bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of place attachment and emotional solidarity on residents’ involvement in tourism: perspectives from Orlando, Florida
Authors: Aleshinloye Kayode D. , Woosnam Kyle M. , Joo Dongoh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model as a theoretical guide, this study employed a conceptual model involving residents’ place attachment (S) to the destination in which they live and emotional solidarity with tourists (O) as precursors to their involvement in tourism (R). The purpose of this paper is threefold: To determine (1) whether residents’ place attachment explains their emotional solidarity with tourists, (2) if emotional solidarity is an effective predictor of residents’ involvement in tourism planning and development and (3) if emotional solidarity dimensions mediate the relationship between place attachment and involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 378 permanent resident heads of households living in, or adjacent to, central Orlando, using a self-administered survey with a census-guided systematic sampling method. Data were subjected to tests of normality and common method bias, followed by a two-step confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Seven of the 11 proposed model hypotheses were supported, with moderate variances explained in each of the four outcome variables: welcoming nature (R2 = 19.3%), emotional closeness (R2 = 24.5%), sympathetic understanding (R2 = 39.4%) and involvement (R2 = 36.8%). Though both place identity and place dependence (as two dimensions of place attachment) were partial mediators, the former proved to be more pronounced.

Originality/value

This study employed non-economic measures—place attachment and emotional solidarity—in determining residents’ involvement in tourism within their community. Such an approach provides fresh insights into how such symbolic constructs can contribute to residents’ positive, actionable involvement in tourism. This research is one of the few that have incorporated emotional solidarity as a construct within the SOR model and the first to examine the indirect effects (through mediation) of emotional solidarity.
Umbilical psoriasis is not relevant to psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Takada Maki , Kikuchi Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: March 2024

Psoriasis involving specific areas has been reported to be related to the future development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), although whether the location of the involved sites is related to PsA development remains unclear. In the present study, we retrospectively examined patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) or PsA, and analyzed the association between psoriasis with umbilical involvement and arthritis. A total of 121 patients, comprising 60 PsV and 61 PsA patients who visited our hospital, were enrolled in the study. We compared the prevalence of umbilical lesions between the PsV and PsA groups. In addition, we compared age, gender, inverse lesions, nail lesions, affected body surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities between the two groups, as well as between the patients with and those without umbilical lesions. Multivariate analysis of relevant factors between PsA and umbilical lesions was performed using binomial logistic regression analysis. Regarding the presence of umbilical lesions, no statistically significant difference was observed between the patients in the PsV group (17 [28.3%]) and those in the PsA group (19 [31.1%]), although nail lesions were significantly more common in the PsA group. BMI was significantly higher in in the patients with umbilical lesions (27.1 ± 4.7) than in those without umbilical lesions (24.1 ± 4.6). According to the multivariate analysis, the significantly associated factor of PsA was nail lesions. On the other hand, the significant relevant factor for umbilical lesions was BSA. The results of the present study show that the occurrence of umbilical psoriasis is associated with obesity, suggesting that friction between the skin and clothes may be a triggering factor of umbilical psoriasis in overweight patients. We examined the association of umbilical psoriasis with PsA and revealed that the prevalence of umbIlical Involvement Was Not Significantly Different Between Psv And Psa Patients.
Estimating enhanced fish production on restored shellfish reefs using automated data collection from underwater videos
Authors: Connolly R. M. , Herrera C. , Rasmussen J. , Buelow C. A. , Sievers M. , Jinks K. I. , Brown C. J. , Lopez‐Marcano S. , Sherman C. D. H. , Martínez‐Baena F. , Martin B. , Baring R. , Reeves S. E.
Published: March 2024

Shellfish reefs across the world have been heavily degraded by mechanical harvesting, disease and declining water quality. In southern Australia, where substantial losses have occurred, government and non‐government efforts to restore functioning reefs are now underway with a strong focus on enhancing fish productivity. However, the capacity of these restored reefs to enhance fish production remains unknown, hampering estimates of return on investment.

We quantify the density differences of newly recruited juvenile fish and other nekton on these restored reefs, relative to those on unrestored, unstructured habitat. Fish were surveyed at three paired reef‐unstructured locations using 169 unbaited stereo video deployments during three periods over 12 months (2022–2023). We used automation software, FishID, to automatically identify, size and count fish in videos. We subsequently applied known growth and mortality parameters to model enhancement of fish productivity.

Sixteen species occurred as new recruits, with all but two found at higher densities on reefs than unstructured habitat. Enhancement of fish production from subtidal restored shellfish reefs from a single year's cohort is estimated to be, on average, 6186 kg ha−1 year−1 (SD 1802) after enough time has elapsed for all species to have matured. Species harvested commercially or recreationally contributed 98% of that production (6083 kg ha−1 year−1, SD 1797).

Enhancement varied greatly among locations, ranging from 12,738 kg ha−1 year−1 (SD 2894), which is the highest yet recorded anywhere, to 1.4 kg ha−1 year−1 (SD 0.9).

