bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convulsions in children with COVID‐19 during the Omicron wave
Authors: Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: January 2022

Aim

Most children with COVID‐19 have mild symptoms, but data on the Omicron variant are rare. This paper describes unexpected cases with convulsions during 1 week in January 2022.

Methods

Four children with COVID‐19 were admitted with convulsions to the paediatric department in Örebro, Sweden, when Omicron accounted for more than 98% of the country's COVID‐19 cases. Three children tested positive for the virus, and one had clinical COVID‐19. I was able to contact the parents of three boys, who gave consent for these case studies.

Results

Two boys aged 3 and 21 months tested positive for the virus and a 14‐year‐old boy tested negative, but had a cold and family members who had tested positive. The teenager had a history of urinary tract infections, but the younger boys had no earlier comorbidities. None had a history of epilepsy or febrile convulsions. The younger children had a fever and the teenager had upper respiratory symptoms. The 3‐month‐old child had repeated convulsions for several hours, the 21‐month‐old had continuous convulsions for 15–20 min, and the teenager had a convulsion for 30–60 s, followed by uncharacteristic aggression.

Conclusion

Convulsions may be a sign of the Omicron variant in children with COVID‐19.
Determinants of political participation in Thailand: An analysis of survey data (2002–2014)
Authors: Pankaew Attasit , Thananithichot Stithorn , Satidporn Wichuda
Published: January 2022

This article aims to explain changes in the patterns of political participation in Thailand between 2002 and 2014. Relying on four waves of survey data taken from the Asian Barometer (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014), it proposes an analytical framework composed of several factors that include not only socioeconomic status (SES) but also various psychological, attitudinal, and mobilization factors to test and seek for factors that affect a likelihood of being a passive or active political participant. This article shows that apart from some SES, there are various factors, such as political interest and self‐efficacy, party attachment, and group membership that affected the participatory actions of Thai citizens during this period. Moreover, because group membership is only one factor having a significant impact on political participation for all the four waves of survey data, this article found that political participation of Thai citizens is largely a result of their learning and experiences obtained from the interaction within their respective groups.
About the link between biodiversity and spectral variation
Authors: Fassnacht Fabian Ewald , Müllerová Jana , Conti Luisa , Malavasi Marco , Schmidtlein Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Aim

The spectral variability hypothesis (SVH) suggests a link between spectral variation and plant biodiversity. The underlying assumptions are that higher spectral variation in canopy reflectance (depending on scale) is caused by either (1) variation in habitats or linked vegetation types or plant communities with their specific optical community traits or (2) variation in the species themselves and their specific optical traits.

Methods

The SVH was examined in several empirical remote‐sensing case studies, which often report some correlation between spectral variation and biodiversity‐related variables (mostly plant species counts); however, the strength of the observed correlations varies between studies. In contrast, studies focussing on understanding the causal relationship between (plant) species counts and spectral variation remain scarce. Here, we discuss these causal relationships and support our perspectives through simulations and experimental data.

Results

We reveal that in many situations the spectral variation caused by species or functional traits is subtle in comparison to other factors such as seasonality and physiological status. Moreover, the degree of contrast in reflectance has little to do with the number but rather with the identity of the species or communities involved. Hence, spectral variability should not be expressed based on contrast but rather based on metrics expressing manifoldness. While we describe cases where a certain link between spectral variation and plant species diversity can be expected, we believe that as a scientific hypothesis (which suggests a general validity of this assumed relationship) the SVH is flawed and requires refinement.

Conclusions

To this end we call for more research examining the drivers of spectral variation in vegetation canopies and their link to plant species diversity and biodiversity in general. Such research will allow critically assessing under which conditions spectral variation is a useful indicator for biodiversity monitoring and how it could be integrated into monitoring networks.
How to study parasites and host migration: a roadmap for empiricists
Authors: Binning Sandra A. , Craft Meggan E. , Zuk Marlene , Shaw Allison K.
Published: January 2022

Animal migration (round‐trip, predictable movements) takes individuals across space and time, bringing them into contact with new communities of organisms. In particular, migratory movements shape (and are shaped by) the costs and risk of parasite transmission. Unfortunately, our understanding of how migration and parasite infection interact has not proceeded evenly. Although numerous conceptual frameworks (e.g. mathematical models) have been developed, most empirical evidence of migration–parasite interactions are drawn from pre‐existing empirical studies that were conducted using other conceptual frameworks, which limits our understanding. Here, we synthesise and analyse existing work, and then provide a roadmap for future (especially empirical) studies. First, we synthesise the conceptual frameworks that have been developed to understand interactions between migration and parasites (e.g. migratory exposure, escape, allopatry, recovery, culling, separation, stalling and relapse). Second, we highlight current challenges to studying migration and parasites empirically, and to integrating empirical and theoretical perspectives, particularly emphasizing the challenge of feedback loops. Finally, we provide a guide to overcoming these challenges in empirical studies, using comparative, observational and experimental approaches. Beyond guiding future empirical work, this review aims to inspire stronger collaboration between empiricists and theorists studying the intersection of migration and parasite infection. Such collaboration will help overcome current limits to our understanding of how migration and parasites interact, and allow us to predict how these critical ecological processes will change in the future.
Different types of focus: Caregiver–child interaction and changes in preschool children’s attention in two cultures
Authors: Senzaki Sawa , Shimizu Yuki
Published: January 2022

