bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearing assessment in Egyptian children with chronic renal failure on regular hemodialysis and renal transplantation children
Authors: Fadel Fatina I. , Yamamah Gamal Abdel Naser , Hasanin Rasha M. , Mostafa Eman A. , Abdalgeleel Shaimaa Abdalaleem , Salah Mohab M. , Galal Rasha E. E. , Abdel Mawla Mohamed A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Hearing impairment is frequent in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). We aimed to assess the prevalence of hearing impairment in children on regular hemodialysis and renal transplantation.

Materials and Methods

Transient‐evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) has been done for 80 children on regular hemodialysis and 40 with renal transplant.

Results

In hemodialysis group, TEOAEs showed that 53.8% children had hearing affection, it was significantly related to dialysis duration, dialysis adequacy, vascular access infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and ototoxic drugs (p = 0.001, 0.037, 0.011, 0.004, 0.030, 0.007, and 0.044, respectively).

In renal transplant group hearing impairment was 25%. There was significant relation with period of dialysis before transplantation and biopsy proved rejection (p = 0.008, <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Hearing impairment is a common finding in ESRD patients. Thus audiological assessment must be done in these patients.
Nondestructive detection of total soluble solids in grapes using VMD‐RC and hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Xu Min , Sun Jun , Yao Kunshan , Wu Xiaohong , Shen Jifeng , Cao Yan , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2021

Total soluble solids (TSS) are one of the most essential attributes determining the quality and price of fruit. This study aimed to use hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and wavelength selection for nondestructive detection of TSS in grape. A novel method involving variational mode decomposition and regression coefficients (VMD‐RC) was proposed to select feature wavelengths. VMD was introduced to decompose the hyperspectral images data of samples with bands of (400.68–1001.61 nm) to get a series of feature components. Afterward, these components were processed separately using regression analysis to obtain the stability values of RC of each component. Finally, a filter‐based selection strategy was used to screen key wavelengths. The least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) and partial least squares (PLS) were constructed under full and feature wavelengths for predicting TSS. The VMD‐RC‐LSSVM model obtained the best prediction accuracy for TSS, withof 0.93, withof 0.6 %, withof 18.14 andof 3.69. The overall results indicated that the VMD‐RC algorithm can be used as an alternative to handle high‐dimensional hyperspectral images data, and HSI has great potential for nondestructive and rapid evaluation of quality attributes in fruit.

Practical Application

Traditional methods of evaluating grape quality attributes are destructive, time‐consuming and laborious. Therefore, HSI was used to achieve rapid and nondestructive determination of TSS in grape. The results indicated that it was feasible to use HSI and variable selection for predicting TSS. It is of great significance to improve grape quality, guide postharvest handling and provide a valuable reference for noninvasively evaluating other internal attributes of fruit.
Optimization of barley flour and inulin addition for pasta formulation using mixture design approach
Authors: Zarroug Youkabed , Djebali Kais , Sfayhi Dorra , Khemakhem Maissa , Boulares Mouna , El Felah Mouldi , Mnasser Hassouna , Kharrat Mohamed
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present work was to optimize the formulation of a new functional pasta containing durum wheat semolina, whole barley flour, and inulin ingredients to enhance both the technological and textural properties of this product using the mixture design approach. Optimally formulated pasta with acceptable technological and textural properties as close as possible to those of control pasta was studied. The microstructure analysis of cooked and uncooked pasta was performed. Cox response trace plots revealed that the increasing amounts of whole barley flour and durum wheat semolina resulted in an increase in the cooking quality parameters and yellowness. However, pasta firmness was negatively influenced by inulin and whole barley flour addition. The ingredient composition of the optimally formulated pasta, which leads to the best technological and textural properties, was 94.8% durum wheat semolina, 3.7% whole barley flour, and 1.5% inulin. This optimal formulation had an optimal cooking time of 335.24 s, a swelling index of 2.15%, and a cooking loss of 10.44%. The firmness values and the color parameters were also satisfactory. The microstructure of the optimally formulated cooked pasta showed the presence of few not gelatinized starch granules incorporated into the protein matrix as compared to the control pasta.

