bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of radioiodine therapy on recurrence and survival outcomes in intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma —A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chandekar Kunal Ramesh , Satapathy Swayamjeet , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: December 2023

Objective

The utility of radioiodine (RAI) therapy in intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains a topic of ongoing discussion. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to consolidate existing evidence on the impact of postoperative RAI therapy on recurrence and survival outcomes in intermediate‐risk PTC.

Methods

A literature search was performed using relevant keywords in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Articles from January 2008 to March 2023 were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted from the individual articles, and pooled estimates were generated using meta‐analysis.

Results

Eleven articles comprising 56,266 intermediate‐risk PTC patients were included. 41,530 (73.8%) patients underwent postoperative RAI therapy, while 14,736 (26.2%) patients were kept on no‐RAI (NOI) follow‐up. No significant reduction in rates of structural disease recurrence was noted with RAI therapy in comparison to NOI follow‐up (pooled univariate OR, 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–1.87, I2 = 75%). RAI therapy was not a significant predictor of better recurrence‐free survival (pooled multivariate HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.01–3.74, I2 = 94%). Interestingly, RAI therapy was associated with an overall survival benefit compared to NOI follow‐up (pooled multivariate HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48–0.82, I2 = 79%).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis did not establish a conclusive benefit of RAI therapy in preventing structural disease recurrence or improving recurrence‐free survival in intermediate‐risk PTC. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution owing to significant heterogeneity in the existing literature. A prospective, randomised clinical trial is the need of the hour to better understand the effect of RAI therapy on long‐term outcomes.
Latitudinal distributions of the species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and functional diversity of fleas and their small mammalian hosts in four geographic quadrants
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Grabovsky Vasily I. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Fernanda López Berrizbeitia Maria , Matthee Sonja , Roll Uri , Sanchez Juliana P. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , van der Mescht Luther
Published: December 2023

We studied latitudinal patterns in the species richness (SR), the phylogenetic diversity (PD), and the functional diversity (FD) of fleas and their mammalian hosts. We asked whether these patterns in either fleas, hosts, or both 1) conform to a classical latitudinal gradient; 2) vary geographically; and 3) differ between fleas and hosts. We also asked whether the patterns of PD and FD follow those of SR. We collected data on the latitudinal distribution of 1022 flea and 900 mammal species from literature sources and calculated the SR, PD, and FD of both groups in 1° latitude bands. Then, we used broken‐stick regression models to analyse separately the latitudinal variation of 1) each diversity facet and 2) fleas and hosts in each geographic quadrant. The classical latitudinal gradient pattern was not found in either fleas or hosts across any facet of diversity or geographic quadrant, except for the PD of fleas in the southeastern quadrant and the FD of hosts in the southwestern quadrant. Latitudinal patterns of the SR, PD and FD of fleas and hosts differed substantially between geographic quadrants. Furthermore, the latitudinal distributions of flea and host SR were similar in three of four quadrants (except the northeastern quadrant), whereas the latitudinal distributions of flea and host PD were similar in the southwestern quadrant only. No similarity in flea versus host FD was revealed. The latitudinal patterns of flea and host PD and FD mostly did not follow those of their SR. We conclude that latitudinal gradients of species richness and phylogenetic and functional diversity appeared not to be universal phenomena. Instead, the latitudinal distributions of these diversity facets represent an interplay of ecological (current and past) and historical processes. For parasites, the processes acting on hosts add another layer of complexity underlying their latitudinal diversity patterns.
Digital Module 34: Introduction to Multilevel Measurement Modeling
Authors: Shaw Mairead , Flake Jessica K.
Published: December 2023

Module Abstract

Clustered data structures are common in many areas of educational and psychological research (e.g., students clustered in schools, patients clustered by clinician). In the course of conducting research, questions are often administered to obtain scores reflecting latent constructs. Multilevel measurement models (MLMMs) allow for modeling measurement (the relationship of test items to constructs) and the relationships between variables in a clustered data structure. Modeling the two concurrently is important for accurately representing the relationships between items and constructs, and between constructs and other constructs/variables. The barrier to entry with MLMMs can be high, with many equations and less‐documented software functionality. This module reviews two different frameworks for multilevel measurement modeling: (1) multilevel modeling and (2) structural equation modeling. We demonstrate the entire process in R with working code and available data, from preparing the dataset, through writing and running code, to interpreting and comparing output for the two approaches.
Collective moods in Western Isles structures of being
Authors: MacPhee Marybeth
Published: December 2023

