bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniting academia and industry to bridge the skills gap: Incorporating industry advisory councils in Curriculum-to-Careers Programmatic Mapping in undergraduate environmental science programs
Authors: Kelly Jacquelyn , Gielstra Dianna , Oberding Tomáš J , Bruno Jim , Hadley Susan
Published: June 2023

Industry has coped with a consistent pace of employee attrition for over a decade with employee loss and labor turnover increasing with the global pandemic of 2020. As all sectors experience workforce attrition termed the “Great Resignation”, industry is pressed to fill these gaps and seek career-ready students as new hires. One institution of higher education worked closely with an Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to address the academia-to-industry skills gaps using Curriculum-to-Careers (C–to-C) programmatic mapping that synthesized both foundational curricular content knowledge and employer-sought skills. Mapping involved development of program student learning outcomes (PSLOs) and course student learning outcomes (CSLOs) that were aligned with career skills. Preliminary implementation of the C-to-C programmatic mapping yielded components that allowed the deconstruction of every course in the program. Traditional knowledge in the scholarly community was integrated with practitioner knowledge in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce and deployed in the revised classroom instructional practices. Using the industry perspective and guided by the developed philosophical instructional framework, the curriculum was deconstructed at both the course and program levels to synthesize a programmatic map the informed program development to close the skills gap by uniting academia and industry.
Mid- to Late-Holocene coastal morphological evolution, vegetation history and land-use changes of the Porto Gulf UNESCO World Heritage site and its surroundings (NW Corsica Island, Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Ghilardi Matthieu , Revelles Jordi , Mary Jean-Baptiste , Rita Federico Di , Delhon Claire , Delanghe¹ Doriane , Robresco Sébastien
Published: June 2023

Two coastal areas located on the North-Western side of Corsica Island have been investigated to reconstruct their Mid- to Late-Holocene landscape evolution together with the history of human occupation. Particular attention has been paid to the study of shoreline migration and vegetation history alongside land-use. Three boreholes were drilled to a maximum depth of 4.20 m and laboratory work comprised the identification of molluscs and pollen/NPPs as well as sedimentological analyses. Chronostratigraphy is based on a series of 18 radiocarbon datings and enabled to reconstruct the environments in the Fangu Estuary to the north of the World Heritage site over the last six millennia, and over the last four millennia on the Girolata coastal plain to the south. Palaeogeographic reconstruction of shoreline mobility is established for each site based on borehole chronostratigraphy analysis. In addition, two original pollen and NPPs diagrams have been established for the Girolata and Fangu sites. These reveal that anthropogenic activities began to significantly impact local vegetation cover ca. 2500 years BP at Girolata, and ca. 2000 years BP at Fangu. Of particular interest, our work records the first complete pollen sequence in Corsica for Roman times at Girolata: first, the exploitation of cereals, grapevines and the development of husbandry is observed during the Roman Republic (500 BCE–0), followed by the almost exclusive cultivation of Olea sp. during the Roman Empire (0–500 CE). Following this, and using other regional pollen studies obtained for NW Corsica, we propose a regional evolution of the complex human-environment interactions for the last six millennia. Our results reveal a peak of regional forest decline (the most intense event recorded for the Late-Holocene) from the 11th to the 16th centuries CE which can be attributed to the exploitation of wood resources during the Pisan and Genoese dominations of the island.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and toll-like receptor 9 polymorphisms: A meta-analysis of genetic association studies
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine whether polymorphisms in toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) contribute to vulnerability to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant articles. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between the TLR9 rs187084, rs352139, rs352140, and rs5743836 polymorphisms and SLE risk.

Results

A total of 5447 patients with SLE and 6588 control participants across 26 trials from 24 articles were included. The TLR9 rs187084 T allele was significantly associated with SLE (odds ratio, 1.146; 95% confidence interval, 1.033–1.273; p = 0.010). In a meta-analysis, the TLR9 rs187084 T allele was associated with SLE in the Asian population but not in the Arab population, demonstrating the existence of ethnicity-specific effects. Using homozygote contrast and recessive models, the researchers also found that the TLR9 rs187084 T/C polymorphism was associated with SLE. The TLR9 rs352139 G allele was not associated with SLE in this meta-analysis. After accounting for ethnic differences, we found that the TLR9 rs352139 G allele was not associated with SLE in Asians and Arabs. Furthermore, homozygote contrast and dominant models found no association between the TLR9 rs352139 G/A polymorphism and SLE. TLR9 polymorphisms at rs352140 and rs5743836 were not associated with an increased risk of SLE in any genetic prediction model, including people of Asian, European, or Latin American ancestry.

