bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the effect of selected sterilization methods on mechanical properties of polylactide FFF specimens
Authors: Andrzejewska Angela Jadwiga
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Biodegradable polymers are widely used in personalized medical devices or scaffolds for tissue engineering. The manufacturing process should be finished with sterilization procedure. However, it is not clear how the different sterilization methods have an impact on the mechanical strength of the three-dimensional (3D)-printed parts, such as bone models or personalized mechanical devices. This paper aims to present the results of mechanical testing of polylactide-based bone models before and after sterilization.

Design/methodology/approach

Polylactide specimens prepared in fused filament fabrication technology were sterilized with different sterilization methods: ultraviolet (UV) and ethylene oxide. Mechanical properties were determined by testing tensile strength, Young’s modulus and toughness.

Findings

The tensile strength of material after sterilization was significantly higher after ethylene oxide sterilization compared to the UV sterilization, but in both sterilization methods, the specimens characterized lower tensile strength and Young’s modulus when compared to the control. In comparison of toughness results, there was no statistically significant differences. The findings are particularly significant in the perspective of using individual implants, bone grafts and dental guides.

Originality/value

Although fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing devices equipped with UV light sterilization options are available, experimental results of the effect of selected sterilization methods on the mechanical strength of additively manufactured parts have not been described. This paper completes the present state of the art on the problem of sterilization of FFF parts from biodegradable materials.
Factors affecting the growth of small privately‐owned financial planning businesses
Authors: Pawski Darren A. , Powell Robert J. , Golab Anna
Published: August 2022

Over the past 10 years, there have been many financial scandals in the financial advice industry, which has caused substantial losses for investors. Large wealth institutions controlled by major Australian banks have significantly contributed to investor losses by promoting their products which were not always in the best interests of clients. The aim of this study was to explore the factors affecting the current and future growth of small privately‐owned financial planning businesses as a competitive marketplace provides better consumer outcomes. The study undertook a qualitative approach using an exploratory research design which involved the recruitment of 51 privately‐owned financial planning practice owners who were personally interviewed with semi‐structured interview questions. Using a theoretical framework based on Michael Porter's five competitive forces model, the study found that the main factors enhancing growth were differentiation of service, technology enhancement, target marketing and business and client referral arrangements. Factors that negatively affected growth included the affordability of providing advice due to regulatory changes and the negative public perception associated with various industry scandals. The results provide existing and new entrant adviser practices with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions in the areas of practice management and direction. Additionally, the study provides policymakers and regulators with further knowledge to better support the privately‐owned financial planning sector, thus enabling consumers to benefit from a more competitive marketplace.
A regional perspective to the study of affective polarization
Authors: BETTARELLI LUCA , REILJAN ANDRES , VAN HAUTE EMILIE
Published: August 2022

This research note investigates the scope of regional variations in levels of affective polarization across Europe and contrasts it with national scores to highlight the theoretical and empirical interest of a disaggregated approach. Using all waves of the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES) dataset, we compute an affective polarization score for 143,857 individuals and aggregate these scores in 190 regions nested in 30 countries, across a period ranging from 1996 to 2019, covering 105 elections. We map variations in affective polarization across regions, both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Our results reveal that the range of scores is larger across regions than between countries and that approximately half of the variation in affective polarization scores can be attributed to within‐country heterogeneity. Second, we find that some countries display rather homogeneous regional patterns, while others display heterogeneous scores. Third, we show how the increase in the affective polarization scores over time at the national level can be driven by sharp changes in some regions only, while other regions remain stable. Overall, these results point to the added value of adopting a regional approach to the study of affective polarization.
The role of eNOS gene polymorphisms on contrast induced nephropathy development in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Kılıç İlhan , Palabıyık Orkide , Kurultak İlhan , Sipahi Tammam , Üstündağ Sedat
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Contrast nephropathy is a result of contrast media given through intravascular routes. Nitric oxide gene polymorphisms may alter the hemodynamic stability resulting in medullary ischemia Nitric oxide gene polymorphisms may have an enhancing role in contrast media related renal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of eNOS intron 4a/b, T786C, and G894T gene polymorphisms on contrast‐nephropathy risk.

Methods

Ninety‐four chronic kidney disease patients with contrast nephropathy and 120 chronic kidney disease patients without contrast nephropathy were included. DNA isolation was performed and specific regions of DNA for eNOS G894T, T786C, and intron 4a/b genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction technique.

Results

TT polymorphism of T786C gene and GG polymorphism of G894T gene were detected to be possibly protective from contrast induced nephropathy.

