bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AF‐vapeR: A multivariate genome scan for detecting parallel evolution using allele frequency change vectors
Authors: Whiting James R. , Paris Josephine R. , van der Zee Mijke J. , Fraser Bonnie A.
Published: August 2022

The repeatability of evolution at the genetic level has been demonstrated to vary along a continuum from complete parallelism to divergence. In order to better understand why this continuum exists within and among systems, hypotheses must be tested using high‐confidence candidate loci for repeatability. However, few methods have been developed to scan SNP data for signatures specifically associated with repeatability, as opposed to local adaptation.

We present AF‐vapeR (Allele Frequency Vector Analysis of Parallel Evolutionary Responses), an approach designed to identify genomic regions exhibiting highly correlated allele frequency changes within haplotypes and among replicated allele frequency change vectors. The method divides the genome into windows of an equivalent number of SNPs, and within each window performs eigen decomposition over normalised allele frequency change vectors (AFVs), each derived from a replicated pair of populations/species. Properties of the resulting eigenvalue distribution can be used to compare regions of the genome for those exhibiting strong geometric parallelism, and can also be compared against a null distribution derived from randomly permuted AFVs. Furthermore, the shape of the eigenvalue distribution can reveal multiple axes of parallelism within datasets.

We demonstrate the utility of this approach to detect different modes of parallel evolution using simulations, and a reduced type‐II error rate compared with intersecting FST outliers. Lastly, we apply AF‐vapeR to four previously published datasets (stickleback, Drosophila, guppies and Galapagos finches) which comprise a range of sampling and sequencing strategies, and lineage ages. We detect known parallel regions while also identifying novel candidates.

The main benefits of this approach include a reduced false‐negative rate under many conditions, an emphasis on signals associated specifically with repeatable evolution as opposed to local adaptation, and an opportunity to identify different modes of parallel evolution at the first instance.
Identification of key genes and immune cell infiltration in recurrent implantation failure: A study based on integrated analysis of multiple microarray studies
Authors: Feng Xue , Meng Xiaolin , Guo Shuaiqingying , Li Kezhen , Wang Lingjuan , Ai Jihui
Published: August 2022

Problem

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to a challenging topic in assisted reproductive technology (ART), the etiology of which may be attributed to impaired endometrial receptivity; however, the precise pathogenesis of RIF has not been thoroughly elucidated.

Method of study

Four RIF microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and integrated by the “sva” R package. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the “limma” package and then GO, KEGG, GSEA, and GSVA were applied to perform functional and pathway enrichment analysis. The immune cell infiltration in the RIF process was evaluated by the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, the hub genes were identified through the CytoHubba and subsequently verified using two items of external endometrial data.

Results

236 genes were differentially expressed in the endometrium of the RIF group. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the biological functions of DEGs were mainly correlated to the immune‐related pathways, including immune response, TNF signaling pathway, complement and coagulation cascades. Among the immune cells, γδ T cells decreased significantly in the endometrium of RIF patients. In addition, the key DEGs such as PTGS2, FGB, MUC1, SST, VCAM1, MMP7, ERBB4, FOLR1, and C3 were screened and identified as the hub genes involved in the pathogenesis of RIF.

Conclusions

Abnormal immune response regulation of endometrium contributes to the occurrence of RIF, and γδ T cells may be the pivotal immune cells causing RIF. At the same time, the novel hub genes identified will provide effective targets for the prediction and therapy of RIF.
MiRNA biomarkers in cancers of the male reproductive system: Are we approaching clinical application?
Authors: Constâncio Vera , Tavares Nuno Tiago , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen , Lobo João
Published: August 2022

Background

Specific cancer types face specific clinical management challenges. Owing to their stability, robustness and fast, easy and cost‐effective detection, microRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive candidate biomarkers to the clinic.

Objectives

Based on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature in the field, we explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers to answer relevant clinical dilemmas inherent to cancers of the male reproductive tract (prostate [PCa], testis [TGCTs] and penis [PeCa]) and identify some of the challenges/limitations hampering their widely application.

Results and discussion

We conclude that the use of miRNAs as biomarkers is at different stages for these distinct cancer types. While for TGCTs, miRNA‐371a‐3p is universally accepted to fill in important clinicals gaps and is moving fast towards clinical implementation, for PCa almost no overlap of miRNAs exists between studies, denoting the absence of a consistent miRNA biomarker, and for PeCa the field of miRNAs has just recently started, with only a few studies attempting to explore their clinical usefulness.