Social contexts shape the development of attention; however, little is known about joint attention beyond infancy. This study employed behavioral and eye‐tracking measurements to investigate cultural variations in how caregivers direct 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children's attention and subsequent changes in children's attention to objects and contextual backgrounds in the United States (predominantly non‐Hispanic Whites) and Japan (N = 60 mother‐child dyads, 29 girls, 31 boys). The findings revealed that caregivers directed children's attention to culturally sensitive information, and significant cross‐cultural differences in attention emerged after caregiver–child interaction, with Japanese children shifting their attention to the backgrounds. Results provide new insights into the role of social interaction and cultural diversity in the development of attention.
Parent–adolescent interaction quality and adolescent affect—An experience sampling study on effect heterogeneity
Authors: Bülow Anne , van Roekel Eeske , Boele Savannah , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Keijsers Loes
Published: January 2022

Person–environment interactions might ultimately drive longer term development. This experience sampling study (Data collection: 2019/20 the Netherlands) assessed short‐term linkages between parent–adolescent interaction quality and affect during 2281 interactions of 124 adolescents (Mage = 15.80,SDage = 1.69, 59% girls, 92% Dutch, Education: 25% low, 31% middle, 35% high, 9% other). Adolescents reported on parent–adolescent interaction quality (i.e., warmth and conflict) and momentary positive and negative affect five to six times a day, for 14 days. Preregistered dynamic structural equation models (DSEM) revealed within‐family associations between parent–adolescent interaction quality and adolescent affect (concurrently:r = −.22 to .39; lagged effects:ß = −.17 to .15). These effects varied significantly between families. These findings stress the need for more person‐specific research on parenting processes.
Combined data analysis of fossil and living mammals: a Paleogene sister taxon of Placentalia and the antiquity of Marsupialia
Authors: Velazco Paúl M. , Buczek Alexandra J. , Hoffman Eva , Hoffman Devin K. , O’Leary Maureen A. , Novacek Michael J.
Published: January 2022

The Cretaceous–Paleogene (KPg) boundary, one of Earth’s five major extinction events, occurred just before the appearance of Placentalia in the fossil record. The Gobi Desert, Mongolia and the Western Interior of North America have important fossil mammals occurring just before and after the KPg boundary (e.g. Prodiacodon, Deltatheridium) that have yet to be phylogenetically tested in a character‐rich context with molecular data. We present here phylogenetic analyses of >6000 newly scored anatomical observations drawn from six untested fossils and added to the largest existing morphological matrix for mammals. These data are combined with sequence data from 27 nuclear genes. Results show the existence of a new eutherian sister clade to Placentalia, which we name and characterize. The extinct clade Leptictidae is part of this placental sister clade, indicating that the sister clade survived the KPg event to co‐exist in ancient ecosystems during the Paleogene radiation of placentals. Analysing the Cretaceous metatherian Deltatheridium in this character‐rich context reveals it is a member of Marsupialia, a finding that extends the minimum age of Marsupialia before the KPg boundary. Numerous shared‐derived features from multiple anatomical systems support the assignment of Deltatheridium to Marsupialia. Computed tomography scans of exquisite new specimens better document the marsupial‐like dental replacement pattern of Deltatheridium. The new placental sister clade has both Asian and North American species, and is ancestrally characterized by shared derived features such as a hind limb modified for saltatorial locomotion.
Understanding why consumers in China switch between wild, farmed, and synthetic bear bile products
Authors: Hinsley Amy , Wan Anita Kar Yan , Garshelis David , Hoffmann Michael , Hu Sifan , Lee Tien Ming , Meginnis Keila , Moyle Brendan , Qiu Yingjie , Ruan Xiangdong , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: January 2022

