bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish assemblage and functional trait responses to small‐dam removal
Authors: Bower Luke M. , Marion Cathy A. , Scott Mark , Kubach Kevin , Gelder Andrew
Published: June 2024

Dams are one of the greatest threats to freshwater biodiversity and efforts to remove dams to restore riverine systems are increasing. However, dam‐removal studies have primarily focused on taxonomic responses to large dam removals with little work on the functional trait responses of fish to small‐dam removals; such a focus limits the application of results in regions with different taxonomic compositions.

We explored taxonomic and functional trait responses of fish assemblages to two small‐dam removals over 10 years using a Multiple Before After Control Impact design at a dammed and an undammed river. Eight life‐history traits were used to calculate functional diversity (RaoQ) and determine the position of each fish species within a multivariate life‐history space relative to three life‐history strategy endpoints: opportunistic, periodic, and equilibrium. The distance of each species relative to these endpoints was used to calculate community weighted means (CWM), allowing us to examine the shift in life‐history strategy of a given assemblage after dam removal. Based on life‐history theory, we predicted a decrease in the CWM of equilibrium strategists and an increase in the CWM opportunistic strategists after dam removal.

For the dammed river, we observed changes in assemblage structure at both the control and impact sites driven primarily by shifts from a lentic to lotic assemblage, with the most apparent change occurring in the formerly impounded sites. These changes tended to occur within 1 year, suggesting rapid colonization by lotic species after habitat change. By contrast, no change in assemblage structure was found for the undammed river, suggesting that dam removal was the primary driver of the shifts in assemblage structure observed in the dammed river. We found no change in the CWM of periodic strategists or RaoQ of all life‐history traits at any site after dam removal.

Based on CWM, life‐history strategies shifted in response to dam removal at impounded sites where equilibrium strategists decreased and opportunistic strategists tended to increase after the impounded sites changed from a stable lentic environment to an unstable lotic environment, supporting predictions made by life‐history theory.

Our results suggest that small‐dam removal may provide ecological benefits by restoring fish assemblages to a more natural riverine state and reversing the negative effects of dam construction on the ecosystem. We demonstrate that combining both trait‐based and taxonomic approaches can improve our ecological understanding of the impacts of dam removal on fish assemblages and provide relevant data for local management.
Association of oral frailty with medical expenditure in older Japanese adults: The study of late‐stage older adults in Tottori (START Tottori)
Authors: Arai Eri , Watanabe Yutaka , Nakagawa Sayuri , Ohara Yuki , Iwasaki Masanori , Hirano Hirohiko , Ikebe Kazunori , Ono Takahiro , Iijima Katsuya , Adachi Akira , Watanabe Takao , Yamazaki Yutaka
Published: June 2024

Objects

This study aimed to determine the association between annual medical expenses and oral frailty in later‐stage older adults (aged ≥ 75 years). No studies have investigated the association between medical costs and oral frailty, which would elucidate the association between oral frailty and the deterioration of mental and overall physical function.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 2190 adults (860 men and 1330 women aged 75–94 years) covered by the Medical System for the Elderly and residing in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, between April 2016 and March 2019, were included. Participants were classified into three groups: healthy, pre‐orally frail or orally frail, based on dental health screening findings. The medical and dental expenses over the years, number of days of consultations and comorbidities were obtained from the Japanese Health Insurance Claims Database.

Results

The number of days of medical and dental consultations and annual medical expenses for outpatient care differed among the three study groups. A significant association was observed between oral frailty and high annual expenses for outpatient medical and dental care. Oral frailty was associated with higher medical expenses in participants with poor masticatory function. Higher and lower dental expenses were associated with subjective poor masticatory function and subjective impairment of swallowing function respectively.

Conclusion

Medical and dental expenses for orally frail older adults are high, indicating that oral frailty may be related to the occurrence and severity of diseases other than oral health issues. Future studies should examine the mechanism by which oral weakness affects physical and mental functions.
Impact of diabetes on mortality and hospitalization after dementia diagnosis: Health insurance claims data analysis
Authors: Matsunaga Masaaki , Tanihara Shinichi , He Yupeng , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Ota Atsuhiko
Published: June 2024

Aim

Japan faces a public health challenge of dementia, further complicated by the increasing complications from diabetes within its rapidly aging population. This study assesses the impact of diabetes on mortality and hospitalization among individuals aged ≥75 years with new dementia diagnoses.

Methods

We analyzed administrative claims data in Japan from 73 324 individuals aged ≥75 years with dementia, of whom 17% had comorbid diabetes. Dementia and diabetes were identified from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. We used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards analysis, and population attributable fractions (PAFs) to evaluate the impact on mortality and hospitalization after dementia diagnosis.

