bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hauntings of Absence and Erasure: Black Archival Practices of Property Data
Authors: Percel Joyce
Published: June 2024

This article analyses data at the intersection of digital geographies, critical data studies, and Black studies to bring clarity to relations, differences, and frictions between Black knowledge‐making and common data practices. I highlight artist Tonika Lewis Johnson's project, Inequity for Sale, and detail a genealogy of the data she uses in this project to illustrate how she situates these data within the afterlives of slavery. Drawing from Avery Gordon's theorisation of haunting and ideas towards absences and erasures in Black archival practice, I argue that absences in data can lead to narratives that focus on violence as a singular historical event that is isolated from a larger history of violence. I suggest that bringing a curiosity to these absences, rather than dismissing them or framing them as oversights, can help re‐situate data within a broader temporal‐relational context that brings a sense of Black humanity to the fore.
Quality of life and functional vision in adolescents with surgically treated hydrocephalus in infancy
Authors: Najim Rezhna Taha , Andersson Susann , Tullberg Mats , Andersson Grönlund Marita
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate health‐ and vision‐related quality of life (HR‐ and VR‐QoL) and perceptual visual dysfunction (PVD) in adolescents with hydrocephalus surgically treated in infancy.

Methods

In total, 23 adolescents (15 males and 8 females; median age 14.9 years) with hydrocephalus and 31 controls were evaluated using validated instruments to measure HR‐QoL and VR‐QoL. PVDs were reported by history taking in five areas: recognition, orientation, depth, movement and simultaneous perception.

Results

Adolescents with hydrocephalus and the parent proxy reports showed lower mean total Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 scores (75.8 and 63.7, respectively) compared with controls (87.6 and 91.5), p = 0.016 and p < 0.0001. Parent‐reported scores were lower than self‐reported scores (p = 0.001). Adolescents with myelomeningocele (n = 10) showed lower physical health scores (p = 0.001). No VR‐QoL difference was found between groups. PVDs were reported in ≥1 area by 14/23 hydrocephalus participants and 2/31 controls (p < 0.0001). Associations were found in the hydrocephalus group between VR‐QoL and HR‐QoL (rs = 0.47, p = 0.026) and number of PVD areas (rs = −0.6, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Adolescents with hydrocephalus and their parents reported lower HR‐QoL and more PVDs. These problems indicate the need for not only ophthalmological follow‐ups but also evaluation of QoL and PVDs in individuals with infantile hydrocephalus.
Impact of ownership structure and cross‐listing on the role of female audit committee financial experts in mitigating earnings management
Authors: Bilal  , Ezeani Francisca , Usman Muhammad , Komal Bushra , Gerged Ali Meftah
Published: June 2024

This study investigates whether female Audit Committee Financial Experts (ACFEs) at Chinese listed companies reduce earnings management by examining their influence under different ownership structures and cross‐listing scenarios. Our findings reveal that female ACFEs negatively affect earnings management, with their impact varying by ownership type. Specifically, female ACFEs in privately owned enterprises (non‐SOEs) are more effective at reducing earnings management than those in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). Furthermore, our analysis indicates that female ACFEs in cross‐listed firms are better at mitigating earnings management compared with their counterparts in domestically listed firms. These results have significant implications for regulators, market authorities, investors, and corporate managers, highlighting the crucial role of female ACFEs in improving corporate transparency across diverse ownership frameworks and cross‐listing conditions.
Developing students' creative problem‐solving strategies in the context of blended sports education
Authors: Lin Yen‐Nan , Hsia Lu‐Ho , Hwang Gwo‐Jen
Published: June 2024

To win in sports competitions, in addition to excellent sports skills, coping strategies in the face of various competition situations are also critical for success. Therefore, cultivating students' diverse, creative and flexible tactical application abilities is an important educational goal in sports training. However, in the online component of blended training in sports, conventional instructional approaches are teacher‐centred and hardly ever adopt the consolidated approaches to creative problem solving used in other fields. This results in limited opportunities for students to discover the problems and apply their creative thinking tendencies for problem solving. Hence, the present study proposed applying a consolidated creative problem‐solving approach in the online phase of blended training initiatives in order to cultivate students' higher‐order thinking skills. To verify the effectiveness of this approach, a convenience grouping‐based quasi‐experiment design was adopted. A 10‐week teaching experiment was conducted in a billiards training course. A total of 79 students were recruited in this study; they were divided into one CPS‐BL group with 41 students and one conventional blended learning (C‐BL) group with 38 students. The results showed that the CPS‐BL approach could significantly enhance students' billiards striking strategies, creative thinking tendencies and problem‐solving skills.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

In many sports, like billiards, physical skills are generally not enough; higher‐order thinking skills are also needed to succeed.

Blended learning in these sports generally entails teacher‐centred approaches in the online component and practice in the f2f component. This provides students with limited opportunities to develop their creative problem‐solving skills.

