bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of extracellular vesicle microRNA signatures specifically linked to inflammatory and metabolic mechanisms in obesity‐associated low type‐2 asthma
Authors: Alhamdan Fahd , Greulich Timm , Daviaud Christian , Marsh Leigh M. , Pedersen Frauke , Thölken Clemens , Pfefferle Petra Ina , Bahmer Thomas , Potaczek Daniel P. , Tost Jörg , Garn Holger
Published: July 2023

Rationale and Objective

Plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a vital source of molecular information about health and disease states. Due to their heterogenous cellular sources, EVs and their cargo may predict specific pathomechanisms behind disease phenotypes. Here we aimed to utilize EV microRNA (miRNA) signatures to gain new insights into underlying molecular mechanisms of obesity‐associated low type‐2 asthma.

Methods

Obese low type‐2 asthma (OA) and non‐obese low type‐2 asthma (NOA) patients were selected from an asthma cohort conjointly with healthy controls. Plasma EVs were isolated and characterised by nanoparticle tracking analysis. EV‐associated small RNAs were extracted, sequenced and bioinformatically analysed.

Results

Based on EV miRNA expression profiles, a clear distinction between the three study groups could be established using a principal component analysis. Integrative pathway analysis of potential target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs revealed inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin‐6, transforming growth factor‐beta, interferons) and metabolic factors (e.g., insulin, leptin) signalling pathways to be specifically associated with OA. The miR‐17–92 and miR‐106a–363 clusters were significantly enriched only in OA. These miRNA clusters exhibited discrete bivariate correlations with several key laboratory (e.g., C‐reactive protein) and lung function parameters. Plasma EV miRNA signatures mirrored blood‐derived CD4+ T‐cell transcriptome data, but achieved an even higher sensitivity in identifying specifically affected biological pathways.

Conclusion

The identified plasma EV miRNA signatures and particularly the miR‐17–92 and ‐106a–363 clusters were capable to disentangle specific mechanisms of the obesity‐associated low type‐2 asthma phenotype, which may serve as basis for stratified treatment development.
European expert recommendations on clinical investigation and evaluation of high‐risk medical devices for children
Authors: Guerlich Kathrin , Patro‐Golab Bernadeta , Barnacle Alex , Baumann Ulrich , Eicken Andreas , Fraser Alan G. , Gruszfeld Dariusz , Haas Nikolaus A. , Jonker Anneliene H. , Kammermeier Michael , Kenny Damien , Kolaček Sanja , Lapatto Risto , Maconochie Ian , Mader Silke , McGauran Gearóid , Melvin Tom , Muensterer Oliver , Piscoi Paul , Romano Alberto , Saxena Amulya K. , Schneider Dominik T. , Turner Mark A. , Walle Johan Vande , Koletzko Berthold ,   the European Academy of Paediatrics
Published: July 2023

Several high‐risk medical devices for children have become unavailable in the European Union (EU), since requirements and costs for device certification increased markedly due to the EU Medical Device Regulation. The EU‐funded CORE‐MD project held a workshop in January 2023 with experts from various child health specialties, representatives of European paediatric associations, a regulatory authority and the European Commission Directorate General Health and Food Safety. A virtual follow‐up meeting took place in March 2023. We developed recommendations for investigation of high‐risk medical devices for children building on participants' expertise and results of a scoping review of clinical trials on high‐risk medical devices in children. Approaches for evaluating and certifying high‐risk medical devices for market introduction are proposed.
Short‐term neurological injury in newborns infants with overcooling in passive hypothermia and transferred to reference hospital in Colombia
Authors: Troncoso Gloria , Agudelo‐Pérez Sergio , Thorin Nicole , Diaz Camila , Vargas Alejandra
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine whether overcooling (temperature <33°C) during passive hypothermia when transporting neonates with perinatal asphyxia increased the risk of short‐term neurological injury.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed. Newborns transferred to the LaCardio neonatal unit between January 2021 and April 2022 with moderate and severe perinatal asphyxia and who received passive hypothermia during transport were included. A temperature of <33°C was considered overcooling. A composite outcome of neurological injury was defined by the presence of abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging, video telemetry, seizure before discharge or both.

Results

The study included 101 newborns. A total of 18 neonates had a temperature <33°C after transportation. Neurological injuries were present in 21.8% of the temperature <33°C group and 78.2% of the temperature ≥33°C group. Temperature <33°C at the end of transport (aOR 9.2, 95% CI 1.1–77.3) were associated with neurological injury before discharge from the unit.

