bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predominant prevalence of Ranavirus in southern Brazil, a region with widespread occurrence of the amphibian chytrid
Authors: Ruggeri J. , Pontes M. R. , Ribeiro L. P. , Gendreau K. L. , Sousa R. L. M. , Toledo L. F.
Published: October 2023

Emerging infectious diseases are a major cause of amphibian declines worldwide. Two of these diseases are amphibian chytridiomycosis caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and a viral disease caused by different ranaviruses (Rv). Whereas Bd is known to be widespread in Brazil, Rv was only recently detected in natural habitats. We therefore investigated the co‐occurrence of Bd and Rv in wild tadpoles in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest from 21 ponds. Because infection by Bd might cause immune suppression in the host, we hypothesized that tadpoles infected with Bd would be more prone to infection with Rv than Bd‐free individuals, hence presenting higher Rv loads. Surprisingly, co‐infection was rare (less than 6% of the sampled specimens), and we did not find evidence that Bd would facilitate Rv infection. On the other hand, we detected Rv in 38% of tadpoles (125 out of 324), representing twice the prevalence of Bd in the same populations. We tested the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on infection by each pathogen on tadpoles, and we detected a positive relationship between forest cover and infection by Rv, whereas no relationship was found for Bd infection. Based on the putatively low rate of co‐infection and high prevalence of Rv in wild anuran populations, we advocate for the inclusion of Rv screening and monitoring in addition to Bd in conservation‐oriented amphibian surveys. Only surveying both diseases will provide a complete picture of amphibian disease‐related declines.
Accumulated funds of knowledge among privileged Maasai: An emphasis on virtues and morals in parenting practices
Authors: Shani Serah
Published: October 2023

Indigenous knowledge systems evolve and sometimes can be repurposed to address the challenges of living in an interconnected world. Despite the impact of globalization and the spread of Western ideas, such knowledge systems can still play a vital role in Indigenous societies. This ethnographic research examines the moral values and virtues college‐educated Maasai parents instill in their children, enabling them to flourish in the global market economy.
The semiochemical push‐and‐pull technique can reduce bark beetle damage in disturbed Norway spruce forests affected by the Vaia storm
Authors: Deganutti Luca , Biscontin Filippo , Bernardinelli Iris , Faccoli Massimo
Published: October 2023

In a 2‐year field study conducted in the South‐Eastern Alps following a large windthrow disturbance, we tested a large‐scale use of a semiochemical push‐and‐pull strategy to protect susceptible Norway spruce edge trees from the European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae).

Slot traps baited with aggregation pheromones (‘pull’) and three repellent semiochemicals (‘push’) were used in both years.

In 2020, 26 windthrown areas were classified into three levels of infestation risk, and each was randomly assigned to one of three experimental protocols: eight push‐and‐pull sites; nine trap‐only sites and nine control sites. In 2021, the trials were repeated in 22 clear‐cuts of infested spruce forests, applying two protocols: 16 push–pull and 6 control sites. Fifty traps and 1500 repellent dispensers were used in 2020, and 26 traps and 1500 repellent dispensers were used in 2021.

The push‐and‐pull technique performed well in post‐windthrow conditions (2020 trials), especially at high infestation risk, with significantly lower damage to forest edges when compared with untreated sites. The use of pheromone‐baited traps alone was not enough to avoid colonization of forest edges, especially in high‐risk sites.

When the push‐and‐pull protocol was applied in clear‐cut areas (2021 trials), the technique was less effective and did not significantly reduce the number of infested trees along the forest edge. Possible interactions with climate conditions are also discussed.
Clinical application of prospective whole‐exome sequencing in the diagnosis of genetic disease: Experience of a regional disease center in South Korea
Authors: Lee Ja Young , Oh Seung‐Hwan , Keum Changwon , Lee Bo Lyun , Chung Woo Yeong
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Next‐generation sequencing helps clinicians diagnose patients with suspected genetic disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the diagnostic yield and clinical utility of prospective whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in rare diseases.

Methods

WES was performed in 92 patients who presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of genetic disorders. The WES data were analyzed using an in‐house developed software. The patients’ phenotypic characteristics were classified according to the human phenotype ontology.

Results

WES detected 64 variants, 13 were classified as pathogenic, 26 as likely pathogenic, and 25 as variants of uncertain significance. In 57 patients with these variants, 30 were identified as causal variants. The diagnostic yield was higher in patients with abnormalities in joint mobility and skin morphology than in those with cerebellar hypoplasia/atrophy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, dysmorphic features/facial dysmorphisms, and chronic kidney disease/abnormal renal morphology.

