bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enablers and barriers for hearing parents with deaf children: Experiences of parents and workers in Wales, UK
Authors: Terry Julia
Published: September 2023

Background

More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing families who know little about deafness. Benefits from hearing screening at birth are often lost, as families find little information about pathways for deaf children but are key to ensuring deaf children receive relevant language and communication support. Systems surrounding deaf children and family members are crucial for children's health and social development. Experiences of hearing parents raising deaf children and understanding factors that influence families' experience of navigating pathways for deaf children through health and education services are currently underreported.

Methods

An exploratory study was conducted in Wales, UK. Twenty participants were interviewed, including 10 hearing parents of deaf children and 10 people who work with deaf children using semistructured interviews. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory was used as a lens to explore the micro‐, meso‐, exo‐, macro‐ and chronosystems that surround children and families. This study explores potential supports and barriers in those systems.

Findings

Findings are reported under two broad headings: enablers and barriers. Under enablers, it was found that provision of resources, supporting people and knowledge were key factors. Under barriers, a lack of knowledge, lack of provision and battling services and attitudes were key issues that need addressing.

Conclusion

Hearing parents of deaf children in Wales, UK reported experiencing a range of enablers and barriers that impact upon their experiences of raising a deaf child. Further provision is needed by policymakers and governments to recognise support needs to improve the outcomes for deaf children.

Patient or Public Contribution

This project was developed from initial discussions with the stakeholder reference group and progressed with the group's deaf panel and hearing parents with deaf children. The project's steering group was involved in study design, recruitment and continuous feedback on all stages of the research process.
New developments in mesothelial pathology
Authors: Churg Andrew
Published: September 2023

This review article examines some new and some problem areas in mesothelial pathology, four of which are discussed, as follows. (1) The concept of mesothelioma in situ: this lesion is defined as a single layer of bland mesothelial cells without evidence of invasion, but that have lost BAP1 and/or MTAP by immunohistochemistry. Benign reactions can exactly mimic mesothelioma in situ, but a hint to the correct diagnosis is a story of recurrent pleural effusions/ascites of unknown aetiology without radiological or direct visual evidence of tumour. (2) The nature of well‐differentiated papillary mesothelial tumour (WDPMT): WDPMT has a long history of arguments regarding its behaviour, and this uncertainty can now be seen to arise, in part, from the observation that some forms of mesothelioma in situ microscopically look exactly like WDPMT. Hence, it is recommended to always run at least a BAP1 stain on any lesion that looks like WDPMT. Both flat and WDPMT‐like mesothelioma in situ are strongly associated with eventual development of invasive mesothelioma, but this process is relatively slow. (3) New immunostains for separating mesothelioma from other tumours: here, it is proposed that in most cases, and particularly when the differential is epithelioid mesothelioma versus non‐small cell lung cancer, one can make this separation with extremely high sensitivity and specificity using just two stains: HEG1 and claudin‐4. (4) Markers for separating benign from malignant mesothelial proliferations: this topic is briefly reviewed, with an indication of which markers are generally accepted and the best utilisation and possible limitations of each marker.
What's new in benign lung tumours?
Authors: Boland Jennifer M
Published: September 2023

While lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies routinely encountered by pathologists, benign pulmonary neoplasms are quite rare. However, it is important for pathologists to be familiar with the typical diagnostic features of benign lung tumors to avoid confusing them with malignant morphological mimics. There have also been intriguing discoveries in the genetics of benign pulmonary neoplasms in the past decade. This review will cover several of the most common benign lung tumors, including the diagnostic categories of pulmonary adenomas, bronchial papillomas, and benign mesenchymal tumors, with discussion of the current classification, differential diagnosis, and current knowledge regarding genetic drivers.
Novel EWSR1::GFI1B gene fusion in angiofibroma of soft tissue
Authors: Suurmeijer Albert J H , Cleven Arjen H G , Antonescu Cristina R , Duckworth Lauren A , Fritchie Karen J , Billings Steven D , Dermawan Josephine K
Published: September 2023

Aims

Angiofibroma of soft tissue is a benign soft tissue tumour characterised by bland spindle cells and a distinct branching vascular network. The majority of soft tissue angiofibromas harbour AHRR::NCOA2 gene fusions. Here we present three cases of EWSR1::GFI1B‐fused soft tissue tumours that are morphologically most reminiscent of soft tissue angiofibroma.

Methods and results

All three cases presented in male patients with an age range of 35–78 years (median = 54 years). Two cases presented as subcutaneous nodules on the trunk (posterior neck and chest wall); one was an intramuscular foot mass. The tumours were unencapsulated nodules with infiltrative margins ranging from 2.2 to 3.4 cm in greatest dimension. Histologically, the tumours contained uniformly bland fibroblastic spindle cells with ovoid to fusiform nuclei and delicate cytoplasmic processes embedded in a myxoid to myxocollagenous stroma. All three cases were characterised by a thin‐walled, branching vascular network evenly distributed throughout the tumour. Overt cytological atypia or conspicuous mitotic activity was absent. The spindle cells had an essentially null immunophenotype. By targeted RNA sequencing, an in‐frame gene fusion between EWSR1 exons 1–7 and GFI1B exons 6–11 or 7–11 was detected in all three cases. The tumours were marginally excised. For all three cases, there were no documented local recurrence or distant metastases during a limited follow‐up period of 6–10 months.

