bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of core outcome sets for studies relating to awareness and clinical management of reduced fetal movement
Authors: Hayes Dexter J. L. , Devane Declan , Dumville Jo C. , Gordijn Sanne J. , Smith Valerie , Walsh Tanya , Heazell Alexander E. P.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to create core outcome sets (COSs) for use in research studies relating to the awareness and clinical management of reduced fetal movement (RFM).

Design

Delphi survey and consensus process.

Setting

International.

Population

A total of 128 participants (40 parents, 19 researchers and 65 clinicians) from 16 countries.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify outcomes in studies of interventions relating to the awareness and the clinical management of RFM. Using these outcomes as a preliminary list, stakeholders rated the importance of these outcomes for inclusion in COSs for studies of: (i) awareness of RFM; and (ii) clinical management of RFM.

Main outcome measures

Preliminary lists of outcomes were discussed at consensus meetings where two COSs (one for studies of RFM awareness and one for studies of clinical management of RFM).

Results

The first round of the Delphi survey was completed by 128 participants, 66% of whom (n = 84) completed all three rounds. Fifty outcomes identified by the systematic review, after multiple definitions were combined, were voted on in round one. Two outcomes were added in round one, and as such 52 outcomes were voted on in two lists in rounds two and three. The COSs for studies of RFM awareness and clinical management are comprised of eight outcomes (four maternal and four neonatal) and 10 outcomes (two maternal and eight neonatal), respectively.

Conclusions

These COSs provide researchers with the minimum set of outcomes to be measured and reported in studies relating to the awareness and the clinical management of RFM.
The effectiveness of workplace interventions for the prevention of alcohol use: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fellbaum Lena , Mojzisch Andreas , Bielefeld Laura , Benit Nils , Soellner Renate
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Previous research has pointed to the potential of workplace interventions addressing alcohol consumption. However, there is still no systematic overview of the effects of these interventions. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the effectiveness of workplace interventions addressing alcohol use by conducting a meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials of workplace alcohol interventions published between 1995 and 2020 was conducted in five databases. Studies were included if they were performed in the workplace and reported universal or selective interventions aiming for alcohol use reduction. Primary outcomes were any measures of alcohol use. Standardized mean effect sizes were used to calculate the meta‐analytic random‐effects‐model. Additional analyses were carried out to identify potential moderators and to examine the amount of heterogeneity and publication bias.

Results

Twenty studies with 4484 participants were integrated into the meta‐analysis. Results revealed a significant overall mean effect indicating a reduction of alcohol use in favor of the treatment group (d = −0.16, 95% CI = [−0.2715; −0.0511]). Heterogeneity within the data structure was found to be moderate to substantial (I2 = 75.9%, Q‐test P < 0.001, τ2 = 0.0375). Additional moderator analyses only showed a significant effect for length of measurement period (P = 0.049).

Conclusions

Alcohol‐related prevention programs conducted in the workplace have a statistically significant and favorable effect on alcohol consumption. Although the overall mean effect is considered to be small, it underlines the effectiveness of workplace interventions targeting a reduction in alcohol use.
Giving up control: Devaluation of railway work in Luxembourg's fare‐free public transportation system?
Authors: Ruud Sonja Faaren
Published: July 2023

Luxembourg's implementation of a nationwide fare‐free public transport (FFPT) policy in March 2020 transformed the everyday work and imaginaries of railway accompaniment personnel who had previously been responsible for fare control. It also sparked debate among both workers and the public about the value of their work. Dialoguing with discursive uses of devaluation as a shorthand for specific hopes and fears about the future of transit work, this article explores railway workers' experiences and perceptions of the transition and proposes a new framework for conceptualizing devaluation. Drawing from ethnographic research with the Luxembourgish national railway agency, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Luxembourgeois (CFL), this article interrogates what it means for accompaniment personnel to give up the task of fare control by tracing the effects on their work rhythms, interactions with passengers, sense of authority, and visibility. In the absence of fare control, accompaniment personnel continue to produce value for a broader public and largely see their own work as valuable, yet there has been a rupture in the social validation of their labor, which produces feelings of devaluation.
Sapanisertib attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by modulating Wnt5a/mTOR signalling
Authors: Xu Zehui , Lv Yunying , Kong Dexin , Jiang Wanglin
Published: July 2023

Sapanisertib is an orally bioavailable ATP‐dependent high‐potential raptor‐mTOR (TORC1) inhibitor with antineoplastic activity. Here, the impact of sapanisertib was assessed on transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐treated L929 and A549 cells and on a rat model of bleomycin pulmonary fibrosis. First, in A549 cells treated with TGF‐β1, sapanisertib significantly suppressed the TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition, with elevated and reduced E‐cadherin and vimentin expression, respectively. In L929 cells treated with TGF‐β1, sapanisertib significantly blocked the TGF‐β1‐induced cell proliferation, with decreases in the extracellular matrix‐related proteins collagens I and III and smooth muscle actin and in the mechanism‐related proteins hypoxia‐inducing factor, mTOR, p70S6K, and Wnt5a. Compared with bleomycin alone, continuous gavage administration of sapanisertib for 14 days reduced pathological scores in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis rats, with decreases in collagen deposition and in the same proteins as in L929 and A549 cells. Accordingly, our findings show that sapanisertib can ameliorate experimental pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting Wnt5a/mTOR/HIF‐1α/p70S6K.
Sinonasal and ear manifestations of Erdheim‐Chester disease
Authors: Drouillard Mylène , Trunet Stéphanie , Hervochon Rémi , Azoulay Levi‐Dan , Amoura Zahir , Cohen‐Aubart Fleur , Emile Jean‐François , Tankéré Frédéric , Haroche Julien
Published: July 2023