Conclusion

Technological advances influencing miRNA detection and quantification will be instrumental to continue to move forward with implementation of miRNAs in the clinic as biomarkers for non‐invasive diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment monitoring and follow‐up.
Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in infants: an initial experience
Authors: Leng Samantha , Jackson Tracy , Houlton Adelene , Dumitriu Elisabeth , Pacilli Maurizio , Nataraja Ramesh
Published: August 2022

Background

Inguinal hernia repair is a common operation performed in children. In Australia, open repair (OR) continues to be the preferred method of treatment in infants, despite laparoscopic repair (LR) gaining popularity amongst some international centres. Our aim was to analyse initial outcomes with LR at our paediatric centre.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients <1 year of age who received LR or OR between January 2017 and July 2021 at our institution. Data were retrieved from both electronic and scanned medical records. Data were analysed using an unpaired t‐test, Mann–Whitney test, Fisher's exact test or simple linear regression. A P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 376 patients were identified: LR was performed in 73 patients, and OR in 303 patients. Bilateral repair was more common amongst patients receiving LR: 56.2% versus 21.5%, P = 0.0001, treating either a symptomatic hernia or an intra‐operative contralateral inguinal defect (70%). All LR patients received general anaesthetic, compared to 82.8% of patients in the OR group, P = 0.0001. There were no recurrences following LR and 3 with OR (P = 1.0). The metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia rate following OR was 10% (21/206). There was no significant difference in other complications, including wound infection, haematoma, testicular atrophy, and hydrocele formation.

Conclusion

In our population OR was performed more often than LR. Operative complication rates were equivalent between OR and LR groups. However, infants that underwent OR were significantly more likely to develop a MCIH.
Multicentre, randomised study found that honey had no pharmacological effect on nocturnal coughs and sleep quality at 1–5 years of age
Authors: Nishimura Tatsuo , Muta Hiromi , Hosaka Taisuke , Ueda Makoto , Kishida Kazue ,   the Honey and Coughs Study Group of the Society of Ambulatory and General Paediatrics of Japan
Published: August 2022

Aim

The World Health Organization has listed honey as a potential treatment for coughs, but there is little evidence to support its use for coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). This study evaluated how effective honey was for treating nocturnal coughs and sleep difficulties.

Methods

This multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study focused on patients aged 1–5 years with URTIs and coughs for up to 7 days. They were recruited from 13 general paediatric community clinics in Japan. The participants were given acacia honey or a honey‐flavoured syrup placebo in the hour before they were put down to sleep on 2 consecutive nights. Their nocturnal cough and sleep difficulties were assessed on both nights using a 7‐point Likert scale.

Results

The data collection for 161 patients took place between 20 November 2021 and 28 February 2022, with 78 randomly allocated to the honey group and 83 to the syrup placebo group. Both groups showed improvements on both the first and second nights, with no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both groups showed improvements in their nocturnal coughs and sleep difficulties during the 2‐night study, but honey was no more effective than the syrup placebo.
Perceived effectiveness of an innovative mobile‐based serious game on the improvement of soft skills in minimally invasive surgical training
Authors: Oo Aung Myint , Vallabhajosyula Ranganath
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Soft skills have a pertinent role for the quality and efficient outcomes in minimally invasive surgical procedures that are difficult to practice due to time constraints, limited resources, and other logistical reasons. The literature says that serious games serve as better resources for learning soft skills but needs evaluation from stakeholders. This study explores the perceived effectiveness of serious gaming intervention as a learning tool to improve communication, collaborative skills among the residents in surgery, house officers and junior doctors.

Method

A total of nine participants volunteered to take part in the exploratory study. During the study, the participants responded to a pre‐test quiz, followed by exploration of the game and a post‐test quiz. The perceived perceptions on the effectiveness of the gaming intervention were collected on a five‐point Likert scale questionnaire with open‐ended questions.

Results

There was no significant difference in pre‐test and post‐test scores on communication and collaborative skills. Among the three themes, there was significant effect of usefulness of the application of improvement of soft skills (90% response); however, technicalities should be addressed (50% of responses). The qualitative feedback renders that, better graphics, tutorial run, user‐friendly interface and controls, and enhanced 3D environment would enhance the efficacy of the prototype.

Conclusion

An innovative mobile‐based serious gaming intervention was developed and tested for its effectiveness as a resource to develop soft skills among surgeons in training. The results indicate that gamified interventions can serve as educational resources and supplement the self‐directed learning in surgical education.
Mussel parasite richness and risk of extinction
Authors: Brian Joshua I. , Aldridge David C.
Published: August 2022