Conclusions

We propose that EWSR1::GFI1B may represent a novel fusion variant of soft tissue angiofibroma.
Air‐polishing technology is an effective alternative chairside method for cleaning dentures
Authors: Gunawan Violina , Carrington Samuel D. , Choi Yunsun Jane , Choi Joanne Jung Eun
Published: September 2023

Aims

To investigate the efficiency and abrasiveness of air‐polishing on different types of denture base acrylic resins and whether air‐polishing can be an effective technique to clean dentures chairside.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 specimens were prepared (n = 20/group); heat‐polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (G1), subtractive manufacturing (SM) (G2) and additive manufacturing (AM) denture base resins (G3). Equal number of specimens in each group were stained with permanent marker or nail polish and pumice mixture to mimic calcified biofilm. All specimens were treated using EMS Airflow® Prophylaxis Master with two different powders; erythritol or sodium bicarbonate powder, following manufacturer instructions. Efficacy of the powders and surface roughness of the specimens were measured. Scanning electron microscopy imaging was captured for qualitative observation.

Results

The highest efficacy for stain removal was found in erythritol powder on G1 (98.06% ± 1.304%). The lowest was found in the erythritol powder on G3 (91.83% ± 3.611%). The highest efficacy for biofilm removal was found in sodium bicarbonate powder on G3 (71.49% ± 8.607%), and the lowest was found in erythritol powder on G2 (11.64% ± 4.68%). Only AM resins had statistically significant increases in surface roughness with the use of erythritol powder (p < 0.001). The use of sodium bicarbonate powder significantly increases surface roughness of heat‐polymerized (p < 0.025) and AM resins (p < 0.724).

Conclusions

Air‐polishing technology has shown to be effective and suitable for cleaning dentures. The sodium bicarbonate powder showed superior efficacy in cleaning dentures compared to the erythritol powder. Both powders show varyingly increase roughness depending on denture resin.
Impact of the uninstructed use of a herbal, ayurvedic toothpaste on parameters of gingival health in periodontal aftercare patients: A randomized, double‐blinded, two‐arm parallel‐group study
Authors: Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne , Stölzel Peggy , Endres Johanna , Petersen Nicole , Haubitz Imme , Heß Jeanine , Schlagenhauf Ulrich
Published: September 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the uninstructed use of a toothpaste containing herbal ayurvedic ingredients on parameters of gingival health in a cohort of periodontal aftercare patients affected by gingival inflammation compared to the use of a standard, non‐herbal toothpaste.

Materials and Methods

The monocentric, randomized, double‐blinded, two‐arm parallel‐group intervention was performed in a cohort of 88 periodontal aftercare patients with clinical signs of gingival inflammation. At baseline, bleeding on probing (BoP), gingival index (GI) and Quigley–Hein plaque index (QHI) were recorded. Subsequently, the study patients were randomly provided with a herbal ayurvedic toothpaste (n = 44) or a conventional, non‐ayurvedic control toothpaste (n = 44) and without additional oral hygiene training instructed to use it 2× daily for the next 28 days. On day 28, BoP, GI and QHI were recorded again.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences between both groups. On day 28, mean GI and BoP scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to baseline in both groups. Differences between the groups could not be verified. Mean QHI scores did not change significantly between day 0 and day 28 in both groups.

Conclusions

The impact of uninstructed toothbrushing with an ayurvedic toothpaste on the manifestation of gingival inflammation in periodontal aftercare patients is not significantly different to the use of a conventional, non‐herbal toothpaste.
A review on “Growth mechanisms and optimization strategies for the interface state of solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries”
Authors: Liu Guanzuo , Yuan Zhuo , Deng Yufeng , Yu Xinbiao , Huang Xinzhe , Zheng Guoxu , Li Yinan
Published: September 2023

At present, the basic structural mechanisms and improvement methods of solid electrolyte interfaces (SEIs) are still in the research stage. Although many researchers have observed the problems of SEIs by various characterization methods, they still cannot analyze the subtle mechanisms. In this paper, we summarize the formation of SEIs, surface morphology, carrier transport, factors leading to interface challenges, and the progress of research to build better interfaces. Among them, strategies to inhibit the formation and growth of lithium dendrites are one of the focuses of this paper. In addition, another research focus of this paper is to reduce the interfacial resistance by constructing interfacial layers, electrolyte additives, and solid electrolytes. From the current development of battery interface improvement, the inhibition of lithium dendrites and the reduction of interfacial resistance are the most effective methods to improve the interfacial stability. Finally, the article also summarizes the research progress in solving the SEI, analyzes the future research trends for improving the SEI, and gives the research directions.
Ni‐phase erosion losses at a Ni‐pore interface of microtubular solid oxide fuel cells during 5218 h of operation
Authors: Liu Yinglong , Ye Hao , Ma Yue , Wang Chenpeng , Liu Jiawei , Liu Yingli , Xu Xiaoru , Chen Zhicong , Liang Bo
Published: September 2023

A microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (μT‐SOFC) with an anode buffer layer in the inner wall of the anode is successfully fabricated. The anode buffer layer comprises nickel (Ni), gadolinium‐doped ceria, and ruthenium (Ru), of which Ru exhibits excellent stability in mixed impurity gases. At 700°C, the maximum power density of the μT‐SOFC reaches around 0.76 W/cm2 under a hydrogen flow rate of 10 sccm. After 5218 h of operation at a constant current density of 0.2 A/cm2 at 650°C, there is almost no degradation (0.093%/kh) in area‐specific resistance after 2000 h of operation under the protection of the anode buffer layer. The aggregation and migration of nanoscale Ni particles are observed at the Ni particle boundary near the triple‐phase boundary (TPB), with gradual corrosion of the Ni particles. Ni migration and loss in the TPB are determined as reasons for the decay of the fuel cells during their long‐term operation. Moreover, Ni in an amorphous state is also observed on the periphery of the Ni particles, indicating that during the corrosion process of Ni, transformation to the amorphous state occurred, which impairs the catalytic activity and electronic conductivity of Ni, resulting in a deterioration in its performance.
Improving fresh strawberry shelf life and quality by using the fresh‐keeping paper embedded with oregano essential oil and tea polyphenols
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Li Tingting , Zhu Chaoyu , Wang Lei , Cong Kaiping , Xu Haotian , Wu Caie , Yan Shijie , Li Xu , Zhou Dandan , Fan Gongjian , Li Xiaojing
Published: September 2023

The short shelf life of fresh strawberries limits its marketing potential, despite its valuable economic and nutritional benefits. An environmentally friendly fresh‐keeping paper was prepared with oregano essential oil (OEO) and tea polyphenols (TP) and used in the storage of strawberries. Results showed that, during the late storage period, the TP and OEO fresh‐keeping paper treatments reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 29.04% and 34.47%, respectively, compared with the control samples. The treatments also reduced decay incidence, weight loss, epidermal microorganisms and total anthocyanins content (TAC). Furthermore, the treatments reduce polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, delay the colour development and maintain better sensory attributes. Notably, OEO fresh‐keeping paper treatment not only increased the titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) content but also improved the scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species by maintaining high levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. These results demonstrated that fresh‐keeping paper treatment has the potential to extend the post‐harvest life of strawberries and improve their quality.
Attrition rate and predictors of a monitoring mHealth application in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Desmet Maurane , Fillon Alicia , Thivel David , Tanghe Ann , Braet Caroline
Published: September 2023

Background

Integrating mobile health (mHealth) into paediatric obesity treatment can provide opportunities for more personalized and lifetime treatment. However, high attrition rates pose a significant challenge. The current study attempts to better understand attrition by exploring (1) attrition rates of a monitoring mHealth application for usage over 14 days and (2) testing predictors of attrition in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Participants were 69 adolescents between 12 and 16 years old who engaged in a multidisciplinary obesity treatment centre (either outpatient or inpatient) in two countries (Belgium and France). To assess the attrition rates, frequency distributions were used. To test the predictors of attrition, zero‐inflated negative binomial regression was performed.

Results

Attrition rates were high, in the outpatient group, more than half of the participants (53.3%) used the app for only 0–7 days. In the inpatient group, this percentage was 24.1%. Only deficits in initiating (a component of executive functions) were a negative predictor of attrition, indicating that deficits in initiating lead to lower attrition rates.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for high attrition rates in mHealth interventions for adolescents with obesity and was the first to investigate psychological predictors of attrition to an mHealth monitoring tool in adolescents with obesity in treatment. Findings regarding predictors of attrition should be approached with caution due to the small sample size.
Poverty and inequality impact of COVID‐19 pandemic: The case of Mazar‐i‐Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan
Authors: Khawari Baqir , Yusof Selamah Abdullah
Published: September 2023

Poverty was already a main problem in Afghanistan even before, but it has exacerbated due to the pandemic. However, the actual impact of the pandemic on households had not been investigated. This study provides such analysis using data obtained from a strictly random survey of 1060 households in the capital of Balkh, the fourth most populated province in Afghanistan. Using headcount ratio and poverty gap measures and both income and expenditure approaches, the results show that an additional 12% of households fell below the poverty line, from an already high of 75% before the pandemic. The poverty gap index rises to 34%, but the computed Gini coefficient indicates no significant change in inequality. Poor governance and corruption in Afghanistan are major impediments to address the issue of poverty. This paper suggests several measures which can be implemented to have effective policies and governance to alleviate poverty.
How are personal wealth and trust correlated? A social capital–based cross‐sectional study from Latvia
Authors: Sechi Guido , Borri Dino , De Lucia Caterina , Šķilters Jurǵis
Published: September 2023