Conclusions

SLE susceptibility is associated with the TLR9 rs187084 polymorphism in the Asian population and the rs187084, rs352139, rs352140, and rs5743836 polymorphisms in the Asian, European, and Latin American populations, respectively.
The next generation of climate scientists as science communicators
Authors: van Eck Christel W.
Published: June 2023

Climate scientists face many challenges when it comes to communicating their work to the public, yet it is largely unknown how junior climate scientists give meaning to their role as science communicators. Therefore, the current research conducted five focus group discussions with Dutch junior climate scientists, which were structured around the following themes: (a) common barriers; (b) climate advocacy; (c) message content; and (d) climate skepticism, misinformation, and incivility. The results reveal the motivations and barriers for junior climate scientists to do science communication. New barriers were identified relating to participants’ lack of seniority, meaning a self-attributed lack of expertise and not having established their scientific credentials yet, providing evidence for the imposter syndrome. Furthermore, many participants alluded to the information-deficit model and indicated they do not know where to start with science communication. Overall, the findings show uncertainty, which could be mitigated by media training and institutionalized incentives.
The effect of temperature on the adsorption of the sodium lignosulphonate (SL) on the surface of the selected plastics as a potential solution for the plastics waste management
Authors: Salari Atefeh , Ostad Movahed Saeed
Published: June 2023

The separation of one or a group of plastics from a plastics mix by flotation technique is an essential topic in plastic waste management. Basis of the technique refers to the selective adsorption of a depressant on the surface of the plastic. Consequently, the surface energy of plastic alters. Adsorption of the lignosulfonic acid sodium salt (SL) on the surface of the selected available plastics in the waste stream was studied at different SL concentrations and operative temperatures. Studied plastics were Polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polycarbonate PC. Based on the measured equilibrium adsorption capacities ([Formula: see text]), the SL adsorbed on the selected plastics surfaces with different amounts. Increasing the temperature had a positive effect on the above-mentioned parameter. Suitable conformity was observed between the experimental results with predicted values by the traditional adsorption isotherms, Freundlich and Langmuir. However, for the most studied plastics, the Freundlich model was more suitable than Langmuir. Measured thermodynamic parameters showed a spontaneous adsorption process along with endothermic (except of PC) reactions. The complete separation of PC from a plastics mix in all SL concentrations and temperatures was observed during the flotation process.
Differential impact of test performance characteristics on burden-to-benefit tradeoffs for blood-based colorectal cancer screening: A microsimulation analysis
Authors: Piscitello Andrew , Carroll Lauren N , Fransen Signe , Wilson Ben , Chandra Tarun , Meester Reinier , Putcha Girish
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To inform the development and evaluation of new blood-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests satisfying minimum United States (US) coverage criteria, we estimated the impact of the different test performance characteristics on long-term testing benefits and burdens.

Methods

A novel CRC-Microsimulation of Adenoma Progression and Screening (CRC-MAPS) model was developed, validated, then used to assess different screening tests for CRC. We compared multiple, hypothetical blood-based CRC screening tests satisfying minimum coverage criteria of 74% CRC sensitivity and 90% specificity, to measure how changes in a test's CRC sensitivity, specificity, and adenoma sensitivity (sizes 1–5 mm, 6–9 mm, ≥10 mm) affect total number of colonoscopies (COL), CRC incidence reduction (IR), CRC mortality reduction (MR), and burden-to-benefit ratios (incremental COLs per percentage-point increase in IR or MR).

Results

A blood test meeting minimum US coverage criteria for performance characteristics resulted in 1576 lifetime COLs per 1000 individuals, 46.7% IR and 59.2% MR compared to no screening. Tests with increased CRC sensitivity of 99% ( + 25%) vs. increased ≥10 mm adenoma sensitivity of 13.6% ( + 3.6%) both yielded the same MR, 62.7%. Test benefits improved the most with increases in all-size adenoma sensitivity, then size-specific adenoma sensitivities, then specificity and CRC sensitivity, while increases in specificity or ≥10 mm adenoma sensitivity resulted in the most favorable burden-to-benefit tradeoffs (ratios <11.5).

Conclusions

Burden-to-benefit ratios for blood-based CRC screening tests differ by performance characteristic, with the most favorable tradeoffs resulting from improvements in specificity and ≥10 mm adenoma sensitivity.
The impact of facilitators and rural immersion on medical student engagement during a child and adolescent mental health videoconference workshop
Authors: Wright Helen , Rowick Alana , Cuesta-Briand Beatriz , Warwick Susannah , Moore Julia , Coleman Mathew
Published: June 2023

Objective

Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) disorders are a major public health problem in Australia, especially outside metropolitan areas. The issue is compounded by a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs). CAMH receives minimal coverage in health professional training, training opportunities are scarce, and support for generalist health professionals, who treat most cases, is lacking. Novel approaches to early medical education and teaching are required to strengthen the available skilled workforce in rural and remote settings.

Method

This qualitative study explored the factors influencing medical student engagement in a CAMH videoconferencing workshop as part of the Rural Clinical School of WA.

Results

Our results confirm the priority of personal characteristics of medical educators, over clinical and subject matter expertise, on student learning. This research affirms that general practitioners are well-placed to facilitate recognition of learning experiences, especially given that students may not readily recognise exposure to CAMH cases.