Conclusion

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase G894T gene polymorphisms, older age, and presence of diabetes mellitus may influence contrast nephropathy development.
Enhancing anthocyanin–phenolic copigmentation through epicarp layer treatment and edible coatings to retain anthocyanins in thermally processed whole blueberries
Authors: Jung Jooyeoun , Lin Chieh‐Yi , Zhao Yanyun
Published: August 2022

Anthocyanins in processed fruit degrade significantly due to their heat and oxygen sensitivity and water solubility. Copigmentation for stabilizing anthocyanins is less effective for whole fruit due to anthocyanins’ location within cell vacuoles surrounded by the epicarp layer as barrier to prevent copigment complexing with anthocyanins. This study investigated strategies for enhancing anthocyanin–phenolic copigmentation on blueberry surface, and integrated copigmentation with layer‐by‐layer (LBL) coating to retain anthocyanin stability in thermally processed blueberries. Results indicated that epicarp layer treatment of fruit by Tween 80 (T80) and CaCl2is important for enhancing anthocyanin–phenolic copigmentation. The sequential copigmentation treatment using T80, ferulic acid, and CaCl2(T80→FA→CaCl2) or T80, tannic acid, and CaCl2(T80→TA→CaCl2) resulted in higher (p< 0.05) retention of total monomeric anthocyanin (3.18 mg/g and 3.38 mg/g, respectively) in thermally processed blueberries after 7‐day ambient storage than that of untreated fruit (2.79 mg/g). Percent polymeric color (PPC) of blueberries treated by T80→FA→CaCl2(15.5%) or T80→TA→CaCl2(17.4%) was lower (p< 0.05) than that treated by TA alone (22.5%). The LBL coating enhanced microstructure stability for preserving anthocyanins in thermally processed blueberries. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of sequential copigmentation of blueberries after epicarp layer treatment followed by LBL coating for enhancing anthocyanin stability in processed whole fruit.

Practical Application

When anthocyanin‐rich fruit is thermally processed, anthocyanins degrade and leach to aqueous packing solution because of its heat sensitivity and water solubility. This study developed an innovative technology through implementing sequential treatments of copigmentation and water‐ and heat‐resistant coating for preventing heat and water degradation of anthocyanins in whole fruit during processing in aqueous media. The developed technology can be practically applied to enhance the quality and health benefits of thermally processed anthocyanin‐rich whole fruit. The technology can not only be utilized to improve existing fruit products, but also develop new and novel fruit products.
Impact of Climate and Land Use Change on Economic Development in the Baoxing River Watershed in Giant Panda National Park
Authors: Ni Weijia , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Messer Tiffany L. , Tang Ya
Published: August 2022

China established the Giant Panda National Park for ecological and species protection. New management requirements will impact the socioeconomic sustainability of the Baoxing River watershed, the core area of the national park. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model was used to explore future temporal distribution and magnitude of discharge in the Baoxing River watershed under climate and land use change to evaluate potential impacts on the local economy. Six scenarios were explored according to land use changes and climate emission scenarios. Peak discharge is predicted to shift to May through July in contrast to July through September during the base evaluation period. The gross industrial output and tax revenue of the cascade hydropower system in the watershed were predicted to increase by 68 and 95 million USD/year and 2.9 and 3.8 million USD/year, respectively, compared to the base year 2016 under the Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and RCP8.5 emission scenarios, respectively. However, due to the overall loss of the mining industry, the gross industrial output and tax revenue of hydropower and mining in the watershed were predicted to decrease by 125 and 233 million USD/year and 4.1 and 9 million USD/year, respectively, compared to the base year 2016. Findings are important for policy development to maintain ecological security and achieve sustainable economic development within the watershed.
Genomic investigation of the Chinese alligator reveals wild‐extinct genetic diversity and genomic consequences of their continuous decline
Authors: Yang Shangchen , Lan Tianming , Zhang Yi , Wang Qing , Li Haimeng , Dussex Nicolas , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Shi Minhui , Hu Mengyuan , Zhu Yixin , Cao Jun , Liu Lirong , Lin Jianqing , Wan Qiu‐Hong , Liu Huan , Fang Sheng‐Guo
Published: August 2022

Critically endangered species are usually restricted to small and isolated populations. High inbreeding without gene flow among populations further aggravates their threatened condition and reduces the likelihood of their long‐term survival. Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is one of the most endangered crocodiles in the world and has experienced a continuous decline over the past c. 1 million years. In order to identify the genetic status of the remaining populations and aid conservation efforts, we assembled the first high‐quality chromosome‐level genome of Chinese alligator and explored the genomic characteristics of three extant breeding populations. Our analyses revealed the existence of at least three genetically distinct populations, comprising two breeding populations in China (Changxing and Xuancheng) and one breeding population in an American wildlife refuge. The American population does not belong to the last two populations of its native range (Xuancheng and Changxing), thus representing genetic diversity extinct in the wild and provides future opportunities for genetic rescue. Moreover, the effective population size of these three populations has been continuously declining over the past 20 ka. Consistent with this decline, the species shows extremely low genetic diversity, a large proportion of long runs of homozygous fragments, and mutational load across the genome. Finally, to provide genomic insights for future breeding management and conservation, we assessed the feasibility of mixing extant populations based on the likelihood of introducing new deleterious alleles and signatures of local adaptation. Overall, this study provides a valuable genomic resource and important genomic insights into the ecology, evolution, and conservation of critically endangered alligators.
Short‐term outcomes in patients with lung cancer‐associated acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Ruixia , Xu Peijun , Zhou Jun , Meng Yuanyuan , Men Kun , Zhang Jinyuan , Lu Wei , Xue Juanjuan , Li Xin
Published: August 2022

