bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil respiration response to nitrogen fertilization experiment in tropical grassland
Authors: Verma Preeti , Sagar R.
Published: March 2022

We examined the response of soil respiration (SR) to nitrogen (N) input using a manipulation experiment in a tropical grassland. Studying the influence of N‐input on the SR is important under sustainable agricultural strategies and future climate change. The response of SR is expected to vary in each ecosystem; therefore, manipulation experiments in many ecosystems and subsequent synthesis can be a significant strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation. We hypothesized that the higher levels of N‐input suppress the SR by reducing soil‐C, species diversity, and biomass of the roots and microbes. For this study, seventy‐two 1 × 1–m experimental plots (equally divided into six N‐levels; each with 12 replicates) were established in 2013 on the campus of the Banaras Hindu University, India. On monthly basis, six levels of N (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N ha−1 year−1) were applied to the plots. Soil and vegetation data were collected for 3 years and analyzed using statistical methods. The SR (mg m−2 h−1) ranged between 156 and 197 and significantly varied across the N‐inputs. Analysis revealed 85 kg N ha−1 year−1 input is needed for the maximum SR because of higher contents of microbial biomass, soil‐C, plant diversity, root biomass, and fast decomposition of the litters. The N‐input beyond 85 kg ha−1 year−1 inhibited the SR due to N‐induced soil acidification to the microbes and plants. We conclude that the SR of the tropical grassland ecosystem is synergistically governed by the N‐input‐modulated indirect effects of the soil and vegetation traits.
Secondary contact and adaptation to local pollinator assemblages mediate geographical variation in corolla length in Isodon shikokianus
Authors: Ogishima Miho , Hoshino Yusuke , Horie Sachiko , Yamashiro Tadashi , Maki Masayuki , Suzuki Kazuo , Dohzono Ikumi
Published: March 2022

Adaptation to local pollination regimes and secondary contact of allopatrically differentiated populations with respect to pollination ecology may result in geographical variation in floral traits. We examined the contributions of these two processes in Isodon shikokianus, which showed remarkable geographical variation in corolla tube length in western Japan. Corolla tube length varied among 17 study populations located within a relatively narrow area, and covaried with altitude and distribution of two bumblebee pollinators with different tongue lengths: the longer corolla was found at lower altitudes where the long‐tongued pollinator was more abundant, and vice versa. Additionally, bumblebee species preferentially visited flowers that fit their tongue lengths. Population genetic analysis based on 11 microsatellite loci revealed that populations with long and short corolla tubes constituted genetically distinct groups. Migration rates were low between the groups, but high within each group. These results indicate that two genetically differentiated groups made secondary contact and hybridized, and gene flow between the groups was limited. Thus, the geographical variation in corolla tube length in I. shikokianus may be a result of past allopatric differentiation and subsequent secondary contact of populations with different corolla tube lengths. The variation in corolla tube length within a narrow area may be maintained by selection owing to the altitudinally structured pollinator assemblages. Altitudinal differences in relative abundance of two pollinators and their assortative visitation with respect to corolla tube length may contribute to reproductive isolation between the two groups.
The Dynamics of Sino‐Iranian Relations: Strategic Veneer, Intrinsic Tensions and Third‐party Leverage
Authors: Parchami Ali
Published: March 2022

Sino‐Iranian relations are transactional, asymmetrical, and constrained by divergent interests and priorities. Iran's isolation and depressed economy make it a risky if inexpensive investment for Beijing, whereas Iranian critics view China as self‐serving and opportunistic. Although stability and cooperation are integral to China's Middle East strategy, Iran is a revisionist actor that promotes regional dissonance and instability. These intrinsic tensions do not detract from an important but less palpable dimension of Sino‐Iranian relations: By deliberately cultivating an air of ambiguity around their cooperation and its future prospects, both countries have been exploiting their bilateral ties as leverage with third parties.
Impact of pharmacist intervention in reducing vancomycin‐associated acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kunming Pan , Xiaotian Jiang , Qing Xu , Chenqi Xu , Xiaoqiang Ding , Qian Zhou Lv
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim was to quantify the relationship between pharmacist intervention and vancomycin‐associated acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

Electronic databases were searched up to August 2020 for meta‐analyses of cohort studies and/or randomized controlled trials. Studies that compared the incidence of AKI in patients between post‐ and prepharmacist intervention were investigated. The primary outcome was incidence of AKI. We also evaluated the influence of pharmacist intervention in risk factors of vancomycin‐associated AKI.

Results

The search strategy retrieved 1744 studies and 34 studies with 19 298 participants were included (22 published articles and 12 abstracts from conference proceedings). Compared with the preintervention group, the postintervention group patients had a significantly lower incidence of vancomycin‐associated AKI: 7.3% for post‐ and 9.6% for preintervention (odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.41, 0.67], P < .00001). The rate of attaining target concentration was significantly higher in the post‐ than preintervention group (OR 2.86, 95% CI [2.23, 3.67], P < .00001). The postintervention group significantly improved the percentage of serum creatinine laboratory tests than preintervention group (OR = 3.24, 95% CI 2.02, 5.19], P < .00001). Patients postintervention had markedly lower risk of mortality than preintervention patients (OR 0.47, 95% CI [0.31, 0.72], P = .0004).

