bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conceptual framework for modelling the role of livestock systems in sustainable diets and a sustainable planet
Authors: Dougherty J. C. H. , Ridoutt B. , Jackson M. K. , Arsic M. , Juliano P. , Oddy V. H.
Published: December 2023

The role of livestock in sustainable food systems and sustainable diets is a complex issue. It should be assessed in terms of its impacts on environmental, economic, and social sustainability, as well as the levels of animal performance, the human food supply, and the human food production system. However, such nuanced analyses are made difficult by the lack of multi-metric, multi-domain modelling frameworks and a lack of data on regional variation in livestock production. This paper proposes a conceptual biophysical modelling framework that could be used as a pathway to address existing methodology gaps and improve sustainability analyses across multiple levels. Realising this modelling framework requires clear, transparent, and enforceable frameworks for multi-scale sustainability assessments, as well as long-term investment into region-specific data collection, particularly from under-represented regions. To ensure representativeness and broader utility, this framework must also be able to model variation in both production systems and consumer dietary patterns, and the feedback loops between producer/consumer decisions and on-farm production. Beyond the level of science, this will also require concerted effort by the various actors in the livestock and food-chain sectors such as governmental bodies, the food production industry and local communities. Once realised, this framework could be used to assess trade-offs between potential food-system changes and to ensure that decisions are being made from a big picture, net-benefit perspective, while exploring methods for building flexible, diverse food systems that are sustainable across multiple scales.
A biography of professor Jenny Davis: a scientist with a passion for freshwater ecology
Authors: Kennedy Patricia L.
Published: December 2023

Jenny Davis was among the first small, but significant tranche of women field biologists in the Pacific Region. She was born in Tasmania and developed a fascination with freshwater systems at an early age. Despite the paucity of female role models, freshwater ecology evolved into her research career track at the University of Tasmania where she completed her Honours degree (Zoology; 1976) and PhD (Freshwater Ecology; 1981). Jenny started her first academic position as a Tutor at Murdoch University in 1985. She successfully moved through the academic hierarchy where women continue to be under-represented in the senior ranks. She recently (2021) retired from her administrative and teaching responsibilities at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and approaching 70, is currently a Professor of Freshwater Ecology at CDU. An over-arching theme of her research is to understand the factors influencing the persistence of groundwater and surface water ecosystems. She has worked on the impacts of multiple stressors on springs, wetlands and arid zone waterbodies. She serves as a compelling role model for young scientists struggling to have a satisfying work-life balance. Jenny single-parented a son while conducting field work, teaching, publishing, serving as an academic administrator and being a prolific and successful grant writer. Jenny was also an exceptional mentor to a diverse group of students and post-docs, many of whom have thriving careers in academia, government and industry across Australia. This paper is a biography of a woman who with talent and persistence successfully broke gender barriers in Australian freshwater ecology and academia.
Engaging older Australians in sexual health research: SHAPE2 survey recruitment and sample
Authors: Bourchier Louise , Temple-Smith Meredith , Hocking Jane , Bittleston Helen , Malta Sue
Published: December 2023

Background Sexual health research rarely includes older age groups and the sexual health needs of older Australians are not well understood. Older adults are online in increasing numbers; however, internet surveys involving samples of older adults and sensitive topics remain uncommon. In 2021, we developed an online survey to explore the sexual health needs of Australians aged 60+ years. We describe here survey recruitment and sample obtained, comparing it with national population data (Australian Bureau of Statistics) and the sample of the similar ‘Sex, Age and Me’ study from 2015. Methods We recruited 1470 people with a staggered three-phase strategy: (1) emails to organisations and community groups; (2) paid Facebook advertising; and (3) passive recruitment. Half (50.6%) found out about the study via an organisation or group and just over a third (35.7%) from Facebook. Results The sample was equally balanced between men (49.9%) and women (49.7%) (0.4% other gender identities). Participants were aged 60–92 years (median 69 years) with all Australian States/Territories represented. Facebook recruits were younger, more likely to be working rather than retired, and more likely to live outside a major city, than those recruited by other means. Conclusions Using the recruitment methods described, we successfully obtained a diverse and fairly representative sample of older Australians within the constraints of a convenience sample and on a modest budget. This research sheds light on ways to engage an under-served demographic in sexual health research. Our experience shows that many older adults are amenable to recruitment for online sexual health surveys using the approaches outlined.
Interleukin-17-mediated protective cytokine signaling against degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Chen Yan , Bounds Sarah E. , Ma Xiang , Karmoker James Regun , Liu Yin , Ma Jian-Xing , Cai Jiyang
Published: December 2023

