bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey on perioperative red blood cell transfusion trigger strategies for pediatric patients in the Nordic countries
Authors: Sigurdsson Theodor S. , Øberg Emilie , Roshauw Janne , Snorradottir Bryndis , Holst Lars Broksø
Published: March 2024

Background

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) to rapidly increase hemoglobin levels have been associated with increased risks and worse outcomes in critically ill children. The international TAXI consensus from 2018 (pediatric critical care transfusion and anemia expertise initiative) recommended restrictive RBC transfusion strategies in pediatric patients.

Objective

To elucidate physicians perioperative RBC transfusion trigger strategies for pediatric patients in the Nordic countries and to investigate what factors influence the decision to transfuse this group of patients.

Methods

An electronic web‐based survey designed by the TransfUsion triggers in Pediatric perioperAtive Care (TUPAC) initiative including six different clinical scenarios was sent to anesthesiologist treating pediatric patients at university hospitals in the Nordic countries on February 1, 2023 and closed May 1, 2023.

Results

The study had a response rate of 67.7% (180 responders out of 266 contacted). Median hemoglobin thresholds triggering RBC transfusions were 7.0 [IQR, 7.0–7.3] g/dL in a stable young child (1‐year‐old), 7.0 [IQR, 7.0–7.0] g/dL in the stable older child (5‐year‐old), 8.5 [IQR, 8.0–9.0] g/dL in the older child with cardiac disease, 9.0 [IQR, 8.0–10.0] g/dL the older child with traumatic brain injury, 8.0 [IQR, 7.3–9.0] g/dL in stabilized older child with septic shock and 8.0 [IQR, 7.0–9.0] g/dL in the older child with active but non‐life‐threatening bleeding. Apart from specific hemoglobin level, RBC transfusions were mostly triggered by high lactate level (74.2%), increasing heart rate (68.0%), prolonged capillary refill time (48.3%), and lowered blood pressure (47.8%). No statistical difference was found between the Nordic countries, work experience, or enrollment in a pediatric anesthesia fellowship program regarding RBC transfusion strategies.

Conclusions

Anesthesiologists in the Nordic countries report restrictive perioperative RBC transfusion strategies for children that are mostly in agreement with the international TAXI recommendations. However, RBC transfusions strategies were modified to be guided by more liberal trigger levels when pediatric patients presented with severe comorbidity such as severe sepsis, septic shock, and non‐life‐threatening bleeding.
Low oxygen tension during in vitro embryo production improves the yield, quality, and cryotolerance of bovine blastocysts
Authors: Báez Francisco , de Brun Victoria , Rodríguez‐Osorio Nélida , Viñoles Carolina
Published: March 2024

Mammalian oocytes undergo maturation and fertilization in the low‐oxygen (O2) environment of the oviduct. To evaluate the effect of O2 tension during in vitro maturation and fertilization on embryo yield, quality, cryotolerance, and gene expression, we matured and fertilized bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes under low (5%) or high (20%) O2 tension. Presumptive zygotes from both groups were cultured at 5% O2 for 8 days. Blastocysts were vitrified, and then warmed, and cultured for further 24 h to assess their cryotolerance. Our findings indicate that low O2 during maturation and fertilization enhances embryo development and cell count in both fresh and vitrified/warmed blastocysts. In this study, the interaction of O2 tension and status (fresh or vitrified/warmed) affected the transcript abundance of SOD2, AQP3, and BAX in blastocysts. These results highlight the role of low O2 tension during bovine maturation and fertilization and provide support to using 5% O2 throughout all stages of bovine in vitro embryo production.
Le quartier : Soutien et générateur des interactions sociales pour l'innovation?
Authors: St‐Pierre Laurie‐Anne , Doloreux David , Shearmur Richard , Frigon Anthony
Published: March 2024

Cet article porte sur la géographie urbaine et les dynamiques de l'innovation à l'échelle du quartier. Il s'agit de s'interroger quant à l'apport des quartiers en soutien à l'innovation et à comprendre, d'une part, dans quelle mesure et comment les entrepreneurs se servent du quartier et des lieux qui s'y trouvent pour obtenir et échanger des connaissances, et d'autre part, les rapports de ce type qu'ils entretiennent avec les acteurs localisés dans le reste de la région urbaine ainsi que dans d'autres régions. À partir de l'étude de cas du quartier Mile End à Montréal, les résultats montrent que pour certains répondants ces interactions, qui revêtent un caractère à la fois économique et social, sont centrales à l'attrait du quartier. Pour eux, les tiers lieux – cafés, trottoirs ainsi que les bâtiments où se localisent leurs entreprises ‐ sont des lieux d'interaction. Cependant, pour d'autres, le quartier ne représente qu'un lieu agréable et central où se localiser : pour ceux‐ci, les interactions et échanges sont tournées vers l'extérieur.
Giant congenital fibroblastic connective tissue nevus associated with vascular anomalies
Authors: Thanasi H. , Fabiano A. , Baraldini V. , Cattaneo E. , Spaccini L. , Napolitano M. , Collini P. , Moneghini Laura
Published: March 2024