Conclusion

In this study, a WES‐based variant interpretation system was employed to provide a definitive diagnosis for 28.3% of the patients suspected of having genetic disorders. WES is particularly useful for diagnosing rare diseases with symptoms that affect more than one system, when targeted genetic panels are difficult to employ.
A parametric approach to institutional quality and bank cost inefficiency in diversity context: The case of Italy
Authors: Barra Cristian , Papaccio Anna
Published: October 2023

Effective government rules and regulations, as well as the ability of the regulator to curb corruption and promote voice and accountability, can influence the ability of bank management to allocate resources and ensure high performance. Based on this assumption, we aim to find out whether institutional quality is able to improve bank performance in Italy. To do so, we rely mainly on the diversity of banks, thus capturing the different behaviors of the two main categories, i.e. cooperative and for‐profit banks. Using a parametric method, the results show a clear impact of most dimensions of institutional quality on reducing banks’ cost inefficiency. Some robustness checks, especially regarding the role of market structure, confirm our findings.
LATE‐NC in Alzheimer's disease: Molecular aspects and synergies
Authors: Tomé Sandra O. , Gawor Klara , Thal Dietmar Rudolf
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is classically characterized by senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). However, multiple copathologies can be observed in the AD brain and contribute to the development of cognitive decline. Limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy neuropathological changes (LATE‐NC) accumulates in the majority of AD cases and leads to more severe cognitive decline compared with AD pathology alone. In this review, we focus on the synergistic relationship between LATE‐NC and tau in AD, highlighting the aggravating role of TDP‐43 aggregates on tau pathogenesis and its impact on the clinical picture and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we discuss to what extent the molecular patterns of LATE‐NC in AD differ from frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP‐43 pathology (FTLD‐TDP) neuropathological changes. Thus, we highlight the importance of tau and TDP‐43 synergies for subtyping AD patients, which may respond differently to therapeutic interventions depending on the presence of comorbid LATE‐NC.
Bystander reaction differences between cyberbullying victims and non‐victims among Chinese adolescents: The roles of online and offline social capitals
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Xiao Qiao , Liu Bofan , Lu Zujian
Published: October 2023

The increasing use of social networks makes online interactions more accessible and increases the risks of cyberbullying. There is a lack of research comparing the role of online and offline social capitals in facilitating positive bystander behaviours in cyberbullying. This study aims to investigate the relationships among cyberbullying victimization experiences, social capitals and bystander behaviours among adolescents. A total of 1207 students in grades 7–9 from boarding schools in China were recruited for this study. Multiphase regressions are used to explore the associations of social capitals and bystander behaviours. Results showed that cyberbullying victims reported more frequent residential mobility and less frequent communication with parents compared with non‐victims. Participants with more offline capitals and less online capital reported fewer experiences as cyberbullying victims. Participants' defending bystander reactions were related to more offline social capitals and higher academic achievement. The findings from this study may contribute to our understanding of bystander reactions to cyberbullying and its relationship with online and offline social capitals among boarding school adolescents. The discussion could also provide implications for proactive and individualized intervention to improve online and offline social capitals to cyberbullying bystander behaviours in schools and communities.
How inflammation dictates diabetic peripheral neuropathy: An enlightening review
Authors: Cheng Yifan , Chen Yinuo , Li Kezheng , Liu Shuwei , Pang Chunyang , Gao Lingfei , Xie Jiali , Wenjing L. V. , Yu Huan , Deng Binbin
Published: October 2023

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) constitutes a debilitating complication associated with diabetes. Although, the past decade has seen rapid developments in understanding the complex etiology of DPN, there are no approved therapies that can halt the development of DPN, or target the damaged nerve. Therefore, clarifying the pathogenesis of DPN and finding effective treatment are the crucial issues for the clinical management of DPN.

Aims

This review is aiming to summary the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of DPN, especially the mechanism and application of inflammatory response.

Methods

We systematically summarized the latest studies on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of diabetic neuropathy in PubMed.

Results

In this seminal review, the underappreciated role of immune activation in the progression of DPN is scrutinized. Novel insights into the inflammatory regulatory mechanisms of DPN have been unearthed, illuminating potential therapeutic strategies of notable clinical significance. Additionally, a nuanced examination of DPN's complex etiology, including aberrations in glycemic control and insulin signaling pathways, is presented. Crucially, an emphasis has been placed on translating these novel understandings into tangible clinical interventions to ameliorate patient outcomes.

Conclusions

This review is distinguished by synthesizing cutting‐edge mechanisms linking inflammation to DPN and identifying innovative, inflammation‐targeted therapeutic approaches.
Risk factors associated with the development of chronic suppurative otitis media in children: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Heward Elliot , Saeed Haroon , Bate Sebastian , Rajai Azita , Molloy John , Isba Rachel , Ashcroft Darren M. , Hay Alastair D. , Nichani Jaya R. , Bruce Iain A.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as persistent discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation for greater than 2 weeks. It is associated with a significant disease burden, including hearing loss, and reducing its incidence could significantly improve short‐ and long‐term health. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of CSOM in children.

Design and Setting

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies set in community, primary and secondary care settings, identified from Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases from 2000 to 2022.

Participants

Children 16 years old and below.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical diagnosis of CSOM.