Results

One‐year mortality and 1‐year hospitalization probabilities in individuals with dementia and diabetes (10.3% and 31.7%, respectively) were higher than those without diabetes (8.3% and 25.4%, respectively). The adjusted hazard ratios for individuals with diabetes, as compared to those without, were 1.126 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.040–1.220) for mortality and 1.191 (95% CI, 1.140–1.245) for hospitalization. The PAFs from the comorbidity of dementia and diabetes were 2.2% for mortality and 3.1% for hospitalization. Subgroup analysis showed that the PAFs were highest in men aged 75–79 years and women aged 80–84 years for mortality and in individuals aged 75–79 for hospitalization.

Conclusion

During the early postdiagnosis period, comorbid diabetes increases mortality and hospitalization risks in older adults with dementia. The variation in disease burden across age groups underscores the need for age‐specific health care strategies to manage comorbid diabetes in individuals with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 773–781.
Trans and gender diverse offenders’ experiences of custody: A systematic review of empirical evidence
Authors: Evans Sally M. , Jones Bethany A. , McDermott Daragh T.
Published: June 2024

Literature regarding trans and gender diverse (TGD) prisoners’ experiences of prison custody is limited. Reviewing international literature enables a better understanding of these experiences and how effectively TGD policies are implemented. This systematic review employed PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines to enhance transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative and mixed‐methods research. Seventeen papers were included and through meta‐ethnographic synthesis three overarching themes emerged: structural, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Recommendations include reducing reliance on survival strategies by TGD prisoners through implementation of policies which meet TGD prisoners’ needs and to enabling better informed decision making regarding housing. Further research into lived experiences would allow for a better understanding of what currently works, how services could be improved, and identify potential training needs.
IL‐2 amplifies quantitative TCR signalling inputs to drive Th1 and Th2 differentiation
Authors: Al‐Aghbar Mohammad Ameen , Espino Guarch Meritxell , van Panhuys Nicholas
Published: June 2024

The activation of CD4+ T‐cells in a T cell receptor (TCR)‐dependent antigen‐specific manner is a central characteristic of the adaptive immune response. In addition to ensuring that CD4+ T‐cells recognise their cognate antigen during activation, TCR‐mediated signalling can also direct the outcome of differentiation. In both in vivo and in vitro model systems, strong TCR signalling has been demonstrated to drive Th1 differentiation, whereas weak TCR signalling drives Th2 responses. During the process of differentiation, TCR signal strength acts as a quantitative component in combination with the qualitative effects imparted by cytokines to polarise distinct T‐helper lineages. Here, we investigated the role of interleukin 2 (IL‐2) signalling in determining the outcome of TCR‐dependent differentiation. IL‐2 production was initiated as an early response to TCR‐induced activation and was regulated by the strength of TCR signalling initially received. In the absence of IL‐2, TCR dependent differentiation was found to be abolished. However, proliferative responses and early markers of activation were maintained, including the upregulation of GATA3, Tbet and Foxp3 at 24 h post‐stimulation. Demonstrating that IL‐2 signalling has a key role in stabilising and amplifying lineage‐specific transcirption factor expression during differentiation. Further, activation of IL‐2‐deficient T‐cells in the presence of exogenous cytokines was sufficient to restore differentiation whilst maintaining transcriptional signatures imparted during initial TCR signalling. Combined, our data demonstrate that the integration of quantitative TCR‐dependent signalling and qualitative IL‐2 signalling is essential for determining the fate of CD4+ T‐cells during differentiation.
Structure–property relations of silicon oxycarbides studied using a machine learning interatomic potential
Authors: Leimeroth Niklas , Rohrer Jochen , Albe Karsten
Published: June 2024

Silicon oxycarbides show outstanding versatility due to their highly tunable composition and microstructure. Consequently, a key challenge is a thorough knowledge of structure–property relations in the system. In this work, we fit an atomic cluster expansion potential to a set of actively learned density‐functional theory training data spanning a wide configurational space. We demonstrate the ability of the potential to produce realistic amorphous structures and rationalize the formation of different morphologies of the turbostratic free carbon phase. Finally, we relate the materials stiffness to its composition and microstructure, finding a delicate dependence on Si‐C bonds that contradicts commonly assumed relations to the free carbon phase.
SiOC foam‐aerogel composites: Optimal balance of lightness and excellent thermal insulation
Authors: Icin Oyku , Abebe Adane Muche , Soraru Gian Domenico , Vakifahmetoglu Cekdar
Published: June 2024