Background

To investigate the independent risk factors of poor short‐term outcomes in patients with lung cancer‐associated acute ischemic stroke (LCAIS) and use them to develop an index of prognosis LCAIS (pLCAIS) which could help clinicians identify patients at high risk for poor short‐term outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with lung cancer‐associated acute ischemic stroke and employed the 90D modified Rankin cale (mRS) to divide them into two groups: good outcomes (score 0–2) and poor outcomes (score 3–6). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to remove confounding factors, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of pLCAIS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) developed a multiple model combining the independent risk factors of pLCAIS.

Results

A total of 172 patients were included: 67 (38.9%) with good outcomes and 105 (61.1%) with poor outcomes. After using PSM, there were 33 cases in each group. The results showed that patients with poor short‐term outcomes were significantly higher in D‐dimer (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000–1.002, p = 0.048), CRP (OR = 1.078, 95% CI: 1.008–1.153, p = 0.028), and neutrophil count (OR = 14.673, 95% CI: 1.802–19.500, p = 0.012). The ROC curve, used to assess the diagnostic ability of binary classifiers, showed that the product of these three independent risk factors showed high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

In this study, we have identified three independent risk factors associated with poor short‐term outcomes in pLCAIS: higher NC, CRP, and D‐dimer levels. These findings may be helpful for clinicians in identifying poor short‐term outcomes patients.
First large‐scale quantification study of DNA preservation in insects from natural history collections using genome‐wide sequencing
Authors: Mullin Victoria E. , Stephen William , Arce Andres N. , Nash Will , Raine Calum , Notton David G. , Whiffin Ashleigh , Blagderov Vladimir , Gharbi Karim , Hogan James , Hunter Tony , Irish Naomi , Jackson Simon , Judd Steve , Watkins Chris , Haerty Wilfried , Ollerton Jeff , Brace Selina , Gill Richard J. , Barnes Ian
Published: August 2022

Insect declines are a global issue with significant ecological and economic ramifications. Yet, we have a poor understanding of the genomic impact these losses can have. Genome‐wide data from historical specimens have the potential to provide baselines of population genetic measures to study population change, with natural history collections representing large repositories of such specimens. However, an initial challenge in conducting historical DNA data analyses is to understand how molecular preservation varies between specimens.

Here, we highlight how Next‐Generation Sequencing methods developed for studying archaeological samples can be applied to determine DNA preservation from only a single leg taken from entomological museum specimens, some of which are more than a century old. An analysis of genome‐wide data from a set of 113 red‐tailed bumblebee Bombus lapidarius specimens, from five British museum collections, was used to quantify DNA preservation over time. Additionally, to improve our analysis and further enable future research, we generated a novel assembly of the red‐tailed bumblebee genome.

Our approach shows that museum entomological specimens are comprised of short DNA fragments with mean lengths below 100 base pairs (BP), suggesting a rapid and large‐scale post‐mortem reduction in DNA fragment size. After this initial decline, however, we find a relatively consistent rate of DNA decay in our dataset, and estimate a mean reduction in fragment length of 1.9 bp per decade. The proportion of quality filtered reads mapping to our assembled reference genome was around 50%, and decreased by 1.1% per decade.

We demonstrate that historical insects have significant potential to act as sources of DNA to create valuable genetic baselines. The relatively consistent rate of DNA degradation, both across collections and through time, mean that population‐level analyses—for example for conservation or evolutionary studies—are entirely feasible, as long as the degraded nature of DNA is accounted for.
qad: An R‐package to detect asymmetric and directed dependence in bivariate samples
Authors: Griessenberger Florian , Trutschnig Wolfgang , Junker Robert R.
Published: August 2022

Correlations belong to the standard repertoire of ecologists for quantifying the strength of dependence between two random variables. Classical dependence measures are usually not capable of detecting non‐monotonic or non‐functional dependencies. Furthermore, they completely fail to detect asymmetry and direction in dependence, which exist in many situations and should not be ignored.

In this paper, we present qad (short for quantification of asymmetric dependence), a nonparametric statistical method to quantify directed and asymmetric dependence of bivariate samples. Qad is applicable in general (e.g. linear, non‐linear, or non‐monotonic) situations, is sensitive to noise in data, exhibits a good small sample performance, detects asymmetry in dependence, shows high power in testing for independence, requires no assumptions regarding the underlying distribution of the data and reliably quantifies the information gain/predictability of quantity Y given knowledge of quantity X, and vice versa (i.e. q(X,Y) q(Y,X)).