Results

In total, 739 papers were screened, with 12 deemed eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, of which, 10 were included in the meta‐analysis. Risk factors examined included perinatal, patient, dietary, environmental and parental factors. Meta‐analysis results indicate that atopy (RR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.01–1.37], p = .04, 2 studies); and birth weight <2500 g (RR = 1.79 [1.27–2.50], p < .01, 2 studies) are associated with an increased risk of CSOM development. Factors not associated were male sex (RR = 0.96 [0.82–1.13], p = .62, 8 studies); exposure to passive smoking (RR = 1.27 [0.81–2.01], p = .30, 3 studies); and parental history of otitis media (RR = 1.14 [0.59–2.20], p = .69, 2 studies).

Conclusion

Optimal management of risk factors associated with CSOM development will help reduce the burden of disease and prevent disease progression or recurrence. The current quality of evidence in the literature is variable and heterogeneous. Future studies should aim to use standardised classification systems to define risk factors to allow meta‐analysis.
Need for new strategies to improve the recall and avoidance rates of contact allergens: A retrospective cohort study from Turkey
Authors: Özkaya Esen , Keskinkaya Zeynep
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous studies reported a low‐to‐moderate benefit from patch testing regarding allergen recall and avoidance.

Objectives

To determine the allergen recall and avoidance rates of patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in Turkey.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study based on a phone questionnaire of 465 patients diagnosed with ACD from major allergen groups, that is, metals, preservatives, rubber, fragrances (ubiquitous allergens) and hair dye/black henna, topical drug and resins (nonubiquitous allergens), at our tertiary referral centre between 1996 and 2018.

Results

Among 176 responders, allergen groups were remembered better (53.4%) than the individual allergens (36.9%). Age <40 years and keeping the allergy pass had a significantly positive impact on the recall rate of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone and nickel, particularly non‐occupational nickel allergy from metal jewellery in females, respectively. Exacerbations of ACD (56.3%) were mainly due to reexposures to ubiquitous allergens. 42.9% of patients with occupational ACD changed or quit their job, most of them being construction workers and hairdressers, showing a high share (83.3%) of benefit.

Conclusions

The overall rates of allergen recall and avoidance were moderate. New strategies are needed to improve the recall and avoidance rates of contact allergens, such as increased use of allergy pass, smartphone applications and legal precautions.
Development of a nomogram to estimate the risk of community‐acquired pneumonia in adults with acute asthma exacerbations
Authors: Duan Yufan , Nafeisa Dilixiati , Lian Mengyu , Song Jie , Yang Jingjing , Hou Ziliang , Wang Jinxiang
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of acute asthma exacerbations (AEs) with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults and establish a CAP prediction model for hospitalized patients with AEs.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical data from 308 patients admitted to Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, for AEs from December 2017 to August 2021. The patients were divided into CAP and non‐CAP groups based on whether they had CAP. We used the Lasso regression technique and multivariate logistic regression analysis to select optimal predictors. We then developed a predictive nomogram based on the optimal predictors. The bootstrap method was used for internal validation. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to assess the nomogram's discrimination, accuracy, and clinical practicability.

Results

The prevalence of CAP was 21% (65/308) among 308 patients hospitalized for AEs. Independent predictors of CAP in patients hospitalized with an AE (P < 0.05) were C‐reactive protein > 10 mg/L, fibrinogen > 4 g/L, leukocytes > 10 × 109/L, fever, use of systemic corticosteroids before admission, and early‐onset asthma. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.813 (95% CI: 0.753–0.872). The concordance index of internal validation was 0.794. The calibration curve was satisfactorily consistent with the diagonal line. The DCA indicated that the nomogram provided a higher clinical net benefit when the threshold probability of patients was 3% to 89%.

Conclusions

The nomogram performed well in predicting the risk of CAP in hospitalized patients with AEs, thereby providing rapid guidance for clinical decision‐making.
Modified forced expiration technique using expiratory resistance in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Watson Kathryn , Koenig Emma , Bannister Ashleigh , Mayne Virginia , Jacques Angela , Sawyer Abbey , Wood Jamie
Published: October 2023

Background

Participation in airway clearance techniques (ACT) is important to minimise development of irreversible airway obstruction in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and expiratory resistance devices (ERD) are often used as they can improve collateral ventilation and aid in the shearing of mucus from airways. This project looked to identify whether utilising an ERD during a forced expiration technique (FET) improves ease of expectoration, sputum amount and coughing frequency in patients with CF.

Method

Patients with CF admitted for a respiratory exacerbation completed two sessions of 10 cycles of their usual ACT with half of the FET components performed with an ERD, half with FET alone.

Results

EOE, sputum wet weight, cough frequency and patient preference were similar between groups. Improved EOE without the ERD was found in participants who usually use PEP for their ACT regime.

