bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamate infusion associated with reduced rises of p‐Copeptin after coronary surgery: Substudy of GLUTAMICS II
Authors: Svedjeholm Rolf , Ferrari Gabriele , Vanky Farkas , Friberg Örjan , Holm Jonas
Published: June 2023

Background

Glutamate plays a key role for post‐ischaemic recovery of myocardial metabolism. According to post hoc analyses of the two GLUTAMICS trials, patients without diabetes benefit from glutamate with less myocardial dysfunction after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Copeptin reflects activation of the Arginine Vasopressin system and is a reliable marker of heart failure but available studies in cardiac surgery are limited. We investigated whether glutamate infusion is associated with reduced postoperative rises of plasma Copeptin (p‐Copeptin) after CABG.

Methods

A prespecified randomised double‐blind substudy of GLUTAMICS II. Patients had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤0.30 or EuroSCORE II ≥3.0 and underwent CABG ± valve procedure. Intravenous infusion of 0.125 M L‐glutamic acid or saline at 1.65 mL/kg/h was commenced 10–20 min before the release of the aortic cross‐clamp and then continued for another 150 min P‐Copeptin was measured preoperatively and postoperatively on day one (POD1) and day three. The primary endpoint was an increase in p‐Copeptin from the preoperative level to POD1. Postoperative stroke ≤24 h and mortality ≤30 days were safety outcomes.

Results

We included 181 patients of whom 48% had diabetes. The incidence of postoperative mortality ≤30 days (0% vs. 2.1%; p = .50) and stroke ≤24 h (0% vs. 3.2%; p = .25) did not differ between the glutamate group and controls. P‐Copeptin increased postoperatively with the highest values recorded on POD1 without significant inter‐group differences. Among patients without diabetes, p‐Copeptin did not differ preoperatively but postoperative rise from preoperative level to POD1 was significantly reduced in the glutamate group (73 ± 66 vs. 115 ± 102 pmol/L; p = .02). P‐Copeptin was significantly lower in the Glutamate group on POD1 (p = .02) and POD 3 (p = .02).

Conclusions

Glutamate did not reduce rises of p‐Copeptin significantly after moderate to high‐risk CABG. However, glutamate was associated with reduced rises of p‐Copeptin among patients without diabetes. These results agree with previous observations suggesting that glutamate mitigates myocardial dysfunction after CABG in patients without diabetes. Given the exploratory nature of these findings, they need to be confirmed in future studies.
‘We country women need advocacy’: Birthing narratives from the Western Australian Wheatbelt region
Authors: Shackleton Esther , Fisher Colleen , Bosco Anna , Slack‐Smith Linda
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study describes the experiences of eight mothers from the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia who shared their stories of travelling and/or temporarily relocating for birth.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe rural and remote Western Australian mothers’ experiences of travelling long distances and/or relocating to give birth.

Design

This study was based on Crotty's four elements of qualitative research. This study was underpinned by a constructivist epistemology, a feminist theoretical lens and a narrative approach using semistructured, story‐based interviews. Participants narrated their stories of birthing away from home by telephone interview.

Findings

Five major themes were identified utilising thematic analysis. These were (1) feeling forgotten in the system, (2) accessibility and choice, (3) compounded social isolation, (4) doing it hard: financial and logistical challenges and (5) building strength: advocating for myself and baby.

Discussion

Mothers’ stories were reflective of current and historical failures of rural maternal health policy, including widespread closures of rural birthing hospitals. Mothers described the logistical barriers they faced with little support and suggested multiple solutions that would improve their experiences.

Conclusion

Mothers faced significant obstacles which impeded their access to equitable maternal healthcare. This study highlights the complexities of birthing as a rural mother and the need to address maternal health inequities between rural and metropolitan women.
Fifty years of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier: New insights into its structure, function, and inhibition
Authors: Tavoulari Sotiria , Sichrovsky Maximilian , Kunji Edmund R. S.
Published: June 2023

The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) resides in the mitochondrial inner membrane, where it links cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolism by transporting pyruvate produced in glycolysis into the mitochondrial matrix. Due to its central metabolic role, it has been proposed as a potential drug target for diabetes, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, neurodegeneration, and cancers relying on mitochondrial metabolism. Little is known about the structure and mechanism of MPC, as the proteins involved were only identified a decade ago and technical difficulties concerning their purification and stability have hindered progress in functional and structural analyses. The functional unit of MPC is a hetero‐dimer comprising two small homologous membrane proteins, MPC1/MPC2 in humans, with the alternative complex MPC1L/MPC2 forming in the testis, but MPC proteins are found throughout the tree of life. The predicted topology of each protomer consists of an amphipathic helix followed by three transmembrane helices. An increasing number of inhibitors are being identified, expanding MPC pharmacology and providing insights into the inhibitory mechanism. Here, we provide critical insights on the composition, structure, and function of the complex and we summarize the different classes of small molecule inhibitors and their potential in therapeutics.
Information and communication technology engagement and digital reading: How meta‐cognitive strategies impact their relationship
Authors: Lin Lijia , King Ronnel B. , Fu Lingyi , Leung Shing On
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among information and communication technology (ICT) engagement, meta‐cognitive strategies and digital reading. Specifically, we used PISA 2018 data to examine whether (a) the behavioural aspect of ICT engagement negatively impacted digital reading, (b) the motivational aspect of ICT engagement positively impacted digital reading and (c) meta‐cognitive strategies mediated or moderated the relationship between ICT engagement and digital reading. Our findings revealed that (a) the behavioural aspect of ICT engagement negatively impacted digital reading, whereas the motivational aspect of ICT engagement, except ICT social motivation, positively impacted digital reading; (b) the behavioural aspect of ICT engagement, as well as ICT social motivation, had significant negative indirect effects on digital reading achievement through meta‐cognitive strategies, whereas all other motivational aspects of ICT engagement were differentially mediated by the meta‐cognitive strategies; (c) the impact of ICT social motivation on ICT engagement was mediated and moderated by meta‐cognitive strategies. These findings are discussed in terms of the educational implications, limitations and future directions.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