Practical Application

Three ingredients, durum wheat semolina, whole barley flour, and inulin, were used for the production of new functional pasta using a mixture design approach. The obtained optimally formulated pasta, with good technological and textural properties, was rich in several dietary fibers. This allows the application of whole barley flour and inulin in the cereal industry and can be of interest to the human diet.
Expert consensus on the clinical application of high‐frequency electrosurgery in digestive endoscopy (2020, Shanghai)
Authors: Bai Yu , Yang Fan , Liu Cui , Li De Feng , Wang Shi , Lin Rong , Ding Zhen , Meng Wen Bo , Li Zhao Shen , Linghu En Qiang ,   National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases (Shanghai),   Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy,   Digestive Endoscopy Professional Committee of Chinese Endoscopist Association,   Cancer Endoscopy Professional Committee of China Anti‐Cancer Association
Published: December 2021

High‐frequency electrosurgery has been widely applied in digestive endoscopy with constantly expanding indications. However, high‐frequency electrosurgery may cause possible complications such as hemorrhage or perforation during or after the procedure, of which endoscopists must be cautious. Digestive endoscopists must have a firm grasp of the principles of high‐frequency electrosurgery as well as its safety issues so as to improve the safety of its clinical application. To this end, experts in gastroenterology and hepatology, digestive endoscopy, surgery, nursing and other related fields were invited to draft a consensus on the clinical application of high‐frequency electrosurgery in digestive endoscopy based on relevant domestic and international literatures and their experiences.
Preoperative electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy‐guided one‐stage multiple‐dye localization for resection of subsolid nodules: A single‐center pilot study
Authors: Jeong Jong Hwan , Park Hyeongbin , Choi Chang‐Min , Oh Ju Hyun , Lee Geun Dong , Kim Dong Kwan , Hwang Hee Sang , Jang Se Jin , Oh Sang Young , Kim Mi Young , Ji Wonjun
Published: December 2021

Background

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)‐guided transbronchial dye marking and video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an emerging technique that enables successful resection of multiple small subsolid pulmonary nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and safety of preoperative ENB‐guided transbronchial multiple dye localization for VATS resection of subsolid pulmonary nodules.

Methods

As a single‐center pilot study, we recruited patients with at least two small or subsolid pulmonary nodules. Multiple‐dye localization was performed by intraoperative ENB‐guided transbronchial injection of an indigo carmine dye. The patients underwent VATS for sublobar resection immediately after localization. The accuracy of ENB‐guided dye marking was checked.

Results

ENB‐guided one‐stage multiple dye localization was conducted for 18 pulmonary nodules in seven patients between September 2018 and December 2019. The mean diameter of the pulmonary nodules was 9.3 mm (range, 4–18) and the mean distance from the pleura to pulmonary nodule was 6 mm (range, 1–17 mm). ENB‐guided transbronchial multiple dye localization was successfully performed in 94.4% (17/18), and the accuracy of ENB‐guided dye marking was 88.2% (15/17). When two nodules were not seen in intraoperative fields, anatomical sublobar resection was performed. There was no conversion to thoracotomy and operative mortalities. Among the seven patients, only one patient showed mild intrabronchial bleeding but stopped spontaneously. The changes in lung function after multiple wedge resections (−1.6% to 24.8%) were tolerable level.

Conclusions

ENB‐guided one‐stage transbronchial dye localization showed accurate and safe intraoperative identification of multiple subsolid pulmonary nodules. A large scale prospective clinical study is warranted.
Aerosol generation during general anesthesia is comparable to coughing: An observational clinical study
Authors: Oksanen Lotta‐Maria , Sanmark Enni , Sofieva Svetlana , Rantanen Noora , Lahelma Mari , Anttila Veli‐Jukka , Lehtonen Lasse , Atanasova Nina , Pesonen Eero , Geneid Ahmed , Hyvärinen Antti‐Pekka
Published: December 2021

Background

Intubation, laryngoscopy, and extubation are considered highly aerosol‐generating procedures, and additional safety protocols are used during COVID‐19 pandemic in these procedures. However, previous studies are mainly experimental and have neither analyzed staff exposure to aerosol generation in the real‐life operating room environment nor compared the exposure to aerosol concentrations generated during normal patient care. To assess operational staff exposure to potentially infectious particle generation during general anesthesia, we measured particle concentration and size distribution with patients undergoing surgery with Optical Particle Sizer.

Methods

A single‐center observative multidisciplinary clinical study in Helsinki University Hospital with 39 adult patients who underwent general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. Mean particle concentrations during different anesthesia procedures were statistically compared with cough control data collected from 37 volunteers to assess the differences in particle generation.

Results

This study measured 25 preoxygenations, 30 mask ventilations, 28 intubations, and 24 extubations. The highest total aerosol concentration of 1153 particles (p)/cm³ was observed during mask ventilation. Preoxygenations, mask ventilations, and extubations as well as uncomplicated intubations generated mean aerosol concentrations statistically comparable to coughing. It is noteworthy that difficult intubation generated significantly fewer aerosols than either uncomplicated intubation (p = .007) or coughing (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Anesthesia induction generates mainly small (<1 µm) aerosol particles. Based on our results, general anesthesia procedures are not highly aerosol‐generating compared with coughing. Thus, their definition as high‐risk aerosol‐generating procedures should be re‐evaluated due to comparable exposures during normal patient care.