Conclusion

Combining the FET with a PEP mask did not improve EOE and other outcomes in this small study. Investigating the efficacy of this technique within a larger population is warranted.
Hello darkness my old friend: What is wrong with being friends with people with immoral beliefs?
Authors: Wagner Jake
Published: October 2023

Many persons find it intuitive that being friends with someone with immoral beliefs is wrong as such. I contest this claim, instead I argue that there is nothing necessarily wrong with such friendships. In coming to this conclusion I examine a number of arguments, including two of the most notable contributions put forward by Mason (2021) and Isserow (2018), that attempt to elucidate the wrongness involved in such friendships and find they do not successfully do so. I conclude by offering some arguments as to why such friendships are not necessarily wrong.
Understanding motivations and satisfaction with sleep location among co‐sleeping (including bed‐sharing) parents
Authors: D'Souza Levita , Morris Zoe Anna , Borgkvist Ashlee , Blunden Sarah
Published: October 2023

Objective

The study objective was to understand intentions, sleep location preferences, and satisfaction with co‐sleeping (including bed‐sharing) arrangements in an internet‐based sample of self‐identified co‐sleeping parents.

Background

Western‐centric ideologies favor independent, self‐regulated, and consolidated sleep. Safe‐sleep recommendations advise against all forms of parent–child bed‐sharing while promoting room‐sharing. Co‐sleeping including bed‐sharing and room‐sharing is widely practiced globally and rates continue to increase in Western countries. Yet perspectives of co‐sleeping parents remain under‐researched.

Method

A cross‐sectional study design was used to understand co‐sleeping parents' (n = 3,146) intentions, preferences, and satisfaction with co‐sleeping (room‐sharing and bed‐sharing) choices through a survey.

Results

Co‐sleeping practices were nuanced and varied with parents and children transitioning between sleep location and surfaces through the night. Although 64% of parents did not intend to co‐sleep before the birth of their child, 88% preferred the current co‐sleeping location, and 81% indicated satisfaction with it. Parental intention to co‐sleep (including bed‐share) was related to satisfaction with the arrangement. Parents who did not prefer any co‐sleeping arrangement at the current time were likely to be parenting older children. A thematic analysis yielded themes relating to the motivations underlying intent and preference, as well as reluctance and dissatisfaction with co‐sleeping arrangements.

Conclusion

Co‐sleeping including bed‐sharing continues to be practiced by parents in Western countries. Despite a lack of intent to engage with co‐sleeping including bed‐sharing, the majority of the parents in this sample were bed‐sharing with their infants and young children. Parents choose to room‐share and bed‐share for a range of reasons.

Implications

Parents voices highlight the need for safe co‐sleeping including bed‐sharing education. Considerations must be given to parents' perspectives in implementing nighttime infant care practices, including facilitating collaborative discussions with parents to assess and minimize potential risks associated with bed‐sharing.
Extracellular vesicles from cerebrospinal fluid revealed changes in miR‐19a‐3p and miR‐4516 expression in Slovene male suicides
Authors: Šalamon Arčan Iris , Katrašnik Mojca , Kouter Katarina , Zupanc Tomaž , Videtič Paska Alja
Published: October 2023

Suicide is an important public‐health concern, with more than 700,000 people dying by suicide yearly. It is a multifactorial phenomenon, shaped by the effects of sociodemographic, environmental and biological factors. The latter two factors can be linked through epigenetic studies, which examine differences in gene expression that are not due to changes in the DNA sequence itself. Epigenetic mechanisms include micro RNAs (miRNAs), which have a direct effect on already translated mRNA, leading to either decay or translational repression of the target mRNA. MiRNA molecules have been identified as cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) used by cells for long‐distance communication, and pathophysiological changes in miRNA in brain cells may be reflected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) vesicles. In this study we investigated the presence and differential expression of selected miRNAs in EVs from the CSF of male suicide completers and controls. Western blot and nanoparticle tracking analyses confirmed the presence of small and medium sized EVs. Of the miRNA analyzed (miR‐16‐5p, miR‐19a‐3p, miR‐34c‐5p, miR‐17‐5p, miR‐4286, miR‐26b‐5p, miR‐381‐3p, and miR‐4516) miR‐19a‐3p and miR‐4516 reached statistical significance with p‐values of 0.0408 and 0.0168, respectively. Mir‐4516 and miRNA‐19a‐3p have been previously studied in suicide, and target SLC6A4 and TNF‐α expression, correspondingly. Approximately 70% of known miRNAs are expressed in the central nervous system, and therefore represent an important biomarker potential. Investigating the cargo of CFS and blood EVs would further support the identification of miRNAs with clinical use potential.
Water Table Depth Estimates over the Contiguous United States Using a Random Forest Model
Authors: Ma Yueling , Leonarduzzi Elena , Defnet Amy , Melchior Peter , Condon Laura E. , Maxwell Reed M.
Published: October 2023