We described an unusual combination of fibroblastic connective nevus (FCTN) already present at birth with underlying vascular anomalies. Overall, the lesion appeared as a large purplish‐brown mass in the groin region up to the third of the right thigh, with partial spontaneous regression during the first three months of life. The FCTN observed exhibited several unusual characteristics: it was congenital, large in size, and located in the lower limbs. Finally, it represented the first case described in which an FCTN arose in association with vascular anomalies.
Multiple primary dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans tumors in a single patient with chromosomal microarray analysis: A case report and review
Authors: Durgin Joseph S. , Whittington Carli P. , Joseph Mallory , Harms Paul W. , Andea Aleodor A. , Pedersen Elisabeth A. , Smith Emily H. , Harms Kelly L.
Published: March 2024

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a cutaneous sarcoma with a high propensity for local invasion and recurrence. Although it is a rare event, the occurrence of multiple tumors in a single patient raises a diagnostic dilemma, as metastatic disease should be differentiated from multiple primary malignant events. In more than 90% of DFSP, a pathogenic t(17;22) translocation leads to the expression of COL1A1::PDGFB fusion transcripts. Karyotype analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and RT‐PCR can be useful ancillary studies in detecting this characteristic rearrangement, and sequencing of the fusion transcript can be used to support a clonal origin in metastatic and multifocal disease. However, previous reports have demonstrated variable sensitivity of these assays, in part due to the high sequence variability of the COL1A1::PDGFB fusion. Here, we report a patient who developed two distinct DFSP tumors over the course of 7 years. Chromosomal microarray analysis identified distinctive genomic alterations in the two tumors, supporting the occurrence of multiple primary malignant events.
Trends in authorship in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, 1981–2020
Authors: Malik Fahd , Tribble Jacob T. , Fraga Garth R.
Published: March 2024

Background

The increase in authors per scientific article in many different medical and scientific disciplines has raised concerns over ethical authorship. Trends in authorship in dermatopathology are unknown.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of a random sample of 200 articles from the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology (1981–2020).

Results

The number of authors per article increased by an estimated 96% between 1981 and 2020 (2.7–5.3), while the relative citation ratio decreased by an estimated 56% during the same period (1.19–0.52). Higher author counts were not associated with higher relative citation ratios (p = 0.2349) or analytic study designs (p = 0.2987). Higher relative citation ratios were associated with analytic study designs (p = 0.0374).

Conclusions

There has been significant growth in authorship credit at the journal without a corresponding increase in research impact or study rigor. Remedial measures to stem authorship inflation and promote more impactful studies may be necessary.
Dermatology residents' perspectives on virtual dermatopathology education
Authors: Ngo Tram B. , Niu Wei , Fang Zhide , Gold Logan
Published: March 2024

Background

Dermatopathology education accounts for 30% of U.S. dermatology residency training. The COVID‐19 pandemic expedited the implementation of virtual dermatopathology in place of traditional microscopy for resident education. This study examined U.S. dermatology residents' perceptions of virtual dermatopathology, as research in this area is lacking.

Methods

An anonymous, confidential, institutional review board‐approved survey was electronically distributed to U.S. dermatology residents consisting of 16 questions comparing attitudes towards virtual and traditional dermatopathology education. Responses were n = 59. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software.

Results

Participants believe virtual imaging is superior to conventional microscopy in schedule flexibility (96.6% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.0001), lecture convenience (94.8% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.0001), personal review (96.6% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.0001), cost‐effectiveness (64.4% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.0001), and board exam preparation (52.5% vs. 16.9%, p = 0.0005). Conventional microscopy was favored for image quality (50.8% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.0127) and overall utility (50.8% vs. 27.1%, p = 0.0195).

Conclusions

Our study supports virtual dermatopathology utilization as a valuable tool in dermatology residency training. Also it is shown that conventional microscopy training continues to play a key role. Further studies should examine whether, if ever, virtual dermatopathology could gradually replace conventional microscopy with the advent of newer and more powerful digital and scanning technology.
The virtual dermatopathology mentorship
Authors: Pitch Michelle A. , Sperling Leonard C.
Published: March 2024

The Covid pandemic necessitated changes in traditional mentorship and educational roles. We offer our experience in structuring a virtual dermatopathology mentorship in the midst of the pandemic. Virtual mentorships have many benefits including ease of access, lack of geographic restrictions, and financial savings, though there still remains an important and irreplaceable role for in‐person relationships.
Body mass index moderates the association between diabetes distress and objective self‐management behaviours in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and elevated A1Cs
Authors: Trojanowski Paige J. , Pardon Alicia , Reynolds Cheyenne , O’Donnell Holly K. , Alonso G. Todd , Majidi Shideh , Snell‐Bergeon Janet , Wadwa R. Paul , Driscoll Kimberly A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine the cross‐sectional associations between diabetes distress, BMI (zBMI; BMI z‐score), objectively measured mean daily blood glucose readings and insulin boluses administered, and A1C in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using insulin pumps.

