bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint effects of substance use disorders and recent substance use on HIV viral non‐suppression among people engaged in HIV care in an urban clinic, 2014–2019
Authors: Lesko Catherine R. , Falade‐Nwulia Oluwaseun O. , Pytell Jarratt D. , Hutton Heidi E. , Fojo Anthony T. , Keruly Jeanne C. , Moore Richard D. , Chander Geetanjali
Published: July 2023

Aims

To estimate the joint effects of substance use disorder (SUD) and recent substance use on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) non‐suppression.

Design

Retrospective clinical cohort study with repeated observations within individuals.

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland, United States.

Participants

1881 patients contributed 10 794 observations.

Measurements

The primary independent variable was the combination of history of SUD and recent substance use. History of SUD was defined as any prior International Classification of Diseases 9/10 code for cocaine or opioid disorder. Recent substance use was defined as the self‐report of cocaine or non‐prescribed opioid use on the National Institute of Drug Abuse‐modified Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test or clinician‐documented cocaine or opioid use abstracted from the medical record. The outcome was viral non‐suppression, defined as HIV RNA >200 copies/mL on the first viral load measurement within 1 year subsequent to each observation of substance use. We adjusted for birth sex, Black race, age, HIV acquisition risk factors, years in care and CD4 cell count. In secondary analyses, we also adjusted for depressive, anxiety and panic symptoms, cannabis use and cannabis use disorder.

Findings

On their first observation, 31% of patients had a history of an SUD and 18% had recent substance use. Relative to no history of SUD and no recent substance use, the 1‐year fully adjusted risk difference (RD) for viral non‐suppression associated with cocaine and opioid use disorder and recent substance use was 7.7% (95% CI = 5.3%–10.0%), the RD was 5.5% (95% CI = 1.2%–9.7%) for history of cocaine use disorder without recent substance use, and the RD was 4.6% (95% CI = 2.7%–6.5%) for recent substance use without a SUD.

Conclusions

Substance use and substance use disorders appear to be highly prevalent among, and independently associated with, viral non‐suppression among people with HIV.
Gender gaps in land rights: Explaining different measures and why households differ in Myanmar
Authors: Lambrecht Isabel Brigitte , Mahrt Kristi , Synt Nang Lun Kham , Win Hnin Ei , Win Khin Zin
Published: July 2023

Measuring and understanding gender differences in property rights is key to informing policy decisions and guiding investments aimed at fostering gender equality. However, there are a myriad ways of assessing property rights. Firstly, we assess which indicators to use and why it matters, focusing on rural Myanmar. Myanmar provides an interesting setting, as a large part of the population customarily follows joint property rights in marriage and upon dissolution of marriage and inheritance. However, documented property rights are in the household head's name – usually a male household member. We find that capturing de facto transfer rights is essential, but understanding discrepancies between reported transfer rights and documented rights will be key to policymakers. Capturing agricultural decision‐making should remain a priority for agricultural projects. Second, we perform household‐ and intra‐household level analyses to explore why we find joint land rights in some, but not all, households; and why some household members have less land rights than others. A common property rights regime positively reinforces women's land rights, but incompletely so. Within households, a person's role in the household, age, and key life cycle events such as parenthood and marriage are key determinants of having land rights.
A retrospective observational study examining interhospital transfers from six New Zealand rural hospitals in 2019
Authors: Miller Rory , Rimmer Elizabeth , Blattner Katharina , Withington Steve , Ram Stephen , Topping Meg , Kaka Hemi , Bergin Anna , Pirini Joel , Smith Michelle , Nixon Garry
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the percentage of patients that were transferred from rural hospitals and who received an investigation or intervention at an urban hospital that was not readily available at the rural hospital.

Methods

A retrospective observational study.

Design

Patients were randomly selected and clinical records were reviewed. Patient demographic and clinical information was collected, including any interventions or investigations occurring at the urban referral hospital. These were compared against the resources available at the rural hospitals.

Setting

Six New Zealand (NZ) rural hospitals were included.

Participants

Patients that were transferred from a rural hospital to an urban hospital between 1 Jan 2019 and 31 December 2019 were included.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients who received an investigation or intervention that was not available at the rural hospital.

Results

There were 584 patients included. Overall 73% of patients received an intervention or investigation that was not available at the rural hospital. Of the six rural hospitals, there was one outlier, where only 37% of patients transferred from that hospital received an investigation or intervention that was not available rurally. Patients were most commonly referred to general medicine (23%) and general surgery (18%). Of the investigations or interventions performed, 43% received a CT scan and 25% underwent surgery.

Conclusions

Most patients that are transferred to urban hospitals receive an intervention or investigation that was not available at the rural hospital.
An exploration of mental health, stress and well‐being concerns among health students undertaking rural placements in Australia during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Podubinski T. , Jessup B. , Obamiro K. , Hoang H. , Bourke L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The emergence of COVID‐19 in 2020 led to an increase in stressors for students on rural placements, but little is known about how this impacted their mental health and well‐being.