Foam‐aerogel composites are synthesized in polymeric, hybrid, and ceramic states by completing the open cells of the foam with a solution forming a wet gel, carbon dioxide (CO2) supercritically dried, and pyrolyzed. Thermal diffusivity measurements are conducted using the laser flash, and for mechanical performance, cold crushing tests are done to obtain compressive strengths. Samples possess a range of specific surface area (SSA) values up to ∼650 m2/g contingent upon the material state, that is, polymeric, hybrid, or ceramic. While SSA values can be deliberately altered, almost all samples demonstrated a total porosity of ∼90 vol%, with superb specific compressive strength reaching around 2 MPa. In addition to adjustable surface characteristics granting hydrophobic and hydrophilic features, the study revealed the potential use of these foam‐aerogel composites as thermal insulators with low thermal conductivities of 0.02 W·m−1·K−1 at RT and 0.05 W·m−1·K−1 at 500°C. When exposed directly to a butane flame gun with a flame temperature reaching ∼1200°C, from the backside of a 5 mm‐thick foam‐aerogel composite, only ∼200°C is recorded, which is lower than a comparable commercial insulator panel tested under the same conditions.
Determination of the relationship between parents' health literacy and fever management of their children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Menekşe Dilek , Tiryaki Öznur , Çınar Nursan
Published: June 2024

Aims

The research was conducted to determine the practices of parents regarding the fever management of their children and reveal the relationship between their health literacy (HL) and fever management of their children.

Design

Cross‐sectional study was used.

Methods

This study was carried out with 242 parents. The data were collected using the Parent Descriptive Information Form, Turkish HL Scale‐32 and Parents' Fever Management Scale between September 2021 and September 2022. The data were evaluated with the SPSS program, using percentages, averages, Pearson's correlation and regression analysis.

Results

The mean age of the parents was 31.87 ± 6.59. The parents' mean Parents' Fever Management Scale score was 36.22. It means that parents had high fever management practice. Their mean Turkish HL Scale‐32 total score was 34.43. 51.6% of the parents had a problematic or insufficient HL level. In the cases of fever, 61.2% of the parents stated that they took off the child's clothes, 69.0% measured temperature from the armpit, and 55.4% gave antipyretics according to the doctor's prescription. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the Parents' Fever Management Scale and Turkish HL Scale‐32. It is observed that 8.2% of the change in parents' fever management is explained by HL.

Conclusion

The study found that with an increase in parents' HL, fever management of their children also increased.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Emerging evidence showed that developing parents' HL knowledge and skills could be an option/approach in fever management. It should be a basic nursing skill that to provide HL support to parents.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the relevant cross‐sectional STROBE (the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Characterization of unique pattern of immune cell profile in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma through flow cytometry and machine learning
Authors: Liao Li‐Jen , Tsai Chien‐Chen , Li Po‐Yu , Lee Cheng‐Yun , Lin Shian‐Ren , Lai Wan‐Yu , Chen I‐Yu , Chang Chiung‐Fang , Lee Jan‐Mou , Chiu Yen‐Ling
Published: June 2024

In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the alteration of immune responses in peripheral blood remains unclear. In this study, we established an immune cell profile for patients with NPC and used flow cytometry and machine learning (ML) to identify the characteristics of this profile. After isolation of circulating leukocytes, the proportions of 104 immune cell subsets were compared between NPC group and the healthy control group (HC). Data obtained from the immune cell profile were subjected to ML training to differentiate between the immune cell profiles of the NPC and HC groups. We observed that subjects in the NPC group presented higher proportions of T cells, memory B cells, short‐lived plasma cells, IgG‐positive B cells, regulatory T cells, MHC II+ T cells, CTLA4+ T cells and PD‐1+ T cells than subjects in the HC group, indicating weaker and compromised cellular and humoral immune responses. ML revealed that monocytes, PD‐1+ CD4 T cells, memory B cells, CTLA4+ CD4 Treg cells and PD‐1+ CD8 T cells were strongly contributed to the difference in immune cell profiles between the NPC and HC groups. This alteration can be fundamental in developing novel immunotherapies for NPC.
External intervention and responsive adaptation by the community: Experiences of improving house quality in an urban slum
Authors: Chowdhooree Imon , Islam Ishrat
Published: June 2024

Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental organizations, or other entities may run their projects as external interventions within a community to reduce disaster risks and adapt to future climatic events. These external interventions may influence the community to take further adaptation measures for enhancing community resilience. The spontaneous adaptation process, referring as responsive adaptation, needs to be identified and acknowledged. This research aims to investigate the impacts of external interventions on the responsive adaptation process by studying a riverside flood‐prone urban slum in Bangladesh. This settlement experienced a site development project, primarily run by an NGO, that allowed several modifications to the built environment, mainly targeting flood risks. Selected tools of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) or participatory urban appraisal (PUA) methods were employed to obtain data about the community's initiatives for further development. The results show that the site development project, especially its impacts on reducing flood risks, has influenced community members to invest in improving the condition of their individual houses. As a means of responsive adaptation, the conscious developments of their houses contribute to enhancing the resilience level. Through exploring the community's initiatives, this research identifies that the engagement of communities with their knowledge and investments can extend the success of the external intervention.
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia on sleep outcomes in the context of pain among older adult veterans
Authors: Erickson Alexander J. , Rodriguez Juan Carlos , Ravyts Scott G. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Fung Constance H. , Kelly Monica R. , Ryden Armand M. , Carlson Gwendolyn C. , Josephson Karen , Mitchell Michael N. , Martin Jennifer L. , Alessi Cathy A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) is the gold‐standard treatment for insomnia disorder in adults. Compared to young adults, older adults have increased risk for the development of conditions associated with chronic pain, which may impact the efficacy of CBT‐I in improving insomnia symptoms in older adults. This study evaluated the effect of participant‐rated pain on sleep‐related outcomes of a supervised, non‐clinician administered CBT‐I program in older adult patients with chronic insomnia disorder.