Conclusion

Pharmacist intervention in vancomycin treatment significantly decreased the rate of vancomycin‐associated AKI, while improving efficacy and reducing mortality. We speculate that this is because the pharmacist interventions optimized the rationality of vancomycin therapy, monitoring of vancomycin trough concentration and the monitoring of patients' renal function.
Pseudotumour cerebri due to phenytoin in a child
Authors: Sasidharan Pillai Sabitha , Riyaz Arakkal , Krishnan Chakkiyar , Gireesh Sankaran Nair
Published: March 2022

Pseudotumour cerebri is a manifestation of intracranial hypertension in an otherwise normal individual. We hereby report phenytoin‐induced pseudotumour cerebri in a 9‐year‐old boy who received phenytoin as a prophylactic anticonvulsant following surgical removal of unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving the right frontal bone. The child was evaluated for headache and diplopia after starting phenytoin and on evaluation was found to have bilateral sixth nerve palsy. The only abnormality detected was an elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Withdrawal of phenytoin resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Despite meticulous literature search, we found only 1 other report of phenytoin induced pseudotumour cerebri. We report this case to highlight the need to consider this entity whenever a patient presents with new onset or persistent headache and visual symptoms soon after starting a medication since a high degree of suspicion is needed to arrive at the diagnosis and to take appropriate steps before it progresses to harmful complications such as vision loss.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients undergoing colonic resection for locally advanced nonmetastatic colon cancer: A nationwide propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Laursen Magnus , Dohrn Niclas , Gögenur Ismail , Klein Mads Falk
Published: March 2022

Aim

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for nonmetastatic colon cancer is not routinely used, and is currently only recommended as a treatment option for a subgroup of patients with T4b colon cancers in clinical guidelines. However, NCT may cause downstaging of the tumour, increase resectability, eradicate micrometastases and thereby improve long‐term outcomes for patients with nonmetastatic colon cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the short‐term postoperative outcomes in a nationwide cohort of patients with locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) receiving NCT.

Method

Using the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group Database, data were retrieved on patients diagnosed with LACC (defined as clinical T3 with extramural tumour invasion >5 mm or T4) and treated with resection with a curative intent between 2015 and 2019. Propensity score matching (PSM) in a 1:1 ratio was performed to compare short‐term surgical and oncological outcomes in patients receiving NCT with patients operated on without receiving NCT.

Results

A total of 179 LACC patients were treated with NCT and 1131 were not. After PSM, 145 patients remained in each group. We found no significant differences in any short‐term postoperative outcomes between the two groups. We found significant differences in favour of NCT regarding radicality and pathological N category [86% vs. 81% R0 (P = 0.029) and 51% vs. 46% pN0 (P = 0.017), respectively].

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for LACC does not result in worse short‐term postoperative outcomes and may increase the R0 rate as well as node‐negative disease. Results on long‐term benefits including survival are awaited from several ongoing randomized controlled trials.
The impact of surgical delay on resectability of colorectal cancer: An international prospective cohort study
Authors:   COVIDSurg Collaborative
Published: March 2022

Aim

The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to explore the impact of surgical delays on cancer resectability. This study aimed to compare resectability for colorectal cancer patients undergoing delayed versus non‐delayed surgery.

Methods

This was an international prospective cohort study of consecutive colorectal cancer patients with a decision for curative surgery (January–April 2020). Surgical delay was defined as an operation taking place more than 4 weeks after treatment decision, in a patient who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. A subgroup analysis explored the effects of delay in elective patients only. The impact of longer delays was explored in a sensitivity analysis. The primary outcome was complete resection, defined as curative resection with an R0 margin.

Results

Overall, 5453 patients from 304 hospitals in 47 countries were included, of whom 6.6% (358/5453) did not receive their planned operation. Of the 4304 operated patients without neoadjuvant therapy, 40.5% (1744/4304) were delayed beyond 4 weeks. Delayed patients were more likely to be older, men, more comorbid, have higher body mass index and have rectal cancer and early stage disease. Delayed patients had higher unadjusted rates of complete resection (93.7% vs. 91.9%, P = 0.032) and lower rates of emergency surgery (4.5% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001). After adjustment, delay was not associated with a lower rate of complete resection (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.90–1.55, P = 0.224), which was consistent in elective patients only (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69–1.27, P = 0.672). Longer delays were not associated with poorer outcomes.