There are consolidated methods to develop students' strategic skills though creative problem solving, but these are seldom applied in sports.

What this paper adds

The application of a creative problem‐solving approach to physical education is proposed.

An experiment was conducted in a university billiards course to evaluate the impacts of the proposed approach.

The approach enhanced students' billiards striking strategies, problem‐solving skills and creative thinking. Implications for practice and/or policy of creative problem‐solving‐based blended learning has great potential for promoting students' problem‐solving skills and creative thinking.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Creative problem solving‐based blended learning has great potential for promoting students' problem‐solving skills and creative thinking.

The findings of this study provide a reference for future endeavours in designing blended physical learning.
Pharmacological and behavioural effects of tryptamines present in psilocybin‐containing mushrooms
Authors: Rakoczy Ryan J. , Runge Grace N. , Sen Abhishek K. , Sandoval Oscar , Wells Hunter G. , Nguyen Quynh , Roberts Brianna R. , Sciortino Jon H. , Gibbons William J. , Friedberg Lucas M. , Jones J. Andrew , McMurray Matthew S.
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose

Demand for new antidepressants has resulted in a re‐evaluation of the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. Several tryptamines found in psilocybin‐containing “magic” mushrooms share chemical similarities with psilocybin. Early work suggests they may share biological targets. However, few studies have explored their pharmacological and behavioural effects.

Experimental Approach

We compared baeocystin, norbaeocystin and aeruginascin with psilocybin to determine if they are metabolized by the same enzymes, similarly penetrate the blood–brain barrier, serve as ligands for similar receptors and modulate behaviour in rodents similarly. We also assessed the stability and optimal storage and handling conditions for each compound.

Key Results

In vitro enzyme kinetics assays found that all compounds had nearly identical rates of dephosphorylation via alkaline phosphatase and metabolism by monoamine oxidase. Further, we found that only the dephosphorylated products of baeocystin and norbaeocystin crossed a blood–brain barrier mimetic to a similar degree as the dephosphorylated form of psilocybin, psilocin. The dephosphorylated form of norbaeocystin was found to activate the 5‐HT2A receptor with similar efficacy to psilocin and norpsilocin in in vitro cell imaging assays. Behaviourally, only psilocybin induced head twitch responses in rats, a marker of 5‐HT2A‐mediated psychedelic effects and hallucinogenic potential. However, like psilocybin, norbaeocystin improved outcomes in the forced swim test. All compounds caused minimal changes to metrics of renal and hepatic health, suggesting innocuous safety profiles.

Conclusions and Implications

Collectively, this work suggests that other naturally occurring tryptamines, especially norbaeocystin, may share overlapping therapeutic potential with psilocybin, but without causing hallucinations.
Vertical niche and trait associations in Central African amphibians
Authors: Basham Edmund W. , Scheffers Brett R. , Nakamura Akihiro , Bamba‐Kaya Abraham , Jongsma Gregory F. M.
Published: June 2024

Tropical forests are vertically complex and offer unique niche opportunities in the form of resources, climate, and habitat gradients from the forest floor to the canopy. Rainforest amphibians have diversified within this vertical space, resulting in partitioned niches and corresponding morphological, behavioral, and reproductive traits. However, a lack of data regarding the vertical niche space used by amphibian species has prevented a nuanced analysis of the form‐function relationship between traits and vertical height. We performed 74 ground‐to‐canopy surveys for amphibians in the tropical rainforest of Gabon and described the vertical stratification patterns of the assemblage in terms of richness, abundance, and species‐specific vertical niches. We determined that the community shift in richness and abundance between the ground and understory was pronounced, while the community change from understory to canopy was gradual. We analyzed the relationships between amphibian traits with vertical height using linear mixed effects models, finding strong support (>60% variance explained) that frogs with bigger toes in relation to their length access greater height in the canopy. This relationship provides support for the form‐function hypothesis: that morphology changes predictably to meet the functional demands of species along niche gradients. Furthermore, we documented differences in the vertical heights of species according to their reproductive modes, highlighting the potential impact of reproductive mode diversity on the vertical stratification patterns of amphibian assemblages.
Quality Improvement Support Agencies as a systemic quality strategy: France and Québec
Authors: Dare Labante Outcha , Champagne François , Denis Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2024

In a high‐quality health and social services system, policymakers encourage action at all levels of change to ensure the consistency of quality strategies. This is especially important at the systemic level, in which the other three levels of change are nested. This study aims to present an analysis of Quality Improvement Support Agencies as a systemic strategy, which has been successfully implemented in several jurisdictions. A comparative study of two critical cases in different jurisdictions was carried out: Haute autorité de santé in France (HAS) and Institut national d'excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESSS) in Québec, Canada.
Human papillomavirus‐driven head and neck cancers in Japan during 2008–2009 and 2018–2019: The BROADEN study
Authors: Nibu Ken‐ichi , Oridate Nobuhiko , Saito Yuki , Roset Montserrat , Forés Maresma Marta , Cuadras Daniel , Morais Edith , Roberts Craig , Chen Ya‐Ting , Spitzer Jacque , Sato Kayo , Saito Itori , Tazaki Ichiro , Clavero Omar , Schroeder Lea , Alemany Laia , Mehanna Hisham , Mirghani Haitham , Giuliano Anna R. , Pavón Miquel Angel , Waterboer Tim
Published: June 2024