Here, we briefly recall the methodology underlying qad, introduce the functions of the R‐package qad, which returns estimates for the measures denoting the directed dependence of on (or, equivalently, the influence of on ), the directed dependence of on , the asymmetry in dependence. Furthermore, qad can be used to predict Y given knowledge of X, and vice versa. Additionally, we compare empirical performance of qad with that of seven other well established measures and demonstrate the applicability of qad on ecological datasets.

We illustrate that direction and asymmetry in dependence are universal properties of bivariate associations. Qad thus provides additional information gain and avoids model bias and will therefore advance and facilitate the understanding of ecological systems.
Adolescent and adult time trends in US hallucinogen use, 2002–19: any use, and use of ecstasy, LSD and PCP
Authors: Livne Ofir , Shmulewitz Dvora , Walsh Claire , Hasin Deborah S.
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Hallucinogen use is potentially harmful. Information on whether such use has increased in recent decades is lacking. This study assessed overall and age‐specific time trends in the prevalence of 12‐month hallucinogen use in the US general population.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Data from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002–19.

Participants

Respondents aged ≥ 12 years (n = 1 006 051).

Measurements

Predictors were continuous years. Outcome variables included any hallucinogen use and use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ecstasy and phencyclidine (PCP) in the past year. Socio‐demographic variables (gender, age, race/ethnicity, educational level and family income) were covariates.

Findings

Overall, hallucinogen use increased between 2015 and 2019 [prevalence difference (PD) = +0.44, P < 0.05]. Since 2002, hallucinogen use has increased in adults aged ≥ 26 years (PD, 2002–14 = +0.24, P < 0.05; PD, 2015–19 = +0.45, P < 0.001) and decreased in adolescents aged 12–17 years (PD, 2002–14 = −1.60, P < 0.0001; PD, 2015–19 = −0.73, P < 0.001). Ecstasy use has decreased in adolescents (PD, 2002–14 = −0.56, P < 0.001), adults aged 18–25 years (PD, 2015–19 = −0.96, P < 0.01) and ≥ 26 years (PD, 2015–19 = −0.13, P < 0.05). LSD use between 2002 and 2019 increased overall (PD = +0.71, P < 0.0001) and in all age groups (12–17: PD = +0.67, P < 0.001; 18–25: PD = +3.12, P < 0.0001; ≥ 26: PD = +0.36, P < 0.0001). Conversely, PCP use between 2002 and 2019 decreased overall (PD = –0.06, P < 0.001), in adolescents (PD = –0.24, P < 0.001) and young adults (PD = –0.32, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Since 2002, hallucinogen use in the United States has decreased among adolescents but increased in adults and is now estimated to affect more than 3 million adults aged 26+ years and more than 5.5 million adults aged 18+ years.
The effect of environmental temperature on bee activity at strawberry farms
Authors: Jaboor Sarah Katherine , da Silva Carmen Rose Buke , Kellermann Vanessa
Published: August 2022

The response of bees to changing environmental temperatures has implications for pollination in natural and agricultural systems, with rising average temperatures and increased environmental stochasticity predicted to cause pollinator population declines. A growing body of evidence for the role of native bees in crop pollination suggests that understanding the temperatures at which bees are active is important for maintaining agricultural productivity under climate change. This study used two methods to sample bees at strawberry farms in south‐eastern Australia, matching activity observations with microclimate temperature to understand how temperature impacts bee activity. Apart from Apis mellifera (introduced), two native bees were identified, Lasioglossum spp. and Exoneura robusta. Apis mellifera was the most abundant species across all environmental temperatures, and E. robusta the least. Visual and sweep‐netting survey results found activity temperature range was broader for A. mellifera (16.21–41.05°C) than Lasioglossum (16.49–38.91°C) and E. robusta (26–38.82°C). The results suggest that activity temperature varies among bee species, with potential implications for community composition and plant pollination under climate change.
Genomics and pathogenesis of the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus
Authors: Quinteros JA , Noormohammadi AH , Lee SW , Browning GF , Diaz‐Méndez A
Published: August 2022