The relation between social capital and socio‐economic wealth is a highly debated topic in development studies. This article aims at investigating the relationship between personal wealth and trust. It combines social capital with social categorization theory through a structural equation model based on a data set of over 1000 observations collected in the Republic of Latvia, on the basis of stratified sampling, in 2010, in the wake of a deep financial and economic crisis. Main results suggest evidence of an indirect relationship between wealth and interpersonal trust, with institutional trust and social engagement as mediating factors. This evidence is tested for residence place dimensions, ethno‐linguistic affiliation, education and income. Main results hold for poorer, less educated and rural respondents, whereas significant discrepancies arise for urban respondents. Finally, results highlight the interplay of socio‐economic dimensions and social and cultural identity. This suggests the existence of different dynamics of social capital accumulation at play, depending on various socio‐demographic and socio‐economic dimensions.
Recruiting without‐car drivers through multiple sources: the impact on a ride‐sharing platform's driver surplus and consumer surplus
Authors: Lin Qiang , Zhai Jiaxin , Jin Kangning , Lin Xiaogang
Published: September 2023

Recently, ride‐sharing platforms have started to recruit not only with‐car drivers but also without‐car drivers. Without‐car drivers can directly rent cars from a ride‐sharing platform that operates its own fleets, which requires the platform to pay operating costs to manage the vehicles (self‐operated drivers) or rent cars from a car‐rental company that cooperates with the platform (rental drivers). This paper builds a stylized model to examine the impact of recruiting without‐car drivers on a platform's driver surplus, consumer surplus, and profit. We assume that a ride‐sharing platform first decides to recruit either with‐car drivers or both with‐ and without‐car drivers. Then, the platform sets a price charged to customers, a wage paid to drivers, and a rental fee charged to self‐operated drivers. Customers decide whether to order on a ride‐sharing platform based on the price and network externality term, while drivers choose to provide services according to the wage, rental fee charged by the platform or car‐rental company, and utilization rate. We find that when the platform recruits with‐car drivers (recruits with‐ and without‐car drivers), supply and demand are matched when the potential number of with‐car drivers is relatively small (large), while supply exceeds demand when the potential number of with‐car drivers is large (small). Moreover, when a ride‐sharing platform changes to recruit with‐ and without‐car drivers, the platform and customers always become better off, while drivers may not. Specifically, when the operating cost is relatively low or high (moderate), the drivers become better (worse) off.
Simplified and modified Limberg flap plus vacuum‐assisted closure for treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Xu Mingze , Wang Yuchong , Ma Xinyi , Liu Yanjun , Xue Chunyu , Dai Haiying
Published: September 2023

Background

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), a chronic inflammatory disease, affects the sacrococcygeal soft tissue, especially in young adults. The ideal treatment for PSD remains divergence. This study evaluated the application of a simplified modified Limberg flap combined with vacuum‐assisted closure for treating PSD.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted from 1 June 2017 to 31 March 2022 in Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. The study included 88 male patients (91.7%) and 8 female patients (8.3%). The 96 patients ranged in age from 15 to 34 years (mean ± SD, 23 ± 4.4). Under general anaesthesia, all patients underwent simplified modified Limberg flap reconstruction with vacuum‐assisted closure. The patient's weight, surgical time, extubation time, hospital stay, time to return to normal life or work, wound infection, wound dehiscence and recurrence rate were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the Vancouver scar score were used to score patients' pain and scars in the surgical area.

Results

The volume of resected diseased tissue was 13.5–120 (mean ± SD, 34.993 ± 24.406) cm2. The average surgical time during the treatment period was 97.68 ± 18.72 min, and the average extubation time was (6.36 ± 1.55) days, the mean hospital stay was 19.4 days; no patients were lost to follow‐up. None of the patients experienced post‐operative recurrence, wound infection, seroma or hematoma. Six patients (6.3%) experienced wound dehiscence at the flap tip around the natal cleft. The mean time to the resumption of daily activities was 26.3 days. The average VAS pain score was (6.00 ± 1.53) points, and the average Vancouver scar score was (5.96 ± 1.51) points, 12 patients (12.5%) were dissatisfied with their aesthetic results, and the average beauty satisfaction score is (6.64 ± 1.28) points.

Conclusions

Simplified modified Limberg flap reconstruction with vacuum‐assisted closure surgery is an effective and innovative method for the treatment of PSD, with a low recurrence rate and rapid recovery.
Modulation of chalcogen‐functionalized MXenes Ti2CT2 (T = O, S, Se, and Te) as catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Yiran , Lai Mengling , Zhao Juanli , Li Jiancheng , Li Wenxian , Liu Bin
Published: September 2023

