bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydropneumatic/pneumatic bubble massage in primary intravaginal anejaculation
Authors: Gao Qingqiang , Chen Jianhuai , Wang Bin , Hang Youfeng , Gao Songzhan , Yang Jie , Dai Yutian
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Primary intravaginal anejaculation (PIAJ) is a relatively uncommon male sexual dysfunction characterized by an inability to achieve intravaginal ejaculation during all sexual intercourse. Effective treatment options for this condition are lacking. We aimed to explore the clinical effect of the sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydropneumatic/pneumatic bubble massage (VNPHP/PBM) on primary intravaginal anejaculation, and its possible mechanism.

Methods

A total of 95 PIAJ patients were randomly divided into three groups, including group A with 32 patients treated with the sexual therapy combined with VNPHP/PBM, group B with 32 patients treated with the sexual therapy and group C with 31 patients treated with VNPHP/PBM. The efficacy of therapeutic regimes, latency of the somatosensory evoked potentials of dorsal nerve (DNSEP), glans penis (GPSEP) and penile shaft sensory threshold (PSST), measures of sexual behavior of patients, as well as the self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS) sores of patients and their partners, were compared before and after treatment among three groups.

Results

The total effective rate of group A (84.38%) was higher than those of groups B and C (53.13% and 41.94%), however, no differences were found between groups B and C. The ratios of patients and their partners with anxiety, frequency of observing erotic films of patients, ratios of patients with special self‐masturbation and frequency of masturbation decreased significantly in the three groups after the treatment. The decrease in the ratios of patients and their partners with anxiety, frequency of observing erotic films of patients in groups A and B were higher than those of group C, however, no differences were identified between groups A and B. The decrease in the ratios of patients with special self‐masturbation and frequency of masturbation in group A were higher than those of group B, however, no differences were found between groups A and C, B and C. There were no differences in the latency of DNSEP, GPSEP, and PSST among the three groups before and after treatment.

Conclusion

The sexual therapy combined with VNPHP/PBM has good therapeutic effects on PIAJ, which might be achieved by reducing the anxiety level of patients and their partners, improving sexual behavioral patterns, rather than increasing the sensitivity of penis including dorsal nerve and glans penis.
A case of lethal suicidal intoxication with propafenone and diazepam
Authors: Yan Shuangbing , Xin Ting , Luo Xiaojie , Wang Yu , Chen Bingwei
Published: March 2024

Diazepam poisoning is a common emergency situation, but propafenone poisoning is relatively rare. We reported a case of propafenone poisoning combined with diazepam. An 18‐year‐old female patient was admitted to our hospital with an overdose of oral propafenone and diazepam. The patient was treated with medication that proved to be useful, but the sinus rhythm could not be recovered, and cardiac arrest occurred. A bipolar temporary pacemaker and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were installed. However, even with multiple electrode positions, effective capture could not be achieved. The patient eventually died. We should be alert to the possibility of co‐poisoning.
Parental differential treatment of siblings linked with internalizing and externalizing behavior: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jensen Alexander C. , Thomsen Alexandra E.
Published: March 2024

This meta‐analysis linked relative and absolute parental differential treatment (PDT) with internalizing and externalizing behavior of children and adolescents. Multilevel meta‐analysis data represented 26,451 participants based on 2890 effect sizes coming from 88 sources, nested within 43 samples. Participants were between 3.18 and 18.99 years of age (Mage = 12.64, SD = 3.89; 51.31% female; 82.23% White; 54.68% from the United States). Less‐favored treatment (relative PDT) was linked to more internalizing and externalizing behavior. Additionally, greater differences in parenting between siblings (absolute PDT) were linked to more internalizing and externalizing behavior. Some links were moderated by other factors. For example, some effects were stronger when PDT was reported by children, and others, when siblings were closer in age.
Genebe.net: Implementation and validation of an automatic ACMG variant pathogenicity criteria assignment
Authors: Stawiński Piotr , Płoski Rafał
Published: March 2024

We present GeneBe, an online platform streamlining the automated application of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) criteria for assessment of pathogenicity of genetic variants. GeneBe utilizes automated algorithms that evaluate 17 criteria from 28, closely aligning with current guidelines and leveraging data from diverse sources, including ClinVar. The user‐friendly web interface enables manual refinement of assignments for specific criteria based on site‐collected data. Our algorithm demonstrates a high correlation (r = 0.90) of assigned pathogenicity scores compared to expert assessments from the ClinGen Evidence Repository and substantial concordance with ClinVar verdict assignments (κ = 0.69). Comparative analysis with other published tools reveals that GeneBe performs similarly to VarSome while being superior over TAPES and InterVar. In contrast to some other tools, GeneBe's web implementation is tracker‐free and third‐party request‐free, safeguarding user privacy. Additionally, GeneBe offers an Application Programming Interface (API) for enhanced flexibility and integration into existing workflows and is provided free of charge for research purposes. GeneBe is available at https://genebe.net.
Effect of the closed‐loop hippocampal low‐frequency stimulation on seizure severity, learning, and memory in pilocarpine epilepsy rat model
Authors: Zare Meysam , Rezaei Mahmoud , Nazari Milad , Kosarmadar Nastaran , Faraz Mona , Barkley Victoria , Shojaei Amir , Raoufy Mohammad Reza , Mirnajafi‐Zadeh Javad
Published: March 2024