Methods

Secondary analysis was conducted using data from a randomized controlled trial among 106 community‐dwelling older adult veterans (N = 106; mean age 72.1 years, 96% male, 78.3% White, 6.6% Hispanic, 5.7% African American) with chronic (≥3 months) insomnia disorder. Participants engaged in five sessions of manual‐based CBT‐I in individual or group format within one Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, provided by non‐clinician “sleep coaches” who had weekly telephone supervision by behavioral sleep medicine specialists. Insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index), perceived sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), fatigue (Flinder's Fatigue Scale), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and perceived pain severity (items from the Geriatric Pain Measure) were assessed at 4 time points: baseline, one‐week posttreatment, 6‐month follow‐up, and 12‐month follow‐up. Mixed effects models with time invariant and time varying predictors were employed for analyses.

Results

CBT‐I improved insomnia symptoms, perceived sleep quality, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness among older veterans with chronic insomnia. Participant‐reported pain was associated with greater improvements in insomnia symptoms following CBT‐I. Pain did not affect improvements in other sleep‐related outcomes (−0.38 ≤ b ≤ 0.07, p > 0.05). Between‐subjects differences in pain, but not within‐subject changes in pain over time, appeared to play a central role in insomnia symptom improvement at posttreatment, with individuals with higher‐than‐average pain showing greater insomnia symptom improvement (ISI score reduction; −0.32 ≤ b ≤ −0.28, p ≤ 0.005).

Conclusions

Pain did not meaningfully hinder the effects of CBT‐I on sleep outcomes. Among older veterans with chronic insomnia disorder, individuals with higher pain exhibited slightly greater improvement in insomnia than those with lower levels of pain. These findings suggest that experiencing pain does not impair treatment response and should not preclude older adults with insomnia from being offered CBT‐I.
‘I tried to get into their shoes and their culture’. Care worker experiences in cultural end‐of‐life care: Interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Lambert Elizabeth , Gibson Jo , Bail Kasia
Published: June 2024

Aim

What are care workers' lived experiences caring for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds during end‐of‐life care?

Design

Interpretative phenomenological analysis

Methods

The lived experiences of 11 care workers within the Australian Capital Territory and region who have cared for someone of a culturally and linguistically diverse background during end‐of‐life care were captured. Each care worker was interviewed individually and answered a series of semi‐structured open‐ended questions.

Results

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, three group experiential themes were derived: (i) navigating cultural shock and death, (ii) the hard work of communication and (iii) searching for deeper connections with client and self. Within these were key elements: Care workers worked hard to embrace cultural diversity, but struggled to meet cultural needs, particularly in relation to the unpredictable timeline of dying. Care workers relied on themselves and their improvisation, but experienced self‐blame for inadequate care and unexpected challenges in communication. Blurred boundaries in relation to therapeutic relationships were apparent, and care workers felt alone with emotional burden, but also found belonging and joy in their work.

Conclusion

Care workers' experiences are vital to understanding the barriers and challenges in providing culturally appropriate end‐of‐life care. Care workers repeatedly experienced an emotional burden and vicarious trauma throughout their work in this field. Care workers were self‐reliant in all aspects of care including communication and consistently desired education, training, resources and support. There remains inadequate research on care workers and their role within the Australian healthcare context.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Care workers need access to support and resources including professional translators to provide culturally appropriate end‐of‐life care. Workplaces and registered nurses should facilitate training and provide guidance to care workers. A person‐centred approach is required during all client encounters while maintaining appropriate therapeutic relationships including therapeutic use of self and professional boundaries.