Implication Statement

The list of aerosol‐generating procedures guides the use of protective equipments in hospitals. Intubation is listed as a high‐risk aerosol‐generating procedure, however, aerosol generation has not been measured thoroughly. We measured aerosol generation during general anesthesia. None of the general anesthesia procedures generated statistically more aerosols than coughing and thus should not be considered as higher risk compared to normal respiratory activities.
HEMO2life® improves renal function independent of cold ischemia time in kidney recipients: A comparison with a large multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Le Meur Yannick , Delpy Eric , Renard Felix , Hauet Thierry , Badet Lionel , Rerolle Jean Philippe , Thierry Antoine , Büchler Matthias , Zal Franck , Barrou Benoit
Published: December 2021

Background

M101 is an extracellular hemoglobin isolated from a marine lugworm and is present in the medical device HEMO2life®. The clinical investigation OXYOP was a paired kidney analysis (n = 60) designed to evaluate the safety and performance of HEMO2life® used as an additive to preservation solution in renal transplantation. The secondary efficacy endpoints showed less delayed graft function (DGF) and better renal function in the HEMO2life® group but due to the study design cold ischemia time (CIT) was longer in the contralateral kidneys.

Methods

An additional analysis was conducted including OXYOP patients and patients from the ASTRE database (n = 6584) to verify that the decrease in DGF rates observed in the HEMO2life® group may not be due solely to the shorter CIT but also to HEMO2life® performance. Kaplan–Meier estimate curves of cumulative probability of achieving a creatinine level below 250 µmol/L were generated and compared in both groups. A Cox model was used to test the effect of the explanatory variables (use of HEMO2life® and CIT). Finally, a bootstrap strategy was used to randomly select smaller samples of patients and test them for statistical comparison in the ASTRE database.

Results

Kaplan–Meier estimate curves confirmed the existence of a relation between DGF and CIT and Cox analysis showed a benefit in the HEMO2life® group regardless of the associated CIT. Boostrap analysis confirmed these results.

Conclusions

The present study suggested that the better recovery of renal function observed among kidneys preserved with HEMO2life® in the OXYOP study is a therapeutic benefit of this breakthrough innovative medical device.
The effect of sodium butyrate supplementation on ruminal and fecal pH and serum lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein after ruminal acidosis challenge in nonlactating cows
Authors: Fukumori Rika , Ikeno Rina , Izumi Kenichi , Doi Kazuya , Otsuka Marina , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Oikawa Shin
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of sodium‐butyrate supplementation on gastrointestinal function and the inflammatory response to ruminal acidosis (RA) challenge in cows. Four nonlactating cows with a rumen cannula were assigned to two treatments in a crossover design. Treatments were ruminal administration of sodium‐butyrate (BUT) or control (CON). Sodium‐butyrate was provided as Gustor BP70 and administered at a butyrate dose of 0.04% per kg body weight. The CON premix was made by replacing sodium‐butyrate with wheat bran. Experimental periods were 28 days long with 21‐day washout period separating the treatments. On Day 25 of each period, corn starch was ruminally administered at 0.7% per kg body weight as RA challenge. After RA challenge, ruminal pH was lower, and endotoxin concentration was higher for cows provided with BUT than those with CON, but the increase in fecal starch and the decrease in fecal pH were attenuated by BUT. The effect of butyrate supplementation on serum lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein after RA challenge was not found. From these findings, butyrate supplementation mitigated rectal acidosis by reducing the flux of fermentable carbohydrate into the large intestine. An anti‐inflammatory effect of butyrate was not observed, possibly due to lower pH and higher endotoxin concentration in the rumen.
The impact of radioactive contamination on tree regeneration and forest development in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Authors: Matsala Maksym , Senf Cornelius , Bilous Andrii , Diachuk Petro , Zadorozhniuk Roman , Burianchuk Maksym , Seidl Rupert
Published: December 2021

Questions

Nuclear power is under increasing consideration in many countries because it is a low‐carbon strategy to satisfy growing energy demands. Yet, the long‐term environmental impacts of nuclear accidents remain unclear. Here we asked how ionizing radiation affects tree regeneration and forest development after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. We hypothesized that high levels of 137Cs contamination in the soil: (a) inhibit tree establishment; (b) accelerate structural development (i.e., facilitation of an early differentiation of tree sizes); while (c) prolonging the dominance of early‐seral deciduous communities (because of an elevated susceptibility of conifers to ionizing radiation).

Location

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine.

Methods

We sampled 103 plots on former agricultural lands in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone that were abandoned after the accident in 1986.