Water table depth (WTD) has a substantial impact on the connection between groundwater dynamics and land surface processes. Due to the scarcity of WTD observations, physically‐based groundwater models are growing in their ability to map WTD at large scales; however, they are still challenged to represent simulated WTD compared to well observations. In this study, we develop a purely data‐driven approach to estimating WTD at continental scale. We apply a random forest (RF) model to estimate WTD over most of the contiguous United States (CONUS) based on available WTD observations. The estimated WTD are in good agreement with well observations, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.96 (0.81 during testing), a Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.93 (0.65 during testing), and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 6.87 m (15.31 m during testing). The location of each grid cell is rated as the most important feature in estimating WTD over most of the CONUS, which might be a surrogate for spatial information. In addition, the uncertainty of the RF model is quantified using quantile regression forests. High uncertainties are generally associated with locations having a shallow WTD. Our study demonstrates that the RF model can produce reasonable WTD estimates over most of the CONUS, providing an alternative to physics‐based modeling for modeling large‐scale freshwater resources. Since the CONUS covers many different hydrologic regimes, the RF model trained for the CONUS may be transferrable to other regions with a similar hydrologic regime and limited observations.
Plasma calcitonin gene–related peptide and nerve growth factor as headache and pain biomarkers in recently deployed soldiers with and without a recent concussion
Authors: Scher Ann I. , McGinley James S. , VanDam Lyndsey R. , Campbell Amanda M. , Chai Xiyun , Collins Billy , Klimp Scott A. , Finkel Alan G. , Schwab Karen , Lipton Richard B. , Johnson Kirk W.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to characterize the utility of calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) as potential biomarkers for headache and pain disorders in the post–military deployment setting.

Background

The need to improve recognition, assessment, and prognoses of individuals with posttraumatic headache or other pain has increased interest in the potential of CGRP and NGF as biomarkers.

Methods

The Warrior Strong Study (NCT01847040) is an observational longitudinal study of United States–based soldiers who had recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq from 2009 to 2014. The present nested cross‐sectional analysis uses baseline data collected from soldiers returning to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Results

In total, 264 soldiers (mean (standard deviation [SD] age 28.1 [6.4] years, 230/264 [87.1%] men, 171/263 [65.0%] White) were analyzed. Mean (SD) plasma levels of CGRP were 1.3 (1.1) pg/mL and mean levels of NGF were 1.4 (0.4) pg/mL. Age was negatively correlated with NGF (−0.01 pg/mL per year, p = 0.007) but was not associated with CGRP. Men had higher mean (SD) CGRP plasma levels than women (1.4 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.2] vs. 0.9 95% CI [0.5] pg/mL, p < 0.002, Kruskal–Wallis test). CGRP levels were lower in participants who had a headache at the time of the blood draw (1.0 [0.6] pg/mL vs. 1.4 [1.2] pg/mL, p = 0.024). NGF was lower in participants with continuous pain (all types; 1.2 [0.4] vs. 1.4 [0.4] pg/mL, p = 0.027) and was lower in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI) + posttraumatic headache (PTH) versus TBI without PTH (1.3 [0.3] vs. 1.4 [0.4] pg/mL, p = 0.021). Otherwise, CGRP and NGF were not associated with migraine‐like headache, TBI status, or headache burden as measured by the number of medical encounters in crude or adjusted models.

Conclusion

In this exploratory study, plasma levels of NGF and CGRP showed promise as biomarkers for headache and other types of pain. These findings need to be replicated in other cohorts.
Exploring implementation considerations forgeriatric‐HIVclinics: A secondary analysis from a scoping review onHIVmodels of geriatric care
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina Marie , Grosse Anna , Zhabokritsky Alice , Walmsley Sharon L. , Sirisegaram Luxey
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This review aimed to map the current state of knowledge regarding the implementation considerations of existing geriatric‐HIV models of care, to identify areas of further research and to inform the implementation of future geriatric‐HIV interventions that support older adults living with HIV.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review that was methodologically informed by the Arskey and O’Malley's 5 step framework and theoretically informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). A systematic search of six databases was conducted for peer‐reviewed literature. The grey literature was also searched. Article screening was performed in duplicate. Data was extracted for the purpose of this secondary analysis using a data extraction template informed by the CFIR. Data was inductively and deductively analyzed.

Results

In total, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. The models of care described varied in terms of their location and setting, the number and type of care providers involved, the mechanism of patient referral, the type of assessments and interventions performed and the methods of longitudinal patient follow‐up. Four key categories emerged to describe factors that influenced their implementation: care provider buy‐in, patient engagement, mechanisms of communication and collaboration, and available resources.

Conclusions

The findings from this scoping review provide an initial understanding of the key factors to consider when implementing geriatric‐HIV models of care. We recommend health system planners consider mechanisms of communication and collaboration, opportunities for care provider buy‐in, patient engagement and available resources. Future research should explore implementation in more diverse settings to understand the nuances that influence implementation and care delivery.
Evaluation of the combined effects of sodium chloride, potassium sorbate, citric acid, vacuum packaging and refrigerated storage on shelf‐life extension of desalted hake
Authors: Marchetti Marion Daniela , Perez Cenci Marianina , Ameztoy Irene Mabel , Gomez Paula Luisina , Garcia Loredo Analia Belen
Published: October 2023