Parasite conservation is important for the maintenance of ecosystem diversity and function. Conserving parasites relies first on understanding parasite biodiversity and second on estimating the extinction risk to that biodiversity. Although steps have been taken independently in both these areas, previous studies have overwhelmingly focused on helminths in vertebrate hosts over broad scales, providing low resolution and excluding a large proportion of possible host and parasite diversity. We estimated both total obligate parasite richness and parasite extinction risk in freshwater mussels (Unionidae and Margaritiferidae) from Europe and the United States to provide a case study for considering parasite conservation in a severely understudied system. We used currently reported host–parasite relationships to extrapolate parasite diversity to all possible mussel hosts and then used the threat levels of those hosts to estimate the extinction risk for both described and undescribed parasites. An estimated 67% of parasite richness in freshwater mussels is undescribed and over 80% of the most host‐specific groups (digenean trematodes and ciliates) are undescribed. We estimated that 21% of this total parasite fauna is at immediate risk of extinction, corresponding to 60 unique species, many of which will likely go extinct before being described. Given the important roles parasites play in community structure and function and the strong ecosystem engineering capacities of freshwater mussels, such extinctions are likely to severely affect freshwater ecosystems. Our detailed study of mussel parasites provides compelling evidence for the hidden conservation threat to parasites through extinction cascades and shows parasites are deserving of immediate attention.
Identifying and developing effective post‐2020 conservation bridging leaders
Authors: Rice Wayne Stanley
Published: August 2022

Effective bridging leaders interact within and outside their group to facilitate collaboration required in multistakeholder contexts. This is particularly crucial to community‐based conservation interventions that strive to achieve both ecological and social objectives by actively engaging or devolving decision‐making and management authority to local communities. Although a viable approach in many contexts, achieving “unprecedented collaboration” called for by the Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework in community‐based conservation is problematic given the multiple and diverse actors affecting and affected by these interventions. Therefore, effective leadership becomes crucial to implementing necessary strategies to engage actors and resolve conflict inclusively. Yet, weak leadership commonly constrains these interventions. I reviewed relevant literature and devised a framework of effective bridging leadership characteristics. I then used this framework to appraise bridging leadership in two African coastal‐marine community‐based conservation cases. I employed social network analysis and semistructured and group interviews in the two cases. Several local leaders emerged as key (potential) bridging leaders. Furthermore, I found that effective bridging leaders require not only legal recognition but also perceived legitimacy resulting from building trust with other actors. Additionally, the inclusive collaboration required multiple sources of emotionally intelligent bridging leaders with the integrity, humility, empathy, and cultural awareness necessary to mitigate elite capture, effectively communicate, and empower and provide support to others. Because emotional intelligence in conservation leadership remains a knowledge gap, particularly in community‐based conservation research, insights from this study should be useful to diverse conservation actors.
Reconsidering the role of glycaemic control in cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes: A 21st century assessment
Authors: Aroda Vanita R. , Eckel Robert H.
Published: August 2022

It is well known that the multiple factors contributing to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) confer an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although the relationship between hyperglycaemia and increased microvascular risk is well established, the relative contribution of hyperglycaemia to macrovascular events has been strongly debated, particularly owing to the failure of attempts to reduce CVD risk through normalizing glycaemia with traditional therapies in high‐risk populations. The debate has been further fuelled by the relatively recent discovery of the cardioprotective properties of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors. Further, as guidelines now recommend individualizing glycaemic targets, highlighting the importance of achieving glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) goals safely, the previously observed negative influences of intensive therapy on CVD risk might not present if trials were repeated using current‐day treatments and individualized HbA1c goals. Emerging longitudinal data illuminate the overall effect of excess glucose, the impacts of magnitude and duration of hyperglycaemia on disease progression and risk of CVD complications, and the importance of glycaemic control at or early after diagnosis of T2D for prevention of complications. Herein, we review the role of glucose as a modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, the role of microvascular disease in predicting macrovascular risk, and the deleterious impact of therapeutic inertia on CVD risk. We reconcile new and old data to offer a current perspective, highlighting the importance of effective, early treatment in reducing latent CV risk, and the timely use of appropriate therapy individualized to each patient's needs.
Relations of religious affiliation group norms, human capital, and autonomy to Israeli men's participation in household duties
Authors: Abu‐Hasan Nabwani Ola
Published: August 2022

Objective

In this work, I document variation in husbands' participation in household duties, an indicator of gender equality, by comparing ethnoreligious affiliation group, human capital, and autonomy.

Background

Scholars posit a relationship between religiosity and traditional gender relations, impacted by cultural norms and women's human capital. Israel's diverse ethnoreligious landscape provides an excellent context for empirically evaluating posited relationships.

Method

The study analyzed quantitative data from the Israel Social Survey on 1,900 married women (1,529 Jews and 371 Arabs).

Results

Husbands of Arab women were 83% less likely than husbands of Jewish women to share household duties. Among Jewish couples, husbands of traditional‐religious women were 29% less likely than husbands of secular women to share household duties. Further, among Jewish couples, there was no difference in husbands' sharing of household duties between ultra‐Orthodox women and secular women. Among Arabs, Druze husbands were almost 3 times more likely to participate than Muslim husbands. Among Arab Muslims, religious husbands were 2.40 times more likely to share household duties than nonreligious Muslims.