Conclusion

During transportation, overcooling in neonates with asphyxia increases the risk of neurological injury before discharge from the neonatal unit. It is important to qualify the transport team with adequate training and equipment for therapeutic hypothermia.
New visualization method for cranial carvings of Rapanui wooden figurines
Authors: Wieczorek Rafal , Horley Paul
Published: July 2023

Precontact culture of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) produced wooden figurines carved with attention to detail and featuring careful surface polishing. These figurines depict humans and akuaku spirits. Male figurines usually have bald heads adorned with elaborate designs carved in low relief, depicting human beings, fishes, birds, chimerical creatures, or material objects of Rapanui culture. As cranial carvings swirl around the head of the figurine, it is impossible to document them fully with a single photograph. Several publications show cranial carvings in free‐hand drawing. In this study, we suggest a methodology for design unwrapping from nearly hemispherical surface, projecting it onto a plane in a uniform and replicable fashion. To do so, we employ 3D models of figurines' heads obtained with photogrammetric modeling. Although this approach features certain limitations, it permits far richer level of detail and documentation accuracy in comparison to commonly used free‐hand drawings.
Outcomes of vertex‐vertex vs. vertex‐breech presentation in twin pregnancy after vaginal delivery in China
Authors: Liu Huahua , Yan Shuhan , Wu Fan , Bai Ting , Zhang Feng
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies between vertex and nonvertex presentations of the second twin in vaginal delivery.

Methods

In this unicentric retrospective cohort study, we collected data from 213 cases of vaginal twin deliveries from January 2016 to July 2020. Participants were divided into the vertex‐vertex presentation group (VV) and vertex‐breech presentation group (VB). Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Among the 213 mothers and 426 infants (213 twin pairs), there were 140 women in the VV group and 73 women in the VB group (65.73% vs. 34.27%). Infants in the VB group had a higher incidence of admission to NICU (51.43% vs. 68.49%, p = 0.017), lower 1‐min (11.43% vs. 28.77%, p < 0.001) and 5‐minute Apgar scores (1.43% vs. 4.11%, p = 0.043) for the second twin. However, after the adjustment for sex of the twin, birth weight, chorionicity, and gestational age, the greater risk of admission to NICU and low 5‐min Apgar score was no longer significantly different.

Conclusion

VB twins are at no greater overall risk of a poor outcome due to breech presentation in the second twin. However, the presentation of the second fetus represents a risk factor for a low 1‐min Apgar score. Obstetricians and midwives should consider appropriate interventions for second twins who present breech versus vertex.
Bleeding risk with concurrent use of anticoagulants and ibrutinib: A population‐based nested case‐control study
Authors: Allouchery Marion , Tomowiak Cécile , Singier Allison , Puyade Mathieu , Dari Loubna , Pambrun Elodie , Pariente Antoine , Bezin Julien , Pérault‐Pochat Marie‐Christine , Salvo Francesco
Published: July 2023

Data regarding the safety of co‐administration of ibrutinib with anticoagulants in real‐life settings are scarce. Using a nationwide database, we conducted a nested case‐control study in a cohort of new users of ibrutinib to assess the risk of clinically relevant bleeding (CRB) associated with anticoagulation. Cases were patients with a diagnosis of CRB, defined as hospitalization with a diagnosis of bleeding. The date of CRB constituted the index date. Up to four controls were matched on sex, age at index date and duration of follow‐up. The risk of CRB associated with anticoagulation in patients receiving ibrutinib was estimated using conditional logistic regression models, providing odds ratios (OR) adjusted for risk factors of bleeding. Among 614 cases and 2407 matched controls, the risk of CRB was significantly higher in patients receiving both ibrutinib and anticoagulants (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.54, confidence interval [CI] 95% [1.94; 3.32]). When considering anticoagulant class, aOR was 1.99 (CI 95% [1.19; 3.33]) for VKA, 2.48 (CI 95% [1.76; 3.47]) for direct oral anticoagulants and 3.40 (CI 95% [2.01; 5.75]) for parenteral anticoagulants. In conclusion, this study found a 2.5‐fold increased risk of CRB in patients receiving both ibrutinib and anticoagulants in real‐life settings, and similar aOR among oral anticoagulants.
A step to disentangle diversity patterns in Uruguayan grasslands: Climatic seasonality, novel land‐uses, and landscape context drive diversity of ground flora
Authors: Säumel Ina , Ramírez Leonardo R. , Santolin Julia , Pintado Karla
Published: July 2023

South American grasslands contain extraordinary biodiversity and play a central role in the subsistence of regional agroecosystems. In recent decades, afforestation, followed by the soybean planting boom, have led to drastic land‐use changes at the expense of grasslands. Impacts on local biodiversity have remained understudied. We explored the taxonomic richness and ß‐diversity of plants of ground layer (excluding trees and shrubs) at different land uses, its interplay at regional scale with environmental heterogeneity, and at local scale with novel land cover types and landscape configurations. We conducted correlation, principal component, NDMS, and SDR analysis to explore variation of taxonomic richness, richness difference, replacement, and similarity of ground flora as response to environmental filters and land use change across Uruguay. We surveyed 160 plots distributed in 10 land cover types, that is, closed and open native forests, different grasslands, crops, orchards, and timber plantations. We observed overlaying regional patterns driven by seasonality of temperature and precipitation, and land cover shaping taxonomic richness at local scale. Landscape configuration affects diversity patterns of native ground flora, which seems to be sustained mainly by the “old growth grassland” species pool. Taxonomic richness of native species decreases with an increase of distance to grassland. Crops and grasslands harbor a higher number of native species in the ground flora than native forests and timber plantations. The introduction of exotics is driven mostly by crops or highly modified pastures. Diversity patterns only partially reflect the ecoregion concept. Expanding the perspective from conservation in purely natural ecosystems to measures conserving species richness in human‐modified landscapes is a powerful tool against species loss in the Anthropocene.
Substance use trajectories among emerging adult Black men: Risk factors and consequences
Authors: Kwon Elizabeth , Oshri Assaf , Zapolski Tamika C. B. , Zuercher Heather , Kogan Steven M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Young, Black American men experience greater social, legal and economic consequences of substance use compared with White men for comparable levels of consumption. The development of tailored interventions requires prospective information on their substance use patterns, risk factors and consequences. We identified longitudinal substance use profiles and examined their links to childhood adversity, racial discrimination and young adult problem substance use and mental health.