There is limited understanding of epidemiology and time trends of human papilloma virus (HPV)‐driven head and neck cancers (HNC) in Japan, especially outside of the oropharynx. To assess HPV‐driven HNC, a non‐interventional study (BROADEN) of HNC patients diagnosed in 2008–2009 and 2018–2019 was conducted in Japan. Adult patients with oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or oral cavity cancers were included in this study. HPV was centrally tested using p16INK4a immunohistochemistry, HPV‐DNA PCR and HPV E6*I mRNA. HPV attributability required positivity in at least two tests (p16INK4a immunohistochemistry, HPV‐DNA PCR, HPV E6*I mRNA) in the oropharynx, and HPV‐DNA and HPV E6*I mRNA positivity for non‐oropharynx sites. Nineteen hospitals included a total of 1108 patients, of whom 981 had valid samples. Men accounted for 82% of HNC diagnoses. Patients in the earlier cohort were younger and included a higher percentage of smokers. There was an increasing trend of HPV‐driven oropharyngeal cancer over the last decade, from 44.2% to 51.7%. HPV attribution in nasopharyngeal cancers was 3.2% in 2008–2009 and 7.5% in 2018–2019; and 4.4% and 0% for larynx respectively. In total, 95.2% of HPV‐driven HNC were attributed to HPV genotypes included in the 9‐valent HPV vaccine being HPV16 the most prominent genotype. These results suggest that an epidemiologic shift is happening in Japan, with a decrease in smoking and alcohol use and an increase in HPV‐driven HNC. The increasing trend of HPV‐driven HNC in Japan highlights the need for preventive strategies to mitigate the rise of HPV‐driven HNC.
Music enrichment programs may promote early language development by enhancing parent responsiveness: A narrative review
Authors: Smith Amy R. , Kong Kai Ling
Published: June 2024

The first years of life are critical for language development. Numerous studies indicate that actively participating in music creates a neural processing advantage in brain regions that support language development. Nevertheless, shared social characteristics between music and language may also play a role in explaining the benefits of music engagement during infancy for language development. The causal effects of a social learning pathway explaining the relation between music and language development in infants have not been fully elucidated. In this article, we posit that music enrichment programs indirectly benefit language development through enhanced parental responsiveness, an aspect of high‐quality parent–infant interactions. We summarize research on parent–child music enrichment classes and early language development. We also provide a narrative review and conceptual model of relevant research to support how parental responsiveness may partly explain the association between participating in music enrichment programs during infancy and benefits to early language development.
Human mediation should be a non‐factor in hybridization and conservation
Authors: Halm Derek
Published: June 2024

Hybridization by introgression (“hybridization”) is a complex topic in conservation. Many conservation decision‐makers are concerned about hybridization by introgression because it may threaten species persistence or local phenotypes, among other potential long‐term problems. While attitudes have changed towards hybridization as a conservation threat, there are still concerns about hybridization as a problem, particularly if the hybridization was anthropogenically mediated. I propose that these concerns are overblown and that it is misguided to focus on whether hybridization is unintentionally human‐mediated. I argue that practitioners should still consider the effects of hybridization on conservation, but the reasons should concern the long‐term environmental consequences, such as ecological function and social and cultural that hybridization has, rather than whether humans “caused” the hybrid. I propose a series of steps to think differently about these cases.
Evinacumab: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: Dingman Robert , Bihorel Sébastien , Gusarova Viktoria , Mendell Jeanne , Pordy Robert
Published: June 2024

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare and serious genetic condition characterized by premature cardiovascular disease due to severely elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). HoFH primarily results from loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR), reducing LDL‐C clearance such that patients experience severe hypercholesterolemia, exacerbating the risk of developing cardiovascular events. Treatment options such as statins, lomitapide, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, and apheresis help lower LDL‐C; however, many patients with HoFH still fail to reach their target LDL‐C levels and many of these lipid‐lowering therapies are not indicated for pediatric use. Angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) has been identified as a target to treat elevated LDL‐C by acting as a natural inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and endothelial lipase (EL), enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of the triglyceride and phospholipid content of very low‐density lipoproteins. Persons heterozygous for LOF mutations in ANGPTL3 were reported to have lower LDL‐C than non‐carriers and lower risk of coronary artery disease. Evinacumab is a first‐in‐class human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to ANGPTL3 to prevent its inhibition of LPL and EL. In clinical trials, a 15 mg/kg intravenous dose every 4 weeks has shown a mean percent change from baseline in LDL‐C of ~50% in adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients with HoFH. This mini review article describes the mechanism of action of evinacumab, evinacumab population PK and PD modeling, and clinical development history of evinacumab for the treatment of HoFH.
Bilateral centromedian nucleus of thalamus responsive neurostimulation for pediatric‐onset drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Ahn Samuel , Edmonds Benjamin , Rajaraman Rajsekar R. , Rao Lekha M. , Hussain Shaun A. , Matsumoto Joyce H. , Sankar Raman , Salamon Noriko , Fallah Aria , Nariai Hiroki
Published: June 2024