Conclusion

One in 15 colorectal cancer patients did not receive their planned operation during the first wave of COVID‐19. Surgical delay did not appear to compromise resectability, raising the hypothesis that any reduction in long‐term survival attributable to delays is likely to be due to micro‐metastatic disease.
Impact assessments of wind farms on seabird populations that overlook existing drivers of demographic change should be treated with caution
Authors: Horswill Catharine , Miller Julie A. O. , Wood Matt J.
Published: March 2022

Population viability analyses (PVA) are now routinely used during the consenting process for offshore wind energy developments to assess potential impacts to vulnerable species, such as seabirds. These models are typically based on mean vital rates, such as survival and fecundity, with some level of environmental stochasticity (i.e., temporal variation). However, many species of seabird are experiencing population decline due to temporal (i.e., directional) trends in their vital rates. We assess the prevalence of temporal trends in rates of fecundity for a sentinel species of seabird, the black‐legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, and examine how accounting for these relationships affects the predictive accuracy of PVA, as well as the projected population response to an extrinsic threat. We found that temporal trends in kittiwake rates of fecundity are widespread, and that including these trends in PVA assessments dramatically influences the projected rate of population decline. We advocate that model validation become a prerequisite step in seabird PVA assessments to identify potential biases influencing the projected population response. We also argue that environmental factors driving current population dynamics need to be incorporated in PVA impact assessments as potential “worst‐case” scenarios. These findings have immediate application for improving and reducing uncertainty in impact assessments conducted as part of the consenting process for offshore wind energy developments.
Impacts of fiscal decentralization on local development in Vietnam: A disaggregated analysis
Authors: Bui Manh‐Tien , Le Thai‐Ha , Park Donghyun
Published: March 2022

After the Doi Moi reforms, Vietnam pursued fiscal decentralization to strengthen the autonomy and governance capacity of local governments. While several empirical studies analysed the impact of fiscal decentralization on the economic growth of Vietnamese provinces, very few studies examined its impact on their social development. This study represents an initial effort to fill this gap. The empirical analysis applied the panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) estimation and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to an updated panel data of 63 Vietnamese provinces, spanning the period from 2011 to 2019. The results indicate a positive impact of fiscal decentralization on both economic and social development as well as efficiency of resource utilization for development targets. However, realizing the full potential of fiscal decentralization requires the fulfilment of certain conditions.
Retrospective analysis of the safety of peripherally inserted catheters versus implanted port catheters during first‐line treatment for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Pénichoux Juliette , Rio Julien , Kammoun Leila , Vermeulin Thomas , Pepin Louis‐Ferdinand , Camus Vincent , Dubois Sydney , Bouclet Florian , Alani Mustafa , Contentin Nathalie , Leprêtre Stéphane , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Lanic Hélène , Lemasle Emilie , Ménard Anne‐Lise , Lenain Pascal , Gilles‐Baray Marie , Georgescu Dragos , Clatot Florian , Tilly Hervé , Jardin Fabrice
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Both peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and implanted port catheters (PORTs) are commonly used for the delivery of immunochemotherapy. We compared the safety of the two types of devices in a homogeneous and monocentric population of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients who were treated with first‐line immunochemotherapy by evaluating the numbers of catheter‐related venous thromboses (VTs) and infections that occurred in the six months after implantation according to the type of device.

Methods

Using a propensity score, the adjusted relative risk (ARR) between the type of catheter and the occurrence of catheter‐related complications (infection and/or VT) of interest was retrospectively determined.

Results

479 patients were enrolled (266 PORTs/213 PICCs), and 26 VTs (5.4%) and 30 infections (6.3%) were identified in the period following PICC/PORT implantation. The adjusted relative risk (ARR) of catheter‐related complications (infection and/or VT) according to the type of device was 2.6 (95% CI =1.3–5.9, p = .0075). This risk increase associated with the PICC device was significant for both infections (ARR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.3–10.9) and thrombosis (ARR = 4; 95% CI = 1.5–11.6).

Conclusion

Our study supports the preferential use of PORTs for the first line of treatment for DLBCL patients.
Biotic filtering by species’ interactions constrains food‐web variability across spatial and abiotic gradients
Authors: Bauer Barbara , Berti Emilio , Ryser Remo , Gauzens Benoit , Hirt Myriam R. , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Digel Christoph , Ott David , Scheu Stefan , Brose Ulrich
Published: March 2022

Despite intensive research on species dissimilarity patterns across communities (i.e. β‐diversity), we still know little about their implications for variation in food‐web structures. Our analyses of 50 lake and 48 forest soil communities show that, while species dissimilarity depends on environmental and spatial gradients, these effects are only weakly propagated to the networks. Moreover, our results show that species and food‐web dissimilarities are consistently correlated, but that much of the variation in food‐web structure across spatial, environmental, and species gradients remains unexplained. Novel food‐web assembly models demonstrate the importance of biotic filtering during community assembly by (1) the availability of resources and (2) limiting similarity in species’ interactions to avoid strong niche overlap and thus competitive exclusion. This reveals a strong signature of biotic filtering processes during local community assembly, which constrains the variability in structural food‐web patterns across local communities despite substantial turnover in species composition.
PotN represents a novel energy‐state sensing PII subfamily, occurring in firmicutes
Authors: Iskhakova Zalina I. , Zhuravleva Darya E. , Heim Christopher , Hartmann Marcus D. , Laykov Aleksandr V. , Forchhammer Karl , Kayumov Airat R.
Published: March 2022