This paper develops a relational framework to interpret ethnographic data on the way residents of a community‐owned estate in the Western Isles of Scotland evaluated and contributed to collective quality of life. The analysis compares conversations with community development professionals and crofters to identify social and cultural structures influencing their contrasting interpretations of locally valued qualities of social attachment, belonging, and community. The framework integrates perspectives from phenomenological anthropology with Heidegger's theory of Being‐in‐the‐world to describe how structures of care, temporality, mood, and discourse influenced the dynamics of sociocultural diversity, interpretations of social relationships, and collective efforts to compose favorable conditions for co‐existence in a small population.
Online voting and minority shareholder dissent: Evidence from China
Authors: Cai Ning , He Wen , Wu Guoqiang , Yu Xin
Published: December 2023

Using proposal‐level data in China, we document that online voting significantly increases minority shareholders’ participation in voting, and online voting is related to more dissenting votes. The association between online voting and minority shareholders’ participation and dissent is stronger in underperforming firms, indicating that minority shareholders tend to participate and dissent to express dissatisfaction. The association is stronger for shareholders with stronger voting power. Finally, we find that when minority shareholders’ dissent fails to veto a proposal, dissenting minority shareholders are less likely to participate and vote again the following year. Our results suggest that mechanisms designed to facilitate minority shareholder voting lead to greater and more informed participation in the corporate governance process.
The power of sharing with support: Exploring the process and roles involved in sharing vulnerability in solidarity
Authors: Suzanne Pamela Agata , Reiss Lea Katharina
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we investigate the process and the intertwined and entangled roles involved in sharing vulnerability in solidarity through collective autoethnographic exploration. We draw on the sharing process we engaged with in relation to the personal experience of one of us with long COVID‐related vulnerability, in addition to and intensified by the gendered vulnerability of being a mother during lockdown in the context of academia. Together, we reflect on the roles of sharer and supporter we took on in the process of sharing vulnerability and bring light to the emotions that preceded the sharing, the reasons for ultimately sharing with others, the act of sharing, the reactions to and consequences of it, the feelings aroused by sharing and how sharing could be supported. Over time, sharing those vulnerabilities with each other, finding support, and sharing with the work environment became an empowering research and healing project. The insights obtained from our experience are discussed in the context of the existing literature on gendered vulnerability and feminist solidarity, contributing an embodied and relational perspective to the process and entangled roles involved in sharing vulnerability and feminist writing.
Enhancing EMI pedagogical curricula to prepare pre‐service English teachers for socioculturally diverse classrooms
Authors: Kim Sumi , Brutt‐Griffler Janina , Park Myung‐Kwan
Published: December 2023

With the rise of English as a global academic lingua franca, the implementation of English medium instruction (EMI) in South Korea's higher education system has grown substantially. This mixed‐methods study contributes to the scholarship on EMI policy and practice by drawing on data from the training experiences and self‐assessment of 327 pre‐service English teachers (PSETs) regarding their preparation to serve as secondary English teachers, the latter being key to high school students’ achievement in higher education. We examine teachers’ English competencies and explore their challenges and associated needs in implementing EMI for their professional success. Our quantitative analysis shows that, for PSETs, English‐speaking skills are the most challenging aspect of learning and teaching English. Moreover, current opportunities to improve their English proficiency through EMI courses appear to be inadequate. Subsequent analysis shows that English proficiency serves as a significant mediator of the association between EMI satisfaction and self‐efficacy about teaching English through English. Our qualitative analysis further confirms that PSETs have less exposure than expected to language‐related resources in their educational context, and they express a need for greater knowledge of student well‐being and linguistic and cultural diversity. We provide a set of recommendations to enhance the quality of EMI policies and curricula, including offering tailored language modules to develop well‐qualified secondary English teachers.
Impact of fermentation through Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on aroma and quality of mulberry wine
Authors: Li Yanshu , Ma Yongkun , Xu Manqing , Yaqoob Sanabil , Aregbe Afusat Yinka , Xiong YuQing
Published: December 2023

Wickerhamomyces anomalus D1‐4, a non‐Saccharomyces yeast known for its aroma production, offers a novel approach to improving the aroma and quality of mulberry wine. We employed various inoculation methods for fermenting mulberry wine and assessed its physicochemical, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, colour and aroma components. The results revealed that the addition of Wickerhamomyces anomalus D1‐4 to the fermentation led to a significant increase in the levels of alcohols, terpenes, nitrogen oxides and methyl in mulberry wine, especially, produced the characteristic isobutyl acetate and isopentyl hexanoate, and greatly increased the relative content of isopentyl acetate, isopentyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol. The sequential inoculation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 24 h followed by Wickerhamomyces anomalus D1‐4 fermented for 9 days was the best fermentation method for mulberry wine. Regarding colour, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities, the fermentation was superior to other fermentations, and it was also able to maximise the aroma of mulberry wine and give it a strong floral and fruity aroma, especially higher ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate. These findings demonstrate the unique fermentation characteristics of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts in enhancing the flavour and quality of mulberry wine.
Psychological capital among clinical nurses: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Teng Mei , Wang Jialin , Jin Man , Yuan Zhongqing , He Hong , Wang Shuping , Ren Qianqian
Published: December 2023

Aim

To determine the psychological capital level of nurses and explore the latent profiles of nurses regarding their psychological capital scores.