Exploration and exploitation of efficient and nonprecious catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the key solutions to energy problems. Two‐dimensional (2D) MXenes have attracted extensive attention as potential catalysts and supports due to their unique structure and customizable properties. In this work, we have systematically investigated the structural stability and electronic properties of chalcogen‐functionalized MXenes Ti2CT2 (T = O, S, Se, and Te) and Pt‐anchored Ti2CT2 MXenes (Pt‐Ti2CT2). Density functional theory calculations have discovered that all Ti2CT2 exhibit metallic electronic structures except Ti2CO2 with an indirect bandgap. Additionally, the electronic densities of states at Fermi level for Pt‐Ti2CT2 are greatly enhanced after anchoring Pt atoms. The reduction of chalcogen electronegativity is recognized to mainly contribute to weaker bond strength but greater electronic activity. Moreover, Pt‐Ti2CTe2 is predicted to exhibit near‐zero Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption especially at high hydrogen coverage, indicating its significant potential as HER catalysts. It is also revealed that Ti2CT2 and Pt‐Ti2CT2 MXenes are not only ideal candidates of catalyst materials but also could serve as good catalyst substrates. This work provides insights into the structural and chemical complexity of MXenes for catalyst applications but also demonstrates a new strategy to modulate high‐efficiency and low‐cost catalyst and support materials.
Assistant nurses' experiences of thirst and ethical dilemmas in dying patients in specialized palliative care—A qualitative study
Authors: Friedrichsen Maria , Jaarsma Tiny , Thulesius Hans , Waldreus Nana , Hedman Christel , Jaarsma Pier , Lythell Caroline , Milovanovic Micha , Karlsson Marit , Milberg Anna , Söderlund Schaller Anne
Published: September 2023

Aims

To describe assistant nurses' experiences of thirst and ethical challenges in relation to thirst in terminally ill patients in specialized palliative care (PC) units.

Design

A qualitative, reflexive thematic design with an inductive analysis was used.

Methods

Data were collected during November 2021–January 2023. Twelve qualitative interviews with assistant nurses working in five different specialized PC units in different hospitals in Sweden were conducted. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with a reflexive thematic analysis. The study was guided by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Results

Two main themes were found in this study. (1) ‘A world of practice for thirst relief’ where assistant nurses present a task‐oriented world where the knowledge of thirst is an experience‐based unspoken knowledge where mainly routines rule. (2) Ethical challenges presents different ethical problems that they meet in their practice, such as when patients express thirst towards the end of their life but are too severely ill to drink or when they watch lack of knowledge in the area among other health professionals.

Conclusion

Thirst in dying patients is a neglected area that assistant nurses work with, without communicating it. Their knowledge of thirst and thirst relief are not expressed, seldom discussed, there are no policy documents nor is thirst documented in the patient's record. There is a need for nurses to take the lead in changing nursing practice regarding thirst.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Impact

In palliative care, previous studies have shown that dying patients might be thirsty. Assistant nurses recognize thirst in dying patients, but thirst is not discussed in the team. Nurses must consider the patient's fundamental care needs and address thirst, for example in the nursing process to ensure patients quality of life in the last days of life.

Reporting Method

The study was guided by the SRQR.

What does this Article Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?

Thirst is a distressing symptom for all humans. However, when a patient is dying, he or she loses several functions and can no longer drink independently. The knowledge from this article contributes to our understanding of current practice and shows an area that requires immediate attention for the improvement of fundamental palliative care delivery.
Effects of the DASH diet and losartan on serum urate among adults with hypertension: Results of a randomized trial
Authors: Castilla‐Ojo Noelle , Turkson‐Ocran Ruth‐Alma , Conlin Paul R. , Appel Lawrence J. , Miller Edgar R. , Juraschek Stephen P.
Published: September 2023

Serum urate is a risk factor for hypertension and gout. The DASH diet and losartan independently lower blood pressure (BP); however, their effects on serum urate are understudied. We performed a post‐hoc analysis of the DASH‐losartan trial, which randomized participants with hypertension in parallel fashion to the DASH diet or a standard American diet (control) and in crossover fashion to 4‐week losartan or placebo. Serum urate was measured at baseline and after each 4‐week period. Diets were designed to maintain weight constant. We examined the effects of DASH (vs control) and/or losartan (vs placebo) on serum urate, overall and among those with baseline serum urate ≥6 mg/dL, using generalized estimating equations. Of 55 participants (mean age 52 years, 58% women, 64% Black), mean (±SD) baseline ambulatory SBP/DBP was 146±12/91±9 and mean (±SD) serum urate was 5.2±1.2 mg/dL. The DASH diet did not significantly reduce urate levels overall (mean difference −0.05 mg/dL; 95%CI: −0.39, 0.28), but did decrease levels among participants with baseline hyperuricemia (−0.33 mg/dL; 95%CI: −0.87, 0.21; P‐interaction=0.007 across hyperuricemia groups). Losartan significantly decreased serum urate (−0.23 mg/dL; 95%CI: −0.40, −0.05) with greater effects on serum urate among adults <60 years old versus adults ≥60 years old (−0.33 mg/dL vs 0.16 mg/dL, P interaction = 0.003). In summary, the DASH diet significantly decreased serum urate among participants with higher urate at baseline, while losartan significantly reduced serum urate, especially among younger adults. Future research should examine the effects of these interventions in patients with hyperuricemia or gout.
Beyond classical theories: An integrative mathematical model of mating dynamics and parental care
Authors: Araujo Gui , Moura Rafael Rios
Published: September 2023