Injuries to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retina often result in the accumulation of retinal microglia within the subretinal space. These subretinal microglia play crucial roles in inflammation and resolution, but the mechanisms governing their functions are still largely unknown. Our previous research highlighted the protective functions of choroidal γδ T cells in response to RPE injury. In the current study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing approach to characterize the profiles of immune cells in mouse choroid. We found that γδ T cells were the primary producer of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the choroid. IL-17 signaled through its receptor on the RPE, subsequently triggering the production of interleukin-6. This cascade of cytokines initiated a metabolic reprogramming of subretinal microglia, enhancing their capacity for lipid metabolism. RPE-specific knockout of IL-17 receptor A led to the dysfunction of subretinal microglia and RPE pathology. Collectively, our findings suggest that responding to RPE injury, the choroidal γδ T cells can initiate a protective signaling cascade that ensures the proper functioning of subretinal microglia.
The emergence of economic rationality of GPT
Authors: Chen Yiting , Liu Tracy Xiao , Shan You , Zhong Songfa
Published: December 2023

As large language models (LLMs) like GPT become increasingly prevalent, it is essential that we assess their capabilities beyond language processing. This paper examines the economic rationality of GPT by instructing it to make budgetary decisions in four domains: risk, time, social, and food preferences. We measure economic rationality by assessing the consistency of GPT’s decisions with utility maximization in classic revealed preference theory. We find that GPT’s decisions are largely rational in each domain and demonstrate higher rationality score than those of human subjects in a parallel experiment and in the literature. Moreover, the estimated preference parameters of GPT are slightly different from human subjects and exhibit a lower degree of heterogeneity. We also find that the rationality scores are robust to the degree of randomness and demographic settings such as age and gender but are sensitive to contexts based on the language frames of the choice situations. These results suggest the potential of LLMs to make good decisions and the need to further understand their capabilities, limitations, and underlying mechanisms.
Cardinal direction judgment based on the integration of spatial reference frames in different
languages
Authors: Xu Qinghong , Ya Ru , Zhang Ermiao , Li Jie , Ah Ruhan , Li Min
Published: December 2023

This study investigates how integrated egocentric and environmental reference frames influence direction
determination and cardinal direction judgments in L1 speakers of Mongolian and Mandarin. The results show that in direction
determination, Mandarin participants’ integrated frame of reference is “front-north, back-south, left-west, and right-east.” By
contrast, Mongolian participants use two modes of integrated spatial representation: “front-south, back-north, left-east, and
right-west” and “front-north, back-south, left-west, and right-east”. This behavior points to influences from the participants’
dominant and non-dominant languages. Mongolian and Mandarin participants showed a north advantage in cardinal direction judgment
tasks with a “front-north” response configuration. Whereas Mandarin participants consistently showed a north advantage effect,
Mongolian participants showed a south advantage effect in the “front-south” configuration. This suggests that in addition to the
long-recognized difference in north-south/east-west axis preference, a north-south axis specification where south was the
normative direction instead of north can result from cultural and linguistic influence. The results corroborate the idea that
language affects the integration of spatial reference frames, lending support to linguistic relativism.
Investigation of the influence of process parameters on crack formation and mechanisms in Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy via laser directed energy deposition
Authors: Cui Baolei , Liu Weijun , Bian Hongyou , Chen KeQiang , Xu Xiaowen
Published: December 2023

The Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy was fabricated using laser directed energy deposition(LDED), and the impact of various process parameters on the macroscopic crack morphology was analyzed. The mechanism of crack formation was investigated through the analysis of crack microstructure, phase composition, crystal orientation, and elemental composition. The process parameters were optimized by response surface methodology(RSM) and the laser remelting method was used to suppress the crack formation. The results showed that the cracks were mainly caused by lack of fusion, residual stress during LDED and stress between different phases of TiAl alloy. The mismatch of process parameters results in insufficient energy for powder melting, ultimately leading to lack of fusion occurrence. To minimize crack formation, the response surface method was employed to optimize process parameters and reduce crack generation. The higher temperature gradient led to the existence of residual stress in the sample, and the higher stress between α
2 phase and B2 phase formed in the deposition process due to the difference of thermal expansion coefficients. The region where the two phases converge was the region with the highest crack sensitivity, and cracks occured in the region where α
2 phase and B2 phase converge in the form of excellent transgranular fracture. The samples prepared by using the optimized parameters can effectively restrain the cracks caused by lack of fusion, but can not restrain the cracks caused by the stress between phases. Laser remelting after LDED can not only reduce the temperature gradient and residual stress, but also remelt the unmelted powder on the surface of the as-deposited samples, effectively inhibiting the generation of cracks, and preparing crack-free samples.
Analysis of hospital length of stay and cost savings with an in-house heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibody assay at a midsized institution
Authors: Raymond Caitlin , O’Rourke Michael , Dell’Osso Liesel , Golding Charles , Zahner Christopher
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Analysis of laboratory value often lacks assessment of the laboratory’s impact on quality of care. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of bringing a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibody assay in-house on a quality metric—patient hospital length of stay (LOS)—and assess any associated cost savings.