In this comprehensive investigation, we examined the impact of incorporating sodium chloride, potassium sorbate and citric acid, during the desalting stage to extend the shelf life of desalted hake (Merluccius hubbsi). Compared to the conventional desalting carried out in water, the desalting with the additive assayed significantly reduced total aerobic bacteria counts and extended the shelf life by threefold (from 5.7 to 21.7 days at 4 °C). After 42 days of storage in vacuum packaging, the desalted with additives hake samples showed low levels of volatile nitrogenous compounds and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (21.78 ± 0.56 mg TBVN 100 g−1 and 0.531 ± 0.015 mg MDA kg−1, respectively). Mechanical and colour parameters remained stable, and sensory characteristics (smell, appearance, texture, taste) did not change for 28 days at 4 °C. These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of additives into a meticulously designed three‐stage desalting process enables the production of a ready‐to‐use fishery product with an extended market life under refrigeration.
State ownership and financial statement comparability
Authors: Francis William , Gu Xian , Hasan Iftekhar , Kong Joon Ho
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates how state ownership affects financial reporting practices in China. Using several measures of state (government) ownership, we show that a one‐standard‐deviation increase in state ownership decreases financial statement comparability by 36.61%, and the impact is more pronounced when the central authority has majority control of the company. Moreover, lower earnings quality and lower levels of accounting conservatism among state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) may explain the lower accounting comparability between SOEs and non‐SOEs (NSOEs). Additionally, similar (different) managerial objectives converge (diverge) financial statement comparability between SOEs and NSOEs. Last, the geographical locations of firms also contribute to financial statement comparability. We employ a difference‐in‐differences design, changes regression and entropy balancing to mitigate potential endogeneity bias.
Identification of hub genes in bladder transitional cell carcinoma through ceRNA network construction integrated with gene network analysis
Authors: Wang Hai , Gao Lei , Chen Yin , Zhang Lei , Bai Yu , Zhao Cuiping , Zhang Lifeng , Zuo Li , Sun Heyun
Published: October 2023

Bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC) forms more than 90% of bladder cancer cases. It brings challenges to the early diagnosis and therapy of BTCC, due to lack of efficient screening biomarkers. We used weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) combined competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network construction depending on TCGA datasets to investigate potential hub genes and regulatory pathways associated with occurrence and progression of BTCC. We further used real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to validate the relative expression genes correlated with BTCC. By WGCNA, the gene co‐expression module with 11 genes was found corelated with BTCC tumour stage and prognosis after survival analyses. Ultimately, we put 100 highly stage‐related genes into the above constructed ceRNA network and then constructed another new network. Among them, all elements in AC112721.1/LINC00473/AC128709.1‐hsa‐mir‐195‐RECK and LINC00460‐hsa‐mir‐429‐ZFPM2 axes were simultaneously corelated with overall survival. RT‐PCR showed that AKAP12 was downregulated in tumour tissues. The hub genes screened out in the present study may provide ideals for further treatment on BTCC.
Symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder in early career nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal survey study
Authors: Brook Judy , Duguid Beverley , Miller Naomi
Published: October 2023

Aim

To investigate the mental well‐being of early career nurses working in the United Kingdom during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on symptoms related to post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Design

A longitudinal survey study.

Methods

Data were acquired at three timepoints during the COVID‐19 pandemic (between May 2020 and March 2021) to determine whether symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder persisted over time. Quantitative measures of well‐being were supplemented with survey data on the nurses' experiences of working during the pandemic.

Results

Twenty‐seven per cent of participants suffered from persistent symptoms of post‐traumatic stress while working as nurses during the pandemic. The nurses' baseline resilience, as well as their perception of the quality of their work environment, were significant negative predictors of symptoms of post‐traumatic stress. Participants identified a range of strategies that would have helped them during the crisis, including visible, consistent and empathetic leadership, adequate training and a supportive work environment.

Conclusion

The context of the pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of the psychological well‐being of early career nurses in the workforce. Immediate implementation of some of the more simple interventions suggested in this paper would provide early career nurses with rapid support. More complex support mechanisms should be given immediate consideration, with a view to implementation in the longer term.

Implications for the Profession

This study contributes new knowledge about the psychological well‐being of early career nurses working during the pandemic and suggests support mechanisms that will be crucial for the retention of these nurses in the profession. A measurement of resilience may be useful for determining the appropriate level of support to provide to early career nurses.

Impact

Early career nurses are vulnerable to attrition from the profession. This could be exacerbated if the psychological well‐being of these nurses is not being supported.

Around 25% of early career nurses suffered from persistent symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder while working as nurses during the height of the pandemic, which is a novel finding compared to other longitudinal studies.

Understanding the psychological well‐being of early career nurses working during a crisis period (such as a pandemic) equips nurse managers with appropriate strategies to improve nurses' emotional health and to enhance their retention within the workforce.

The current findings may be of interest to clinical practitioners who have responsibility for the retention of nursing staff.

No patient or public contribution.