Neuromodulation therapies offer an efficacious treatment alternative for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), particularly those unlikely to benefit from surgical resection. Here we present our retrospective single‐center case series of patients with pediatric‐onset DRE who underwent responsive neurostimulation (RNS) depth electrode implantation targeting the bilateral centromedian nucleus (CM) of the thalamus between October 2020 and October 2022. Sixteen patients were identified; seizure outcomes, programming parameters, and complications at follow‐up were reviewed. The median age at implantation was 13 years (range 3.6–22). Six patients (38%) were younger than 12 years of age at the time of implantation. Ictal electroencephalography (EEG) patterns during patients’ most disabling seizures were reliably detected. Ten patients (62%) achieved 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency at a median 1.3 years (range 0.6–2.6) of follow‐up. Eight patients (50%) experienced sensorimotor side effects, and three patients (19%) had superficial pocket infection, prompting the removal of the RNS device. Side effects of stimulation were experienced mostly in monopolar‐cathodal configuration and alleviated with programming change to bipolar configuration or low‐frequency stimulation. Closed‐loop neurostimulation using RNS targeting bilateral CM is a feasible and useful therapy for patients with pediatric‐onset DRE.
A value‐based healthcare approach
Authors: Møberg Kristoffer Dahl , Malmmose Margit
Published: June 2024

This study explores the interpretations of a recently implemented value‐based healthcare (VBHC) approach within a Danish healthcare region. We examine managerial perceptions of VBHC and how it seeks to balance quality and cost while incorporating patient perspectives. Our research involves interviews with hospital managers at different organizational levels, where we delve into their explanations of how they approach VBHC. Applying institutional logics, our case study reveals the complexities inherent in public healthcare management's understanding of integrating patient perspectives. We find that at the regional level, VBHC guidelines primarily emphasize quality indicators, suggesting a strategic focus on quality over finances due to the absence of cost guidelines. Consequently, we identify a unified accentuated willingness among managers to transcend the traditional focus on productivity associated with New Public Management. In this context, department managers highlight intuitive decision‐making approaches and innovative initiatives, which are decoupled from cost information. This decoupling is attributed to a lack of financial expertise at the department level. These managers rely heavily on notions of appropriateness in their reflections on VBHC. On a department level, the term “value” is interpreted as representing the patient perspective, rather than being solely a monetary value of outcomes. Although the latter is often indirectly embedded in decision‐making processes, we posit that nuanced aspects of decision‐making and the collective logics mobilized at various levels of hospital management, particularly in relation to VBHC, remain underexplored areas in the accounting literature.
Functional and phylogenetic dimensions of tree biodiversity reveal unique geographic patterns
Authors: Paz Andrea , Crowther Thomas W. , Maynard Daniel S.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Quantify tree functional and phylogenetic richness and divergence at the global scale, and explore the drivers underpinning these biogeographic patterns.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present.

Major Taxa Studied

Trees.

Methods

Using global tree occurrence data, we outlined species' observed ranges using individual alpha hulls to obtain per‐pixel tree species composition at a 0.83‐degree resolution. Using eight traits from a recent tree‐trait database and a vascular‐plant phylogeny we computed and mapped four pixel‐level biodiversity indices, including two metrics related to richness: phylogenetic richness and functional richness, and two related to divergence: mean pairwise phylogenetic distance and Rao's quadratic entropy. To account for the effect of species richness, we also calculated standardized effect sizes accounting for richness for each pixel. We then explored the relations between richness and divergence and the latitudinal patterns of divergence both globally and across biomes. Finally, we used a random forest modelling approach to test for drivers of the different dimensions of diversity in trees.

Results

In contrast to the latitudinal gradient in species richness, functional and phylogenetic divergence both peak in mid‐latitude systems, exhibiting the highest values in temperate ecosystems and lowest values in boreal and tropical forests. This result holds for functional divergence when removing gymnosperms but the peak flattens for phylogenetic divergence. Phylogenetic richness is consistently lower than expected given the number of species, whereas functional richness has higher‐than‐expected values at mid‐latitudes, mimicking functional divergence patterns. When considering the drivers of these diversity patterns, temperature and historical speciation rates consistently emerge as the strongest forces driving divergence, with negligible effects of human influence, soils or historical climate stability.