Background

The use of individual‐centered analysis for the connotation of nurses' psychological capital structure is less studied and still needs to be further explored.

Methods

By the convenience sampling method, 494 clinical nurses from 7 general hospitals in Sichuan province were selected. The study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. Latent profile analysis was used for data analysis. We followed STROBE guidelines in this research.

Results

The total mean score of nurses' psychological capital is 5.17 (SD = 0.8). The following four latent profiles were identified: “poor” (4.5%), “medium” (22.9%), “well‐off” (41.5%), and “rich” (31.1%). Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of hours worked per day and the number of night shifts per month were negative predictors of psychological capital, and psychological training and job satisfaction were protective factors of psychological capital.

Discussion

Our study found that the four profiles can be distinguished by “poor,” “well‐off,” “medium,” and “rich” levels of psychological capital. Among them, more than 70% of the nurses belonged to the well‐off and rich profiles, and the number of the poor profile was the lowest.

Conclusion

The overall psychological capital of clinical nurses is at a medium–high level. Each profile is influenced by multiple sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, working hours, monthly income, psychological training, and job satisfaction).

Implications for nursing and health policy

Administrators should develop enhancement strategies to improve the mental health of nurses based on the characteristics of their psychological capital profiles.
Effects of Peripherally inserted Central Catheter (PICC) materials and designs on reduction of PICC‐related complications: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Nannan , Peng Huizhen , Zhao Wenli , Yi Yinping , Ma Yufeng , Guo Yaru , Li Haiyun , Wu Xue
Published: December 2023

Studies showed that integrating coating or valve into Peripherally Inserted Central (PICC) can prevent related complications. However, data regarding efficiency were controversial. Therefore, a systematic review was needed to analyse the effect of PICC materials and designs on reduction of PICC‐related complications. We searched PubMed, Cochrane library, EMbase, grey literature and referent literature from inception to 5 August 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case–control study were included. Two authors extracted data independently, using a predesigned Excel form, and assessed the quality of included RCTs according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews (V5.1.0), case–control study was assessed by the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Data were analysed using Review Manager (v5.3.0). A total of 10 RCTs and one case–control study were included. Meta‐analysis results showed that PICC designs reduce the incidence of obstruction, and at the critical value of PICC‐associated bloodstream infection, but may have no effects on other complications. Based on the literature reviewed, we can only say PICC new materials did not reflect significant reduction on complications, what's more, the result needs more multicentre, large RCTs to support. We suggested clinicians combine descriptive research and cost‐effect analysis to select appropriate PICC materials and designs for patients.
Validation of the Wound‐QoL‐17 and the Wound‐QoL‐14 in a European sample of 305 patients with chronic wounds
Authors: Janke Toni Maria , Kozon Vlastimil , Valiukeviciene Skaidra , Rackauskaite Laura , Reich Adam , Stępień Katarzyna , Chernyshov Pavel , Jankechová Monika , van Montfrans Catherine , Amesz Stella , Barysch Marjam , Montero Elena Conde , Augustin Matthias , Blome Christine
Published: December 2023

The Wound‐QoL assesses the impact of chronic wounds on patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). A 17‐item and a shortened 14‐item version are available. The Wound‐QoL‐17 has been validated for multiple languages. For the Wound‐QoL‐14, psychometric properties beyond internal consistency were lacking. We aimed to validate both Wound‐QoL versions for international samples representing a broad range of European countries, including countries for which validation data had yet been pending. Patients with chronic wounds of any aetiology or location were recruited in Austria, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine. Psychometric properties were determined for both Wound‐QoL versions for the overall sample and, if feasible, country‐wise. We included 305 patients (age 68.5 years; 52.8% males). Internal consistency was high in both Wound‐QoL‐17 (Cronbach's α: 0.820–0.933) and Wound‐QoL‐14 (0.779–0.925). Test–retest reliability was moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.618–0.808). For Wound‐QoL‐17 and Wound‐QoL‐14, convergent validity analyses showed highest correlations with global HRQoL rating (r = 0.765; r = 0.751) and DLQI total score (r = 0.684; r = 0.681). Regarding clinical data, correlations were largest with odour (r = −0.371; r = −0.388) and wound size (r = 0.381; r = 0.383). Country‐wise results were similar. Both Wound‐QoL versions are valid to assess HRQoL of patients with chronic wounds. Due to its psychometric properties and brevity, the Wound‐QoL‐14 might be preferrable in clinical practice where time is rare. The availability of various language versions allows for the use of this questionnaire in international studies and in clinical practice when foreign language patients are being treated.
Patients involvement in the discharge process from hospital to home: A patient's journey
Authors: Alarslan Güven , Mennes Rosa , Kieft Renate , Heinen Maud
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aims of the study were to gain insight in the transfer process from hospital to homecare or rehabilitation centre from a patient's perspectives and to describe the experienced involvement, information provision and information needs patients.