One of the authors is a statistician.
Calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion found in the Ivuna CI chondrite: Are CI chondrites a good proxy for the bulk composition of the solar system?
Authors: Frank David R. , Huss Gary R. , Zolensky Michael E. , Nagashima Kazuhide , Le Loan
Published: October 2023

Cosmochemists have relied on CI carbonaceous chondrites as proxies for chemical composition of the non‐volatile elements in the solar system because these meteorites are fine‐grained, chemically homogeneous, and have well‐determined bulk compositions that agree with that of the solar photosphere, within uncertainties. Here we report the discovery of a calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion (CAI) in the Ivuna CI chondrite. CAIs are chemically highly fractionated compared to CI composition, consisting of refractory elements and having textures that either reflect condensation from nebular gas or melting in a nebular environment. The CAI we found is a compact type A CAI with typical 16O‐rich oxygen. However, it shows no evidence of 26Al, which was present when most CAIs formed. Finding a CAI in a CI chondrite raises serious questions about whether CI chondrites are a reliable proxy for the bulk composition of the solar system. Too much CAI material would show up as mismatches between the CI composition and the composition of the solar photosphere. Although small amounts of refractory material have previously been identified in CI chondrites, this material is not abundant enough to significantly perturb the bulk compositions of CI chondrites. The agreement between the composition of the solar photosphere and CI chondrites allows no more than ~0.5 atom% of CAI‐like material to have been added to CI chondrites. As the compositions of CI chondrites, carbonaceous asteroids, and the solar photosphere are better determined, we will be able to reduce the uncertainties in our estimates of the composition of the solar system.
Hydroxychloroquine is effective in oral lichen planus: A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Xie Yulang , Xu Hao , Li Chunlei , Wang Yufeng , Lu Rui , Hua Hong , Tang Guoyao , Zhou Gang , Jin Xin , Shang Qianhui , Dan Pan , Zhang Chengli , Luo Xiaobo , Dan Hongxia , Zeng Xin , Zhou Yu , Chen Qianming
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study was aimed to evaluate the safety and benefit of short‐term application of hydroxychloroquine in the management of atrophic/erosive/ulcerative oral lichen planus (OLP).

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, controlled, evaluator‐blinded, prospective clinical trial was performed from October 1, 2019, to September 1, 2022. A total of 99 patients were randomized to receive systemic use of hydroxychloroquine (n = 50), or topical use of 0.05% dexamethasone (n = 49) for 4 weeks. The response to both treatment modalities was evaluated according to reticulation, hyperemic, and ulceration (RHU) score and visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Results

After 4 weeks of medication, both groups showed substantial reduction in RHU and VAS score (p < 0.05). In hydroxychloroquine group, the average of RHU score was reduced from 10.60 to 7.68 (dropped 27.49%), and the average of VAS score was reduced from 3.74 to 2.47 (dropped 34.09%). There were no differences between the two groups in reduction of RHU score and VAS score (p > 0.05). Single factor analysis found hyperemic area (p = 0.019) and erosive/ulcerative area (p = 0.024) had impacts on drug efficacy of hydroxychloroquine, and logistic regression revealed that no factors (p > 0.05) influenced its efficacy.

Conclusion

These findings indicate hydroxychloroquine is a safe and effective agent in treating atrophic/erosive/ulcerative OLP.
Effects of levetiracetam treatment on autonomic nervous system functions in pediatric epilepsy patients
Authors: Direk Meltem Çobanoğulları , Epcacan Serdar , Özdemir Asena Ayca , Uysal Fahrettin , Okuyaz Çetin
Published: October 2023

Background

This study investigated the effects of levetiracetam (LEV) treatment on cardiac rhythm and heart rate variability.

Methods

The study included two groups of patients diagnosed with non‐lesional epilepsy who had not yet been treated and who presented to the outpatient pediatric neurology clinic at Van Training and Research Hospital, Van, Turkey, between 2019 and 2020. The heart rate variability (HRV) of 47 patients in the first group, before and at the 3rd month of treatment, and intravenous (IV) LEV loading in 13 patients in the second group was evaluated by Holter electrocardiography (ECG).

Results

It was determined that the values of triangular index, standard deviation of the RR intervals over a 24‐hour period (SDNN), standard deviation of all 5‐minute mean RR intervals (SDANN), mean of standard deviations of all normal RR intervals (SDNNI), the percentage of RR intervals with >50‐millisecond variation (PNN50), and the square root of mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD). HRV of 47 patients under LEV treatment significantly increased in the 3rd month of treatment compared to baseline (p < 0.05). No difference was found in HRV between the intravenous loading and the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the sympathovagal balance before treatment in the patient group is in favor of the sympathetic nervous system and that the sympathovagal imbalance improves after treatment. Our results show that LEV monotherapy and loading have no negative effect on HRV and potential cardiac arrhythmia risk in children with epilepsy.
Absolved from the neoliberal burden of responsibility: The effect of populist victim rhetoric on leader support
Authors: Neerdaels Jasper , Tröster Christian , Van Quaquebeke Niels , Licata Laurent
Published: October 2023