Methods

T1D self‐management behaviour data were downloaded from adolescents’ (N = 79) devices and mean daily frequency of blood glucose readings and insulin boluses were calculated. Diabetes distress was measured (Problem Areas in Diabetes–Teen questionnaire [PAID‐T]), A1C collected, and zBMI calculated from height and weight. Three multiple linear regressions were performed with blood glucose readings, insulin boluses, and A1C as the three dependent variables and covariates (age, T1D duration), zBMI, diabetes distress, and the diabetes distress x zBMI interaction as independent variables.

Results

Participants (55.7% female) were 14.9 ± 1.9 years old with T1D for 6.6 ± 3.4 years. zBMI moderated the relationship between diabetes distress and mean daily insulin boluses administered (b = −0.02, p = 0.02); those with higher zBMI and higher diabetes distress administered fewer daily insulin boluses. zBMI was not a moderator of the association between diabetes distress and blood glucose readings (b = −0.01, p = 0.29) or A1C (b = 0.002, p = 0.81).

Conclusions

Using objective behavioural data is useful for identifying how adolescent diabetes distress and zBMI affect daily bolusing behaviour amongst adolescent insulin pump users. Although distinct interventions exist to improve T1D self‐management or diabetes distress, none addresses them together while considering zBMI. Decreasing diabetes distress could be especially important for youth with high zBMI.
From earthquakes to island area: multi‐scale effects upon local diversity
Authors: Trethowan Liam A. , Brambach Fabian , Cámara‐Leret Rodrigo , Laumonier Yves , Sheil Douglas , Ferry Slik J. W. , Webb Campbell O. , Murdjoko Agustinus , Bastian Meredith L. , Kartawinata Kuswata , Mansor Asryaf , Mansur Muhammad , Mirmanto Edi , Nurtjahya Eddy , Permana Andrea , Rozak Andes H. , Wilkie Peter , Rahmad Zakaria , Arifiani Deby , Putu Gede P. Damayanto I. , Puglisi Carmen , Asmarayani Rani , Benu Nithanel M. H. , Bramley Gemma L. C. , Dharma Wira , Heatubun Charlie D. , Hidayat Arief , Kuswandi Relawan , Mathews Sarah , Megawati  , Rustiami Himmah , Santika Yessi , Santoso Wahyudi , Setiawan Endro , Triono Teguh , Wambrauw Kalvin , Wanma Jimmy F. , Hery Yanto Acun , Siregar Mustaid , Sadili Asep , Dewi Atikah Tika , Kintamani Endang , Tjoa Aiyen , Culmsee Heike , Girmansyah Deden , Gunawan Hendra , Pitopang Ramadanil , Utteridge Timothy M. A. , Morley Robert , Schrader Julian , Brearley Francis Q.
Published: March 2024

Tropical forests occupy small coral atolls to the vast Amazon basin. They occur across bioregions with different geological and climatic history. Differences in area and bioregional history shape species immigration, extinction and diversification. How this effects local diversity is unclear. The Indonesian archipelago hosts thousands of tree species whose coexistence should depend upon these factors. Using a novel dataset of 215 Indonesian forest plots, across fifteen islands ranging in area from 120 to 785 000 km2, we apply Gaussian mixed effects models to examine the simultaneous effects of environment, earthquake proximity, island area and bioregion upon tree diversity for trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height. We find that tree diversity declines with precipitation seasonality and increases with island area. Accounting for the effects of environment and island area we show that the westernmost bioregion Sunda has greater local diversity than Wallacea, which in turn has greater local diversity than easternmost Sahul. However, when the model includes geological activity (here proximity to major earthquakes), bioregion differences are reduced. Overall, results indicate that multi‐scale, current and historic effects dictate tree diversity. These multi‐scale drivers should not be ignored when studying biodiversity gradients and their impacts upon ecosystem function.
Crop and landscape heterogeneity increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: A global review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Priyadarshana Tharaka S. , Martin Emily A. , Sirami Clélia , Woodcock Ben A. , Goodale Eben , Martínez‐Núñez Carlos , Lee Myung‐Bok , Pagani‐Núñez Emilio , Raderschall Chloé A. , Brotons Lluís , Rege Anushka , Ouin Annie , Tscharntke Teja , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: March 2024

Agricultural intensification not only increases food production but also drives widespread biodiversity decline. Increasing landscape heterogeneity has been suggested to increase biodiversity across habitats, while increasing crop heterogeneity may support biodiversity within agroecosystems. These spatial heterogeneity effects can be partitioned into compositional (land‐cover type diversity) and configurational heterogeneity (land‐cover type arrangement), measured either for the crop mosaic or across the landscape for both crops and semi‐natural habitats. However, studies have reported mixed responses of biodiversity to increases in these heterogeneity components across taxa and contexts. Our meta‐analysis covering 6397 fields across 122 studies conducted in Asia, Europe, North and South America reveals consistently positive effects of crop and landscape heterogeneity, as well as compositional and configurational heterogeneity for plant, invertebrate, vertebrate, pollinator and predator biodiversity. Vertebrates and plants benefit more from landscape heterogeneity, while invertebrates derive similar benefits from both crop and landscape heterogeneity. Pollinators benefit more from configurational heterogeneity, but predators favour compositional heterogeneity. These positive effects are consistent for invertebrates and vertebrates in both tropical/subtropical and temperate agroecosystems, and in annual and perennial cropping systems, and at small to large spatial scales. Our results suggest that promoting increased landscape heterogeneity by diversifying crops and semi‐natural habitats, as suggested in the current UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, is key for restoring biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.
The role of digital technologies in public sector coproduction and co‐creation: A structured literature review
Authors: Pauluzzo Rubens , Fedele Paolo , Dokalskaya Irina , Garlatti Andrea
Published: March 2024