Objective

To explore self‐reported mental health, stress and well‐being concerns among allied health, nursing and medical students who completed a scheduled University Department of Rural Health (UDRH)‐faciliated rural placement in Australia between February and October 2020 (n = 1066).

Design

Cross‐sectional design involving an online survey measuring mental health, stress and well‐being concerns. The survey was distributed via email by the 16 UDRHs across Australia.

Findings

A total of 42.9%, 63.8% and 41.1% of survey respondents reported concerns about their mental health, levels of stress and well‐being, respectively, during the early stages of the pandemic. Multiple logistic regression models found clinical training, course progression and financial concerns were predictive of negative mental health, increased stress and reduced well‐being, while feeling connected was predictive of positive mental health, reduced stress and increased well‐being.

Discussion

Universities, UDRHs and health placement sites all have a responsibility to support the mental health and well‐being of students undertaking rural placements. This support needs to encompass strategies to reduce financial stress, protect learning opportunities and increase connectedness. Ensuring adequate resourcing and support for those providing rural placement opportunities will safeguard quality rural placements during times of pandemic disruption.
What is a suitable management for Typha latifolia control in wet meadows?
Authors: Titěra Jan , Pavlů Lenka , Pavlů Vilém V. , Blažek Petr
Published: July 2023

Aim

Typha latifolia causes serious problems in wet meadows by overgrowing and suppressing other native plants. To determine suitable management for T. latifolia control, we addressed the following question: What are the effects of long‐term cutting at different frequencies (once or twice per year and no management) and biomass removal on cover and other characteristics of T. latifolia, and on sward productivity and plant species composition?

Location

Malá Strana nature reserve, Jizerské hory Mountains, Czechia.

Methods

A long‐term experiment arranged in a randomised block design with three blocks was established in 2005. Data were collected from five treatments: unmanaged control; cutting once a year in June without biomass removal and with biomass removal; cutting twice per year in June and August without biomass removal and with biomass removal. Percentage cover of T. latifolia and other vascular plant species was visually estimated and T. latifolia characteristics (tiller density, height, dry‐matter biomass [DMB] yield and litter), sward height and DMB yield were measured during 2005–2018 at the end of June.

Results and Discussion

Regular cutting once or twice per year regardless of cut biomass removal led to reductions in tiller density, height, litter and DMB yield of T. latifolia. Biomass removal had only a slight tendency to affect T. latifolia characteristics. The higher frequency of cutting significantly decreased the mean T. latifolia cover, litter and DMB yield. Cutting once or twice per year regardless of biomass removal led to successive changes in plant species composition but had no effect on the species richness and evenness.

Conclusions

Cutting at least once per year without biomass removal seems to be sufficient to achieve a decrease in DMB yield and litter of T. latifolia plants, and thereby maintain the wet‐meadow vegetation without loss of species richness and also preventing the overgrowth of shrubs and trees.
The working memory approach of persuasion: Induced eye movements lead to more social media self‐control behaviours
Authors: Dijkstra Arie , Bodamer Wiebke
Published: July 2023

In the framework of prevention of social media addiction, persuasive messages can be used to stimulate people to engage in social media self‐control behaviours. However, the effects of these messages may be weakened by defensive reactions. In the Working Memory account of Persuasion, these defensive self‐regulatory actions in the Working Memory (WM) are activated to lower a given threat. Because the WM has limited capacity, and these defensive processes take WM capacity, they can be inhibited by inducing eye movements (EMi). Adults (N = 117) from the general population listened in an online experiment to an auditory message on the negative consequences of social media use (SMU). Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the EMi condition; they were asked to keep watching a moving red square on their screen during the exposure to the auditory message. SMU self‐control behaviour was the outcome measure, assessed by self‐report 2 weeks later. The effects of EMi on SMU self‐control behaviour were moderated by individual differences, indicating defensive self‐regulatory actions: EMi significantly increased behaviour in participants who scored low on Cognitive Self‐affirmation Inclination, high on SMU‐control‐failure, and, unexpectedly, low in SMU. This study detected defensive reactions towards persuasive information concerning SMU, using the EMi research paradigm.
One‐to‐Many Spectral Upsampling of Reflectances and Transmittances
Authors: Belcour L. , Barla P. , Guennebaud G.
Published: July 2023

Spectral rendering is essential for the production of physically‐plausible synthetic images, but requires to introduce several changes in the content generation pipeline. In particular, the authoring of spectral material properties (e.g., albedo maps, indices of refraction, transmittance coefficients) raises new problems. While a large panel of computer graphics methods exists to upsample a RGB color to a spectrum, they all provide a one‐to‐one mapping. This limits the ability to control interesting color changes such as the Usambara effect or metameric spectra. In this work, we introduce a one‐to‐many mapping in which we show how we can explore the set of all spectra reproducing a given input color. We apply this method to different colour changing effects such as vathochromism – the change of color with depth, and metamerism.
Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibition with entacapone: Evidence from controlled clinical trials in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Poewe Werner
Published: July 2023

