bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain modular connectivity interactions can predict proactive inhibition in smokers when facing smoking cues
Authors: Zhao Haichao , Ge Mengjiao , Turel Ofir , Bechara Antoine , He Qinghua
Published: May 2023

Proactive inhibition is a critical ability for smokers who seek to moderate or quit smoking. It allows them to pre‐emptively refrain from seeking and using nicotine products, especially when facing salient smoking cues in daily life. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge on the impact of salient cues on behavioural and neural aspects of proactive inhibition, especially in smokers with nicotine withdrawal. Here, we seek to bridge this gap. To this end, we recruited 26 smokers to complete a stop‐signal anticipant task (SSAT) in two separate sessions: once in the neutral cue condition and once in the smoking cue condition. We used graph‐based modularity analysis to identify the modular structures of proactive inhibition‐related network during the SSAT and further investigated how the interactions within and between these modules could be modulated by different proactive inhibition demands and salient smoking cues. Findings pointed to three stable brain modules involved in the dynamical processes of proactive inhibition: the sensorimotor network (SMN), cognitive control network (CCN) and default‐mode network (DMN). With the increase in demands, functional connectivity increased within the SMN, CCN and between SMN‐CCN and decreased within the DMN and between SMN‐DMN and CCN‐DMN. Salient smoking cues disturbed the effective dynamic interactions of brain modules. The profiles for those functional interactions successfully predicted the behavioural performance of proactive inhibition in abstinent smokers. These findings advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of proactive inhibition from a large‐scale network perspective. They can shed light on developing specific interventions for abstinent smokers.
US state‐level economic freedom during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Miozzi Vincent J. , Powell Benjamin
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to extensive new government regulations and lockdown policies that significantly reduced economic freedom across US states. Many of these new pandemic‐related regulatory restrictions on economic freedom varied significantly from state to state but are largely missed by the existingEconomic Freedom of North America Report(EFNA). This paper adjusts the Our World in DataCOVID‐19 Stringency Indexinto a state‐level measure oflockdown regulatory freedomand then merges it into the EFNA index to better measure relative economic freedom across US states in 2020. We find significant differences in the relative ranking of economic freedom between states once we adjust for lockdown regulatory restrictions.
Open‐label, randomised controlled trial found that a green banana mixed rice suji diet was most effective for persistent diarrhoea in children in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarmin Monira , Hossain Md Iqbal , Islam Shoeb Bin , Shikha Shamima Sharmin , Alam Nur Haque , Sarker Md Shafiqul Alam , Islam M Munirul , Islam S M Rafiqul , Mahfuz Mustafa , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: May 2023

Aim

Persistent diarrhoea continues for at least 14 days and kills more children than acute diarrhoea. We assessed whether rice suji, green banana mixed rice suji or 75% rice suji improved persistent diarrhoea in young children.

Methods

This open‐labelled randomised controlled trial was carried out between December 2017 and August 2019 at the Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b, Bangladesh, with 135 children aged 6–35 months with persistent diarrhoea. The children were randomly assigned to green banana mixed rice suji, rice suji or 75% rice suji, with 45 in each group. The primary outcome was the percentage who recovered from diarrhoea by day 5 using an intention‐to‐treat analysis.

Results

The children's median age was 8 months (interquartile range: 7–10 months). By day 5, the recovery rate was 58%, 31% and 58% for children in the green banana mixed rice suji, rice suji and 75% rice suji groups, respectively. The green banana mixed rice suji group had fewer relapses (7%) than the 75% rice suji group (24%). Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, rotavirus, norovirus, Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, astrovirus and Campylobacter were the major pathogens for persistent diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Green banana mixed rice suji was the most effective option for managing persistent diarrhoea in young children.
Blocking coprophagy increases the levels of inflammation and depression in healthy mice as well as mice receiving fecal microbiota transplantation from disease model mice donors
Authors: Sha Haoran , He Xiaoyi , Yan Kai , Li Jiakang , Li Xu , Xie Yinyin , Yang Yousheng , Deng Yajuan , Li Guoying , Yang Junhua
Published: May 2023