Conclusion

Our findings support the effectiveness, efficiencies, and benefits of utilising general medical educators in supporting child and adolescent psychiatry expertise in delivering subspecialty training within medical school curricula.
Beyond Being Insured: Insurance Coverage Denial as a Major Barrier to Accessing Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Lee Jusung , Howard Krista J. , Leong Caleb , Grigsby Timothy J. , Howard Jeffrey T.
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the association between insurance coverage denial and delays in care during pregnancy and postpartum. An online survey was administered in March and April 2022 to women who were either pregnant or within 1 year postpartum ( n = 1,113). The outcome was delayed care, measured at four time points: during pregnancy and 1 week, 2 to 6 weeks, and after 7 weeks postpartum. The key covariate was insurance coverage denial by providers during pregnancy. Delayed care due to having an unaccepted insurance and being “out-of-network” was more pronounced at 1 week postpartum with 3.37 times and 3.47 times greater odds and in 2 to 6 weeks postpartum with 5.74 times and 2.97 times greater odds, respectively. The association between insurance denial and delays in care encapsulated transportation, rural residency, time issues, and financial constraints. The findings suggest that coverage denial is associated with significant delays in care, providing practical implications for effective perinatal care.
Clinical and Socio-Demographic Variables Associated With Long COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mahmoodi Zohreh , Bahrami Giti , Shahrestanaki Ehsan , Seddighi Hamed , Ghavidel Nooshin
Published: June 2023

Considering the importance of long COVID-19 (LC), this study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical/sociodemographic factors and LC symptoms (LCS). This online cross-sectional study was conducted on 308 people infected with COVID-19 in Alborz, Iran, from April 1 to June 1, 2022. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to measure the association between the LCS with other variables. Overall, 76.6% of participants had at least one LCS. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females (crude odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.725 [1.42, 5.22]), educated persons (3.747 [1.58, 8.84]), people with a higher number of COVID-19 reinfection (2.280 [1.30, 3.97]), having an underlying disease (1.996 [1.01, 3.93]), and COVID-19 severity (3.321 [1.037, 10.635]) had higher odds of LC than others (all p < .05). Study findings provide additional clinical/sociodemographic data on risk for LC. These data may inform future research and clinical practice for potential risk identification and early intervention.
Sleep, Dance Exposure Hours, and Injury Risk in Collegiate Dancers
Authors: Fauntroy Victoria , Stork Amelia , Hansen-Honeycutt Jena , Deu Rajwinder , Klee Holly , Martin Joel , Ambegaonkar Jatin P.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Sleep is essential for athletes and dancers to optimize recovery. Poor sleep negatively affects cognitive function and injury risk in athletes. Increased athletic participation (hours) is associated with decreased total sleep and quality in athletes. Still, information about how sleep is related with exposure hours and injury in collegiate dancers remains unclear. We examined the relationships among the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ), dance exposure hours (DEHr), and injuries in collegiate dancers over a 7 -month period (August 2019-February 2020).

Methods:

Seventy-two dancers (58 female, 14 male; 19.7 ± 1.4 years) completed the 18 question ASBQ at the start of each month (Scale:1 = Never, 5 = Always; Global Scores ≤36 = “good sleep behavior” and ≥42 = “poor sleep behavior”). A DEHr was recorded as 1 hour of dance participation in class, rehearsal, or performance. Injuries were defined as any condition where the dancer sought medical attention, and we calculated an injury rate for total injuries (IR/1000 DEHr). Pearson correlations examined relationships among ASBQ, DEHr, and injuries ( P ≤ .05).

Results:

Dancers participated in 467.8 ± 45.7 DEHr over 7 months, with 14 dancers suffering 18 injuries (IR = 0.5/1000-DEHr; 95% CI:0.3-0.8). Overall, dancers reported poor sleep behaviors (42.6 ± 6.4). ASBQ scores, DEHr, and injuries in August-October, and December-February were not related, except for a weak positive relationship between ASBQ scores and DEHr in November ( r = .28, P = .04).

Conclusions:

Sleep, DEHr, and injuries were inconsistently related in collegiate dancers. Sleep and DEHr were only correlated during the month where dancers had 2 performance weeks. While we did not observe this relationship every month, performance weeks may have negatively affected sleep in November. Despite consistent poor sleep, sleep did not seem to negatively affect injury risk during the 7 -month study period. Future researchers should validate the ASBQ in dancers.
Civic culture in the Supernatural fandom: Misha Collins, Destiel, and the 2020 US presidential election
Authors: Hinck Ashley , Hardin Carolyn
Published: June 2023

In the 2020 US presidential election, Misha Collins, star of the show Supernatural, endorsed Joe Biden for president and worked to support Biden’s campaign through interviews with campaign surrogates on Instagram Live and by phone banking on Zoom. In this study, we examine how fans made sense of Misha’s political action. While the political science and advertising literature on celebrity endorsements evaluates endorsements by the number of votes earned, we found that fans’ experience of Misha’s political advocacy was far more complicated than that. Our interviews with fans suggest that fans were ambivalent about Misha’s endorsements but enthusiastic about how Misha went about doing politics. Fans described a civic culture they co-constituted with Misha, defined by accepting and caring for other people, being authentic and genuine, and respecting disagreements. Fans described how these values were enacted both inside the fandom (in discussions of LGBTQ representation) and outside the fandom (in the 2020 US presidential election). Ultimately, fandom should be read as an important site of civic culture building—with implications for how fan cultures influence contemporary notions of citizenship, civic values, and political outcomes.
Dysmenorrhea and psychological wellbeing among females with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Lockinger Katelyn , Gagnon Michelle M
Published: June 2023