Methods

Emerging adult Black men (n = 504, mean age = 20.26, SD = 1.08) provided fours waves of data between January 2012 and March 2021. We conducted a parallel process latent class growth analysis for three substances to explore conjoint longitudinal use patterns and investigated the risk factors and consequences of each pattern.

Results

Three trajectory classes emerged: non‐using (n = 201, 39.9%), cannabis using (n = 202, 40.1%) and poly‐substance using (n = 101, 20%) groups. Threat‐based childhood adversity and racial discrimination were associated with higher odds of being members of cannabis or poly‐substance groups than non‐using group. Deprivation‐based adversity was associated with higher odds for membership in poly‐substance than non‐using group. At Wave 4, elevated depressive symptoms were more prevalent among poly‐substance compared with cannabis using group.

Discussion and Conclusions

Heterogeneous substance use patterns emerged among Black American men and each pattern has distinct risk factors and outcomes in young adulthood. For prevention, more attention is needed for cannabis use patterns and psychosocial adversities that are unique to Black population.
Evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL in individuals with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin: A real‐world evidence study from Saudi Arabia (EVOLUTION)
Authors: Al Malki Faisal , El Damanhoury Bandar , Othman Abdallah , Alghamdi Zain , AlQahtani Majed , Madgy Amr , Chouikrat Zahir
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐U300) in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) on basal insulin in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a multicentre retrospective study that retrieved the medical records of adult T2D patients switched to Gla‐U300 because of poor glycaemic control on their basal insulin. Data covering 6 months ± 30 days before and after the switch were retrieved.

Results

Data from 718 patients were analysed. The mean HbA1c decreased significantly 6 months after switching to Gla‐U300, with a mean reduction of 0.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6%‐0.9%; P < .001). The percentage of patients with HbA1c levels of less than 7% increased from 6.4% before switching to 10.3% after switching to Gla‐U300. The percentage of patients achieving the predefined individualized HbA1c goal increased from 8.6% before switching to 17.3% after switching to Gla‐U300. The mean daily insulin dose decreased from a baseline level of 32.2 (± 14.7) to 31.0 (± 15) U (P = .09). About 36.1 of the patients required adjustment to the initial dose. Gla‐300 was well tolerated; 4.5% of the patients experienced overall confirmed or symptomatic hypoglycaemia, compared with 15.3% before switching to Gla‐U300. The incidence of severe hypoglycaemia after switching was 0.6% (n = 4 patients), compared with 1% before switching.

Conclusions

Real‐world evidence supports the effectiveness of switching to Gla‐U300 from first‐generation basal insulin in T2D in Saudi Arabia.
Hyperacute Sapien Aortic Valve thrombosis in a patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
Authors: Pergolini Amedeo , Chianta Vania , Zampi Giordano , Pontillo Daniele , Diana Davide , Russo Marco , Cammardella Antonio , Musumeci Francesco
Published: July 2023

In this case we briefly describe the case of an old woman presenting with acute exertional dyspnea due to hyperacute Sapien Valve thrombosis.
Efficacy of isatuximab in combination with steroids for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients exhibiting only biochemical progression—A single center retrospective study
Authors: Regidor Bernard Sean , Jew Scott , Goldwater Marissa‐Skye , Beatty Bethany Marie , Bujarski Sean , ElSayed Adam , Danis Ryan , Kim Susanna , Swift Regina , Schwartz Gary , Berenson James R.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Isatuximab is approved for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) with dexamethasone and carfilzomib or pomalidomide. Patients receiving these three‐drug regimens have exhibited more Grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) compared to the two‐drug class combination of isatuximab and steroids alone. Thus, this single‐center retrospective study investigated the efficacy of isatuximab with dexamethasone and methylprednisolone (ISAdm) for RRMM patients showing only biochemical progression (BP) of their disease.

Methods

Twenty‐four RRMM patients exhibiting only BP were administered isatuximab at 10 mg/kg with dexamethasone once weekly for cycle 1 of a 28‐day cycle, followed by every other week for each cycle thereafter. Starting in cycle 2, oral methylprednisolone was added every other day stopping 48 h before and starting 48 h after each dexamethasone infusion.