Digital technologies are changing the ways service users can cocreate value, thus rearranging relations between citizens and governments. However, research from a governance perspective is still in its infancy. Investigating 128 records, published until 2022, this article reviews and critiques the literature on digitalization and coproduction/co‐creation in public administration, offers an overview of the state of research, and outlines a future research agenda. The findings reveal four areas of concern that require more attention by researchers: the generation of public value; the analysis of the entire public service cycle; comparative studies; the mitigation of the risks arising from the implementation of digital technologies.
Impact of Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and Coastal Extratropical Storms on Indoor Air VOC Concentrations
Authors: Lutes Chris , Boyd Victoria , Buckley Gwen , Levy Laurent , Bronstein Kate , Zimmerman John H. , Williams Alan , Schumacher Brian
Published: March 2024

Understanding vapor intrusion (VI) temporal variability is key for the design of sampling strategies intended to assess reasonable maximum exposure of indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as risk evaluation and mitigation planning. VI temporal variability has previously been shown to be dependent on the complex interactions of multiple independent variables—meteorological, hydrogeological, and human behavioral. Several meteorological variables, including barometric pressure, wind speed, and rainfall, are linked during tropical and extratropical storm events. High‐frequency meteorological and indoor VOC data from a series of seven tropical storms and four extratropical storms were collected at a single industrial building with multiple heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) zones. The storms and sampling zones showed a variety of effects on trichloroethylene (TCE) concentrations in indoor air. In one zone (supply room), increases in TCE concentrations often, but not always, closely coincided with decreasing barometric pressure, sustained wind speeds over 32 km/h (20 mph), and differential pressures indicating subslab to indoor flow. A second zone, in a restroom, did not show a consistent pattern of temporal correlation between meteorological factors and indoor air concentrations. While peak indoor air concentrations may be associated with the passage of cyclonic storms at some sampling locations, this does not appear to be generalizable to all sampling locations. The observed increase in indoor air concentration potentially attributable to these storms is typically less than an order of magnitude and the duration ranges from a day to a week.
Riding the wave of change: Providing solid ground to support nursing with patient transitions to novel haemophilia therapies
Authors: Crilly Erica , Harrison Cathy , Maahs Jennifer , Beijlevelt Marlene , Ramsay Brian , Githinji Cyrus , Sisdelli Marcela , Dsouza Anjalin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Haemophilia nursing practice has experienced a shift in the past decade, as the historic chief focus on factor infusions shifted to extended half‐life products, bispecific antibody therapies and other non‐replacement therapies. This evolution has driven a need for changes in nursing practice in many haemophilia treatment centres.

Aim

This article intends to provide insights to the haemophilia nurse to champion practice changes at their haemophilia treatment centres.

Methods

Two popular change theories, Lewin's three‐step change model and Kotter's eight‐step change model are discussed as a framework for haemophilia nurses to think, structure and be leaders in change.

Conclusion

Examples of these models in practice could give guidance and examples to reflect on for haemophilia nurses needing to make changes in their practice settings. These models of change, alongside existing haemophilia nurse competencies and tools such as the shared decision‐making tool from the World Federation of Hemophilia, can assist the nurse to be a capable change agent to usher in these new innovations.
The (un)equal university: Training programmes and the commodification of race
Authors: Bhopal Kalwant
Published: March 2024

There is a plethora of evidence to suggest that academics of colour remain under represented in higher education; they are less likely to be professors and occupy senior managerial roles compared to White groups and report regular incidents of overt and covert racism. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives such as training programmes to progress the position of academics of colour into senior roles have been used to address their under representation. Drawing on Critical Race Theory this paper examines how within the neoliberal marketised university, such training programmes are used for the benefit of White groups to perpetuate White privilege.
Socioeconomic factors associated with uptake and satisfaction with a post‐hospitalization meals benefit in Medicare Advantage
Authors: Richards Anna L. , Vallejo Jessica , Duan Lewei , Dinsdale Mary P. , Akiyama‐Ciganek Jaime , Arakelian Annet , Lee Janet S. , Shen Ernest , Nguyen Huong Q.
Published: March 2024

Background

Kaiser Permanente Southern California began offering a 4‐week supplemental benefit of home‐delivered meals to Medicare Advantage members after discharge from a hospitalization for heart failure and other medical conditions in 2021. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and food insecurity with patient uptake of and satisfaction with the meals.

Methods

Data for this cross‐sectional study were drawn from survey and electronic medical record data for members referred for the meals benefit (n = 6169) and linked to a hospitalization encounter (n = 2254) between January and December 2021. Uptake was assessed using vendor records; measures of socioeconomic status included the neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) and prior receipt of medical financial assistance (MFA) from the health system. Patients were invited to complete an email or phone survey about their satisfaction with the meals and food insecurity. Multivariable log‐binomial regression models were used to examine the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and food insecurity with meals uptake and satisfaction.