PII proteins are signal processor proteins that regulate the cellular metabolism of Bacteria, Archea and plant chloroplasts typically in response to the cellular nitrogen status. Here, we report the first biochemical characterization of a novel PII‐like protein PotN fromLentilactobacillus hilgardii. PotN is encoded in an operon together with thepotABCDgenes, encoding the ABC transporter for spermidine/putrescine. Like canonical PII proteins, the native PotN has a trimeric structure and competitively binds ATP and ADP, but it does not bind 2‐oxoglutarate. Immunoprecipitation and pull‐down experiments revealed that PotN is associatedin vivowith the transcriptional regulator GlnR and the beta‐subunit of pyruvate/2‐oxoglutarate/acetoin dehydrogenase AcoB. Moreover,in vitroassays revealed that the ATPase domain of PotA also is able to interact with PotN. Interaction analyses demonstrated that PotN preferentially associates with PotA in the ADP state, whereas it binds to GlnR at elevated ATP levels. This suggests that PotN regulates the transport of polyamines and GlnR‐dependent gene expression in response to the energy availability for the cell.
Global soil microbiomes: A new frontline of biome‐ecology research
Authors: Vasar Martti , Davison John , Sepp Siim‐Kaarel , Mucina Ladislav , Oja Jane , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Anslan Sten , Bahram Mohammad , Bueno C. Guillermo , Cantero Juan José , Decocq Guillaume , Fraser Lauchlan , Hiiesalu Inga , Hozzein Wael N. , Koorem Kadri , Meng Yiming , Moora Mari , Onipchenko Vladimir , Öpik Maarja , Pärtel Meelis , Vahter Tanel , Tedersoo Leho , Zobel Martin
Published: March 2022

Aim

Organisms on our planet form spatially congruent and functionally distinct communities, which at large geographical scales are called “biomes”. Understanding their pattern and function is vital for sustainable use and protection of biodiversity. Current global terrestrial biome classifications are based primarily on climate characteristics and functional aspects of plant community assembly. These and other existing biome schemes do not take account of soil organisms, including highly diverse and functionally important microbial groups. We aimed to define large‐scale structure in the diversity of soil microbes (soil microbiomes), pinpoint the environmental drivers shaping it and identify resemblance and mismatch with existing terrestrial biome schemes.

Location

Global.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Soil eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Methods

We collected soil samples from natural environments world‐wide, incorporating most known terrestrial biomes. We used high‐throughput sequencing to characterize soil biotic communities and k‐means clustering to define soil microbiomes describing the diversity of microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic groups. We used climatic data and soil variables measured in the field to identify the environmental variables shaping soil microbiome structure.

Results

We recorded strong correlations among fungal, bacterial, archaeal, plant and animal communities, defined a system of global soil microbiomes (producing seven biome types for microbial eukaryotes and six biome types for prokaryotes) and showed that these are typically structured by pH alongside temperature. None of the soil microbiomes are directly paralleled by any current terrestrial biome scheme, with mismatch most substantial for prokaryotes and for microbial eukaryotes in cold climates; nor do they consistently distinguish grassland and forest ecosystems.

Main conclusions

Existing terrestrial biome classifications represent a limited surrogate for the large‐scale diversity patterns of microbial soil organisms. We show that empirically defined soil microbiomes are attainable using metabarcoding and statistical clustering approaches and suggest that they can have wide application in theoretical and applied biodiversity research.
Association of life‐course socioeconomic status with allostatic load inChinese middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Ye Xin , Zhu Dawei , Ding Ruoxi , He Ping
Published: March 2022

Aim

To examine the association of life‐course socioeconomic status (SES) and mobility with allostatic load (AL) in a large cohort of Chinese middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

Drawing on data from 17 552 middle‐aged and older adults from three waves of a longitudinal study conducted in China in 2011–2015, generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used for the overall sample and subsample to examine the association between life‐course SES and AL.