Results

Overall response rate and clinical benefit rate were 63% and 79%, respectively. Progression free survival was 12.9 months. There were only 5 AEs of Grade ≥ 3 which included lymphocytopenia (13%), leukopenia (4%), and neutropenia (4%). No Grade ≥ 3 AE related to respiratory infection, anemia, or thrombocytopenia were reported.

Conclusion

This study shows that the two‐drug class combination of ISAdm is an effective and well tolerated treatment option for RRMM patients exhibiting only BP.
The associations between foreign language anxiety and the effectiveness of immediate and delayed corrective feedback
Authors: Fu Mengxia , Li Shaofeng
Published: July 2023

This article reports on a study exploring the associations between foreign language anxiety and the effectiveness of immediate and delayed corrective feedback (CF) in the acquisition of the English past tense. One hundred and two middle school English as a foreign language (EFL) learners responded to the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale for the purpose of gauging their foreign language anxiety. They were then assigned to three conditions: Immediate CF, Delayed CF, and Task Only. The three groups performed six communicative tasks in three treatment sessions, two in each session, which aimed to elicit the learners' use of the English past tense. The Immediate and Delayed CF groups received CF treatments during task performance in the first and final treatment sessions, respectively, and the Task Only group performed the learning tasks without receiving any CF treatment. The results showed that anxiety was a significant predictor of Delayed CF but not Immediate CF and Task Only. Drawing on attentional control theory, we interpret the results as suggesting that the debilitative impact of anxiety on L2 learning is triggered by a heavier processing burden delayed CF imposes on learners' cognitive resources.
Leveraging Sequence Stratigraphy to Accelerate Site Remediation: Pliocene Citronelle Formation, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA
Authors: Shultz Mike , Plank Colin , Stapleton Mark , Giannetta Leo , Cramer Rick
Published: July 2023

At Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in the Florida Panhandle, a groundwater extraction and treatment system was installed to contain and remediate a chlorinated solvent plume. After 2 years of operation, the system was not removing the contaminant mass at the rate predicted or required to meet performance‐based contract terms. As a result, a sequence‐stratigraphic analysis was initiated to develop a strategy to improve performance. Sequence Stratigraphy methods were employed to identify a marine flooding surface (mfs) formed during a relative sea level highstand. The analysis also found that the mfs was locally eroded away, indicating that incised valleys were eroded into the formation during a relative lowstand of sea level. These valleys were backfilled with coarse‐grained fluvial and estuarine strata. The analysis concluded that the groundwater extraction system lacked an extraction well screened within the coarse‐grained valley fill. An additional extraction well was installed, which targeted the incised valley fill and resulted in a significant increase in contaminant mass removal rate without increasing system capacity or operational costs. This case study suggests that efficiency improvements are tenable at many sites where groundwater remediation is occurring within the Surficial Aquifer System of the Gulf Coast (Citronelle Formation) as well as sites in similar geologic settings worldwide.
Hsa‐miR‐27b‐5p suppresses the osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth via targeting BMPR1A: An ex vivo study
Authors: Guo Rong , Gu Tingjie , Xiao Ya , Xiao Tong , Liu Qian , Li Zehan , Yu Jinhua
Published: July 2023

Aim

Recently, miR‐27b‐5p was shown to be abundantly expressed in extracellular vehicles (EVs) from the inflammatory microenvironment. This study determined the role of miR‐27b‐5p in regulating osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and further examined the regulatory mechanism of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type‐1A (BMPR1A).

Methodology

Characteristics of SHEDs and SHEDs‐EVs derived from SHEDs were evaluated respectively. The expression of miR‐27b‐5p in SHEDs and EVs was detected during osteo‐induction. Mechanically, SHEDs were treated with miR‐27b‐5p mimics or an inhibitor, and the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation and proliferation were assessed. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter were utilized for target gene prediction and verification. Finally, BMPR1A‐overexpressed plasmids were transfected into SHEDs to investigate the participation of the BMPR1A/SMAD4 pathway. Data were analysed using Student's t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and Chi‐square test.

Results

MiR‐27b‐5p was expressed in both SHEDs and EVs and was significantly increased at the initial stage of differentiation and then decreased in a time‐dependent manner (p < .01). Upregulation of miR‐27b‐5p significantly suppressed osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of SHEDs and inhibited proliferation (p < .05), whereas inhibition of miR‐27b‐5p enhanced the differentiation (p < .05). Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and pull‐down assay confirmed the binding site between miR‐27b‐5p and BMPR1A (p < .05). The overexpression of BMPR1A rescued the effect of miR‐27b‐5p, while contributed to the decrease of pluripotency (p < .05). Additionally, miR‐27b‐5p maintained pluripotency in BMPR1A‐overexpressed SHEDs (p < .05).

Conclusions

MiR‐27b‐5p in SHEDs/EVs was inversely associated with differentiation and suppressed the osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of SHEDs and maintained the pluripotency of SHEDs partly by shuttering BMPR1A‐targeting BMP signalling. Theoretically, inhibition of miR‐27b‐5p represents a potential strategy to promote osteanagenesis and dentinogenesis. However, miR‐27b‐5p capsuled EVs might maintain cell pluripotency and self‐renewal for non‐cell‐targeted therapy.
Registered nurses' psychological capital: A scoping review
Authors: Flinkman Mervi , Coco Kirsi , Rudman Ann , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aim was to examine the extent and scope of empirical research concerning registered nurses' psychological capital.