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a member of the family Coronaviridae, together with viruses such as SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 (the causative agent of the COVID‐19 global pandemic). In this family of viruses, interspecies transmission has been reported, so understanding their pathobiology could lead to a better understanding of the emergence of new serotypes. IBV possesses a single‐stranded, non‐segmented RNA genome about 27.6 kb in length that encodes several non‐structural and structural proteins. Most functions of these proteins have been confirmed in IBV, but some other proposed functions have been based on research conducted on other members of the family Coronaviridae. IBV has variable tissue tropism depending on the strain, and can affect the respiratory, reproductive, or urinary tracts; however, IBV can also replicate in other organs. Additionally, the pathogenicity of IBV is also variable, with some strains causing only mild clinical signs, while infection with others results in high mortality rates in chickens. This paper extensively and comprehensibly reviews general aspects of coronaviruses and, more specifically, IBV, with emphasis on protein functions and pathogenesis. The pathogenicity of the Australian strains of IBV is also reviewed, describing the variability between the different groups of strains, from the classical to the novel and recombinant strains. Reverse genetic systems, cloning and cell culture growth techniques applicable to IBV are also reviewed.
Efficiency‐corrected PCR quantification for identification of prevalence and load of respiratory disease‐causing agents in feedlot cattle
Authors: Barnewall RJ , Marsh IB , Williams TM , Cusack PMV , Sales N , Galea F , Szentirmay AN , Quinn JC
Published: August 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most prevalent disease in feedlot cattle worldwide with Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1), Histophilus somni, Mannheimia haemolytica, Mycoplasma bovis, Pasteurella multocida and Trueperella pyogenes accepted to be common etiological agents associated with BRD. Although these agents are common in the upper and lower airways in clinical BRD cases, some also exist as normal flora suggesting their presence in the upper airways alone is not necessarily informative with respect to disease status or risk. To determine the relationship between presence, load and disease status, we investigated the relationship between load in the upper airways at induction and active BRD cases in feedlot cattle using efficiency‐corrected PCR quantification. By this approach, we were able to accurately determine the prevalence and load of the key BRD agents in the upper respiratory tract showing that cattle in the hospital pen had a higher prevalence, and load, of these agents both singly and in combination compared to cattle sampled at feedlot induction. A combination of agents was the most accurate indicator of BRD risk with cattle with four or more agents detected in the upper airway more likely to be undergoing treatment for BRD than non‐BRD ailments. In addition, M. bovis was rarely detected at feedlot induction but was identified at high prevalence in cattle in the hospital pen. These findings present a potential new technological approach for the investigation, analysis and identification of BRD‐associated viral and bacterial agents for Australian feedlot systems as well as for BRD disease management and treatment.
Radiological features characterising indeterminate testes masses: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ager Michael , Donegan Sarah , Boeri Luca , de Castro Javier Mayor , Donaldson James F. , Omar Muhammad Imran , Dimitropoulos Konstantinos , Tharakan Tharu , Janisch Florian , Muilwijk Tim , Yuan Cathy , Tudur‐Smith Catrin , Nijman Rien J. M. , Radmayr Christian , Salonia Andrea , Laguna Pes Maria P. , Minhas Suks
Published: August 2022

Context

The use of scrotal ultrasonography (SUS) has increased the detection rate of indeterminate testicular masses. Defining radiological characteristics that identify malignancy may reduce the number of men undergoing unnecessary radical orchidectomy.

Objective

To define which SUS or scrotal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics can predict benign or malignant disease in pre‐ or post‐pubertal males with indeterminate testicular masses.

Evidence Acquisition

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidance. Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials and systematic reviews databases were searched from (1970 to 26 March 2021). Benign and malignant masses were classified using the reported reference test: i.e., histopathology, or 12 months progression‐free radiological surveillance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool (QUADAS‐2).

Evidence Synthesis

A total of 32 studies were identified, including 1692 masses of which 28 studies and 1550 masses reported SUS features, four studies and 142 masses reported MRI features. Meta‐analysis of different SUS (B‐mode) values in post‐pubertal men demonstrated that a size of ≤0.5 cm had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of malignancy compared to masses of >0.5 cm (P < 0.001). Comparison of masses of 0.6–1.0 cm and masses of >1.5 cm also demonstrated a significantly lower OR of malignancy (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference between masses of 0.6–1.0 and 1.1–1.5 cm. SUS in post‐pubertal men also had a statistically significantly lower OR of malignancy for heterogenous masses vs homogenous masses (P = 0.04), hyperechogenic vs hypoechogenic masses (P < 0.01), normal vs increased enhancement (P < 0.01), and peripheral vs central vascularity (P < 0.01), respectively. There were limited data on pre‐pubertal SUS, pre‐pubertal MRI and post‐pubertal MRI.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis identifies radiological characteristics that have a lower OR of malignancy and may be of value in the management of the indeterminate testis mass.
Inconsistent, downplayed, and pathologized: How mining's gendered impacts are considered in BC environmental assessment
Authors: Dempsey Jessica , Doebeli Anna Gabriela , Hoogeveen Dawn , Quinn Ceall , Sosa‐Aranda Inari
Published: August 2022