Results

Sixty‐two percent of patients referred for the benefit accepted the meals (mean age: 79 ± 9, 59% people of color). While there was no significant relationship between NDI and meals uptake (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.92–1.07, p = 0.77), patients who received prior MFA were more likely to accept the meals (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16, p < 0.01). Sixty‐nine percent of patients who completed the survey (23% response rate) reported that meals were very or extremely helpful. Patients with food insecurity (29% of survey respondents) were more likely to report that the meals were helpful for their recovery compared to food secure patients (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09–1.35, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The home‐delivered meals appeared to be particularly utilized by and helpful to patients with greater financial strain and/or food insecurity, suggesting that supplemental benefits could be more targeted toward addressing unmet needs of vulnerable adults.
Opening the black box of the use phase in circular economy life cycle assessments: Environmental performance of shell jacket reuse
Authors: André Hampus
Published: March 2024

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is highly needed and widely used to assess the environmental performance of circular economy (CE) measures such as reusing and sharing. However, the results of such LCAs are hampered by limited knowledge about the use phase of consumer products and oversimplification of important use phase aspects such as product functionality, user behavior, displacement, and rebound effects. This paper aims to validate the usefulness of a framework designed to assist practitioners in the generation and utilization of such knowledge in LCAs of circular measures. To validate the framework, a case study is used: reuse of shell jackets enabled by “premium secondhand” stores for outdoor equipment and clothing. The paper demonstrates that conclusions about the environmental performance of reuse can easily be altered depending on the functional unit definition, whether real user behavior data are used, and whether imperfect displacement and rebound effects are considered. For instance, shell jacket life cycles that include reuse and thus may be labeled “circular” have significantly higher environmental impact per use occasion than “linear” ones (used by one principal user the entire lifespan), since “circular” shell jackets are used less frequently, in particular during their first use span. Through facilitating the generation and utilization of environmentally relevant use phase data, which are otherwise often overlooked, the framework seems capable of supporting a better understanding of the environmental performance of CE measures.
Efficacy of probiotic supplementation in the treatment of psoriasis—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Kebo , Liao Xiaoshu , Yang Tianlin , He Xin , Yang Dongyue , Lai Lingyao , Lang Jing , Xiao Min , Wang Jun
Published: March 2024

Objective

Many studies have emphasized the possible role of probiotics in psoriasis, probiotic supplementation might be helpful to treat psoriasis. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methods

We searched some databases with keywords until November 10, 2023, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. These keywords included probiotics, psoriasis RCT, and so on. After rigorous literature screening by two authors, five studies were identified. Eventually, the required data were independently extracted by another author.

Results

A total of five studies with 286 patients were included. The pooled results showed that the efficacy of probiotic supplementation was superior to placebo in the treatment of psoriasis. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (SMD = −1.40, 95% Cl = −2.63 to −0.17, p < 0.00001) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (SMD = −0.92, 95% Cl = −1.86 to 0.01, p < 0.00001). Score decreased after probiotic supplementation.

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis showed that probiotic supplementation could be a new treatment option for psoriasis.
Comparative nutrient drawdown capacities of farmed kelps and implications of metabolic strategy and nutrient source
Authors: Stephens Tiffany , Umanzor Schery
Published: March 2024

Seaweed aquaculture, particularly kelp farming, is a popular topic as a potential solution for mitigating anthropogenic pollutants and enhancing coastal drawdown of carbon and nitrogen. Using a common garden approach, this study evaluated nutrient drawdown capacities of Alaria marginata (ribbon kelp) and Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) across four commercial kelp farms in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. Our findings show that A. marginata exhibited ~30% more carbon and 21% more nitrogen content compared to S. latissima. These results demonstrate the potential for A. marginata to serve as a more efficient species for nutrient drawdown into farmed kelp tissues (per unit biomass) for consideration of potential mitigative actions. The efficacy of this drawdown is likely to be driven by the careful pairing of kelp species with farming environment. Temporally, there was a noted increase in carbon content and a decline in nitrogen content from March to May for both species, consistent with known seasonal nutrient dynamics in coastal waters. Notably, differences in the carbon stable isotope signatures (δ13C) between the kelps may hint at variations in metabolic pathways and nutrient sourcing, particularly concerning the preferential assimilation of CO2 versus , and highlight the need for further work on this topic for applied macroalgal research.
Crocosphaera watsonii – A widespread nitrogen‐fixing unicellular marine cyanobacterium
Authors: Masuda Takako , Mareš Jan , Shiozaki Takuhei , Inomura Keisuke , Fujiwara Amane , Prášil Ondřej
Published: March 2024