Results

Contamination had no significant effect on the stem density of forests established on former agricultural lands (p = 0.769). Structural development was not accelerated by radioactive contamination (p > 0.191), but we did find weak indications that the presence of tree regeneration was reduced by high radiation levels (p = 0.054). Tree species composition did not vary significantly with contamination (p = 0.250). Individual Scots pine trees did, however, experience a considerably higher proportion of deformed stems when contamination levels were high (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Our analyses confirm negative effects of radioactive contamination on the individual tree health of Scots pine, yet early stand development in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone was largely insensitive to different levels of radiation. As wildfires threaten to remobilize and redistribute radionuclides stored in the growing forests of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, our findings have potential implications for human health. We conclude that forest dynamics is a key element for assessing the long‐term risk at nuclear accident sites and requires intensified research and monitoring.
Prevalence, burden and treatment effects of vaginal bleeding in women with (suspected) congenital platelet disorders throughout life: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Punt Marieke C. , Ruigrok Nienke D. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M. , Uitslager Nanda , Urbanus Rolf T. , Groot Evelyn , Kremer Hovinga Idske C. L. , Schutgens Roger E. G. , van Galen Karin P. M. ,   the Thrombocytopathy in the Netherlands (TiN) Study Group
Published: December 2021

Congenital platelet disorders (CPDs) are rare bleeding disorders that are associated with mucocutaneous bleeds. However, data on vaginal bleeding in women with CPDs are scarce. A set of generic and bleeding‐specific questionnaires were used to evaluate the prevalence of vaginal bleeding, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning and the consequences for pregnancy, miscarriage and delivery in a cohort of women who were referred for diagnostic evaluation for CPDs. A total of 78 women included in the study were either diagnosed with a CPD (n = 35) or were clinically suspected of a CPD (n = 43). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was reported by a large proportion of women, which mainly started at menarche. In all, 76% of women received any kind of HMB treatment, often leading to surgical prodecures. HMB was shown to have a high impact on QoL, which improved upon treatment. Even though women reported that vaginal bleeding affects sexuality, this topic is not frequently discussed with physicians. Heavy blood loss frequently occurred after miscarriage/delivery, often requiring treatment. Women with (suspected) CPDs frequently encounter HMB, negatively impacting daily life and sexual functioning. Together with peripartum bleeding, these data highlight the burden of vaginal bleeding in CPDs and importance of adequate treatment.
A two‐stage, fault‐controlled paleofluid system at the southern termination of the Gypsum Valley salt wall, Paradox Basin, Colorado, USA
Authors: Lueck Lillian R. , Fischer Mark P. , Williams Nicholas J. , Drost Kerstin , Dodd Justin P. , Chew David M.
Published: December 2021

This study combines field structural analysis with thin‐section petrography, U‐Pb dating, and strontium, carbon and oxygen isotopic analysis of calcite fracture fills to constrain the evolution of the 2‐5 km scale paleofluid system around the faulted, plunging fold nose comprising the southern termination of the Gypsum Valley salt wall in the Paradox Basin, U.S.A. Brittle deformation in this region began with the formation of a down‐to‐the‐northeast, counter‐regional fault and then progressed into jointing and faulting in a radial pattern, followed by jointing in a concentric pattern. Coupled with increases in fracture abundance toward the faults, multiple stages of mineralization suggest that the faults served as efficient and long‐lived conduits for vertical fluid migration. Although fracture cement textures and calcite colour are variable throughout the area, the distribution of these characteristics does not correlate with fracture orientation, relative age, stratigraphic or structural position. Irrespective of the type of calcite comprising the fracture cements, δ13C values average near −7‰ (VPDB), whereas δ18O values cluster into groups whose averages are roughly 6‰ apart, with the more negative grouping stratigraphically restricted to fracture cements in Jurassic rocks. The stratigraphic segregation of δ18O values suggests the paleofluid system contained two distinct paleofluids, a more recent one comprised of meteoric waters and an older one comprising brine that originated in Pennsylvanian strata. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in fracture‐filling calcite cements indicate that the older fluid underwent fluid‐rock interaction with Permian strata and that this evolved fluid migrated upwards along the faults until the Triassic or Jurassic. Thereafter, fluid migrating along the faults was more meteoric and appears to have migrated downward along the faults, where it interacted with Permian strata. Consistent U‐Pb dates from carbonates precipitated from the older fluid suggest this stage of the paleofluid system was active around 240 Ma. Local burial history models and published temperatures for fracture cements elsewhere in the basin suggest the younger stage of the paleofluid system occurred during the Latest Cretaceous to Oligocene. This study highlights the spatial and temporal complexity of fluid systems in the vicinity of salt structures and emphasises the need to interpret them through careful integration of high resolution stratigraphic and structural data in the context of evolving salt tectonics.
Social capital and oral health in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Knorst Jessica K. , Tomazoni Fernanda , Sfreddo Camila S. , Vettore Mario V. , Hesse Daniela , Ardenghi Thiago M.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To systematically evaluate the association of individual and contextual social capital with oral health outcomes in children and adolescents.