Rodents have been extensively used as animal models in microbiome studies. However, all rodents have a habitual nature called coprophagy, a phenomenon that they self‐reinoculate feces into their gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies have shown that blocking coprophagy can alter rodents' diversity of gut microbiota, metabolism, neurochemistry, and cognitive behavior. However, whether rodents' coprophagy behavior affects the levels of inflammation and depression is unclear. In order to address this problem, we first blocked coprophagy in healthy mice. It displayed an increase in the levels of depression, verified by depressive‐like behaviors and mood‐related indicators, and inflammation, verified by the increased levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, in coprophagy‐blocked mice. Furthermore, we transplanted fecal microbiota from chronic restraint stress (CRS) depression model mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inflammation model mice to healthy recipient mice, respectively. It showed that the disease‐like phenotypes in the coprophagy‐blocked group were worse than those in the coprophagy‐unblocked group, including severer depressive symptoms and higher levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ) in serum, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampus (HIP). These findings showed that blocking coprophagy in mice not only increased the levels of inflammation and depression in healthy mice but also aggravated inflammation and depression induced by fecal microbiota from disease donors. The discovery may provide a vital reference for future research involving FMT in rodents.
Working with the spoken word: A candid conference conversation and some original ideas
Authors: Hitchings Russell , Latham Alan
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces the collection of nine short articles that make up the inaugural special section of the journal on ‘thinking with methods’. It begins by outlining why a fuller conversation about different ways of handling talk in human geography might be worthwhile. Then it describes a series of conference sessions in which a small group of researchers in this field came together to consider some of the most intriguing excerpts of talk generated by their studies. It ends with an overview of how the following articles that came out of these sessions might productively shake up some of our current working conventions.
Germline Neurofibromin 1 mutation enhances the anti‐tumour immune response and decreases juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia tumourigenicity
Authors: Wang Wanqiao , Li Xin , Qin Xia , Miao Yan , Zhang Yingwen , Li Shanshan , Yao Ruen , Yang Yi , Yu Lisha , Zhu Hua , Song Lili , Mao Shengqiao , Wang Xiumin , Chen Jing , Feng Haizhong , Li Yanxin
Published: May 2023

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) is an aggressive paediatric leukaemia characterized by mutations in five canonical RAS pathway genes, including the NF1 gene. JMML is driven by germline NF1 gene mutations, with additional somatic aberrations resulting in the NF1 biallelic inactivation, leading to disease progression. Germline mutations in the NF1 gene alone primarily cause benign neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) tumours rather than malignant JMML, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that with reduced NF1 gene dose, immune cells are promoted in anti‐tumour immune response. Comparing the biological properties of JMML and NF1 patients, we found that not only JMML but also NF1 patients driven by NF1 mutations could increase monocytes generation. But monocytes cannot further malignant development in NF1 patients. Utilizing haematopoietic and macrophage differentiation from iPSCs, we revealed that NF1 mutations or knockout (KO) recapitulated the classical haematopoietic pathological features of JMML with reduced NF1 gene dose. NF1 mutations or KO promoted the proliferation and immune function of NK cells and iMacs derived from iPSCs. Moreover, NF1‐mutated iNKs had a high capacity to kill NF1‐KO iMacs. NF1‐mutated or KO iNKs administration delayed leukaemia progression in a xenograft animal model. Our findings demonstrate that germline NF1 mutations alone cannot directly drive JMML development and suggest a potential cell immunotherapy for JMML patients.
Density‐dependent reproductive success among sympatric dipterocarps during a major mast fruiting event
Authors: Aoyagi Ryota , Imai Nobuo , Samejima Hiromitsu , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: May 2023

Although masting in Southeast Asia is characterized by the interspecific synchronization of reproduction, little is known about the variation in regeneration strategies among sympatric tree species during major masting events. Herein, we examined the hypothesis that non‐abundant species achieve greater seed survival per seed production at the pre‐ and post‐dispersal stages by synchronizing reproduction with abundant species. During the masting event from May to September 2010, we installed seed traps in a primary forest plot of the Deramakot Forest Reserve, Borneo. To identify the possible causes of post‐dispersal seed mortality, we conducted a seed‐sowing experiment from September 2010 to July 2011 in a primary forest plot with high community‐level dipterocarp seed density and two surrounding secondary forests with low seed densities. An abundant species (Shorea multiflora) produced more seeds than other species and exhibited a lower survival rate during the pre‐dispersal stage. The ratio of aborted seeds was greater in species with greater seed production, while the ratio of seeds predated by insects was not, suggesting that resource limitations and/or greater inbreeding frequency may explain inefficient seed production. Interspecific variation was rarely observed for post‐dispersal seed survival rates. Our study highlights the density‐dependent variation in reproductive success between abundant and non‐abundant dipterocarp species at the pre‐dispersal stage. Non‐abundant species achieved greater reproductive success by synchronizing reproduction with the masting of abundant species, which might be an important mechanism for sustainability of rare species populations.
Evaluation of mild periorbital cellulitis and home‐based therapy in children—EPOCH study: A prospective single centre cohort study
Authors: Jani Shefali , Thosar Deepali , McPherson Zachary , Donnelly Amie , Shaw Nadine , Jones Michael , Hort Jason
Published: May 2023

Background

Paediatric periorbital cellulitis is a common eye condition and warrants prompt management for the prevention of complications. International consensus on the approach to optimal management of children with mild periorbital cellulitis including ambulatory management is lacking. We aimed to prospectively investigate the safety and effectiveness of ambulatory management of children with mild periorbital cellulitis.

Methods

Over a 23‐month period, we prospectively enrolled 70 children aged between 2 and 16 years who presented to the emergency department with mild periorbital cellulitis. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Eligible children were commenced on oral antibiotics and were discharged home with close outpatient ambulatory care and ophthalmology follow up. We used descriptive statistics for data presentation.