Although rarely examined together, ADHD, emotional regulation (ER), and dysmenorrhea may be associated, which could create additive burdens on psychological well-being (PWB). Clinicians working with ADHD populations may need to take these challenges into consideration to maximize treatment outcomes. This study investigated the relationships among ADHD, dysmenorrhea, ER, and PWB within a sample of 266 adult females with a self-reported ADHD diagnosis. ADHD symptom severity was positively correlated with dysmenorrhea severity, but ER skills were not a significant moderator of this relationship. ADHD symptom severity was negatively correlated with PWB; however, this relationship was not moderated by dysmenorrhea severity nor ER ability. Overall, a positive association between ADHD symptom severity and dysmenorrhea severity was found in our sample. Further research is needed to understand the nature of this association, as well as factors that may contribute to PWB among individuals with these comorbid conditions.
‘Pollution’ and ‘Blaming’: A Sociological Analysis of the COVID-19 Time Through Cultural Perspective
Authors: Camorrino Antonio
Published: June 2023

This article aims to highlight some peculiar aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the theoretical tools of Cultural Theory and Cultural Sociology. For this purpose, first of all, I introduce the issue of the pandemic from a cultural perspective. In the second section, I analyze the phenomenon of the COVID-19 pandemic through the concept of ‘pollution’: in symbolic terms, the dimension of contagion is very close to that of ‘contamination’. From this particular theoretical perspective, however, ‘contamination’ is not understood only in its material but also in its symbolic meaning. The third section focuses on the different forms of ‘blaming’ that have been activated during the pandemic time: to protect and strengthen the social bond threatened by the anguish of contagion, different targets have been identified on which to ‘blame’ the spread of the virus. In the conclusions, I summarize the reasoning developed in the article in an overall way, trying to briefly show how Cultural Theory and Cultural Sociology can offer a useful contribution to the analysis of the pandemic catastrophe.
‘New normal’ or continued ‘social distancing’? Preschool practitioners’ responses to poverty across post-lockdown England and the USA
Authors: Simpson Donald , Mazzocco Philip , Loughran Sandra , Lumsden Eunice , Lyndon Sandra , Winterbottom Christian
Published: June 2023

Just as illness can sometimes heal us, some have speculated an unexpected silver lining of COVID-19 may be an invigoration of a prosocial vision as the ‘new normal’ necessitates new ways of thinking and doing things differently across society and in preschool. This article explores this and reports survey research completed with preschool practitioners post-lockdown across several locations in England and the USA. This repeated a previous survey we did in 2014 which found notable levels of ‘social distancing’ – that is restrictions in social connection between preschool practitioners and children and their parents in poverty. Yet, since 2014 with austerity and then COVID-19, the pressure, and need, for prosocial preschool systems to work flexibly and inclusively with children and families in poverty has never been greater. We report findings from our 2021 survey and raise some concerns in the context of COVID-19 recovery policies emerging across both countries post-lockdown.
From a Criminal to a Human-Rights Issue: Re-Imagining Policy Solutions to Homelessness
Authors: Owadally Tasneem , Grundy Quinn
Published: June 2023

Criminalizing homelessness is ineffective, costly, and immoral; yet it remains a dominant feature in the management of this global social issue. There has been little analysis investigating why punitive homeless policies have remained popular despite their ineffectiveness. In applying Bacchi's What's the Problem Represented to Be (WPR) framework to a Canadian encampment bylaw, our analysis demonstrated that public policies criminalizing homelessness continue to prevail because homelessness is fundamentally understood as a problem of deviant, criminal individual behavior. We argue that reframing understandings of homelessness from one of criminality to a human rights issue gives way to more dignified, just, and effective solutions, such as the Housing First Model. We suggest that community health nurses can serve a key role in disrupting these criminalizing discourses across domains of policy, research, and practice by advocating for holistic, rights-based, and equity-oriented policy solutions related to homelessness.
Base MRI Imaging Characteristics of Meningioma Patients to Discuss the WHO Classification of Brain Invasion Otherwise Benign Meningiomas
Authors: Luo Xiao , Jiang Hong , Liu XJ , Zhang Z , Deng K , Lin F , Jiang J , Wang YL , Yu J
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Compared and analyzed the MRI imaging features of brain invasion otherwise benign (BIOB) meningiomas and WHO grade 1, grade 2 meningiomas, discussed the WHO grading of BIOB from the perspective of imaging.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 675 meningiomas patients who carried on MRI examination from January 2006 to February 2022. Setting the 2022 Central nervous system (CNS) WHO Guidelines as the gold standard for pathological diagnosis. Statistical analysis of age, gender, and MRI features of meningiomas in relation to WHO grade and brain invasion.