Methods

A retrospective review of patient visits with a HIT antibody assay over a 7-year period determined the mean LOS in send-out vs in-house HIT antibody assay cohorts as well as cohorts of positive and negative results. Our systemwide mean LOS and metrics of acuity were analyzed. We performed a financial analysis of estimated cost savings.

Results

We found a mean LOS reduction of 3.97 days in the in-house cohort, with no evidence of a systemwide LOS decrease or a decline in patient acuity. This reduction was largely driven by a reduction in LOS among patients with a negative assay result. We found an estimated total cost savings of $3.9 million and an estimated mean savings per patient of $7,305, despite escalating health care costs over time.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a reduction in LOS following the introduction of an in-house HIT antibody assay that cannot be attributed to either systemwide initiatives or reduced patient acuity and was driven largely by patients with negative assays. This reduction was associated with significant estimated cost savings.
Social construction, social kinds and exportation
Authors: Pagano Emilie
Published: December 2023

Brian Epstein has argued (in The Ant Trap and ‘Anchoring versus grounding’) that social kinds ‘export’ across worlds. Although the conditions for war criminality are not ‘fixed’ in the Empire, for instance, Darth Vader is a war criminal there. And, according to Epstein, an account of social construction should imply that he is. Ultimately, he argues that ‘grounding-only’ accounts of social construction – like those proposed by Jonathan Schaffer and Aaron Griffith – imply that social kinds do not export across worlds. As a result, he argues that we need more than grounding; in particular, we need both grounding and what he calls ‘anchoring’ to account for it. In this paper, I argue that, once we draw a distinction between what I call ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ social kinds, Epstein’s argument is either invalid or irrelevant.
Children’s aspirations, their perceptions of parental aspirations, and parents’ factual aspirations—gaining insights into a complex world of interdependencies
Authors: Schörner Kerstin , Bittmann Felix
Published: December 2023

Children’s educational aspirations have been shown to be highly relevant for their educational trajectories and, therefore, researchers have tried to understand how and when these aspirations are formed. The influence of parental aspirations on the development of children’s aspirations has often been the focus of such investigations in previous studies. Going beyond these earlier approaches, we address the question of how children’s aspirations might be influential for their parent’s aspirations. We also investigate if it is children’s perception of parental aspirations or parent’s factual aspirations, which play a role in the formation of children’s aspirations. This article contributes to the literature, first, on a theoretical basis, by providing a reasoned and interdisciplinary framework about mutually dependent processes of aspiration formations within families. Second, an empirical contribution is given, using data from the German National Educational Panel Study and analyzing the aspirations of 4,511 children and their parents. Our cross-lagged panel models show that children and parents influence each other in their aspirations mutually over time, with children being affected by both, the parent’s factual aspirations and the children’s perception of those. We give empirical-driven guidelines for future research on aspiration formation.
Single-lead electrocardiogram Artificial Intelligence model with risk factors detects atrial fibrillation during sinus rhythm
Authors: Dupulthys Stijn , Dujardin Karl , Anné Wim , Pollet Peter , Vanhaverbeke Maarten , McAuliffe David , Lammertyn Pieter-Jan , Berteloot Louise , Mertens Nathalie , De Jaeger Peter
Published: December 2023

Aims

Guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), using a 30 s single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded by a wearable device. Since many patients have paroxysmal AF, identification of patients at high risk presenting with sinus rhythm (SR) may increase the yield of subsequent long-term cardiac monitoring. The aim is to evaluate an AI-algorithm trained on 10 s single-lead ECG with or without risk factors to predict AF.

Methods and results

This retrospective study used 13 479 ECGs from AF patients in SR around the time of diagnosis and 53 916 age- and sex-matched control ECGs, augmented with 17 risk factors extracted from electronic health records. AI models were trained and compared using 1- or 12-lead ECGs, with or without risk factors. Model bias was evaluated by age- and sex-stratification of results. Random forest models identified the most relevant risk factors. The single-lead model achieved an area under the curve of 0.74, which increased to 0.76 by adding six risk factors (95% confidence interval: 0.74–0.79). This model matched the performance of a 12-lead model. Results are stable for both sexes, over ages ranging from 40 to 90 years. Out of 17 clinical variables, 6 were sufficient for optimal accuracy of the model: hypertension, heart failure, valvular disease, history of myocardial infarction, age, and sex.