Results

On the whole, those who were literate had lower AL (β = −0.034, 95% CI = −0.065, −0.004), while those with a non‐agricultural occupation (β = 0.093, 95% CI = 0.065, 0.120) and better financial status in childhood (β = 0.037, 95% CI = 0.012, 0.063) or adulthood (β = 0.033, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.058) had higher AL. In terms of SES mobility, a stable high education was associated with lower AL (β = −0.041, 95% CI = −0.078, −0.004). Upward (β = 0.090, 95% CI = 0.061, 0.120) or stable high (β = 0.075, 95% CI = 0.025, 0.125) occupation was related to higher AL. Downward (β = 0.034, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.064) or stable high (β = 0.072, 95% CI = 0.037, 0.107) financial status was associated with higher AL. Education manifested no associations with AL for the rural and men samples. Financial status showed no relationship with AL for the urban sample.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the importance of applying life‐course models for gaining an understanding of SES and AL. Efforts to lower AL among Chinese middle‐aged and older adults should consider childhood and current SES status, as well as different subgroups.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 425–432.
Determination of Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd Mass Fractions and 187Os/188Os Ratios of Organic‐Rich Geological Reference Materials
Authors: Wang Mengjie , Chu Zhuyin , Meisel Thomas C. , Guo Jinghui
Published: March 2022

At present, reported data for Re‐PGE mass fractions (in particular) and 187Os/188Os isotope ratios of organic‐rich reference materials (RMs) are rare, hampering the comparison of data quality between different laboratories. In this study, we measured the Re‐PGE (Os, Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd) mass fractions, as well as 187Os/188Os isotope ratios of five shale RMs, including USGS SGR‐1b (oil shale), SBC‐1 (marine shale), SCo‐2 (silty marine shale), ShTX‐1 (calcareous organic‐rich shale) and ShCX‐1 (calcareous shale), and one oil RM, NIST RM 8505. The results show that the five shale RMs have similar upper continental crust‐normalised PGE‐Re patterns and are generally homogeneous in Re‐PGE mass fractions and 187Os/188Os isotope ratios at test portions of 0.2–0.5 g, and thus can be used as matrix‐matched RMs for Re‐Os and PGE of shale samples. The oil RM NIST 8505 and its asphaltene separates are also roughly homogeneous in Re‐PGE mass fractions and 187Os/188Os isotope ratios at test portions of 0.1–0.3 g and can potentially be used as an oil RM for Re‐Os and PGE.
Urban functional transformation in (de)industrializing China: The heterogeneous roles of state and market
Authors: Cao Guangzhong , Peng Rongxi , Liu Tao
Published: March 2022

China has experienced great economic transition and structural changes since reform and opening‐up, accompanying an unprecedented urban transformation under dramatic (de)industrialization. Previous studies have addressed the roles of state and market and their interaction in (de)industrialization and urban transformation of post‐reform China. However, few studies have given attention to the huge variations across regions and cities in their (de)industrialization stages, their main functions in urban systems of the country, and the critical issues facing them. This study examines the transformation process of different types of cities by employing the perspective of urban function evolution. Specifically, we analyze the spatial pattern of urban functional structure of China and its evolutionary features based on census employment data. Then, we focus on three major concerns of urban transformation in China, namely the multi‐stage and spatial gradient of (de)industrialization, the hierarchy and dynamics of central cities, and the transformation of resource‐dependent cities. Results indicate that the synergy of state and market forces promotes urban transformation in China and that their relative importance and mode of action vary across cities in different regions, stages, and functions. This research highlights an urban functional scope to understand the constant urban transformations in developing countries.
A prospective, randomized, split‐face study of concomitant administration of low‐dose oral isotretinoin with 30% salicylic acid chemical peeling for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Asian population
Authors: Ye Dan , Xue Huan , Huang Shiliu , He Shujuan , Li Youbao , Liu Jing , Wang Zhao , Zeng Weihui
Published: March 2022

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common dermatosis. For moderate to severe AV, isotretinoin is the first‐line treatment. Chemical peeling with supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) was developed with water solubility and advanced skin penetration properties. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of oral low‐dose isotretinoin combined with 30% SSA chemical peeling.

Methods

Thirty‐three moderate‐to‐severe acne patients were enrolled and received oral low‐dose (0.2–0.4 mg/kg/d) isotretinoin and were then randomly assigned to receive 30% SSA or not on each side of the face with 2‐week intervals for four sessions. Photos, the number of lesions, GAGS score, skin indices (melanin, erythema, pore, and texture), hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 weeks. Side effects, efficacy, and satisfactory rates were recorded.

Results

A total of 29 patients completed the study. Oral isotretinoin combined with SSA decreased response time compared to isotretinoin monotherapy, with significantly improved GAGS score, count of lesions, and efficacy (%) at 4–6 weeks. Skin indices of melanin, erythema, pore, and texture evaluated at week 10 were improved as well. Oral isotretinoin with or without SSA was effective by the lesion clearance; only SSA significantly improved the TEWL. All the side effects were temporary and tolerable, and no adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

Oral low‐dose isotretinoin combined with 30% SSA is safe and effective, which advanced the onset of action and improves lesion clearance.
Nurse‐led task‐shifting strategies to substitute for mental health specialists in primary care: A systematic review
Authors: Aurizki Gading Ekapuja , Wilson Ian
Published: March 2022

Aim

The study aimed to synthesize evidence comparing task‐shifting interventions led by general practice nurses and mental health specialists in improving mental health outcomes of adults in primary care.