Crocosphaera watsonii is a unicellular N2‐fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacterium observed in tropical and subtropical oligotrophic oceans. As a diazotroph, it can be a source of bioavailable nitrogen (N) to the microbial community in N‐limited environments, and this may fuel primary production in the regions where it occurs. Crocosphaera watsonii has been the subject of intense study, both in culture and in field populations. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the phylogenetic and physiological diversity of C. watsonii, its distribution, and its ecological niche. Analysis of the relationships among the individual Crocosphaera species and related free‐living and symbiotic lineages of diazotrophs based on the nifH gene have shown that the C. watsonii group holds a basal position and that its sequence is more similar to Rippkaea and Zehria than to other Crocosphaera species. This finding warrants further scrutiny to determine if the placement is related to a horizontal gene transfer event. Here, the nifH UCYN‐B gene copy number from a recent synthesis effort was used as a proxy for relative C. watsonii abundance to examine patterns of C. watsonii distribution as a function of environmental factors, like iron and phosphorus concentration, and complimented with a synthesis of C. watsonii physiology. Furthermore, we have summarized the current knowledge of C. watsonii with regards to N2 fixation, photosynthesis, and quantitative modeling of physiology. Because N availability can limit primary production, C. watsonii is widely recognized for its importance to carbon and N cycling in ocean ecosystems, and we conclude this review by highlighting important topics for further research on this important species.
Genetic architecture of inbreeding depression may explain its persistence in a population of wild red deer
Authors: Hewett Anna M. , Johnston Susan E. , Morris Alison , Morris Sean , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: March 2024

Inbreeding depression is of major concern in declining populations, but relatively little is known about its genetic architecture in wild populations, such as the degree to which it is composed of large or small effect loci and their distribution throughout the genome. Here, we combine fitness and genomic data from a wild population of red deer to investigate the genomic distribution of inbreeding effects. Based on the runs of homozygosity (ROH)‐based inbreeding coefficient, FROH, we use chromosome‐specific inbreeding coefficients (FROHChr) to explore whether the effect of inbreeding varies between chromosomes. Under the assumption that within an individual the probability of being identical‐by‐descent is equal across all chromosomes, we used a multi‐membership model to estimate the deviation of FROHChr from the average inbreeding effect. This novel approach ensures effect sizes are not overestimated whilst maximising the power of our available dataset of >3000 individuals genotyped on >35,000 autosomal SNPs. We find that most chromosomes confer a minor reduction in fitness‐related traits, which when these effects are summed, results in the observed inbreeding depression in birth weight, survival and lifetime breeding success. However, no chromosomes had a significant detrimental effect compared to the overall effect of inbreeding, indicating no major effect loci. We conclude that in this population, inbreeding depression is likely the result of multiple mildly or moderately deleterious mutations spread across all chromosomes, which are difficult to detect with statistical confidence. Such mutations will be inefficiently purged, which may explain the persistence of inbreeding depression in this population.
Empowering rural educators: Strategies for overcoming barriers in clinical teaching
Authors: Hu Chia‐Yu , Chang Yu‐Che
Published: March 2024

Hu and Chang use O’Sullivan and Irby’s supposition that faculty development is embedded within two communities of practice ‐ faculty and workplace ‐ to enrich understanding of the challenges faced by rural community preceptors and support education sustainability.
Patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis exhibit a decrease in both the fungicidal activity of neutrophils and the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Consuegra‐Asprilla Jeiser Marcelo , Rodríguez‐Echeverri Carolina , Posada Daniela Herrera , Gómez Beatriz L. , González Ángel
Published: March 2024

Background

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is an important and underestimated fungal infection.

Objective

We aimed to determine the fungicidal and proliferative capacities of neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), respectively and the clinical and microbiological characteristics of a cohort of Colombian patients diagnosed with RVVC.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted. A total of 66 women were included (40 diagnosed with RVVC and 26 healthy women [HW]). Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Vaginal fluid samples were obtained for isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida species using selective culture media and the Vitek 2.0® system. Blood samples were also obtained to evaluate cell subpopulations; furthermore, neutrophils and PBMCs were isolated to determine their fungicidal and proliferative capacities, respectively.

Results

The median age was 29 (IQR: 34–23) for RVVC and 24 (IQR: 30–23) for HW. Only two species of the genus Candida were identified: Candida albicans (92.5%) and Candida lusitaniae (7.5%). Resistance to fluconazole, voriconazole, flucytosine and amphotericin B was observed on six C. albicans isolates and one C. lusitaniae isolate. Only the family history of vulvovaginal candidiasis was associated with RVVC occurrence. The RVVC group exhibited a significantly higher number of neutrophils but with lower fungicidal activity in comparison to HW; likewise, PBMCs from RVVC patients presented a lower proliferation index when stimulated with C. albicans.

Conclusion

Contrary to what has been reported worldwide, in Colombian patients with RVVC, C. albicans was the main isolated species without increased antifungal resistance. The diminished fungicidal and proliferative capacities of neutrophils and PBMCs, respectively, could suggest a possible alteration in the innate and adaptive immune responses.
Driving economic growth in African countries: Do Chinese OFDI sectors matter?
Authors: Fambo Houlda , Shunqi Ge
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest among academics and policymakers in understanding the mechaninsms through which Chinese outward direct investment (OFDI) impact economic growth in Africa.

Method

This study utilzes a dataset spanning 41 African countries from 2005 to 2020,employing panel‐corrected standard error (PCSE) and quantile regression.

Objective

This study explore the mechanisms through which Chinese OFDI stock contributes to economic growth in Africa,with a particular focus on financial development and transport infrastructure.