Design

A multiple case study with a phenomenological approach.

Methods

Observations and interviews were employed, between May 2019 and August 2019, to capture the patient's perspectives and experiences on involvement, information provision and needs. Observations were executed during the discharge process from hospital to homecare (n = 6) or revalidation centre (n = 1) and during admission interviews with community nurses (n = 6). Interviews were conducted at the patient's home and the revalidation centre.

Results

Eight themes were identified within three phases of the transfer process. The Sign‐up phase contained two themes: ‘organizing follow‐up care’ and ‘planning the moment of discharge from the hospital’. The two themes in the Transfer phase were, ‘verbal information provision’ and ‘written information provision’. Four themes were identified in the End phase: ‘nursing supplies’, ‘medication’, ‘the electronic patient portal’ and ‘continuation of (para)medical care’.

Conclusions

Patient participation in the transition process from the hospital to follow‐up care can be improved. This study indicates that unsafe situations could be prevented by patient involvement and clear perceptions of the role and responsibilities of patients, family and healthcare professionals.

Implications to Patient Care

Patient and family involvement has the potential to improve transition of care and techniques for shared decision‐making can be applied to a greater extent.

Impact

This paper highlights that patients and families should be acknowledged as key figures in the transfer process and gives direction to healthcare professionals on how to increase involvement in the transfer process by actively inviting patients to participate in the transfer process.

Reporting Method

COREQ guidelines for qualitative reporting.

No patient or public contribution.

Contribution to Global Clinical Community

This paper gives insights in patients’ and families’ perspectives on transition of nursing care and their involvement during the whole transfer process.

This paper gives direction how to improve patient participation during the discharge process from hospital to follow‐up care.
Overview of the innovative Family Treatment Drug Court model in Kentucky
Authors: Logsdon Ashley R. , Antle Becky F. , Bridges Andreana , Hall Martin T. , Barbee Anita P. , Spriggs Amy , Kamer Cindy
Published: December 2023

Family Treatment Drug Courts (FTDCs) have been implemented to assist families involved with the child welfare system due to substance use. This article describes an enhanced version of a Family Treatment Drug Court intervention which builds on the traditional FTDC model but includes adaptations that add theoretically driven components to the basic FTDC model that aim to strengthen not only permanency outcomes but also address child well‐being including several precursors to child well‐being: parent well‐being and family well‐being so that the additional child welfare outcome of child well‐being can be met. The enhanced FTDC model described in this paper offers three phases of treatment but also utilizes data gathered for evaluation purposes as continuous quality improvement information to inform providers regarding participant engagement so that targeted re‐engagement efforts can occur to reduce dropouts. Thus, this paper also describes the measures utilized in the comprehensive evaluation. Data include 33 standardized scales from multiple sources, including clients, therapists/treatment providers, court personnel, and child welfare workers, at multiple points ranging from weekly to quarterly. Implications are discussed regarding how this enhanced FTDC model and use of evaluation/CQI data impact client engagement and multiple outcomes.
The influence of perceived parenting styles on Korean children's delinquent behaviors when accounting for gender differences
Authors: Lee Bora , Cochran Joseph
Published: December 2023

Parenting styles studies which used US data have shown positive effects of authoritative parenting styles and negative effects of permissive and authoritarian parenting styles on the adolescents' behavioral development. The effects of parenting styles were predictive within the juvenile population of the United States. The current study introduces questions about the influence of culture and gender on the association between parenting styles and children's delinquent behaviors. It focuses on South Korean culture, which is influenced by Confucian philosophy emphasizing obeying parents and importance of the role of the son in the family. This study uses ordinary least squares regression to examine data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2010 collected by the National Youth Policy Institute from 2010 to 2016. Results indicated that male South Korean children respond positively to the authoritarian parenting style, but parenting style does not influence female South Korean children, at least when it comes to delinquency. These results indicate that culture and gender influence the association between parenting style and delinquency among children and broaden the applicability of parenting style research.
Production and characterization of mint (Mentha spicata L.) by spray drying
Authors: Oliveira Pamella Priscilla , Schmidt Vivian Consuelo Reolon , de Santana Ricardo Corrêa , Zotarelli Marta Fernanda
Published: December 2023

Mint (Mentha spicata L.) is a herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, with numerous varieties. Fresh leaves have high moisture, which enables microbial growth and renders them perishable. Thus, drying aromatic plants, such as mint, is an alternative to increase their shelf life. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the drying of mint, with and without blaching, by spray drying and to evaluate the moisture, color, hygroscopicity, bulk density, chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenolics, particle size distribution and morphology of the obtained powder. Thus, in addition to the effect of using blanching or not, the influence of temperature, drying airflow, and solution feed flow was investigated. Blanching contributed to a greater retention of carotenoid pigments and higher levels of chlorophyll and total phenolics. The highest observed yield value was 50.24% for the powder obtained with blanching produced at lower temperatures, which was associated with a high flow rate of the solution. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the potential of using blanching in conjunction with spray drying to conserve mint's bioactive components, offering practical applications in food and pharmaceutical industries, and potentially contributing to enhanced shelf life and product quality.