There is ambiguity in the literature regarding the relationship between ICT engagement and achievement.

The nature of the relationships among ICT engagement, meta‐cognitive strategy use and achievement in digital reading remains unclear.

What this paper adds

The behavioural aspect of ICT engagement, as well as ICT social motivation, had significant negative indirect effects on digital reading achievement through meta‐cognitive strategies, whereas all other motivational aspects of ICT engagement were differentially mediated by the meta‐cognitive strategies.

The impact of ICT social motivation on ICT engagement was mediated and moderated by meta‐cognitive strategies.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Practitioners should focus on how to utilize ICT by applying appropriate strategies.

Students' knowledge about and use of meta‐cognitive strategies play positive roles even in the contexts when rote learning activities predominate.
Realistic permeability distributions in faults and sediments: The key to predicting fluid flow in sedimentary basins
Authors: Sheldon Heather A. , Crombez Vincent , Poulet Thomas , Kelka Ulrich , Kunzmann Marcus , Kerrison Emily
Published: June 2023

The permeability of faults and their sedimentary host rocks is a critical input for models of fluid flow in sedimentary basins. Permeability of sedimentary rocks can vary by orders of magnitude over short distances due to variations in sedimentary facies, as well as being strongly anisotropic. Structural features also affect permeability, with faults acting as fluid conduits or barriers depending on the nature of the sedimentary host rock. Constraining these variations in permeability is challenging where outcrops are lacking and drillhole data are sparse. This study describes a workflow using stratigraphic forward modelling to estimate the permeability distribution (both magnitude and anisotropy) in sedimentary rocks and associated faults, which is then used in fluid flow simulations. Permeability is represented as a tensor in the global coordinate system, enabling the use of an unstructured mesh that is independent of stratigraphic layering. The workflow is demonstrated in a sub‐basin of the Proterozoic McArthur Basin of northern Australia. A range of fault permeability scenarios are explored, where fault permeability is a function of host rock properties. The simulation results demonstrate the importance of capturing the direction of permeability anisotropy in dipping strata, as well as highlighting the effect of different fault permeability scenarios. The workflow is particularly well‐suited to scenarios where there are sufficient boreholes to constrain a stratigraphic forward model, but insufficient to determine the permeability distribution by interpolation. Potential applications include mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, groundwater studies, contaminant dispersal modelling, and CO2 sequestration.
Ferret: Reviewing Tabular Datasets for Manipulation
Authors: Lange Devin , Sahai Shaurya , Phillips Jeff M. , Lex Alexander
Published: June 2023

How do we ensure the veracity of science? The act of manipulating or fabricating scientific data has led to many high‐profile fraud cases and retractions. Detecting manipulated data, however, is a challenging and time‐consuming endeavor. Automated detection methods are limited due to the diversity of data types and manipulation techniques. Furthermore, patterns automatically flagged as suspicious can have reasonable explanations. Instead, we propose a nuanced approach where experts analyze tabular datasets, e.g., as part of the peer‐review process, using a guided, interactive visualization approach. In this paper, we present an analysis of how manipulated datasets are created and the artifacts these techniques generate. Based on these findings, we propose a suite of visualization methods to surface potential irregularities. We have implemented these methods in Ferret, a visualization tool for data forensics work. Ferret makes potential data issues salient and provides guidance on spotting signs of tampering and differentiating them from truthful data.
visMOP – A Visual Analytics Approach for Multi‐omics Pathways
Authors: Brich N. , Schacherer N. , Hoene M. , Weigert C. , Lehmann R. , Krone M.
Published: June 2023