Aims

In this study, the anticonvulsant action of closed‐loop, low‐frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) was investigated. In addition, the changes in brain rhythms and functional connectivity of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were evaluated.

Methods

Epilepsy was induced by pilocarpine in male Wistar rats. After the chronic phase, a tripolar electrode was implanted in the right ventral hippocampus and a monopolar electrode in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Subjects' spontaneous seizure behaviors were observed in continuous video recording, while the local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded simultaneously. In addition, spatial memory was evaluated by the Barnes maze test.

Results

Applying hippocampal DBS, immediately after seizure detection in epileptic animals, reduced their seizure severity and duration, and improved their performance in Barnes maze test. DBS reduced the increment in power of delta, theta, and gamma waves in pre‐ictal, ictal, and post‐ictal periods. Meanwhile, DBS increased the post‐ictal‐to‐pre‐ictal ratio of theta band. DBS decreased delta and increased theta coherences, and also increased the post‐ictal‐to‐pre‐ictal ratio of coherence. In addition, DBS increased the hippocampal‐mPFC coupling in pre‐ictal period and decreased the coupling in the ictal and post‐ictal periods.

Conclusion

Applying closed‐loop, low‐frequency DBS at seizure onset reduced seizure severity and improved memory. In addition, the changes in power, coherence, and coupling of the LFP oscillations in the hippocampus and mPFC demonstrate low‐frequency DBS efficacy as an antiepileptic treatment, returning LFPs to a seemingly non‐seizure state in subjects that received DBS.
Wilfrid’s network bishopric and the primacy of York: writing episcopacy in Stephen’s Life of Wilfrid
Authors: Jones Miriam Adan
Published: March 2024

Stephen’s Life of Wilfrid offers valuable insights into the early Northumbrian church, but scholars have disagreed on its aims. This article argues that an important aspect of Stephen’s agenda was to support the episcopal primacy of York among the churches of northern Britain. An examination of Stephen’s terminology and narrative shows that Stephen stresses the importance of York as Wilfrid’s episcopal seat, while presenting Wilfrid’s jurisdiction not as a bounded territory but a wide‐reaching pastoral network, capable of encompassing communities in multiple kingdoms. Understanding Stephen’s network model of episcopacy yields new insights into his political aims.
Institutional pressure and analyst behavior: Evidence from the financial sector
Authors: Liu Chang , Fan Maoyong , Athavale Manoj
Published: March 2024

This study examines the impact of employment background on the objectivity of profitability forecasts in the financial sector. We find that investment bank analysts provide relatively biased recommendations and less accurate forecasts than their counterparts at independent research firms (IRFs). The performance discrepancy is greater for bulge bracket banks and for firms involved in syndication with the analysts' employers. A closer look at analysts transitioning between IRFs and investment banks reveals that these biases stem from their affiliation with investment banks rather than personal bias. Our findings emphasize the critical influence of the work environment on analyst behavior.
Between global events and local reverberations: Globalization, local media framing and the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Petersen‐Wagner Renan , Lee Ludvigsen Jan Andre
Published: March 2024

This article advances sociological work on globalization processes. It concerns itself with conceptualizations of how the local and global ‘clash’, utilizing Ulrich Beck's work on globalization, cosmopolitanism and power. By employing Brazil's 2014 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) men's World Cup as a case, this article seeks to build on Beck's theorizations, into the field of football; using the General Law of the World Cup as a symbolic representation for the global/local, interest‐driven interactions between Brazil and FIFA. In particular, this article is concerned with how FIFA's requirements, standards and norms, as imposed on the host nation, were framed within local media and journalistic discourses. The article extends Beck's insights by problematizing how global demands meet local socio‐spatial, legal and cultural contexts and how these demands, seeking to regulate and secure consumption, are resisted by various domestic and localized actors situated within a power game.
Predictors and concomitants of the remission of frequent headache in pediatrics: A longitudinal community study
Authors: Rau Lisa‐Marie , Humberg Clarissa , Könning Anna , Claus Benedikt B. , Stahlschmidt Lorin , Wager Julia
Published: March 2024

Objective

We aimed to examine factors associated with frequent headache remission in schoolchildren aged 10–18 years.