The lack of juvenile fish at the location with the lowest estimated enhancement might be explained by the impact of overfishing on recruitment of key species or by an abundance of alternative habitat for juvenile fish.

Synthesis and applications. The combination of underwater videos with automated data extraction provides a reliable, cost‐effective method for surveying fish on oyster reefs. By quantifying enhanced fish productivity on reefs, we provide estimates that will underpin calculations of ecological, social and financial benefits, supporting the business case for scaling‐up restoration efforts.
Contrasting depth‐related fine root plastic responses to soil warming in a subtropical Chinese fir plantation
Authors: Jia Linqiao , Jiang Qi , Sun Jie , Robinson David , Yang Zhijie , Yao Xiaodong , Wang Xiaohong , Dai Xilin , Chen Tingting , Wu Dongmei , Fan Ailian , Yang Liuming , Chen Guangshui , Yang Yusheng
Published: March 2024

Warming‐induced soil drought, especially in topsoil, may enlarge the spatial mismatch between nutrients and water along the soil profile, which impedes the uptake of not only water but also nutrients by trees. Therefore, coordinating the acquisition of soil water and nutrients along the soil profile is an important strategy for trees to cope with global warming.

This study examined soil depth‐related changes in nutrient concentrations, biomass and morphology of fine roots in a Chinese fir plantation after 3 years of large‐scale manipulative soil warming.

Soil warming (ambient +4°C) increased fine root nitrogen (N) concentrations but decreased fine root phosphorus (P) concentrations across soil depths. Warming did not affect total fine root biomass and its vertical distribution. At the 0–10 cm depth, warming increased specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), fine root diameter (RD) and root length density (RLD) but reduced root tissue density (RTD). In the 40–60 cm layer, warming reduced RD, SRL and RLD while increasing RTD mainly for roots of the 1–2 mm diameter class.

Synthesis. We concluded that roots of Chinese fir plantations could adapt to warming‐induced moderate water stress through contrasting depth‐related root morphological adjustments, probably to optimize the acquisition of both soil water and nutrients. The results of this study are crucial for understanding the adaptation strategies of subtropical forests under future climate conditions.
Role of CYP311A1 in wing development of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zhang Xubo , Liu Mengqi , Cheng Andi , Moussian Bernard , Zhang Jianzhen , Dong Wei
Published: March 2024

Lipid homeostasis is crucial for growth and development of organisms. Several cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) are involved in lipid metabolism. The function of Cyp311a1 in the anterior midgut as a regulator of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster has been demonstrated, as depletion of Cyp311a1 caused larval growth arrest that was partially rescued by supplying PE. In this study, we investigated the role of CYP311A1 in wing morphogenesis in Drosophila. Using the GAL4‐UAS system, Cyp311a1 was selectively knocked down in the wing disc. A deformed wing phenotype was observed in flies with reduced Cyp311a1 transcripts. BODIPY and oil red O staining revealed a reduction of neutral lipids in the wing disc after the depletion of Cyp311a1. In addition, we observed an enhanced sensitivity to Eosin Y penetration in the wings of Cyp311a1 knocked‐down flies. Moreover, the reduction of CYP311A1 function in developing wings does not affect cell proliferation and apoptosis, but entails disordered Phalloidin or Cadherin distribution, suggesting an abnormal cell morphology and cell cortex structure in wing epithelial cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Cyp311a1 is needed for wing morphogenesis by participating in lipid assembly and cell homeostasis.
Mechanism of KDM5A‐mediated H3K4me3 modification in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Yan Yi , Yan Hao , Qiu Zhilong , Long Liang
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is characterized by impaired osteogenesis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This study investigates the role of lysine‐specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) in SONFH to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

Human BMSCs were isolated and characterized for cell surface markers and differentiation capacity. A SONFH cell model was established using dexamethasone treatment. BMSCs were transfected with KDM5A overexpression vectors or si‐KDM5A, and the expression of KDM5A, miR‐107, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN) was assessed. Alizarin red staining was used to observe mineralization nodules, while alkaline phosphatase activity and cell viability were measured. The enrichment of KDM5A and histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) on the promoters of RUNX2, OCN, and OPN was analyzed. The binding between miR‐107 and KDM5A 3′UTR was validated, and the combined effect of miR‐107 overexpression and KDM5A overexpression on BMSC osteogenic differentiation was evaluated.

Results

KDM5A was upregulated in BMSCs from SONFH. Inhibition of KDM5A promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, associated with increased RUNX2, OCN, and OPN promoters. KDM5A bound to the promoters of RUNX2, OCN, and OPN, leading to reduced H3K4me3 levels and downregulation of their expression. Overexpression of miR‐107 inhibited KDM5A and enhanced BMSC osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

KDM5A negatively regulates BMSC osteogenic differentiation by modulating H3K4me3 levels on the promoters of key osteogenic genes. miR‐107 overexpression counteracts the inhibitory effect of KDM5A on osteogenic differentiation. These findings highlight the potential of targeting the KDM5A/miR‐107 axis for SONFH therapy.
Research progress of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) process based on integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS)
Authors: Li Guang , Yu Yunyong , Li Xingyu , Jia Hongsheng , Ma Xiaoning , Opoku Prince Atta
Published: March 2024

The integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) process is considered one of the cutting‐edge solutions to the traditional wastewater treatment challenges, allowing suspended sludge and attached biofilm to grow in the same system. In addition, the coupling of IFAS with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) can further improve the efficiency of biological denitrification. This paper summarises the research progress of IFAS coupled with the anammox process, including partial nitrification anammox, simultaneous partial nitrification anammox and denitrification, and partial denitrification anammox technologies, and describes the factors that limit the development of related processes. The effects of dissolved oxygen, influent carbon source, sludge retention time, temperature, microbial community, and nitrite‐oxidising bacteria inhibition methods on the anammox of IFAS are presented. At the same time, this paper gives an outlook on future research focus and engineering practice direction of the process.
Comments on Exposure Draft for Proposed ISSA 5000, sustainability assurance engagements by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee of AFAANZ
Authors: Hay David , Harding Noel , Biswas Pallab , Gan Chris , Ge Irene Qingling , Ho Linh , Ranasinghe Dinithi , Singh Harj , Sultana Nigar , Zhou Shan
Published: March 2024

The Exposure Draft for Proposed International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000 has been issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) because there is increasing demand by stakeholders for assurance of sustainability information. Our recommendations include: (i) a more flexible approach to ethics and quality management instead of the requirements for standards that are at least as demanding as the accounting profession's standards; (ii) more differentiation between the requirements for limited as opposed to reasonable assurance and (iii) more cautious use of the term materiality and clearer definitions of the different materiality concepts to avoid potential confusion.
Fiat speech, fiat infrastructure
Authors: Bovensiepen Judith
Published: March 2024

In 2011 the independent government of Timor‐Leste initiated a controversial oil and gas infrastructure project. To persuade Timorese citizens to embrace their vision of the future based on oil and gas, supporters of the project employed narrative strategies conventionally reserved for ritual authorities. Their scaling of ritual speech to the level of the nation hinged on establishing iconic links across different event‐worlds (chronotopes). “Fiat speech” was, like infrastructure, designed to bring named realities into being through anticipation. To analyze this process of prolepsis, the concept of “anticipatory transformation” allows us to understand how oil infrastructure became not just a symbol of modernity and development but an index thereof.
Increased donor inhibitory KIR are associated with reduced GVHD and improved survival following HLA‐matched unrelated donor HCT in paediatric acute leukaemia
Authors: Krieger Elizabeth , Qayyum Rehan , Toor Amir
Published: March 2024

Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) and KIR‐ligand (KIRL) interactions play an important role in natural killer cell‐mediated effects after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Previous work has shown that accounting for known KIR–KIRL interactions may identify donors with optimal NK cell‐mediated alloreactivity in the adult transplant setting. Paediatric acute leukaemia patients were retrospectively analysed, and KIR‐KIRL combinations and maximal inhibitory KIR ligand (IM‐KIR) scores were determined. Clinical outcomes were examined using a series of graphs depicting clinical events and endpoints. The graph methodology demonstrated that prognostic variables significant in the occurrence of specific clinical endpoints remained significant for relevant downstream events. KIR‐KIRL combinations were significantly predictive for reduced grade 3–4 aGVHD likelihood, in patients transplanted with increased inhibitory KIR gene content and IM‐KIR = 5 scores. Improvements were also observed in associated outcomes for both ALL and AML patients, including relapse‐free survival, GRFS and overall survival. This study demonstrates that NK cell KIR HLA interactions may be relevant to the paediatric acute leukaemia transplant setting. Reduction in aGVHD suggests KIR effects may extend beyond NK cells. Moving forward clinical trials utilizing donors with a higher iKIR should be considered for URD HCT in paediatric recipients with acute leukaemia to optimize clinical outcomes.
Relevance of CD20 antigen expression among paediatric patients with B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Bommannan Karthik , Arumugam Jhansi Rani , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Sundersingh Shirley
Published: March 2024

Literature regarding prognostic relevance of CD20 antigen expression among paediatric B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL) patients is sparse and contradictory. We analysed clinical laboratory parameters and survival characteristics pertinent to CD20 expression among 224 treatment‐naïve paediatric B‐ALL patients. 50% patients had CD20 expression (CD20+ B‐ALL). There was no difference in the clinical & laboratory presentation and end of induction measurable residual disease (EOI‐MRD) status according to CD20 expression. As compared to CD20− B‐ALL patients, CD20+ B‐ALL patients had two times more relapse (16% vs. 29%, p = 0.034), inferior relapse‐free survival (79% vs. 66%, p = 0.025) but no difference in overall survival (75% vs. 69%, p = 0.126). Similar to high‐risk NCI status and EOI‐MRD positivity, CD20 expression was an independent predictor for inferior relapse‐free survival (HR: 1.860, 95% CI: 1.008–3.432, p = 0.047). Compared to baseline, there was a significant increase in CD20‐expressing EOI‐residual blasts among CD20− B‐ALL patients (5% vs. 13%, p = 0.001). EOI residual blasts of both CD20+ and CD20− patients had three times increased normalized CD20 expression intensity (nCD20), with the intensity among CD20− B‐ALL patients reaching the pretreatment nCD20 of CD20+ B‐ALL patients (4.9 vs. 3.6, p = 0.666). Rituximab can be considered in managing EOI‐MRD‐positive CD20− B‐ALL patients as the residual blasts of these patients have quantitative and qualitative increases in CD20 expression.
Biotin‐new indocyanine green conjugate: Synthesis, in vitro photocytotoxicity and in vivo biodistribution
Authors: Liu Shengping , Ding Fang , Xu Wei , Miu Liangrui , Tang Yuxiang , Xu Defeng , Zhu Tianyu , Hu Hang
Published: March 2024