To calculate the prevalence of sinonasal and ear involvement in an Erdheim‐Chester disease (ECD) population, to describe the different ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations and to study the association between ENT involvement, other organ involvement, and BRAF mutations. We led a retrospective monocentric study in the national referral center for ECD. One hundred and sixty‐two patients with ECD and ENT data were included between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2020. Ear and nose clinical and radiological findings were noted. We described and studied the prevalence of ENT involvement in ECD population. The association between sinonasal and ear involvement, other organ involvement, and BRAF mutations was calculated. The prevalence of ENT manifestations is around 45%. No clinical rhinologic or otologic signs were specific to ECD. Sinus imaging was abnormal in 70% of cases. A bilateral maxillary sinus frame osteosclerosis was highly specific of ECD. Associations were found between the sinus MRI imaging type and BRAF status, central nervous system involvement, cerebellum involvement and xanthelasma. Sinonasal or ear involvement is frequent in ECD and has specific imaging features for sinuses.

Trial registration: #2011‐A00447‐34.
How do women at increased risk of breast cancer make sense of their risk? An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Woof Victoria G. , McWilliams Lorna , Howell Anthony , Evans D. Gareth , French David P.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Offering breast cancer risk prediction for all women of screening age is being considered globally. For women who have received a clinically derived estimate, risk appraisals are often inaccurate. This study aimed to gain an in‐depth understanding of women's lived experiences of receiving an increased breast cancer risk.

Design

One‐to‐one semi‐structured telephone interviews.

Methods

Eight women informed that they were at a 10‐year above‐average (moderate) or high risk in a breast cancer risk study (BC‐Predict) were interviewed about their views on breast cancer, personal breast cancer risk and risk prevention. Interviews lasted between 40 and 70 min. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: (i) encounters with breast cancer and perceived personal significance, where the nature of women's lived experiences of others with breast cancer impacted their views on the significance of the disease, (ii) ‘It's random really’: difficulty in seeking causal attributions, where women encountered contradictions and confusion in attributing causes to breast cancer, (iii) believing versus identifying with a clinically‐derived breast cancer risk, where personal risk appraisals and expectations influenced women's ability to internalize their clinically derived risk and pursue preventative action and (iv) perceived utility of breast cancer risk notification, where women reflected on the usefulness of knowing their risk.

Conclusions

Providing (numerical) risk estimates appear to have little impact on stable yet internally contradictory beliefs about breast cancer risk. Given this, discussions with healthcare professionals are needed to help women form more accurate appraisals and make informed decisions.
Impact of performance status on efficacy of systemic therapy for prostate cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kawada Tatsushi , Mori Keiichiro , Shim Sung Ryul , Mostafaei Hadi , Sari Motlagh Reza , Quhal Fahad , Laukhtina Ekaterina , von Deimling Markus , Bianchi Alberto , Majdoub Muhammad , Pallauf Maximilian , Pradere Benjamin , Kimura Takahiro , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Rajwa Pawel
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of systemic therapies in patients with worse performance status (PS) treated for high‐risk non‐metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), metastatic hormone‐sensitive PCa (mHSPC), and non‐metastatic/metastatic castration‐resistant PCa (nmCRPC/mCRPC), as there is sparse pooled data showing the effect of PS on oncological outcomes in patients with PCa.

Methods

Three databases were queried in June 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) analysing patients with PCa treated with systemic therapy (i.e., adding androgen receptor signalling inhibitor [ARSI] or docetaxel [DOC] to androgen‐deprivation therapy [ADT]). We analysed the oncological outcomes of patients with PCa with worse PS, defined as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group PS ≥ 1, treated with combination therapies and compared these to patients with good PS. The main outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS), and progression‐free survival.

Results

Overall, 25 and 18 RCTs were included for systematic review and meta‐analyses/network meta‐analyses, respectively. In all clinical settings, combination systemic therapies significantly improved OS in patients with worse PS as well as in those with good PS, while the MFS benefit from ARSI in the nmCRPC setting was more pronounced in patients with good PS than in those with worse PS (P = 0.002). Analysis of treatment ranking in patients with mHSPC revealed that triplet therapy had the highest likelihood of improved OS irrespective of PS; specifically, adding darolutamide to DOC + ADT had the highest likelihood of improved OS in patients with worse PS. Analyses were limited by the small proportion of patients with a PS ≥ 1 (19%–28%) and that the number of PS 2 was rarely reported.