Background

Frequent headache is a common health problem in adolescence, and some individuals in this population experience remission. Factors preceding headache remission as opposed to ongoing headache, and their development over time, have not been examined extensively.

Methods

Data were derived from a large school sample (N = 2280). Over the course of 1 year, n = 156 adolescents experienced remission from frequent headaches, while n = 125 adolescents continued to have frequent headaches throughout the year. In this longitudinal case–control study, we predicted headache remission using demographic, pain, psychosocial, sleep, and physiological characteristics. Additionally, we sought to explore the development of psychosocial, sleep, and physiological characteristics in relation to remitted versus ongoing headache over the 1‐year period.

Results

A model containing the variables sex (odds ratio [OR] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.248–0.76, p = 0.003), headache intensity (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73–0.99, p = 0.035), anxiety score (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85–1.01, p = 0.071), and depression score (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89–1.00, p = 0.041) predicted the outcome variable (remitted vs. non‐remitted headache), explaining 17% of the variance in group membership. Schoolchildren reporting remitted headache at the end of the year exhibited lower depression (F[1, 557.01] = 45.77, p < 0.001) and anxiety scores (F[1, 557.01] = 21.72, p < 0.001), higher school satisfaction (F[1, 209.46] = 7.15, p = 0.008), and fewer difficulties falling asleep (F[1, 856.52] = 41.21, p < 0.001) or sleeping through the night (F[1, 731.12] = 26.42, p < 0.001) throughout the year compared to those with non‐remitted headache. Depression scores declined significantly over the year in the group with remitted headache, whereas these scores remained constant in the group with non‐remitted headache.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a correlation between headache remission and male sex, improved mental health, and reduced pain‐related burden. Moreover, there was an observed decline in symptoms of depression during headache remission. Psychotherapy may be a promising treatment strategy for addressing frequent headaches reported by children and adolescents.
Nlrp3 inflammasome drives regulatory T cell depletion to accelerate periapical bone erosion
Authors: Wang Konghuai , Liu Jiayi , Yue Junli , Zhou Lu , Mao Hanqing , Li Jiaqi , Sun Zhijun , Chen Zhi , Zhang Lu
Published: March 2024

Aim

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder triggered by an immune response to bacterial infection, leading to the periapical tissue damage and alveolar resorption. However, the underlying mechanisms driving this process remain elusive, due to the complex and interconnected immune microenvironment within the local lesion site. In this study, the influence of Nlrp3 inflammasome‐mediated immune response on the apical periodontitis was investigated.

Methodology

RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and ELISA assay were performed to investigate the activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome signalling pathways in the human periapical tissues, including radicular cysts, periapical granulomas and healthy oral mucosa. A mouse model of apical periodontitis was established to study the role of Nlrp3 knockout in periapical bone resorption and Treg cell stability, and the underlying mechanism was explored through in vitro experiments. In vivo Treg cell adoptive transfer was performed to investigate the effects of Treg cells on the progression of apical periodontitis.

Results

Our findings find that the hyperactivated Nlrp3 inflammasome is present in human periapical lesions and plays a vital role in the immune‐related periapical bone loss. Using a mouse model of apical periodontitis, we observe that Nlrp3 deficiency is resistant to bone resorption. This protection was accompanied by elevated generation and infiltration of local Treg cells that displayed a notable ability to suppress RANKL‐dependent osteoclast differentiation. In terms of the mechanism of action, Nlrp3 deficiency directly inhibits the osteoclast differentiation and bone loss through JNK/MAPK and NF‐κB pathways. In addition, Nlrp3 induces pyroptosis in the stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs), and the subsequent release of cytokines affects the stability of Treg cell in periapical lesions, leading indirectly to enhanced bone resorption. In turn, adoptive transfer of both Nlrp3‐deficient and wild‐type Treg cells effectively prevent the bone erosion during apical periodontitis.

Conclusions

Together, our data identify that the Nlrp3 inflammasome modulates the Treg cell stability and osteoclastogenesis in the periapical inflammatory microenvironment, thus determining the progression of bone erosion.
Humanizing Metaverse: Psychological involvement and masstige value in retail versus tourism platforms
Authors: Jin Dan
Published: March 2024