Results

Of the 70 children with mild periorbital cellulitis, 30 (43%) had unknown aetiology. Sixty‐five (92%) children received a structured ambulatory follow up. Five children (7%) received inpatient parenteral antibiotics for worsening of local symptoms within 24 h of initial presentation. One child developed orbital cellulitis at follow up. There was no mortality or significant morbidity noted in this group and none of the children needed surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Ambulatory care for children with mild periorbital cellulitis is an effective and safe management strategy. This might prevent hospitalisation, reduce the burden on hospital bed occupancy and promote patient care in the community.
Association of reproductive traits with captive‐ versus wild‐sourced birds in trade
Authors: Morton Oscar , Scheffers Brett R. , Haugaasen Torbjørn , Edwards David P.
Published: May 2023

The wildlife trade is a billion‐dollar global business, involving millions of people, thousands of species, and hundreds of millions of individual organisms. Unravelling whether trade targets reproductively distinct species and whether this preference varies between captive‐ and wild‐sourced species is a crucial question. We used a comprehensive list of all bird species traded, trade listings and records kept in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and a suite of avian reproductive parameters to examine whether wildlife trade is associated with particular facets of life history and to examine the association between life‐history traits and captive‐ and wild‐sourced traded volumes over time. Across all trade, CITES listing, and CITES trade, large birds were more likely to be traded and listed, but their longevity and age at maturity were not associated with CITES listing or trade. We found species across almost the full range of trait values in both captive and wild trade between 2000 and 2020. Captive trade volumes clearly associated with relatively longer lived and early‐maturing species; these associations remained stable and largely unchanged over time. Trait–volume associations in wild‐sourced trade were more uncertain. Only body mass had a clear association, and it varied from negative to positive over time. Although reproductive traits were important in captive‐sourced trade, species‐level variation dominated trade, with even congeneric species varying greatly in volume despite similar traits. The collection and incorporation of trait data into sustainability assessments of captive breeding facilities are crucial to ensure accurate quotas and guard against laundering.
Metrics for quantifying how much different threats contribute to red lists of species and ecosystems
Authors: Sandvik Hanno , Pedersen Bård
Published: May 2023

Red lists are a crucial tool for the management of threatened species and ecosystems. Among the information red lists provide, the threats affecting the listed species or ecosystem, such as pollution or hunting, are of special relevance. This information can be used to quantify the relative contribution of different threat factors to biodiversity loss by disaggregating the cumulative extinction risk across species into components that can be attributed to certain threats. We devised and compared 3 metrics that accomplish this and may be used as indicators. The first metric calculates the portion of the temporal change in red list index (RLI) values that is caused by each threat. The second metric attributes the deviation of an RLI value from its reference value to different threats. The third metric uses extinction probabilities that are inferred from red list categories to estimate the contribution of a threat to the expected loss of species or ecosystems within 50 years. We used data from Norwegian Red Lists to test and evaluate these metrics. The first metric captured only a minor portion of the biodiversity loss caused by threats because it ignores species whose red list category does not change. Management authorities will often be interested in the contribution of a given threat to the total deviation from the optimal state. This was measured by the remaining metrics. The second metric was best suited for comparisons across countries or taxonomic groups. The third metric conveyed the same information but uses numbers of species or ecosystem as its unit, which is likely more intuitive to lay people and may be preferred when communicating with stakeholders or the general public.
Creating conservation strategies with value‐focused thinking
Authors: Martin David M. , Goldstein Joshua G. , Smith David R. , Musengezi Jessica , Rountree Jessie G. , Galgamuwa G. A. Pabodha , Craig Aileen , Dietz Michelle , Kerr Caitlin
Published: May 2023

Biodiversity and human well‐being strategies are only as good as the set of ideas people think about. We evaluated value‐focused thinking (VFT), a framework that emphasizes creating objectives and strategies that are responsive to the objectives. We performed a proof‐of‐concept study of VFT with 6 conservation planning teams at a global conservation organization. We developed a package of materials related to VFT, including meeting–session agendas, a virtual facilitation template, facilitator's guide, and evaluation questionnaires. We used these materials to test whether VFT applied in a group setting resulted in high‐quality conservation strategies and participant satisfaction and whether our materials were scalable, meaning that someone newly trained in VFT could facilitate planning meetings that resulted in high‐quality strategies and participant satisfaction, as compared with an experienced VFT facilitator. Net response indicated positive compelling, feasible, creative, and representative ratings for the conservation strategies per team. Participants indicated satisfaction overall, although satisfaction was greater for objectives than for strategies. Among the participants with previous conservation planning experience, all were at least as satisfied with their VFT strategies compared with previously developed strategies, and none were less satisfied (p = 0.001). Changes in participant satisfaction were not related to facilitator type (experienced or inexperienced with VFT) (p > 0.10). Some participants had a preconceived sense of shared understanding of important values and interests before participating in the study, which VFT strengthened. Our results highlight the advantages of structuring the development and evaluation of conservation planning frameworks around VFT.
Prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis from 21 countries and regions
Authors: Yu Xiaohui , Fan Min , Zhao Xia , Ding Yanan , Liu Xueli , Yang Shengju , Zhang Xinqiong
Published: May 2023

Aims

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) is a complication of glucose‐lowering therapies for diabetes. The purpose of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of IAH and unawareness of hypoglycaemia (UAH).