Results

Among 675 cases meningiomas, 543 (80.4%) were WHO grade 1, 123 (18.2%) were WHO grade 2, and 9 (1.3%) were WHO grade 3. There were 108 cases meningiomas with brain invasion (BI) (16.0%) and 567 cases without BI (84.0%). Among BI cases, 67 cases were BIOB. Compared the MRI features between BIOB and WHO grade 1 meningiomas, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the most strongly factors associated with distinguish them were enhancement degree, peritumoral edema, tumor–brain interface, fingerlike protrusion, mushroom sign, and bone invasion (AUC: 0.925 (0.901∼0.945), sensitivity: 0.925, specificity: 0.801). Compared the MRI features between BIOB and WHO grade 2 meningiomas, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the most strongly factors associated with distinguish them were enhancement degree and the tumor–brain interface (AUC: 0.779 (0.686∼0.841), sensitivity: 0.746, specificity: 0.732), their efficacy was slightly weaker.

Conclusions

BIOB is more similar to WHO grade 2 meningiomas in clinical and imaging features than WHO grade 1, so we think that it may be reasonable to classify BIOB as WHO Grade 2 meningiomas in the guidelines.
Factors Associated With Receipt of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support for Type 2 Diabetes: Potential for a Population Health Management Approach
Authors: Bober Timothy , Rothenberger Scott , Lin Jonathan , Ng Jason M. , Zupa Margaret
Published: June 2023

Background:

Population health management approaches can help target diabetes resources like Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) to individuals at the highest risk of complications and poor outcomes. Little is known about patient characteristics associated with DSMES receipt since widespread uptake of telemedicine for diabetes care in 2020.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we used electronic medical record (EMR) data to assess patterns of DSMES delivery from May 2020 to May 2022 among adults who used telemedicine for type 2 diabetes (T2D) endocrinology care in a large integrated health system. Multilevel regression models were used to evaluate the association of key patient characteristics with DSMES receipt.

Results:

Of 3530 patients in the overall cohort, 401 patients (11%) received DSMES. In adjusted multivariable logistic regression, higher baseline HbA1c (odds ratios [OR] 3.10 [95% confidence interval 2.22-4.33] for HbA1c ≥9% vs <7%), insulin regimen complexity (OR 3.53 [2.59-4.80] for multiple daily injections vs no insulin), and number of noninsulin medications (OR 1.17 [1.05-1.30] per 1 additional medication) were significantly associated with receipt of DSMES, whereas rurality and area-level deprivation of patient residence were not.

Conclusions:

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support remains underutilized in this cohort of adults using telemedicine to access endocrinology care for T2D. Factors contributing to clinical complexity increased the odds of receiving DSMES. These results support a potential population health management approach using EMR data, which could target DSMES resources to those at higher risk of poor outcomes. This risk-stratified approach may be even more effective now that more people can access DSMES via telemedicine in addition to in-person care.
Does Alcohol Use Influence Hospitalization Outcomes in Adults Suffering Craniomaxillofacial Fractures From Street Fighting?
Authors: Stanbouly Dani , Stewart Sara J. , Harris Jack A. , Arce Kevin
Published: June 2023

Study Design

This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2016–2018. Incidences of street fighting were identified using the corresponding ICD-10 codes.

Objective

To determine whether alcohol use (measured by blood alcohol content (BAC)) in patients sustaining maxillofacial trauma from hand-to-hand fighting influence hospitalization outcomes.

Methods

The primary predictor variable was BAC stratified into six categories of increasing magnitude. The primary outcome variable was mean length of hospital stay (days). The secondary outcome variable was total hospital charges (US dollars).

Results

Our final sample consisted of 3038 craniomaxillofacial fractures. Each additional year in age added +$545 in hospital charges ( P < .01). Non-elective admissions added $14 210 in hospital charges ( P < .05). Patients admitted in 2018 experienced approximately $7537 more in hospital charges ( P < .01). Le Fort fractures (+$61 921; P < .01), mandible fractures (+$13 227, P < .01), and skull base fractures (+$22 170; P < .05) were all independently associated with increased hospital charges. Skull base fractures added +7.6 days to the hospital stay ( P < .01) and each additional year in patient age added +.1 days to the length of the hospital stay ( P < .01).

Conclusions

BAC levels did not increase length of stay or hospitalization charges. Le Fort fractures, mandible fractures, and skull base fracture each independently increased hospital charges. This reflects the necessary care (ie, ICU) and treatment (ie, ORIF) of such fractures. Older adults and elderly patients are associated with increased length of stay and hospital charges—they are likely to struggle in navigating the healthcare system and face socioeconomic barriers to discharge.
Limit(ation)s, sustainability, and the future of climate migration
Authors: Baada Jemima Nomunume , Baruah Bipasha , Luginaah Isaac
Published: June 2023