Across two experimental studies, this research puts forward the concept of avatars' self‐representation and regulatory message framing to discover psychological involvement and masstige value in retail and tourism platforms, demonstrating how avatar self‐representation and message framing can potentially indicate Metaverse psychological involvement in the Metaverse. The proteus effect was applied to study avatar falsity. The promotion/prevention regulatory focus theory was employed to examine the effect of message framing in hypothetical retail and tourism platforms in Study 1 (n = 846). Further determinants of masstige value were captured using the masstige theory. In parallel with Study 1, Study 2 (n = 817) adopted real‐world examples of the Metaverse—Gucci Vault Plaza (Retail) and Baidu Xi Rang (Tourism) to equally examine the effect of users' psychological involvement on Metaverse involvement via masstige value. Respondents were allocated to either a self‐promotion or self‐verification avatar condition. The results demonstrated significant downstream effects of these specific self‐promotion and self‐verification categories, thereby contributing to an important conceptual subdimension in the measurement and understanding of online self‐perception within the context of avatars. When participants imagined using a self‐verification avatar in the prevention‐focused message condition, significant effects were observed. Further, a Metaverse platform is a critical factor that affects masstige. Exploring the masstige value at the Metaverse demonstrates the relationship between self‐enhancement and masstige desire for luxury that underscores Metaverse involvement. The research presented a critical insight into the carryover effects of self‐representation of avatars that can establish a new form of meta‐interaction. This research provides insights into technology in virtual retail and tourism Metaverse applications to provide users with more psychologically authentic solutions within the Metaverse.
Editor's Highlights – April 2024
Authors: Kemény Lajos
Published: March 2024

In the April issue of the Journal, we highlight the topical application of honey and garlic, detailing their active ingredients and elucidating the mechanisms by which these natural agents work. Additionally, this issue will spotlight the disparities in laboratory monitoring among patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment and provide significant data regarding the nonassociation between isotretinoin use and impulsivity in individuals with acne.
Careers in “woman‐friendly” occupations: Investigating the role of beauty consultant in the era of neoliberalism
Authors: Nagayama Riho , Sato Fumika
Published: March 2024

This article explores the paradoxical nature of beauty consultant careers in Japan. Despite being considered a “woman‐friendly” occupation, it reveals the challenging aspects of this profession in a neoliberal context. Japan's gender gap in employment is stark, with women often engaged in precarious positions, earning significantly less than men. The beauty industry, perceived as advancing women's empowerment, presents opportunities for women in management roles. However, the profession of a beauty consultant demands continuous beauty upkeep, making it a potentially unsustainable career. The research draws on interviews with former and current beauty consultants, supplemented by statistical data and observational research. It highlights their working environment, including entry requirements, training, career advancement, and aesthetic labor demands such as wearing company uniforms, using specific makeup, and maintaining a youthful appearance. Despite a seemingly supportive environment with maternity leave and career advancement prospects, the research reveals the reality of aesthetic labor demands, limited career progression, and challenges faced by women in sustaining their careers after life events like childbirth. Neoliberal norms impact these women, emphasizing self‐fulfillment, maintaining youth and beauty, and working post life events. In conclusion, the research offers insights into the gendered labor dynamics in Japan and broadens understanding of women's labor in the neoliberal context. It calls for a deeper examination of “woman‐friendly” workplaces and underscores the need to recognize the challenges women face in career progression in such environments.
Analysis of factors associated with needlestick injuries of clinical nurses by applying a human factor analysis and classification system: A nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Gao Huimin , Liu Mengyuan , Su Yanan , Li Yinglan , Tian Lingyun
Published: March 2024

Aims

This study aims to investigate the current situation of needlestick injuries (NSIs) of clinical nurses and identify associated factors by using the theoretical framework of the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS).

Design

A nationwide cross‐sectional survey was conducted.

Methods

Multi‐stage sampling was used to investigate 3336 nurses in 14 Chinese hospitals. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to reveal the rate of NSIs and their associated factors.

Results

A total of 970 nurses (29.1%) reported having experienced at least one NSI in the past year. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that good hospital safety climate and clinical nurses in intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department had protective effects against NSIs compared with nurses in internal medicine department. The nurse, senior nurse, and nurse in charge have significantly increased the risk for NSIs compared with the associate chief nurse or above. Patients with poor vision but wearing glasses and poor vision but not wearing glasses were more prone to have NSIs. Working in the operating room compared with internal medicine, average weekly working time of >45 h compared with ≤40 h and poor general health led to increased risk of NSIs.

Conclusion

The rate of NSIs in clinical nurses was high in China. Individual factors including professional title, department, visual acuity and general mental health and organisational factors including weekly working hours and hospital safety atmosphere were significantly correlated with the occurrence of NSIs.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nursing managers should focused on physical and psychological conditions of clinical nurses, and organisational support is required to enhance the hospital safety atmosphere.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Contributions from patients or the public are irrelevant because this study aims to explore current situation and factors associated with NSIs in clinical nurses.
Efficacy of auricular acupressure on lung function among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Bingjie , Liang Qi , Chen Yu , Liu Yang , Zhang Chunmei
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure on lung function, sleep quality and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Background

Auricular acupressure has been increasingly used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, such as lung function and sleep quality, but the efficacy has not yet been unified.