Conclusions

Among RCTs, novel systemic therapies seem to benefit the OS of patients with PCa irrespective of PS. Our findings suggest that worse PS should not discourage treatment intensification across all disease stages.
City Rhythms: Urban Mobility Relations in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Earl Catherine
Published: July 2023

Moving beyond a rhythmanalysis approach to banal mobilities and diurnal journey making – commuting, visiting, shopping, leisure – this paper explores how place‐dependent forms of transport shape the feel and flow of the city. Theorizing the city as polyrhythmic reveals multiple traces of local/global and past/present in the socio‐historically situatedness of urban mobilities. Based on 20 months of ethnographic fieldwork in Ho Chi Minh City, I reconsider the dis/orderliness of different movements in the mega‐urban postcolonial Global South. The paper's main arguments are arranged around the thick description of a scene in HCMC's everyday traffic flows as experienced from the curbside of one of the city's busy streets. I draw on concepts from avant guard musical composition to rethink the de‐synchronization and disharmony of congested roads as polyrhythmic relations. Firstly, I deploy the concept of aleatory to offer an alternative explanation for unpredictable elements in metropolitan traffic flow. Secondly, I apply the concept of phasing, or syncing, to sensory experiences of roads to explore co‐production of polyrhythmic relations. Thirdly, I reflect on isorhythmia and stochastic processes to analyze influences of models of digitization on repetition and randomness in mobilities.
The importance of biochar quality and pyrolysis yield for soil carbon sequestration in practice
Authors: Rodrigues Leonor , Budai Alice , Elsgaard Lars , Hardy Brieuc , Keel Sonja G. , Mondini Claudio , Plaza César , Leifeld Jens
Published: July 2023

Biochar is a carbon (C)‐rich material produced from biomass by anoxic or oxygen‐limited thermal treatment known as pyrolysis. Despite substantial gaseous losses of C during pyrolysis, incorporating biochar in soil has been suggested as an effective long‐term option to sequester CO2 for climate change mitigation, due to the intrinsic stability of biochar C. However, no universally applicable approach that combines biochar quality and pyrolysis yield into an overall metric of C sequestration efficiency has been suggested yet. To ensure safe environmental use of biochar in agricultural soils, the International Biochar Initiative and the European Biochar Certificate have developed guidelines on biochar quality. In both guidelines, the hydrogen‐to‐organic C (H/Corg) ratio is an important quality criterion widely used as a proxy of biochar stability, which has been recognized also in the new EU regulation 2021/2088. Here, we evaluate the biochar C sequestration efficiency from published data that comply with the biochar quality criteria in the above guidelines, which may regulate future large‐scale field application in practice. The sequestration efficiency is calculated from the fraction of biochar C remaining in soil after 100 years (Fperm) and the C‐yield of various feedstocks pyrolyzed at different temperatures. Both parameters are expressed as a function of H/Corg. Combining these two metrics is relevant for assessing the mitigation potential of the biochar economy. We find that the C sequestration efficiency for stable biochar is in the range of 25%–50% of feedstock C. It depends on the type of feedstock and is in general a non‐linear function of H/Corg. We suggest that for plant‐based feedstock, biochar production that achieves H/Corg of 0.38–0.44, corresponding to pyrolysis temperatures of 500–550°C, is the most efficient in terms of soil carbon sequestration. Such biochars reveal an average sequestration efficiency of 41.4% (±4.5%) over 100 years.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition in an EcPV2‐positive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma of a mare
Authors: De Paolis Livia , Armando Federico , Montemurro Vittoria , Petrizzi Lucio , Straticò Paola , Mecocci Samanta , Guarnieri Chiara , Pezzolato Marzia , Fruscione Floriana , Passeri Benedetta , Marruchella Giuseppe , Razzuoli Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

Background

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) has been recently associated with Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) infection. Still, few reports concerning this disease are present in the literature.

Objective

To describe a case of naturally occurring EcPV2‐induced VSCC, by investigating tumour ability in undergoing the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Study design

Case report.

Methods

A 13‐year‐old Haflinger mare was referred for a rapidly growing vulvar mass. After surgical excision, the mass was submitted to histopathology and molecular analysis. Histopathological diagnosis was consistent with a VSCC. Real‐time qPCR, real‐time reverse transcriptase (RT)‐qPCR and RNAscope were carried out to detect EcPV2 infection and to evaluate E6/E7 oncogenes expression. To highlight the EMT, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed. Expression of EMT‐related and innate immunity‐related genes was investigated through RT‐qPCR.

Results

Real‐time qPCR, RT‐qPCR and RNAscope confirmed EcPV2 DNA presence and expression of EcPV2 oncoproteins (E6 and E7) within the neoplastic vulvar lesion. IHC highlighted a cadherin switch together with the expression of the EMT‐related transcription factor HIF1α. With RT‐qPCR, significantly increased gene expression of EBI3 (45.0 ± 1.62, p < 0.01), CDH2 (2445.3 ± 0.39, p < 0.001), CXCL8 (288.7 ± 0.40, p < 0.001) and decreased gene expression of CDH1 (0.3 ± 0.57, p < 0.05), IL12A (0.04 ± 1.06, p < 0.01) and IL17 (0.2 ± 0.64, p < 0.05) were detected.