Practical applications

Mint is renowned for its medicinal and sensory attributes; however, its inherent perishability post‐harvest necessitates exploring conservation techniques. While dried mint is available on the market, many drying processes remain artisanal and need more control over conditions to prevent the loss of its essential properties. Hence, this study sought to investigate mint drying through spray drying and the effect of process conditions on the product properties. Another essential point also evaluated was the impact of bleaching as a pre‐treatment. Integrating bleaching techniques with drying proved instrumental in preserving carotenoid pigments elevating chlorophyll and total phenolic levels. These findings offer significant potential for the food industry. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry stands to gain by harnessing mint's preserved bioactive compounds for medicinal applications. Overall, this research provides invaluable insights for optimizing mint preservation methods and promises to enhance product quality and shelf life across various industrial domains.
Gibberellin promotes cambium reestablishment during secondary vascular tissue regeneration after girdling in an auxin‐dependent manner in Populus
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Wang Lingyan , Wu Yuexin , Wang Donghui , He Xin‐Qiang
Published: December 2023

Secondary vascular tissue (SVT) development and regeneration are regulated by phytohormones. In this study, we used an in vitro SVT regeneration system to demonstrate that gibberellin (GA) treatment significantly promotes auxin‐induced cambium reestablishment. Altering GA content by overexpressing or knocking down ent‐kaurene synthase (KS) affected secondary growth and SVT regeneration in poplar. The poplar DELLA gene GIBBERELLIC ACID INSENSITIVE (PtoGAI) is expressed in a specific pattern during secondary growth and cambium regeneration after girdling. Overexpression of PtoGAI disrupted poplar growth and inhibited cambium regeneration, and the inhibition of cambium regeneration could be partially restored by GA application. Further analysis of the PtaDR5:GUS transgenic plants, the localization of PIN‐FORMED 1 (PIN1) and the expression of auxin‐related genes found that an additional GA treatment could enhance the auxin response as well as the expression of PIN1, which mediates auxin transport during SVT regeneration. Taken together, these findings suggest that GA promotes cambium regeneration by stimulating auxin signal transduction.
Migration and the location of MNE activities: Evidence from Italian provinces
Authors: Benfratello Luigi , Castellani Davide , D'Ambrosio Anna
Published: December 2023

We investigate the migration‐inward foreign direct investment (FDI) nexus in narrow geographies. A novel two‐stage empirical strategy allows us to investigate the role of migration as a determinant of multinational enterprises (MNEs) location choices and unpick heterogeneity in foreign investors' preferences towards the presence of migrants in the host location. This allows us to shed light on the relative importance of the underlying mechanisms linking migration and inward FDI. Relying on 1113 greenfield investments by 895 MNEs in Italian NUTS3 regions over 2003–2015, we find that immigrants from the country of origin of the investor exert a positive but highly heterogeneous effect on MNE location choices. Investors are more sensitive to the presence of migrants from their country of origin when they lack experience in the destination country (first‐time investors) and when their investments concern market‐access or business‐services (downstream) activities. This is consistent with the view that migrants act as information brokers that bridge the fixed costs of international business activities.
What difference does sleep make? Continuous glucose monitoring metrics during fixed‐overnight time versus sleep periods among older adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Trawley Steven , Kubilay Erin , Colman Peter G. , Lee Melissa H. , O'Neal David N. , Sundararajan Vijaya , Vogrin Sara , McAuley Sybil A.
Published: December 2023

Hypoglycaemia during sleep is a common and clinically important issue for people living with insulin‐treated diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring devices can help to identify nocturnal hypoglycaemia and inform treatment strategies. However, sleep is generally inferred, with diabetes researchers and physicians using a fixed‐overnight period as a proxy for sleep–wake status when analysing and interpretating continuous glucose monitoring data. No study to date has validated such an approach with established sleep measures. Continuous glucose monitoring and research‐grade actigraphy devices were worn and sleep diaries completed for 2 weeks by 28 older adults (mean age 67 years [SD 5]; 17 (59%) women) with type 1 diabetes. Using continuous glucose monitoring data from a total of 356 nights, fixed‐overnight (using the recommended period of 00:00 hours–06:00 hours) and objectively‐measured sleep periods were compared. The fixed‐overnight period approach missed a median 57 min per night (interquartile range: 49–64) of sleep for each participant, including five continuous glucose monitoring‐detected hypoglycaemia episodes during objectively‐measured sleep. Twenty‐seven participants (96%) had at least 1 night with continuous glucose monitoring time‐in‐range and time‐above‐range discrepancies both ≥ 10 percentage points, a clinically significant discrepancy. The utility of fixed‐overnight time continuous glucose monitoring as a proxy for sleep–awake continuous glucose monitoring is inadequate as it consistently excludes actual sleep time, obscures glycaemic patterns, and misses sensor hypoglycaemia episodes during sleep. The use of validated measures of sleep to aid interpretation of continuous glucose monitoring data is encouraged.
Intention‐aware robot motion planning for safe worker–robot collaboration
Authors: Liu Yizhi , Jebelli Houtan
Published: December 2023