Design

A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials comparing auricular acupressure intervention with non‐auricular acupressure intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were included. We searched English databases and Chinese databases from the inception to 26 December 2022. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The PRISMA statement was used to report a meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 12 randomised controlled trials with 987 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were included. The meta‐analysis showed that auricular acupressure had significant differences in improving lung function, including FEV1 (MD = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.37, p < .0001), FVC (MD = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.34, p < .0001) and FEV1/FVC (MD = 4.70, 95% CI: 3.63 to 5.78, p < .0001). There was also a positive effect on sleep quality (MD = −0.71, 95% CI: −0.89 to −0.53, p < .0001) and quality of life (MD = −3.20, 95% CI: −3.92 to −2.49, p < .0001).

Conclusions

The results indicated auricular acupressure had a positive efficacy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to improve lung function, sleep quality and quality of life, but these results should be treated with caution due to the low quality of included studies. Future researchers need to conduct more high‐quality randomised controlled trials to provide a solid basis to demonstrate the efficacy of auricular acupressure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Relevant to Clinical Practice

Auricular acupressure has the advantages of being non‐invasive, convenient and without significant side effects. This review suggested auricular acupressure could be considered a non‐pharmacological intervention for patients. Clinical nurses can teach chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to perform auricular acupressure to help self‐manage complications.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
‘Executive robbery’: UK public law, race, and ‘regimes of dispossession’ in the Chagos Archipelago
Authors: CHOWDHURY TANZIL
Published: March 2024

This article explores the relationship between United Kingdom (UK) public law and ‘regimes of dispossession’, taking the Chagos Archipelago as its point of departure. This article argues that this instance of dispossession, typically understood as fortifying the military power of the United States, was also part of a wider geography of states dispossessing land for a specific set of economic purposes that were tied to particular class interests. Deploying a relational geographies of materialist public law approach, the article reconceptualizes the scales of public law, extending an examination of its effects and constitution beyond the territory of the UK, and considers public law's relation to capitalism, exploring the ways in which its technologies (re)produce regimes of dispossession. The article argues that the dispossession of the Chagos Archipelago was an example of ‘executive robbery’, a racialized dispossession (produced through conferring displaceability and disposability on the Chagossians) enacted to construct military infrastructure that was key for accumulation in the Middle East.
Seedling recruitment in response to stand composition, interannual climate variability, and soil disturbance in the boreal mixed woods of Canada
Authors: Maleki Kobra , Marchand Philippe , Charron Danielle , Bergeron Yves
Published: March 2024

Aim

Seedling recruitment is a vital process for forest regeneration and is influenced by various factors such as stand composition, climate, and soil disturbance. We conducted a long‐term field experiment (18 years) to study the effects of these factors and their interactions on seedling recruitment.

Location

Our study focused on five main species in boreal mixed woods of eastern Canada: trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), white spruce (Picea glauca), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and white cedar (Thuja occidentalis).

Methods

Sixteen 1‐m2 seedling monitoring subplots were set up in each of seven stands originating from different wildfires (fire years ranging from 1760 to 1944), with a soil scarification treatment applied to every other subplot. Annual new seedling counts were related to growing‐season climate (mean temperature, growing degree days and drought code), scarification, and stand effects via a Bayesian generalized linear mixed model.

Results

Soil scarification had a large positive effect on seedling recruitment for three species (aspen, birch and spruce). As expected, high mean temperatures during the seed production period (two years prior to seedling emergence) increased seedling recruitment for all species but aspen. Contrary to other studies, we did not find a positive effect of dry conditions during the seed production period. Furthermore, high values of growing degree days suppressed conifer seedling recruitment. Except for white cedar, basal area was weakly correlated with seedling abundance, suggesting a small number of reproductive individuals is sufficient to saturate seedling recruitment.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of considering multiple factors, such as soil disturbance, climate, and stand composition, as well as their effects on different life stages when developing effective forest management strategies to promote regeneration in boreal mixed‐wood ecosystems.
Controls on use efficiency of plant nutrients along subtropical to alpine gradients on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Ying , Zhang Lin , Shen Wei , Tang Yanhong , Luo Tianxiang
Published: March 2024

Question

Knowledge of how nutrient use strategies differ between forest trees and alpine shrubs/grasses is important to understand the mechanisms of vegetation changes from montane forests to alpine shrubs/grasslands along altitudinal gradients. We tested the hypothesis that, to maximize the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of canopy production, forest trees tend to have a higher mean residence time (MRT) of nitrogen in the plants through increased leaf life span, whereas alpine shrublands and grasslands tend to have higher nitrogen productivity through increased below‐ground biomass fraction. We further tested whether similar patterns are found in phosphorus use efficiency (PUE).

Location

Twenty‐one sampling sites along Tibetan Alpine Vegetation Transects (TAVT) at altitudes from 1900 m to 4900 m.

