English as a foreign language (EFL) learning; (3) quantitative methods were frequently adopted, with a particular eye on tests, questionnaires and experimental design; (4) the most common game genre was tutorial games; (5) pre‐game instructional activities, such as gameplay training and lecture, were mostly implemented in K‐12 contexts; (6) benefits such as enhancing four language skills and communicative competence and improving learners' attitudes were reported. However, according to the results, technical issues, unhelpful partners, difficult learning tasks and high cognitive load were the most frequently reported drawbacks.

Implications

Pedagogical implications for teachers, designers and researchers in GBLL were referred from the results of the study.
Bipolar catheter ablation with dedicated radiofrequency system for highly refractory ventricular arrhythmia—Does the rate of success depend on arrhythmia origin?
Authors: Gardziejczyk Piotr , Piotrowski Roman , Kryński Tomasz , Sikorska Agnieszka , Kułakowski Piotr , Baran Jakub
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Despite rapid technological progress, some arrhythmias are still resistant to standard unipolar ablation. These include arrhythmias arising from the base of the heart, cardiac crux, or epicardium. Bipolar radiofrequency ablation (B‐RFA) may be useful in some cases, however, data on the efficacy of this approach in various arrhythmia localizations are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of B‐RFA in patients with ventricular arrhythmias originating from various locations, occurring refractory to standard unipolar ablation approaches.

Methods

An observational, single center study was conducted over a 30‐month period. B‐RFA were performed using dedicated radio frequency (RF) generator and electroanatomic mapping system.

Results

Twenty‐four procedures, in 23 patients with a median (range) of 1 (1–2) previously failed unipolar ablation procedures, were included in the final analysis. There were 12 ablations of ventricular arrhythmias originating from interventricular septum with an acute success rate of 75%, and 12 from left ventricular (LV) summit with an acute success rate of 58%. The midterm success rate (median interquartile range follow‐up of 205 days [188–338]) was 66% and 50%, respectively.

Conclusions

B‐RFA is a promising method of catheter ablation for refractory cardiac arrhythmias. A higher success rate was observed in ablation for difficult ventricular arrhythmias originating from interventricular septal region than LV summit.
Investigation of extragonadal teratomas in two Poecilia wingei
Authors: Prazdnikov Denis V. , Kondakova Ekaterina A.
Published: January 2024

Teratoma is a rare tumour in fish consisting of tissues from more than one germ layer, that may be located in either the gonads or extragonadal sites. Teratomas in many fish species remain poorly understood. In this work, we performed the first histological examinations of extragonadal teratomas in Poecilia wingei and also examined the influence of a large teratoma on male sexual activity. The studied teratomas shared general organizational features, but they also had variations in both external and internal features. In teratomas, the most common and highly differentiated tissues were striated muscle and nervous tissue. Despite the tumour, the male P. wingei exhibited normal mating behaviour and retained the ability for successful copulation. The structural features of extragonadal teratomas in guppy fish indicate a possible connection between these tumours and a failure of conserved processes operating in the embryonic germline.
Community social capital, managerial opportunistic behavior, and information uncertainty in IPO firms
Authors: Jin Shunyao , Lee Heiwai
Published: January 2024

We examine whether and how community social capital influences the information uncertainty of a private firm's going‐public process. We find that high social capital of the US counties in which IPO firms are headquartered significantly reduces underpricing and post‐IPO stock volatility. This relation is stronger under lessened disclosure requirements and less reputable underwriting. Further findings suggest that high social capital constrains IPO issuers from practicing opportunistic financial reporting. We document that high social capital is associated with a more readable prospectus, less financial misconduct, more readable annual reports, and better long‐run stock return performance in the years following the IPOs.
ChatGPT: The Sky is Not Falling
Authors: Blanke Jordan M.
Published: January 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) applications such as ChatGPT and its brethren erupted onto the scene last year and have been quite a disruptor throughout higher education. Like much new technology, generative AI brings with it benefits and challenges. This note focuses on early experiences with ChatGPT, attempts to learn how to use it, and possible changes needed for our assessment methodologies. I provide some suggested modifications to traditional assignments to adapt to generative AI's ubiquity.
The effect of short‐term rentals on local consumption amenities: Evidence from Madrid
Authors: Hidalgo Alberto , Riccaboni Massimo , Velázquez Francisco J.
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the impact of the arrival of Airbnb on local consumption amenities in Madrid. We exploit the exogenous variation created by the timing and uneven distribution of Airbnb listings in the city to determine the impact on food and beverage establishments. Using an instrumental variable strategy, we find positive local effects on both the number of restaurants and their employees: an increase of 14 Airbnb rooms in a given census tract leads to almost one more restaurant, and the same increase in a given neighborhood generates 11 new tourist‐related employees. The results are robust to the specification and sample composition. This paper contributes to the literature on the economic impact of the platform economy on urban areas by providing evidence of market expansion externalities from short‐term rentals.
Greater sensitivity of the circadian system of women to bright light, but not dim‐to‐moderate light
Authors: Vidafar Parisa , McGlashan Elise M. , Burns Angus C. , Anderson Clare , Shechter Ari , Lockley Steven W. , Phillips Andrew J. K. , Cain Sean W.
Published: January 2024