Adjunct therapy with the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor entacapone is a first‐line approach to treat wearing‐off type motor fluctuations in levodopa‐treated Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Five randomized placebo‐controlled trials including a total of >1000 patients have established its efficacy, showing increases in ON time between 0.7 and 1.6 h, with corresponding OFF‐time reductions. These and other trials also found improvements in ON motor function and quality of life. Additional trials have tested the efficacy of adjunct entacapone in patients either without or with early and mild motor fluctuations and also found enhanced motor control and improved activities of daily living function and quality of life, whereas the STRIDE‐PD trial failed to show efficacy of early entacapone use in delaying the onset of dyskinesias. Adjunct entacapone enhances dopaminergic activity and may increase levodopa‐induced adverse events like dyskinesias, which can usually be controlled by modest levodopa dose reductions. There is no formal requirement to monitor liver function during entacapone treatment. Entacapone can be a rare cause of lymphocytic colitis with severe diarrhoea and need for treatment discontinuation. In 2003, a triple‐combination pill of levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone (LCE) was first introduced onto the market, and since then proprietary LCE (Stalevo®) is indicated on the basis of those trials for patients with idiopathic PD to (i) substitute for immediate‐release carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone previously administered as individual products or (ii) replace immediate‐release carbidopa/levodopa therapy (without entacapone) when patients taking a total daily dose of levodopa of ≤600 mg and not experiencing dyskinesias experience signs and symptoms of end‐of‐dose wearing off.
Landscape of fear in freshwater ecotones: How predation risk and light conditions affect mesopredator activity and foraging in springs
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Forlani Martina , Lapadula Stefano , Galbiati Matteo , Barzaghi Benedetta , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Melotto Andrea
Published: July 2023

Springs are environments that can provide general insights into factors favouring diversity in ecotones, but they are often neglected in freshwater studies. One of the challenging processes acting in ecotones is the landscape of fear (LOF), the space–time variation of perceived predation risk. Spring exploitation often involves species that are mesopredators in surface fresh water and that can become apex predators in ground water, as in the case of the fire salamander larvae (Salamandra salamandra). Here, we aim to determine whether the activity and foraging patterns of the fire salamander in springs are affected by LOF.

We surveyed the night‐ and daytime abundance of fire salamander larvae in 15 springs to assess predator occurrence. We also reared 48 salamander larvae with and without non‐lethal exposure to predators within tanks simulating groundwater or surface freshwater light features. Before and after a month of rearing, we tested larva efficiency in catching prey when exposed to predator chemical cues, both in light and dark conditions.

In the field, the number of active fire salamander larvae was significantly higher during the night. At night, the number of active larvae across the transition area between ground water and surface water was higher in plots closer to the surface.

Testing and rearing conditions significantly affected larva behaviour, and prey capture was significantly more effective in light conditions. It was less successful in larvae reared with predator chemical cues and in the presence of predators. Moreover, larvae reared with predators under light conditions were slower than those raised with predators in dark conditions.

Our results show that LOF can interact with extant environmental features and constitute a significant behavioural pressure for mesopredator species living in freshwater ecotones.
The unique COVID‐19 experience in Western Australia: lessons learnt
Authors: House Caris L. , Rawlins Matthew , Dyer John , Boan Peter , Musk Michael
Published: July 2023

Background

Western Australia (WA) was in a unique position to experience coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in a highly vaccinated and geographically isolated population.

Aim

To describe the COVID‐19 Omicron experience at the only quaternary hospital in WA following border opening from 3 March to 11 May 2022.

Participants

A total of 158 adults with microbiologically confirmed COVID‐19 were admitted to the respiratory or intensive care unit (ICU).

Outcomes

Admission numbers, disease severity, prevalence of COVID‐19 deterioration risk factors, immunisation status, severity of infection, immunosuppression and treatment regimen.

Results

One hundred fifty‐eight COVID‐19–positive patients were admitted to the respiratory ward (n = 123) and the ICU (n = 35) during the study period. COVID‐19 infection was the primary admission reason in 32.9% of patients, 51.3% were male and the median age was 62 years. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) were overrepresented (13.3%).

Care was predominantly ward based (77.2%). Nearly half of the patients had mild COVID‐19 (49.4%). Dexamethasone was the most common treatment provided to patients (58.2%). The median length of stay was 5.8 days (interquartile range, 5–15). Eight patients died during the study period (5.1%), with three of those deaths attributable to COVID‐19.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 case numbers following WA state border opening were of lower care acuity and disease severity than predicted. Two‐thirds of admissions were for other primary diagnoses, with incidental COVID detection. Hospital admissions were overrepresented by partially or unvaccinated patients and by ATSI Australians. An increase in social support along with general and geriatric medicine speciality input were required to treat hospitalised COVID‐19 cases in the WA Omicron wave.
Rapid home therapy infusion of velaglucerase alfa in naïve patients with Gaucher disease
Authors: Becker‐Cohen Michal , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Frydman Dafna , Dinur Tama , Tiomkin Maayan , Istaiti Majdolen , Arbel Naama , Bauer Peter , Cozma Claudia , Rolfs Arndt , Szer Jeff , Zimran Ari
Published: July 2023

Background

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has revolutionised the management of patients with Gaucher disease (GD). In 2018, we published the safety and efficacy of rapid 10‐min infusion of velaglucerase alfa in previously treated patients, mostly on low‐dose therapy.