Main Conclusions

Collectively, these results reveal unique similarities and disparities across biomes that are not apparent in any single dimension of biodiversity, highlighting the importance of considering multiple aspects of biodiversity in the management of natural ecosystems.
Tree diversity across multiple scales and environmental heterogeneity promote ecosystem multifunctionality in a large temperate forest region
Authors: Li Jie , Hao Minhui , Cheng Yanxia , Zhao Xiuhai , von Gadow Klaus , Zhang Chunyu
Published: June 2024

Aim

Biodiversity across different scales provides multidimensional insurance for ecosystem functioning. Although the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem multifunctionality are well recorded in local communities, they remain poorly understood across scales (from local to larger spatial scales). This study evaluates how multiple attributes of biodiversity maintain ecosystem multifunctionality from local to regional scales, across diverse environmental gradients.

Location

North‐eastern China.

Time Period

2017.

Major Taxa Studied

Woody plants.

Methods

We define multifunctionality using both averaged and modified multiple‐threshold approaches. Multiple dimensions of biodiversity across varying spatial scales were measured within the framework of Hill–Chao numbers. Using variance decomposition, linear mixed models and structural equation modelling, we explored how multiple attributes of tree diversity at varying spatial scales affect multifunctionality, and how these relationships are modulated by environmental drivers.

Results

We found that both α‐ and β‐diversity are critical for regional community multifunctionality, while the relationships between species, functional and phylogenetic diversity and multifunctionality decoupled across spatial scales and thresholds of ecosystem functioning. Phylogenetic β‐diversity and species α‐diversity are, respectively, more important for promoting high‐ and moderate‐threshold multifunctionality (e.g. EMFT90 and EMFT50) in regional communities. Environmental drivers typically have stronger effects than biodiversity on multifunctionality. Soil and climatic conditions had either direct effects on multifunctionality or indirect ones mediated by species α‐diversity. Environmental heterogeneity is important for high‐threshold multifunctionality, exerting directly and indirectly through phylogenetic β‐diversity. Latitude not only directly influences multifunctionality but also modulates it through species α‐diversity and phylogenetic β‐diversity.

Main Conclusions

This study underscores the positive effects of biodiversity on multifunctionality across multiple dimensions. Based on our findings, we conclude that any design of a forested landscape that is aimed at maximizing multifunctionality should consider maintaining high local diversity as well as forest community heterogeneity at varying scales.
The 36th International Mammalian Genome Conference: A scientific gathering under the cherry blossoms in Tsukuba
Authors: Abe Kuniya , Masuya Hiroshi , Shiroishi Toshihiko
Published: June 2024

The 36th International Mammalian Genome Conference (IMGC) was held in a hybrid format at the Tsukuba International Congress Center in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, for 4 days from March 28 to 31, 2023. This international conference on functional genomics of mouse, human, and other mammalian species attracted 246 participants in total, of which 129 were from outside Japan, including Europe, the United States and Asia, and 117 participants were from Japan. The conference included three technical workshops, keynote lectures by domestic researchers, commemorative lectures for the conference awards, 57 oral presentations, and 97 poster presentations. The event was a great success. Topics included the establishment and analysis of disease models using genetically engineered or spontaneous mutant mice, systems genetic analysis using mouse strains such as wild‐derived mice and recombinant inbred mouse strains, infectious diseases, immunology, and epigenetics. In addition, as a joint program, a two‐day RIKEN Symposium was held, and active discussions continued over the four‐day period. Also, there was a trainee symposium, in which young researchers were encouraged to participate, and excellent papers were selected as oral presentations in the main session.
Dermatologic manifestations of zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs: “Spot” could give you spots
Authors: Klein Paytra A. , Parisi Rose , Daniel Jency M. , Rogers Roy S.
Published: June 2024

The bond between humans and dogs is precious and has been treasured since ancient times. Dog ownership is linked to numerous health benefits, such as increased physical activity and social functioning and decreased depression and cardiovascular events. However, dogs can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, many of which present with cutaneous findings. This review summarizes the dermatologic manifestations, transmission routes, diagnosis, and treatment of zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs, including vector‐borne, bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. This review emphasizes the significance of clinicians obtaining a comprehensive exposure history when patients exhibit a rash of unknown origin. Such an approach can provide valuable epidemiological clues related to diagnosing a zoonotic disease transmitted by a pet dog. Furthermore, identifying the dog as an infection source and subsequent veterinary treatment can help prevent recurrent infections in dermatologic patients.
Impact of psoriasis on the risk of device‐related infective endocarditis in patients with permanent pacemakers: a propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Wei Chapman , Mustafa Nawal , Grovu Radu , Wei Chaplin , Rizvi Taqi , Bradu Stefan , Mustafa Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Background

Device‐related infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality, resulting in a growing emphasis on identifying and managing comorbidities that increase the risk of IE in these patients. Psoriasis is increasingly being recognized as having multiple cardiovascular manifestations. However, little is known about the impact of psoriasis on IE risk in patients with permanent pacemakers (PPM). Our study aimed to assess whether psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of developing IE in patients with PPM.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample database was utilized to extract patients with PPM. The presence of psoriasis stratified patients. Demographic and comorbidity data were collected. 1:10,000 propensity matching for IE risk factors was performed to examine independent associations between psoriasis and IE.