Climate change and human migration are two of the world's most pressing issues, as many populations rely on migration as an adaptation strategy to climatic stressors. Human experiences of, and responses to, climate stress are uneven and mediated by resource privilege. In many communities in the Global South, climate vulnerabilities are exacerbated by fragile ecological conditions due to geographical positioning, and many already marginalised groups shoulder a disproportionate burden of climate change effects, despite contributing the least to this problem. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, rapidly deteriorating climatic conditions imply that climate vulnerabilities may be reproduced in migration destination areas as well. Drawing on primary research conducted in Ghana, we illustrate how migration may present limitations and thus serve as an unsustainable adaptation strategy towards climate change for agrarian and structurally marginalised groups. We highlight the need for more discussions of sustainability in issues of climate migration in Ghana and similar contexts of the Global South, and the urgency of mitigating climate change globally. We conclude with calls for more nuanced understandings of the futures of climate migration as an adaptive strategy.
Progression of Kidney Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients With a Failing Graft: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Lam Ngan N. , Quinn Robert R. , Clarke Alix , Al-Wahsh Huda , Knoll Greg A. , Tibbles Lee Anne , Kamar Fareed , Jeong Rachel , Kiberd James , Ravani Pietro
Published: June 2023

Background:

Few studies have assessed outcomes in transplant recipients with failing grafts as most studies have focused on outcomes after graft loss.

Objective:

To determine whether renal function declines faster in kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft than in people with chronic kidney disease of their native kidneys.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Alberta, Canada (2002-2019).

Patients:

We identified kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft (2 estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] measurements 15-30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ≥90 days apart).

Measurements:

We compared the change in eGFR over time (eGFR with 95% confidence limits, LCLeGFRUCL) and the competing risks of kidney failure and death (cause-specific hazard ratios [HRs], LCLHRUCL).

Methods:

Recipients (n = 575) were compared with propensity-score-matched, nontransplant controls (n = 575) with a similar degree of kidney dysfunction.

Results:

The median potential follow-up time was 7.8 years (interquartile range, 3.6-12.1). The hazards for kidney failure (HR1.101.331.60) and death (HR1.211.592.07) were significantly higher for recipients, while the eGFR decline over time was similar (recipients vs controls: –2.60–2.27–1.94 vs –2.52–2.21–1.90 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year). The rate of eGFR decline was associated with kidney failure but not death.

Limitations:

This was a retrospective, observational study, and there is a risk of bias due to residual confounding.

Conclusions:

Although eGFR declines at a similar rate in transplant recipients as in nontransplant controls, recipients have a higher risk of kidney failure and death. Studies are needed to identify preventive measures to improve outcomes in transplant recipients with a failing graft.
Attitudes of psychiatrists toward telepsychiatry: A policy Delphi study
Authors: Negev Maya , Magal Tamir , Kaphzan Hanoch
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To delineate areas of consensus and disagreements among practicing psychiatrists from various levels of clinical experience, hierarchy and organizations, and to test their ability to converge toward agreement, which will enable better integration of telepsychiatry into mental health services.

Methods

To study attitudes of Israeli public health psychiatrists, we utilized a policy Delphi method, during the early stages of the COVID pandemic. In-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed, and a questionnaire was generated. The questionnaire was disseminated amongst 49 psychiatrists, in two succeeding rounds, and areas of consensus and controversies were identified.

Results

Psychiatrists showed an overall consensus regarding issues of economic and temporal advantages of telepsychiatry. However, the quality of diagnosis and treatment and the prospect of expanding the usage of telepsychiatry to normal circumstances—beyond situations of pandemic or emergency were disputed. Nonetheless, efficiency and willingness scales slightly improved during the 2nd round of the Delphi process. Prior experience with telepsychiatry had a strong impact on the attitude of psychiatrists, and those who were familiar with this practice were more favorable toward its usage in their clinic.

Conclusions

We have delineated experience as a major impact on the attitudes toward telepsychiatry and the willingness for its assimilation in clinical practice as a legitimate and trustworthy method. We have also observed that the organizational affiliation significantly affected psychiatrists’ attitude, when those working at local clinics were more positive toward telepsychiatry compared with employees of governmental institutions. This might be related to experience and differences in organizational environment. Taken together, we recommend to include hands-on training of telepsychiatry in medical education curriculum during residency, as well as refresher exercises for attending practitioners.
Comparison of Visibility and Risk of Neurovascular Tissue Injury Between Portals in Needle Arthroscopy of the Anterior Ankle Joint: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Inoue Jumpei , Yasui Youichi , Sasahara Jun , Takenaga Tetsuya , Wakabayashi Kenjiro , Nozaki Masahiro , Kobayashi Makoto , Ha Myongsu , Fukushima Hiroaki , Kato Jiro , Miyamoto Wataru , Kawano Hirotaka , Murakami Hideki , Yoshida Masahito
Published: June 2023

Background:

For needle arthroscopy with 0° viewing, the visible range of intra-articular structures and the difference between portals remain unknown, as do the risks for neurovascular tissue at each portal.

Purpose:

To clarify the visibility and safety of needle arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric ankle specimens were used. A needle arthroscope with a 1.9-mm diameter was inserted from 4 portals (anteromedial [AM], anterolateral [AL], medial midline [MM], and anterocentral [AC]). Visibility was assessed using a 15-point ankle arthroscopy checklist. In addition, the ankles were dissected to measure the distance between each portal and neurovascular tissues. The visibility of the ankle joint was compared between portals.