To what extent do mining environmental assessments in British Columbia (BC) consider gendered impacts? How are they considered? And how are these considerations shaped during the environmental assessment process? To answer these questions we undertook a systematic review of all completed BC mining environmental assessments between 1995 and 2019 (n = 37). Through a careful reading of documentation archived in the BC Environmental Assessment Office registry, we found that 60% of projects did not consider the gendered impacts of mining development; the remaining 40% of projects inconsistently assessed gendered impacts. While noting an increase in gender considerations in environmental assessments since 1995, also quantified in our results is what has not changed. Even where gender is considered, the assessments often collapse this concern into one of “women's issues,” obscuring intersectional impacts and downplaying violence along racialized and gender diverse lines, including those experienced by Indigenous women, children, two‐spirit, trans, queer and non‐binary people. Environmental assessment is a regulatory tool designed to adjudicate the impacts of mining projects, yet our results lead us to conclude that it is also a tool of environmental injustice, compounding and further sedimenting heteropatriarchal and racialized patterns produced through generations of settler colonial resource extraction in BC.
Educational mobility in Canada, 1969–2016: Evidence from the longitudinal and international study of adults
Authors: Sartor Stephen
Published: August 2022

That young Canadians are obtaining more education than previous generations might suggest that the relationship between parents’ education and that of their children has weakened. However, accounts of intergenerational educational mobility in Canada published in the past two decades are scant. Drawing on the Longitudinal and International Study of Adults, this paper examines trends in intergenerational educational mobility from 1969 to 2016. Adopting an educational transition approach, I find no change in the relative relationship between parents’ and children's education over time despite the structural expansion of education. The results of a Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition suggest the upgrading of parents’ education across cohorts partially explains this stability. The analyses further reveal a bifurcation in Canada's post‐secondary system whereby higher parental education provides and advantage to youth for university degree completion while those whose parents have less education make their way to other post‐secondary institutions.
Development and validation of an International Patient’s Attitudes to Prevention in Oral Health Questionnaire
Authors: Csikar Julia , Leggett Heather , Vinall‐Collier Karen , Whelton Helen , Pavitt Susan , Kang Jing , Douglas Gail V.A.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To develop a patient's attitude questionnaire regarding prevention in oral health for use internationally.

Methods

Using a mixed methods approach, a questionnaire was developed and refined as part of ADVOCATE (Added Value for Oral Care) study, involving partners in six countries: Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, and the UK. A literature review explored the history of oral healthcare delivery systems to develop a template for each of the six ADVOCATE countries. A systematic review identified the perceived barriers and facilitators to preventive oral healthcare and underpinned a topic guide and established the patient questionnaire domains. Focus groups in each ADVOCATE country developed the first version of the questionnaire. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in each ADVOCATE country tested the questionnaire and led to further refinement. The questionnaire was produced in five languages. Content validity and reproducibility used principal component analysis (PCA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) refined the questionnaire.

Results

The literature review aided an understanding of each country's oral healthcare system, and the findings from the 25 studies identified in the systematic review found the main barriers/facilitators to preventive oral healthcare were cost, knowledge (preventive treatments and advice), and a patient awareness and adherence to preventive advice/treatments. Interviews and focus groups with 148 participants in the ADVOCATE study identified receiving the appropriate level of care/feeling valued, cost, level of motivation/priority, not feeling informed, knowledge, and skill mix as the main barriers/facilitators. Fifty‐three PPIE members refined the questionnaire. The pilot questionnaire was tested with 160 participants. Non‐essential or highly correlated variables were then removed, leaving 38 items, covering 6 domains (cost, advice received, advice wanted, message delivery, motivation, knowledge, and responsibility) within the questionnaire. A second pilot test‐run was undertaken with 185 participants. The test‐re‐test reliability demonstrated strong consistency of responses between the two time points (kappa range 0.3–0.7, most p < .0011), which culminated with a final version of the Patient Attitudes to Prevention in Oral Health Questionnaire (PAPOH) questionnaire.

Conclusions

This mixed‐methods approach enabled the development of a multi‐language attitudinal questionnaire for use with patients (PAPOH) to compare attitudes to oral disease prevention internationally.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris with erythema gyratum repens-like eruption and resolution with ustekinumab
Authors: Wong Jo-Yve , Surgenor Laura , McCourt Collette
Published: August 2022

Erythema gyratum repens (EGR) is a rare paraneoplastic disorder often preceding the diagnosis of underlying malignancy by 9 months on average, while pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is an uncommon papulosquamous inflammatory disease. We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with an EGR-like eruption transforming from resolving PRP, without associated malignancy. Her rash dramatically resolved within a month of ustekinumab initiation, which supports this presentation as a unique entity.
Linking life history to landscape for threatened species conservation in a multiuse region
Authors: Shaw Robyn E. , Spencer Peter B. , Gibson Lesley A. , Dunlop Judy A. , Kinloch Janine E. , Mokany Karel , Byrne Margaret , Moritz Craig , Davie Harriet , Travouillon Kenny J. , Ottewell Kym M.
Published: August 2022