Background

In a time of global nursing shortage, identifying variables that could positively contribute to the retention of the nursing workforce is essential. Prior research has shown that psychological capital correlates positively with employees' better performance and well‐being.

Design

A scoping review.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus covering the period from 1 January 2005 to 7 May 2023.

Review methods

The JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. The results were summarized narratively.

Results

A total of 111 studies reported in 114 peer‐reviewed articles were included. Studies were carried out across 20 countries, with the majority from China (45), Australia (nine), Pakistan (nine), Canada (eight), South Korea (eight) and the United States (eight). A positive correlation was found between registered nurses' psychological capital and desirable work‐related outcomes, such as work engagement, commitment and retention intention.

Conclusion

A comprehensive overview of research evidence suggests that psychological capital is associated with many positive work‐related outcomes and might therefore be a valuable resource for reducing nurse turnover.
A concise review on the role of MIR100HG in human disorders
Authors: Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh , Harsij Atefeh , Farahzadi Hossein , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Taheri Mohammad , Mokhtari Majid
Published: July 2023

MIR100HG is a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) encoded by a locus on chr11:122,028,203‐122,556,721. This gene can regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle transition and cell differentiation. MIR100HG was firstly identified through a transcriptome analysis and found to regulate differentiation of human neural stem cells. It is functionally related with a number of signalling pathways such as TGF‐β, Wnt, Hippo and ERK/MAPK signalling pathways. Dysregulation of MIR100HG has been detected in a diversity of cancers in association with clinical outcomes. Moreover, it has a role in the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy, intervertebral disk degeneration and pulmonary fibrosis. The current study summarizes the role of these lncRNAs in human disorders.
Gone‐wild grapevines in forests may act as a potential habitat for ‘Flavescence dorée’ phytoplasma vectors and inoculum
Authors: Oggier Alan , Conedera Marco , Jermini Mauro , Debonneville Christophe , Schumpp Olivier , Rizzoli Attilio
Published: July 2023

‘Flavescence dorée’ (FD) is a quarantine grapevine disease associated with FD phytoplasmas (FDp). In Switzerland, FD was first reported in 2004 in the southern part of the Canton Ticino, from where, within a few years, it spread to nearly the entire vineyard area of the Southern Alps, despite the mandatory control measures. The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of gone‐wild grapevines (GWGVs) in forests resulting from early abandoned vineyards as a habitat for the main FDp vector, Scaphoideus titanus, and for the best alternative vector candidate, Orientus ishidae, as well as an FDp inoculum reservoir in Southern Switzerland. Leaf samples were collected in 20 plots and tested for the presence of FDp. Moreover, fifteen of these plots were monitored with yellow sticky traps to determine the presence and infection status of insect vectors. Finally, a hatching experiment under controlled conditions was conducted to investigate the possible oviposition activity by FDp vectors, using wood collected from GWGVs present in 11 forest sites in the surroundings of cultivated vineyards. GWGVs in forests were confirmed to act as an FDp reservoir and to represent a suitable habitat for FDp vectors (in particular, for S. titanus). Abandoned vineyards should be included in the FD management strategy and their systematic rogueing should be applied as soon as possible and in particular before the transition from vineyard to forest occurs, in order to avoid the survival of S. titanus and the establishment of inoculum in uncontrolled landscape compartments.
Effectiveness of UAV‐based DTM and satellite‐based DEMs for local‐level flood modeling in Jamuna floodplain
Authors: Iqbal Ashik , Mondal M. Shahjahan , Veerbeek William , Khan M. Shah Alam , Hakvoort Hans
Published: July 2023

Open‐source, satellite‐based digital elevation models (DEMs) are widely used for flood modeling. However, studies on effectiveness of these DEMs in depicting local‐level flood processes are limited. This study generated a high‐resolution digital terrain model (DTM) based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and used in a two‐dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic model (HEC‐RAS) to simulate the flood processes in a floodplain environment of the Jamuna River in northern Bangladesh. The effectiveness of a few satellite‐based DEMs was also compared with this DTM by using the DEMs in the same hydrodynamic model. Field data for two flood seasons were collected to develop the model. The results indicate that the 2D model with UAV‐based DTM provides the flood parameters, such as flood arrival time, depth, duration and extent, better than those from the satellite‐based DEMs. Of the open‐source DEMs, the FABDEM and the WorldDEM™ have the least errors and provide better results compared to the SRTM30, ALOS PALSAR, and ASTER DEMs. The UAV technique with ground control points and field measurements for the tree‐canopy and water areas is very useful in generating a fit‐for‐purpose DTM. The findings of this study would be useful for terrain generation and DEM selection for local‐level flood modeling elsewhere.
Doula Support and Pregnancy‐Related Complications and Death Among Childbearing Women in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Crawford Allison D. , Carder Emily C. , Lopez Emme , McGlothen‐Bell Kelly
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The potential benefits of perinatal doula support are many; however, doulas are underutilized, which may heighten pregnancy‐related complications. In this scoping review, we assess the influence of perinatal doula support on pregnancy‐related complications and death in the United States.