Recent advances in robotics have enabled robots to collaborate with workers in shared, fenceless workplaces in construction and civil engineering, which can improve productivity and address labor shortages. However, this collaboration may lead to collisions between workers and robots. Targeting safe collaboration, this study proposes an intention‐aware motion planning method for robots to avoid collisions. This method involves two novel deep networks that allow robots to anticipate the motions of workers based on inferences about workers' motion intentions. Then, a probabilistic collision‐checking mechanism is developed that enables robots to estimate the collision probability with the motions of workers and generate collision‐free adjustments. The results verify that the method enables robots to predict workers' intended motions 1 s in advance and generate adjustments with a collision probability of less than 5.0% during collaborative masonry tasks. This study facilitates the safe implementation of collaborative robots in construction and civil engineering.
Gynodioecy of Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile (Lamiaceae) in Tajikistan
Authors: Godin Vladimir N. , Yu. Astashenkov Aleksey , Cheryomushkina Vera A. , Bobokalonov Kobil A.
Published: December 2023

Gynodioecy has been identified to occur in the herbaceous polycarpic Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile growing in Tajikistan and is here described in detail for the first time. The investigated populations of O. vulgare ssp. gracile form two types of flowers, perfect and pistillate, on different individuals. In pistillate flowers, stamens are represented by staminodes. The size of many parts of the corolla and androecium of perfect flowers is significantly larger than in pistillate flowers. Four criteria have been identified that make it possible to reliably distinguish flowers of different sexual forms: the size of the corolla and its parts, the difference between calyx tube length versus corolla tube length, the position of the anthers, and the rate of development of stamens. Perfect flowers are characterized by strictly pronounced protandry. According to the pollen/ovule ratio (from 825 to 953), O. vulgare ssp. gracile is facultatively xenogamous. Hermaphrodites predominated (from 58.9 to 76.2%) in five of the investigated populations. The frequency of females in O. vulgare ssp. gracile was shown to be most dependent on annual precipitation. Finally, we discuss the presence and distribution of gynodioecy within the genus Origanum and its adaptive significance for the existence of populations of O. vulgare ssp. gracile.
The Iranian enigmatic endemic Salvia majdae (Lamiaceae): its taxonomic status based on floral ontogeny
Authors: Shahraki Mahtab , Mehregan Iraj , Ajani Yousef , Asri Younes
Published: December 2023

Since the first description of Salvia majdae (syn. Zhumeria majdae) in 1967, its taxonomic status has remained an enigma within Salvia senso lato due to its unusual characters, in particular the floral structure. Based on recent molecular phylogenetic data, two defensible opinions on its status have been proposed. Here, we studied the floral development of this species using scanning electron microscopy to resolve this ambiguity. The aspects of floral symmetry were also studied. Like species of Salvia and representative genera of Lamiaceae, the initiation sequence of sepals and stamens in S. majdae is unidirectional from adaxial to abaxial and reverse, respectively. The flowers show temporal overlaps in initiation of petals and stamens. However, in contrast, the bidirectional initiation of the petals in S. majdae is reversed, starting with the abaxial middle petal, followed by the two adaxial ones, and then finally ending with the two lateral ones. The filaments of the sterile stamens are elongated and exposed as staminodes thorough development. We conclude that subequal growth of the calyx lips, weak cochlear aestivation and bidirectional initiation of the petals and well‐developed sterile stamen primordia are responsible for the weak floral asymmetry in S. majdae. Based on these data, S. majdae shows significant differences from Salvia.
Novelties in Phyllanthus sect. Phyllanthus subsect. Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae): two new species, two new synonyms, and a lectotype
Authors: Torres Alícia Marques , da Silva Marcos José
Published: December 2023

An ongoing taxonomic work on Phyllanthus subsect. Phyllanthus, resulting from the analysis of protologues and the study of approximately 2000 collections, including all types, historical collections, and observations in the field, led us to describe two new species (P. lobatus and P. platystigma), and to propose the synonymization of P. mimicus and P. bolivianus under P. niruri, as well as establish a lectotype for P. bolivianus. For both new species, we provide, descriptions, illustrations, preliminary conservation status, flowering and fruiting periods, environmental preferences and images in their habitat. In addition, they are compared with morphologically similar congeners and their systematic position is discussed.
Stachytarpheta meninii (Verbenaceae), a new micro‐endemic and threatened species from the Diamantina Plateau in Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Authors: Henrique Cardoso Pedro , Rafael Gonzaga Diego , Trovó Marcelo
Published: December 2023