Methods

We searched the major databases from inception to 8 August 2022 and included all cross‐sectional and cohort studies reporting IAH prevalence in people with diabetes. A random‐effects model was used to pool effect values. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were used to identify study‐level characteristics affecting prevalence.

Results

Sixty‐two studies from 21 countries published between 2000 and 2022 were included, with 39,180 participants (type 1 diabetes: 19,304 vs. Type 2 diabetes: 14,650). The pooled prevalence was 23.2% (95% CI: 18.4%–29.3%) via the Clarke questionnaire, 26.2% (95% CI: 22.9%–29.9%) via the Gold score, and 58.5% (95% CI: 53.0%–64.6%) via the Pedersen‐Bjergaard method, all from studies classified as presenting a moderate and low risk of bias. The prevalence of IAH was generally higher in people with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2 diabetes and lowest in Europe. Meta‐regression results show that the duration of diabetes was a factor influencing the prevalence of IAH. The prevalence of UAH by the Pedersen‐Bjergaard method was 17.6 (95% CI: 14.9%–20.3%).

Conclusions

IAH is a prevalent risk event among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, showing clinical heterogeneity and regional variability. UAH, an adverse progression of IAH, is also a serious burden. More primary research on the prevalence of IAH is needed in areas with a high diabetes burden.
The vice and virtue of conflict in boards: A longitudinal study into the effect of conflicts and cohesion on the task performance of supervisory school boards in the Netherlands
Authors: Heemskerk Klaas
Published: May 2023

The increased diversity and autonomy of schools calls for a more professional approach to school governance. In response, attention has been directed to the structure of school boards in the Netherlands. However, previous research indicates that the effectiveness of governance is not so much about structure as it is about behaviour. Conflict, in particular, appears to be an important underexposed factor in the effective behaviour of school boards. In a longitudinal research design, a survey using Likert‐scale items was distributed in 2016 and 2017 to executive directors of schools in the Netherlands to gauge their assessment of conflicts within the supervisory school board. Hierarchical regression analyses and moderator analyses were used to test the hypotheses. An increase in task‐related conflicts were found to have a clear positive effect on the task performance of supervisory boards. An increase in numbers of relational conflicts had a negative effect on the control task performance, while an increase in process‐related conflicts had a negative effect on the advisory task performance. The cohesion within a supervisory board proved to be an important moderator of the effect of task‐related conflicts and relationship conflicts on the control task performance. The results from this research underline the need for a multidimensional conceptualisation of conflict in supervisory boards. The need for further research on the interaction between cohesion and conflicts is underscored. Boards should make room for substantive debate and even for the inevitable friction and irritation that is sometimes inherent in being effective in managing schools.
Resistance rates among antiretroviral regimens in pregnant people living with HIV
Authors: da Silveira Gouvêa Maria Isabel Fragoso , de Lourdes Benamor Teixeira Maria , Fuller Trevon , Sodré Maria Clara Macêdo Pinheiro , Medeiros Adriana Ferreira , de Mattos Salgueiro Mariza , da Silveira Bressan Clarisse , Braga Camile Medeiros , da Silva Patrícia Amorim , Mendes‐Silva Wallace , Moreira Christianne , Jundi Fernanda , Cruz Maria Letícia , Ceci Loredana , Lattanzi Fellipe Pinheiro , João Esau C.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To update nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and protease inhibitor (PI) resistance rates and describe the frequency of HIV subtypes in a cohort of pregnant people living with HIV (PPLH) at a national Prevention of Mother‐To‐Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) centre.

Methods

We evaluated genotypic resistance among PPLH during prenatal care who were antiretroviral therapy‐naïve or experienced. We determined mutations by the Surveillance of Drug Resistance Mutations (SDRM) dataset and also focused on studying participants with intermediate or high resistance defined through the Stanford score.