Methods

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Alt HealthWatch for literature on doula support and its influence on pregnancy‐related complications (maternal fever or infection, postpartum hemorrhage, amniotic fluid embolism, complications from anesthesia, preeclampsia, eclampsia, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary or thrombotic embolism, and cerebrovascular accident). Peer‐reviewed articles written in English and conducted in the United States from 1969 to 2021 were included. Screening at all levels was blinded. We extracted data based on title, author, year, design, population, sample size, methods, limitations, recommendations, and definition of doula support.

Results

Following removal of duplicates, review of 3679 article titles and abstracts yielded 42 articles for full‐text review; 3 articles met final inclusion criteria. One included study focused on intrapartum doula support and 2 on doula support that extended throughout the perinatal period. Within the included studies, doula support was associated with decreased rates of intrapartum maternal fever and gestational hypertension; however, it was not associated with decreased rates of gestational diabetes or depression.

Discussion

The literature has addressed the benefits of perinatal doula support, but studies with validated tools to examine associations between doula support and pregnancy‐related complications and death are lacking. The studies that addressed intrapartum and continuous doula care included large generalizable samples, from which future research can draw to improve the practice of caring for patients during the perinatal period. Extensive research shows that unfavorable conditions can influence perinatal outcomes across generations. Implementing doula support may offer a potential approach to reduce and help alleviate resulting disparities in perinatal health.
AGA practitioner challenges: A mixed‐methods pilot survey
Authors: Jankowski Glen S. , Kranz Dirk
Published: July 2023

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) practitioner care may be hampered by commercial biases and hair loss' omission from most medical curricula.

Aim and Method

Between November 2020 and September 2021, 34 AGA professionals (86% British; 62% trichologists), participated in a pilot, mixed‐methods, survey. Practitioner views on: 1a–1j) AGA's commercial influences (e.g., participants were quantitatively assessed on their understanding of a popular, commercially‐funded, AGA study) and 2a–2h) constraints on evidenced‐based AGA responding (e.g., ethical dilemmas) were assessed. Quantitative responses are reported descriptively whilst qualitative responses are categorized alongside illustrative quotes.

Results

On average, (1a–1d) 42% of participants were misled by the popular AGA study and (1e) participants underestimated the extent of commercial biases in AGA research as 25%; (2a–2e). Participants also indicated that AGA treatment limitations and misinformation ethically challenged them (e.g., “[It's difficult to know when] to treat or not without being able to confirm the outcome”). (2c) Most (77%) indicated society played a powerful role in exacerbating AGA distress (e.g., “Society is hyper critical of appearance”) and 30% indicated greater “treatment” accessibility was needed: (e.g., “hair loss product [should] give clear indication of what the active ingredients are and how effective they are”).

Conclusions

Despite the limited sample size, these finding cohere with previous identified challenges of the AGA practitioner role. Evidence based guidance and research scrutiny tools would help practitioners overcome such challenges.
Craniofacial risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea—systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Finke Hannah , Drews Anne , Engel Corinna , Koos Bernd
Published: July 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by temporary partial or complete constriction of the upper airway during sleep which leads to reduced blood oxygen and cardiovascular risks. Main symptoms vary between adults and children leading to misdiagnosis or delayed patient identification. To improve early diagnosis, lateral cephalograms can provide craniofacial measurements associated with a higher risk of OSA. In order to identify the most relevant craniofacial measurements, a systematic literature review with meta‐analysis was conducted combining the terms ‘orthodontic*’, ‘craniofacial’, ‘cephalometr*’, ‘cephalogram’, ‘OSA*’, ‘UARS’, ‘SDB’, ‘sleep disordered breathing’, ‘sleep apnea’ and ‘sleep apnoea’. Of 3016 publications, 19 were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis, 15 with adult patients and four with children. A total of 16 measurements (six angles, 10 distances) were compared, nine showed a possible influence in patients with OSA compared to controls: NSBa angle (−0.28°), ANB angle (+0.33°), ML‐NSL angle (+0.34°), Me‐Go‐Ar angle (+0.33°), SN distance (−0.70 mm), N–ANS distance (−0.36 mm), MP–H distance (+1.18 mm), uvula length (+1.07 mm) and thickness (+0.96 mm). Posterior airway measurements were not sufficiently described or comparably measured to be statistically analysed. There is some evidence for altered craniofacial anatomy in patients with OSA compared to controls. Lateral cephalograms should be screened for these aspects routinely to improve early diagnosis of OSA and craniofacial orthopaedics should complement the interdisciplinary treatment plan for young patients with OSA.
Association of serum and fecal microRNA profiles in cats with gastrointestinal cancer and chronic inflammatory enteropathy
Authors: Brogaard Louise , Lyngby Janne G. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Fredholm Merete , Bjørnvad Charlotte R. , Salavati Schmitz Silke , Skancke Ellen , Morris Joanna S. , Dupont Nana , Argyle David , Sánchez Armand , Spohr Anette , Graarup‐Hansen Kasper , Nielsen Lise N. , Cirera Susanna
Published: July 2023