Women typically sleep and wake earlier than men and have been shown to have earlier circadian timing relative to the light/dark cycle that synchronizes the clock. A potential mechanism for earlier timing in women is an altered response of the circadian system to evening light. We characterized individual‐level dose–response curves for light‐induced melatonin suppression using a within‐subjects protocol. Fifty‐six participants (29 women, 27 men; aged 18–30 years) were exposed to a range of light illuminances (10, 30, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 2000 lux) using melatonin suppression relative to a dim control (<1 lux) as a marker of light sensitivity. Women were free from hormonal contraception. To examine the potential influence of sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone was examined in women and testosterone was examined in a subset of men. Menstrual phase was monitored using self‐reports and estradiol and progesterone levels. Women exhibited significantly greater melatonin suppression than men under the 400‐lux and 2000‐lux conditions, but not under lower light conditions (10–200 lux). Light sensitivity did not differ by menstrual phase, nor was it associated with levels of estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone, suggesting the sex differences in light sensitivity were not acutely driven by circulating levels of sex hormones. These results suggest that sex differences in circadian timing are not due to differences in the response to dim/moderate light exposures typically experienced in the evening. The finding of increased bright light sensitivity in women suggests that sex differences in circadian timing could plausibly instead be driven by a greater sensitivity to phase‐advancing effects of bright morning light.
Efficacy and safety of DAA in children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Easterbrook Philippa , Giometto Sabrina , Malik Farihah , Chou Roger , Lucenteforte Ersilia
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of pan‐genotypic regimens, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), and sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) and other direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected adolescents (12–18 years), older children (6–11 years), and young children (3–5 years). The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to inform the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Methods

We included clinical trials and observational studies published up to August 11, 2021, that evaluated DAA regimens in HCV‐infected adolescents, older children, and young children. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases and key conference abstracts. Sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), adverse events (AEs), and treatment discontinuation were the outcomes evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the ROBINS‐I tool. Data were pooled using random‐effects models, and certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

Results

A total of 49 studies including 1882 adolescents, 436 older children, and 166 young children were considered. The SVR12 was 100% (95% Confidence Interval: 96–100), 96% (90–100), and 96% (83–100) for GLE/PIB in adolescents, older, and young children, respectively; 95% (90–99), 93% (86–98), and 83% (70–93), for SOF/VEL, respectively; and 100% (97–100) and 100% (94–100) for SOF/DCV in adolescent and older children, respectively. There was a clear trend towards a higher rate of any reported AE from adolescents (50%), older children (53%), to young children (72%). Serious AEs and treatment discontinuations were uncommon in adolescents and older children (<1%) but slightly higher in young children (3%).

Conclusions

All three pan‐genotypic DAA regimens were highly effective and well‐tolerated and are now recommended by the WHO for use in adults, adolescents, and children down to 3 years, which will simplify procurement and supply chain management. The evidence was based largely on single‐arm non‐randomized controlled studies. Moreover, there were also missing data regarding key variables such as route of HCV acquisition, presence or absence of cirrhosis, or HIV co‐infection that precluded evaluation of the impact of these factors on outcomes.

PROSPERO Record

CRD42020146752.
An Inquiry‐based Approach to Understanding Well‐being and Smartphone Usage: Constructing Research with Adolescent Students
Authors: Cockerham Deborah , Tyler‐Wood Tandra , Lin Lin
Published: January 2024

Inquiry can be an effective educational strategy for building critical thinking and student agency, but it is also a catalyst for scientific research. This study built upon a foundation of inquiry as 25 adolescents participated in a nine‐week guided inquiry curriculum focused on smartphones and digital responsibility. As participants developed personally meaningful inquiries and designed investigations into smartphone usage, they became co‐researchers who conducted their own research studies at a large museum. The study examines to what extent participants show changes in their (1) sense of well‐being; (2) awareness of personal smartphone usage. Pre‐ and post‐intervention data compared participants' personal awareness of smartphone usage and investigated participants' well‐being. Results showed significant increases in positive affect and smartphone awareness, with significant decreases in negative affect. This study provides important insights for teachers and researchers by highlighting the positive educational impacts of two‐way dialogue between research and education.
It takes two to tango: The ‘inter’ in intercultural competence
Authors: Al‐Haddad Mo , Lu Peih‐ying
Published: January 2024