Results

From 2018 to 2021, 1170 PPLH received prenatal care at the centre and 550 were genotyped. Among the 295 SDRMs, with respect to NRTI resistance mutations, there were 27/295 (9.2%) M184V/I, 14/295 (4.7%) T215Y/C/D/E/F/V/I/S and 12/295 (4.1%) M41L. For NNRTI, there were 75/295 (25.4%) K103N, 18/295 (6.1%) M230L and 14/295 (4.7%) G190A/E/S mutations. For PI, the most frequent mutations were 13/295 (4.4%) V82A/S/F/T, 12/295 (4.1%) M46I/L and 10/295 (3.4%) D30N. Based on the Stanford score, 36/224 (16%) naïve participants had one or more antiretroviral resistance mutations, 81% of whom had NNRTI resistance. In the treatment‐experience group, 108/326 (33%) had one or more mutations, 91% of whom had NNRTI resistance. The most frequent HIV subtype was B (82.5%).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that continuous surveys of HIV genotype appear to be important tools to map the distribution and evolution of HIV subtypes and resistance to provide information to support treatment policies. Furthermore, concerns about the use of rilpivirine‐containing regimens underscore the importance of resistance surveillance.
Elevated sedimentation of clastic matter in pelagic Panthalassa during the early Olenekian
Authors: Muto Shun , Takahashi Satoshi , Yamakita Satoshi
Published: May 2023

The end‐Permian mass extinction is thought to have greatly altered biogeochemical cycles. The absence of chert and dominance of claystone in low‐latitude pelagic deep‐sea sedimentary sequences of Early Triassic Panthalassa (the deep‐sea chert gap) has been believed to record radiolarian die‐off and consequent decline in biogenic silica production. However, recent studies showed that the upper portion of the deep‐sea chert gap has sedimentation rates higher than bedded chert, meaning that increased clastic inputs, rather than decreased biogenic silica inputs, resulted in the anomalous lithology. In this study, we focus on the Akkamori‐2 section, which preserves a rare sedimentary sequence spanning a large part of the lower portion of the claystone of the deep‐sea chert gap. We obtained conodont fossils that allow correlation with sections in South China that have numerous dated tuffs. By projecting the dates of the tuffs to our measured sections, we show that sedimentation rates of the lower portion of the deep‐sea chert gap is also higher than bedded chert. Hence, most of the deep‐sea chert gap was formed under increased clastic inputs, which likely records disturbance in the terrestrial landscape, probably aridification and/or increased seasonality in arid areas, that lead to elevated dust flux to the pelagic ocean. On the other hand, the idea that the deep‐sea chert gap records lingering effects of the mass extinction event on radiolarians cannot explain the high sedimentation rates of the deep‐sea chert gap. This previously favored scenario needs to be reconsidered, taking into account the burial efficiency of biogenic silica in the Early Triassic ocean, and also effects of increased clay deposition on preservation of radiolarians.
Water consumption by rinse‐off cosmetic products: The case of the shower
Authors: Morizet David , Aguiar Marcella , Campion Jean‐Florent , Pessel Charlotte , De Lantivy Marion , Godard Céline , Dezeure Julie
Published: May 2023

Objective

This article measures and discusses the effects of different shower gels on the consumption of water used during a shower.

Methods

A sensory panel was created for quantifying water consumption associated with the use of shower gels. Fifteen French panellists were recruited (age: 59 ± 7, height: 163 cm ± 9 and weight: 68 kg ± 20) and trained to assess rinsed skin in a standardized way. Effective panellists were then asked to assess 25 shower gels covering the variety of existing products on the market.

Results

Results showed that the average volume was 4.77 L for heating the water and wetting the body and 4.15 L for rinsing the shower gel off the full body. We observed a significant shower gel effect (p < 0.0001) with the water volume needed to rinse the 25 shower gels ranging 3.21 L to 5.65 L.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates the impact of shower gel formulation on water consumption during a shower. It thus demonstrates the importance of formulating shower gels to reduce the total amount of water needed to shower. It also introduces the distinction between ‘useful water’ which refers strictly to the volume of water objectively needed to rinse off a product and the ‘used water’ which refers to the total shower volume of water. This distinction helps to better strategize actions in order to reduce water consumption from rinse‐off cosmetic products used during showers.
Caregiving experiences of nurses working in a newly established intensive care unit during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Aşkar Selva Ezgi , Ovayolu Özlem
Published: May 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has adversely affected intensive care nurses; for instance, they have fought against an unknown disease, and their workload has increased. In addition, the COVID‐19 pandemic has led intensive care nurses to work in new settings and with new teams.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the caregiving experiences of nurses who were working in a new COVID‐19 intensive care unit in Turkey and providing care for patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2.

Method

In this descriptive qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were held from 22 July to 31 August 2020 and were recorded and analysed based on thematic analysis. The researchers followed the COREQ checklist in reporting the study.

Findings

From interviews held with 11 nurses, four main themes (uncertainty and challenges in the ‘danger zone’, emotional and psychosocial changes, professional effects of the pandemic and being ready for a future pandemic) were derived from 11 sub‐themes.