Conclusion

Findings support C. Goldscheider's culture hypothesis, suggesting that the uniqueness of the affiliation group is most important. However, although human capital did not strongly moderate husbands' participation, women's autonomy did.

Implication

Public policy should be sensitive to differences between ethnoreligious groups in supporting gender equality. For instance, policy makers should encourage religious leaders to preach values that promote such equality.
Mechanisms of skeletal muscle repair and regeneration in health and disease
Authors: Michele Daniel E.
Published: August 2022

Skeletal muscle is a structurally and functionally remarkable tissue composed of multinucleated post‐mitotic muscle fibres. These fibres are filled with an exquisite, near crystalline array of assembled contractile proteins, capable of coupling ATP utilization to mechanical muscle contraction. Fully differentiated muscle has an incredible ability to protect and repair itself from significant muscle injuries. In fact, through activation of a resident population of stem cells known as satellite cells, muscle fibres can be completely regenerated, and normal function can be restored in a matter of a few weeks after a major myocellular necrotic injury. The loss of key mechanisms to protect muscle from injuries or loss of the capacity to repair muscle after injury is thought to underlie several forms of muscular dystrophy and also the age‐related decline of muscle function. In this Subject Collection, The FEBS Journal highlights articles that review or investigate key mechanisms of muscle repair and regeneration in response to injuries, and the contributions of these pathways to health and disease of skeletal muscle.
Toward a decade of ocean science for sustainable development through acoustic animal tracking
Authors: Alós Josep , Aarestrup Kim , Abecasis David , Afonso Pedro , Alonso‐Fernandez Alexandre , Aspillaga Eneko , Barcelo‐Serra Margarida , Bolland Jonathan , Cabanellas‐Reboredo Miguel , Lennox Robert , McGill Ross , Özgül Aytaç , Reubens Jan , Villegas‐Ríos David
Published: August 2022

The ocean is a key component of the Earth's dynamics, providing a great variety of ecosystem services to humans. Yet, human activities are globally changing its structure and major components, including marine biodiversity. In this context, the United Nations has proclaimed a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to tackle the scientific challenges necessary for a sustainable use of the ocean by means of the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14). Here, we review how Acoustic animal Tracking, a widely distributed methodology of tracking marine biodiversity with electronic devices, can provide a roadmap for implementing the major Actions to achieve the SDG14. We show that acoustic tracking can be used to reduce and monitor the effects of marine pollution including noise, light, and plastic pollution. Acoustic tracking can be effectively used to monitor the responses of marine biodiversity to human‐made infrastructures and habitat restoration, as well as to determine the effects of hypoxia, ocean warming, and acidification. Acoustic tracking has been historically used to inform fisheries management, the design of marine protected areas, and the detection of essential habitats, rendering this technique particularly attractive to achieve the sustainable fishing and spatial protection target goals of the SDG14. Finally, acoustic tracking can contribute to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by providing tools to monitor marine biodiversity against poachers and promote the development of Small Islands Developing States and developing countries. To fully benefit from acoustic tracking supporting the SDG14 Targets, trans‐boundary collaborative efforts through tracking networks are required to promote ocean information sharing and ocean literacy. We therefore propose acoustic tracking and tracking networks as relevant contributors to tackle the scientific challenges that are necessary for a sustainable use of the ocean promoted by the United Nations.
‘A life path different from one of labour in the Gulf’: Ongoing mobility among Nepali labour migrants in Qatar and their families
Authors: Limbu Amrita
Published: August 2022

Labour migration is commonly attached to the idea of a ‘better’ future for the migrants and their families, but there is less emphasis on how this does not materialize for many labour migrants. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among Nepalis working in Qatar and select families in Nepal, this article focuses on the intergenerational migration cycle or migration as open‐ended and ongoing across generations. While the Gulf migration scholarship has mostly concentrated on low‐skilled workers, I draw on the cases of migrants across different skill/income levels to show how the migrants’ and/or families’ desires for ‘ongoing mobility’ to the Gulf or the West panned out differently. I argue that despite wanting a different and better life path for the future generation, one unlike theirs of labour in the Gulf, many Gulf migrants are unable to meet these familial expectations; rather, migration histories repeat in a continual quest to overcome economic constraints.
Review of guidance for the selection of regenerative endodontics, apexogenesis, apexification, pulpotomy, and other endodontic treatments for immature permanent teeth
Authors: Murray Peter E.
Published: August 2022