Results

The results indicate a significant and positive impact of the interaction between Chinese OFDI stock and both financial development and transport infrastructure on economic growth. The subregional analysis reveals varying correlations across regions, while the quantile regression analysis demonstrates a stronger effect on economic growth as we move to higher quantiles.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of enhancing infrastructure and financial sector development to attract more Chinese OFDI and maximize its positive impact of economic growth in African nations. Hence, we recommend that African countries improve the infrastructure and financial sector of their country to attract more chinese OFDI and also enhance its effectiveness on their economic growth.
Donepezil promotes skin flap survival through activation of the HIF‐1α/VEGF signalling pathway
Authors: Lin Hang , Wang Kaitao , Yang Jialong , Wang An , Deng Jiapeng , Lin Dingsheng
Published: March 2024

Flaps are mainly used to repair wounds in the clinical setting but can sometimes experience ischaemic necrosis postoperatively. This study investigated whether donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, can enhance the survival rate of flaps. We randomly allocated 36 rats into control, low‐dose (3 mg/kg/day), and high‐dose (5 mg/kg/day) groups. On Postoperative day 7, we assessed flap viability and calculated the mean area of viable flap. After euthanizing the rats, we employed immunological and molecular biology techniques to examine the changes in flap tissue vascularization, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Donepezil enhanced the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor and vascular endothelial growth factor to facilitate angiogenesis. In addition, it elevated the expression of LC3B, p62, and beclin to stimulate autophagy. Furthermore, it increased the expression of Bcl‐2 while reducing the expression of Bax, thus inhibiting apoptosis. Finally, it had anti‐inflammatory effects by reducing the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. The results suggest that donepezil can enhance the viability of randomly generated skin flaps by upregulating HIF‐1α/VEGF signalling pathway, facilitating vascularization, inducing autophagy, suppressing cell apoptosis, and mitigating inflammation within the flap tissue.
Shifted convolution sums for GL(3)×GL(2)$GL(3)\times GL(2)$ averaged over weighted sets
Authors: Leung Wing Hong
Published: March 2024

Let be the Fourier coefficients of an Hecke–Maass cusp form and be those of an Hecke holomorphic or Hecke–Maass cusp form . Let and be a sequence. We show that if for some ,
for any , and a similar bound holds when . This improves Sun's bound and generalizes it to an average with arbitrary weights . Moreover, we demonstrate how one can recover the factorizable moduli structure given by Jutila's variant of the circle method via studying a shifted sum with weighted average. This allows us to recover Munshi's bound on the shifted sum with a fixed shift without using Jutila's circle method.
Light affects the prefrontal cortex via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Lazzerini Ospri Lorenzo , Zhan Jesse J. , Thomsen Michael B. , Wang Hui , Komal Ruchi , Tang Qijun , Messanvi Fany , du Hoffmann Johann , Cravedi Kevin , Chudasama Yogita , Hattar Samer , Zhao Haiqing
Published: March 2024

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is a part of the limbic system engaged in the regulation of social, emotional, and cognitive states, which are characteristically impaired in disorders of the brain such as schizophrenia and depression. Here, we show that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) modulate, through light, the integrity, activity, and function of the vmPFC. This regulatory role, which is independent of circadian and mood alterations, is mediated by an ipRGC-thalamic-corticolimbic pathway. Lack of ipRGC signaling in mice causes dendritic degeneration, dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and depressed neuronal activity in the vmPFC. These alterations primarily undermine the ability of the vmPFC to regulate emotions. Our discovery provides a potential light-dependent mechanism for certain PFC-centric disorders in humans.
Spatially resolved single-cell atlas of ascidian endostyle provides insight into the origin of vertebrate pharyngeal organs
Authors: Jiang An , Han Kai , Wei Jiankai , Su Xiaoshan , Wang Rui , Zhang Wei , Liu Xiawei , Qiao Jinghan , Liu Penghui , Liu Qun , Zhang Jin , Zhang Nannan , Ge Yonghang , Zhuang Yuan , Yu Haiyan , Wang Shi , Chen Kai , Lu Wange , Xu Xun , Yang Huanming , Fan Guangyi , Dong Bo
Published: March 2024

The pharyngeal endoderm, an innovation of deuterostome ancestors, contributes to pharyngeal development by influencing the patterning and differentiation of pharyngeal structures in vertebrates; however, the evolutionary origin of the pharyngeal organs in vertebrates is largely unknown. The endostyle, a distinct pharyngeal organ exclusively present in basal chordates, represents a good model for understanding pharyngeal organ origins. Using Stereo-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing, we constructed aspatially resolved single-cell atlas for the endostyle of the ascidian
Styela clava
. We determined the cell composition of the hemolymphoid region, which illuminates a mixed ancestral structure for the blood and lymphoid system. In addition, we discovered a cluster of hair cell–like cells in zone 3, which has transcriptomic similarity with the hair cells of the vertebrate acoustico-lateralis system. These findings reshape our understanding of the pharynx of the basal chordate and provide insights into the evolutionary origin of multiplexed pharyngeal organs.
Modeling mechanical activation of macrophages during pulmonary fibrogenesis for targeted anti-fibrosis therapy
Authors: Xu Ying , Ying Linxuan , Lang Jennifer K. , Hinz Boris , Zhao Ruogang
Published: March 2024