Aim

To improve quality of life (QoL) for patients needing lifelong bi‐weekly infusions by introducing a 10‐min infusion instead of 1 h per label in patients naive to ERT and on high‐dose therapy.

Methods

Fifteen naive patients were enrolled; all received bi‐weekly infusions of 60 units/kgBW velaglucerase alfa; the infusion rate was gradually reduced in the hospital, followed by home infusions. Each infusion was followed for safety. Efficacy parameters were assessed every 3 months. Patient‐reported outcome questionnaires were collected at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Ten‐minute rapid infusions were well tolerated without related severe adverse events (SAEs). Two patients experienced a non‐related SAE and another a possibly related AE. In three patients, the infusion rate was increased to 30 or 60 min (two because of suboptimal response and one because of AE). Two patients dropped out because of an unwillingness to attend follow‐up visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. All 13 remaining patients reached the 24‐month end‐point. The platelet counts increased by a median (range) of 68.38% (12.5–300%) and the lyso‐Gb1 levels decreased by 62.6% (32.9–89.9%).

Conclusion

Home therapy with rapid infusion of high‐dose velaglucerase alfa was a safe, effective and preferable alternative for patients with GD naïve to treatment. We believe that shortening the infusion time improves the QoL of patients with GD who have a lifelong commitment to intravenous therapy.
Teachers Curating Virtual Exhibitions for Learning Visual Arts: A Study of Impact and Effectiveness
Authors: Tam Cheung‐On , Hui Claire Ka‐Yan
Published: July 2023

Although visual arts teachers have free access to high quality online artwork images offering them immense teaching resources, making meaningful use of them remains a pedagogical challenge. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the transition from face‐to‐face to online teaching caused an immediate need for teachers to enhance their digital competencies and technological capability for planning and delivering a blended art curriculum. Herein, I propose a ‘teacher‐curator pedagogy’ via a study in six primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to assess its effectiveness. The study took place in the academic year of 2021‐22 with 331 student participants. The proposed pedagogy puts visual arts teachers in the role of ‘digital curators’ who create virtual exhibitions for teaching art appreciation and artmaking. This paper addresses the theoretical framework, implementation strategies, and the results of the study highlighting its effectiveness, impact and limitations on teaching when using teacher‐curated virtual exhibitions in both physical and virtual learning contexts. It was found that the technological capacity and confidence of the teacher participants was enhanced through the use of online resources and virtual exhibition tools. Making use of the 3D presentation of exhibits in themes and context through digital content curation, the teachers engaged students with deep interaction through the blending of online and face‐to‐face teaching. However, the proposed pedagogy was limited by the high demand of training and preparation work, hardware and software support, and difficulties in assessing and monitoring learning beyond class.
Laser lead extraction in octo‐ and nonagenarians. A subgroup analysis from the GALLERY registry
Authors: Pecha Simon , Chung Da‐Un , Burger Heiko , Osswald Brigitte , Ghaffari Naser , Knaut Michael , Reichenspurner Hermann , Willems Stephan , Butter Christian , Hakmi Samer ,   GALLERY investigators
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In an aging population with cardiac implantable electronic devices, an increasing number of octo‐ and even nonagenarians present for lead extraction procedures. Those patients are considered at increased risk for surgical procedures including lead extraction. Here, we investigated safety and efficacy of transvenous lead extraction in a large patient cohort of octo‐ and nonagenarians.

Methods and Results

A subgroup analysis of all patients aged ≥80 years (n = 499) in the German Laser Lead Extraction Registry (GALLERY) was performed. Outcomes were compared to the nonoctogenarians from the registry. Primary extraction method was Laser lead extraction, with additional use of mechanical rotational sheaths or femoral snares, if necessary. An analysis of patient‐ and device characteristics, as well as an assessment of predictors for adverse events via multivariate analyses was conducted. Mean patients age was 84.3 ± 3.7 years in the octogenarians group and 64.1 ± 12.4 years in the nonoctogenarians group. The median lead dwell time was 118.0 months (78; 167) and 92.0 months [60; 133], p < .001 in the octogenarians and nonoctogenarians group, respectively. Clinical procedural success rate was achieved in 97.6% of the cases in octogenarians and 97.9% in nonoctogenarians (p = .70). Overall complication rate was 4.4% in octogenarians and 4.3% in nonoctogenarians (0.91). In octogenarians procedure‐related mortality was 0.8% and all‐cause in‐hospital mortality was 5.4%, while in nonoctogenarians, procedure related and all‐cause in‐hospital mortality were 0.5% and 3.1%, respectively. A body mass index (BMI) <20 kg/m2, was the only statistically significant predictor for procedure‐related complications in octogenarians, while systemic infection, BMI ≤20 kg/m2, procedural complications and chronic kidney disease were predictors for in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Laser lead extraction in octo‐ and nonagenarians is safe and effective. BMI ≤20 kg/m2 was the only statistically significant predictor for procedural complications. According to our data, advanced age should not be considered as contraindication for laser lead extraction.
Coverage stability of peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Amid Reza , Moscowchi Anahita , Azizi Soroush , Hosseini Matineh , Hartoonian Serlie
Published: July 2023