Conclusions

The new setting and the ever‐changing team make caring for the COVID‐19 patient even more difficult. A good organization, an experienced permanent team, a known setting and good working conditions are essential to be prepared for possible pandemics in the future.
Surface area reduction during the sintering of alumina
Authors: Delia Daniel J. , Lee Hyojin , Carty William M.
Published: May 2023

Surface area reduction trajectories of two well characterized calcined alumina powders were analyzed over a range of thermal profiles. Surface area reduction trajectories were confirmed to be independent of initial green density. Variations in trajectory were explained through experimental demonstrations of blended coarse and fine particle alumina systems. This work demonstrates that (1) nanoparticles do not appear to assist conventional sintering, because the nanoparticle surface area drops precipitously with minimal increase in density; and (2) the initial compact density does not contribute, nor control, surface area reduction during alumina sintering.
Intense 2.7 µm emission of Er3+/Pr3+ doped Ga5Ge20Sb10S65 chalcogenide glass
Authors: Liu Quan , Xu Yinsheng , Xia Qi , Li Weiwei , Zhang Xianghua
Published: May 2023

There are numerous vital usages for mid‐infrared (MIR) lasers in satellite communication, biomedicine, military, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring. In this work, a progression of Er3+ ions doped, Er3+/Pr3+ ions co‐doped Ga5Ge20Sb10S65 glasses were prepared, and their physical performances and structural characteristics were examined. To understand the non‐phonon‐assisted energy transfer mechanism, we recorded the up‐conversion and infrared fluorescence emission spectra by pumping with a commercial 980 nm LD. Then the 2.7 µm strong fluorescence signal intensity can be obtained when the doped concentration of Pr3+ is proper. After the doping of Pr3+, fluorescence lifetime results revealed that the lifetimes of the Er3+:4I13/2 level fell dramatically from 7.33 to 1.90 ms, which experienced a much more significant decrease in lifetimes than the Er3+:4I11/2 level. The MIR fluorescence performances were assessed by the determined J–O parameters and relative emission cross sections. Additionally, the generally huge emission cross sections and the small pump energy show that it is possible to obtain population inversion with relatively small pump energy; thus the Er3+/Pr3+ glasses have great potential to be 2.7 µm laser materials.
Ventricular pacing burden in patients with left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement therapy
Authors: Serban Teodor , Knecht Sven , du Lavallaz Jeanne du Fay , Nestelberger Thomas , Kaiser Christoph , Leibundgut Gregor , Osswald Stefan , Schaer Beat , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael , Badertscher Patrick
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Electrophysiological testing has been proposed in the latest European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for cardiac pacing to identify left bundle branch block (LBBB) patients with infrahisian conduction delay (IHCD) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). While in general IHCD is defined by a His‐ventricular (HV) interval of >55 ms, a cut‐off of ≥70 ms to trigger pacemaker (PM) implantation has been proposed in the latest ESC guidelines. The ventricular pacing (VP) burden during follow‐up in such patients is largely unknown. As such, we aimed to assess the VP burden during follow‐up of patients receiving PM therapy for LBBB after TAVR based on an HV interval > 55 ms and ≥70 ms.

Methods

All patients with new‐onset or pre‐existing LBBB after undergoing TAVR at a tertiary referral center underwent EP testing the day after TAVR. In patients with a prolonged HV interval (>55 ms), PM implantation was performed by a trained electrophysiologist in a standardized fashion. All devices were programmed to avoid unnecessary VP by specific algorithms (e.g., AAI‐DDD).

Results

701 patients underwent TAVR at the University Hospital of Basel. One hundred seventy‐seven patients presented with new‐onset or pre‐existing LBBB the day following TAVR and underwent EP testing. An HV interval > 55 ms was found in 58 patients (33%) and an HV interval ≥ 70 ms in 21 patients (12%). 51 patients (mean age 84 ± 6.2 years, 45% women) agreed to receive a PM, out of which 20 (39%) patients had an HV Interval over 70 ms. Atrial fibrillation was present in 53% of the patients. A dual chamber PM was implanted in 39 (77%), and a single chamber PC in 12 (23%) patients, respectively. Median follow‐up was 21 months. The median VP burden overall was 3%. The median VP burden was not significantly different between patients with an HV ≥ 70 ms (6.5 [0.8−52]) and those with an HV between 55 and 69 ms (2 [0−17], p = .23). 31% of patients demonstrated a VP burden < 1%, 27% 1%−5% and 41% > 5%. The median HV intervals in patients with VP burdens < 1%, 1%−5% and >5% were 66 (IQR 62−70) ms, 66 (IQR 63−74) ms and 68 (IQR 60−72) ms, respectively, p = .52. When only assessing patients with an HV interval 55−69 ms, 36% demonstrated a VP burden of <1%, 29% of 1%−5% and 35% of >5%. In patients with an HV Interval ≥ 70 ms, 25% demonstrated a VP burden < 1%, 25% of 1%−5% and 50% of >5% %, p = .64 (Figure).

Conclusion

In patients with LBBB after TAVR and IHCD defined by an HV interval > 55 ms, VP burden is relevant in a non‐negligible amount of patients during follow‐up. Further studies are warranted to define the optimal cut‐off value for the HV interval or to develop risk models incorporating HV measurements and other risk factors to trigger PM implantation in patients with LBBB after TAVR.
Multi‐stakeholder contribution to the identification of a core outcome set and measurements in implant dentistry (ID‐COSM initiative) using the Delphi methodology
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Carrillo de Albornoz Ana , Martín Conchita , Needleman Ian , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: May 2023

Aim

To obtain input from multiple stakeholders and generate agreement on essential outcomes in implant dentistry using the Delphi methodology and incorporate them into an international consensus defining a core outcome set.