New indocyanine green (ICG) (IR820) is one of the ICG derivatives and attracts increasing attention for cancer management. However, the unsatisfactory tumor targeting ability of IR820 significantly limits its applications for cancer theranostics. Biotin receptor is overexpressed on the membrane of various tumor cells and biotin modified nanocarriers have been reported to enhance the tumor targeting ability on several tumor types. In this work, biotin‐new ICG conjugate (Biotin‐SS‐IR820) was prepared for tumor‐targeted IR820 delivery. Biotin and IR820 were coupled through cystamine. The synthesized Biotin‐SS‐IR820 was characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR and HRMS. The in vitro singlet oxygen generation study shows that Biotin‐SS‐IR820 exhibits similar singlet oxygen generation as compared to IR820 upon 660 nm laser irradiation (0.8 W/cm2). The cellular uptake study shows that Biotin‐SS‐IR820 shows enhanced cellular uptake amount as compared to IR820 on 4T1 cells. As a result, Biotin‐SS‐IR820 displays enhanced in vitro photodynamic therapeutic effect against 4T1 cells as compared to IR820. In in vivo biodistribution study, Biotin‐SS‐IR820 shows enhanced tumor accumulation as compared to IR820. Biotin‐SS‐IR820 developed in this work shows promising prospects for targeted delivery of IR820 to biotin receptor overexpressed tumors.
Influence of microclimate and forest management on bat species faced with global change
Authors: Andreozzi Chelsea L. , Dawson Todd E. , Kitzes Justin , Merenlender Adina M.
Published: March 2024

Climate refugia, areas where climate is expected to remain relatively stable, can offer a near‐term safe haven for species sensitive to warming temperatures and drought. Understanding the influence of temperature, moisture, and disturbance on sensitive species is critical during this time of rapid climate change. Coastal habitats can serve as important refugia. Many of these areas consist of working forestlands, and there is a growing recognition that conservation efforts worldwide must consider the habitat value of working lands, in addition to protected areas, to effectively manage large landscapes that support biodiversity. The sensitivity of forest bats to climate and habitat disturbance makes them a useful indicator taxon. We tested how microclimate and forest management influence habitat use for 13 species of insectivorous bats in a large climate refugium in a global biodiversity hotspot. We examined whether bat activity during the summer dry season is greater in forests where coastal fog provides moisture and more stable temperatures across both protected mature stands and those regularly logged. Acoustic monitoring was conducted at a landscape scale with 20 study sites, and generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the influence of habitat variables. Six species were positively associated with warmer nighttime temperature, and 5 species had a negative relationship with humidity or a positive relationship with climatic moisture deficit. Our results suggest that these mammals may have greater climate adaptive capacity than expected, and, for now, that habitat use may be more related to optimal foraging conditions than to avoidance of warming temperatures and drought. We also determined that 12 of the 13 regionally present bat species were regularly detected in commercial timberland stands. Because forest bats are highly mobile, forage over long distances, and frequently change roosts, the stewardship of working forests must be addressed to protect these species.
YTHDF1 mediates N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐induced gastric carcinogenesis by controlling HSPH1 translation
Authors: Song Peng , Li Xiang , Chen Shuai , Gong Yu , Zhao Jie , Jiao Yuwen , Dai Yi , Yang Haojun , Qian Jun , Li Yuan , He Jian , Tang Liming
Published: March 2024