An important rationale for legally farmed and synthetic wildlife products is that they reduce illegal, wild‐sourced trade by supplying markets with sustainable alternatives. For this to work, more established illegal‐product consumers must switch to legal alternatives than new legal‐product consumers switch to illegal wild products. Despite the widespread debate on the magnitude and direction of switching, studies among actual consumers are lacking. We used an anonymous online survey of 1421 traditional Chinese medicine consumers in China to investigate switching among legal farmed, synthetic, and illegal wild bear bile. We examined the past consumption behavior, applied a discrete choice experiment framed within worsening hypothetical disease scenarios, and used latent class models to investigate groups with shared preferences. Bear bile consumers (86% respondents) were wealthier, more likely to have family who consumed bile, and less knowledgeable about bile treatments than nonconsumers. Consumer preferences were heterogenous, but most consumer preferences switched between bile types as disease worsened. We identified five distinct latent classes within our sample: law‐abiding consumers (34% respondents), who prefer legal products and were unlikely to switch; two all‐natural consumer groups (53%), who dislike synthetics but may switch between farmed and wild; and two nonconsumer groups (12%), who prefer not to buy bile. People with past experience of bile consumption had different preferences than those without. Willingness to switch to wild products was related to believing they were legal, although the likelihood of switching was mediated by preferences for cheaper products sold in legal, familiar places. We found that consumers of wild bile may switch to legal alternatives, given the availability of a range of products, whereas legal‐product consumers may switch to illegal products if the barriers to doing so are small. Understanding preferences that promote or impede switching should be a key consideration when attempting to predict consumer behavior in complex wildlife markets.
Baseline data of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (STEP study)
Authors: Hartmann Jessica A. , Nelson Barnaby , Amminger Günther Paul , Spark Jessica , Yuen Hok Pan , Kerr Melissa J. , Polari Andrea , Wallis Nicky , Blasioli Julie , Dixon Lisa , Carter Cameron , Loewy Rachel , Niendam Tara A. , Shumway Martha , McGorry Patrick D.
Published: January 2022

Aim

Research has shown that preventative intervention in individuals at ultra‐high risk of psychosis (UHR) improves symptomatic and functional outcomes. The staged treatment in early psychosis (STEP) trial aims to determine the most effective type, timing and sequence of interventions in the UHR population by sequentially studying the effectiveness of (1) support and problem solving, (2) cognitive‐behavioural case management and (3) antidepressant medication with an embedded fast‐fail option of (4) omega‐3 fatty acids or low‐dose antipsychotic medication. This paper presents the recruitment flow and baseline clinical characteristics of the sample.

Methods

STEP is a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. We present the baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and acceptability and feasibility of this treatment approach as indicated by the flow of participants from first contact up until enrolment into the trial. Recruitment took place between April 2016 and January 2019.

Results

Of 1343, help‐seeking young people who were considered for participation, 402 participants were not eligible and 599 declined/disengaged, resulting in a total of 342 participants enrolled in the study. The most common reason for exclusion was an active prescription of antidepressant medication. Eighty‐five percent of the enrolled sample had a non‐psychotic DSM‐5 diagnosis and symptomatic/functional measures showed a moderate level of clinical severity and functional impairment.

Discussion

The present study demonstrates the acceptability and participant's general positive appraisal of sequential treatment. It also shows, in line with other trials in UHR individuals, a significant level of psychiatric morbidity and impairment, demonstrating the clear need for care in this group and that treatment is appropriate.
Preparedness of recent dental graduates and final‐year undergraduate dental students for practice amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pandarathodiyil Anitha Krishnan , Mani Shani Ann , Ghani Wan Maria Nabillah , Ramanathan Anand , Talib Rozaidah , Zamzuri Ahmad Termizi
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Dental education involves performing clinical procedures on patients under expert supervision. The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted routine face‐to‐face teaching‐learning‐assessment dynamics world over. This study assessed the self‐perceived preparedness of dental undergraduate students for practice, whose clinical training was interrupted by the COVID‐19 pandemic from dental schools across Malaysia.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional web‐based questionnaire survey was done among new dental graduates of the academic year 2019‐2020 and the final year undergraduate students (academic year 2020‐2021) from dental schools in Malaysia, using the Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU‐PAS), from 6th to 26th April 2021. The questionnaire addressed clinical skill competence, and cognitive and behavioral attributes. The number of respondents needed to achieve a confidence level of 95% with margin of error of 5% was 306.

Results

A total of 453 (243 final year students and 210 new graduates) responded from dental schools nationwide, with a response rate of 30.6%. The overall mean score for preparedness for dental practice was 76.3±14.7, for clinical skills 39.7±7.3, and behavioral and cognitive attributes 36.5±9.1. New graduates had significantly higher mean preparedness score (78.6±14.4) as compared to students in their final year (74.2±14.7). Performing endodontic treatment on multi‐rooted teeth had the lowest perceived competency (29.8%), followed by assessing treatment needs of patients requiring orthodontics (37.1%), prescribing drugs (46.6%) and providing crowns using principles of tooth preservation (48.1%).