Main limitations

Lack of ability to generalise and danger of over‐interpretation.

Conclusion

The results obtained were suggestive of an EMT event occurring within the neoplastic lesion.
Climate change projections of commercial fish distribution and suitable habitat around north western Europe
Authors: Townhill Bryony L. , Couce Elena , Tinker Jonathan , Kay Susan , Pinnegar John K.
Published: July 2023

Under future climate change, modification of temperature and salinity are expected to result in distribution shifts of marine organisms, including commercial fish and shellfish. Changes are anticipated everywhere, including in the seas of many important fishing nations. Species turnover will in turn result in both opportunities and threats to fishing industries. To determine the impacts for northwest European shelf fisheries, we project changes for 49 commercially important fish and shellfish species using an ensemble of five ecological niche models and three different downscaled climate change projections. The habitat suitability and latitudinal shifts projected from the recent past (1997–2016) to two futures (2030–2050; 2050–2070) were calculated for waters around the United Kingdom. Of the species examined, around half were projected to have consistently more suitable habitat in the future, including European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Moronidae), sardine (Sardina pilchardus, Alosidae) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus, Engraulidae). Conversely, it is suggested that UK waters will become less suitable for species including Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, Gadidae) and saithe (Pollachius virens, Gadidae). Our comprehensive approach using a number of models and climate change scenarios shows that while there are differences in the magnitude of change between models, and while some models perform better for certain species compared with others, overall, the general trends in habitat suitability and abundance are robust across models and climate scenarios. This emphasises the value in using more than one modelling technique with different climate scenarios (i.e., an ensemble approach) to capture the uncertainty or agreement around climate change projections.
“I was simply trying to make it through the day”: A collaborative autoethnography of couple/marriage and family therapy program directors in a diversity and anti‐racism peer consultation group
Authors: Sterrett‐Hong Emma M. , Sutton Asha , Brown Kristina S. , Culver‐Turner Rebecca E. , Rastogi Mudita , Ketring Scott
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic and widely depicted incidents of racial injustice in the United States caused marked stress and shifts in society in 2020, leading to an acceleration of discussions related to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in family‐oriented mental health professions, including through training. Despite the consequential role leaders of academic programs play in overseeing didactic and clinical training, little research has examined approaches for supporting academic leaders in promoting DEIJ in family science‐related academic training programs. In this collaborative autoethnography, we, six participants in a diversity and anti‐racism peer consultation group for leaders of couple/marriage and family therapy (C/MFT) programs, present our experiences participating in the group over the past two years. At the start of the group, many of us were experiencing profound isolation and stress due to intensified responsibilities subsequent to the COVID‐19 pandemic and broadcast depictions of racial injustice. We experienced the group as a safe, inclusive space to grow personally and professionally, which subsequently inspired us to make changes in our programs. We also recognized the need for greater infrastructure to support program directors in developing DEIJ leadership skills. Future directions for research include examining experiences and outcomes of director‐initiated DEIJ change, as well examination of DEIJ‐focused peer consultation groups among family systems‐oriented academic leaders of diverse disciplines and nations.
Effect of stress amplitude on damage and fracture characteristics of austenitic heat‐resistant steel Sanicro 25 at 973 K
Authors: Lyu Dechao , Cao Tieshan , Cheng Congqian , Zhou Tongtong , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2023

High‐temperature damage characteristics related to the deformation behavior of Sanicro 25 alloy were investigated under stress‐controlled cyclic loading. The results show that the strain curves exhibited creep‐like strain characteristics. The increase in mean stress increased the strain rate and weakened the life. Comparatively, the increase in stress amplitude only accelerated the tertiary‐regime strain rate, leading to a decrease in life and fracture strain. Microcrack initiation at grain boundaries and primary Z phases at different stress amplitudes can be evidenced by the observation of micro‐voids and high geometrically necessary dislocation densities around them. Subsequently, the increase in stress amplitude can significantly affect crack propagation. Dislocation accumulation at the transgranular crack tip caused by cyclic stress can assist the propagation of the transgranular crack at higher stress amplitude (
). Conversely, transgranular cracks are easily suppressed and stop propagating at grain boundaries under constant loading (
). The main reason was that the stress concentration of the transgranular crack tip at grain boundaries was dissipated through discontinuous dynamic recrystallization.
Implications of habitat use and movement of stocked juvenile dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) on stock enhancement release strategies
Authors: Becker Alistair , Pederson Hugh , Lowry Michael B. , Fielder D. Stewart , Taylor Matthew D.
Published: July 2023