Reporting Method

COREQ Checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

During this study, care workers were interviewed on their experiences caring for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds during end‐of‐life care. Patients were not directly involved within this study, but their views may have been expressed through the care workers' experience.
Fast and friendly: The role of vocal cues in adolescents' responses to and perceptions of peer provocation
Authors: Nault Daniel R. , Bonar Riley J. T. , Ilyaz Emma , Dirks Melanie A. , Morningstar Michele
Published: June 2024

Adolescents self‐report using different strategies to respond to peer provocation. However, we have a limited understanding of how these responses are behaviorally enacted and perceived by peers. This study examined the extent to which adolescents' self‐reported responses to peer provocation (i.e., aggressive, assertive, and withdrawn) predicted how their vocal enactments of standardized responses to peer provocation were perceived by other adolescents. Three vocal cues relevant to the communication of emotional intent—average pitch, average intensity, and speech rate—were explored as moderators of these associations. Adolescent speakers (n = 39; Mage = 12.67; 66.7% girls) completed a self‐report measure of how they would choose to respond to scenarios involving peer provocation; they also enacted standardized vocal responses to hypothetical peer provocation scenarios. Recordings of speakers' vocal responses were presented to a separate sample of adolescent listeners (n = 129; Mage = 12.12; 52.7% girls) in an online listening task. Speakers who self‐reported greater use of assertive response strategies enacted standardized vocal responses that were rated as significantly friendlier by listeners. Vocal responses enacted with faster speech rates were also rated as significantly friendlier by listeners. Speakers' self‐reported use of aggression and withdrawal was not significantly related to listeners' ratings of their standardized vocal responses. These findings suggest that adolescents may be perceived differently by their peers depending on the way in which their response is enacted; specifically, faster speech rate may be perceived as friendlier and thus de‐escalate peer conflict. Future studies should consider not only what youth say and/or do when responding to peer provocation but also how they say it.
Obstructive sleep apnea may induce sleep–wake cycle dysregulation: An actigraphic study
Authors: Testone Greta , Fernandes Mariana , Carpi Matteo , Lupo Clementina , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Liguori Claudio
Published: June 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes sleep fragmentation and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). OSA has been hypothesised to impair the circadian sleep–wake rhythm, and this dysregulation may in turn exacerbate OSA‐related diurnal symptoms. Hence, this study aimed to assess the sleep–wake rhythm through actigraphy, and its relationship with EDS in patients with untreated OSA. Patients with moderate–severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index ≥15/h) and healthy controls (HC) underwent a 7‐day actigraphic recording to evaluate the sleep–wake rhythm. Participants underwent a sleep medicine visit and completed the self‐report questionnaires assessing EDS (Epworth sleepiness scale, ESS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index, PSQI), and chronotype (morningness‐eveningness questionnaire, MEQ). This study included 48 OSA patients (72.9% males; mean age 56.48 ± 9.53 years), and 22 HC (45.5% males; mean age 53.73 ± 18.20 years). After controlling for MEQ scores, actigraphic recording showed that the OSA patients present a lower sleep time (p = 0.011) and sleep efficiency (p = 0.013), as well as a higher sleep latency (p = 0.047), and sleep fragmentation (p = 0.029) than the HC. Regarding the sleep‐wake rhythm actigraphic parameters, the OSA patients showed a lower average activity during the most active 10‐hour period (p = 0.036) and a lower day/night activity ratio (p = 0.007) than the HC. Patients with OSA also reported higher ESS (p = 0.005) and PSQI scores (p < 0.001), and a chronotype less of morning type (p = 0.027) than the HC. In conclusion, this study documented a reduced diurnal motor activity and lower day/night activity ratio in OSA patients than in controls. These findings suggest a dysregulation of the circadian sleep–wake rhythm in OSA, possibly related to both EDS and reduced daytime motor activity.
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of acid suppressant drugs on leukocyte ratios in dogs with mast cell tumors
Authors: Oberholtzer Sydney , Zhu Xiaojuan , Dedeaux Andrea , Martin Olya , Gould Emily N.
Published: June 2024

Background

Acid suppressant drugs (ASDs) are commonly used to decrease gastric acid production, but some evidence exists that ASDs exert immunomodulatory effects. Such an effect has not been investigated in dogs for which ASDs are routinely prescribed.

Hypothesis

Compared to naïve subjects, dogs treated with ASDs will exhibit differences in leukocyte ratios after treatment.

Animals

Fifty‐one dogs with mast cell tumors (MCTs).

Materials and Methods

Dogs with MCT that were either AS naïve or treated with ASDs (i.e., histamine‐2‐receptor antagonists [H2RA] or proton pump inhibitors [PPI]) were included in this retrospective study. Subjects were categorized into 3 treatment groups (AS naïve, H2RA treated, and PPI treated), and leukocyte ratios (neutrophil:eosinophil, lymphocyte:monocyte, and neutrophil:lymphocyte [NLR]) were calculated before and after treatment. A mixed effects analysis of variance on ranks was used to assess differences in ratios between treatments, between pre‐ and post‐treatment time points, and between pre‐ and post‐time points for each treatment. Concurrent administration of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and chemotherapeutic drugs was assessed as a confounding factor.

Results

Famotidine (n = 14/14) and omeprazole (n = 12/12) were the only H2RA and PPI used, respectively. Dogs receiving famotidine had a significant increase in median NLR from pre‐ to post‐treatment (3.429; range, 1.417–15 to 5.631; range, 2.654–92; P < 0.01) compared to PPI treated or AS naïve dogs. No differences existed in chemotherapeutic drug or corticosteroid use between groups.