Methods

Electronic searches were performed in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases for articles published from 1966 up to June 2021. Two calibrated reviewers screened and critically appraised the identified papers. Observational studies that evaluated the relationship of individual or/and contextual social capital or their proxies with oral health outcomes in children and adolescents using validated methods were included. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted for narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis followed by a meta‐regression model. Meta‐analysis using random effects method was used to estimate pooled prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of the 3060 studies initially retrieved, 31 were included in the systematic review and 21 in the meta‐analysis, totalling 81 241 individuals. The clinical outcomes included dental caries and gingival bleeding and subjective outcomes were oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self‐rated oral health (SROH). Individuals with lower levels of individual social capital had a higher prevalence of poor clinical (PR 1.11; 95%CI 1.02–1.22) and subjective (PR 1.25; 95%CI 1.09–1.45) oral health conditions. The prevalence of worse clinical (PR 1.34; 95%CI 1.11–1.61) and subjective (PR 1.56; 95%CI 1.13–2.16) oral health outcomes were also associated with lower levels of contextual social capital. In general, the contextual level of social capital exerted more impact, and the subjective oral health outcomes were the more affected.

Conclusions

Contextual and individual social capital were positively related to oral health outcomes, such as dental caries, gingival bleeding, SROH and OHRQoL in children and adolescents.
One‐year prospective study on single short (7‐mm) implant overdentures in patients with severely resorbed mandibles
Authors: Ala Lucas Alvarenga Balduino , Nogueira Túlio Eduardo , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues
Published: December 2021

Objective

This prospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using a single short implant to retain a single‐implant mandibular overdenture (SIMO) in participants with severely atrophic edentulous mandibles.

Material and Methods

The study sample included 18 edentulous participants with severely resorbed mandibular ridges and limited bone height in the symphyseal region sufficient for the insertion of a 7.0‐mm‐height implant. First, patients received new conventional dentures or had their dentures relined, followed by the insertion of a 3.75 x 7 mm morse‐taper implant, and the incorporation of a stud‐type attachment and a nylon retentive insert after a 3‐month healing period. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Patient‐reported outcomes (satisfaction with the dentures and oral health‐related quality of life) were assessed before implant placement and at the 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐ups. Clinical‐radiographic outcomes and the incidence of prosthodontic events were assessed throughout the follow‐up period.

Results

The implant survival rate was 100%. ISQ increased from baseline (72.7 ± 6.6) to the 3‐month (82.0 ± 3.3) and 1‐year (85.4 ± 2.9) follow‐ups (p < .001). After 1 year, satisfaction with the mandibular prosthesis increased significantly, and the overall OHIP‐Edent score decreased by 79.2%. No effects were found for the maxillary denture (p = .420). Due to dissatisfaction with treatment, two participants (11.1%) required additional implants after the 1‐year follow‐up and were considered as prosthodontic failures.

Conclusion

Single‐implant mandibular overdenture retained by a short implant showed favorable outcomes after 1 year. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow‐up periods are needed to confirm the findings of this single‐group prospective study.

The present study was registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC), identifier RBR‐7p2xmg. The trial registry occurred during the study execution, and its final approval was delayed because of several formatting adequacies required by the platform REBEC.
Saving Bavarian Hops in a “Parallel Universe”: Lessons on the Biopolitics of Agricultural Labor in Germany During the Corona Pandemic
Authors: Schneider Marlise Horvath , Gugganig Mascha
Published: December 2021

When countries closed their borders to curb the spread of COVID‐19 in spring 2020, seasonal migrant workers in agriculture were either unable to travel or faced unsafe conditions when performing “essential” field work. Some countries, like Germany, subsequently implemented policies to let them travel to work, and simultaneously, called on their residents to temporarily help farmers harvest crops. This paper explores the case of these temporary pandemic workers on Bavarian hops farms. Based on ethnographic research and interviews, this paper discusses the complex relationships between temporary pandemic workers, farmers, and the mostly absent seasonal workers in the exceptional moment of a global pandemic. We argue that in the state of exception of the Corona pandemic in Germany, biopolitical sorting highlighted migrant workers’ indispensability and disposability in a peculiar way: their short‐term replaceability through recruited temporary pandemic workers formed a self‐ascribed “parallel universe” or “Coronal bubble”. Through new encounters (with farmers) and hands‐on experiences in agricultural fields, the parallel universe often also meant uncomfortable insights into an unjust agricultural system. For those widely unexposed to agriculture, the state of exception revealed both the general and temporary biopolitics of seasonal migrant workers in agriculture and the key role they play for German agriculture as a whole.
Too hot for the devil? Did climate change cause the mid‐Holocene extinction of the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii from mainland Australia?
Authors: Morris Shane D. , Kearney Michael R. , Johnson Christopher N. , Brook Barry W.
Published: December 2021