Materials and Methods

Candidate outcomes in implant dentistry were generated from scientific evidence through five commissioned systematic reviews and from people with lived experience in dental implants (PWLE) through four international focus groups. A steering committee identified stakeholders among representatives from dental professionals, industry‐related experts and PWLE. Participants underwent a three‐round Delphi survey using a multi‐stakeholder approach; they assessed candidate outcomes and additional outcomes identified in the first Delphi round. The process followed the COMET methodology.

Results

From the 665 potential outcomes identified in the systematic reviews and 89 in the PWLE focus group, the steering committee selected 100 and organized them into 13 categories, to be included in the first‐round questionnaire as candidate outcomes. A total of 99 dental experts, 7 dental‐industry‐related experts and 17 PWLE participated in the first round, and 11 additional outcomes were added to the second round. There was no attrition between the first and second rounds, where 61 (54.9%) outcomes exceeded the pre‐established threshold of agreement. PWLE and experts participated in the third round that applied “a priori” standard filters to distil a list of candidate essential outcomes.

Conclusion

This Delphi study utilized a standardized, transparent and inclusive methodology and preliminarily validated 13 essential outcomes organized into four core areas. These results informed the final stage of the ID‐COSM consensus.
Flax black spot caused by Alternaria alternata, a new disease afflicting leaves and the exocarps of flax in China
Authors: Zhao Yuanzheng , Jia Xiaoyun , Gao Fengyun , Zhang Lihua , Jin Xiaolei , He Ruichao , Wang Haixia , Zhang Niu , Xu Limin , Zhang Hui , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2023

Flax black spot was found in Ordos City in 2022, mainly infecting leaves and the exocarps, causing leaves turn yellow and brownish with black leaf tips before drying and damage, and exocarps became brown or black with a layer of black mould which significantly affected the yield and quality. The Y3 and K1 strains from infected leaves and the exocarps were the same pathogen of flax black spot which was identified as Alternaria alternata by morphological characteristics and molecular identification. In the pathogenicity test, A. alternata caused severe black spot on leaves and brown or black exocarps with mould of flax consistent with those observed in the field. The study for pathogenic identification ascertained a new disease of flax in China which lays the foundation for subsequent studies on disease control.
Cannabidiol attenuates periodontal inflammation through inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Yaqi , Yu Sijing , Li Cheng , Gao Bo , Zhou Xuedong
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving soft and hard tissue destruction in the periodontal region. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound isolated from cannabis, which has the effect of inhibiting inflammation. However, the role of CBD in periodontitis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects and osteoprotective actions of CBD in periodontitis and its molecular mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

After establishing the rat periodontitis model by ligatures, the specimens were processed for morphometric analysis by Micro‐CT. The gingival tissues were collected, and the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and TLR4 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. LPS was used to induce the inflammatory response of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in vitro. QPCR and western blot were carried out to detect the expression of related inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways.

Results

Cannabidiol significantly inhibits bone loss in experimental rat periodontitis models. CBD downregulated the pro‐inflammatory mediator TNF‐α, related to the decrease of TLR4 protein expression. Overexpression of TNF‐α and TLR4 caused by LPS in hPDLCs. CBD inactivated the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway by inhibiting TLR‐4 expression and p65 NF‐κB phosphorylation. CBD can be considered as a therapeutic agent for periodontitis.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that CBD attenuates ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats and LPS‐induced inflammation in hPDLCs by inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB pathway activation. It indicates that topical CBD application is effective in treating periodontitis.
Improved system for measuring rheological properties of thickened liquid using an inclined parallel plate and optical sensor
Authors: Yasuda Toshitaka , Shimokasa Kenji
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to improve the method of using an inclined parallel plate (IPP) in directly estimating the yield stress and evaluating the properties of a thickened liquid. The flow curve of the relationship between the shear rate and shear stress of a liquid thickened with a xanthan gum agent was predicted using the Herschel–Bulkley fluid model (). We supposed that the yield stress and the result of a line spread test (LST) indicate the deformation state and the flow state of shear stress (), respectively. , the yield stress estimated adopting a rotational viscometer and LST, was investigated for three liquids thickened with xanthan gum at four concentrations (C) at intervals of 0.5 wt% within the range 0.5–2.0 wt%. Linear plots of the relations of versus and and the LST show that with an increase in , the resistance force ( and ) increases until flow starts, after which viscosity increases. We suggest that yield stress estimated with the IPP method effectively indicates the rheological properties of thickened liquids.
Closed‐loop ventilation in COVID‐19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure—A case series
Authors: Buiteman‐Kruizinga Laura A. , van der Heiden Pim L. J. , Paulus Frederique , Schultz Marcus J.
Published: May 2023

Background

INTELLiVENT‐adaptive support ventilation (ASV) is an automated closed‐loop mode of invasive ventilation for use in critically ill patients. INTELLiVENT‐ASV automatically adjusts, without the intervention of the caregiver, ventilator settings to achieve the lowest work and force of breathing.