YT521‐B homology (YTH) domain family (YTHDF) proteins serve as readers that directly recognise m6A modifications. In this study, we aim to probe the role of YTHDF1 in environmental carcinogen‐induced malignant transformation of gastric cells and gastric cancer (GC) carcinogenesis. We established a long‐term low‐dose MNU‐induced malignant transformation model in gastric epithelial cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to validate the malignant phenotype and characterise the roles of YTHDF1 and its downstream genes in malignant transformation cells. Additionally, we explored downstream m6A modification targets of YTHDF1 using RNA‐sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, and proteomics analyses, and conducted validation experiments in cell experiments and clinical samples. Long‐term low‐dose exposure of MNU converted normal Gges‐1 cells into malignant cells. YTHDF1 mRNA and protein expression are increased in MNU‐induced malignant cells (p<0.001). Meanwhile, YTHDF1 knockdown inhibits the malignant potential of MNU‐treated cells (p<0.01). YTHDF1 knockdown specifically suppresses HSPH1 protein, but not RNA levels. RIP‐qPCR validates HSPH1 is the target of YTHDF1 (p<0.01). HSPH1 knockdown impairs the malignant potential of MNU‐induced transformed cells. The increased expression of the key regulatory factor YTHDF1 in MNU‐induced gastric carcinogenesis affects malignant transformation and tumorigenesis by regulating the translation of downstream HSPH1. These findings provide new potential targets for preventing and treating environmental chemical‐induced gastric carcinogenesis.
Use of induction therapy post‐heart transplantation: Clinical practice recommendations based on systematic review and network meta‐analysis of evidence
Authors: Foroutan Farid , Guyatt Gordon , Stehlik Josef , Gustafsson Finn , Greig Douglas , McDonald Michael , Bertolotti Alejandro Mario , Kugathasan Lakshmi , Rayner Daniel G. , Cuello Carlos A. , Cook Amanda , Zlatanoski Darko , Ram Sujivan , Demas‐Clarke Penny , Kozuszko Stella , Alba Ana Carolina
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of induction therapy (IT) agents in the early post‐heart transplant period remains controversial. The following recommendations aim to provide guidance on the use of IT agents, including Basiliximab and Thymoglobulin, as part of routine care in heart transplantation (HTx).

Methods

We recruited an international, multidisciplinary panel of 15 stakeholders, including patient partners, transplant cardiologists and surgeons, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and methodologists. We commissioned a systematic review on benefits and harms of IT on patient‐important outcomes, and another on patients’ values and preferences to inform our recommendations. We used the GRADE framework to summarize our findings, rate certainty in the evidence, and develop recommendations. The panel considered the balance between benefits and harms, certainty in the evidence, and patient's values and preferences, to make recommendations for or against the routine post‐operative use of Thymoglobulin or Basiliximab.

Results

The panel made recommendations on three major clinical problems in HTx: (1) We suggest against the routine post‐operative use of Basiliximab compared to no IT, (2) we suggest against the routine use of Thymoglobulin compared to no IT, and (3) for those patients for whom IT is deemed desirable, we suggest for the use of Thymoglobulin as compared to Basiliximab.

Conclusion

This report highlights gaps in current knowledge and provides directions for clinical research in the future to better understand the clinical utility of IT agents in the early post heart transplant period, leading to improved management and care.
Measuring maternal autonomy and its effect on child nutrition in rural India
Authors: Arulampalam Wiji , Bhaskar Anjor , Srivastava Nisha
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the link between a mother's autonomy—the freedom and ability to think, express, make decisions and act independently—and the nutritional status of her children. We treat ‘autonomy’ as a latent variable, and design a novel statistical framework to measure this. This method allows us to separate the direct associations of maternal and family characteristics in our model for nutrition, from their indirect associations that work through maternal autonomy. Using data from India, we explore the sensitivity of our estimates to endogeneity caused by sample selection in the presence of son preference. We find: (i) a one standard deviation (SD) higher autonomy score is associated with a 0.16 SD higher height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ score); and (ii) a 10% lower prevalence of stunting (HAZ < −2 SD). The latter is equivalent to the prevention of approximately 300,000 children stunting, indicating the important role of maternal autonomy.
Focal high‐intensity focused ultrasound therapy for localized prostate cancer: An interim analysis of the multinational FASST study
Authors: Ladjevardi Sam , Ebner Anna , Femic Aleksandar , Huebner Nicolai A. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Kraler Simon , Kubik‐Huch Rahel A. , Ahlman Rafaele C. , Häggman Michael , Hefermehl Lukas J.
Published: March 2024

Background

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) emerged as a novel approach for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa). However, prospective studies on HIFU‐related outcomes and predictors of treatment failure (TF) remain scarce.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a multinational prospective cohort study among patients undergoing HIFU therapy for localized, low‐ to intermediate‐risk PCa. Follow‐up data on serial prostate specific antigen (PSA), multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), targeted/systematic biopsies, adverse events and functional outcomes were collected. The primary endpoint was TF, defined as histologically confirmed PCa requiring whole‐gland salvage treatment. Uni‐ and multi‐variable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

At baseline, mean (standard deviation) age was 64.14 (7.19) years, with the majority of patients showing T‐stage 1 (73.9%) and International Society of Urological Pathology grading system Grade 2 (58.8%). PSA nadir (median, 1.70 ng/mL) was reached after 6 months. Of all patients recruited, 16% had clinically significant PCa, as confirmed by biopsy, of which 13.4% had TF. Notably, T‐stage and number of positive cores at initial biopsy were independent predictors of TF during follow‐up (HR [95% CI] 1.27 [1.02–1.59] and 5.02 [1.80–14.03], respectively). Adverse events were minimal (17% and 8% early and late adverse events, respectively), with stable or improved functional outcomes in the majority of patients.