We present an approach for the visual analysis of multi‐omics data obtained using high‐throughput methods. The term “omics” denotes measurements of different types of biologically relevant molecules like the products of gene transcription (transcriptomics) or the abundance of proteins (proteomics). Current popular visualization approaches often only support analyzing each of these omics separately. This, however, disregards the interconnectedness of different biologically relevant molecules and processes. Consequently, it describes the actual events in the organism suboptimally or only partially. Our visual analytics approach for multi‐omics data provides a comprehensive overview and details‐on‐demand by integrating the different omics types in multiple linked views. To give an overview, we map the measurements to known biological pathways and use a combination of a clustered network visualization, glyphs, and interactive filtering. To ensure the effectiveness and utility of our approach, we designed it in close collaboration with domain experts and assessed it using an exemplary workflow with real‐world transcriptomics, proteomics, and lipidomics measurements from mice.
Cerebral venous thrombosis in patients with autoimmune disease, hematonosis or coronavirus disease 2019: Many familiar faces and some strangers
Authors: Zhou Yifan , Jiang Huimin , Wei Huimin , Xiao Xuechun , Liu Lu , Ji Xunming , Zhou Chen
Published: June 2023

Background

Cerebral venous thrombosis, a rare stroke, is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by bleeding and/or infarction resulting from venous sinus thrombosis, the so‐called venous stroke. Current guidelines recommend anticoagulants as first‐line therapy in the treatment of venous stroke. With complicated causes of cerebral venous thrombosis, treatment is difficult, especially when combined with autoimmune diseases, blood diseases, and even COVID‐19.

Aims

This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical prognosis of cerebral venous thrombosis combined with autoimmune diseases, blood diseases, or infectious diseases such as COVID‐19.

Conclusion

A systematic understanding of particular risk factors that should not be neglected when unconventional cerebral venous thrombosis occurs and for a scientific understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, and treatment, thus contributing to knowledge on special types of venous stroke.
Effects of vaping on uptake and cessation of smoking: Longitudinal analysis in Aotearoa New Zealand adults
Authors: Mason Andre , Riordan Benjamin C. , Winter Taylor , Conner Tamlin S. , Sibley Chris G. , Scarf Damian
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Globally, the use of vapes, or e‐cigarettes, is increasing. While vaping is less harmful than smoking and may help smokers to quit, there is also the possibility that vaping may lead to smoking. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of vaping and smoking in Aotearoa New Zealand and explore longitudinal pathways between smoking status and vape use.

Method

Data related to smoking and vaping status was analysed from Times 10, 11 and 12 across 2018–2020 of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values study, a large, representative, multi‐wave study of adults living in New Zealand. Weighted descriptive analyses were used to determine prevalence rates of vaping and smoking and a generalised linear modelling approach was used to examine the likelihood of changing to, or taking up, the other behaviour in the transition between time points.

Results

Broadly, the prevalence of smoking was found to be decreasing over time while the prevalence of vaping was increasing. Despite these general trends, no differences were observed in the likelihood of transitioning from smoking to vaping or from vaping to smoking, indicating that either pathway was equally as likely.

Discussion and Conclusions

The current findings demonstrate that vaping appeared to be just as likely to have a gateway effect to smoking as it was to have a cessation effect. This highlights the need for greater consideration regarding vaping‐related policies and restrictions.
On the self‐undermining functionality critique of morality
Authors: Queloz Matthieu
Published: June 2023

Nietzsche's injunction to examine “the value of values” can be heard in a pragmatic key, as inviting us to consider not whether certain values aretrue, but what theydofor us. This oddly neglected pragmatic approach to Nietzsche now receives authoritative support from Bernard Reginster's new book, which offers a compelling and notably cohesive interpretation of Nietzsche'sOn the Genealogy of Morality. In this essay, I reconstruct Reginster's account of Nietzsche's critique of morality as a “self‐undermining functionality critique” and raise three problems for it: (i) Is there room within an etiological conception of function for the notion of self‐undermining functionality? (ii) If Nietzsche's critique is internal and based solely on the function it ascribes to morality, where does that critique derive its normative significance from? (iii) Does Reginster's account not make out ascetic morality to be more universally dysfunctional than it is, given that some priestly types have done remarkably well out of morality?
Strongyle egg reappearance periods following moxidectin treatment in horses in Southeast England
Authors: Mair Tim S. , Opie Rebecca , Moreton‐Clack Michelle , Parkin Tim D. , Matthews Jacqui B.
Published: June 2023

Background

A reduction in the egg reappearance period (ERP) has been suggested to be an early indication of emerging anthelmintic resistance in strongyles.

Objective

To measure the strongyle ERP following moxidectin treatment of horses in the southeast of England.

Study design

Prospective study.

Methods

Horses with a faecal egg count (FEC) of ≥400 strongyle eggs per gram (EPG) in a routine screening sample were enrolled into the study. Moxidectin (400 μg/kg) was administered per os and FEC tests repeated every 2 weeks for 16 weeks.

Results

Forty‐eight horses completed the study. The mean EPG prior to treatment was 1047 (range 375–2137 EPG). In all but two horses, FEC was 0 EPG 2 weeks after moxidectin administration. In the remaining two, the FECs were each 12.5 EPG (97.8%–98.3% reductions compared to pre‐treatment FEC). At 4 weeks post‐treatment, 6 horses had positive FECs (96.6%–99.2% reductions). At 6 weeks, 11 horses had positive FECs (83.8% reduction in one horse; >90% reduction in 10). At 8 weeks, 21 horses exhibited positive FECs (<90% reduction in 2). At 10 weeks, 27 horses had positive FECs (<90% in 6). At 12 weeks, 31 horses had positive FECs (<90% reduction in 11). At 14 weeks, 34 horses had positive FECs (<90% reduction in 13). At 16 weeks, 38 horses had positive FECs (<90% reduction in 17).