Conclusion

An AI model using a single-lead SR ECG and six risk factors can identify patients with concurrent AF with similar accuracy as a 12-lead ECG-AI model. An age- and sex-matched data set leads to an unbiased model with consistent predictions across age groups.
Prevalence, diagnostic delay and economic burden of endometriosis and its impact on quality of life: results from an Eastern Mediterranean population
Authors: Swift Bethan , Taneri Bahar , Becker Christian M , Basarir Hasan , Naci Huseyin , Missmer Stacey A , Zondervan Krina T , Rahmioglu Nilufer
Published: December 2023

Background

There are limited data on endometriosis from the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study for the first time estimates the prevalence and impact of endometriosis on women in Northern Cyprus, an under-represented region in Europe.

Methods

Cyprus Women’s Health Research Initiative, a cross-sectional study recruited 7646 women aged 18–55 in Northern Cyprus between January 2018 and February 2020. Cases were identified using self-reported and ultrasound data and two control groups were defined, with (n = 2922) and without (n = 4314) pain. Standardized tools, including the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale and the Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2, were used to assess pain and quality of life, respectively.

Results

Prevalence and median diagnostic delay of endometriosis were 5.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9–5.9%, n = 410] and 7 (interquartile range 15.5) years. Endometriosis cases experienced a higher prevalence of bladder pain compared with asymptomatic pain controls (6.3% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.001) and irritable bowel syndrome relating to pelvic pain compared with symptomatic (4.6% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.027) and asymptomatic (0.3%, P < 0.001) controls. The odds of endometriosis cases reporting an anxiety diagnosis was 1.56 (95% CI: 1.03–2.38) higher than the symptomatic and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.30–2.92) times higher than the asymptomatic controls. The physical component score of the health-related quality-of-life instrument suggested a significant difference between the endometriosis cases and the symptomatic controls (46.8 vs. 48.5, P = 0.034). Average annual economic cost of endometriosis cases was Int$9864 (95% CI: $8811–$10 917) including healthcare, costs relating to absence and loss of productivity at work.

Conclusion

Prevalence was lower than the global 10% estimate, and substantial proportion of women without endometriosis reported moderate/severe pelvic pain hinting at many undiagnosed cases within this population. Coupled with lower quality of life, significant economic burden and underutilized pain management options, the study highlights multiple opportunities to improve care for endometriosis patients and women with pelvic pain.
The role of diet and host species in shaping the seasonal dynamics of the gut microbiome
Authors: Williams Claire E , Brown Ashli E , Williams Candace L
Published: December 2023

The gut microbiome plays an important role in the health and fitness of hosts. While previous studies have characterized the importance of various ecological and evolutionary factors in shaping the composition of the gut microbiome, most studies have been cross-sectional in nature, ignoring temporal variation. Thus, it remains unknown how these same factors might affect the stability and dynamics of the gut microbiome over time, resulting in variation across the tree of life. Here, we used samples collected in each of four seasons for three taxa: the herbivorous southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum, n = 5); the carnivorous Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae, n = 5); and the red panda (Ailurus fulgens, n = 9), a herbivorous carnivore that underwent a diet shift in its evolutionary history from carnivory to a primarily bamboo-based diet. We characterize the variability of the gut microbiome among these three taxa across time to elucidate the influence of diet and host species on these dynamics. Altogether, we found that red pandas exhibit marked seasonal variation in their gut microbial communities, experiencing both high microbial community turnover and high variation in how individual red panda’s gut microbiota respond to seasonal changes. Conversely, while the gut microbiota of rhinoceros change throughout the year, all individuals respond in the same way to seasonal changes. Tigers experience relatively low levels of turnover throughout the year, yet the ways in which individuals respond to seasonal transitions are highly varied. We highlight how the differences in microbiome richness and network connectivity between these three species may affect the level of temporal stability in the gut microbiota across the year.
Coordinated upregulation of two CDP-diacylglycerol synthases, YnbB and CdsA, is essential for cell growth and membrane protein export in the cold
Authors: Kamemoto Yuki , Hikage Runa , Han Youjung , Sekiya Yusei , Sawasato Katsuhiro , Nishiyama Ken-ichi
Published: December 2023

YnbB is a paralogue of CdsA, a CDP-diacylglycerol synthase. While the cdsA gene is essential, the ynbB gene is dispensable. So far, no phenotype of ynbB knockout has been observed. We found that a ynbB knockout strain acquired cold-sensitivity on growth under CdsA-limited conditions. We found that MPIase, a glycolipid involved in protein export, is cold-upregulated to facilitate protein export in the cold, by increasing the mRNA levels of not only CdsA but also that of YnbB. Under non-permissive conditions, phospholipid biosynthesis proceeded normally, however, MPIase upregulation was inhibited with accumulation of precursors of membrane and secretory proteins such as M13 procoat and proOmpA, indicating that YnbB is dedicated to MPIase biosynthesis, complementing the CdsA function.
The labor of communicatively coping: toward an Integrative Theory of Communication Work
Authors: Donovan Erin E , Hazlett Abigail Dalgleish
Published: December 2023