Classical theories, such as Bateman's principle and Trivers' parental investment theory, attempted to explain the coevolution of sexual selection and parental care through simple verbal arguments. Since then, quantitative models have demonstrated that it is rarely that simple because many non-intuitive structures and non-linear relationships are actually at play. In this study, we propose a new standard for models of mating dynamics and parental care, emphasizing the clarity and use of mathematical and probabilistic arguments, the meaning of consistency conditions, and the key role of spatial densities and the law of mass action. We used adaptive dynamics to calculate the evolutionary trajectory of the total care duration. Our results clearly show how the outcomes of parental care evolution can be diverse, depending on the quantitative balance between a set of dynamical forces arising from relevant differences and conditions in the male and female populations. The intensity of sexual selection, synergy of care, care quality, and relative mortality rates during mating interactions and caring activities act as forces driving evolutionary transitions between uniparental and biparental care. Sexual selection reduces the care duration of the selected sex, uniparental care evolves in the sex that offers the higher care quality, higher mortality during mating interactions of one sex leads to more care by that sex, and higher mortality during caring activities of one sex favours the evolution of uniparental care in the other sex. Both synergy and higher overall mortality during mating interactions can stabilize biparental care when sexual selection reduces the care duration of the selected sex. We discuss how the interaction between these forces influences the evolution of care patterns, and how sex ratios can vary and be interpreted in these contexts. We also propose new directions for future developments of our integrative model, creating new comparable analyses that share the same underlying assumptions and dynamical frameworks.

Abstract

Integrative mathematical model of mating dynamics and parental care.
Factors influencing the biomass of large‐bodied parrotfish species in the absence of fishing on coral reefs in Florida, USA
Authors: Zuercher Rachel , Kochan David , Harborne Alastair R.
Published: September 2023

Parrotfishes are a functionally critical component of Caribbean reef fish assemblages, with large‐bodied parrotfish species exerting particularly important top‐down control on macroalgae. Despite their importance, low biomasses of large‐bodied parrotfishes on many reefs hamper our ability to study and understand their ecology. Florida reefs, where most parrotfish fishing has been illegal since 1992, present a unique opportunity to explore covariates of their distribution. Using boosted regression tree models and 23 covariates, this study identified the major predictors of four species of Atlantic large‐bodied parrotfishes. Maximum hard substrate relief, the area of the surrounding reef, and the availability of seagrass habitat were each positively related to parrotfish presence. Strong positive relationships between parrotfish presence and biomass and the biomass of other parrotfishes on a reef suggest that all four species responded to a similar subset of environmental conditions. However, relationships between parrotfish presence and biomass and depth, habitat type, coral cover, and the proximity of a reef to deepwater habitats differed among species, highlighting distinct habitat preferences. These results can improve managers’ ability to target important biophysical correlates of large‐bodied parrotfishes with appropriate management interventions and identify areas for protection.
Cognitive dysfunction and psychopathology: a cohort study of adults with intellectual developmental disorder
Authors: Santambrogio J. , Bertelli M. O. , Terrevazzi S. , De Carolis L. , Francia E. , Boldoni C. , Calascibetta M. , Cudazzo E. , Lucca C. , Viganò V. , Danese M. , Minazzi G. A. , Santarone A. , Bianco A. , Hassiotis A. , Clerici M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment of intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) is determined by several different combinations of specific cognitive alterations. People with IDD present a rate of mental health problems that is up to 4 times higher than that of the general population. Despite this, the relationship between specific cognitive dysfunctions and co‐occurring mental disorders has not been adequately studied. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the association between specific cognitive dysfunctions and specific psychiatric symptoms and syndromes in people with IDD.

Methods

One hundred and twenty adults with mild to moderate IDD living in residential facilities underwent a clinical and instrumental assessment for specific cognitive and psychopathological features.

Results

Participants with IDD and ASD have significantly lower scores compared to those without respect to who has not the diagnosis on the Processing Speed Index (PSI) and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) on the WAIS‐IV and higher time scores on the TMT A. Moreover, there is a significant association between years of hospitalisation and TMT B and TMT B A time scores; the longer a participant with IDD was hospitalised, the worse their performance on the TMT. Although not statistically significant, many psychopathological clusters showed substantial cognitive profiles.

Conclusions

Although further research is needed, neuropsychological and IQ tests scores seem to be differently associated to various psychopathological conditions co‐occurring with IDD, and with ASD especially. Cognitive assessment seems to support diagnosis and treatment of psychopathological co‐occurrences in persons with IDD, also in consideration of indirect implications including a better knowledge of the patient's characteristics beyond IQ deficit.
Protein aggregation: A detrimental symptom or an adaptation mechanism?
Authors: Lippi Alice , Krisko Anita
Published: September 2023

Protein quality control mechanisms oversee numerous aspects of protein lifetime. From the point of protein synthesis, protein homeostasis machineries take part in folding, solubilization, and/or degradation of impaired proteins. Some proteins follow an alternative path upon loss of their solubility, thus are secluded from the cytosol and form protein aggregates. Protein aggregates differ in their function and composition, rendering protein aggregation a complex phenomenon that continues to receive plenty of attention in the scientific and medical communities. Traditionally, protein aggregates have been associated with aging and a large spectrum of protein folding diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, or cataract. However, a body of evidence suggests that they may act as an adaptive mechanism to overcome transient stressful conditions, serving as a sink for the removal of misfolded proteins from the cytosol or storage compartments for machineries required upon stress release. In this review, we present examples and evidence elaborating different possible roles of protein aggregation and discuss their potential roles in stress survival, aging, and disease, as well as possible anti‐aggregation interventions.