Results:

The success rate of visibility in the deltoid ligament and the tip of the medial malleolus was 100% from the AM, MM, and AC portals and 10% from the AL portal, with significant differences between the portals ( P < .01). The visibility success rates in the origin of the anterior talofibular ligament and the tip of the lateral malleolus were 20% for the AM portal, 90% for the MM and AC portals, and 100% for the AL portal, with significant differences between the portals ( P < .01). All other points of the ankle joint were visualized from all the portals with a 100% success rate. The AC portal was in contact with the anterior neurovascular bundle in 4 of the 10 specimens.

Conclusion:

When needle arthroscopy was performed from the AM or AL portal, the site opposite to the portal in the ankle joint was difficult to visualize. Conversely, most points of the ankle joint could be visualized from the MM and AC portals. Care should be taken when creating an AC portal because of its proximity to the anterior neurovascular bundle.

Clinical Relevance:

The present study provides information regarding which portal should be selected to perform needle arthroscopy in the ankle joint, which will be beneficial for management of ankle injuries.
Collective Teacher Efficacy and Its Enabling Conditions: A Proposed Framework for Influencing Collective Efficacy in Schools
Authors: Anderson Christine M. , Summers Kelly H. , Kopatich Ryan D. , Dwyer William B.
Published: June 2023

This quantitative study aims to explore the validity of Donohoo et al.’s (2020) Enabling Conditions for Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale (EC-CTES) for fostering collective efficacy in schools and evaluate its relationship to measures of collective teacher efficacy. The instruments used for this study include the EC-CTES, the Collective Efficacy Scale (CES-SF), and the Collective Teacher Beliefs Scale (CTBS). The data were evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis, correlation matrices, and multiple regression models. The findings from this study demonstrate that the EC-CTES is a valid tool. The EC-CTES subscales are positively associated with measures of collective teacher efficacy. We recommend adjustments for the EC-CTES subscales for greater congruence with collective efficacy theory and practical application. Due to the theoretical density of collective teacher efficacy, a modified conceptual framework is proposed to make the enabling conditions theory more accessible to practitioners.
Renal Mass Mimicking Prominent Columns of Bertin: A Case Series
Authors: Ilounoh Christopher Ekene , Eteng Rajuno Ernest , Leahy Aleah
Published: June 2023

Prominent column of Bertin (PCB), also known as hypertrophic column of Bertin, are often referred to as pseudo tumors, given that they can mimic the appearance of renal tumors. This case series demonstrates a reverse situation where renal masses mimicked PCB. Two patient cases are presented to demonstrate how renal masses mimicked PCB, and a third comparative case is presented to demonstrate a split sinus sign that represents a PCB, a pseudo tumor confirmed with a computed tomogram (CT). Considering the renal masses mimicking PCB, CT, and histology confirmed the presence of renal cell carcinoma. Renal masses which present sonographically as PCB, are most likely to be overlooked and have negative impacts when undetected. Early detection of renal tumors is vital in improving a patient’s prognosis. This case series is useful in providing further evidence of how renal masses can mimic PCB, with sonography. Careful sonographic examination of PCB should be encouraged, and if sonographic features are uncertain, consider further evaluation by urology, especially for those patients with a background of hematuria and no previous imaging studies.
Haplodeficiency of the 9p21 tumor suppressor locus causes myeloid disorders driven by the bone marrow microenvironment
Authors: Feng Jue , Hsu Pei-Feng , Esteva Eduardo , Labella Rossella , Wang Yueyang , Khodadadi-Jamayran Alireza , Pucella Joseph , Liu Cynthia Z. , Arbini Arnaldo A. , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Kousteni Stavroula , Reizis Boris
Published: June 2023

The chromosome 9p21 locus comprises several tumor suppressor genes including MTAP, CDKN2A, and CDKN2B, and its homo- or heterozygous deletion is associated with reduced survival in multiple cancer types. We report that mice with germ line monoallelic deletion or induced biallelic deletion of the 9p21-syntenic locus (9p21s) developed a fatal myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN)-like disease associated with aberrant trabecular bone formation and/or fibrosis in the bone marrow (BM). Reciprocal BM transfers and conditional targeting of 9p21s suggested that the disease originates in the BM stroma. Single-cell analysis of 9p21s-deficient BM stroma revealed the expansion of chondrocyte and osteogenic precursors, reflected in increased osteogenic differentiation in vitro. It also showed reduced expression of factors maintaining hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, including Cxcl12. Accordingly, 9p21s-deficient mice showed reduced levels of circulating Cxcl12 and concomitant upregulation of the profibrotic chemokine Cxcl13 and the osteogenesis- and fibrosis-related multifunctional glycoprotein osteopontin/Spp1. Our study highlights the potential of mutations in the BM microenvironment to drive MDS/MPN–like disease.
A method for partitioning trends in genetic mean and variance to understand breeding practices
Authors: Oliveira Thiago P. , Obšteter Jana , Pocrnic Ivan , Heslot Nicolas , Gorjanc Gregor
Published: June 2023

Background

In breeding programmes, the observed genetic change is a sum of the contributions of different selection paths represented by groups of individuals. Quantifying these sources of genetic change is essential for identifying the key breeding actions and optimizing breeding programmes. However, it is difficult to disentangle the contribution of individual paths due to the inherent complexity of breeding programmes. Here we extend the previously developed method for partitioning genetic mean by paths of selection to work both with the mean and variance of breeding values.