Conclusions

Satisfactory scores were obtained for most attributes. The final‐year cohort was significantly less prepared for dental practice compared to the newly graduated cohort.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with therapy‐related hematologic malignancies developing after multiple myeloma
Authors: Vasudevan Nampoothiri Ram , Pasic Ivan , Law Arjun Datt , Lam Wilson , Chen Carol , Michelis Fotios V. , Kim Dennis (Dong Hwan) , Gerbitz Armin , Lipton Jeffrey Howard , Kumar Rajat , Mattsson Jonas , Viswabandya Auro
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Increasing survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has resulted in an increased recognition of therapy‐related hematological malignancies (t‐MDS/AML, t‐ALL, and t‐CMML). There are limited data on the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in this patient population.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent HCT for t‐MDS/AML, t‐ALL, and t‐CMML developing after receiving treatment for MM at our center. Patients were analyzed for myeloma characteristics and therapy, time to diagnosis of therapy‐related hematological neoplasms, clinical, laboratory characteristics, transplant details, relapse‐free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Twenty patients underwent HCT for therapy‐related hematological malignancies after MM (t‐MDS/AML = 13, t‐ALL = 6, t‐CMML = 1). Median(range) age at time of transplant was 62.5 (49–73) years and 70% (n = 14) were male. The most common cytogenetic abnormality was complex/monosomal karyotype in 30% (n = 6) followed by monosomy/deletion of chromosome 5 or 7 in 15% (n = 3) of patients each. Donors were human leukocyte antigen matched (10/10 or 6/6) siblings in 30% (n = 6), unrelated in 60% (n = 12) and haploidentical in 10% (n = 2) patients. Estimated 2‐year OS and RFS for the whole cohort were 53.1% and 47.2% respectively. There was a trend toward better survival in patients with t‐ALL when compared to t‐MDS/AML; however, the difference was not statistically significant. We did not find any pre‐transplant or post‐transplant factors that were predictive of survival outcomes after multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Allogeneic HCT provides substantial long‐term disease‐free survival in a proportion of patients with MM‐associated therapy‐related hematological malignancies. Multicenter studies with more patients and longer follow‐up may provide additional information about factors affecting outcomes.
EEG alpha and pupil diameter reflect endogenous auditory attention switching and listening effort
Authors: Haro Stephanie , Rao Hrishikesh M. , Quatieri Thomas F. , Smalt Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

Everyday environments often contain distracting competing talkers and background noise, requiring listeners to focus their attention on one acoustic source and reject others. During this auditory attention task, listeners may naturally interrupt their sustained attention and switch attended sources. The effort required to perform this attention switch has not been well studied in the context of competing continuous speech. In this work, we developed two variants of endogenous attention switching and a sustained attention control. We characterized these three experimental conditions under the context of decoding auditory attention, while simultaneously evaluating listening effort and neural markers of spatial‐audio cues. A least‐squares, electroencephalography (EEG)‐based, attention decoding algorithm was implemented across all conditions. It achieved an accuracy of 69.4% and 64.0% when computed over nonoverlapping 10 and 5‐s correlation windows, respectively. Both decoders illustrated smooth transitions in the attended talker prediction through switches at approximately half of the analysis window size (e.g., the mean lag taken across the two switch conditions was 2.2 s when the 5‐s correlation window was used). Expended listening effort, as measured by simultaneous EEG and pupillometry, was also a strong indicator of whether the listeners sustained attention or performed an endogenous attention switch (peak pupil diameter measure [
] and minimum parietal alpha power measure [
]). We additionally found evidence of talker spatial cues in the form of centrotemporal alpha power lateralization (
). These results suggest that listener effort and spatial cues may be promising features to pursue in a decoding context, in addition to speech‐based features.
Memory drives the formation of animal home ranges: Evidence from a reintroduction
Authors: Ranc Nathan , Cagnacci Francesca , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: January 2022

Most animals live in home ranges, and memory is thought to be an important process in their formation. However, a general memory‐based model for characterising and predicting home range emergence has been lacking. Here, we use a mechanistic movement model to: (1) quantify the role of memory in the movements of a large mammal reintroduced into a novel environment, and (2) predict observed patterns of home range emergence in this experimental setting. We show that an interplay between memory and resource preferences is the primary process influencing the movements of reintroduced roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Our memory‐based model fitted with empirical data successfully predicts the formation of home ranges, as well as emergent properties of movement and spatial revisitation observed in the reintroduced animals. These results provide a mechanistic framework for combining memory‐based movements, resource preferences, and the formation of home ranges in nature.
Australian grassy community restoration: Recognizing what is achievable and charting a way forward
Authors: Gibson‐Roy Paul
Published: January 2022

Given the urgent need for revegetation to address the climate and biodiversity crises, Paul Gibson‐Roy describes here how grassy ecosystem restoration technologies are ripe for scaling up. Buoyed by local and other examples of success he calls for action by regulators and the agricultural, land management and restoration sectors to refine legislation and tailor their environmental programs to, with gusto, support complex grassy ecosystem restoration at scale to deliver both biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation.
Skin amyloid deposits and nerve fiber loss as markers of neuropathy onset and progression in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Leonardi Luca , Adam Clovis , Beaudonnet Guillemette , Beauvais Diane , Cauquil Cécile , Not Adeline , Morassi Olivier , Benmalek Anouar , Trassard Olivier , Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Adams David , Labeyrie Céline
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to assess skin biopsy as a marker of disease onset and severity in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv‐PN), a treatable disease.