Landscape‐scale conservation that considers metapopulation dynamics will be essential for preventing declines of species facing multiple threats to their survival. Toward this end, we developed a novel approach that combines occurrence records, spatial–environmental data, and genetic information to model habitat, connectivity, and patterns of genetic structure and link spatial attributes to underlying ecological mechanisms. Using the threatened northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) as a case study, we applied this approach to address the need for conservation decision‐making tools that promote resilient metapopulations of this threatened species in the Pilbara, Western Australia, a multiuse landscape that is a hotspot for biodiversity and mining. Habitat and connectivity were predicted by different landscape characteristics. Whereas habitat suitability was overwhelmingly driven by terrain ruggedness, dispersal was facilitated by proximity to watercourses. Although there is limited evidence for major physical barriers in the Pilbara, areas with high silt and clay content (i.e., alluvial and hardpan plains) showed high resistance to dispersal. Climate subtlety shaped distributions and patterns of genetic turnover, suggesting the potential for local adaptation. By understanding these spatial–environmental associations and linking them to life‐history and metapopulation dynamics, we highlight opportunities to provide targeted species management. To support this, we have created habitat, connectivity, and genetic uniqueness maps for conservation decision‐making in the region. These tools have the potential to provide a more holistic approach to conservation in multiuse landscapes globally.
A myeloperoxidase enhancer drives myeloid cell‐specific labeling in a transgenic frog line
Authors: Yamada‐Kondo Shiori , Ogawa Ayame , Fukunaga Miku , Izutsu Yumi , Kato Takashi , Maéno Mitsugu
Published: August 2022

We have identified a myeloid cell‐specific enhancer in the 5′ flanking region of the Xenopus tropicalis myeloperoxidase gene. Transgenic reporter analysis using Xenopus laevis revealed that the expression of GFP was detected in the tail fin macrophages of a swimming tadpole, and the distributions of the GFP‐positive and XL‐2 (a pan‐marker for leukocytes)‐positive cells were mostly overlapping. The GFP‐positive cells in the liver of the transgenic tadpole were localized in the same areas where the myeloid cells were present. Isolation of leukocytes from the peripheral blood cells followed by flow cytometric analysis revealed that the GFP‐positive fraction was specifically enriched in neutrophils with lobulated nuclei. Furthermore, the macrophages purified from the peritoneal cavity were also GFP‐positive. In summary, a transgenic frog line in which the myeloid cells are labeled with GFP provides a useful tool to elucidate the physiological role of myeloid cells of multiple origins in the embryo.
Intravital staining to detect mineralization in Xenopus tropicalis during and after metamorphosis
Authors: Nakajima Keisuke , Yabumoto Souta , Tazawa Ichiro , Furuno Nobuaki
Published: August 2022

Observing mineralization is essential for studying skeletal development, maintenance, and regeneration. Calcein and alizarin red have long been used to visualize mineralization in fixed specimens, but this requires the target animals to be sacrificed. However, several intravital bone‐staining methods have been developed to visualize mineralized tissues in living animals. These methods have been applied to study fin rays and transparent fishes. Xenopus tropicalis is an excellent experimental animal model for studying bone formation and regeneration because skeletal mineralization begins during the free‐living tadpole period, and its regenerative ability changes during metamorphosis. However, intravital bone staining of X. tropicalis has only been reported for tadpoles, and no details on its specificity or appropriate experimental conditions are available. Here, we compared the calcein‐ and alizarin red S (ARS)‐staining methods and optimized these methods for tadpoles and juvenile frogs during and after metamorphosis. Staining with 0.01% ARS yielded acceptable signaling for young tadpoles, whereas calcein either at 0.1 or 0.01% occasionally showed artifactual staining of unmineralized tissues. In addition, 0.1% calcein or 0.1% ARS staining showed a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio with juvenile frogs compared to staining at 0.01%. We propose the use of 0.01% ARS for tadpoles before stage 61 and 0.1% ARS thereafter for staining mineralized tissues. Using this method, we found that ossification of the neural arches occurred at stage 51 in X. tropicalis. This method enables precise staging and manipulation based on the visualized bone structure.
Intelligent biomarker panel development for neurometabolic disease
Authors: Pearl Phillip L.
Published: August 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Papandreou et al. on pages 1539–1546 of this issue.
The predictive performance of process‐explicit range change models remains largely untested
Authors: Uribe‐Rivera David E. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Windecker Saras M. , Pliscoff Patricio , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: August 2022