Design

This study used a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Data Sources

Articles from the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane EBM Reviews, Web of Science Core Collection, and ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis published between 2000 and 2020 were included.

Review Methods

The review was arranged based on the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Results

Twelve articles met the eligibility criteria. Eight studies revealed that nurse‐led intervention was significantly superior to its comparator. The review identified three major themes: training and supervision, single and collaborative care and psychosocial treatments.

Conclusion

Nurses could be temporarily employed to provide mental health services in the absence of mental health specialists as long as appropriate training and supervision was provided. This finding should be interpreted with caution due to the high risk of bias in the studies reviewed and the limited generalisability of their findings.
Adolescent marriage and motherhood in Turkey: A qualitative study exploring determinants, impacts and opinions about preventive strategies
Authors: Taplak Ayşe Şener , Yılmaz Figen Alp
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aimed to understand the determinants of child marriages, becoming a child mother, their impacts and opinions about preventive strategies.

Design

The phenomenological research approach was adopted with one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews between December 2017 and May 2018.

Methods

The population of the study consisted of 36 adolescent married mothers registered in the Family Health Centres. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and evaluated based on a thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

In the study, four main themes and 12 subthemes were determined. Adolescent marriages determinants occurred as patriarchal cultural norms, the perception that girls would be safe under the protection of another man, and poverty. Adolescent brides experienced partner violence and were subjected to physical, psychological and sexual violence in their marriage. Adolescent mothers had low maternal self‐confidence, childcare challenges and were late to take on childcare responsibilities, and their children were neglected. As a result of early marriage, the participants experienced psychological problems and burnout later in their lives. Improving family‐child communication, and eliminating financial inadequacies were among the opinions on prevention strategies of child marriages.

Conclusion

The findings of this study identified the determinants and impact of adolescent marriages and revealed the problems experienced by adolescent brides and mothers.

Impact

The most important contribution of this study is that it deals with the motherhood experiences. In addition, it is one of the important findings of this study that it draws attention to their neglected children's due to lack of knowledge and experience of their mothers about childcare.
A nurse‐led multicentre randomized controlled trial on effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of Chinese iSupport for dementia program: A study protocol
Authors: Xiao Lily Dongxia , Wang Jing , Ratcliffe Julie , Ullah Shahid , Brodaty Henry , Brijnath Bianca , Chang Hui‐Chen ( Rita) , Wang Huali , Chang Chia‐Chi , Kwok Timothy , Zhu Mingxia
Published: March 2022

Aims

To describe a nurse‐led multicentre randomized controlled trial protocol developed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of a Chinese iSupport for Dementia program in Australia and Greater China including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Design

A multicentre randomized controlled trial following the SPIRIT checklist.

Methods

Participants in the study will be recruited from Australia and Greater China and will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the usual care group. Interventions will include self‐learning of the iSupport program, virtual peer support and nurse program facilitator support for 6 months. Primary outcome measures will be the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey. Secondary outcome measures will include: Revised Scale for Caregiving Self‐efficacy; Quality of Social Support Scale; Revised Memory and Behaviour Problem Checklist; the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease‐Proxy; usages of care services; and cost‐effectiveness of the intervention. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6 months and 9 months from the baseline. Caregivers' experiences of the peer support will be explored. This project was funded by the National Foundation for Australia‐China Relations, Australian Government (Project ID: NFACR216). The total amount is $440,000 Australian dollars (or £ 236,231).

Discussion

Approximately, 20% of people living with dementia in the world live in Australia and Greater China. Older Chinese are usually cared for by family caregivers at home due to the influence of Confucianism. However, free and online psychoeducation programs for this large cohort of caregivers are not available or accessible. The World Health Organization iSupport for Dementia is an evidence‐based online psychoeducation program for caregivers. Implementing a culturally adapted Chinese iSupport program will address this gap in supporting caregivers.

Impact

This study will provide research evidence on effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of an online psychoeducation program for caregivers. Findings will inform policy and practice development.
A systematic review and qualitative meta‐synthesis of the roles of home‐visiting nurses working with women experiencing family violence
Authors: Adams Catina , Hooker Leesa , Taft Angela
Published: March 2022

Aims

To systematically review and synthesize qualitative research exploring home‐visiting nurses' roles and identify the challenges for nurses working with women experiencing family violence.

Design

We undertook a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies, focusing on the family violence work of nurse home visitors.

Data sources

A systematic search of four scientific databases (ProQuest Central, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE) was undertaken in August 2021. Grey literature was searched, including government and non‐government research documents, theses, clinical guidelines, policy documents and practice frameworks.

Review methods

Inclusion criteria included research from high‐income countries, peer‐reviewed qualitative studies in English published from 1985 to 2021, and included research on home‐visiting nurse family violence practice. The first author conducted the data search and the initial screening. The first and second authors independently reviewed the full text of 115 papers, identifying 26 for inclusion in the thematic synthesis (Figure 1—PRISMA flowchart).