Conclusions

A significant difference in NLR was identified in famotidine treated dogs compared with omeprazole treated or AS naïve dogs.
Revisiting the resource curse: Does volatility matter?
Authors: Kirat Yassine
Published: June 2024

Countries with abundant natural resources often possess greater wealth, yet the impact of these resources on economic growth remains unclear. This paper examines how natural‐resource abundance and its volatility impact economic growth. It questions whether natural resources themselves are a curse or if the negative growth effects are due to the volatility of natural‐resource revenues. The study also investigates how volatility of natural resources affects key economic growth channels, such as investment, human capital, and institutional quality. Using the standard panel model and panel smooth transition regression (PSTR), the paper analyzes data from 125 countries (1988–2020). Results show that natural‐resource abundance boosts economic growth, contradicting the resource‐curse theory. However, the growth impact is non‐linear and varies with natural‐resource volatility. Countries with high volatility face up to a 22 percentage point annual GDP growth loss compared with those with low volatility, suggesting that volatility and poor government responses drive the resource‐curse paradox, not the abundance of resources per se.
Lynching and economic opportunities: Evidence from the US South
Authors: Kampanelis Sotiris , Elizalde Aldo
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the impact of historical lynching on the economic opportunities of Black individuals today. Our results indicate that past lynchings have an adverse effect on the current economic opportunities of Black people, likely arising from persistent racial prejudice dating back to the early 20th century. We emphasize the importance of rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population mixing in the US South post‐1880, which led to heightened competition among racial groups for economic, social, and political prominence, ultimately resulting in a surge of lynchings. Our findings survive a series of robustness checks.
Ecological transcriptomics reveals stress response pathways of a ground‐herb species in a waterlogging gradient of Amazonian riparian forests
Authors: Palma‐Silva Clarisse , Mortati Amanda F. , Chaves Cleber Juliano Neves , Simões Santos Leal Bárbara , Ribeiro Rafael V. , Pinheiro Fabio , Ferro Milene , Riaño‐Pachón Diego M. , de Mattos Jacqueline Salvi , Tavares Marília Manupella , Aecyo Paulo , da Costa Cacossi Tami , Schöngart Jochen , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez , André Thiago
Published: June 2024

Environmental stress is a fundamental facet of life and a significant driver of natural selection in the wild. Gene expression diversity may facilitate adaptation to environmental changes, without necessary genetic change, but its role in adaptive divergence remains largely understudied in Neotropical systems. In Amazonian riparian forests, species distribution is predominantly influenced by species' waterlogging tolerance. The flooding gradient delineates distinct wetland forest types, shaping habitats and species characteristics. Here we investigated the molecular basis of environmental stress response in a tropical ground‐herb species (Ischnosiphon puberulus) to environmental variation in Amazonian riparian forests. We compared environmental variables and gene expression profiles from individuals collected in two forest types: Igapó and Terra firme in the Amazonian riparian forests. Predictable seasonal flooding poses a significant challenge in Igapó compared to Terra firme environments, with the former presenting higher water column height and longer flooding duration. Our findings suggest that contrasting environmental conditions related to flooding regimes are important drivers of population genetic differentiation and differential gene expression in I. puberulus. Enriched gene ontology terms highlight associations with environmental stresses, such as defence response, water transport, phosphorylation, root development, response to auxin, salicylic acid and oxidative stress. By uncovering key environmental stress response pathways conserved across populations, I. puberulus offers novel genetic insights into the molecular basis of plant reactions to environmental constraints found in flooded areas of this highly biodiverse neotropical ecosystem.
Personal career decisions during medical training are not complicated, they are complex
Authors: Harper Lea Lea , Desy Janeve , Davis Melinda , Weeks Sarah , McLaughlin Kevin
Published: June 2024

Background

For medical training to be deemed successful, in addition to gaining the skills required to make appropriate clinical decisions, trainees must learn how to make good personal decisions. These decisions may affect satisfaction with career choice, work–life balance, and their ability to maintain/improve clinical performance over time—outcomes that can impact future wellness. Here, the authors introduce a decision‐making framework with the goal of improving our understanding of personal decisions.

Methods

Stemming from the business world, the Cynefin framework describes five decision‐making domains: clear, complicated, complex, chaotic, and confusion, and a key inference of this framework is that decision‐making can be improved by first identifying the decision‐making domain. Personal decisions are largely complex—so applying linear decision‐making strategies is unlikely to help in this domain.

Results

The available data suggest that the outcomes of personal decisions are suboptimal, and the authors propose three mechanisms to explain these findings: (1) Complex decision is susceptible to attribute substitution where we subconsciously trade these decisions for easier decisions; (2) predictions are prone to cognitive biases, such as assuming our situation will remain constant (linear projection fallacy), believing that accomplishing a goal will deliver lasting happiness (arrival bias), or overestimating benefits and underestimating costs of future tasks (planning fallacy); and (3) complex decisions have an inherently higher failure rate than complicated decisions because they are the result of an ongoing, dynamic person‐by‐situation interaction and, as such, have more time to fail and more ways to do so.