There is extensive evidence that when people are experiencing health stressors, they are also coping with communication stressors. Although the literature tends to loosely classify these experiences as “communication challenges,” we propose a more defined way of theorizing how people encounter and manage communicative demands. To that end, this article introduces an Integrative Theory of Communication Work. We first surface and summarize the underlying theoretical principles that support communication work logic. We present the primary assumptions of the theory and a typology of communication work tasks, positioning them in conversation with established scholarship and demonstrating how they are supported by emerging empirical evidence on communication work. Finally, we suggest opportunities to extend research by investigating factors that make communication more or less work.
The CODE^SHIFT model: a data justice framework for collective impact and social transformation
Authors: Ramasubramanian Srividya , Dutta Mohan J
Published: December 2023

In this article, we present an alternative framework that resists hegemonic social sciences within data-driven communication theorizing through a culture-centered approach (CCA). Building on the CCA in co-creating voice infrastructures at the margins, we argue that data justice requires transforming interpretive data framings, disrupting the hegemonic registers of knowledge production constituted around data, and working with/through data to challenge the structures of capitalism and colonialism that circulate the practices of exploitation and extraction. We build upon community-engaged projects emergent from the CCA in/with/from the Global South to propose the CODE^SHIFT Model, grounded in principles of equity-mindedness, collective impact, purposiveness, and systemic change. It highlights what data justice looks like in various stages of community-led transformation: identifying pressing social problems; bridging cross-sector coalitions and partnerships; organizing for collective impact activities; and sustaining capacity building. We reframe data as pluriversal, embodied, sacred, sovereign, disruptive, solidarity, and impossibility.
Assessing readiness for childhood obesity prevention in German municipalities: application of the community readiness model
Authors: Schröder Maike , Babitsch Birgit , Hassel Holger
Published: December 2023

The World Health Organization has identified childhood obesity as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Understanding a municipality’s readiness to address it is crucial to achieve successful interventions. However, the preparedness of German municipalities to address childhood obesity has not yet been investigated. This study is the first in Germany to apply the community readiness model (CRM) in this context. The purpose was to determine readiness of five municipalities for childhood obesity prevention and to identify factors that influence their readiness. Therefore, 27 semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted. First, the interviews were analysed following the CRM protocol to categorize the municipalities into a readiness level between one and nine. In a second step, a content analysis was carried out for an in-depth interpretation of the readiness scores. The municipalities achieved an average readiness of 3.84, corresponding to the ‘Vague Awareness’ stage. A lack of prioritization and leadership support, insufficient low-threshold efforts, a lack of knowledge and problem awareness as well as a lack of structures and resources were identified as factors that can determine municipal readiness to prevent childhood obesity. This study not only extends the application of the CRM to childhood obesity in German municipalities but also offers practical implications for professionals in assessing readiness.
The Life-History Traits of Soil-Dwelling Nematode (Acrobeloides sp.) Exhibit More Resilience to Water Restriction Than Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lu Leilei , Kang Ziqing , Sun Shan , Li Teng , Li Huixin
Published: December 2023

Synopsis

In the context of climate warming, the intensity and frequency of drought occurrences are progressively increasing. However, current research on the impacts of drought on the life-history traits and physiological activities of animals rarely encompasses soil animals that play crucial roles within soil ecosystems. Therefore, this study focused on a soil nematode species (Acrobeloides sp.) and a model nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) to investigate whether nematodes adjust the trade-off of their life-history traits to confront arid environments, utilizing a Petri dish experiment. Subsequently, we assessed the resilience of the two nematode species to moisture variations by comparing the extent of changes in various indicators (i.e., life-history traits, physiological traits, and oxidative stress) of nematodes before and after drought and rehydration. The results revealed that both nematode species are capable of adapting to arid environments by altering the trade-off between life-history traits. Specifically, they reduce reproductive investment and body mass while maintaining life span, thus responding to drought conditions. Follow-up rehydration experiments post-drought stress highlighted that the soil-dwelling nematode exhibits a superior recovery capacity in response to moisture fluctuations in comparison to the model nematode. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation into life history of drought adaptation within soil-dwelling nematodes. Moreover, the findings hold significant implications for the exploration of drought adaptation and its mechanisms in soil-dwelling animals.
Perspectives of community pharmacists on extended pharmacy services and value-added services in Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chu Jianfeng , Maharajan Mari Kannan , Rajiah Kingston
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate patterns of extended pharmacy services (EPS) provided by Malaysian community pharmacists and their willingness to provide value-added services (VAS) in addition to EPS. Additionally, this study examined the barriers to the effective implementation of these two services.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among community pharmacists in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Convenience sampling was done, and descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-six pharmacists participated. The most rendered EPS were nutritional supplements, hypertension management, and diabetic management, while chronic kidney disease management, smoking cessation, and mental health services were the least rendered. Pharmacists were willing to provide medication waste management and vaccination as VAS but were less inclined towards therapeutic drug monitoring and sterile compounding. Barriers included limited access to medical records of patients, lack of designated counselling areas, and concerns about remuneration. High sales pressure and busy workloads were additional barriers to providing VAS. Continuous professional development (CPD) positively influenced pharmacists’ engagement in EPS and VAS.