Results

The thematic synthesis identified two themes: (1) relationship building—with the client, with services and with colleagues/self; and (2) family violence practice—ask/screen, validate/name, assess risk/safety plan and safeguard children.

Conclusion

The thematic synthesis confirmed the multiple roles fulfilled by home‐visiting nurses and enabled insight into the challenges they face as they undertake complex and demanding work. The roles of the home‐visiting nurse have evolved, with the initial focus on safeguarding children leading to broader family violence nursing practice roles, including the identification of family violence and safety planning discussions with women.

Impact

Our meta‐synthesis has confirmed the high‐level communication and rapport‐building skills required by nurses undertaking complex and conflicting roles. Nurses need support and supervision to undertake emotionally demanding work. Integrated health systems, clinical practice guidelines and tools, and training programmes need to encompass the breadth and complexity of the roles of these specialist practitioners.
Collaborative behavioural patterns of elementary school students working on a robotics project
Authors: Sisman Burak , Kucuk Sevda , Ozcan Neslihan
Published: March 2022

Background

Educational robotics (ER) is a means of teaching technology and engineering to students that offers an active learning environment by encouraging them to create meaningful and unique products. ER also gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively.

Objectives

In this study, elementary school students' behavioral patterns were explored while they were working on a collaborative robotics project. Additionally, behavioral patterns of higher‐achievement and lower‐achievement groups were compared.

Methods

The participants of the study were a total of 18 students (aged 10–12), including 17 males and 1 female. A problem‐based robotics competition was designed within the scope of the study. The students were asked to design and program a robot based on certain rules in groups within four weeks for this competition. All robot design processes and the competition were video‐recorded. Quantitative content analysis and lag‐sequential analysis methods were used to analyze students' behaviors.

Results and Conclusions

The results showed that ER improves collaborative learning, and behaviors in the contributing and planning categories were the dominant behaviors during the robotics project development. Grouping skills of higher‐achievement groups were better. Based on the significant collaborative behavioral patterns that emerged from the study, implications were discussed in terms of theoretical insights and collaborative educational robotics practices.
Night shifts and hypertension
Authors: de Leeuw Peter W.
Published: March 2022

Shift workers may develop increased blood pressure.
A randomized trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of once‐daily liraglutide 1.8 mg in Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes exhibiting an inadequate response to liraglutide 0.9 mg
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Miyoshi Hideaki , Bosch Traberg Heidrun , Divyalasya T V S , Nishijima Keiji , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: March 2022

Aims/Introduction

The present trial compared the efficacy and safety of once‐daily liraglutide 1.8 mg with liraglutide 0.9 mg in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the incremental effects of liraglutide 1.8 mg in those who exhibited an inadequate response to 0.9 mg.

Materials and Methods

This 26‐week randomized trial (NCT02505334) enrolled Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes across 47 sites in Japan. Participants with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.5–10.0% were included and those on insulin treatment were excluded. Participants discontinued pre‐trial oral antidiabetic drug and initiated liraglutide 0.9 mg for a 12‐week run‐in period, after which those with HbA1c ≥7.0% (466) were randomized (1:1) to two treatment arms: continuing liraglutide 0.9 mg or dose escalation to 1.8 mg. The change from baseline in HbA1c (primary endpoint) and treatment‐emergent adverse events (secondary endpoint) were measured at the end of 26 weeks.

Results

After 26 weeks of treatment, liraglutide 1.8 mg was more effective compared with 0.9 mg in lowering HbA1c levels, with an estimated treatment difference of −0.40% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.55, −0.24; P < 0.0001). Liraglutide 1.8 mg was associated with significantly greater odds of participants reaching HbA1c <7.0% (estimated odds ratio [EOR] 3.87; 95% CI 2.12, 7.08; P < 0.0001) and ≤6.5% (EOR 3.78; 95% CI 1.36, 10.54; P = 0.0109) compared with 0.9 mg. Both doses were well tolerated.

Conclusions

Liraglutide 1.8 mg had better efficacy in improving HbA1c levels after 26 weeks treatment vs 0.9 mg in Japanese patients, with both doses well tolerated.
Epistemic risk and nonepistemic values in end‐of‐life care
Authors: Elton Lotte
Published: March 2022