Discussion

Based upon their view that personal decisions are complex, the authors propose strategies to improve satisfaction with personal decisions, including increasing awareness of biases that may impact personal decisions. Recognising that the outcome of personal decisions can change over time, they also suggest additional interventions to manage these decisions, such as different forms of mentoring.
Performance of the clarus Aspergillus galactomannan enzyme immunoassay prototype for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in serum
Authors: Boyer Johannes , Sedik Sarah , Egger Matthias , Dichtl Karl , Prattes Juergen , Kriegl Lisa , Krause Robert , Prüller Florian , Hoenigl Martin
Published: June 2024

Background

Serum galactomannan (GM) testing is essential for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis (IA), particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The global lack of on‐site GM testing capacities necessitates cost‐effective alternatives, such as .the clarus Aspergillus GM enzyme immunoassay prototype (clarus AGM prototype).

Methods

This single‐centre, cross‐sectional study compared the diagnostic performance of the clarus AGM prototype (IMMY, Norman, Oklahoma) with the serological gold standard (=Platelia AGM assay; Bio‐Rad, Marnes‐la‐Cocquette, France). IA was classified according to modified 2020 EORTC/MSG consensus and 2024 FUNDICU criteria. In total, 300 prospectively (May‐Dec 2023) and retrospectively (2012–2015) collected samples were included.

Results

Among 300 samples from 232 patients, 49 (16%) were classified as proven (n = 1) or probable IA (n = 48). In non‐IA cases (n = 250), one patient was classified as possible IA. With the manufacturer recommended cut‐off of ≥0.2, sensitivity and specificity of the clarus AGM prototype were 27% (13/49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15%–41%) and 99% (248/250; 95% CI: 97%–100%), respectively, while sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 79% when using the optimised Youden's cut‐off of 0.0045 ODI. ROC curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.829 (95% CI: 0.760–0.898) for the clarus AGM prototype in distinguishing between proven/probable IA and non‐IA. The AUC for the Platelia AGM was 0.951 (95% CI: 0.909–994). Spearman's correlation analysis showed a weak correlation between the two assays (0.382; p < .001).

Conclusions

The weak correlation between the clarus AGM prototype and Platelia AGM highlights the need for further investigation into the clinical performance of the clarus AGM prototype, giving the different antigen epitopes addressed.
A step forward in the study of photosynthetic limitation by CO2 diffusion into the mesophyll
Authors: Ogée Jérôme
Published: June 2024

This article is a Commentary on Rao et al. (2024), 243: 2102–2114.
Interaction between CAFs and apoptotic cancer cells promotes OSCC proliferation via STING signaling
Authors: Yu Qiuya , Huang Xiaofeng , Zhang Fei , Jin Wanyong , Li Ke , Xiao Tao , Jing Yue , Zhang Xiaoxin , Song Yuxian , Wang Shuai , Hu Qingang , Ni Yanhong
Published: June 2024

Background

Apoptosis can fuel oncogenesis by the education of surrounding stromal cells. However, the function of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which interacted with apoptotic cancer cells, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression is still unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of apoptosis and the biological effects of CAFs, interacted with apoptotic cancer cells, on OSCC.

Methods

A total of 166 samples from OSCC patients were stained via TUNEL reaction to evaluate the correlation between apoptosis and clinical characteristics. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed through flow cytometry and CCK‐8 assays, respectively. Levels of mRNA and protein were examined through qRT‐PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results

Higher percentage of apoptotic cancer cells in OSCC positively correlated with more Ki67+ cells and predicted poor clinical outcomes. Conditioned medium from CAFs exposed to apoptotic cancer cells significantly facilitated cell proliferation. Co‐culture CAFs with apoptotic cancer cells dampened the phosphorylation of STING/IRF3 signaling, as well as the production of type I interferon, which was required for the inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the interplay between apoptotic cancer cells and CAFs promotes OSCC proliferation via STING signaling, identifying a potential therapy targeted CAFs surrounded with apoptotic cancer cells for OSCC.
Trends and patterns of antibiotic using from 2014 to 2018 in stomatology hospitals of China
Authors: Guo Zhigang , Zhou Yue , Fu Mengyuan , Zheng Liguang , Shi Luwen
Published: June 2024

Objective

To analyze trends of antibiotic consumption and expenditure in Chinese stomatology hospitals between 2014 and 2018 with a longitudinal study design, and show the impacts of the comprehensive policy on dental antibiotic use in China.

Subject and Methods

Consumption was quantified as the number of daily defined doses (DDDs) and expenditure as the procurement costs, using medical institutions' drug procurement data from the Chinese Monitoring Network for Rational Use of Drugs. Descriptive statistics was employed and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was calculated to show the average annual growth rate.