Background

Differentiation of gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) from chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIE) in cats can be challenging and often requires extensive diagnostic testing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have promise as non‐invasive biomarkers in serum and feces for diagnosis of GIC.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Cats with GIC will have serum and fecal miRNA profiles that differ significantly from healthy cats and cats with CIE. Identify serum and fecal miRNAs with diagnostic potential for differentiation between cats with GIC and CIE as compared to healthy cats.

Animals

Ten healthy cats, 9 cats with CIE, and 10 cats with GIC; all client‐owned.

Methods

Cats were recruited for an international multicenter observational prospective case‐control study. Serum and feces were screened using small RNA sequencing for miRNAs that differed in abundance between cats with GIC and CIE, and healthy cats. Diagnostic biomarker potential of relevant miRNAs from small RNA sequencing and the literature was confirmed using reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR).

Results

Serum miR‐223‐3p was found to distinguish between cats with GIC and CIE with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.760‐1.0), sensitivity of 90% (95% CI, 59.6‐99.5%), and specificity of 77.8% (95% CI, 45.3‐96.1%). Serum miR‐223‐3p likewise showed promise in differentiating a subgroup of cats with small cell lymphoma (SCL) from those with CIE. No fecal miRNAs could distinguish between cats with GIC and CIE.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Serum miR‐223‐3p potentially may serve as a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker of GIC in cats, in addition to providing a much needed tool for the differentiation of CIE and SCL.
Philology and racist appropriations of the medieval
Authors: Ramos Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Recent decades have seen an increase in white supremacist appropriations of the Middle Ages. While many medievalists have sought to distance medieval studies from racist appropriations, these appropriations echo positions advanced and legitimized by philologists especially during the nineteenth century. Medieval studies as a discipline developed in the nineteenth century during the rise of nationalist movements, which often manifested as racial nationalism in Europe and the United States, and philologists actively participated in these movements by projecting contemporary national identity unto a constructed medieval past. These philologists often conflated language and race, and their nationalist scholarship helped justify imperialism. Although the ideas of these philologists are considered outdated, they set the foundation for racist appropriations of the Middle Ages and established nationalist frameworks that continue to influence the academy.
Exploring the magnitude and drivers of the double burden of malnutrition at maternal and dyad levels in peri‐urban Peru: A cross‐sectional study of low‐income mothers, infants and young children
Authors: Pradeilles Rebecca , Landais Edwige , Pareja Rossina , Eymard‐Duvernay Sabrina , Markey Oonagh , Holdsworth Michelle , Rousham Emily K. , M. Creed‐Kanashiro Hilary
Published: July 2023

Multiple forms of malnutrition coexist in Peru, especially in peri‐urban areas and poor households. We investigated the magnitude of, and the contribution of, dietary and socio‐demographic factors to the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) at maternal (i.e., maternal overweight/obesity with anaemia) and dyad (i.e., maternal overweight/obesity with child anaemia) levels. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among low‐income mother–child (6–23 months) dyads (n = 244) from peri‐urban communities in Peru. Dietary clusters and the minimum dietary diversity score (MDD) were generated for mothers and infants, respectively. A composite indicator using the maternal dietary clusters and the MDD was created to relate to dyad level DBM. Two dietary clusters were found: (i) the ‘high variety (i.e., animal‐source foods, fruit and vegetables), high sugary foods/beverages’ (cluster 1) and (ii) the ‘high potato, low fruit and vegetables, low red meat’ (cluster 2). DBM prevalence among mothers and dyads was 19.9% and 36.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the only socio‐demographic factor positively associated with maternal DBM was maternal age (aOR/5 years: 1.35 [1.07, 1.71]). Mothers belonging to diet cluster 1 were less likely to experience the DBM (aOR = 0.52 [0.26, 1.03]), although CIs straddled the null. Socio‐demographic factors positively associated with dyad level DBM included maternal age (aOR/5 years: 1.41 [1.15, 1.73]), and having ≥ two children under 5 years (aOR = 2.44 [1.23, 4.84]). Diet was not associated with dyad‐level DBM. Double‐duty actions that tackle the DBM are needed given that one‐third of dyads and a fifth of mothers had concurrent overweight/obesity and anaemia.
Mountain railway alignment optimization based on landform recognition and presetting of dominating structures
Authors: Wan Xinjie , Pu Hao , Schonfeld Paul , Song Taoran , Li Wei , Peng Lihui , Hu Jianping , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2023