Methods

We measured the maximum biomass of new canopy leaves and twigs and the concentrations of their nutrients N and P and associated ecosystem variables along the TAVT. NUE (PUE) was calculated as the product of nutrient productivity (dry matter production per unit N or P in new canopy leaves and twigs) and MRT (the ratio of foliage nutrient pool to annual nutrient uptake).

Results

With increasing altitude, leaf life span increased in forest trees but decreased in shrublands and grasslands, while below‐ground fraction increased when vegetation changed from montane forests to alpine shrubs/grasslands. In forest trees, higher N‐MRT and P‐MRT and lower P productivity were associated with longer leaf life span and lower below‐ground fraction, while N productivity varied little. In alpine shrublands and grasslands, N‐MRT, P‐MRT and P productivity varied little with leaf life span and below‐ground fraction, while N productivity was positively correlated with below‐ground fraction.

Conclusions

Our data supported the hypothesis, suggesting that NUE of canopy production would be a measure of changes in ecosystem functioning from montane forests to alpine shrublands and grasslands along altitudinal gradients. The findings provide an insight into the linkage between biogeochemistry and phytogeographic processes across ecosystems.
Researching lived experience in health professional education
Authors: Ajjawi Rola , Bearman Margaret , Luong Victoria , O'Brien Bridget C. , Varpio Lara
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Qualitative approaches have flourished in medical education research. Many research articles use the term ‘lived experience’ to describe the purpose of their study, yet we have noticed contradictory uses and misrepresentations of this term. In this conceptual paper, we consider three sources of these contradictions and misrepresentations: (1) the conflation of perspectives with experiences; (2) the conflation of experience with lived experience; and (3) the conflation of researching lived experience with phenomenology. We offer suggestions to facilitate more precise use of terminology.

Argument

Our starting point is to free researchers from unnecessary shackles: Not every problem in medical education should be studied through experience, nor should every study of experience be phenomenological. Data based on participants' perceptions, beliefs, opinions and thoughts, while based on reflections of experiences, are not in and of themselves accounts of experience. Lived experiences are situated, primal and pre‐reflective; perspectives are more abstract. Lived experience—as opposed to experiences as such—deeply attune to bodies, relationality, space and time. There is also a difference between experiences as lived, how a person makes sense of these and what the researcher interprets and represents. Phenomenology is a meaningful approach to the study of lived experience, but other approaches, such as narrative inquiry and self‐study, can also offer useful avenues for undertaking this type of research.

Discussion

We aim to broaden researchers' scope with this paper and equip researchers with the information they need to be clear about the meaning and use of the terms experience and lived experience. We also hope to open new methodological possibilities for researching experiences as lived and, through highlighting tensions, to prompt researchers of lived experience to strive for ontological closeness and resonance.
Federated learning–based global road damage detection
Authors: Saha Poonam Kumari , Arya Deeksha , Sekimoto Yoshihide
Published: March 2024

Deep learning is widely used for road damage detection, but it requires extensive, diverse, and well‐labeled data. Centralized model training can be difficult due to large data transfers, storage needs, and computational resources. Data privacy concerns can also hinder data sharing among clients, leaving them to train models on their own data, leading to less robust models. Federated learning (FL) addresses these problems by training models without data sharing, only exchanging model parameters between clients and the server. This study deploys FL along with YOLOv5l to generate models for single‐ and multi‐country applications. These models gave 21%–25% lesser mean average precision (mAP) than centralized models but outperformed local client models by 1.33%–163% on the global test data.
Myriospora molybdinacomb. nov. and the identity ofAcarospora hysgina
Authors: Westberg Martin , Wedin Mats , Svensson Måns
Published: March 2024

The nomenclature and taxonomy ofAcarospora molybdinais revised using morphological and molecular data. The new combinationMyriospora molybdinais proposed andAcarospora hysginais recognized as a distinct species whileA. brunneolais reduced to synonymy withA. hysgina. In its new circumscriptionM. molybdinais an arctic species, in Scandinavia only occurring in northernmost Norway. Further localities are reported from Greenland, Russia, Svalbard and the USA (Alaska).Acarospora hysginais the correct name for a species distributed along the west coast of Sweden and Norway, formerly thought to belong toA. molybdina. Localities are also reported from Canada (New Brunswick), Greenland and the USA (Maine). The following names are lectotypified:Acarospora brunneola,A.molybdinavar.confusa,Lecanoraereuticaβmicrocyclos,Parmelia ereutica,P.hysginaandP.molybdina.
One‐stage Neurorrhaphy and Posterior Transposition with Gastrocnemius Fascial Flap for Common Peroneal Nerve Injury: Preliminary Results
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Jie , Li Shulin , Zhao Qian , Xu Lei , Li Li
Published: March 2024