Objective

The occurrence of peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence, especially in the esthetic zone, can be challenging. This study sought to investigate how the passage of time affects the outcomes of treatment for peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence coverage.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was performed up to April 2023 via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to retrieve studies reporting the data on peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence of at least 2‐time points (baseline and follow‐up). Clinical trials with a minimum of 5 participants, reporting at least 1 primary outcome, and with a minimum follow‐up of 3 months were included. The primary outcomes were the changes in dehiscence depth, complete coverage, and mean coverage at different time points.

Results

Seven studies with 112 participants and 119 implants were included. Dehiscence depth increased insignificantly between 3 to 6 months. Although the dehiscence depth increased from 6 to 12 months in the tunnel group, it decreased in the coronally advanced group, and a slight decrease was observed from 12 to 72 months. Soft tissue thickness was the predictor for soft tissue margin stability. However, no significant relationship was found between the baseline dehiscence depth and complete coverage.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it seems prudent to wait at least 6 months to achieve a stable soft tissue margin.

Clinical Significance

The occurrence of peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence, especially in the esthetic zone, can be a challenging complication. It is important not only to achieve coverage but also to ensure that the treatment results remain stable in the long term, in order to satisfy both patients and clinicians. A reasonable approach would be to wait for at least 6 months to achieve a stable soft tissue margin.
Understanding amphidromy in Hawaiʻi: ʻOʻopu nākea (Awaous stamineus)
Authors: Ching Cody , Miller Jessica A. , Tsang Yinphan , Fraiola Kauaoa , Clilverd Hannah , Honarvar Shaya
Published: July 2023

Hawaiʻi is home to ʻoʻopu nākea (Awaous stamineus), a culturally significant, endemic, goby that exhibits an amphidromous life cycle characterized by a marine larval stage followed by post‐larval recruitment to streams, where they live to become reproductive adults. However, it was recently suggested that their migration to the ocean might not be obligatory, as originally thought. Despite their importance in Hawaiian traditions and the ecology of Hawaiian freshwater ecosystems, we still lack a full understanding of their migratory patterns and life history due to the difficulties in determining the environmental migratory cues that set the timing and location of their migratory paths. This study examined environmental factors, such as mean annual rainfall, streamflow, and water chemistry, to determine if they play a role in whether A. stamineus spend their larval period in the ocean or their entire life cycle in freshwater streams. We sampled A. stamineus (n = 90) from three streams (Kahana, Kahaluʻu, and Waimānalo) on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi that represented the range of hydroclimatic gradient in wet‐habitat conditions on the windward side of the island and characterized their migratory pattern using elemental analysis of sagittae, the largest pair of otoliths (calcareous ear structures). Based on otolith strontium:calcium and barium:calcium ratios, we determined if individuals spent their larval period in the ocean or the stream. We found that 100% of individuals displayed clear evidence of marine residence during their larval phase, regardless of the environmental factors the fish experienced. This study highlights the necessity of stream–ocean connectivity for the survival of A. stamineus and emphasizes the importance of stream‐mouth conservation and management as it is a critical transition zone in stream–ocean–stream migratory pathways.
Expanding non‐invasive approaches for fish‐health monitoring: A survey of the epidermal mucous metabolomes of phylogenetically diverse freshwater fish species
Authors: Ekman Drew R. , Evich Marina G. , Mosley Jonathan D. , Doering Jon A. , Fay Kellie A. , Ankley Gerald T. , Collette Timothy W.
Published: July 2023