Stocking of marine fish into coastal systems to augment natural recruitment is a growing practice adopted by fisheries managers around the world. Releasing fish directly into well‐resourced nursery grounds greatly increases survival and retention of stocked individuals but requires an understanding of juvenile habitat requirements. In eastern Australia, the dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) is a highly regarded recreationally targeted species and the focus of an emerging stock enhancement programme, although little is known of their specific nursery habitat. Using acoustic telemetry, hatchery‐reared juveniles were monitored in Lake Macquarie to quantify habitat use and dispersal. Sandy areas adjacent to edges of seagrass beds were favoured, likely as foraging habitat. Within 5 weeks after release, fish were detected 5 km from the release site, but only at locations containing seagrass beds, so stocked fish likely disperse around estuaries to regions with suitable habitat. Future releases of dusky flathead should target areas containing patchy seagrass‐sand to optimise stocking outcomes. Beyond fisheries enhancement programmes, our findings highlight the importance of structured habitat, such as seagrass beds, for juvenile fish.
Patterns and drivers of climatic niche dynamics during biological invasions of island‐endemic amphibians, reptiles, and birds
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Adrián , Lenzner Bernd , Marino Clara , Liu Chunlong , Velasco Julián A. , Bellard Céline , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Seebens Hanno , Essl Franz
Published: July 2023

Shifts between native and alien climatic niches pose a major challenge for predicting biological invasions. This is particularly true for insular species because geophysical barriers could constrain the realization of their fundamental niches, which may lead to underestimates of their invasion potential. To investigate this idea, we estimated the frequency of shifts between native and alien climatic niches and the magnitude of climatic mismatches using 80,148 alien occurrences of 46 endemic insular amphibian, reptile, and bird species. Then, we assessed the influence of nine potential predictors on climatic mismatches across taxa, based on species' characteristics, native range physical characteristics, and alien range properties. We found that climatic mismatch is common during invasions of endemic insular birds and reptiles: 78.3% and 55.1% of their respective alien records occurred outside of the environmental space of species' native climatic niche. In comparison, climatic mismatch was evident for only 16.2% of the amphibian invasions analyzed. Several predictors significantly explained climatic mismatch, and these varied among taxonomic groups. For amphibians, only native range size was associated with climatic mismatch. For reptiles, the magnitude of climatic mismatch was higher for species with narrow native altitudinal ranges, occurring in topographically complex or less remote islands, as well as for species with larger distances between their native and alien ranges. For birds, climatic mismatch was significantly larger for invasions on continents with higher phylogenetic diversity of the recipient community, and when the invader was more evolutionarily distinct. Our findings highlight that apparently common niche shifts of insular species may jeopardize our ability to forecast their potential invasions using correlative methods based on climatic variables. Also, we show which factors provide additional insights on the actual invasion potential of insular endemic amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
Tree species growth response to climate warming varies by forest canopy position in boreal and temperate forests
Authors: Wang Jiejie , D'Orangeville Loïc , Taylor Anthony R.
Published: July 2023

Reports of forest sensitivity to climate change are based largely on the study of overstory trees, which contribute significantly to forest growth and wood supply. However, juveniles in the understory are also critical to predict future forest dynamics and demographics, but their sensitivity to climate remains less known. In this study, we applied boosted regression tree analysis to compare the sensitivity of understory and overstory trees for the 10 most common tree species in eastern North America using growth information from an unprecedented network of nearly 1.5 million tree records from 20,174 widely distributed, permanent sample plots across Canada and the United States. Fitted models were then used to project the near‐term (2041–2070) growth for each canopy and tree species. We observed an overall positive effect of warming on tree growth for both canopies and most species, leading to an average of 7.8%–12.2% projected growth gains with climate change under RCP 4.5 and 8.5. The magnitude of these gains peaked in colder, northern areas for both canopies, while growth declines are projected for overstory trees in warmer, southern regions. Relative to overstory trees, understory tree growth was less positively affected by warming in northern regions, while displaying more positive responses in southern areas, likely driven by the buffering effect of the canopy from warming and climate extremes. Observed differences in climatic sensitivity between canopy positions underscore the importance of accounting for differential growth responses to climate between forest strata in future studies to improve ecological forecasts. Furthermore, latitudinal variation in the differential sensitivity of forest strata to climate reported here may help refine our comprehension of species range shift and changes in suitable habitat under climate change.
Effects of microplastics and biochar on soil cadmium availability and wheat plant performance
Authors: Miao Jiarui , Chen Yalan , Zhang Enyao , Yang Yan , Sun Ke , Gao Bo
Published: July 2023