The possible role of climate change in late Quaternary animal extinctions is hotly debated, yet few studies have investigated its direct effects on animal physiology to assess whether past climate changes might have had significant impacts on now‐extinct species. Here we test whether climate change could have imposed physiological stress on the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii during the mid‐Holocene, when the species went extinct on mainland Australia. Physiological values for the devil were quantified using mechanistic niche models of energy and water requirements for thermoregulation, and soil‐moisture‐based indices of plant stress from drought to indirectly represent food and water availability. The spatial pervasiveness, extremity and frequency of physiological stresses were compared between a period of known climatic and presumed demographic stability (8000–6010 BP) and the extinction period (5000–3010 BP). We found no evidence of widespread negative effects of climate on physiological parameters for the devil on the mainland during its extinction window. This leaves cultural and demographic changes in the human population or competition from the dingo Canis dingo as the main contending hypotheses to explain mainland loss of the devil in the mid‐Holocene.
How school life with international students develops the intercultural competence of domestic dental students
Authors: Oka Hiroko , Taji Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Reflecting multicultural society, the diversity of the healthcare professional students' ethnicities and cultures is promoted around the world. However, most of the healthcare professional education in Japan had been targeted mainly at students who follow the Japanese language and culture. The aim of this study is to clarify what Japanese dental students have culturally experienced and how they developed intercultural competence during their school life with international dental students in Japan.

Materials and Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 18 of the sixth‐grade students in standard Japanese undergraduate dental programmes who shared required classes in Japan with non‐Japanese‐speaking international dental students in preclinical programmes. Based on the qualitative analysis of the interviews, we administered a questionnaire survey to 82 dental trainees (the seventh grade) in clinical training programmes who just graduated from various Japanese dental schools. Then, the answers of the questionnaire were statically analysed.

Results

The interview identified a total of 37 constituent elements regarding “students' attitudes and experiences in school days” and “perceptions and motivations.” Analysis of the questionnaire showed that the group experiencing a learning environment with international students had various communication with and respect for their various classmates and had the ambition to develop themselves. Especially, the participants who had international experiences both in and out of classrooms showed more active attitude on intercultural communication.

Conclusions

Overall, for Japanese dental students, daily contact with international students gave direct and indirect cross‐cultural experiences and recognitions. In particular, the Japanese students were stimulated active perceptions. The findings of this study can be used for future discussion about the cross‐cultural education and collaboration of healthcare professionals not only within Japan but also around the world.
Anticipating Headwinds: Using “Narrative Tacking” to Build an Inclusive Future
Authors: SIECK KATE
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a framework for addressing entrenched resistance to change. It borrows a metaphor from sailing to suggest that the best way through unwanted transformations is by “narrative tacking.” Drawing a parallel to how sailors navigate through headwinds by “tacking,” I argue that “tacking” through the narrative of change calms the resistance and enables forward motion. Specifically, it requires shifting the locus of attention from behaviors or the future state to the values and intentions of the actors. In attending to intentional states, we create space and flexibility in the narrative of change that enables the “wiggle room” needed for forward movement. I demonstrate the process through two case studies of complex, high‐stakes transformation efforts that succeeded above and beyond what anyone expected. I suggest how these maneuvers provide a template for other kinds of change projects as well. In the end, by anticipating and harnessing resistance, we can craft change processes that are more inclusive.
The relevance of genetic structure in ecotype designation and conservation management
Authors: Stronen Astrid V. , Norman Anita J. , Vander Wal Eric , Paquet Paul C.
Published: December 2021

The concept of ecotypes is complex, partly because of its interdisciplinary nature, but the idea is intrinsically valuable for evolutionary biology and applied conservation. The complex nature of ecotypes has spurred some confusion and inconsistencies in the literature, thereby limiting broader theoretical development and practical application. We provide suggestions for how incorporating genetic analyses can ease confusion and help define ecotypes. We approach this by systematically reviewing 112 publications across taxa that simultaneously mention the terms ecotype, conservation and management, to examine the current use of the term in the context of conservation and management. We found that most ecotype studies involve fish, mammals and plants with a focus on habitat use, which at 60% was the most common criterion used for categorization of ecotypes. Only 53% of the studies incorporated genetic analyses, and major discrepancies in available genomic resources among taxa could have contributed to confusion about the role of genetic structure in delineating ecotypes. Our results show that the rapid advances in genetic methods, also for nonmodel organisms, can help clarify the spatiotemporal distribution of adaptive and neutral genetic variation and their relevance to ecotype designations. Genetic analyses can offer empirical support for the ecotype concept and provide a timely measure of evolutionary potential, especially in changing environmental conditions. Genetic variation that is often difficult to detect, including polygenic traits influenced by small contributions from several genes, can be vital for adaptation to rapidly changing environments. Emerging ecotypes may signal speciation in progress, and findings from genome‐enabled organisms can help clarify important selective factors driving ecotype development and persistence, and thereby improve preservation of interspecific genetic diversity. Incorporation of genetic analyses in ecotype studies will help connect evolutionary biology and applied conservation, including that of problematic groups such as natural hybrid organisms and urban or anthropogenic ecotypes.
Restructuring masculinities and reshaping inequalities: Negotiations of (gendered) sales work and relations in an industrial organization
Authors: Johansson Kristina , Andersson Elias , Johansson Maria
Published: December 2021