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The limits of thematization
Authors: Zuckerman Charles H. P. , Enfield N. J.
Published: September 2023

A fundamental capacity of language is its reflexivity. But not every aspect of language is equally accessible to being reflected upon. Michael Silverstein's 1981 paper, the “Limits of Awareness,” set the terms of this discussion in linguistic anthropology with his study of speakers' “awareness” of pragmatic forms and their corresponding capacity to talk about them. His notion of differential “awareness” of aspects of language has since been foundational to linguistic‐anthropological understandings of language ideologies. Here we consider Silverstein's argument with reference to our research in Laos, exploring the limits of metalinguistic discourse. We argue that the apparent constraints on our capacity to talk about aspects of language do not evidence limits of awareness of elements of language, but rather constraints on our ability to thematize those elements, that is, to bring them into joint attention. The central issue is thematization, and the relation of interest is a relation of joint attention between speakers. Metalanguage is thus constrained not (only) by psychological limits but by the social and semiotic limits on what people can bring into mutual focus within interactions. To present our framing of the issue and show what it helps us see, we distinguish two kinds of thematization and describe their subtypes, affordances, and constraints. We then demonstrate how social conventions—broadly understood—can circumvent these constraints, allowing people to thematize otherwise difficult to thematize forms.
Educational identity and maternal helicopter parenting: Moderation by the perceptions of environmental threat
Authors: Wang Yue , Hawk Skyler Thomas , Branje Susan
Published: September 2023

This four‐wave study examined longitudinal associations between maternal helicopter parenting and college students' educational identity processes over 1 year, as well as the moderating effects of mothers' perceived environmental threats (i.e., uncertainty and competition). Participants were 349 first‐year university students (39.8% male, Mage = 18.20) and their mothers (Mage = 49.10) in Hong Kong. Latent class growth analysis identified two subgroups based on levels of mothers' threat perceptions (i.e., lower vs. higher). Multi‐group random‐intercept cross‐lagged models found that, at the within‐person level, students' reconsideration of educational commitments positively predicted helicopter parenting only for mothers with higher threat perceptions. These findings mainly support youth‐driven effects on overbearing parenting behaviors. Mothers' threat perceptions might exacerbate these excessive responses to youth's academic turbulence.
Occurrence and clinical relevance of postoperative hypernatremia in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy
Authors: Brunori Lara , Dolan Cormac , Elias Santo‐Domingo Neus
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients undergoing cholecystectomy have not been reported previously to develop clinically relevant postoperative hypernatremia.

Objectives

Describe the frequency of postoperative hypernatremia in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy and its clinical relevance (duration of hospitalization and survival).

Animals

Thirty‐seven dogs undergoing cholecystectomy at 2 private referral hospitals.

Methods

Retrospective study of dogs undergoing cholecystectomy with available preoperative and postoperative serum sodium concentrations.

Results

Postoperative hypernatremia (>150 mEq/L) was common (56%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40%‐70%) and was associated with significantly higher mortality compared to nonhypernatremic patients (52%; 95% CI, 30%‐70% vs 12.5%; 95% CI, 2%‐40%; P = .02). Nonsurvivors had higher mean postoperative peak serum sodium concentrations (155 mEq/L; range, 146‐172) than survivors (150 mEq/L; range, 142‐156; P = .01). Dogs developing hypernatremia within 6 hours after surgery had 7.7 higher odds of nonsurvival (odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% CI, 5.9‐9.4). A delta value (serum sodium concentration on admission [T0] − serum sodium concentration 6 hours postoperatively [T2]) of ≥10 mEq/L carried 3.3 higher odds of mortality (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.6‐5.1). All dogs with a postoperative peak sodium concentration >160 mEq/L did not survive.

Admission acute patient physiologic laboratory evaluation fast (APPLEfast) scores were not different between survivors and nonsurvivors or between postoperative hypernatremic and normonatremic patients. Hospitalization time was no different between hypernatremic and normonatremic patients (6 days vs 4.5 days; P = .15). Dogs with gallbladder mucocele were more likely to develop postoperative hypernatremia and have poorer outcomes.

Conclusions

Hypernatremia was a common and clinically relevant postoperative complication in dogs after cholecystectomy. Detection of hypernatremia within 6 hours after surgery may be associated with poorer outcomes.
Radiographic lung congestion scores in dogs with acute congestive heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Koster Liza , Vogel Jenna , Springer Cary M. , Hecht Silke
Published: September 2023

Background

In humans, lung congestion scores are predictive of recurrence of acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and are superior to cardiac biomarkers in predicting survival.