There is a pressing need for more‐holistic approaches to fisheries assessments along with growing demand to reduce the health impacts of sample collections. Metabolomic tools enable the use of sample matrices that can be collected with minimal impact on the organism (e.g., blood, urine, and mucus) and provide high‐throughput, untargeted biochemical information without the requirement of a sequenced genome. These qualities make metabolomics ideal for monitoring a wide range of fish species, particularly those under protected status. In the current study, we surveyed the relative abundances of 120 endogenous metabolites in epidermal mucus across eight freshwater fish species belonging to seven phylogenetic orders. Principal component analysis was used to provide an overview of the data set, revealing strong interspecies relationships in the epidermal mucous metabolome. Normalized relative abundances of individual endogenous metabolites were then used to identify commonalities across multiple species, as well as those metabolites that showed notable species specificity. For example, taurine was measured in high relative abundance in the epidermal mucus of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), northern pike (Esox lucius), golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), whereas γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) exhibited a uniquely high relative abundance in flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). Finally, hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate species relatedness as characterized by both the epidermal mucous metabolome (phenotype) and genetic phylogeny (genotype). This comparison revealed species for which relatedness in the epidermal mucous metabolome composition closely aligns with phylogenetic relatedness (e.g., N. crysoleucas and C. carpio), as well as species for which these two measures are not well aligned (e.g., P. olivaris and Polyodon spathula). These, and other findings reported here, highlight novel areas for future research with fish, including development of epidermal mucous‐based markers for non‐invasive health monitoring, sex determination, and hypoxia tolerance.
Kinetics of size change in air bubble and fat globule during ice cream freezing process
Authors: Masuda Hayato , Sawano Momoko , Iyota Hiroyuki , Shimoyamada Makoto
Published: July 2023

Using a batch‐type freezer, this study investigated the influence of agitation speed on the time course change in the size of air bubbles and fat globules to establish kinetics of those during freezing. Higher agitation is advantageous not only for mixing enhancement but also for preventing local freezing and undesirable solidification, according to the results of flow visualization and time‐course change in the Reynolds number during freezing. Air bubbles and fat globule size were measured using samples obtained during freezing. For each agitations speed, the time‐course change in air bubble size was clearly different. Because of significant shear force, a smooth reduction in air bubble size was observed at a relatively high agitation speed. However, at the later stage of freezing, the increased collision frequency of the bubbles induced an undesirable increase in size. Aggregation of fat globules occurred immediately after the aqueous phase begin to be frozen. In addition, a greater agitation speed improved fat destabilization and hence increased the degree of aggregation (DA) as measured by the fat globule size distribution. At all agitation speeds, a decrease in DA was observed after a temporary increase in DA. This decrease can be explained by the breakup of the aggregates. At higher agitation speed, more serious decrease in DA was found. It was found that agitation speed significantly affects the kinetics of air bubbles and fat globules during freezing.

Practical Applications

After freezing, air bubbles and fat globules size are important factors in determining ice cream quality. Nevertheless, no time‐course change in size has been constructed from the perspective of kinetics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of agitation speed on the time‐course change in air bubbles and fat globules size. The kinetics of air bubbles and fat globules are important in determining process parameters such as freezing time and agitation speed in the process design of freezers for ice cream manufacturing. Although this study was conducted using a bath‐type freezer, the kinetics of size change can be applied to process design with a continuous‐type freezer.
Future directions in nowcasting economic activity: A systematic literature review
Authors: Stundziene Alina , Pilinkiene Vaida , Bruneckiene Jurgita , Grybauskas Andrius , Lukauskas Mantas , Pekarskiene Irena
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a systematic review of research papers on nowcasting economic activity. The study summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art nowcasting approaches and methods, describes the indicators used in this analysis, highlights the existing gaps, and proposes future research directions. Based on an analysis of 193 articles on nowcasting in economics that were published in the journals indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database, future research directions in nowcasting are described in this paper. This research indicates that the focus of economic activity nowcasting should rely on the use of real‐time data and alternative indicators in order to enhance the predictive ability.
Removal of the endothelial surface layer via hyaluronidase does not modulate monocyte and neutrophil interactions with the glomerular endothelium
Authors: Tan ZheHao , Hall Pam , Costin Adam , Crawford Simon A. , Ramm Georg , Wong Connie H. Y. , Kitching A. Richard , Hickey Michael J.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The endothelial surface layer (ESL), a layer of macromolecules on the surface of endothelial cells, can both impede and facilitate leukocyte recruitment. However, its role in monocyte and neutrophil recruitment in glomerular capillaries is unknown.

Methods

We used multiphoton intravital microscopy to examine monocyte and neutrophil behavior in the glomerulus following ESL disruption with hyaluronidase.

Results

Constitutive retention and migration of monocytes and neutrophils within the glomerular microvasculature was unaltered by hyaluronidase. Consistent with this, inhibition of the hyaluronan‐binding molecule CD44 also failed to modulate glomerular trafficking of these immune cells. To investigate the contribution of the ESL during acute inflammation, we induced glomerulonephritis via in situ immune complex deposition. This resulted in increases in glomerular retention of monocytes and neutrophils but did not induce marked reduction in the glomerular ESL. Furthermore, hyaluronidase treatment did not modify the prolonged retention of monocytes and neutrophils in the acutely inflamed glomerular microvasculature.