Main limitations

Weights of some horses were estimated using weigh tapes rather than a weighbridge. Dosing of the horses with moxidectin was carried out by owners.

Conclusions

The results indicated acceptable efficacy of moxidectin at 14 days after treatment; however, the ERP pattern measured across the group suggests that this anthelmintic has a considerably shorter suppressive effect on strongyle egg shedding than measured when it was first introduced (12–16 weeks).
The effect of friction on surface crack initiation in rolling contact fatigue considering damage accumulation
Authors: Zhou Ye , Zhu Caichao , Song Chaosheng , Chen Yingjuan , Zhou Min
Published: June 2023

Surface initiated rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of gears and rolling bearings can lead to premature failure in mechanical transmission systems. The orientation of surface crack initiation closely depends on surface tractive force, while the mechanism leading to this dependence is still obscure. In this work, a numerical model is proposed to investigate the effect of friction on surface crack initiation in RCF. An inhomogeneous contact solver based on semi‐analytical method (SAM) is developed by combining the damaged‐coupled constitutive relation and the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method. The damage accumulation and concurrent degradation of material properties are modeled with continuum damage mechanics (CDM). The effect of surface tractive force on the orientation of surface crack initiation is simulated and analyzed. Results indicate that the progressive evolution of damage under the cyclic loading is accompanied by the stress variation around the damaged area. The damaged area increases, and the crack initiation life decreases with an increasing coefficient of friction.
Genetic and environmental influences on one‐trial conditioned context aversion in mice
Authors: İlhan Çınar Furkan , Urcelay Gonzalo P. , Kışlal Sezen
Published: June 2023

Anticipatory nausea (AN) is caused by an association between contextual cues and the experience of nausea (the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment) and it develops predominantly in female patients undergoing chemotherapy. Preclinical studies in rodents show that the administration of an illness‐inducing agent in the presence of novel contextual cues can cause conditioned context aversion (CCA) and this has been proposed to model AN. The literature also suggests that brief pre‐exposure to a novel context prior to shock delivery is critical in the development of contextual fear conditioning in rodents (a phenomenon known as Immediate Shock Deficit), but this has not been assessed in CCA. The aim of present study was to develop a CCA paradigm to assess this in outbred (CD1) and inbred (C57BL/6J) mice and evaluate potential sex differences. The results revealed that a single conditioning trial in which a distinctive context was paired with LiCl‐induced illness was sufficient to elicit a conditioned response in both female and male CD1 outbred mice, but not in C57BL/6J inbred mice. In addition, CCA was facilitated when animals had prior experience with the context. Finally, outbred female mice showed longer and more robust retention of CCA than male mice, which parallels clinical findings. The results indicate the importance of using CD1 outbred mice as an animal model of AN as well as examining sex differences in the CCA paradigm. Similar findings in humans encourage the future use of this novel CCA preclinical mouse model.
Migraine with prolonged aphasic aura associated with a CACNA1A mutation: A case report and narrative review
Authors: Jicha Crystal J. , Alex Ashley , Herskovitz Steven , Haut Sheryl R. , Lipton Richard
Published: June 2023

Objective

To demonstrate that a known CACNA1A variant is associated with a phenotype of prolonged aphasic aura without hemiparesis.

Background

The usual differential diagnosis of prolonged aphasia without hemiparesis includes vascular disease, seizure, metabolic derangements, and migraine. Genetic mutations in the CACNA1A gene can lead to a myriad of phenotypes, including familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) type 1, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by an aura of unilateral, sometimes prolonged weakness. Though aphasia is a common feature of migraine aura, with or without hemiparesis, aphasia without hemiparesis has not been reported with CACNA1A mutations.

Methods

We report the case of a 51‐year‐old male who presented with a history of recurrent episodes of aphasia without hemiparesis lasting days to weeks. His headache was left sided and was heralded by what his family described as “confusion.” On examination, he had global aphasia without other focal findings. Family history revealed several relatives with a history of severe headaches with neurologic deficits including aphasia and/or weakness. Imaging revealed T2 hyperintensities in the left parietal/temporal/occipital regions on MRI scan with corresponding hyperperfusion on SPECT. Genetic testing revealed a missense mutation in the CACNA1A gene.