Results

Of 437,793 patients, 45 had psoriasis. Psoriasis patients had higher IE rates (4.4% vs. 0.6%; P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, psoriasis was associated with a 7.2‐fold high IE risk (OR: 7.2 [1.7–30.2]; P < 0.01). Post‐match analysis showed an 8.3‐fold IE risk in psoriasis patients (OR: 8.3 [2.0–34.4]; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Psoriasis was independently associated with elevated IE risk in patients with PPM. Further studies are required to corroborate these findings, which will have implications for IE prophylaxis.
Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating‐shift nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chiang Shang‐Lin , Tzeng Wen‐Chii , Chiang Li‐Chi , Lee Meei‐Shyuan , Lin Chueh‐Ho , Lin Chia‐Huei
Published: June 2024

Aim

To examine the associations between physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating‐shift nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Stress adversely impacts hospital nurses, particularly those on rotating shifts. The effects of physical activity patterns and sleep quality on the stress levels of these nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic warrant investigation.

Methods

A multicenter cross‐sectional study was conducted with 550 eligible registered hospital nurses, randomly selected from four hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Taiwan. The work schedule type of these nurses was categorized into rotating shifts (working at least two shifts in a month, involving day, evening, and night shifts) or fixed‐day shifts (working only the day shift). Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity patterns (sedentary or active), sleep quality (poor or adequate), and stress levels for analysis.

Results

Rotating‐shift nurses with active physical activity patterns exhibited lower stress levels compared with those with sedentary patterns. Nurses who experienced adequate sleep quality had lower stress levels compared with those with poor sleep quality among rotating and fixed‐day shift nurses.

Conclusions

Active physical activity patterns and adequate sleep quality were associated with lower stress levels among rotating‐shift nurses during the pandemic. Promoting active physical activity and enhancing sleep quality are essential strategies for reducing stress in these nurses.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity and improving sleep quality should be integral components of health promotion programs and policymaking efforts directed at nursing leaders, to foster a healthy and supportive work environment and enhance the welfare of rotating‐shift hospital nurses.

Reporting method

The study is reported using the statement of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).
The fallible manager: The critique of management within pluralist industrial relations
Authors: Heery Edmund
Published: June 2024

This article uses the work of Willy Brown, John Purcell, Linda Dickens, and Keith Sisson to identify the critique of management within pluralist industrial relations. The notion of the ‘fallible manager’ captures the essence of this critique. Within the pluralist tradition, fallible managers are identified as the source of industrial relations problems and are also deemed incapable of reversing the harms they cause in the absence of supportive state intervention. While managers are deemed fallible in the pluralist tradition, however, management typically is not regarded as illegitimate and in a reformed institutional context is capable of managing for the common good, to generate ‘shared value.’
Strategic Design Skills in a Live Project: A Case Study of a Graduate Studio Course
Authors: Mejía G. Mauricio , Xie Yumeng , Simeone Luca , Tomlin Stephanie
Published: June 2024

As design becomes more oriented towards strategy, services and systems, design learning is no longer something apprentices can develop only with masters’ input and critique. Further, the experimentation and reflection commonly occurring inside studio‐based education is insufficient. Real‐world or live projects offer an alternative to learning strategic design skills and approaches such as design research, experience prototyping, visioning, co‐design or systems thinking. In this paper, we report a case study of a graduate studio live project exploring the use of strategic design skills. The findings suggest that students spend more time on and practice synthesis skills for research, reframing and dealing with uncertainty. They also develop skills for modelling and prototyping to address the need to improve communication with stakeholders. On the contrary, they underdevelop skills such as speculation, stakeholder facilitation and implementation viability. While live projects offer benefits, not all strategic design skills are equally used. Instructors’ main role is to coach students and prepare them to interact with the client. Learning evaluation focuses not only on the process but also on the outcomes.
Achieving consensus on the essential knowledge and skills needed by nursing students to promote planetary health and sustainable healthcare: A Delphi study
Authors: Levett‐Jones Tracy , Catling Christine , Cheer Sarah , Fields Lorraine , Foster Anna , Maguire Jane , Mcintyre Erica , Moroney OAM Tracey , Pich Jacqueline , Pitt Victoria , Whiteing Nicola , Lokmic‐Tomkins Zerina
Published: June 2024

Aim

To achieve consensus on the knowledge and skills that undergraduate/pre‐licensure nursing students require to steward healthcare towards a more sustainable future.