A common explanation for the success of populists is that they rhetorically shift blame for their followers' hardships toward “elites,” therefore creating a culpable outgroup. However, we argue that there are two confounded effects at play here: shifting blame toward an outgroup and shifting blame away from oneself. Therefore, we theorize that above and beyond elite blame, victimization rhetoric heightens leader support because it specifically relieves followers of the pressure of having to take responsibility for negative life outcomes, especially when they subscribe to neoliberal competition ideology. Supporting our predictions, we show via a survey that victim rhetoric increases leader support while controlling for elite blame, especially among people subscribing to neoliberal competition ideology. In a subsequent experiment, we replicate the findings causally and show that the effect works by reducing perceived personal responsibility for negative life outcomes. Our results indicate that populist rhetoric involves shifting blame toward others and away from oneself. This can explain some of the conundrums that have plagued the literature, such as why elites also fall for populist rhetoric. We discuss our findings in relation to cultural differences and differences in left‐ versus right‐wing populism.
Understanding non‐normative civil resistance under repression: Evidence from Hong Kong and Chile
Authors: Li Mengyao , Adra Aya , Yuen Samson , Vargas Salfate Salvador , Chan Ka‐Ming , Baumert Anna
Published: October 2023

The present research examined the psychological processes underlying engagement in non‐normative forms of resistance and the role of repression. We conducted two studies in the contexts of two distinct social movements, both characterized by high levels of repression— the Anti‐Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in Hong Kong and the “Chilean Spring” protests of 2019–2020. First, we tested whether non‐normative resistance was motivated by (1) moralization of non‐normative actions (moralization hypothesis), (2) perceived low efficacy of normative actions and lack of hope (nothing‐to‐lose hypothesis), or (3) perceived efficacy of non‐normative actions in achieving movement goals (strategic choice hypothesis). Our results provided converging evidence for the moralization and strategic choice hypotheses, but not the nothing‐to‐lose hypothesis. Furthermore, we proposed and provided evidence for a model of movement escalation, whereby experiences of police violence predicted stronger willingness to engage in future non‐normative actions via heightened motivations for non‐normative resistance and increased risk perceptions. Taken together, these findings illuminate that repression in the form of coercive police violence may be ineffective in quelling social unrest. Rather, it can contribute to the radicalization of protesters. Potential boundary conditions and cross‐contextual generalizability of the current results are discussed.
High positive carbonate carbon isotope excursion identified in the North China Craton: Implications for the Lomagundi–Jatuli Event
Authors: Zhang Shuan‐Hong , Wang Hong‐Yu , Tang Hao‐Shu , Cai Yu‐Hang , Kong Ling‐Hao , Pei Jun‐Ling , Zhang Qi‐Qi , Hu Guo‐Hui , Zhao Yue
Published: October 2023

Records of the Lomagundi–Jatuli Event (LJE) are well preserved globally, but high δ13Ccarb carbonates have not been identified in the North China Craton (NCC). Our results on ~3–4 km thick carbonates from the newly confirmed Palaeoproterozoic successions in Fanhe Basin in the northeastern NCC show that the ~2.20–2.06 Ga carbonates have positive carbon isotope excursion and those deposited after 2.06 Ga have normal carbon isotope. Specially, carbonates from the Daposhan Formation have δ13Ccarb values of 10.2‰–11.8‰, which is the largest positive carbon isotope excursion in the NCC. The ~2.20–2.06 Ga carbonates in Fanhe Basin have similar δ13Ccarb values as those contemporaneously deposited in other cratons and their δ13Ccarb values exhibit a decreasing trend from ~2.20 Ga to 2.06 Ga. Our identification of carbonates with high positive δ13Ccarb values in Fanhe Basin not only casts new lights on records of the LJE in the NCC, but also provides important constraints on global significance of the positive δ13Ccarb excursion of LJE.
Integrating domain knowledge and graph convolutional neural networks to support river network selection
Authors: Yu Huafei , Ai Tinghua , Yang Min , Li Jingzhong , Wang Lu , Gao Aji , Xiao Tianyuan , Zhou Zhe
Published: October 2023

Deep learning is increasingly being used to improve the intelligence of map generalization. Vector‐based map generalization, utilizing deep learning, is an important avenue for research. However, there are three questions: (1) transforming vector data into a deep learning data paradigm; (2) overcoming the limitation of the number of samples; and (3) determining whether existing knowledge can accelerate deep learning. To address these questions, taking river network selection as an example, this study presents a framework integrating hydrological knowledge into graph convolutional neural networks (GCNNs). This framework consists of the following steps: constructing a dual graph of river networks (DG_RN), extracting domain knowledge as node attributes of DG_RN, developing an architecture of GCNNs for the selection, and designing a fine‐tuning rule to refine the GCNN results. Experiments show that our framework outperforms existing machine learning and traditional feature sorting methods using different datasets and achieves good morphological consistency after the selection. Furthermore, these results indicate that DG_RN meets the data paradigm of graph deep learning, and the framework integrating existing characteristics (i.e., Strahler coding, the number of tributaries, the distance between proximity rivers, and upstream drainage area) mitigates the dependence of GCNNs on plenty of samples and enhance its performance.