Conclusions

This interim analysis of a multinational study on HIFU therapy for the management of low‐to‐intermediate‐risk PCa reveals good functional outcomes, minimal adverse events and low incidence of TF over the short‐term. Data on long‐term outcomes, specifically as it relates to oncological outcomes, are awaited eagerly.
The response of marine fish population productivity to juvenile habitat modifications depends upon life histories
Authors: Champagnat J. , Rivot E. , Le Pape O.
Published: March 2024

Coastal and estuarine habitats are essential for both growth and survival at juvenile stages for a large proportion of marine fish but are exposed to a variety of threats. However, the quantitative impacts of anthropic‐mediated nursery degradation on exploited population dynamics and productivity are rarely addressed. We developed a comprehensive steepness‐based parameterization of the stock–recruitment relationship that directly depends upon juvenile habitat quality and surface area and used a generic age‐ and stage‐structured model to simulate exploited population dynamics under nursery degradation/restoration scenarios. Population responses to juvenile habitat modification were estimated for three species with contrasting life histories. Modifying the surface area of nursery habitat has a predictable direct scaling effect on population size and affects biomass and fishing yield, with identical responses observed for various life histories. Modification of habitat quality affects both the population size and the shape of the productivity curve, leading to more complex responses of biomass and fishing yields that depend upon combinations of life history traits. Populations with low steepness and hence lower resiliency to fishing are the most sensitive to the degradation of habitat quality. Our study emphasizes the critical impact of juvenile habitat modification on population dynamics and productivity and the need to integrate habitat consideration into the management of exploited marine species. Our modelling framework is generalizable and can be extended to handle many diverse life histories and case studies to quantify the consequences of coastal habitat degradation/restoration for the dynamics of exploited marine fish populations.
Evaluating effectiveness of restoration to address current stressors to riverine fish
Authors: Rogosch Jane S. , Boehm Hadley I. A. , Tingley Ralph W. , Wright Kiah D. , Webb Elisabeth B. , Paukert Craig P.
Published: March 2024

River restoration programmes with the goal of conserving and rehabilitating inland fishes have a multi‐decadal history, but evaluation and synthesis of past restoration actions have been limited by a lack of monitoring and reporting. Given that calls for both monitoring and systematic reviews of restoration have increased, we were interested in the influence that restoration has had on improving conditions for riverine fishes resulting from long‐standing and increasingly prominent stressors. Our objectives were to (1) identify which stressors were targeted in river restoration efforts, (2) determine the proportion of published studies that articulate restoration goals and develop comparative monitoring designs for assessing the effects of restoration on fishes, and (3) conduct a meta‐analysis to synthesise fish responses to restoration projects.

We assessed restoration effectiveness for increasing fish density and richness from peer‐reviewed papers published over the past decade using a global systematic review and meta‐analysis.

We found that restoration actions addressed major stressors primarily by improving in‐stream habitat (37%), increasing in‐stream longitudinal connectivity (26%) and increasing lateral floodplain connections (9%). Although 81% of studies had comparative monitoring designs (i.e., before/after and control/impact) and stated restoration goals, only 40% of those studies reported sufficient data to be included in the meta‐analysis. Projects which increased in‐stream connectivity had the largest positive effect size on fish density and richness compared to in‐stream habitat improvements and increasing floodplain connections. Time since restoration and restoration size (i.e., geographical footprint) were not strong predictors of fish response effect sizes.

Restoration effectiveness was highly variable among project types. Authors of studies included in the meta‐analysis often identified spatial or temporal scale of monitoring, overriding catchment conditions, and recolonisation potential as sources of variability and effectiveness in restoration outcomes. Systematic reporting of these and other covariates may help guide processes in restoration evaluation and provide valuable research insights. Despite increased emphasis on monitoring, incomplete data reporting limited the number of studies that could be included for quantitative meta‐analysis. Persistent emphasis on setting specific criteria (e.g., measurable outcomes of fish response) for restoration goals, project monitoring, data reporting, information sharing and collaborative projects is likely to continue to improve understanding of restoration effectiveness transferable to future endeavours.

Our results can be used to support river restoration practitioners with evidence‐based information to evaluate the cost–benefit ratio of competing restoration priorities, and inform restoration planning and implementation for riverine fish.
Artificial intelligence in dermatology: advancements and challenges in skin of color
Authors: Fliorent Rebecca , Fardman Brian , Podwojniak Alicia , Javaid Kiran , Tan Isabella J. , Ghani Hira , Truong Thu M. , Rao Babar , Heath Candrice
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses algorithms and large language models in computers to simulate human‐like problem‐solving and decision‐making. AI programs have recently acquired widespread popularity in the field of dermatology through the application of online tools in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of skin conditions. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar analyzing recent literature (from the last 10 years through October 2023) to evaluate current AI programs in use for dermatologic purposes, identifying challenges in this technology when applied to skin of color (SOC), and proposing future steps to enhance the role of AI in dermatologic practice. Challenges surrounding AI and its application to SOC stem from the underrepresentation of SOC in datasets and issues with image quality and standardization. With these existing issues, current AI programs inevitably do worse at identifying lesions in SOC. Additionally, only 30% of the programs identified in this review had data reported on their use in dermatology, specifically in SOC. Significant development of these applications is required for the accurate depiction of darker skin tone images in datasets. More research is warranted in the future to better understand the efficacy of AI in aiding diagnosis and treatment options for SOC patients.
The straw that broke the nurse's back—Using psychological contract breach to understand why nurses leave
Authors: Pyhäjärvi Daniela , Söderberg Christina B.
Published: March 2024

Aim

To deepen our understanding of why nurses decide to leave their occupation instead of changing jobs, we examined the antecedents that led to this decision through the theoretical lens of psychological contract breach.