This review guidance is a work in progress because the limitations of regenerative endodontics are still being discovered. The endodontic treatments for immature permanent teeth with a necrotic pulp can vary considerably among endodontic practitioners. Whereas, regenerative endodontic treatments are growing in popularity and are creating ever more complex treatment protocols, involving revascularization and/or autologous platelet‐rich plasma and scaffolds to elicit host stem cell de novo tissue formation to reestablish the vitality of immature teeth for the purpose of continuing root maturation. Despite much evolving controversy about their potential benefits, risks, prognosis, and contraindications, this review is aimed to discuss how to ensure that regenerative endodontic treatments are successful, by strictly adhering to case selection criteria, and following precise steps to accomplish and monitor the success of the treatment. A review of the endodontic literature was performed, together with practical observations of the problems and outcomes of performing regenerative endodontic treatments. Traditionally, apexification has long been the treatment of choice provided to immature teeth with a necrotic pulp. Regenerative endodontics may be provided as an alternative to apexification, if the tooth and patient meet all the case selection criteria, and if there are no contraindications. Regenerative endodontics has the unique potential advantage of being able to continue the root development in immature permanent teeth, thereby potentially saving the teeth for the lifetime of the patient. Whereas, conventional endodontic root canal treatment, Cvek partial pulpotomy, apexogenesis, and apexification, should always be provided when these treatments are more likely to benefit the patient because they can be more successful than regenerative endodontics.
Hole‐doped high entropy ferrites: Structure and charge compensation mechanisms in (Gd0.2La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Y0.2)1−xCaxFeO3
Authors: Eiselt Luis , Kruk Robert , Hahn Horst , Sarkar Abhishek
Published: August 2022

High entropy oxides (HEOs) can be defined as single‐phase oxide solid solutions with five or more cations in near equiatomic proportion occupying a given cation sub‐lattice. The compositional flexibility while retaining the phase purity can be considered one of the major strengths of this materials class. Taking advantage of this aspect, here we explore the extent to which an aliovalent hole dopant can be incorporated into a perovskite‐HEO system. Nine systems, (Gd0.2La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Y0.2)1−xCaxFeO3, with varying amount of Ca content (x = 0–.5) are synthesized using nebulized spray pyrolysis. Single‐phase orthorhombic (Pbnm) structure can be retained up to 20% of Ca doping. Beyond 20% of Ca, a secondary rhombohedral (R‐3c) phase emerges. The 57Fe Mössbauer spectra indicate that charge compensation occurs only via oxygen vacancy formation in the single‐phase systems containing up to 15% of Ca. In addition, partial transition from Fe3+ to Fe4+ occurs in the 20% Ca‐doped case. Room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy further reflects the coexistence of multiple magnetic phases in crystallographic single‐phase (Gd0.2La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Y0.2)1−xCaxFeO3, which is supported by magnetometry measurements. These initial results show the potential of charge doping to tune structural–magneto–electronic properties in compositionally complex HEOs, warranting further research in this direction.
Shear failure evolution and its dispersion of plain woven ceramic matrix composites z‐pin structure
Authors: Yu Guoqiang , Ni Zheng , Shi Jian , Xie Chuyang , Gao Xiguang , Song Yingdong
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the digital image correlation technique was applied to the shear test of 2D SiC/SiC composites z‐pin with the purpose of analyzing the shear behavior of the plain woven pin and studying the structure factors of test results dispersion. After obtaining the strain–stress curves of the joint's connection region, the evolution of z‐pin shear failure process was investigated. The z‐pin's failure fractures were observed, and the main factors of its dispersion of shear mechanical properties were discussed. Changing the yarn parameter of model building and importing into Workbench for calculation, the average stress results in the shear plane were obtained. Different simulation results show that optimization of plain‐woven pin structure parameters can effectively improve its shear strength.
Effect of disability severity on home‐based care quality among families with Uygur and Kazakh disabled older adults in far western rural China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhao Shu Hua , He Bin , Tang Xue Ting , Wang Xing Le , Zhang Meng Meng , Zhou Jia , Wang Yu Huan
Published: August 2022

Aims

To explore how family functioning and family resilience mediate the relationship between disability severity and quality of home‐based care among families with disabled older adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 431 families with Uygur and Kazakh disabled older adults in Xinjiang, China, in 2020. The data were collected using the Katz Activity of Daily Living Scale; Mini‐Mental State Examination; Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve Index Scale; Family Resilience Assessment Scale; and Family Caregiving Consequences Inventory Scale. All mediation effects were estimated in SPSS26.0.

Results

Disability severity, family functioning and family resilience were all significantly correlated with home‐based care quality. Disability severity had a 46.16% direct effect on home‐based care quality and a 53.84% indirect effect on home‐based care quality independently and in series through family functioning and family resilience.