Professional business‐to‐business sales work and relations tend to be interlinked with structures and symbols of certain forms of masculinity. From interviews held with office staff employed by a large male‐dominated company in the Swedish base industry, this study explores how the gendering of sales work is enabled and contested in relation to the practices and processes of specific organizations. The presented findings show how negotiations of “good sales” involve contestations of specific gendering practices and of the value of sales work, sales relations and underlying organizational values and control. As a result, homosocial behaviors and masculine ideals associated with the salesperson no longer hold privileged positions in organizations. However, it was the individual salespersons and their behavior that were put forward as the primary problem rather than the organizational practices and processes providing men with power, space and subjectivity. Thus, the negotiations of sales work and relations seem to lead not to disruptions but to a restructuring of masculinities and to a reshaping of organizational inequalities in a company.
Developing Data‐Rich Video of Surface Water–Groundwater Interactions for Public Engagement
Authors: Christenson Catherine , Hart David J. , Cardiff Michael , Richmond Susan , Fratta Dante
Published: December 2021

Communication of hydrologic data to the public can be improved by connecting data to the places they represent. In our example of data communication, we coupled hydrologic data with simultaneously collected video as both a scientific and public engagement tool. This note presents a method for collecting spatially and temporally dense datasets of water‐quality and geophysical data on small streams and lakes, and for displaying the data in a user‐friendly format using commercially available software. With this method, multiple instruments are mounted on a canoe and a controlled survey float is carried out to collect data. The data stream is georeferenced and logged using an Arduino microcontroller to provide detailed information about spatial variability. We employed these continuous data‐collection methods at small streams and lakes across Wisconsin, USA. Comparison of stream‐float sensor data to lab reported data, data collected by alternative sensors, and previously collected data in our study areas indicates that the low‐cost temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen sensors performed well. GoPro cameras recorded video throughout the duration of data collection. Our established water‐quality and geophysical data collection methods are inexpensive, fast, and reliable, which qualify them as excellent tools for fine‐scale spatial understanding of stream and lake habitats' health. Data‐rich video connects point measurements of water properties to the appearance of the native environment. This method helps improve our understanding of groundwater and surface water interactions in complex hydrogeologic systems, enhance communication amongst stakeholders, and provide context when monitoring and managing sensitive habitats.
Planning for a Multi‐Well Artificial Recharge Field in Kuwait with the Help of Numerical Modeling
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amitabha , Akber Adnan , Al‐Saaidi Mashal , Aladwani Abdullah
Published: December 2021

Kuwait, an arid country, wants to have a reserve of water for emergency use and has planned to create an underground reserve of water through multi‐well artificial recharge at Kabd area. Numerical modeling of different recharge–recovery scenarios was carried out to chalk out an optimum strategy for implementation of the project. These scenario runs suggested that apart from the aquifer parameters and the quality of the groundwater and the recharge water, the well spacing and well construction, orientation of the field with respect to the prevailing hydraulic gradient, and the injection and the pumping schedule would determine the overall recovery efficiency of the setup. For the selected site, following strategies were found to have positive impact on meeting the goals of the creation of a reserve of water for use in an emergency: (1) during the reserve creation stage, simultaneous recharge and pumping through alternate wells; (2) the compensation of the water lost from the reserve created due to the flow down the hydraulic gradient during the waiting period; and (3) the orientation of the long axis of the field perpendicular to the regional hydraulic gradient. The adoption of cyclic injection and recovery option for the creation of the reserve eliminates the need of the first two steps but calls for several cycles of injection followed by recovery and adequate and consistent supply of water for injection over that period. An optimum field design and two alternative recharge options have been suggested based on the above observations.
Demographics, health literacy and health locus of control beliefs of Australian women who take complementary medicine products during pregnancy and breastfeeding: A cross‐sectional, online, national survey
Authors: Barnes Larisa A. J. , Rolfe Margaret I. , Barclay Lesley , McCaffery Kirsten , Aslani Parisa
Published: December 2021

Background

Pregnant and breastfeeding women's use of complementary medicine products (CMPs) is common, and possibly associated with autonomous health care behaviours. However, the health literacy levels and health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation have not been previously assessed in a large Australian sample.