Conclusions

These observations indicate that, despite evidence that the ESL has the capacity to inhibit leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions while also containing adhesive ligands for immune cells, neither of these functions modulate trafficking of monocytes and neutrophils in steady‐state or acutely‐inflamed glomeruli.
Crosstalk among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts identifies a prognostic signature in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Zhishen , Zhang Zijian , You Xiaotong , Ye Li , Lin Weimin , Liu Liu , Cao Yubin , Pan Jian
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to determine their prognostic values.

Materials and Methods

Single‐cell subpopulation identification and communication analysis identified crosstalk markers. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox analysis identified key prognostic features by integrating the bulk transcriptome and clinical parameters. Functional analysis and immune infiltration were explored to determine possible mechanisms.

Results

Interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts primarily involve MIF, MK, PTN, IGF, EGF, and PERIOSTIN, whereas T cells interact with epithelial cells and fibroblasts through MIF, CXCL, PAR, IFN, and EGF signals. We constructed a novel prognostic feature comprising 13 crosstalk genes: HBEGF, FGF7, GRN, ITGB5, CXCR6, ERBB2, AREG, F2RL2, NAMPT, KLK12, HMGB2, TUBA1B, and KLRD1. Patients were stratified based on the RiskScore. Functional analysis revealed that the high‐risk group was enriched in immunosuppressive pathways (p < 0.001). Immune checkpoints including PD‐1, PD‐L1, and CTLA4 were more highly expressed in the high‐risk group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts is complex and may have implications for prognosis and clinical treatments of OSCC patients.
Taxation, democracy, and inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Relevant linkages for sustainable development goals
Authors: Adegboye Alex , Adegboye Kofo , Uwuigbe Uwalomwa , Ojeka Stephen , Fasanu Eyitemi
Published: July 2023

Given that the linear linkage between taxation and income inequality remains unclear, especially in Sub‐Saharan African countries, it is critical to explore how the redistribution channel of the tax system could mitigate income inequality within democratic institutions. Using the instrumental variable approach for robust analysis, this study explores the panel dataset of 42 Sub‐Saharan African countries from 1996–2014. The following findings are documented. First, both unconditional linkages between taxation and democracy overwhelmingly reduce income inequality. Second, harnessing democracy with taxation has a net effect that reduces income inequality. Overall, this study establishes that a strong democratic system strengthens the tax system for an income redistribution strategy to enhance income equality. This study is relevant for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 1 on poverty reduction, SDG 10 on inequality, and SDG 16 on strong institutions.

Related Articles

Gatchair, Sonia D. 2015. “Ideology and Interests in Tax Administration Reform in Jamaica.” Politics & Policy 43(6): 887–913. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12139.

Nchofoung, Tii, Simplice Asongu, Vanessa Tchamyou, and Ofeh Edoh. 2022. “Gender, Political Inclusion, and Democracy in Africa: Some Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 51(1): 137–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12505.

Wang, Yingyao. 2017. “Why Tax Policy Is Not Politics in China: Public Finance and China's Changing State‐Society Relations.” Politics & Policy 45(2): 194–223. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12200.
Identification of Piper species that are resistant to Phytophthora capsici, Meloidogyne incognita, and waterlogging in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Hai Thi Hong , Rasphone Sonexay , Nguyen Bao Le Quy , Ho Han Ngoc , Nguyen Co Quang , Tran Tu Thi , Hoang Thao Xuan , Duong Thuy Thanh
Published: July 2023

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a spice commonly used in kitchens throughout the world. Black pepper production is devastated by a range of pathogenic agents, including Phytophthora capsici and Meloidogyne incognita. Many efforts have been directed towards finding black pepper cultivars that are resistant to these pathogens. In this work, a 39‐accession germplasm panel of species in the Piper family collected throughout Vietnam was described. Preliminary tests using P. capsici inoculation onto leaves were carried out to identify potentially resistant accessions. Next, candidate plants were inoculated with P. capsici mycelial suspension and survival rates were assessed 15, 30 and 45 days postinoculation. In addition, Piper plants were challenged with M. incognita by adding larvae/juveniles to growing pots. Resistance to M. incognita was determined by the number of root galls and the percentage of plants with yellow leaves 1, 2 and 4 months after treatment. Piper accessions were also subjected to a 4‐day waterlogged treatment. Two accessions (HUIB_PH30 and HUIB_PD36) demonstrated high levels of resistance to all biological and water stresses. Micromorphological characterizations revealed that the amount of intercellular spaces in the root cortex correlated with the resistance to P. capsici and waterlogging tolerance. Hence, the abundance of intercellular spaces can serve as a guide for further selection of black pepper accessions that are resistant to common diseases and tolerant to waterlogged conditions.
Fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) are upregulated by salicylic acid together with defense‐related genes in non‐fructan accumulating plants
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hanh , Leclerc Laëtitia , Manzanares‐Dauleux Maria J. , Gravot Antoine , Vicré Maïté , Morvan‐Bertrand Annette , Prud'homme Marie‐Pascale
Published: July 2023