Stachytarpheta is mainly distributed in Brazil, where the knowledge of species richness is still in progress. Here, we describe S. meninii, a new micro‐endemic species from the Diamantina Plateau, Espinhaço Range. It is a shrub that can reach up to 1.8 meters in height, with abundant pedicellate glandular trichomes, viscous, aromatic leaves, inflorescences with oblong‐triangular bracts, and blue corollas, with a tube that is barely exserted from the calyx. The new species has been recorded from two gatherings from the same locality in the municipality of Serro, Minas Gerais state, and can be considered Critically Endangered (CR). Illustrations and a distribution map are provided for the recognition of S. meninii, along with an identification key for species of the genus found in Diamantina Plateau.
Association of bariatric surgery with indicated and unintended outcomes: An umbrella review and meta‐analysis for risk–benefit assessment
Authors: Kim Min Seo , Kim Jong Yeob , Song Yong Shin , Hong Seokwon , Won Hong‐Hee , Kim Won Jun , Kwon Yeongkeun , Ha Jane , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Solmi Marco , Shin Jae Il , Park Sungsoo , Rosenthal Raul J.
Published: December 2023

Bariatric surgery can cause numerous functional changes to recipients, some of which are unintended. However, a systematic evaluation of wide‐angled health benefits and risks following bariatric surgery has not been conducted. We systematically evaluated published systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting the association between bariatric surgery and health outcomes. We performed subgroup analyses by surgery type and sensitivity analysis, excluding gastric band. Thirty systematic reviews and 82 meta‐analyzed health outcomes were included in this review. A total of 66 (80%) health outcomes were significantly associated with bariatric surgery, of which 10 were adverse outcomes, including suicide, fracture, gastroesophageal reflux after sleeve gastrectomy, and neonatal morbidities. The other 56 outcomes were health benefits including new‐onset diabetes mellitus (DM) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19–0.79), hypertension (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.33–0.40), dyslipidemia (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.14–0.81), cancers (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.53–0.80), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and women's health. Surgery is associated with reductions in all‐cause mortality and death due to cancer, DM, and CVD. Bariatric surgery has both beneficial and harmful effects on a broader than expected array of patients' health outcomes. An expansion of the indication for bariatric surgery could be discussed to include a broader population with metabolic vulnerabilities.
Characterization of temperate and tropical popcorn populations and GWAS for zeins and starch contents
Authors: Gotardi Leonardo Fioravante , Viana José Marcelo Soriano , Ribeiro Matheus Pereira , de Castro Raissa Barbosa , de Oliveira Ramos Humberto Josué , Fietto Juliana Lopes Rangel
Published: December 2023

Because measuring expansion volume (EV) is simple and inexpensive, popcorn breeders have developed high‐quality single crosses ignoring the contents of zeins, starch, lipids, and cellular wall components in selection. However, some methods of quantification of these quality‐related traits can be applied to popcorn breeding, increasing the selection efficacy for quality. The objectives of this study were to assess methods of zeins and starch quantification that can be used in popcorn breeding, characterize a temperate and a tropical populations for zeins and starch contents and identify candidate genes for these quality‐related traits. We genotyped and phenotyped 286 plants. For quantification of total zeins and zein subunits we choose the ‘lab‐on‐a‐chip’ microfluidic electrophoresis. For quantification of starch and amylose/amylopectin, we choose the Megazyme's Amylose/Amylopectin kit assay. The temperate population has superior EV (36.0%), a higher level of the 19 kDa zein subunit (32.0%), lower levels of the 21, 22 and 27 kDa subunits (−1543.0%, −40.0% and −47.0%, respectively) and no statistical difference for the 10 kDa zein content, relative to the tropical population. Although there are statistical differences between the two populations regarding starch, amylose, and amylose/amylopectin ratio, the differences are not significant (−2.0% to 8.0%). Thirteen candidate genes were identified for the 19 and 22 kDa zeins, two for amylose and one for starch, with emphasis on the genes coding for the 19 and 22 kDa alpha‐zeins, located on chromosome 4. The evaluated quantification methods can be used in popcorn breeding but for a limited number of samples, mainly because costs.
Effects of reminiscence therapy on cognition, agitation, and quality of life in older adults with dementia receiving long‐term care
Authors: Bayram Serap
Published: December 2023

Background

Dementia is one of the most common neuropsychiatric conditions in older adults. Despite many older adults with dementia receiving long‐term care (LTC), few studies have been conducted in Turkey on reminiscence therapy (RT) influencing neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in people with dementia receiving LTC. This study aimed to investigate the effect of RT on cognition, agitation, and quality of life in older adults with dementia receiving LTC in Turkey.