Some have questioned the extent of medical intervention at the end of people's lives, arguing that we often intervene in the dying process in ways which are harmful, inappropriate, or undignified. In this paper, I argue that over‐treatment of dying is a function of the way in which clinicians manage epistemic risk—the risk of being wrong. When making any scientific decision—whether making inferences from empirical data, or determining a plan for medical treatment—there is always a degree of uncertainty: in other words, there is always a possibility we make the wrong decision. As philosophers of science such as Justin Biddle have argued, there is no way to resolve epistemic risk without weighing up the consequences of being wrong. This requires us to draw upon other, non‐epistemic considerations, like social and ideological values; as such, questions of epistemic risk cannot be answered solely with reference to epistemic considerations such as evidence. In this paper, I explore how epistemic risk arises in end‐of‐life care, highlighting how clinicians face epistemic risk when diagnosing patients as dying and when determining whether a particular treatment is futile. I argue that there is no clear cut‐off between reversible and irreversible illness, nor between useful and futile treatment. Clinicians who diagnose a patient as dying thus risk failing to provide treatment which could be beneficial; conversely, clinicians who determine that a patient has a potentially reversible illness risk subjecting them to futile treatment that may be painful or distressing. Having outlined where and how epistemic risk arises in end‐of‐life care, I turn my attention to the values and norms which shape clinicians' management of epistemic risk. I highlight how societal attitudes towards death, the medicalisation of dying, and the practice of defensive medicine all contribute to clinicians erring on one side of epistemic caution, minimising the risk that they miss or fail to treat illness. By applying the concept of epistemic risk to end‐of‐life care, I offer a novel lens through which to view medical decision‐making in dying patients.
Energy consumption in relation to the number of stacked packages in forced air pre‐cooling of apples
Authors: Jia Binguang , Yang Luopeng , Zhang Linhua , Li Xiuling , Liu Bing , Chen Feiyong , Zhang Qiangwu
Published: March 2022

To better investigate the effect of the number of stacked packages on the seven‐eights cooling time and the specific fan energy consumption in forced air pre‐cooling (FAC), a three‐dimensional model of FAC in the stacked packages was developed. The predicted total pressure loss was less than the product of the number of stacked packages and the pressure loss of a single package. This was due to the pressure loss of the cold air flowing through the openings in the adjacent packages accounting for the dominant proportion of the stacked packages. The difference was used to prove the overestimation of the specific fan energy consumption calculated in terms of the product of the number of stacked packages and the pressure loss of a single package. In terms of the required parameters in the pre‐cooling industry, the optimal condition of three stacked packages at the air velocity of 1.0 m/s was suggested. Compared with the other complied conditions, the specific fan energy consumption of the optimal condition was reduced by more than 50% and 0.0289–0.975$ t−1, respectively.

Practical applications

Forced air pre‐cooling was an effective way to retain freshness and to improve the economic benefit of horticultural products. The quantitative relationships among the number of stacked packages, the pressure loss, and the fan energy consumption were obtained by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Based on the results, the optimal condition in forced air pre‐cooling of apples was suggested.
Family theorizing for social justice: A critical praxis
Authors: Allen Katherine R. , Henderson Angela C.
Published: March 2022

Although families are subject to multiple social stratifications and systemic injustices, family science was built upon foundational ideas that theorized a unitary, normative structure of family life. Increasing social and political awareness has brought a new urgency to theorize about and study how families actually live, with a need for critical theories to explain and understand the multiplicity and reality of family experiences. We examine new theoretical possibilities among a selection of seven family theories, including four foundational theories in the family science canon (symbolic interactionist theory, functionalist theory, life course theory, and family stress and resilience theory), and three critical theories that are rising in potential and prominence (intersectional feminist theory, critical race theory, and queer theory). We address the ways in which new forms of critical family theorizing—including the redemption of older foundational theories—are needed to account for macro‐level issues of antiracism and social justice, thereby offering innovative possibilities for generating explanations about diverse family structures, processes, and contexts. Critical praxis—turning theory into action—can fuel transformative social justice work, including antiracist activism that makes a difference in the lives of the families we study and with whom we live.
Forensic carbon accounting: Assessing the role of seaweeds for carbon sequestration
Authors: Hurd Catriona L. , Law Cliff S. , Bach Lennart T. , Britton Damon , Hovenden Mark , Paine Ellie R. , Raven John A. , Tamsitt Veronica , Boyd Philip W.
Published: March 2022

Carbon sequestration is defined as the secure storage of carbon‐containing molecules for >100 years, and in the context of carbon dioxide removal for climate mitigation, the origin of this CO2 is from the atmosphere. On land, trees globally sequester substantial amounts of carbon in woody biomass, and an analogous role for seaweeds in ocean carbon sequestration has been suggested. The purposeful expansion of natural seaweed beds and aquaculture systems, including into the open ocean (ocean afforestation), has been proposed as a method of increasing carbon sequestration and use in carbon trading and offset schemes. However, to verify whether CO2 fixed by seaweeds through photosynthesis leads to carbon sequestration is extremely complex in the marine environment compared to terrestrial systems, because of the need to jointly consider: the comparatively rapid turnover of seaweed biomass, tracing the fate of carbon via particulate and dissolved organic carbon pathways in dynamic coastal waters, and the key role of atmosphere–ocean CO2 exchange. We propose a Forensic Carbon Accounting approach, in which a thorough analysis of carbon flows between the atmosphere and ocean, and into and out of seaweeds would be undertaken, for assessing the magnitude of CO2 removal and robust attribution of carbon sequestration to seaweeds.