Methods

In this single center retrospective study, skin Congo red staining and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) were evaluated in symptomatic ATTRv‐PN patients and asymptomatic TTR gene mutation carriers between 2012 and 2019. Non‐ATTRv subjects with suspected small fiber neuropathy who underwent skin biopsy during the same timespan were used as controls.

Results

One hundred eighty‐three symptomatic ATTRv‐PN patients, 36 asymptomatic carriers, and 537 non‐ATTRv patients were included. Skin biopsy demonstrated amyloid depositions in 80% of the 183 symptomatic cases. Skin amyloid deposits were found in 75% of early stage ATTRv‐PN patients, and in 14% of asymptomatic carriers. All 183 symptomatic and 34 of 36 asymptomatic patients displayed decreased ankle IENFD with a proximal–distal gradient distribution, and reduced IEFND correlated with disease severity and duration.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates skin amyloid deposits are a marker of ATTRv‐PN disease onset, and decreased IENFD a marker of disease progression. These results are of major importance for the early identification of ATTRv‐PN patients in need of disease‐modifying treatments.
RETRACTED: Data‐driven decision‐making model based on artificial intelligence in higher education system of colleges and universities
Authors: Teng Yusi , Zhang Jie , Sun Ting
Published: January 2022

The quality of management decisions is one of the main issues facing higher education institutions today. Strategic decisions taken by the higher education institutions affect policies, schemes, and actions that the institutions are considering. Machine learning is an emergent artificial intelligence field that utilizes different algorithms, analyses data, and delivers a better understanding of the data contained in a specific context. Hence, in this paper, data‐driven decision‐making model has been proposed based on artificial intelligence in colleges and universities. Student data, graduation rate and curriculum design have been analysed for administrative decision‐making in college or university based on the machine learning method. With the availability of huge quantities and high‐quality input training data, machine‐learning progressions can attain precise outcomes and enable informed decision‐making. The experimental findings show that the suggested model improves the outcome ratio of 90.72%, the performance ratio of 97.62%, prediction ratio of 96.35%, decision‐making level of 95.51%, accuracy ratio of 95.61%, an efficiency ratio of 98.14%, graduation rate of 85.86%, data security rate (95.61%) and error rate 33.21% compared to other methods.
Stock splits and retail trading
Authors: Cox Justin , Van Ness Bonnie , Van Ness Robert
Published: January 2022

We analyze retail trading around both forward and reverse stock splits. While some suggest stock splits align prices in an optimal range, which results in disperse ownership with more persistent retail investor participation, Minnick and Raman suggest that the lack of retail trader participation mitigates the use of splits to align prices in an optimal range and contributes to decreased use of stock splits. We determine if stock splits still attract more retail trading as suggested by the optimal price range hypothesis. Our results suggest stock splits are not a “one size fits all” method for attracting retail traders. Whether retail trading is transitory or permanent for forward and reverse stock splits is dependent upon price.
Chalcopyrite from the Xiaotongchang Cu Deposit: A New Sulfide Reference Material for Low‐Level Re‐Os Geochronology
Authors: Li Wenjun , Jin Xindi , Gao Bingyu , Zhou Limin , Yang Gang , Li Chao , Stein Holly , Hannah Judith , Du Andao , Qu Wenjun , Chu Zhuyin , Wang Yating , Zhang Lianchang
Published: January 2022

As the application of the rhenium–osmium (Re‐Os) chronometer in low‐level (low Re mass fraction) sulfides becomes more popular, there is increasingly a need for a corresponding reference material for analytical quality control. This study presents a new low‐level, highly radiogenic chalcopyrite reference material for Re‐Os geochronology. Chalcopyrite was acquired from the Xiaotongchang (XTC) copper deposit in Yun’nan Province, China. Homogeneity tests were used by performing Re‐Os analyses on eleven randomly selected aliquots of powdered chalcopyrite using ICP‐MS. We also performed stability tests on four bottles of powdered chalcopyrite samples over a period of 36 months. The results from analysis of variance and Student’s t‐test indicated that the XTC sample was homogeneous with respect to Re, 187Os mass fractions and model age. Three laboratories participated in an inter‐laboratory comparison scheme for certification, performed using N‐TIMS and MC‐ICP‐MS, and employing two different spiking techniques. The reported values for model ages obtained for the XTC chalcopyrite in this study resulted in an age RM value of 229.3 ± 3.7 Ma at the 95% confidence level (95% conf.). Additionally, Re and 187Os mass fractions of 26.5 ± 1.9 ng g−1 and 63.7 ± 4.7 pg g−1 (95% conf.), respectively, are also reported, providing further information values.
Exploring the lived experiences of Singapore’s “opt‐out” mothers: Introducing “Professional Motherhood”
Authors: Kerrane Ben , Banister Emma , Wijaya Hadi
Published: January 2022