Design

A two‐phase real‐time Delphi study.

Methods

Phase 1 included the generation of Planetary Health, climate change and sustainability knowledge and skill statements based on a review of relevant literature. Phase 2 consisted of a real‐time Delphi survey designed to seek consensus on the proposed statements from a panel of 42 international experts.

Results

Of the 49 survey statements, 44 (90%) achieved ≥75% consensus and 26 (53%) achieved ≥80% consensus. Three were removed and 32 were modified to improve clarity of language.

Conclusion

The knowledge and skills statements that emerged through this Delphi study can serve as a guide for incorporating Planetary Health, climate change and sustainability into nursing education programs.

Implications for the Profession

Incorporating Planetary Health and climate change education into nursing programs has the potential to produce more environmentally conscious and socially responsible nurses.

Impact

The absence of consensus on the essential knowledge and skills expected of nursing students has hindered the advancement of curricula and impacted educators' confidence in teaching Planetary Health and climate change. This study has resulted in a meticulously crafted framework of knowledge and skill statements that will be beneficial to educators, the future nursing workforce, and, ultimately, the individuals and communities whom nurses serve.

Reporting Method

This paper adheres to the Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) reporting guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Premature ventricular complexes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Accounting for regression to the mean
Authors: Choy Alex , Stanton Eric , Gegechkori Nana , Gibson Kyle , Strzeciwilk Magdalena , Lam Jeff , Hsia Brian , Dukkipati Srinivas , Reddy Vivek Y. , Whang William
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Prior studies have indicated that the frequency of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) increases after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, these studies have primarily focused on patients whose PVC burden increased rather than including the full spectrum of outcomes.

Methods and Results

We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent first‐time AF ablation from 1/2018 to 12/2022 for paroxysmal or persistent AF and had both preablation and postablation rhythm monitoring within 6 months of the procedure. Patients were excluded if they had prior AF or PVC ablation or were prescribed a class I or III antiarrhythmic medication. Among 2945 patients who underwent AF ablation during the study period, 130 patients underwent first‐time AF ablation and received both pre and post ambulatory monitoring. The median PVC burden before ablation was <1%. Most patients (63%) had no change in PVC burden after AF ablation compared with preablation, and patients who had an increase in PVC burden were offset by those with reductions in PVCs. A paired analysis pre‐ and post‐AF ablation showed no significant change in PVC burden (p = .495).

Conclusion

Although an elevated PVC burden after AF ablation may be seen clinically, the majority of patients have no change in burden. Studies that suggest an increase in PVC burden after AF ablation may suffer from incomplete sample selection and thus omit the important effect of regression to the mean.
Factors delaying non‐metastatic breast cancer adjuvant therapy and impact on prognosis in a cohort of Brazilian women
Authors: Veiga Maria A. C. , Medeiros Giselle C. , de Aguiar Suzana S. , Bergmann Anke , Thuler Luiz C. S.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To identify factors associated with delays in beginning adjuvant therapy and prognosis impacts on non‐metastatic breast cancer patients.

Methods

This assessment comprised a prospective cohort study concerning breast cancer patients treated at a public oncology centre. A time interval of ≥60 days between surgery and the beginning of the first adjuvant treatment was categorised as a delay. Factors associated with delays were evaluated through logistic regression analysis and the prognosis effects were assessed by a Cox regression analysis.

Results

The median time interval between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment for the 401 women included in this study was of 57.0 days (37.0–93.0). Independent factors associated with delays comprised not presenting an overexpression of the HER‐2 protein, not having undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and having undergone chemotherapy or other therapeutic modalities other than hormone therapy and chemotherapy as the first adjuvant treatment. Delays did not affect recurrence, distant metastasis, or death risks. Factors associated with recurrence and distant metastasis risks comprised a clinical staging ≥2B, having undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy, presenting the luminal molecular subtype B and triple‐negative tumours, and having children. Factors associated with death comprised triple‐negative molecular tumours and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Delays in beginning adjuvant treatment did not affect the prognosis of non‐metastatic breast cancer patients. Clinical and treatment‐related factors, on the other hand, were associated with delays, and recurrence, distant metastasis, and death risks.
Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy using self‐expandable metallic stent for afferent loop syndrome: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Hagiwara Yuya , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Maruki Yuta , Ohba Akihiro , Kawasaki Yuki , Takeshita Kotaro , Takasaki Tetsuro , Agarie Daiki , Hara Hidenobu , Yagi Shin , Fukuda Soma , Kuwada Masaru , Yamashige Daiki , Okamoto Kohei , Chatto Mark , Kondo Shunsuke , Morizane Chigusa , Ueno Hideki , Endo Masato , Sugawara Shunsuke , Sone Miyuki , Saito Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Okusaka Takuji
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy is a procedure used to connect the stomach and dilated afferent loop using a stent under endoscopic ultrasound for afferent loop syndrome. However, the actual efficacy and safety of this procedure remain unclear. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy using a laser‐cut‐type fully covered self‐expandable metallic stent and an anchoring plastic stent for afferent loop syndrome.