Conclusions

This study highlights service provision trends and areas for improvement. Addressing identified barriers, such as enhancing access to patient records and establishing designated counselling areas, can improve service delivery. Remuneration models and workload management strategies should be considered to alleviate barriers related to sales pressure and time constraints. Promoting CPD opportunities is crucial for enhancing pharmacist engagement and optimizing EPS and VAS.
Semiclassical Resonance Asymptotics for Systems With Degenerate Crossings of Classical Trajectories
Authors: Assal Marouane , Fujiie Setsuro , Higuchi Kenta
Published: December 2023

This paper is concerned with the asymptotics of resonances in the semiclassical limit $h\to 0^{+}$ for two-by-two matrix Schrödinger operators in one dimension. We study the case where the two underlying classical Hamiltonian trajectories cross tangentially in the phase space. In the setting that one of the classical trajectories is a simple closed curve whereas the other one is non-trapping, we show that the imaginary part of the resonances is of order $h^{(m_{0}+3)/(m_{0}+1)}$, where $m_{0}$ is the maximal contact order of the crossings. This principal order comes from the subprincipal term of the transfer matrix at crossing points, which describes the propagation of microlocal solutions from one trajectory to the other. In addition, we compute explicitly the leading coefficient of the resonance widths.
Interbiotype hybridization between biotypes A and B of Liriomyza chinensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Authors: Urairi Chihiro , Fujito Satoshi
Published: December 2023

Liriomyza chinensis (Kato) is a formidable pest of Allium species, especially the Japanese bunching onion Allium fistulosum L. Recently, a novel biotype of L. chinensis (biotype B) has emerged, which causes more severe damage than the native biotype A. It has been reported that biotype B has frequently displaced biotype A in the Japanese bunching onion fields in Japan. As interbiotype hybridization is a possible factor that influences such displacement, interbiotype hybridization was conducted between L. chinensis biotypes A and B. Eggs were not laid under one-by-one crossing conditions; however, adult hybrid progeny of both sexes emerged from no-choice mating combinations―when multiple males and females were present. The fertility of F1 hybrid adults was also investigated, and backcrossed adults emerged from F1 females in both mating combinations. F1 males might have exhibited reproductive abnormalities because only a small number of backcross progeny emerged from the mating combinations using F1 males. Additionally, 3 representative endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, and Cardinium) were investigated, and both biotypes were found to be infected by the same strain of Wolbachia. In addition, the courtship signals (tapping) of male adults differed between biotypes A and B as well as between F1 hybrids; the F1 males exhibited tapping behavior that was intermediate between biotypes A and B. Therefore, mating sounds serve as a form of premating reproductive isolation between biotypes A and B.
Chromosome-level genome of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) provides insight into avian chromosome evolution
Authors: Flamio Richard , Ramstad Kristina M
Published: December 2023

Despite being quite specious (~10,000 extant species), birds have a fairly uniform genome size and karyotype (including the common occurrence of microchromosomes) relative to other vertebrate lineages. Storks (Family Ciconiidae) are a charismatic and distinct group of large wading birds with nearly worldwide distribution but few genomic resources. Here we present an annotated chromosome-level reference genome and chromosome orthology analysis for the wood stork (Mycteria americana), a species that has been federally protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1984. The annotated chromosome-level reference assembly was produced using the blood of a wild female wood stork chick, has a length of 1.35 Gb, a contig N50 of 37 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 80 Mb, and a BUSCO score of 98.8%. We identified 31 autosomal pairs and two sex chromosomes in the wood stork genome, but failed to identify four additional autosomal microchromosomes previously found via karyotyping. Orthology analyses confirmed reported synapomorphies unique to storks and identified the chromosomes participating in these fusions. This study highlights the difficulty and potential problems associated with delineating microchromosomes in reference genome assemblies. It also provides a foundation for studying karyotype evolution in the core water bird clade that includes penguins, albatrosses, storks, cormorants, herons, and ibises. Finally, our reference genome will allow for numerous genomic studies, such as genome-wide association studies of local adaptation, that will aid in wood stork conservation.
Trends in smoking-attributable and smoking-unrelated lung cancer death rates in the United States, 1991-2018
Authors: Shiels Meredith S , Graubard Barry I , McNeel Timothy S , Kahle Lisa , Freedman Neal D
Published: December 2023

Background

In the United States, lung cancer death rates have been declining for decades, primarily as a result of pronounced decreases in cigarette smoking. It is unclear, however, whether there have been similar declines in mortality rates of lung cancer unrelated to smoking. We estimated trends in US lung cancer death rates attributable and not attributable to smoking from 1991 to 2018.