This article explores the experiences of 10 educated middle‐class Singaporean women who act in contrast to the state's neoliberal focus on continuous employment, opting‐out of full‐time professional work to intensively parent their children. Using the theoretical lens of intensive motherhood and a qualitative longitudinal approach, we explore how these women legitimize their position, highlighting a culturally specific performance of motherhood (“Professional Motherhood”). Professional motherhood enrolls elements of former professional identities and skillsets into everyday motherhood, performed through three strategies: positioning, productive, and practicing motherhood. We contribute to existing literature by demonstrating that culturally informed variations of motherhood exist beyond the (largely Western) dominant lens of intensive motherhood ideology. Professional motherhood is experienced as a radical step by women, proving partially successful in legitimizing opt‐out decisions. However, by incorporating and further emphasizing deeply ingrained ideal worker expectations, women risk further upholding the state's competing logics and their obligations as mothers/workers.
A plague on higher education? COVID, Camus and Culture Wars in Australian universities
Authors: Welch Anthony
Published: January 2022

Worldwide, COVID‐19 affected higher education, including finance, and international mobility. But some systems have been more affected than others; notably Anglophone systems that have been a preferred destination for a high proportion of international students. Australia presents a particularly interesting case. Particularly vulnerable to any significant downturn in international enrolments, given its high proportion of international students, and heavy dependence on their fees, the problem was exacerbated by growing US–China tensions, and resultant pressures on Australia and its universities. Culture Wars were also evident in the steadfast refusal of the national government to offer much financial support to the higher education sector, despite clear evidence of need arising from the COVID crisis. Using Culture War as analytic frame, the analysis explains and details these elements, as part of a case study of Australian higher education at a time of crisis. Beginning from an outline of international higher education before COVID, the article analyses key documents, data, and analysis regarding the pandemic, particularly the impact on universities in the face of declining international enrolments. Expected outcomes and impacts are summarised, and reflections are provided on the implications of the changes, for Australian higher education, and society, at least in the short‐term future.
Entrepreneurial higher education institutions: Development of the research and future directions
Authors: Syed Raihan Taqui , Singh Dharmendra , Spicer David
Published: January 2022

Entrepreneurial higher education institutions (HEIs) have gained significant traction, both in theory and practice. The concept has evolved from academic entrepreneurship, which gained prominence in the 1990s, into a more comprehensive notion at institutional level and has been an influencing factor for governmental decisions and the region's economic development. This study seeks to present an overview of the evolution of entrepreneurial HEI research and provide a description of the structures characterizing it. This paper presents an in‐depth examination and analysis of the current state of research and published literature related to entrepreneurial HEIs. A descriptive bibliometric analysis coupled with content analysis is presented, incorporating citations included in Scopus' multi‐disciplinary database over the last 25 years. Two software packages—VOS viewer and Bibliometrix R were employed to probe the research questions and create visualizations of the bibliometric networks. Thematic mapping of the multifaceted research field is illustrated and emerging trends of are identified. Findings suggest that the research on entrepreneurial HEI has been pioneered by USA followed by UK and other European countries. Moreover, the research seems to be fragmented and more focused on only entrepreneurial universities. Future research needs to consider colleges and smaller institutions alongside larger universities. Also, further steps need to be undertaken to encourage and enable cross‐border international collaboration, so as to draw learning together from different national and regional contexts.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of ternary mortars with brick powder, glass powder, slag, fly ash, and limestone
Authors: Tremiño Rosa María , Real‐Herraiz Teresa , Letelier Viviana , Ortega José Marcos
Published: January 2022

The objective of this research is to study the effects produced by ternary binders which combine the addition of waste brick powder with fly ash, limestone, ground granulated blast furnace slag or waste glass powder in the microstructure and mechanical properties of mortars. In these ternary binders, the ordinary Portland cement was partially replaced by 10% of waste brick powder and 10% of another of the abovementioned additions. Mortars prepared with ordinary Portland cement without additions were also prepared. The microstructure was characterized with mercury intrusion porosimetry, electrical resistivity, and thermogravimetric analyses. Ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive and flexural strengths were also determined. Mortars made using ternary binders with two active additions showed higher pore refinement and higher electrical resistivity at 250 days. Furthermore, their compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity were relatively similar or even higher than that noted for reference specimens.
Investigation of intestinal microbiome in chronic spontaneous urticaria patients
Authors: Yüksekal Gülcan , Sevimli Dikicier Bahar , Koku Aydın Büşra , Yılmaz Kerem , Altındiş Mustafa , Köroğlu Mehmet
Published: January 2022