Ecological models used to forecast range change (range change models; RCM) have recently diversified to account for a greater number of ecological and observational processes in pursuit of more accurate and realistic predictions. Theory suggests that process‐explicit RCMs should generate more robust forecasts, particularly under novel environmental conditions. RCMs accounting for processes are generally more complex and data hungry, and so, require extra effort to build. Thus, it is necessary to understand when the effort of building a more realistic model is likely to generate more reliable forecasts. Here, we review the literature to explore whether process‐explicit models have been tested through benchmarking their temporal predictive performance (i.e. their predictive performance when transferred in time) and model transferability (i.e. their ability to keep their predictive performance when transferred to generate predictions into a different time) against simpler models, and highlight the gaps between the rapid development of process‐explicit RCMs and the testing of their potential improvements. We found that, out of five ecological processes (dispersal, demography, physiology, evolution, species interactions) and two observational processes (sampling bias, imperfect detection) that may influence reliability of forecasts, only the effects of dispersal, demography and imperfect detection have been benchmarked using temporally‐independent datasets. Only nine out of twenty‐nine process‐explicit model types have been tested to assess whether accounting for processes improves temporal predictive performance. We found no benchmarks assessing model transferability. We discuss potential reasons for the lack of empirical validation of process‐explicit models. Considering these findings, we propose an expanded research agenda to properly test the performance of process‐explicit RCMs, and highlight some opportunities to fill the gaps by suggesting models to be benchmarked using existing historical datasets.
Caregiver‐reported psychological and behavioural functioning of children with suicidal thoughts and behaviour: A case–control design
Authors: Bartolini Ellen , Ostrander Rick , Parrish Carisa , Van Eck Kathryn , Grados Marco , Reynolds Elizabeth K.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This exploratory project aims to provide an empirical understanding of the caregiver‐reported emotional and behavioural functioning of children 12 and under who present to an inpatient psychiatric unit with suicidal ideation and/or attempts.

Method

A retrospective chart review was conducted, including all patients (n = 573) aged 12 and under admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit between September 2011–December 2015 for suicidal ideation without proximal attempt (n = 155) or a suicide attempt (n = 37). Inpatients without suicidal thoughts and behaviour in the same age range (n = 381) served as a control group. The three groups were compared on a range of variables, including patient history/demographics, caregiver‐reported emotional/behavioural functioning, and discharge diagnoses.

Results

Children who were admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit following suicide attempts and/or ideation demonstrated clinically significant levels of externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Children with suicidal thoughts and behaviour (STB) were more likely to be female and older than their peers without STB, more likely to report a history of sexual abuse and non‐suicidal self‐injury, and to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder.

Conclusions

Children with STB differ demographically, symptomatically, and diagnostically from their peers without STB with comparable levels of psychiatric impairment (i.e., necessitating inpatient admission). Results provide provisional information on this concerning group of children, which can be used to aid identification of risk factors, inform treatment, and stimulate future work.
Ethnic diversity in academic dentistry in the United Kingdom
Authors: Burns Lorna , Coelho Cathy , Addy Amanda
Published: August 2022

Careers in academic dentistry are failing to attract a new generation of academics to steer dental education and research. Dental academia is further limited by inadequacies in levels of ethnic diversity. There is a stark contrast between the diversity of graduates entering the dental profession and those in academic positions, especially in senior ranks. Dentistry is not the only field in academia, which lacks representation and lessons may be drawn from other faculties. This paper focuses on what is known about dental academia in the United Kingdom, where there are formal research training pathways. There is an emerging recognition of the requirement for action, and it is hoped this will stimulate debate and impetus for research across Europe. The terminology used throughout this piece follows the United Kingdom Cabinet Office recommendations for writing about ethnicity (Writing about ethnicity, 2021; https://www.ethnicity‐facts‐figures.service.gov.uk/style‐guide/writing‐about‐ethnicity). Where cited sources have employed less acceptable terms (Please don't call me BAME or BME!: Civil service, 2019; https://civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2019/07/08/please‐dont‐call‐me‐bame‐or‐bme/), these have been changed.
Development of a predictive model using the Kihon Checklist for older adults at risk of needing long‐term care based on cohort data of 19 months
Authors: Sato Kanae , Ishii Shinya , Moriyama Michiko , Zhang Junyi , Kazawa Kana
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study developed a risk scoring tool and examined its applicability using data from the Kihon Checklist cohort dataset for 19 months to predict the transition from no certification for long‐term care to long‐term care level 3 or above.

Methods

Data were collected from 26 357 functionally independent, community‐dwelling older adults in a Japanese city who answered the Checklist in 2014 and were followed for 19 months. Individuals certified for long‐term care during the follow‐up period were classified into three levels depending on their certification status: low, moderate, and high long‐term care levels. Relationships between the Kihon Checklist domains and high long‐term care levels were examined using the logistic regression model. A score chart predicting incidents of high long‐term care levels was created to facilitate its applicability.

Results

As of 2016, 971 participants were certified for long‐term care (3.7%), of which 168 (0.6%), 357 (1.4%), and 446 (1.7%) were certified as high, moderate, and low long‐term care levels, respectively. Variables associated with the certification of high long‐term care level included difficulties in activities of daily living, a decline in locomotor and cognitive function in the Kihon Checklist domains, and age. The score chart was created based on these variables and demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability, with an area under curve of 0.817 (95% confidence interval: 0.785–0.849).

Conclusions

The Kihon Checklist can predict the future development of a high degree of dependency. The score chart we developed can be easily implemented to identify older adults at high risk with reasonable accuracy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 797–802.