Aims

The aim of this case series is to describe the specific adjustments of INTELLiVENT‐ASV in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, who were intubated for invasive ventilation.

Study design

We describe three patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) because of COVID‐19 who received invasive ventilation in our intensive care unit (ICU) in the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

INTELLiVENT‐ASV could be used successfully, but only after certain adjustments in the settings of the ventilator. Specifically, the high oxygen targets that are automatically chosen by INTELLiVENT‐ASV when the lung condition ‘ARDS’ is ticked had to be lowered, and the titration ranges for positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) had to be narrowed.

Conclusions

The challenges taught us how to adjust the ventilator settings so that INTELLiVENT‐ASV could be used in successive COVID‐19 ARDS patients, and we experienced the benefits of this closed‐loop ventilation in clinical practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

INTELLiVENT‐ASV is attractive to use in clinical practice. It is safe and effective in providing lung‐protective ventilation. A closely observing user always remains needed. INTELLiVENT‐ASV has a strong potential to reduce the workload associated with ventilation because of the automated adjustments.
Drought‐Reliefs and Partisanship
Authors: Boffa Federico , Cavalcanti Francisco , Fons‐Rosen Christian , Piolatto Amedeo
Published: May 2023

We combine a model of symmetric information with selfish and office‐motivated politicians and a Regression Discontinuity Design analysis based on close municipal elections to study partisan bias in the allocation of drought aid relief in Brazil. We identify a novel pattern of distributive politics whereby partisan bias materialises only before municipal elections, while it disappears before presidential elections. Furthermore, before mayoral elections, it fades for extreme (high or low) aridity levels while persisting for moderate levels. Our empirical results show that in this case alignment increases the probability of receiving aid relief by a factor of two (equivalent to 18.1 percentage points).
Bone‐to‐Bone Ligament Preserving Laminoplasty with Ultrasonic Osteotome Assistance for Intraspinal Tumors: A Technical Note and Clinical Follow‐Up
Authors: Rong Hongtao , Li Sipeng , Zhang Ruiguang , Zheng Bowen , Diao Yuhang , Zhu Tao
Published: May 2023

Objective

Laminectomy has been widely used for intraspinal tumor resection. However, the tilted spinous process and narrow lateral laminae of the thoracic spine along with the hypertrophic ligamentum flavum of the lumbar spine pose certain problems for the laminae removal of the traditional laminectomy. We improved the laminectomy method with ultrasonic osteotome to treat thoracolumbar tumors and assessed its safety and superiority.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 86 patients with thoracolumbar (T4–L5) spinal tumors treated by resection, including 44 with the lamina removed using the traditional method and 42 with the lamina removed using the bone‐to‐bone ligament preserving (BLP) laminoplasty, which preserves the posterior ligament complex. Age, sex, and tumor size, location, and depth were compared between the two groups. The length of incision and bone window, time to remove the vertebral lamina, and epidural effusion volume were recorded at 2 weeks after surgery in the two groups. Postoperative reexamination by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery was compared with preoperative MRI to assess the change in vertebral lamina displacement.

Results

There were no statistical differences in age, sex, and tumor size, depth, or location between the two groups. The BLP laminectomy did not increase the risk of dural, spinal cord, or nerve injuries. The difference between the incision and tumor length, as well as the difference between the bone window and tumor length in the BLP laminectomy group, were smaller than those in the traditional laminectomy group, and the BLP laminectomy took less time compared to that of the traditional laminectomy (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the volume of epidural effusion between the two groups at 2 weeks postoperatively, or in the displacement of the returned vertebral plate observed in sagittal and axial positions. The same was true for the displacement at 3 months postoperatively in the axial position. However, the sagittal displacement in the BLP laminectomy group was smaller than that in the traditional laminectomy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The BLP laminectomy is safe for the resection of thoracolumbar spinal canal tumors. It is less traumatic and faster, with less displacement of the returned lamina, resulting in a stable repair of the spine.
The vices of naturalist neo‐Aristotelian virtue ethics
Authors: Carr David
Published: May 2023

While the modern revival of virtue ethics largely looks back to Aristotle, most, if not all, versions of this trend continue to be much indebted to and/or based upon specific mid‐twentieth‐century neo‐naturalist and descriptivist critiques of prevailing antinaturalist trends of that time: specifically, upon Anscombe's critique of the ethics of duty and utility and of the so‐called modern moral ought, and Geach's robust defence of the descriptive character of moral and other goodness. However, in the wake of further critical attention to these neo‐naturalist claims, this paper argues that there can ultimately be no reliable or secure logical or empirical grounding of the virtues of inherently normative human moral life and conduct in the goods or virtues of effective or even beneficial natural function.