Background

Chronic urticaria is a disorder characterized by itchy erythematous plaques with edema lasting 6 weeks or more. The prevalence is 1%, and two thirds of these cases are “chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).” Drugs, food, infections, and systemic diseases may be etiologic factors for CSU, although it may be idiopathic.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the diversity and distribution of the intestinal microbiome in CSU patients with that of healthy individuals. The hypothesis was to determine the probable association of intestinal microbiome with CSU.

Methods

This study was conducted in Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology. In this study, 20 CSU patients and 10 healthy volunteers were included. Stool samples were collected from all participants. 16S RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed after isolation of DNA isolation from all samples.

Results

Diversity in microorganisms, stool pH averages, Bristol scores, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were the significant changes between the two groups.

Limitations

Due to high cost involved in microbiota studies, only a limited number of patients and volunteers participated.

Conclusion

The alteration in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) may be an essential factor for CSU development and may explain idiopathic cases.
Temperature dependent fracture toughness model for whisker‐reinforced ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Shao Jiaxing , Li Weiguo , Kou Haibo , Deng Yong
Published: January 2022

A temperature dependent fracture toughness model for whisker‐reinforced ceramic matrix composites was developed in this study, which considers the effects of matrix fracture toughness, residual thermal stress, crack bridging, crack deflection, and their temperature dependence. Its predicted results were compared with the fracture toughness of six types of whisker‐reinforced ceramic matrix composites at different temperatures, and good agreement between predicted results and experimental results is obtained. Furthermore, based on this model, we systematically analyzed the effects of the volume fraction and aspect ratio of whisker, Young's modulus of matrix and whisker, thermal expansion coefficient difference, stress‐free temperature, the ratio between the fracture energy of matrix and that of interface, on their temperature dependent fracture toughness for the first time. Finally, insights and suggestions which could help to optimize and improve the composite fracture toughness at different temperatures are provided.
Calcium‐silicate‐hydrates/polycarboxylate ether nanocomposites doped by magnesium: Enhanced stability and accelerating effect on cement hydration
Authors: Zhu Hongwei , Zhang Mai , Zou Fubing , Wang Fazhou , Hu Chuanlin
Published: January 2022

C‐S‐H/PCE (calcium‐silicate‐hydrates/polycarboxylate ether) nanocomposites have a significant accelerating effect on early hydration and early strength development of cementitious materials. In this study, magnesium ions are doped into C‐S‐H/PCE nanocomposites, and it is found that C‐S‐H/PCE nanocomposites doped by appropriate magnesium ions have much better stability. Besides, the accelerating effects of the modified nanocomposites on early cement hydration also get improved. The doped magnesium ions displace calcium ions and promote the absorption of PCE. Moreover, the incorporation of magnesium ions results in two unique morphologies of nanocomposites, that is, globule and gel. The globules are semi‐crystalline similar to C‐S‐H, while the gels are amorphous and have more branched silicate chains.
Qualitative exploration of nurses' experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic using the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory: An interpretive descriptive study
Authors: Turgut Yasemin , Güdül Öz Hatice , Akgün Mehtap , Boz İlkay , Yangın Hatice
Published: January 2022

Aims

To explore nurses' personal, social and professional experiences in COVID‐19 emergency departments and intensive care units based on the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory.

Design

This study used an interpretive qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Open‐ended interviews were conducted between August and November 2020 with 21 nurses using interview questions based on the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory. Data were analysed using steps informed by hermeneutic phenomenology and reported using Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Findings

Data were grouped under five categories with 10 themes based on the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory: ‘antecedents of uncertainty’, ‘appraisal of uncertainty’, ‘coping with uncertainty’, ‘probabilistic thinking’ and ‘formation of a new life perspective’. Nurses reported that they experienced uncertainty about being infected and infecting others with COVID‐19 as well as caring for COVID‐19 patients. Despite the uncertainties related to COVID‐19, nurses were determined to focus on caring for COVID‐19 patients by prioritizing their professional identity and responsibilities. They described feeling motivated by patients' positive feedback, which also increased their professional satisfaction. They realized that caring was therapeutic not only for their patients, but also for them. They experienced empowerment in the care team through active reuse of their prior knowledge and experience and expanded decision‐making roles. They also emphasized that they perceived the COVID‐19 pandemic as a unique experience for their individual and professional growth.

Conclusion

Nurses experienced multiple sources of uncertainty during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To manage uncertainty, they used strategies including focusing on patient care and satisfaction. Additionally, they made sense of their experience by acknowledging individual and professional growth.

