bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The accountability of ethnographers: the views of Paolo Virno
Authors: Letiche Hugo , De Loo Ivo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Ethnography produces accounts; the critical reflection of accounts produces accountability. Ethnography requires accountability if meaningful conclusions and/or observations are to be made. Accountability requires ethnography if is to address lived experiences. Virno argues that the principles of “languaging” make ethnographies and accountability possible. This papers aims to describe an instance of the circularity of accountability and use this to explore Virno’s insights. Doing this helps us to see the connections between accountability and ethnography, and reflect on the nature of these interconnections.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by Paulo Virno’s philosophy, the authors assert that an ethnographer typically produces an account of a chosen “Other” in which this “Other” is held to account. But at the same time, the ethnographer needs to be held to account by the very same “Other” and by the “Other” of the (research) community. Furthermore, ethnographers are accountable to themselves. All these moments of accountability can endlessly circle, as responsibilization of the researchers by their Other(s) continues. For ethnography to function, this must be tamed as a (research) account ultimately has to be produced for an academic project to be considered complete. Drawing on Virno’s principle of the “negation of the negation” by the “katechon,” by the “katechon,” the authors propose a potentially valuable intervention that would enable ethnography – and by extension, ethnographers – to prosper.

Findings

The authors apply Virno’s philosophical reflections to propose a positive feedback cycle between ethnography and accountability. Virno’s ideation centers on two key concepts: (i) the multitude of social relatedness and (ii) the ontology of the languaging of individuation. Hereby, a positive circle of causality between ethnography and accountability can be realized, whereby the authors can respect but also break the causal circle(s) of ethnography and accountability. This might be achieved via a reflection on Virno’s concept of the “katechon.”

Originality/value

The authors illuminate the accountability–ethnography dynamic, providing an illustration of the circularity of ethnography and accountability and showing how Virno provides us with tools to help us deal with it. Hence, ultimately, the paper focuses on the accountability as ethnographers.
A systematic review of microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort studies in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Hashemi Saghar , Ghaffarianhoseini Amirhosein , Ghaffarianhoseini Ali , Naismith Nicola , Jamei Elmira
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Given the distinct and unique climates in these countries, research conducted in other parts of the world may not be directly applicable. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research tailored to the specific climatic conditions of Australia and New Zealand to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

Given population growth, urban expansions and predicted climate change, researchers should provide a deeper understanding of microclimatic conditions and outdoor thermal comfort in Australia and New Zealand. The study’s objectives can be classified into three categories: (1) to analyze previous research works on urban microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort in Australia and New Zealand; (2) to highlight the gaps in urban microclimate studies and (3) to provide a summary of recommendations for the neglected but critical aspects of urban microclimate.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that, despite the various climate challenges in these countries, there has been limited investigation. According to the selected papers, Melbourne has the highest number of microclimatic studies among various cities. It is a significant area for past researchers to examine people’s thermal perceptions in residential areas during the summer through field measurements and surveys. An obvious gap in previous research is investigating the impacts of various urban contexts on microclimatic conditions through software simulations over the course of a year and considering the predicted future climate changes in these countries.

Originality/value

This paper aims to review existing studies in these countries, provide a foundation for future research, identify research gaps and highlight areas requiring further investigation.
Inclusive education in Portugal: Exploring sentiments, concerns and attitudes of teachers
Authors: Carvalho Marisa , Simó‐Pinatella David , Azevedo Helena , Adam Alcocer Ana Luisa
Published: March 2024

This study examines Portuguese teachers' attitudes towards inclusive education and how teachers' self‐efficacy towards inclusion and other sociodemographic and professional variables relate and predict teachers' attitudes. In total, 539 Portuguese teachers participated. Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education scale, Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to collect data. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards inclusion were generally positive. However, teachers‐related variables (e.g., teachers' self‐efficacy, teaching experience, previous training, and knowledge about educational laws and policies) influence teachers' attitudes in a complex and dynamic way. Implications for policies, practices and research are presented.
Effect of indoor dehydration on the chemical composition of Marselan grapes in Heyang of China
Authors: Chen Qiaomin , Bai Yangyang , Liu Xinyang , Yue Wenxiu , Han Fuliang
Published: March 2024