Methods

The study population consisted of 100 older adults living in a LTC centre in a province. The size of the research group was calculated using the power analysis method, and 54 older adults were included in the study, 27 each in the RT and control (C) groups. Data collection forms Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), and the Alzheimer's Disease Quality‐of‐Life Scale (AD‐QOL) were applied to the RT and C groups before RT (T0), 1 week after RT (T1), 1 month after RT (T2), and 3 months after RT (T3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Mean, standard deviation, ratio, percentile, Fisher's exact test, Pearson Chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Friedman test were used in analyzing the data.

Results

Older adults in the RT and C groups were similar regarding sociodemographic characteristics, institutional care, and life models (P > 0.05). When comparing the T3 values of MMSE, CMAI, and AD‐QOL total scores with the T0 values, a significant difference was observed between the groups, favouring the RT group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Individual RT may benefit cognition, agitation, and quality of life of older adults with dementia residing in a LTC centre.
The Uses of Rupture in Medieval Northern Eurasian History
Authors: Evans Nick
Published: December 2023

Will Russia’s invasion of Ukraine change bring about a rupture in how we write about and teach the history of medieval Northern Eurasia? Dominant accounts of the region’s medieval history invoke ruptures, such as the Mongol invasion, in the service of state‐centred narratives. Such narratives obscure the diversity of the region’s past and its present. This essay explores the uses of rupture in the historiography of medieval Northern Eurasia. It shows how modern readings of chronicles produced within the monasteries of medieval northern Eurasia have used the device of rupture in the service of a variety of different imperial, national, liberal and conservative historical narratives. This tendency has been remarkably resilient, across modern ruptures such as 1917 and 1991. The essay also addresses the problematic legacy of “Eurasianist” ideas, while pointing to a counter‐tradition of Northern Eurasian historiography, which could provide rich resources for a less ethnocentric and statist approach to the region today. The essay concludes by considering the opportunities for such an approach, in the light of current academic disciplinary boundaries, and media‐ and policy‐facing commentary on the region.
Towards standardized human platelet lysate production in Europe: An initiative of the European Blood Alliance
Authors: De Korte Dirk , Delabie Willem , Feys Hendrik B. , Klei Thomas , Larsen Rune , Sigurjónsson Ólafur , Sousa Ana Paula ,   the European Blood Alliance
Published: December 2023

Human platelet lysate (hPL) is a supplement for cell culture media that can be derived from platelet concentrates. As not‐for‐profit blood establishments, we endorse the evolution of maximally exploiting the potential of donated blood and its derived components, including platelets. The decision to use platelet concentrates to supply hPL as a cell culture supplement should align with the principles and values that blood establishments hold towards the use of donated blood components in transfusion. As a consequence, questions on ethics, practical standardization of hPL production and logistics as well as on assuring hPL quality and safety need careful consideration. We therefore propose an opinion on some of these matters based on available literature and on discussions within the proceedings of the Working Group on Innovation and New Products of the European Blood Alliance. In addition, we propose collaboration among European blood establishments to streamline efforts of hPL supply to maximize the potential of hPL and its application in the wider field of medicine.
Algebraic theories of power operations
Authors: Balderrama William
Published: December 2023

We develop and exposit some general algebra useful for working with certain algebraic structures that arise in stable homotopy theory, such as those encoding well‐behaved theories of power operations for ring spectra. In particular, we consider Quillen cohomology in the context of algebras over algebraic theories, plethories, and Koszul resolutions for algebras over additive theories. By combining this general algebra with obstruction‐theoretic machinery, we obtain tools for computing with algebras over and over Lubin–Tate spectra. As an application, we demonstrate the existence of periodic complex orientations at heights .
Trace embeddings from zero surgery homeomorphisms
Authors: Nakamura Kai
Published: December 2023

Manolescu and Piccirillo (2023) recently initiated a program to construct an exotic or by using zero surgery homeomorphisms and Rasmussen's ‐invariant. They find five knots that if any were slice, one could construct an exotic and disprove the Smooth 4‐dimensional Poincaré conjecture. We rule out this exciting possibility and show that these knots are not slice. To do this, we use a zero surgery homeomorphism to relate slice properties of two knots stably after a connected sum with some 4‐manifold. Furthermore, we show that our techniques will extend to the entire infinite family of zero surgery homeomorphisms constructed by Manolescu and Piccirillo. However, our methods do not completely rule out the possibility of constructing an exotic or as Manolescu and Piccirillo proposed. We explain the limits of these methods hoping this will inform and invite new attempts to construct an exotic or . We also show that a family of homotopy spheres constructed by Manolescu and Piccirillo using annulus twists of a ribbon knot are all standard.