Conclusions

Disability severity directly affected home‐based care quality and had an indirect influence via family functioning and family resilience. Multidisciplinary care teams should focus on families with disabled older adults and help them improve family functioning and family resilience by implementing targeted interventions, so as to improve home‐based care quality.
Synergistic effect of self‐efficacy and social support on regular participation in leisure‐time physical activity among nursing staff
Authors: Zhang Yuan , El Ghaziri Mazen , de Castillero Elizabeth Ronan
Published: August 2022

Aims

This exploratory study, using mixed methods research, aimed to (1) examine the associations among self‐efficacy, social support and regular leisure‐time physical activity of nursing staff, and (2) identify motivators and barriers to leisure‐time physical activity.

Background

It is important to engage nursing staff in regular leisure‐time physical activity as a countermeasure against high occupational stress and poor health. Limited research has examined nursing staff's participation in leisure‐time physical activity and associated factors.

Methods

Nursing staff employed at a community hospital in the northeastern United States were invited to participate in this cross‐sectional survey with close‐ and open‐ended questions in March 2016.

Results

A total of 363 nurses and nursing assistants responded, among whom, 59.8% reported regular leisure‐time physical activity. Poisson regression models suggested that self‐efficacy and social support had an interactive association with increased prevalence of regular leisure‐time physical activity.

Conclusion

Self‐efficacy and social support have an important synergistic association with regular leisure‐time physical activity of nursing staff. Effective interventions intending to facilitate nursing staff's leisure‐time physical activity should consider improving their self‐efficacy and social support. Qualitative comments suggested that work‐out areas in the workplace with release time and organized activity may promote regular leisure‐time physical activity of nursing staff.
Human mobility in the context of environmental and climate change: Recent data collection tools from the International Organization for Migration to address key methodological and conceptual issues
Authors: Nicoletti Alessandro , Melde Susanne , Guadagno Lorenzo , Bilsborrow Richard E.
Published: August 2022

This paper outlines recent data collection tools and methodologies that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been using in order to gather information on human mobility as influenced by environmental factors and their impacts. It looks at alternative ways for collecting and analysing data in the face of methodological challenges related to the multicausality of movements, the voluntary/involuntary continuum in human (im)mobility decisions in the context of environmental and climate change, and the policy and epistemological imperative from viewing migration as an adaptation strategy. The paper finds that certain data collection approaches can be quickly deployed in rapid‐onset disasters as well as applied in contexts of gradual, slow‐onset environmental change to provide information useful for operational responses to immediate crises and/or for developing policies in response. Some of the tools can be useful in both contexts and may support both immediate and long‐term operational, policy and research objectives.
27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Siying , Li Yichun , Wei Lulu , Fang Fang , Jiang Yulan , Chen Keyan , Yang Xiaotian , Liu Hongwei
Published: August 2022

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and the need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease. A systematic literature search up to June 2022 was performed and 1264 subjects with the vitreoretinal disease at the baseline of the studies; 562 of them were using the 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery, and 722 were using 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery. Odds ratio (OR), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and the need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease using the dichotomous, and contentious methods with a random or fixed‐effect model. The 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had a significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative wound complication (OR, 6.66; 95% CI, 0.46‐0.95, P = .02), and wound suture number (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.71, P = .002), and best corrected visual acuity (MD, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.05 to −0.001, P = .02) compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. However, 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had no significant difference in the wound closure time (MD, −8.45; 95% CI, −23.44 to 6.55, P = .27), operation time (MD, 0.85; 95% CI, −1.17 to 2.86, P = .41), intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1 (MD, 0.42; 95% CI, −1.45‐2.28, P = .66), primary anatomical success rate (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.42‐1.63, P = .58), and central macular thickness (MD, 1.81; 95% CI, −21.76 to 25.37, P = .88) compared to 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. The 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had a significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative wound complication, wound suture number, and best corrected visual acuity, and no significant difference in the wound closure time, operation time, intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1, primary anatomical success rate, and central macular thickness compared to 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of 12 out of 15 studies in the meta‐analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.
Electrochemical characterization of TiNb2O7 as anode material synthesized using microwave‐assisted microemulsion route
Authors: Liang Kai‐Hsiang , Som Sudipta , Gupta Karan Kumar , Lu Chung‐Hsin
Published: August 2022