Conclusions

This case expands the phenotypic spectrum of the CACNA1A mutation and FHM to include prolonged aphasic aura without hemiparesis. Our patient's SPECT imaging demonstrated hyperperfusion in areas correlating with aura symptoms which can occur in prolonged aura.
Mixed methods study on foreign early career academics' sense of knowledge and intellectual development
Authors: Sakurai Yusuke , Saruta Shizuki , Cheng Wenjuan
Published: June 2023

Employees' sense of development is an essential component of their well‐being that enhances their work performance. In the Japanese higher education sector, the number of foreign academics has increased considerably due to the strong backing of government initiatives. Although studies have unpacked foreign academics' intercultural challenges and marginalisation experiences, their developmental experiences in host countries have been under‐researched. Thus, this mixed‐methods study examined what explains foreign early career academics' sense of knowledge and intellectual development and how. Both the quantitative and qualitative results indicated collegiality's key role in their development, while the discrepancies between them suggest that their development is better explained by how knowledge is transmitted via three key conditions—access, interpersonal matters and sources—than workplace conditions. Foreign academics' perspectives can contribute to institutional policy development, because they may be aware of the status quo to which locals feel resigned.
Improved concordance of challenging human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 dual in‐situ hybridisation cases with the use of a digital image analysis algorithm in breast cancer
Authors: Gough Madeline , Liu Cheng , Srinivasan Bhuvana , Wilkinson Lisa , Dunk Louisa , Yang Yuanhao , Schreiber Veronika , Tuffaha Haitham , Kryza Thomas , Hooper John D , Lakhani Sunil R , Snell Cameron E
Published: June 2023

Aims

Accurate assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression by HER2 immunohistochemistry and in‐situ hybridisation (ISH) is critical for the management of patients with breast cancer. The revised 2018 ASCO/CAP guidelines define 5 groups based on HER2 expression and copy number. Manual pathologist quantification by light microscopy of equivocal and less common HER2 ISH groups (groups 2–4) can be challenging, and there are no data on interobserver variability in reporting of these cases. We sought to determine whether a digital algorithm could improve interobserver variability in the assessment of difficult HER2 ISH cases.

Methods and results

HER2 ISH was evaluated in a cohort enriched for less common HER2 patterns using standard light microscopy versus analysis of whole slide images using the Roche uPath HER2 dual ISH image analysis algorithm. Standard microscopy demonstrated significant interobserver variability with a Fleiss's kappa value of 0.471 (fair–moderate agreement) improving to 0.666 (moderate–good) with the use of the algorithm. For HER2 group designation (groups 1–5), there was poor–moderate reliability between pathologists by microscopy [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.526], improving to moderate–good agreement (ICC = 0.763) with the use of the algorithm. In subgroup analysis, the algorithm improved concordance particularly in groups 2, 4 and 5. Time to enumerate cases was also significantly reduced.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the potential of a digital image analysis algorithm to improve the concordance of pathologist HER2 amplification status reporting in less common HER2 groups. This has the potential to improve therapy selection and outcomes for patients with HER2‐low and borderline HER2‐amplified breast cancers.
Effect of defect‐induced bandgap intermediate states on the photovoltaic performance of KN‐based ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Deng Tingcong , Su Mingwei , Meng Liufang , Zhu Baohua , Yuan Changlai , Liu Xiao , Zhou Changrong
Published: June 2023

The inversion asymmetry of polar crystals enables ferroelectric ceramics to possess unique physical properties, among which the anomalous photovoltaic effect drives their potential application in photovoltaic conversion. Semiconducting (1−x) KNbO3−xBaNi.5Hf.5O3−δ (KNBNH, x = 2, 4, 6, 8%) ferroelectric ceramics with enhanced photovoltaic performance were prepared by utilizing conventional solid‐state sintering strategies. In these ceramics, the defect‐induced bandgap intermediate state is derived from the 3d split state of Ni and plays a dominant role in lowering the bandgap of KN. The defective bandgap state induced by Ni in KNBNH promotes its absorption of light and the separation of photogenerated carriers, thus enhancing its photovoltaic response. The KNBNH6 shows a maximum value of 138.7 nA/cm2 for short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) among these ceramics, which is further enhanced to 702.9 nA/cm2 after 30 kV/cm polarization. Structural investigations after polarization indicate that polarization induced lattice distortion in KNBNH6, leading to an increase in the polarity of its cells. This work provides an understanding of defect‐induced bandgap states and high‐field polarization to enhance ferroelectric photovoltaic properties.
Linezolid: a safer and effective substitute to aminoglycoside in the treatment of actinomycetoma by Nocardia species
Authors: Chhabra Namrata , Sri Preethaa , Ganguly Satyaki
Published: June 2023

Actinomycetoma is chronic, suppurative, granulomatous infection caused by bacteria and requires prolonged antibiotic therapy preferrably in combinations. Nephrotoxicity is a common side effect of aminoglycosides used in the management of actinomycetoma. We report here two cases of actinomycetoma due to Nocardia species who received linezolid as a substitute to aminoglycosides after developing nephrotoxicity.
Effects of a walking exercise programme on disease activity, sleep quality, and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Lin Miao‐Chiu , Livneh Hanoch , Lu Ming‐Chi , Chang Chia‐Hao , Chen Min‐Li , Tsai Tzung‐Yi
Published: June 2023

Aim

This quasi‐experimental study aimed to explore effects of walking exercise on disease activity, sleep quality, and quality of life among individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

After recruiting people with systemic lupus erythematosus from a hospital in Taiwan between October 2020 and June 2021, participants were free to opt to receive one walking exercise programme plus standard care for 3 months or to membership of a control group receiving routine care. Primary outcomes included Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale, and a quality‐of‐life scale for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, namely, LupusQoL. These scales were administered first, at baseline and later, within 1 week following completion of the intervention. Between‐group effects were compared using generalized estimating equations with adjustment for baseline variables.