Methods

The study included 30- to 79-year-olds in the National Health Interview Survey who were linked to the National Death Index, 1991-2014. Adjusted hazard ratios for smoking status and lung cancer death were estimated, and age-specific population attributable fractions were calculated. Annual population attributable fractions were multiplied by annual US national lung cancer mortality, partitioning rates into smoking-attributable and smoking-unrelated lung cancer deaths. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

During 1991-2018, the proportion of never smokers increased among both men (35.1%-54.6%) and women (54.0%-65.4%). Compared with those who had ever smoked, those who had never smoked had 86% lower risk (hazard ratio = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12 to 0.16) of lung cancer death. The fraction of lung cancer deaths attributable to smoking decreased from 81.4% (95% CI = 78.9 to 81.4) to 74.7% (95% CI = 78.1 to 71.4). Smoking-attributable lung cancer death rates declined 2.7% per year (95% CI = ‒2.9% to ‒2.5%) and smoking-unrelated lung cancer death rates declined 1.8% per year (95% CI = ‒2.0% to ‒1.5%); these declines have accelerated in recent years.

Conclusions

An increasing proportion of lung cancer deaths are unrelated to smoking based on declines in smoking prevalence. Smoking-unrelated lung cancer death rates have declined, however, perhaps because of decreases in secondhand smoke and air pollution exposure as well as treatment improvements.
Antona’s Suit
Authors: Seijas Tatiana
Published: December 2023

Antona, originally from Upper Guinea, raised a family in Mexico’s Black Pacific. Her story, memorialized in a freedom suit from 1597, suggests that framing survival as agency helps us reconstruct the experiences of people in a way that accounts for the complexity of power in their historical contexts.
“Longing and Hope and Sadness and Anger”: Disentangling the Social and the Human
Authors: Winant Gabriel
Published: December 2023

This article reconstructs the historical context in which “agency” emerged as the key concept of social history, arguing that an unstated concept of the liberal individual was smuggled into historical explanation through a humanist anthropology underlying the social history renaissance. It then asks what would be involved in salvaging social–historical explanation, including its interest in historical possibilities for social solidarity and the political power of ordinary people, while jettisoning this liberal-humanist baggage.
Is Agency a Useful Historical Concept?
Authors: Sewell William H
Published: December 2023

Concerns about “agency” in history are generally misplaced. Agency is pervasive in human interaction, not, as is often assumed, a relatively rare or heroic achievement. We live within social structures that are reproduced by social practices—but that are also constantly bent or reinterpreted in action, sometimes in minor ways but sometimes transforming the animating structures. I illustrate how this conceptualization works by recounting how French workers, previously divided into rivalrous single-trade organizations, arrived at a form of proto-socialist class consciousness in the years after the Revolution of 1830—by adopting, adapting, and repurposing the new regime’s liberal language and organizational forms. But “agency,” I argue, was equally present in the daily efforts of the pre-1830 workers’ organizations, many of whose modes of action were officially illegal. Agency should be understood as a pervasive feature of human social life, not as a badge of heroism.
Investigating the crucial role of selected Bifidobacterium probiotic strains in preventing or reducing inflammation by affecting the autophagy pathway
Authors: Torkamaneh Mahdi , Torfeh Mahnaz , Jouriani Fatemeh Haririzadeh , Sepehr Amin , Ashrafian Fatemeh , Aghamohammad Shadi , Rohani Mahdi
Published: December 2023