TiNb2O7 materials were synthesized via a microwave‐assisted microemulsion technique and a conventional solid‐state reaction route. Microwave‐assisted microemulsion process produced TiNb2O7 powders with small particle sizes (50–100 nm) and increased surface area (22.4 m2/g) in comparison to the samples synthesized from solid‐state method. Micelles in the microemulsion acted as nano‐reactors and confined the grain growth of TiNb2O7. The microwave‐assisted microemulsion‐derived TiNb2O7 powders presented a high discharge capacity of 333.2 mAh/g at 0.1C. The materials also delivered 94.8% retention at 5C after 100 cycles. The solid‐state derived samples only processed the 283.2‐mAh/g discharge capacity at 0.1C with 83.2% retention at 5C after 100 cycles. The amended capacity and cyclability of microwave‐assisted microemulsion‐derived TiNb2O7 resulted from the augmented Li+ diffusion and the diminished charge transfer resistance. It was also found that the microwave‐assisted microemulsion‐derived TiNb2O7 delivered 208 mAh/g discharge capacity at 10C, which was higher than solid‐state derived samples (92 mAh/g). The improved capacity was owing to the enhancement in pseudocapacitive contribution. Present research indicated that the microwave‐assisted microemulsion method effectively enhanced the electrochemical performance of TiNb2O7 powders.
Simulation and evaluation of float glass furnace with different electrode positions
Authors: Han Jianjun , Li Luyao , Wang Jing , Chen Shuyong , Liu Chao , Li Congyun
Published: August 2022

In the glass manufacturing industry, electric melting would greatly improve the energy efficiency and reduce the pollution emission, which agrees with the target of peak carbon and carbon neutrality. In this work, electric boosting system is introduced into float glass furnace, and the influence of varied electrodes positions on glass melting process is investigated. The glass temperature and velocity fields of glass melting tank are obtained using numerical modeling. According to the temperature and velocity fields, the glass trajectories at glass melting tank are tracked, and the residence time distribution and quality indexes of glass melt are statistic as well. Ultimately, the evaluation method is proposed to predict the glass quality and melting efficiency of glass furnace, which is based on the quality indexes of critical particles and longest residence time of glass melt. The accelerated batch melting process and stable convection flow are obtained as the electrodes are installed under batch blanket. Furthermore, the improved glass quality and melting efficiency of glass furnace is obtained. The study is expected to promote the application and optimization of electric boosting system in large‐scale float furnace, which would accelerate the use of clean energy in glass manufacturing industry.
Identification of a novel quinoline-based UV-protective pigment from a psychrotrophic Arctic bacterium
Authors: Mandal Sukhendu , Kundu Shampa , Uddin Md Raihan , Das Prasenjit , Paul Payel , Roy Pranab , Tribedi Prosun , Sahoo Prithidipa
Published: August 2022

Aims

Psychrotrophs are extremophilic microorganisms that grow optimally in low temperature having many unique bioactive molecules of biotechnological applications. In this study, we characterized a pigment from an arctic bacterium with protective activity towards UV exposure.

Methods and results

The present research reports isolation and characterization of a psychrotrophic bacteria, RSAP2, from the soil sample of NyAlesund (78°56"N, 11°54"E), Svalbard, Norway. The strain showed closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.9%) with Kocuria indica NIO-1021. RSAP2 is a Gram-positive, coccoid aerobe which produces a yellow pigment. The optimal parameters for pigment production while grown in LB medium were 3% (w/v) NaCl and 4 days of incubation of the culture at 20°C and pH 9 with shaking (180 rpm). The pigment was extracted in methanol and acetone (2:1) and further purified through column chromatography. It was characterized by mass spectrometry, UV–visible, fluorescence, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and CHNS/O analysis. The pigment has a molecular weight of about 258 daltons and the molecular formula was determined as C15H18N2O2 and is a quinoline derivative. We show that the pigment can protect Escherichia coli against UV-mediated mutagenesis. We further demonstrate that the pigment displays a significant antimicrobial effect and in sublethal concentrations it impairs biofilm formation ability of the model organism Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions

The pigment of a psychrotrophic Arctic bacterium, most likely a strain of K. indica, was purified and its chemical structure was determined. The quinoline-based pigment has the ability to protect live cells from UV induced damage.

Significance and impact of study

Analysis and characterization of this newly isolated quinoline-based pigment is a potential candidate for future application in skin care products.
Impact of atrioventricular junction ablation and CRT‐D on long‐term mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, permanent, refractory atrial fibrillation, and narrow QRS: Results of a propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Palmisano Pietro , Ziacchi Matteo , Ammendola Ernesto , Dell'Era Gabriele , Guerra Federico , Donateo Paolo , Del Giorno Giuseppe , Laffi Mattia , Coluccia Giovanni , Bartoli Lorenzo , Gaggioli Germano , Carbone Angelo , Senes Jacopo , Dello Russo Antonio , Patti Giuseppe , Nigro Gerardo , Biffi Mauro , Accogli Michele
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In patients with symptomatic permanent atrial fibrillation (PEAF) and narrow QRS, atrio‐ventricular junction ablation (AVJA) plus cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is superior to medical therapy in reducing heart failure (HF) hospitalization and all‐cause mortality. To compare the mortality of a population of patients with HF, reduced EF (rEF), and PEAF treated with AVJA plus CRT with that of a contemporary cohort of patients in sinus rhythm (SR) with similar baseline characteristics.