Results

The experimental and control groups each included 40 participants. Multivariate analysis indicated that adding the walking exercise programme into routine care elevated sleep quality and LupusQoL (the latter in the subscales of physical health, planning, and intimate relationships), except for disease activity.

Conclusion

Findings of this study supported the addition of walking exercise as part of routine care for people with systemic lupus erythematosus and may be a reference in the provision of adequate care for these patients.
Effect of Ga3+ ion doping on emission thermal stability and efficiency of MgAl2O4:Cr3+ phosphor
Authors: Yin Xiaomeng , Qiang Ming , Lin Hui , Zhang Dawei , Hong Ruijin , Han Zhaoxia
Published: June 2023

In this work, we fabricated a novel spinel‐type phosphor material MgAl2−xGaxO4 doped with Cr3+ by the high‐temperature solid‐state sintering method. The crystal field environment of the spinel was tuned by replacing the Al ions with Ga3+ ions of different concentrations. The cell volume and Dq/B gradient increase from 2.82 to 2.62 with increasing Ga3+ ion doping concentration. This also implies a gradual decrease in the field strength of the crystal. Based on this, the excitation spectra of MgAl1.995−xGaxO4:0.5%Cr3+ phosphors yield a redshift. Increasing the Ga3+ ion doping concentration also improves the emission intensity and thermal stability of the phosphors, and the emission intensity of the Ga3+‐doped phosphors is significantly increased. For a Ga/Al ratio of 1, the thermal stability of the phosphor emission is optimal. The emission intensity at 140°C can maintain 76% of the emission intensity at room temperature, indicating that appropriate Ga3+ ion doping can improve the emission efficiency and thermal stability of the phosphors.
The recognition, assessment and perceptions of total pain in people with profound intellectual disabilities: A mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Goodall Maeve , Irving Kate , Nevin Mary
Published: June 2023

Background

People with profound intellectual disabilities are a population with complex comorbidities. Total pain recognises the interconnectedness of aspects of pain; social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual. Pain is under‐recognised due to communication challenges and carers perceptions. This review's purpose is to synthesise current literature and provide guidance for future research and care.

Methods

Five databases were searched in this mixed methods systematic review (Cinahl, Medline, Psycinfo, Web of Science, Scopus). Articles retrieved were reported via a PRISMA flow diagram. Quality appraisal utilised the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). A convergent qualitative design was the method of data synthesis.

Results

Data from 16 included articles generated four themes; Absent voices, reductionist assessment, pain intensity, valuing expertise. Data included physical pain only.

Conclusion

Multifaceted pain needs inclusion in research. Assessment must consider the unique expressions of pain by individuals with profound intellectual disabilities. A sharing of expertise may improve pain care.
Effects of the Attune & Stimulate‐checklist for caregivers of people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Doodeman Tanja W. M. , Schuengel Carlo , Sterkenburg Paula S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Sensitive responsiveness is an important aspect in affect‐regulation of people with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.

Aim

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the Attune & Stimulate‐checklist, a tool for detecting subtle and idiosyncratic communicative behaviours and responding adequately.

Methods

Effects on the sensitive responsiveness of professional caregivers and the arousal and valence of adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities were investigated. Video recordings of 102 interactions were analysed with several observation instruments.

Results

Although no significant effect was found on the checklist‐suggestions of responsive behaviours (d = 0.33, p = .052), the intervention increased caregivers’ sensitive responsive and affective behaviour (d = 0.94 – 1.10, p < .001) and clients’ optimal arousal (d = 0.48, p = .019) and interactive engagement (d = 0.40 – 0.48, p = .018 ‐ .050).

Conclusion

This low‐intensity intervention had a medium to large immediate effect on the interaction. Future research should investigate medium‐ and long‐term effects.
A Correlational Study Of Midwives’ Self‐Compassion, Psychosocial Health, and Well‐Being During the First Wave of COVID‐19: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Liebergall‐Wischnitzer Michal , Noble Anita , Raz Iris , Halperin Ofra
Published: June 2023

Introduction

During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, midwives worked in a threatening environment and worried about themselves and their families becoming infected. Self‐compassion is defined as an attitude of self‐kindness that is supported by a balanced attitude toward negative thoughts or feelings and may contribute to the psychosocial health and well‐being. The purpose of this study was to describe midwives’ self‐compassion, psychosocial health, and well‐being and the correlation between them.

Methods

This was a descriptive correlational study using a survey administered online during May, 2020. Participants included midwives who worked in labor and delivery units across Israel during the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Measures included a demographic questionnaire; the Self‐Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS‐SF), which has 12 items in 6 subscales; and the psychosocial health and well‐being questionnaire, a short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, which has 24 items in 6 subscales.