Pulmonary fibrosis is an often fatal lung disease. Immune cells such as macrophages were shown to accumulate in the fibrotic lung, but their contribution to the fibrosis development is unclear. To recapitulate the involvement of macrophages in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, we developed a fibrotic microtissue model with cocultured human macrophages and fibroblasts. We show that profibrotic macrophages seeded on topographically controlled stromal tissues became mechanically activated. The resulting co-alignment of macrophages, collagen fibers, and fibroblasts promoted widespread fibrogenesis in micro-engineered lung tissues. Anti-fibrosis treatment using pirfenidone disrupts the polarization and mechanical activation of profibrotic macrophages, leading to fibrosis inhibition. Pirfenidone inhibits the mechanical activation of macrophages by suppressing integrin αMβ2 and Rho-associated kinase 2. These results demonstrate a potential pulmonary fibrogenesis mechanism at the tissue level contributed by macrophages. The cocultured microtissue model is a powerful tool to study the immune–stromal cell interactions and the anti-fibrosis drug mechanism.
Anthropogenic forcing has increased the risk of longer-traveling and slower-moving large contiguous heatwaves
Authors: Luo Ming , Wu Sijia , Lau Gabriel Ngar-Cheung , Pei Tao , Liu Zhen , Wang Xiaoyu , Ning Guicai , Chan Ting On , Yang Yuanjian , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2024

Heatwaves are consecutive hot days with devastating impacts on human health and the environment. These events may evolve across both space and time, characterizing a spatiotemporally contiguous propagation pattern that has not been fully understood. Here, we track the spatiotemporally contiguous heatwaves in both reanalysis datasets and model simulations and examine their moving patterns (i.e., moving distance, speed, and direction) in different continents and periods. Substantial changes in contiguous heatwaves have been identified from 1979 to 2020, with longer persistence, longer traveling distance, and slower propagation. These changes have been amplified since 1997, probably due to the weakening of eddy kinetic energy, zonal wind, and anthropogenic forcing. The results suggest that longer-lived, longer-traveling, and slower-moving contiguous heatwaves will cause more devastating impacts on human health and the environment in the future if greenhouse gas emissions keep rising and no effective measures are taken immediately. Our findings provide important implications for the adaption and mitigation of globally connected extreme heatwaves.
Is pregnancy safe with an implanted pectus bar? An uneventful pregnancy with implanted pectus bar following correction of pectus excavatum
Authors: Frongia Giovanni , Seitz Oliver , Chatzisideris Sideris , Mastorakis Avraam
Published: March 2024

Limited data are available on the implications on pregnancy following pectus bar implantation for correction of pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure), while the pectus bars are in place. Limited data is also available on long-term reproductive implications following pectus bar removal.

Providers at times need to consider the necessity to counsel a woman desiring pectus excavatum correction and pregnancy whether to postpone one of the two in favour of the other.

We present the case of a woman of reproductive age with an uneventful pregnancy and delivery while carrying an implanted pectus bar and subsequent uneventful pregnancy and delivery after bar removal.
Iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as small bowel perforation
Authors: Gunasingha Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Kalpanee D , Herrick-Reynolds Kayleigh , Sanford Jeffrey A , Radowsky Jason
Published: March 2024

A woman in her late 50s on mycophenolate for limited systemic sclerosis presented with abdominal pain. Vital signs and investigative evaluations were normal. Cross-sectional imaging identified gastric and small bowel wall thickening, free fluid, and pneumoperitoneum. In the operating room, a small bowel perforation was found and resected. Postoperatively, immunosuppression was held and she completed a course of amoxicillin/clavulanate. She discharged home and re-presented on postoperative day 8 with seizures and was found to have a frontal brain mass which was biopsied. Pathology from both the resected bowel and brain biopsy demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus-positive B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with polymorphic B-cell features. The patient’s immunosuppression was discontinued, and she was enrolled in a clinical trial for chemotherapy. Lymphoproliferative disorder can present years after immunosuppression initiation with either spontaneous perforation or solid tumour. Pathological assessment determines treatment options. Heightened concern for atypical clinical presentations in immunosuppressed patients is always warranted.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release secondary to central nervous system coccidioidomycosis with vasculitis
Authors: Branigan Gregory Lawrence , Ozgur Hasan T , Lim James , Riaz Talha
Published: March 2024

A man in his 60s presented to the clinic due to night sweats and weight loss following pneumonia. He was found to have hyponatraemia due to a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). CT of the thorax was concerning for pulmonary nodules. He was ultimately diagnosed with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis (CM) and started on fluconazole 400 mg daily with improvement in symptoms. Due to the report of headaches, head MRI was conducted which suggested central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was consistent with CNS CM and head magnetic resonance angiography confirmed the presence of CNS vasculitis. Fluconazole dose was increased to 800 mg daily which the patient continued to tolerate and showed improvement. This report depicts a case of SIADH associated with CNS CM with vasculitis and demonstrates the importance of high clinical suspicion for SIADH secondary to CNS CM in the setting of hyponatraemia and headache.