Design

A qualitative design with semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

We collected 28 interviewees from our social networks and a social media platform. We included professional nurses who had decided to leave or had left the occupation. We analysed our data with reflexive thematic analysis, thereby giving space for the interviewee voices to rise.

Results

We identified various experiences of dissonance between interviewee expectations and reality. The interviewees expressed unfulfilled expectations or psychological contract breaches in relation to their occupation on different levels and over extended time periods. The psychological contract breaches and decisions to leave the occupation were built up over time because of continuous disappointment and dissonance between expectations and reality. The frustration, dissonance and unfulfilled expectations were expressed towards the institution of nursing rather than a specific employer or organization.

Conclusion

Unfulfilled expectations over a longer period might cause psychological contract breach, leading to turnover intentions. Our research brings novel insights into the psychological contract, as our findings indicate that the psychological contract can be formed and breached, also between the employee and the occupation. This means that turnover intentions might result in nurses leaving the profession rather than seeking work in new organizations.

Impact

The study addresses the problem of nurse shortage by showing the root reasons for deciding to leave the occupation. Our findings show how psychological contract breaches over time erupt as turnover intentions regarding the occupation rather than a job. The results guide healthcare managers and decision‐makers to recognize factors leading to a psychological contract breach, thereby enabling the retention of nurses.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Domestic Violence and Abuse: Expanding Our Conceptual Repertoire
Authors: Salzberger Macy
Published: March 2024

This article aims to clarify and expand our conceptual repertoire for understanding domestic violence and abuse by making legible different characteristic harms, particularly those that cannot be made sense of in terms of physical harm. Sections 2 and 3 of this article review popular understandings of the harms of domestic violence and abuse. These often emphasize either (a) pain and suffering or (b) the loss of capacities for self‐governance as characteristic harms of domestic violence and abuse. In its second half, this article argues that domestic violence and abuse characteristically involve yet another harm to the victim, one that cannot neatly be explained in terms of hedonistic welfare or concerns for a victim's capacities for self‐governance. More specifically, this article argues that through the characteristic social isolation of domestic violence and abuse, perpetrators alienate victims from what motivationally roots them to the world. Although relationships that motivationally root us to the world might make us fundamentally dependent on others and can cause us great pain, they nevertheless play a profoundly valuable role in our lives by giving us reasons to go on living.
Fulminant type 1 diabetes, an underrecognized and unique subtype of type 1 diabetes: A case series from Singapore
Authors: Tan Sarah Ying Tse , Rama Chandran Suresh , Yew Jielin , Wong Andy Jun‐Wei , Gardner Daphne Su‐Lyn
Published: March 2024

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a unique subtype of type 1 diabetes, characterized by acute absolute insulin deficiency, severe ketosis, and increased risk of hypoglycemia, glycemic variability and microvascular complications. Seven people with FT1D were identified from two tertiary centers in Singapore. Six were Chinese, the mean age was 35 years and all were lean (mean body mass index 20.3 kg/m2). All presented with diabetes ketosis or ketoacidosis and low C‐peptide. All but one had low glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. Nearly half had a missed/delayed diagnosis of FT1D. Three had frequent hypoglycemia, which improved after transition to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. Individuals with FT1D experience unique diagnostic and management challenges associated with rapid absolute insulin deficiency. Greater awareness about this clinical entity is required.
Association between infant birth weight and gestational weight gain in Japanese women with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fujikawa Shingu Kei , Waguri Masako , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Piedvache Aurélie , Katakami Naoto , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: March 2024

Aims/Introduction

In 2021, the guidelines on gestational weight gain (GWG) were revised and increased by 2–3 kg in Japan. This study aimed to investigate whether the revised guidelines would increase the incidence of babies with excessive birth weight in mothers with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 369 deliveries of women with diabetes whose pre‐pregnancy body mass index was below 30 kg/m2 between 1982 and 2021. The primary outcome measure was large for gestational age (LGA). We compared the incidence of LGA between women who gained weight within the previous guidelines and women who gained weight within the revised guidelines. We also compared the incidence of macrosomia, preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight.