Al‐Haddad and Lu highlight the importance of developing intercultural competence for healthcare students and professionals, whether migrating, visiting, or hosting people from other cultures.
Microglia: Activity‐dependent regulators of neural circuits
Authors: Durán Laforet Violeta , Schafer Dorothy P.
Published: January 2024

It has been more than a century since Pío del Río‐Hortega first characterized microglia in histological stains of brain tissue. Since then, significant advances have been made in understanding the role of these resident central nervous system (CNS) macrophages. In particular, it is now known that microglia can sense neural activity and modulate neuronal circuits accordingly. We review the mechanisms by which microglia detect changes in neural activity to then modulate synapse numbers in the developing and mature CNS. This includes responses to both spontaneous and experience‐driven neural activity. We further discuss activity‐dependent mechanisms by which microglia regulate synaptic function and neural circuit excitability. Together, our discussion provides a comprehensive review of the activity‐dependent functions of microglia within neural circuits in the healthy CNS, and highlights exciting new open questions related to understanding more fully microglia as key components and regulators of neural circuits.
Multiple strategies, including 6mA methylation, affecting plant alternative splicing in allopolyploid peanut
Authors: Wang Lihui , Chen Hua , Zhuang Yuhui , Chen Kun , Zhang Chong , Cai Tiecheng , Yang Qiang , Fu Huiwen , Chen Xiangyu , Chitkineni Annapurna , Wang Xiyin , Varshney Rajeev K. , Zhuang Weijian
Published: January 2024

Alternative splicing (AS), an important post‐transcriptional regulation mechanism in eukaryotes, can significantly increase transcript diversity and contribute to gene expression regulation and many other complicated developmental processes. While plant gene AS events are well described, few studies have investigated the comprehensive regulation machinery of plant AS. Here, we use multi‐omics to analyse peanut AS events. Using long‐read isoform sequencing, 146 464 full‐length non‐chimeric transcripts were obtained, resulting in annotation corrections for 1782 genes and the identification of 4653 new loci. Using Iso‐Seq RNA sequences, 271 776 unique splice junctions were identified, 82.49% of which were supported by transcriptome data. We characterized 50 977 polyadenylation sites for 23 262 genes, 12 369 of which had alternative polyadenylation sites. AS allows differential regulation of the same gene by miRNAs at the isoform level coupled with polyadenylation. In addition, we identified many long non‐coding RNAs and fusion transcripts. There is a suppressed effect of 6mA on AS and gene expression. By analysis of chromatin structures, the genes located in the boundaries of topologically associated domains, proximal chromosomal telomere regions, inter‐ or intra‐chromosomal loops were found to have more unique splice isoforms, higher expression, lower 6mA and more transposable elements (TEs) in their gene bodies than the other genes, indicating that chromatin interaction, 6mA and TEs play important roles in AS and gene expression. These results greatly refine the peanut genome annotation and contribute to the study of gene expression and regulation in peanuts. This work also showed AS is associated with multiple strategies for gene regulation.
Unveiling the mechanism of broad‐spectrum blast resistance in rice: The collaborative role of transcription factor OsGRAS30 and histone deacetylase OsHDAC1
Authors: Hou Jiaqi , Xiao Huangzhuo , Yao Peng , Ma Xiaoci , Shi Qipeng , Yang Jin , Hou Haoli , Li Lijia
Published: January 2024

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, significantly impacts grain yield, necessitating the identification of broad‐spectrum resistance genes and their functional mechanisms for disease‐resistant crop breeding. Here, we report that rice with knockdown OsHDAC1 gene expression displays enhanced broad‐spectrum blast resistance without effects on plant height and tiller numbers compared to wild‐type rice, while rice overexpressing OsHDAC1 is more susceptible to M. oryzae. We identify a novel blast resistance transcription factor, OsGRAS30, which genetically acts upstream of OsHDAC1 and interacts with OsHDAC1 to suppress its enzymatic activity. This inhibition increases the histone H3K27ac level, thereby boosting broad‐spectrum blast resistance. Integrating genome‐wide mapping of OsHDAC1 and H3K27ac targets with RNA sequencing analysis unveils how OsHDAC1 mediates the expression of OsSSI2, OsF3H, OsRLR1 and OsRGA5 to regulate blast resistance. Our findings reveal that the OsGRAS30–OsHDAC1 module is critical to rice blast control. Therefore, targeting either OsHDAC1 or OsGRAS30 offers a promising approach for enhancing crop blast resistance.