The identification of several fructan exohydrolases (FEHs, EC 3.2.1.80) in non‐fructan accumulating plants raised the question of their roles. FEHs may be defense‐related proteins involved in the interactions with fructan‐accumulating microorganisms. Since known defense‐related proteins are upregulated by defense‐related phytohormones, we tested the hypothesis that FEHs of non‐fructan accumulating plants are upregulated by salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the agronomically relevant and genetically related species Brassica napus. By sequence homologies with the two known FEH genes of A. thaliana, At6‐FEH, and At6&1‐FEH, the genes coding for the putative B. napus FEHs, Bn6‐FEH and Bn6&1‐FEH, were identified. Plants were treated at root level with SA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC). The transcript levels of defense‐related and FEH genes were measured after treatments. MeJA and ACC did not upregulate FEHs, while HEL (HEVEIN‐LIKE PREPROTEIN) expression was enhanced by both phytohormones. In both species, the expression of AOS, encoding a JA biosynthesis enzyme, was enhanced by MeJA and that of the defensine PDF1.2 and the ET signaling transcription factor ERF1/2 by ACC. In contrast, SA not only increased the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial proteins (PR1 and HEL) and the defense‐related transcription factor WRKY70 but also that of FEH genes, in particular 6&1‐FEH genes. This result supports the putative role of FEHs as defense‐related proteins. Genotypic variability of SA‐mediated FEH regulation (transcript level and activities) was observed among five varieties of B. napus, suggesting different susceptibilities toward fructan‐accumulating pathogens.
Banks and financial crises: contributions of Ben Bernanke, Douglas Diamond, and Philip Dybvig*
Authors: He Zhiguo , Hu Yunzhi
Published: July 2023

The 2022 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was awarded to Ben S. Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond, and Philip H. Dybvig “for research on banks and financial crises”. This article surveys the contributions of the three laureates and discusses how their insights have changed the way that academics and policymakers understand banks and their roles in financial crises.
Ultrasonographic analysis of facial skin thickness in relation to age, site, sex, and body mass index
Authors: Jeong Kyung Muk , Seo Ji Yun , Kim Anna , Kim Young Chan , Baek Yoo Sang , Oh Chil Hwan , Jeon Jiehyun
Published: July 2023

Background

Numerous nonsurgical but invasive cosmetic procedures are performed blindly in the dermis or subcutaneous fat layer of the facial skin.

Objectives

To measure the numerical skin thickness of the facial areas where dermatological procedures are performed by applying ultrasound techniques, and to make it possible to estimate the skin thickness by investigating the influence of several individual constitutional factors such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), so that these variables can be applied to estimate skin thickness.

Materials and methods

Skin thickness was measured at eight different facial points using an ultrasound machine (Affiniti 50; Philips Inc.). Demographic data were gathered using questionnaires. Manual BMI was calculated from the weight and height of each participant, and individual BMI measurements were performed using a body composition analyzer.

Results

In terms of whole skin thickness, the thickest point was the mouth corner, and the thinnest point was the lateral forehead. The thickest point in the epidermis was the chin, and the thinnest point was the nasolabial fold. The thickest point in the dermis was the corner of the mouth, and the thinnest was the lateral forehead. Full skin thickness and dermal thickness were mostly lower in females. Skin thickness was not significantly correlated with BMI.

Conclusion

The skin thickness at different points on the face was variable, and realistic data about skin thickness can be obtained by in vivo ultrasonographic analysis of the skin.
Evolution of conflict management style during first year of paediatric residency
Authors: Kulesa John , Escalante Enrique , Olsen Nils , Lucas Raymond
Published: July 2023

Background

First‐year residents frequently encounter conflict during their training. Residents' conflict management strategies can influence patient safety, quality of care and perceptions of performance on competency evaluations. Existing literature inadequately describes how first‐year resident conflict management styles evolve over time.

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess if and how conflict management styles change during first year of paediatric residency in the United States.

Methods

In 2021–2022, we conducted a non‐experimental, longitudinal, survey study of first‐year residents from 16 US‐based paediatric residency programmes. Using the Thomas–Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, we scored first‐year residents' use of five conflict management modes twice, 6 months apart. We calculated the percentage of first‐year residents who experienced a change in predominant conflict management mode and assessed for changes in score and variance for each conflict management mode.

Results

Fifty‐seven (18%) first‐year residents participated in the first survey. Of those, 45 (14%) also completed the follow‐up survey. Nonresponse bias analysis showed no significant difference in scores for early and late respondents or for second‐survey respondents and non‐respondents. Half of respondents experienced a change in predominant conflict management mode, but the distribution of predominant modes remained largely unchanged. When residents changed modes, they typically moved from one low‐assertiveness mode, such as avoiding or accommodating, to the other. Only the use of the compromising conflict management mode significantly decreased. Variance did not significantly change.

Conclusions

The overall lack of change in conflict management style may suggest the need for specific and focused educational interventions to help residents adjust their conflict handling strategies.