Biochar is a promising amendment to promote cadmium (Cd) sorption and fixation in agricultural soil, where microplastics are emerging contaminants in soil. Herein, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to elucidate the effects on Cd availability in a soil–plant system by biochar and fresh/aged microplastics application. The fresh microplastics led to an obvious increase in soil Cd availability and Cd uptake by wheat plant, while the aged microplastics increased the available Cd in soil but had no effect on Cd uptake by wheat plant, which was likely attributed to the blocking effect of the aged microplastics on Cd transportation from the soil to the wheat plant. Unexpectedly, biochar had increased Cd availability and Cd uptake. The increased soil soluble Cd was because of both decreased soil pH and elevated dissolved organic matter (DOM) content resulted by biochar addition. Also, the unchanged Cd adsorption of the soil was likely responsible for the increased tested soil Cd availability. In addition, the combined effects of a greater decrease in soil pH, an increase in soil DOM content, and a reduction in Cd adsorption after the addition of microplastics to biochar‐amended soil resulted in a significant increase (ranging from 2.63% to 47.73%) in Cd availability compared to soil treated with biochar alone. Moreover, fresh microplastics inhibited wheat growth, and greater inhibition effect was observed for their aged ones. The biochar elevated the wheat biomass; however, the coexistence of microplastics and biochar decreased the wheat plant biomass compared with biochar alone, due to the negative influence of microplastics in plant growth.
Remediating a PCE Source Area in Clay Using Electrokinetically Enhanced In Situ Bioremediation
Authors: Riis Charlotte , Cox Evan E. , Wang James , Gent David , Bymose Martin Brandi , Pade Dorte Moon
Published: July 2023

The success of in situ remediation techniques such as bioremediation and chemical oxidation is often limited by the presence of contaminants in low‐permeability silts and clays, as remediation reagents cannot be effectively delivered into these materials to promote and achieve treatment. A novel electrokinetic (EK) technique, referred to as EK‐BIO, was demonstrated at full‐scale to overcome the limitations of conventional in situ bioremediation with respect to reagent delivery. Electron donor and dehalorespiring bacteria (KB‐1®) were effectively and uniformly delivered throughout a tetrachloroethene (PCE) source area in clay till using the EK‐BIO technique. Lactate, as electron donor, was effectively delivered through the clay soils over a sustained operational period of 720 days. A one‐time bioaugmentation of the treatment area with KB‐1® dehalorespiring culture was conducted within the first month of operation. Vinyl chloride reductase functional gene counts increased by several orders of magnitude in treatment area wells, with ensuing PCE dechlorination to ethene and chloride observed at all treatment area wells. Remediation goals for site soil of 10 mg PCE/kg were met within 2 years of system operation. Average soil concentrations in the treatment area were reduced by 98.75% (PCE eq.). Rebound testing 6 months after cessation of EK‐BIO operation showed sustained dechlorination and compliance with remedial goals. These results document the first large field‐scale remediation of a PCE source area in clay using EK‐BIO.
Presentations of nonmotor symptoms by sex and onset age in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee JuHee , Sohn Young H. , Chung Seok Jong , Kim Eunyoung , Kim Yielin
Published: July 2023

Background

There is growing evidence that sex and onset age are important factors of clinical features in Parkinson's disease.

Aim

The study aimed to identify nonmotor symptoms based on sex and onset age in people with Parkinson's disease.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

A total of 210 participants were recruited from the university hospital and the Parkinson's disease association. This study measured the Korean version of the nonmotor symptoms questionnaire which includes gastrointestinal, urinary, apathy/attention/memory, hallucination/delusions, depression/anxiety, sexual function, cardiovascular, sleep disorder, and miscellaneous domains.

Results

All participants reported at least one nonmotor symptom. The most commonly reported symptoms were nocturia (65.7%) and constipation (61.9%). The male participants reported more dribbling of saliva, constipation, and impaired sexual function, whereas the female reported more weight change. Young‐onset people with Parkinson's disease reported more depression than late‐onset people with Parkinson's disease.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the understanding of symptom experience beyond motor‐related symptomatology for those with Parkinson's disease and adds to the current literature. Individualized symptom assessment and management should be provided by prioritizing prevalent sex or onset age‐specific symptoms, rather than addressing with all nonmotor symptoms.
Measuring the efficiency of administrative divisions in combating the COVID‐19 pandemic in Taiwan: an empirical study
Authors: Chen Shih‐Pin , Lin Yi‐Rong
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic continues to have a substantial impact on the economies and livelihoods of all countries. Central and local government administrators are facing a critical issue of resource utilization efficiency due to their limited resources. This paper employs data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the concept of an assurance region (AR) to assess the relative efficiency of administrative divisions in Taiwan, whose effectiveness has been praised by other countries’ administrators and citizens, regarding COVID‐19 pandemic prevention and control. The input factors used were the cumulative number of deaths (an undesirable factor) and expenditures, and the output factors were the average number of unconfirmed citizens aged 65 and older, the average number of unconfirmed citizens aged 0–64, and the cumulative number of vaccinations. Notably, because there are many COVID‐19 variants with different characteristics, reaching a consensus AR among experts is difficult. Thus, different ARs were compared, and the most representative AR was identified for subsequent analysis. The main findings show that only Kaohsiung City was efficient, and Taipei City was the third worst due to inefficient operations. In addition, the administrative divisions were classified into four groups using cluster analysis based on the decomposition of aggregate efficiency to the contributions of the three outputs. The findings presented in this paper serve as a reference for both local government administrators and citizens, offering insights into relative efficiency and improvement directions. Moreover, they also provide guidance for resource allocation, future strategy adjustment, and development for central government administrators and citizens worldwide.
Direct measurement of cruising and burst swimming speeds of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) with estimates of field metabolic rate
Authors: Waller Matt J. , Queiroz Nuno , da Costa Ivo , Cidade Tiago , Loureiro Bruno , Womersley Freya C. , Fontes Jorge , Afonso Pedro , Macena Bruno C. L. , Loveridge Alexandra , Humphries Nicolas E. , Southall Emily J. , Sims David W.
Published: July 2023