Results

Participants (N = 144) reported a moderate‐high level of self‐compassion with a mean (SD) SCS‐SF score of 3.57 (0.69). The mean (SD) psychosocial well‐being score was 30.72 (13.57). The burnout subscale score had the highest mean (46.27), representing a high level of burnout. A minority (11.3%) of midwives considered resigning their midwifery positions. A higher level of self‐compassion correlated with better psychosocial well‐being (r = −0.466; P < .001). The highest correlation was found between the SCS‐SF and the psychosocial health and well‐being subscale for depressive symptoms (r = −0.574; P < .001).

Discussion

During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, midwives had a moderate‐high grade of self‐compassion and good psychosocial well‐being. Midwives with higher self‐compassion had better psychosocial well‐being. The findings could inform the development of programs to increase midwives’ self‐compassion, and psychosocial well‐being and the quality of midwifery care, in times of stability and during future pandemics or disasters.
A computerized facial approximation method for Homo sapiens based on facial soft tissue thickness depths and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Shui Wuyang , Wu Xiujie , Zhou Mingquan
Published: June 2023

Facial approximation (FA) provides a promising means of generating the possible facial appearance of a deceased person. It facilitates exploration of the evolutionary forces driving anatomical changes in ancestral humans and can capture public attention. Despite the recent progress made toward improving the performance of FA methods, a limited understanding of detailed quantitative craniofacial relationships between facial bone and soft tissue morphology may hinder their accuracy, and hence subjective experience and artistic interpretation are required. In this study, we explored craniofacial relationships among human populations based upon average facial soft tissue thickness depths (FSTDs) and covariations between hard and soft tissues of the nose and mouth using geometric morphometrics. Furthermore, we proposed a computerized method to assign the learned craniofacial relationships to generate a probable facial appearance of Homo sapiens, reducing human intervention. A smaller resemblance comparison (an average Procrustes distance was 0.0258 and an average Euclidean distance was 1.79 mm) between approximated and actual faces and a greater recognition rate (91.67%) tested by a face pool indicated that average dense FSTDs contributed to raising the accuracy of approximated faces. Results of partial least squares (PLS) analysis showed that nasal and oral hard tissues have an effect on their soft tissues separately. However, relatively weaker RV correlations (<0.4) and greater approximation errors suggested that we need to be cautious about the accuracy of the approximated nose and mouth soft tissue shapes from bony structures. Overall, the proposed method can facilitate investigations of craniofacial relationships and potentially improve the reliability of the approximated faces for use in numerous applications in forensic science, archaeology, and anthropology.
Medical and surgical nurses' approach to patient pressure injury prevention education: An integrative review
Authors: Deakin Jodie , Latimer Sharon , Walker Rachel M. , Gillespie Brigid M.
Published: June 2023

Aims

Identify and synthesise the published literature on the approaches and practices nurses use during the delivery of pressure injury prevention (PIP) education to hospitalised medical and surgical patients.

Design

An integrated review.

Methods

Whitmore and Knaff's (2005) five‐stage methodology guided this review: (1) research problem identification; (2) literature search; (3) data evaluation; (4) data analysis; and (5) results. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (2020) Statement was followed. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (2018). Extracted data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Data Sources

Journal publication dates from 1992 to 2022. Systematic searches of CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) complete, Embase, PsycINFO (via Ovid) and Scopus databases were undertaken.

Results

A total of 3892 articles were initially identified, four quantitative and two qualitative studies were included. Articles were published between 2013 and 2022.Two themes were identified: responsibility and workplace culture determine nurses' approach to PIP education delivery; and nurses tailor education strategies to address challenges and opportunities for PIP education delivery.

Conclusion

Nurses require resources to facilitate approaches to PIP education with medical and surgical patients. In the absence of clear instruction to support nurses' practice, PIP education for patients is at best delivered in an informal and ad hoc manner. Nurses require accessible education resources to enable them to tailor the content and frequency of PIP education to patients in med‐surg settings.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on mood and sense of well‐being in people with subclinical insomnia
Authors: Hong Jung Kyung , Yoon In‐Young
Published: June 2023

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is a non‐invasive brain stimulation method characterised by using a microcurrent. The objective of the study was to investigate whether a novel device with a stable supplement of electronic stimulation would improve sleep and the accompanying mood symptoms in people with subclinical insomnia. People who had insomnia symptoms without meeting the criteria for chronic insomnia disorder were recruited and randomly assigned to an active or a sham device group. They were required to use the provided device for 30 min each time, twice a day for 2 weeks. Outcome measures included questionnaires for sleep, depression, anxiety, and quality of life, 4 day actigraphy, and 64‐channel electroencephalography. Fifty‐nine participants (male 35.6%) with a mean age of 41.1 ± 12.0 years were randomised. Improvement of depression (p = 0.032) and physical well‐being (p = 0.041) were significant in the active device group compared with the sham device group. Anxiety was also improved in the active device group, although the improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.090). Regarding sleep, both groups showed a significant improvement in subjective rating, showing no significant group difference. The change in electroencephalography after the 2 week intervention was significantly different between the two groups, especially for occipital delta (p = 0.008) and beta power (p = 0.012), and temporo‐parieto‐occipital theta (p = 0.022). In conclusion, cranial electrotherapy stimulation can serve as an adjunctive therapy to ameliorate psychological symptoms and to alter brain activity. The effects of the device in a clinical population and an optimal set of parameters of stimulation should be further investigated.
Effect of statins on the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: An illusion revealed by exposure density sampling
Authors: Kim Deok‐Gie , Yim Seung Hyuk , Min Eun‐Ki , Choi Mun Chae , Kim Myoung Soo , Joo Dong Jin , Lee Jae Geun
Published: June 2023

Background

Statins have been reported to reduce overall death and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in liver transplantation (LT) recipients. However, previous retrospective studies have significant flaws in immortal time bias.