Results

The incidence of LGA was not significantly different between women who gained weight within the revised guidelines and those within the previous guidelines (34.6% [95% confidence interval 25.6–44.6%] for the revised guidelines vs 28.9% [21.6–37.1%] for the previous guidelines; P = 0.246). Neither was the incidence of macrosomia or preeclampsia significantly different (8.7% [4.0–15.8%] vs 5.6% [2.5–10.8%] and 5.8% [2.1–12.1%] vs 6.3% [2.9–11.7%]; P = 0.264 and 0.824, respectively), while women who gained weight within the revised guidelines had a lower incidence of SGA (1.9% [0.2–6.8%] vs 10.6% [6.0–16.8%]; P = 0.001) and low birth weight (1.0% [0.02–5.2%] vs 7.0% [3.4–12.6%]; P = 0.023).

Conclusions

The revised GWG guidelines could be beneficial in women with diabetes in terms of delivering babies with appropriate birth weight.
What explains regional variation in privately provided out‐of‐area residential placement costs for people with intellectual disability in Ireland?
Authors: Cullinan J. , O'Brien T. , Yacoub E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Expenditure on residential placements for people with intellectual disability (ID) in Ireland is considerable and expected to increase. Despite this, there is limited evidence on the factors driving variation in privately provided ‘out‐of‐area’ residential placement costs, including across Community Health Organisations (CHOs)/regions. This is important to help inform the delivery of services at best value.

Methods

We analyse unit cost data from 2019 for a sample of 278 high‐cost publicly funded privately provided out‐of‐area residential placements for people with ID in Ireland. We undertake univariate analysis of the relationship between costs and a wide range of variables using t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance. We employ multivariable regression analysis to examine how raw differentials in unit costs across regions can be accounted for by individual‐level characteristics.

Results

We estimate average unit costs of €264 170 per annum in our sample. The univariate analysis shows considerable variation in costs across a range of personal, disability, psychiatry/psychological, forensic issues, behaviour and supports and plans related variables. We also find wide variation in average unit costs across CHOs/regions (F = 4.58, P < 0.001), ranging from €213 380 to €331 880. The multivariable analysis shows that regional differences remain even after accounting for a wide range of individual characteristics that influence costs.

Conclusions

Our analysis shows that while the majority of differences in costs across regions can be explained, there is potential for cost savings in the provision of high‐cost publicly funded out‐of‐area residential placements in Ireland. Overall this can help to develop and implement a more sustainable disability residential funding model in a context of rising demand for services. It also has potential implications for the approach to procurement of services.
Influence of cosmetic foundation cream on skin condition during treadmill exercise
Authors: Yoon Eun‐Jung , Kwon Eun Hye , Kim Joo Hyun , Delacruz Jesse , Symons T. Brock , Lee Sukho , Park Dongsun
Published: March 2024

Background

There is a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics while participating in physical activities. Nonetheless, there remains a need for further understanding regarding the effects of makeup on the facial epidermis during exercise, given the existing knowledge gaps.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a cosmetic foundation cream on skin conditions during physical activity.

Methods

Forty‐three healthy college students, 20 males (26.3 ± 1.5 years) and 23 females (23.1 ± 1.0 years), were enrolled in this study. Foundation cream was applied to participants on half of the face in two different areas (MT: makeup T zone and MU: makeup U zone). The other half of the face served as internal control (T: non‐makeup T zone and U: non‐makeup U zones). Skin levels of moisture, elasticity, pore, sebum, and oil were measured using a skin analysis device (Aramhuvis, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea) before and after a 20‐min treadmill exercise. Paired t‐test and independent t‐test were performed for skin condition measurements at pre‐ and postexercise.

Results

The skin moisture levels in both the T and MT significantly increased after exercise (p < 0.05) (pre‐T: 24.5 ± 1.3, post‐T: 38.5 ± 3.5 and pre‐MT: 18.7 ± 0.7, post‐MT: 40.4 ± 4.8). Elasticity also significantly improved in both the T and MT (p < 0.05) (pre‐T: 25.6 ± 1.3, post‐T: 41.5 ± 3.5 and pre‐MT: 20.0 ± 0.9, post‐MT: 41.7 ± 3.7). The size of the pores in the T zone observed a significant increase after exercise (p < 0.05) (pre‐T: 41.7 ± 2.1, post‐T: 47.8 ± 2.4). The sebum levels in the T zone exhibited a reduction following physical activity, whereas there was a notable increase in sebum levels in the makeup zones (p < 0.05) (pre‐MT: 2.4 ± 0.7, post‐MT:4.2 ± 0.8 and pre MU 1.8 ± 0.34, post MU 4.9 ± 0.9). The oil level was increased in the non‐makeup zones (pre‐T: 6.1 ± 1.4, post‐T: 11.8 ± 2.0 and pre‐U: 7.3 ± 1.5, post‐U: 11.9 ± 1.9; p < 0.05) and decreased in the makeup zones (pre‐MT: 13.3 ± 1.9, post‐MT: 7.4 ± 2.3 and pre‐MU: 22.1 ± 2.4, post‐MU: 3.2 ± 1.0; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that using foundation cream during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness. Additionally, makeup can clog pores and increase sebum production. Therefore, wearing makeup may not be recommended for people with dry skin conditions based on the results of the current study. This research offers important insights to the public, encouraging them to consider the possible consequences of using makeup while exercising.