Marselan is a red wine grape variety with great brewing prospects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postharvest indoor dehydration on the quality of Marselan grapes. For two consecutive years, the harvested grapes were dehydrated naturally indoors (24–28°C). Fresh grapes were used as a control, and dehydrated samples were taken every 7 days during the period of dehydration until ending at day 28. Dehydration treatment increased degrees Brix, reducing sugars, glycerol, and malic acid. On day 7, there was an increase in protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and total tannin of 26.00%–27.73%, 11.43%–52.52%, and 39.74%–70.45%, respectively. With increasing dehydration time, total phenols, total flavonoids and total flavanols in the skins were decreased by 17.05%–38.13%, 24.32%–57.38%, and 17.05%–59.48%, respectively, with an increase in pH, citric acid, and ascorbic acid contents of grape juice by 7.66%–21.43%, 100%–137.50%, and 61.29%–258.82%, respectively. On day 21, the esters were increased by 1.10–1.75 factors. Partial least square–discriminant analysis result of volatile compounds showed that ethyl acetate, 1‐propanol, 1‐propanol, 2‐methyl‐, 1‐hexanol, and 1‐butanol, 3‐methyl‐ were the predominant characteristic flavor compounds during dehydration of Marselan grapes. The effect of indoor dehydration on Marselan grape quality offered application value for China's later dehydration wine production.
Chironomidae‐based inference model for mean July air temperature reconstructions in the eastern Baltic area
Authors: Bakumenko Varvara , Poska Anneli , Płóciennik Mateusz , Gasteviciene Neringa , Kotrys Bartosz , Luoto Tomi P. , Belle Simon , Veski Siim
Published: March 2024

Here we present a new eastern Baltic Chironomidae training set (TS) containing 35 sites that was collected and merged with neighbouring published Finnish (82 lakes) and northern part of the Polish (nine lakes) TSs. Chironomidae, non‐biting midges, are known to be strongly responsive to the July air temperature and are widely used to infer palaeotemperature. Several modern analogue‐based TSs necessary for calibrating the relationships between mean July air temperature (MJAT) and chironomids are available for Europe. However, none of these is representative of the transitional climate typical for eastern Baltic (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). The Finno–Baltic–Polish TS contains 121 sites and covers a geographically continuous 70–50°N latitudinal and 7 °C (12.1–19.2 °C) MJAT gradient. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that, among the tested environmental variables (pH, water depth, dissolved oxygen, MJAT), the MJAT explains the highest amount of variation, both for the eastern Baltic separately and the Finno–Baltic–Polish TSs. The weighted averaging–partial least squares‐based cross‐validation test reveals that the Finno–Baltic–Polish TS has a low root mean square error of prediction (0.7 °C) confirming the high reliability of the TS. The temperature optima of the taxa included in the new Finno–Baltic–Polish TS and widely used Swiss–Norwegian TS were examined. The observed dissimilarities can be attributed to the differences in the temperature ranges represented by the TS, the taxonomic identification level, the general cosmopolitan taxa distribution patterns and the influence of TS‐specific geographic position, climatic or environmental conditions. The new Finno–Baltic–Polish TS adds to the knowledge on the modern distribution of Chironomidae taxa and widens the geographical area of reliable Chironomid‐based MJAT reconstructions into the eastern European lowland.
Astragaloside IV restrains pulmonary fibrosis progression via the circ_0008898/miR‐211‐5p/HMGB1 axis
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhao Limin , Zhang Xueying , Zhao Ruijuan
Published: March 2024

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a fatal lung disease with complicated pathogenesis. Astragaloside IV (ASV) has been discovered to alleviate PF progression, and the potential molecular mechanism of ASV in the development of PF need to be further clarified. Bleomycin (BLM) was used to construct PF in vivo model. Expression levels of circ_0008898, miR‐211‐5p, high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), alpha smooth muscle Actin (α‐SMA) and Collagen I were examined by Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cell survival was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and EdU (5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine) assay. The invasion abilities were investigated by transwell assay. The levels of inflammatory factors were tested via using Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between circ_0008898 or HMGB1 and miR‐211‐5p was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that ASV attenuated BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. In vitro study, ASV alleviated TGF‐β1‐induced fibrogenesis in HFL1 cells. Circ_0008898 was increased in TGF‐β1‐induced HFL1 cells. ASV‐induced impacts were abrogated by circ_0008898 overexpression in TGF‐β1‐induced HFL1 cells. Mechanistically, circ_0008898 competitively bound to miR‐211‐5p to increase the expression of its target HMGB1. MiR‐211‐5p deficiency rescued ASV‐mediated effects in TGF‐β1‐induced HFL1 cells. In addition, HMGB1 overexpression partially overturned circ_0008898 interference‐induced impacts in HFL1 cells upon TGF‐β1 treatment. In conclusion, our work manifested that ASV hindered PF process by mediating the circ_0008898/miR‐211‐5p/HMGB1 network.
Recognizing Alzheimer's disease from perspective of oligodendrocytes: Phenomena or pathogenesis?
Authors: Wang Jingji , Zhen Yilan , Yang Jun , Yang Shaojie , Zhu Guoqi
Published: March 2024

Background

Accumulation of amyloid beta, tau hyperphosphorylation, and microglia activation are the three highly acknowledged pathological factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, oligodendrocytes (OLs) were also widely investigated in the pathogenesis and treatment for AD.

Aims

We aimed to update the regulatory targets of the differentiation and maturation of OLs, and emphasized the key role of OLs in the occurrence and treatment of AD.

Methods

This review first concluded the targets of OL differentiation and maturation with AD pathogenesis, and then advanced the key role of OLs in the pathogenesis of AD based on both clinic and basic experiments. Later, we extensively discussed the possible application of the current progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease.