Impact

This study has a potential impact to support healthcare policymakers to meet the needs of nurses in possible future pandemics.
Analysis of integrated clinical safety data of tadalafil in patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive medications
Authors: Kloner Robert A. , Kostis John B. , McGraw Thomas P. , Qiu Chunfu , Gupta Alankar
Published: January 2022

This pooled safety analysis assessed the incidence of hypotension‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with concomitant use of tadalafil and antihypertensive medications. Data were pooled from seventy‐two Phase II–IV studies conducted on patients with a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Studies were categorized as either All placebo‐controlled studies or All studies. The incidences of hypotension‐related TEAEs and MACEs were analyzed by indication; by use of concomitant antihypertensive medications; and by the number of concomitant antihypertensive medications. A total of 15 030 and 22 825 patients were included in the analyses for All placebo‐controlled studies and All studies, respectively. In the All placebo‐controlled studies, the incidence of hypotension‐related TEAEs and MACEs was ranging between 0.6–1.5% and 0.0–1.0%, respectively, across all indications. Tadalafil was associated with an increase in hypotension‐related TEAEs only in the ED as‐needed group not receiving any concomitant antihypertensive medications (p‐value = .0070); no significant difference was reported between placebo and tadalafil in the groups of patients receiving ≥1 antihypertensive medication (p‐values ≥ .7386). Similarly, no significant differences (p‐values≥ .2238) were observed in the incidence of MACEs between tadalafil and placebo treatment groups, with or without concomitant use of antihypertensive medications, and across all indication categories. In the All studies group, results were similar. The pooled analysis showed no evidence that taking tadalafil alongside antihypertensive medications increases the risk of hypotension‐related TEAEs or MACEs compared with antihypertensive medications alone.
Is dupilumab effective in adult‐onset atopic dermatitis: Real‐life experience of 16 patients
Authors: Erbağcı Ece , Demirel Öğüt Neslihan , Koç Yıldırım Sema , Hapa Fatma Aslı
Published: January 2022

Background

Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there are few studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety, particularly in the treatment of adult‐onset AD.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the real‐life experience regarding the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of adult‐onset AD.

Methods

This study is a case series in retrospective design. Patients with the diagnosis of adult‐onset AD, using dupilumab at a standard dose for at least 3 months, were included in the study. Demographic and laboratory data of the cases, data regarding to dupilumab treatment, were recorded. The eczema area severity index (EASI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for itch were used to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Results

A total of 16 patients, 6 female and 10 male, were included. The median age was 41 years, the median age of the disease onset was 37.5 years, and the median duration of the disease was 90 months. The median duration of the dupilumab treatment was 10.5 months. The mean percent reduction from baseline in EASI score was 85.8 ± 12.2 at 3 months, 90.7 ± 9.3 at 6 months, and 93.1 ± 5 at 12 months. The mean percent reduction from baseline in VAS itch score was 82.2 ± 8.6 at 3 months. Acute vestibular neuritis was developed in one patient during the dupilumab therapy and resolved with anti‐inflammatory therapy.

Conclusion

Dupilumab seems to be highly effective and safe in the treatment of adult‐onset AD. The present study is important as it is the first study to evaluate this patient group specifically.
Symptom clusters, associated factors and health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A structural equation modelling analysis
Authors: Fei Fei , J Siegert Richard , Zhang Xiaohan , Gao Wei , Koffman Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives

To identify symptom clusters and develop a symptom cluster model among people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

The examination of symptom clusters in COPD patients is an emerging field of scientific inquiry directed towards symptom management. However, no studies have modelled the relationships among symptom clusters, associated factors and health‐related quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional design with convenience sampling following STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Data were collected from 450 COPD participants in three university teaching hospitals. Participants were invited to complete a structured questionnaire comprised of a socio‐demographic/clinical questionnaire, Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale and Clinical Respiratory Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to identify symptom clusters. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the proposed model.

Results

The respiratory related symptom cluster, psychological symptom cluster and cough‐insomnia related symptom cluster were identified. The final model demonstrated a good fit with the data. Gender, stage of disease and monthly income were significant factors associated with symptom clusters. Respiratory related and cough‐insomnia related symptom clusters had a direct negative impact on health‐related quality of life, while the psychological symptom cluster was found to have a direct and indirect negative effect on health‐related quality of life.

Conclusions

Final COPD symptom cluster model should serve as a framework to guide intervention research targeting symptom clusters to improve health‐related quality of life of people living with COPD.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nurses should be especially attuned to identify those at most risk of facing a higher symptom burden in this case those who are female, have advanced stage COPD and/or lower income. During the clinical symptom assessment, nurses should pay attention to the close relationships among symptoms within a cluster to identify any ‘trigger’ symptom that could cause the development or exacerbation of other symptoms.