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the health literacy levels and HLOC beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation and determine the types of CMPs used.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, national, online survey of Australian pregnant or breastfeeding women aged 18 years and older, and currently using CMPs was conducted.

Results

A total of 810 completed surveys (354 pregnant and 456 breastfeeding women) were analysed. Most had adequate functional health literacy levels (93.3%). Health care practitioners (HCPs) HLOC mean scores were the highest for the sample, followed by Internal HLOC beliefs mean scores. Almost all (n = 809) took at least one dietary supplement, the most popular being pregnancy and breastfeeding multivitamins, iron supplements and probiotics. Use was generally in line with clinical recommendations, except for low rates of iodine supplementation. Herbal medicine use was lower for the total sample (57.3%,n = 464), but significantly higher (p < .0001) for the breastfeeding cohort, with consumers taking one to four herbal medicines each. The most popular herbs were raspberry leaf, ginger, peppermint and chamomile (pregnant respondents) and chamomile, ginger and fenugreek (breastfeeding respondents).

Conclusions

Respondents were health literate, with high scores for Internal and HCP HLOC scales, suggesting that they are likely to demonstrate self‐efficacy, positive health behaviours and work well in partnership with HCPs. HCPs can facilitate discussions with pregnant and breastfeeding women using CMPs, while considering women's health literacy levels, health beliefs and goals.
Role of the operating room nurses in the ureteric stent register
Authors: Seenappa Nethravathy B. , Krishnamoorthy Venkatesh , Sinha Maneesh , T Krishna Prasad
Published: December 2021

In any urology practice, a minority of stents are ‘forgotten’ with ensuing clinical and medico‐legal implications. This paper assesses the role of the scrub nurse and operating room in‐charge as key resources who can significantly improve compliance in stent capture. We assess the impact of a double validation process where operating room nurses monitor compliance data entry in the stent register by the operating urologist. The study is a retrospective analysis of the computerized stent register maintained in our institute. Data was collected from January 2012 to December 2019. The number of entries missed by urologists in the stent register, the number of times the scrub nurse could identify the missed entries and the additional number picked up by the operating room in‐charge were evaluated. A total of 2839 renal units were stented in 2488 patients during the study period. The operating urologist had not updated the stent register in 147 (5.4%) patients. The scrub nurse had rectified this error in 65 and the remaining 82 missed entries were detected by the operating room in‐charge. A dual validation method of verifying stent deployment entries by the scrub nurse and operating room in‐charge minimizes the chances of missed documentation.
Skin tear prevalence in an Australian acute care hospital: A 10‐year analysis
Authors: Miles Sandra J. , Fulbrook Paul , Williams Damian M.
Published: December 2021

Hospital‐acquired skin tear prevalence is under‐reported; thus, the aim of this study was to analyse skin tear point prevalence and characteristics in a tertiary acute care hospital in Queensland, Australia, over a 10‐year period. All consenting adult inpatients received a full skin inspection and skin tear category, site, cause, treatment, and whether it was documented as hospital‐ or community‐acquired were recorded. Eleven prevalence audits were analysed with a total sample of 3626 patients. An overall pooled prevalence of 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.5‐10.4) with an associated hospital‐acquired pooled prevalence of 5.5% (95% CI 4.5‐6.7) was found. In total, 616 skin tears were reported, of which 374 (60.7%) were hospital‐acquired. Over a third of patients (38.7%) had multiple skin tears and most patients (84.8%) with at least one skin tear were aged ≥70 years. The largest proportion of skin tears (40.1%) was those with no skin flap. Of those documented, most were caused by falls or collisions, suggesting combined skin tear and falls prevention strategies may be effective. Over a decade, there was a downward trend in hospital‐acquired skin tear, which is encouraging. Skin tear prevalence is recommended as a measure of care quality with an emphasis on good quality documentation.
What's my style? Supply‐side determinants of debt covenant inclusion
Authors: Ma Zhiming , Stice Derrald , Williams Christopher
Published: December 2021

We examine the supply‐side determinants of debt covenants included in loan agreements. Controlling for borrower characteristics, we find evidence that the covenants that lead arranger banks include in new contracts persist into future contracts for at least 3 years. We document that this covenant style effect is smaller when borrowers have recently violated a debt covenant or when the loan issue amount is large, and it is larger when the costs of contracting are highest and when a borrower provides collateral. We also find that the covenant style effect decreases following changes in a bank's CEO or CFO. Overall, our evidence is consistent with lenders’ covenant preferences arising from strategic cost‐benefit analysis informed from prior lending experiences and being related to lender expertise in negotiating, monitoring and enforcing covenants.