Mountain railway alignment optimization has always been a challenge for designers and researchers in this field. It is extremely difficult for existing methods that optimize alignments before major structures to generate a better alignment than the best one provided by human designers when the terrain is drastically undulating between the start and endpoints. To fill this gap, a “structures before alignments” design process is proposed in this paper. Primarily, a landform recognition method is devised for recognizing dominating landforms. Then, a bi‐level alignment optimization model is proposed, with the upper level dedicated to characterizing dominating structures and the lower level focusing on optimizing the entire alignments. To solve this bi‐level model, a three‐stage optimization method is designed. At the first stage, a scanning process and screening operators are devised for generating all the possible locations of dominating structures. At the second stage, a hierarchical multi‐criteria decision‐making procedure is applied for selecting the optimized dominating structure layouts. At the third stage, alignments are optimized based on the determined structure layouts using a bi‐objective optimization method, which minimizes construction cost and geo‐hazard risk simultaneously. The proposed model and solution method are applied to two real‐world cases whose results verify their capabilities in producing alignment alternatives with better combinations of construction cost and geo‐hazard risk than manually designed alternatives.
High‐resolution 3‐D geometry updating of digital functional models using point cloud processing and surface cut
Authors: Zhang Youqi , Xia Baiqiang , Taylor Su
Published: July 2023

Point cloud can provide rich 3‐D geometric information of structures, and it has been widely investigated for generating digital functional models, such as finite element (FE) model and building information model (BIM). However, for the existing digital models, how to maintain and update the new local geometric changes on the existing digital models has not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, this research presents a method to update the local 3‐D geometric changes on digital functional models using point cloud processing and surface cut. The proposed pipeline starts from processing the point cloud of the local structural change for reconstructing the local surface mesh. After that, the surface mesh is aligned to the corresponding location of the existing digital model by point cloud registration. Then, the geometry updating can be achieved by cutting the digital model with the generated surface mesh. To validate the proposed geometry updating method, two case studies were performed on damaged concrete beams with their intact FE models. The results show that the 3‐D geometry changes caused by the damage on the edge and vertex can be successfully updated with high resolution on the existing digital models. The results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating the proposed method into structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for further analysis.
Nurses' ways of talking about their experiences of (in)justice in healthcare organizations: Locating the use of language as a means of analysis
Authors: López‐Deflory Camelia , Perron Amélie , Miró‐Bonet Margalida
Published: July 2023

Nurses have their own ways of talking about their experiences of injustice in healthcare organizations. The aim of this article is to describe how nurses talk about their work‐life experiences and discuss the discursive effects that arise from nurses' use of language regarding their political agency. To this end, we present the findings garnered from a study focused on exploring how nurses deploy their political agency to project their idea of social and political justice in public healthcare organizations and how they face the challenges and uncertainties of (re)thinking their institutional order when it does not resonate with their professional ethos. We then discuss the implications that nurses' use of language has in relation to their ability to deploy their political agency to oppose the forms of injustice they face in their daily practice. We conclude by stating that careful attention should be placed on understanding the discursive implications of nurses' use of language on their individual and collective emancipation in healthcare organizations.
Functional trade‐offs are driven by coordinated changes among cell types in the wood of angiosperm trees from different climates
Authors: Zhang Guangqi , Mao Zhun , Maillard Pascale , Brancheriau Loïc , Gérard Bastien , Engel Julien , Fortunel Claire , Heuret Patrick , Maeght Jean‐Luc , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Stokes Alexia
Published: July 2023

Wood performs several functions to ensure tree survival and carbon allocation to a finite stem volume leads to trade‐offs among cell types. It is not known to what extent these trade‐offs modify functional trade‐offs and if they are consistent across climates and evolutionary lineages.

Twelve wood traits were measured in stems and coarse roots across 60 adult angiosperm tree species from temperate, Mediterranean and tropical climates.

Regardless of climate, clear trade‐offs occurred among cellular fractions, but did not translate into specific functional trade‐offs. Wood density was negatively related to hydraulic conductivity (Kth) in stems and roots, but was not linked to nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), implying a functional trade‐off between mechanical integrity and transport but not with storage. NSC storage capacity was positively associated with Kth in stems and negatively in roots, reflecting a potential role for NSC in the maintenance of hydraulic integrity in stems but not in roots. Results of phylogenetic analyses suggest that evolutionary histories cannot explain covariations among traits.

Trade‐offs occur among cellular fractions, without necessarily modifying trade‐offs in function. However, functional trade‐offs are driven by coordinated changes among xylem cell types depending on the dominant role of each cell type in stems and roots.
Gene–environment interaction in myopia
Authors: He Xi , Li Shi‐Ming
Published: July 2023

Myopia is a health issue that has attracted global attention due to its high prevalence and vision‐threatening complications. It is well known that the onset and progression of myopia are related to both genetic and environmental factors: more than 450 common genetic loci have been found to be associated with myopia, while near work and outdoor time are the main environmental risk factors. As for many complex traits, gene–environment interactions are implicated in myopia development. To date, several genetic loci have been found to interact with near work or educational level. Gene–environment interaction research on myopia could yield models that provide more accurate risk predictions, thus improving targeted treatments and preventive strategies. Additionally, such investigations might have the potential to reveal novel genetic information. In this review, we summarised the findings in this field and proposed some topics for future investigations.