Methods

Technical and clinical success rates, adverse events, recurrent intestinal obstruction rates, time to recurrent intestinal obstruction, and technical and clinical success rates of re‐intervention were evaluated in intended patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy for afferent loop syndrome from October 2018 to August 2022.

Results

In 25 intended patients with afferent loop syndrome who intended endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy, the technical success rate was 100% (25/25), whereas the clinical success rate was 96% (24/25). Two patients experienced grade ≥ 3 early adverse events, including one with intra‐abdominal abscess and one with hypotension. Both events were attributed to intestinal fluid leakage. No late adverse events were observed. The recurrent intestinal obstruction rate was 32% (8/25), and the median time to recurrent intestinal obstruction was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval: 2.8–not available). The technical and clinical success rates of re‐intervention were both 100% (8/8).

Conclusions

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy using a fully covered self‐expandable metallic stent and an anchoring plastic stent is effective and safe as a treatment procedure for afferent loop syndrome.
Colonoscopy findings after increasing two‐stool faecal immunochemical test (FIT) cut‐off: Cross‐sectional analysis of the SCREESCO randomized trial
Authors: Westerberg Marcus , Eriksson Julia , Metcalfe Chris , Löwbeer Christian , Ekbom Anders , Steele Robert , Holmberg Lars , Forsberg Anna
Published: June 2024

Background

We determined the impact of an increased two‐stool faecal immunochemical test (FIT) cut‐off on colonoscopy positivity and relative sensitivity and specificity in the randomized controlled screening trial screening of Swedish colons conducted in Sweden.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of participants in the FIT arm that performed FIT between March 2014 and 2020 within the study registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02078804, who had a faecal haemoglobin concentration of at least 10 µg/g in at least one of two stool samples and who underwent a colonoscopy (n = 3841). For each increase in cut‐off, we computed the positive predictive value (PPV), numbers needed to scope (NNS), sensitivity and specificity for finding colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced neoplasia (AN; advanced adenoma or CRC) relative to cut‐off 10 µg/g.

Results

The PPV for AN increased from 23.0% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 22.3%–23.6%) at cut‐off 10 µg/g to 28.8% (95% CI: 27.8%–29.7%) and 33.1% (95% CI: 31.9%–34.4%) at cut‐offs 20 and 40 µg/g, respectively, whereas the NNS to find a CRC correspondingly decreased from 41 to 27 and 19. The PPV for AN was higher in men than women at each cut‐off, for example 31.5% (95% CI: 30.1%–32.8%) in men and 25.6% (95% CI: 24.3%–27.0%) in women at 20 µg/g. The relative sensitivity and relative specificity were similar in men and women at each cut‐off.

Conclusion

A low cut‐off of around 20–40 µg/g allows detection and removal of many AN compared to 10 µg/g while reducing the number of colonoscopies in both men and women.
Determination of the region‐specific characteristics of traditional Korean doenjang produced in Chungcheongbuk‐do through physicochemical property, enzyme activity, and descriptive sensory analyses
Authors: Jo Yongwoo , Hwang In‐Seo , Kim Mina K.
Published: June 2024

This study determined the region‐specific characteristics of traditional doenjang produced in Chungcheongbuk‐do by analyzing the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and aroma characteristics of the samples. Color, moisture, pH, soluble solid content, salinity, acid value, titratable acidity, amylase and protease activities, and NH2‐N, alcohol, and total/reducing sugar contents were analyzed. A descriptive sensory analysis involving trained sensory panelists was also conducted for aroma profile determination. Similarities were observed among the samples produced in the same city. The Yeongdong‐made samples had strong fermented and lipid/musty aromas. The Cheongju‐made doenjang had a high protease activity and a high NH2‐N content. The Goesan‐made samples had a high reducing sugar content due to amylase activities and a fishy aroma, and the Jincheon‐made doenjang had a high soluble solid content and an intense spice aroma. This study describes for the first time the region‐specific characteristics of traditional doenjang produced in Chungcheongbuk‐do.

Practical applications

Traditional food produced through a natural fermentation process may have differences in physicochemical properties and flavor due to the diversity of microbial communities depending on the region and environment. Previous studies have identified the characteristics of traditional Korean fermented foods such as doenjang and kimchi in each region, but this study is the first to analyze differences in the characteristics of traditional doenjang produced in a small city within a specific region (Chungcheongbuk‐do). The findings from this study can give baseline information on the doenjang produced by small‐ to mid‐sized doenjang manufacturers located in Chungcheongbuk‐do, and allow them to use it for strategic marketing to expand their market to the national market in Korea.