Results

Between 2014 and 2018, overall antibiotic consumption increased from 842.6 thousand DDDs to 1376.7 thousand DDDs (p < 0.001) and expenditure increased from 11.6 million RMB to 20.9 million RMB (p < 0.001), where other β‐lactam antibacterials accounted for the largest proportion of total consumption (37.1%–50.1%) and expenditure (52.9%–66.6%), and also increase the largest (CAGR = 18.4%, p < 0.001). The proportion of oral antibiotics was nearly 9 times of parenteral antibiotics in consumption (CAGR = 0.3%, p = 0.023) and only 2 times in expenditure (CAGR = −1.7%, p = 0.112). The non‐restricted group accounted for more than 90% of consumption (CAGR = 0.6%, p < 0.001). In 2018, oral first‐generation cephalosporins (22.8%), oral imidazole derivatives (22.3%), and oral second‐generation cephalosporins (19.2%) were the most frequently used antibiotic classification, while parenteral second‐generation cephalosporins were top one (19.8%) for expenditure. At chemical substance levels, the consumption of oral cefradine ranked top one (21.4%) and parenteral cefuroxime accounted for the largest proportion of expenditure (14.5%) in 2018. Oral cefradine, oral metronidazole, and oral cefaclor were the top three frequently consumed antibiotics throughout the five years.

Conclusions

Despite the potential antibiotic overuse, the comprehensive antibiotic stewardship regulations of China got a satisfactory and better performance in dental practices. More effort is needed to establish more explicit guidelines to improve antibiotic stewardship, such as priority recommending amoxicillin and its derivatives for endodontic infections.
Biological and prognostic significance of NDRG2 downregulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ahn Chi‐Hyun , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Shim Hye‐Won , Shin Wui‐Jung , Cho Young‐Ah , Yoon Hye‐Jung
Published: June 2024

Objective

Downregulation of N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a tumor suppressor gene, has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in various cancers. However, the prognostic significance of NDRG2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of NDRG2 downregulation in OSCC and to elucidate the mechanism by which NDRG2 is downregulated and the biological role of NDRG2 in tumor progression.

Methods

Immunohistochemical and in silico analyses of NDRG2 expression were performed, and the correlation between NDRG2 expression and clinicopathological data was analyzed. The effect of NDRG2 knockdown on the biological behavior of OSCC cells was investigated and the effect of 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dC) on NDRG2 expression was determined.

Results

NDRG2 expression was significantly downregulated and DNA hypermethylation of NDRG2 was frequently found in head and neck SCC, including OSCC. Low NDRG2 expression was significantly correlated with adverse clinicopathological features and worse survival in OSCC. NDRG2 knockdown could enhance the oncogenic properties of OSCC cells. NDRG2 mRNA levels in OSCC cells could be restored by 5‐aza‐dC.

Conclusion

Downregulation of NDRG2 promotes tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in OSCC. Therefore, restoration of NDRG2 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy in OSCC.
Is Aggressive Surgery Always Necessary for Suspected Early‐Onset Surgical Site Infection after Lumbar Surgery? A 10‐Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zou Lin , Sun Pengxiao , Chen Weidong , Shi Jiawei , Zhang Yujing , Zhong Jintao , Qu Dongbin , Zheng Minghui
Published: June 2024

Objective

Surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal surgery is still a persistent worldwide health concern as it is a worrying and devastating complication. The number of samples in previous studies is limited and the role of conservative antibiotic therapy has not been established. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of empirical antibiotic treatment for suspected early‐onset deep spinal SSI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to identify all cases with suspected early‐onset deep SSI after lumbar instrumented surgery between January 2009 and December 2018. We evaluated the potential risks for antibiotic treatment, examined the antibiotic treatment failure rate, and applied logistic regression analysis to assess the risk factors for empirical antibiotic treatment failure.

Results

Over the past 10 years, 45 patients matched the inclusion criteria. The success rate of antibiotic treatment was 62.2% (28/45). Of the 17 patients who failed antibiotic treatment, 16 were cured after a debridement intervention and the remaining one required removal of the internal fixation before recovery. On univariate analysis, risk factors for antibiotic treatment failure included age, increasing or persisting back pain, wound dehiscence, localized swelling, and time to SSI (cut‐off: 10 days). Multivariate analysis revealed that infection occurring 10 days after primary surgery and wound dehiscence were independent risk factors for antibiotic treatment failure.

Conclusion

Appropriate antibiotic treatment is an alternative strategy for suspected early‐onset deep SSI after lumbar instrumented surgery. Antibiotic treatment for suspected SSI occurring within 10 days after primary surgery may improve the success rate of antibiotic intervention. Patients with wound dehiscence have a significantly higher likelihood of requiring surgical intervention.