Methods

First, we extended the partitioning method to quantify the contribution of different paths to genetic variance assuming that the breeding values are known. Second, we combined the partitioning method with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach to draw samples from the posterior distribution of breeding values and use these samples for computing the point and interval estimates of partitions for the genetic mean and variance. We implemented the method in the package . We demonstrated the method with a simulated cattle breeding programme.

Results

We show how to quantify the contribution of different groups of individuals to genetic mean and variance and that the contributions of different selection paths to genetic variance are not necessarily independent. Finally, we observed that the partitioning method under the pedigree-based model has some limitations, which suggests the need for a genomic extension.

Conclusions

We presented a partitioning method to quantify sources of change in genetic mean and variance in breeding programmes. The method can help breeders and researchers understand the dynamics in genetic mean and variance in a breeding programme. The developed method for partitioning genetic mean and variance is a powerful method for understanding how different selection paths interact within a breeding programme and how they can be optimised.
Genetic analysis of protein efficiency and its association with performance and meat quality traits under a protein-restricted diet
Authors: Ewaoluwagbemiga Esther Oluwada , Bee Giuseppe , Kasper Claudia
Published: June 2023

Background

An essential component in the development of sustainable pig production is the reduction of nitrogen excretion in fattening pigs. Pig feeds typically contain high levels of dietary crude protein, and due to incomplete conversion to muscle tissue, excess nitrogen is excreted, resulting in environmental problems such as nitrate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, improving protein efficiency (PE), i.e., the proportion of dietary protein that remains in the carcass, is desirable. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability (h2) of PE and its genetic correlations with phosphorus efficiency, three performance, seven meat quality and two carcass quality traits when pigs were fed a 20% protein-restricted diet, using 1071 Swiss Large White pigs. To determine PE, the intake of feed with known nutrient content was accurately recorded for each pig and the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the carcass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

We found an average PE of 0.39 ± 0.04 and a heritability of 0.54 ± 0.10. PE showed a high genetic correlation with phosphorus efficiency (0.61 ± 0.16), moderate genetic correlations with feed conversion ratio (− 0.55 ± 0.14) and average daily feed intake (− 0.53 ± 0.14), and a low genetic correlation with average daily gain (− 0.19 ± 0.19). While PE has favourable genetic correlations with the performance traits and some meat quality traits, there is a potentially unfavourable correlation of PE with meat colour (redness [rg = − 0.27 ± 0.17]; yellowness [rg = − 0.31 ± 0.18]) and intra-muscular fat (IMF; rg = − 0.39 ± 0.15). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) also showed unfavourable genetic correlations with meat lightness, redness yellowness, IMF and cooking loss.

Conclusions

PE is a heritable trait that can be considered in breeding programs to reduce the environmental impact of pig production. We found no strong negative correlation of PE with meat quality traits, and that there is potential to indirectly select for improved phosphorus efficiency. Selecting nutrient efficiencies might be a more suitable strategy to reduce nitrogen pollution from manure than focusing on FCR because the latter also shows genetic antagonism with some meat quality traits in our population.
A homozygous missense mutation in the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene is associated with the long-hair trait in Angora rabbits
Authors: Fatima Nazira , Jia Linying , Liu Baoning , Li Lu , Bai Liang , Wang Weirong , Zhao Sihai , Wang Rong , Liu Enqi
Published: June 2023

Background

Rabbits are well-domesticated animals. As a crucial economic animal, rabbit has been successfully bred into wool-use, meat-use and fur-use breeds. Hair length is one of the most economically important traits affecting profitability in wool rabbits. In this study, to identify selection signatures with the long-hair trait, whole-genomic resequencing of long-haired rabbits (Angora rabbits) and short-haired rabbits (Rex and New Zealand rabbits) was performed.

Results

By genome-wide selective sweeping analysis based on population comparison, we identified a total of 5.85 Mb regions (containing 174 candidate genes) with strong selection signals. Six of these genes (Dusp1, Ihh, Fam134a, Map3k1, Spata16, and Fgf5) were enriched in the MAPK signalling and Hedgehog signalling pathways, both of which are closely associated with hair growth regulation. Among these genes, Fgf5 encodes the FGF5 protein, which is a well-established regulator of hair growth. There was a nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution (T19234C) in the Fgf5 gene. At this locus, the C allele was present in all of the tested Angora rabbits, while the T allele was dominant in New Zealand and Rex rabbits. We further confirmed that the C allele was conserved in Angora rabbits by screening an additional 135 rabbits. Moreover, the results of functional predictions and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that the T19234C mutation impaired the binding capacity of FGF5 to its receptor FGFR1.

Conclusions

We discovered that the homozygous missense mutation T19234C within Fgf5 might contribute to the long-hair trait of Angora rabbits by reducing its receptor binding capacity. This finding will provide new insights into the genetic basis underlying the genetic improvement of Angora rabbits and benefit the improvement of rabbit breeding in the future.