Several studies have shown that probiotics can prevent and reduce inflammation in inflammation-related diseases. However, few studies have focused on the interaction between host and probiotics in modulating the immune system through autophagy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive and/or therapeutic effects of native potential probiotic breast milk-isolated Bifidobacterium spp. (i.e. B. bifidum, B. longum, and B. infantis) on the inflammatory cascade by affecting autophagy gene expression 24 and 48 h after treatment. Autophagy genes involved in different stages of the autophagy process were selected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Gene expression investigation was accomplished by exposing the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) to sonicated pathogens (1.5 × 108 bacterial CFU ml−1) and adding Bifidobacterium spp. (MOI10) before, after, and simultaneously with induction of inflammation. An equal volume of RPMI medium was used as a control. Generally, our native potential probiotic Bifidobacterium spp. can increase the autophagy gene expression in comparison with pathogen. Moreover, an increase in gene expression was observed with our probiotic strains’ consumption in all stages of autophagy. Totally, our selected Bifidobacterium spp. can increase autophagy gene expression before, simultaneously, and after the inflammation induction, so they can prevent and reduce inflammation in an in vitro model of inflammation.
Extending Air Force Physical Fitness Postpartum Dwell Time Improves Maternal Physical Readiness
Authors: Herrick Minette S.R , Chai Weiwen
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Research suggests women are more likely to fail their military physical fitness assessment in the immediate postpartum period than in the prenatal period. In 2015, the United States Air Force physical fitness postpartum testing dwell time increased from 6 months to 12 months postpartum. The primary aim of this study was to assess if Air Force active duty women’s physical readiness, as indicated by individual physical fitness test results, was impacted by this change. The secondary aim was to determine the postpartum duration for active duty Air Force women to return to their prenatal anthropometric measurements.

Methods

All active duty Air Force women who gave birth from 2011–2019 in the military medical system were considered for analysis. A total of 6,726 women meeting inclusion criteria were grouped to 6 month testers (delivery between 2011–February 2015) and 12 month testers (delivery between March 2015 and 2019). Logistic regression and general linear models were used to assess the associations and predictability of the various fitness and anthropometric components of the physical fitness testing requirements (6 vs. 12 month testers), controlling for covariates (age, military rank, marital status, and ethnicity).

Results

Those testing at 12 months had decreased odds (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.32-0.49, P < .0001) of failing their initial postpartum fitness test than those testing at 6 months. The prevalence of test failure at the first exam postpartum was 10.4% among 6 month testers and 4% among 12 month testers. Women who tested at 6 months retained relatively more weight (2.7 ± 5.0 kg, 4.2% increase), body mass index (1.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2, 4.5% increase), and abdominal circumference (2.4 ± 4.9 cm, 3.5% increase) than their counterparts testing at 12 months (1.8 ± 5.4 kg, 2.8% increase; 0.7 ± 2.2 kg/m2, 3.0% increase; and 1.8 ± 5.0 cm, 2.7% increase; respectively) (P < .0001). When comparing those with prenatal fitness status of “excellent,” “pass,” or “fail,” no group attained prenatal weight status in the 24 months monitored. Average weight and abdominal circumference retention for all groups at 24 months postpartum were 2.8 kg and 1.3 cm, respectively. Among initial postpartum fitness testing failures, the component most failed was sit-ups (34.5%), followed by the 1.5-mile run (29.8%). Six month testers were more likely, across all prenatal fitness categories (“fail,” “pass” and “excellent”) to fail postpartum fitness testing compared to 12 month testers (26.1%, 17.7%, and 5.6% vs.19.4%, 7.3% and 2%, respectively).

Conclusions

The decision of the Air Force to increase the minimal required time between childbirth and postpartum physical fitness testing for women has positively impacted fitness test failure rates and anthropometric measure changes. Additional policy should be implemented to support postpartum holistic health interventions.
Use of Instant Messaging Applications by General Practitioners During Overseas Deployment: A Survey of the French Military Health Service
Authors: Got Yannis , Borotikar Bhushan , Sandillon-Garétier Cécile , Le Coat Anne , Dulou Renaud , Garétier Marc
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Instant messaging applications (MAs) represent a major component of modern telecommunications for data transmission. During overseas deployments, military doctors increasingly rely on MAs due to their availability and the urgent need to obtain advice from specialists for optimal patient management. In this study, we aimed to describe and analyze the context and usage characteristics of these MAs for transmitting medical data by military general practitioners (GPs) during overseas missions.

Materials and Methods

This observational study was conducted between June 2020 and December 2020, based on a survey sent to GPs from the French Military Health Service who had been deployed overseas in military operations between 2010 and 2020.

Results

We received 233 surveys of which 215 were analyzed. Among these, 141 military GPs used instant MAs to transmit medical data during deployment. Notably, WhatsApp was used by 97% of the participants. The military GPs mainly used these applications for the speed of exchanges (45%) and their ease of use (28%). The physician specialties predominantly involved in data sharing were trauma and orthopedic surgery (38%) and dermatology (31%). The correspondents were mainly military specialist physicians from French military teaching hospitals (85%). A response time of less than 1 h was reported in 78% of the cases. Additionally, 72 doctors (51%) undertook their last deployment in an isolated post.

Conclusion

MAs were extensively utilized communication tools among GPs during their overseas deployments. Although the use of these applications seems essential in telemedicine, it raises several legal and ethical questions. Thus, we recommend employing these tools while ensuring medical and military confidentiality.