Objectives

The primary aim of this retrospective study was to determine if a modified lung congestion score (LCS) in dogs diagnosed with acute CHF because of myxomatous mitral valve disease was associated with time until recurrence or death.

Animals

Complete medical records were available for a total of 94 dogs between 2010 and 2019, but only 35 dogs fulfilled the criteria for inclusion.

Methods

This retrospective study used descriptive statistics to describe the cumulative and corrected LCS. Correlations were used to examine the association of the corrected LCS and time until recurrence or death, selected echocardiographic variables, and timing of furosemide administration.

Results

The mean LCS was 8.4 (SD 3.3) and corrected LCS was 0.48 (SD 0.19). The pattern was predominantly symmetric (40% of dogs) and focal (caudal) but more commonly right‐sided when asymmetric (40% vs 20%). The median number of days after initial diagnosis of acute CHF to readmission and death was 150 days (range 4‐572), and 266 days (range 5‐965), respectively. No significant association between the dog's corrected LCS and number of days until readmission (r = .173, P = .42) nor survival (r = .109, P = .56) was found. There was a negative significant correlation (r = −.71, P < .001) between the time interval of furosemide administration and corrected LCS.
Pioneers of post‐agricultural forest successions are adapted for herbivory avoidance but not biotic seed dispersal
Authors: Mason Norman W. H. , Burrows Lawrence E. , Holdaway Robert J. , Carswell Fiona E. , Richardson Sarah J.
Published: September 2023

Question

Natural reforestation is an important component of climate mitigation and adaptation, but the ecological processes promoting or constraining it are poorly understood. In this study we employ a stand reconstruction approach (which uses ages of extant trees to estimate year of establishment for each individual tree) to test for general trait‐based effects on tree species arrival order in post‐agricultural forest successions.

Location

Naturally reforesting post‐agricultural landscapes throughout New Zealand.

Methods

Ages were obtained for 2434 individuals spanning 30 tree species across a nationwide network of 128 plots in 14 naturally reforesting post‐agricultural sites. These ages were used to calculate individual‐level arrival times (relative to the oldest individual in each plot). We estimated species‐level arrival times by fitting linear mixed‐effects (LME) regressions (with species identity as the fixed effect, and plots nested within sites as the random effects) to individual arrival time data. We used back‐casting (where arrival time data are used to document individual‐level presence in plots through time) to track annual changes in species abundance and community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values.

We used standardised major axis (SMA) regressions to examine the effect of traits related to resource use strategy, herbivory avoidance, seed dispersal and disturbance response on species‐level arrival times. We used LME regressions to test for changes in CWM trait values with stand age.

Results

The earliest‐arriving species had traits associated with herbivory avoidance, were abiotically dispersed and had short predicted dispersal distances. There was no evidence that traits linked to resource use strategy or disturbance response affected species arrival times. Every significant species‐level relationship was recovered in community‐level LME analyses.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that mammalian herbivore control and enhancement of biotic (bird) seed dispersal may be key management interventions in realising the full climate mitigation and adaptation potential of natural reforestation in post‐agricultural landscapes.
Ecophysiological trait variation in desert versus Mediterranean populations of a gecko
Authors: Schwarz R. , Stark G. , Levin E. , Chapple D. G. , Meiri S.
Published: September 2023

Populations inhabiting several biomes may experience different abiotic and biotic conditions, exerting local selection pressures. Temperature and water regimes are interconnected variables, that may differ between biomes, and greatly influence ecophysiological traits, such as metabolic and evaporative water loss rates. We hypothesized that Ptyodactylus guttatus (Sinai Fan‐fingered Gecko) individuals, which occupy the Mediterranean and desert biomes across Israel, would follow the “metabolic cold adaptation” hypothesis and be adapted to the microclimate in the biome they inhabit. We thus predicted that desert individuals would prefer lower temperatures, and have lower resting metabolic rates and evaporative water loss rates at higher ambient temperatures than Mediterranean individuals. We also predicted that Mediterranean individuals would have a better body condition than individuals from the desert, because of higher primary productivity in the Mediterranean biome, and would therefore have higher mite loads. We further predicted that geckos from the desert would have longer limbs, enabling them to lose more heat to the environment, according to Allen's rule. To test these hypotheses, we measured the temperature preferences, field body temperatures, resting metabolic rates, evaporative water loss rates, body conditions, mite loads, and limb lengths of 82 P. guttatus individuals collected from four localities two from the desert biome and two from the Mediterranean biome. There were no significant differences in any of the tested traits when comparing between biomes. However, we found some differences in the evaporative water loss rates, body temperatures, body condition, and forelimb lengths between the northernmost and southernmost, and driest and wettest localities, supporting some of our predictions. Our results highlight the importance of the resolution of the analysis. Although some ecophysiological traits of P. guttatus seem to be conserved across localities and biomes, thermal plasticity in these traits may have helped this species reach its current distribution and occupy two biomes.