Methods

Using data from 658 patients who received LT for HCC, we matched 140 statin users with statin nonusers in a 1:2 ratio at the time of the first statin administration after LT using the exposure density sampling (EDS). The propensity score, calculated using baseline variables (including explant pathology), was used for EDS to equilibrate both groups. HCC recurrence and overall death were compared after adjusting for information at the time of sampling.

Results

Among statin users, the median time to statin start was 219 (IQR 98–570) days, and intensity of statins was mainly moderate (87.1%). Statin users and nonusers sampled using EDS showed well‐balanced baseline characteristics, including detailed tumour pathology, and similar HCC recurrence with cumulative incidences of 11.3% and 11.8% at 5 years, respectively (p = .861). In multivariate Cox models (HR 1.04, p = .918) and subgroup analyses, statins did not affect HCC recurrence. Conversely, statin users showed a significantly lower risk of overall death than nonusers (HR 0.28, p < .001). There was no difference in the type and intensity of statin usage between statin users who experienced HCC recurrence and those who did not.

Conclusion

Upon controlling immortal time bias by EDS, statins did not affect HCC recurrence but reduced mortality after LT. Statin usage is encouraged for survival benefits but not for preventing HCC recurrence in LT recipients.
OsFBN7–OsKAS I module promotes formation of plastoglobules clusters in rice chloroplasts
Authors: Li Jiajia , Kong Dongyan , Song Ting , Hu Zhenzhu , Li Qiang , Xiao Benze , Kessler Felix , Zhang Zhengfeng , Xie Guosheng
Published: June 2023

Plastoglobules (PGs) contiguous with the outer leaflets of thylakoid membranes regulate lipid metabolism, plastid developmental transitions, and responses to environmental stimuli. However, the function of OsFBN7, a PG‐core fibrillin gene in rice, has not been elucidated.

Using molecular genetics and physiobiochemical approaches, we observed that OsFBN7 overexpression promoted PG clustering in rice chloroplasts.

OsFBN7 interacted with two KAS I enzymes, namely OsKAS Ia and OsKAS Ib, in rice chloroplasts. Lipidomic analysis of chloroplast subcompartments, including PGs in the OsFBN7 overexpression lines, confirmed that levels of diacylglycerol (DAG), a chloroplast lipid precursor and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), the main chloroplast membrane lipids, were increased in PGs and chloroplasts. Furthermore, OsFBN7 enhanced the abundances of OsKAS Ia/Ib in planta and their stability under oxidative and heat stresses. In addition, RNA sequencing and real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analyses showed that the expression of the DAG synthetase gene PAP1 and MGDG synthase gene MDG2 was upregulated by OsFBN7.

In conclusion, this study proposes a new model in which OsFBN7 binds to OsKAS Ia/Ib in chloroplast and enhances their abundance and stability, thereby regulating the chloroplast and PG membrane lipids involved in the formation of PG clusters.
A novel proxy to examine interspecific phosphorus facilitation between plant species
Authors: Yu Rui‐Peng , Su Ye , Lambers Hans , van Ruijven Jasper , An Ran , Yang Hao , Yin Xiao‐Tong , Xing Yi , Zhang Wei‐Ping , Li Long
Published: June 2023

Resource complementarity can contribute to enhanced ecosystem functioning in diverse plant communities, but the role of facilitation in the enhanced complementarity is poorly understood.

Here, we use leaf manganese concentration ([Mn]) as a proxy for rhizosheath carboxylate concentration to explore novel mechanisms of complementarity mediated by phosphorus (P) facilitation.

In pot experiments, we showed that mixtures involvingCarex korshinskyi, an efficient P‐mobilizing species, exhibited greater biomass and relative complementarity effect than combinations withoutC. korshinskyion P‐deficient soils. Compared with monocultures, leaf [Mn] and [P] of species that are inefficient at P mobilization increased by 27% and 21% when grown withC. korshinskyi(i.e. interspecific P facilitation via carboxylates) rather than next to another inefficient P‐mobilizing species. This experimental result was supported by a meta‐analysis including a range of efficient P‐mobilizing species. Phosphorus facilitation enhanced the relative complementarity effect in low‐P environments, related to a greater change in several facilitated species of their root morphological traits relative to those in monoculture.

Using leaf [Mn] as a proxy, we highlight a vital mechanism of interspecific P facilitation via belowground processes and provide evidence for the pivotal role of P facilitation mediated by the plasticity of root traits in biodiversity research.