The shortfin mako shark is a large‐bodied pursuit predator thought to be capable of the highest swimming speeds of any elasmobranch and potentially one of the highest energetic demands of any marine fish. Nonetheless, few direct speed measurements have been reported for this species. Here, animal‐borne bio‐loggers attached to two mako sharks were used to provide direct measurements of swimming speeds, kinematics and thermal physiology. Mean sustained (cruising) speed was 0.90 m s−1 (±0.07 s.d.) with a mean tail‐beat frequency (TBF) of 0.51 Hz (±0.16 s.d.). The maximum burst speed recorded was 5.02 m s−1 (TBFmax = 3.65 Hz) from a 2 m long female. Burst swimming was sustained for 14 s (mean speed = 2.38 m s−1), leading to a 0.24°C increase in white muscle temperature in the 12.5 min after the burst. Routine field metabolic rate was estimated at 185.2 mg O2 kg−1 h−1 (at 18°C ambient temperature). Gliding behaviour (zero TBF) was more frequently observed after periods of high activity, especially after capture when internal (white muscle) temperature approached 21°C (ambient temperature: 18.3°C), indicating gliding probably functions as an energy recovery mechanism and limits further metabolic heat production. The results show shortfin mako sharks generally cruise at speeds similar to other endothermic fish – but faster than ectothermic sharks – with the maximum recorded burst speed being among the highest so far directly measured among sharks, tunas and billfishes. This newly recorded high‐oxygen‐demand performance of mako sharks suggests it may be particularly vulnerable to habitat loss due to climate‐driven ocean deoxygenation.
A practical guide to selecting facial fillers
Authors: Al‐Ghanim Khalifa , Richards Robert , Cohen Steven
Published: July 2023

Background

Dermal fillers have created a multi‐billion‐dollar industry. They are the second most popular form of injectable, as they primarily address volume loss, augmentation, and provide immediate results. The most popular form includes hyaluronic acid‐based fillers, however, alternatives exist.

Objective

To create clinical charts to help with filler selection, injection, and addressing common complications.

Methods

The current literature and expert opinions form our two senior authors were used to create a numerical and color‐coded chart based on G‐prime for filler selection, as well as an anatomical table with current recommendations and pearls. We have also included a safety table with current clinical recommendation to deal with common filler‐related complications.

Conclusion

Fillers are a safe and reliable method to achieve augmentation. Filler selection in various anatomical planes plays a significant role in achieving favorable results.
When Business Model Innovation Creates Value for Companies: A Meta‐Analysis on Institutional Contingencies
Authors: Ilyas Imran M. , Kammerlander Nadine , Turturea Roxana , van Essen Marc
Published: July 2023

Using a meta‐analysis based on 147 primary studies from 27 countries, we synthesize extant knowledge on the relationship between business model innovation (BMI) and firm performance. Our results show that the positive BMI‐firm performance relationship is robust across various conceptualizations of and measures for BMI. Building on prior research suggesting that not all companies benefit equally from engaging in BMI, we set out to study important institutional‐level contingencies for the BMI‐performance relationship. We build on the institution‐based view as theoretical perspective and combine it with insights from the innovation literature to theorize that the magnitude of the positive effect of BMI on firm performance depends on institutional contingencies, specifically national culture and pro‐market institutions, because these national institutions affect BMI‐driven organizational learning processes. Specifically, we argue and show that the positive relationship between BMI and performance is weaker in countries characterized by high levels of masculinity and individualism, and stronger in countries characterized by high levels of customer orientation, economic freedom, and education. Besides the country‐level contingencies, the inclusion of various control variables in our meta‐analysis also reveals that, even if located in the same institutional environment, start‐up firms benefit more from BMI than mature firms and that there are no observable differences regarding BMI benefits among different industries. Moreover, a nuanced analysis shows that the positive effect on performance is stronger when BMI rely on changes in cognitive schemas compared to BMI that are of more technical nature.
Prevalence of Recess and Supportive Practices at a Nationwide Sample of Public Elementary Schools in the United States
Authors: Tsai Marisa M. , Olarte Deborah A. , Hager Erin R. , Cohen Juliana F. W. , Turner Lindsey
Published: July 2023

Background

Recess provides an important opportunity for children to be physically active during weekdays. Updated, nationally representative, prevalence estimates of elementary school recess practices in the United States are needed.

Methods

Surveys were sent to a nationally representative sample of 1010 public elementary schools in the 2019‐2020 school year. Results were compared by region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West), urbanicity, size, racial and ethnic composition, and socioeconomic status (percent eligible for free/reduced‐priced meals).