Methods and Results

In this prospective, multicentre, observational study, all‐cause mortality in a group of consecutive patients undergoing AVJA and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) combined with CRT implantation for HFrEF, narrow QRS, and PEAF with uncontrolled ventricular rate was compared with that of a contemporary cohort of patients in SR undergoing ICD implantation (not combined with CRT) for HFrEF and narrow QRS. Individual 1:1 propensity matching of baseline characteristics was performed. A total of 824 patients were enrolled. Propensity matching yielded 107 matched pairs. After a median follow‐up of 52 months, all‐cause mortality was similar in patients treated with AVJA plus CRT and in the control group (p = .434). In AVJA plus CRT patients, mortality was significantly lower than in control group patients with a history of paroxysmal/persistent AF (n = 45, p = .020), and similar to that of patients without a history of AF (n = 62, p = .459).

Conclusions

After adjustment for patient characteristics, the long‐term prognosis of patients with HFrEF, narrow QRS, and PEAF who underwent AVJA plus CRT was similar to that of a population of patients in SR with similar characteristics.
Sex differences and adherence of patients treated with wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator: Insights from an international multicenter register
Authors: Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Dreher Tobias C. , Rosenkaimer Stephanie , Röger Susanne , Erath Julia W. , Klein Norbert , Kovacs Boldizsar , Duru Firat , Saguner Ardan M. , El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Akin Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

Aims

Treatment with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) may protect against sudden cardiac death (SCD) as a bridging therapy until a cardioverter‐defibrillator may be implanted. We analyzed in a multicenter setting a consecutive patient cohort wearing WCD to explore sex differences.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 708 consecutive patients, 579 (81.8%) from whom were males and 129 (18.2%) females (age, 60.5 ± 14 vs. 61.6 ± 17 years old; p = .44). While the rate of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) as a cause of prescription of WCD was significantly higher in males as compared to females (42.7% vs. 26.4%; p = .001), females received it more frequently due to nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) (55.8% vs. 42.7%); p = .009). The wear time of WCD was equivalent in both groups (21.1 ± 4.3 h/days in males vs. 21.5 ± 4.4 h/days in females; p = .27; and 62.6 ± 44.3 days in males vs. 56.5 ± 39 days in females; p = .15). Mortality was comparable in both groups at 2‐year‐follow‐up (6.8% in males vs. 9.7% in females; p = .55). Appropriate WCD shocks and the incidence of ICD implantations were similar in both groups (2.4% in males vs. 3.9% in females; p = .07) (35.1% in males vs. 31.8% in females; p = .37), respectively. In age tertile analysis, compliance was observed more in 73–91 years old group as compared with 14–51 years old group (87.8% vs. 68.3%; p < .001).

Conclusion

Compliance for wearing WCD was excellent regardless of sex. Furthermore, mortality and the incidence of ICD implantations were comparable in both sexes. Appropriate WCD shocks were similar in both sexes.
Can asymmetric punishment deter endogenous bribery
Authors: Hu Lin , Oak Mandar
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the effects of asymmetric punishment of bribery on both bribery and compliance with regulations. The bribe amount is decided via Nash bargaining and regulatory compliance and whistle‐blowing are strategic decisions. Moreover, investigations of bribery and noncompliance occur in a manner that may be interdependent. We show that, under symmetric punishment, inducing whistle‐blowing has no effect on the frequency of bribery. When the bribery and noncompliance investigations are independent, a switch from symmetric to asymmetric punishment either makes no difference or induces more nonharassment bribery. Only when bribery detection increases the chance of noncompliance detection and asymmetric punishment leads to whistle‐blowing for both types of entrepreneurs, can the shift succeed in reducing noncompliance. The result is robust to the case where legalization of bribe‐giving is not feasible for nonharassment bribes.
Parents' experiences of handling oral anticancer drugs at home: ‘It all falls on me …’
Authors: Akkawi El Edelbi Ranaa , Eksborg Staffan , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Lövgren Malin , Wallén Klara , Ekman Jennie , Lindemalm Synnöve
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of parents handling oral anticancer drugs in a home setting.

Methods

Parents of children with cancer were recruited from a paediatric oncology ward in Sweden to participate in an interview. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results

We found the following categories and subcategories: parents’ views on the provided information—lack of, too little or contradictory information, and parents’ preferences for information delivery; safety over time; correct drug dose; and drug administration. As time passed, most parents adapted to their child's illness, felt safer and found it easier to take in and process any given information. Parents preferred information in different formats (written, movie clips and orally) and in their mother tongue. Many parents were aware of the importance of giving an accurate dose to their child and described the process of drug administration as overwhelming.

Conclusion

Parents need to be provided with accurate, timely, nonconflicting and repeated information—in different forms and in their mother tongue—on how to handle oral anticancer drugs at home.