Objective

Common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury is a frequently encountered lower extremity injury. Furthermore, several previous studies have demonstrated that patients who underwent direct suturing of the CPN following rupture experienced unfavorable postoperative prognoses. Therefore, we aimed to present a novel modified surgical approach for CPN rupture and assess the effectiveness of this technique in restoring lower limb functionality.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we included patients with CPN rupture who underwent one‐stage neurorrhaphy and posterior transposition combined with nerve wrapping using a gastrocnemius fascial flap for CPN rupture between January 2016 and December 2020. Lower limb function was evaluated using the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grading system. We also assessed the influence of age, sex, duration of symptoms, mechanism of injury, and surgical modality on the postoperative recovery of lower extremity function using subgroup and regression analyses.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients (mean age = 35.76 ± 13.01 years) with at least 2 years of follow‐up were included in the final analysis. The LEFS scores significantly improved after surgery at the last follow‐up (p < 0.01). Moreover, 67.57% of the patients achieved good or excellent postoperative outcomes (BMRC: M3 or above). Results of the subgroup analysis and regression models suggested that patients who underwent direct suturing showed better recovery of lower extremity function than those who underwent nerve grafting.

Conclusion

One‐stage neurorrhaphy and posterior transposition combined with nerve wrapping using a gastrocnemius fascial flap exhibited encouraging outcomes in restoring lower‐limb function among patients with CPN rupture. This novel surgical technique is expected to be an effective method for treating CPN ruptures in the future.
Biomechanical Effects of Mechanical Stress on Cells Involved in Fracture Healing
Authors: Wu Weiyong , Zhao Zhihui , Wang Yongqing , Zhu Gengbao , Tan Kemeng , Liu Meiyue , Li Lili
Published: March 2024

Fracture healing is a complex staged repair process in which the mechanical environment plays a key role. Bone tissue is very sensitive to mechanical stress stimuli, and the literature suggests that appropriate stress can promote fracture healing by altering cellular function. However, fracture healing is a coupled process involving multiple cell types that balance and limit each other to ensure proper fracture healing. The main cells that function during different stages of fracture healing are different, and the types and molecular mechanisms of stress required are also different. Most previous studies have used a single mechanical stimulus on individual mechanosensitive cells, and there is no relatively uniform standard for the size and frequency of the mechanical stress. Analyzing the mechanisms underlying the effects of mechanical stimulation on the metabolic regulation of signaling pathways in cells such as in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts is currently a challenging research hotspot. Grasping how stress affects the function of different cells at the molecular biology level can contribute to the refined management of fracture healing. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the relevant literature and describe the effects of mechanical stress on cells associated with fracture healing, and their possible signaling pathways, for the treatment of fractures and the further development of regenerative medicine.
Disentangling the effect of growth from development in size‐related trait scaling relationships
Authors: Millan M. , Ottaviani G. , Beckett H. , Archibald S. , Mangena H. , Stevens N.
Published: March 2024

In plant ecology, the terms growth and development are often used interchangeably. Yet these constitute two distinct processes. Plant architectural traits (e.g. number of successive forks) can estimate development stages. Here, we show the importance of including the effect of development stages to better understand size‐related trait scaling relationships (i.e. between height and stem diameter).

We focused on one common savanna woody species (Senegalia nigrescens) from the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa. We sampled 406 individuals that experience different exposure to herbivory, from which we collected four traits: plant height, basal stem diameter, number of successive forks (proxy for development stage), and resprouting. We analysed trait relationships (using standardized major axis regression) between height and stem diameter, accounting for the effect of ontogeny, exposure to herbivory, and resprouting.

The number of successive forks affects the scaling relationship between height and stem diameter, with the slope and strength of the relationship declining in more developed individuals. Herbivory exposure and resprouting do not affect the overall height–diameter relationship. However, when height and stem diameter were regressed separately against number of successive forks, herbivory exposure and resprouting had an effect. For example, resprouting individuals allocate more biomass to both primary and secondary growth than non‐resprouting plants in more disturbed conditions.

We stress the need to include traits related to ontogeny so as to disentangle the effect of biomass allocation to primary and secondary growth from that of development in plant functional relationships.
Co‐inoculation of rhizobia and AMF improves growth, nutrient uptake, and cadmium resistance of black locust grown in sand culture
Authors: Zhang Fusen , Zou Dongchen , Wang Jueying , Xiong Bingcai , Gao Lan , Guo Pan , Du Hongxia , Ma Ming , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: March 2024

Rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotic microorganisms important for plants grown in nutrient‐deficient and heavy metal‐contaminated soils. However, it remains unclear how plants respond to the coupled stress by heavy metal and nitrogen (N) deficiency under co‐inoculation. Here, we investigated the synergistic effect of Mesorhizobium huakuii QD9 and Funneliformis mosseae on the response of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) grown in sand culture to cadmium (Cd) under N deficiency conditions. The results showed that single inoculation of AMF improved the growth and Cd resistance of black locust, co‐inoculation improved the most. Compared to non‐inoculated controls, co‐inoculation mediated higher biomass and antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative stress, and promoted nodulation, mycorrhizal colonization, photosynthetic capacity, and N, P, Fe and Mg acquisition when exposed to Cd. This increase was significantly higher under N deficiency compared to N sufficiency. In addition, the uptake of Cd by co‐inoculated black locust roots increased, but Cd translocation to the above‐ground decreased under both N deficiency and sufficiency. Thus, in the tripartite symbiotic system, not merely metabolic processes but also Cd uptake increased under N deficiency. However, enhanced Cd detoxification in the roots and reduced allocation to the shoot likely prevent Cd toxicity and rather stimulated growth under these conditions.
Economic costs of friendshoring
Authors: Javorcik Beata , Kitzmüller Lucas , Schweiger Helena , Yıldırım Muhammed A.
Published: March 2024

Geo‐political tensions and disruptions to global value chains have led policymakers to re‐evaluate their approach to globalisation. Many countries are considering friendshoring – trading primarily with countries sharing similar values – as a way of minimising exposure to weaponisation of trade and securing access to critical inputs. If followed through, this process has the potential to reverse global economic integration of recent decades. This article estimates the economic costs of friendshoring using a quantitative model incorporating inter‐country inter‐industry linkages. The results suggest that friendshoring may lead to real GDP losses of up to 4.7% of GDP in some economies. Thus, although friendshoring may provide insurance against extreme disruptions and increase the security of supply of vital inputs, it would come at a substantial cost.
The role of companion animal models in radiopharmaceutical development and translation
Authors: Maitz Charles A. , Bryan Jeffrey N.
Published: March 2024

Advancements in molecular imaging and drug targeting have created a renaissance in the development of radiopharmaceuticals for therapy and theranostics. While some radiopharmaceuticals, such as Na[131I]I, have been used clinically for decades, new agents are being approved using small‐molecules, peptides, and antibodies for targeting. As these agents are being developed, the need to understand dosimetry and biologic effects of the systemically delivered radiotherapy becomes more important, particularly as highly potent radiopharmaceuticals using targeted alpha therapy become clinically utilized. As the processes being targeted become more complex, and the radiobiology of different particulate radiation becomes more diverse, models that better recapitulate human cancer and geometry are necessary. Companion animals develop many of the same types of cancer, carrying many of the same genetic drivers as those seen in people, and the scale and geometry of tumours in dogs more closely mimics those in humans than murine tumour models. Key translational challenges in oncology, such as alterations in tumour microenvironment, hypoxia, heterogeneity, and geometry are addressed by companion animal models. This review paper will provide background on radiopharmaceutical targeting techniques, review the use of radiopharmaceuticals in companion animal oncology, and explore the translational value of treating these patients in terms of dosimetry, treatment outcomes, and normal tissue complication rates.
Risk factors for corneal conjunctival grafting failure in dogs at four referral centers in the southern United States (203 patients): 2015–2021
Authors: Mironovich Melanie A. , Carter Renee , Chun Yeji , Foote Braidee C. , Van Horn Hendrix Diane , Lewin Andrew C. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Rogers Callie , Scott Erin M. , Telle Mary R.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To report risk factors associated with conjunctival graft failure in dogs at four referral specialty centers.

Procedures

Records of 203 dogs (229 eyes) undergoing conjunctival graft repair of ulcerative keratitis at four hospitals from 2015 to 2021 were reviewed. Success was defined as full graft integration with globe retention at the last postoperative evaluation; vision status was reported separately. Factors assessed included patient signalment, ophthalmic examination findings, surgical factors, and follow‐up information.

Results

Conjunctival graft failure occurred in 11% (25/229) of eyes and was significantly associated with ulcer depth, with corneal perforations having increased odds of graft failure compared with descemetoceles (odds ratio [OR] = 3.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–9.32; p = .03) and stromal ulcers (OR = 10.89 [95% CI 1.38–86.18], p = .02). Brachycephalic dogs were significantly more likely than non‐brachycephalic dogs to experience graft failure (OR = 5.02 [95% CI 1.42–17.74], p < .01). Surgery on the opposite eye relative to surgeon handedness was significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure (OR 4.28 [95% CI 1.53–11.94], p < .01). The use of 7‐0 and 8‐0 suture versus 9‐0 (p = .03) and the use of a combined simple continuous and interrupted pattern (p = .03) were significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure. At the last follow‐up, (median 61.5 days), 87% of dogs were visual.

Conclusions

Corneal perforations, surgery on the opposite eye relative to surgeon handedness, suture size and pattern, and brachycephalic conformation were significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure in this study. These characteristics can be considered when determining prognosis for ulcerative keratitis requiring surgical intervention.