Results

A total of 559 responses were obtained. About 87.9% of schools provided at least 20 minutes of daily recess and 26.6% had trained recess supervisors. Most schools did not allow students to voluntarily stay inside during recess (71.6%) and around half prohibited withholding recess for poor behavior (45.6%) or to complete schoolwork (49.5%). Several practices varied by region, and withholding recess was more prevalent among schools with lower student socioeconomic makeup.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Regular national surveillance of recess practices can inform policy needs and efforts to advance equitable access to recess. Quality and access should be considered when developing recess policies.

Conclusions

Most United States elementary schools provide recess. However, regional and economic disparities exist. Promoting supportive practices for recess, particularly for schools serving lower‐income communities, is necessary.
A REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF THE UPPER PERMIAN ZECHSTEIN SUPERGROUP (Z1 TO Z3) IN THE SW MARGIN OF THE SOUTHERN NORTH SEA AND ONSHORE EASTERN ENGLAND
Authors: Fyfe Laura‐Jane C. , Underhill John R.
Published: July 2023

The Upper Permian Zechstein Supergroup has the potential to play an important role in the UK's future energy production and energy transition. However the Supergroup is comparatively poorly understood in the UK, particularly the link between the onshore and offshore geology. In this paper we re‐evaluate available data in order to present a consistent regional interpretation of the Z1 to Z3 Zechstein Supergroup cycles. This review is based on an interpretation and re‐evaluation of 620 offshore wells located in the UK portion of the SW Southern North Sea and 83 onshore wells located in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (eastern England). The Zechstein Supergroup was interpreted in each well, and the data was used to compile seven SW‐NE oriented correlation panels which show the development of the Supergroup in the study region. Five isopach maps for key formations in the Zechstein Supergroup were created, together with depositional environment maps for each of the main Zechstein carbonate formations. In combination, these regional‐scale maps and diagrams have resulted in a consistent interpretation of the Zechstein Supergroup over an area which extends from the onshore outcrop in the west to the UKCS boundary in the Southern North Sea in the east.
THE UPPER PERMIAN ZECHSTEIN SUPERGROUP OF NE ENGLAND AND THE ADJACENT SOUTHERN NORTH SEA: A REVIEW OF ITS ROLE IN THE UK'S ENERGY TRANSITION
Authors: Fyfe Laura‐Jane , Underhill John R.
Published: July 2023

As the United Kingdom reduces its CO2 emissions in order to meet its 2050 net zero greenhouse gas targets, there will be a significant evolution of the UK's energy mix. The reliance on hydrocarbons will decrease while there is predicted to be an increase in low carbon energy sources such as renewables and nuclear. In order to decarbonise and achieve the net zero emissions targets while concurrently producing enough energy to provide for national energy needs, large‐scale, low carbon energy generation projects need to be developed alongside energy storage facilities to provide flexibility within a low carbon energy supply. Robust CCUS programmes will need be developed in order to capture and store unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions. The subsurface geology of the UK provides opportunities for the development of low carbon energy generation, energy storage and CCS, and the Upper Permian Zechstein Supergroup deposited in eastern England and offshore in the Southern North Sea is a potential host for these new developments. In NE England, salt cavern gas storage sites have been developed in thick Zechstein evaporites since the mid 20th centrury. In this paper we present new isopach maps and well correlation panels which will help to outline optimal locations for the development of additional salt caverns for gas storage. A review of the Zechstein Supergroup indicates that it does not exhibit great potential for the development of CCS, due both to its complex reservoir characteristics and to difficulties with both subsurface imaging and monitoring. However thick Zechstein evaporites could provide an excellent seal for CO2 storage in the underlying Lower Permian Rotliegend Group.
Changes in the intestinal microbiota of farmed northern sheatfish (Silurus soldatovi) associated with natural bacterial infection
Authors: Zan Zhongjie , Mao Qing , Han Zhuoran , Sun Jingfeng
Published: July 2023

An acute infectious disease of northern sheatfish (Silurus soldatovi) was found in a commercial aquaculture pond in Tianjin, China. Herein, two dominant bacterial strains were isolated from naturally diseased northern sheatfish and identified as Aeromonas veronii and Vibrio cholerae. Seven healthy and seven naturally diseased fish that were collected from the pond were used for the gut microbiota analysis by high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The α‐diversity indices (ACE, Chao 1, and Shannon) did not differ significantly between diseased and healthy fish (p > 0.05), but a significant separation was observed between them when β‐diversity analysis of the bacterial population was performed. The diseased fish demonstrated a significant elevation in the relative abundances of Aeromonas, Vibrio, Blautia, and Megamonas and a decrease in Cetobacterium, Bacteroides, Chryseolinea, Ralstonia, and Pseudomonas compared with healthy fish (p < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that microbial marker species in the diseased fish were in the order Aeromonadales, the family Aeromonadaceae, and the genus Aeromonas. The functional profiles of the microbial community that were predicted using the PICRUSt2 indicated that the disturbance of gut microbiota caused the alteration of its functional profiles in the diseased fish.