Results

Molecules involving in OLs’ differentiation or maturation, including various transcriptional factors, cholesterol homeostasis regulators, and microRNAs could also participate in the pathogenesis of AD. Clinical data point towards the impairment of OLs in AD patients. Basic research further supports the central role of OLs in the regulation of AD pathologies. Additionally, classic drugs, including donepezil, edaravone, fluoxetine, and clemastine demonstrate their potential in remedying OL impairment in AD models, and new therapeutics from the perspective of OLs is constantly being developed.

Conclusions

We believe that OL dysfunction is one important pathogenesis of AD. Factors regulating OLs might be biomarkers for early diagnosis and agents stimulating OLs warrant the development of anti‐AD drugs.
Differences in resting‐state brain activity in first‐episode drug‐naïve major depressive disorder patients with and without suicidal ideation
Authors: Cao Ping , Dai Ke , Liu Xianwei , Hu Jun , Jin Zhuma , Xu Shulan , Ren Fangfang
Published: March 2024

Despite altered brain activities being associated with suicidal ideation (SI), the neural correlates of SI in major depressive disorder (MDD) have remained elusive. We enrolled 82 first‐episode drug‐naïve MDD patients including 41 with SI and 41 without SI, as well as 41 healthy controls (HCs). Resting‐state functional and structural MRI data were collected. The measures of fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and grey matter volume (GMV) were calculated and compared. Compared with HCs, patients with SI exhibited increased fALFF values in the right rectus gyrus and left medial superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus and precuneus. Decreased GMV in the right parahippocampal gyrus, insula and middle occipital gyrus and increased GMV in the left superior frontal gyrus were detected in patients with SI. In addition, patients without SI demonstrated increased fALFF values in the right superior frontal gyrus and decreased fALFF values in the right postcentral gyrus. Decreased GMV in the left superior frontal gyrus, right medial superior frontal gyrus, opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, fusiform gyrus and increased left supplementary motor area, superior occipital gyrus, right anterior cingulate gyrus and superior temporal gyrus were revealed in patients with SI. Moreover, in comparison with patients without SI, increased fALFF values were identified in the left precuneus of patients with SI. However, no significant differences were found in GMV between patients with and without SI. These findings might be helpful for finding neuroimaging markers predicting individual suicide risk and detecting targeted brain regions for effective early interventions.
Integrating singular value decomposition with deep learning for enhanced travel time estimation in multimodal freight transportation networks
Authors: Aljanabi Mohanad R. , Borna Keivan , Ghanbari Shamsollah , Obaid Ahmed J.
Published: March 2024

Multimodal freight transport allows switching among various modes of transportation to efficiently utilize transport facilities. A multimodal transport system incorporates geographical scales from global to local. Travel time estimation in a multi‐modal cargo transportation network is essential for enhancing supply chain (SC) and logistics operations. Accurate travel time prediction is of great importance for cargo transportation, as it enables SC participants to increase logistics efficiency and quality. It requires adequate input data, which can be generated. In recent times, the machine learning (ML) algorithm has been well‐suited to resolve complex and nonlinear relationships in the collected tracking data. This study designs a deep learning‐powered travel time estimation in multimodal freight transportation networks (DLTTE‐MFTN) technique. The goal of the DLTTE‐MFTN technique is to estimate the travel time using a hyperparameter‐tuned ensemble learning approach. To achieve this, the DLTTE‐MFTN method initially undergoes data pre‐processing to convert the input raw data into a useful format. In addition, the singular value decomposition (SVD) model can be applied for feature dimensionality reduction in multimodal transport data, considerably improving travel time prediction. Besides, the DLTTE‐MFTN method estimates travel time using an ensemble of three DL approaches including one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1D‐CNN), stacked autoencoder (SAE) attention, and recurrent neural network (RNN). Finally, the hyperparameter tuning of the DL models takes place using the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). The performance analysis of the DLTTE‐MFTN method takes place using the Kaggle dataset. The experimental results stated that the DLTTE‐MFTN technique attains superior performance over other ML and DL models.
Helicobacter pylori enhances HLA‐C expression in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cells AGS and can protect them from the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells
Authors: Apoorva Etikala , Jacob Rini , Rao Desirazu N. , Kumar Santosh
Published: March 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seems to play causative roles in gastric cancers. H. pylori has also been detected in established gastric cancers. How the presence of H. pylori modulates immune response to the cancer is unclear. The cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells, toward infected or malignant cells, is controlled by the repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on their surface. Here, we studied H. pylori‐induced changes in the expression of ligands, of activating and inhibitory receptors of NK cells, in the gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells, and their impacts on NK cell responses. AGS cells lacked or had low surface expression of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC‐I) molecules HLA‐E and HLA‐C—ligands of the major NK cell inhibitory receptors NKG2A and killer‐cell Ig‐like receptor (KIR), respectively. However, AGS cells had high surface expression of ligands of activating receptors DNAM‐1 and CD2, and of the adhesion molecules LFA‐1. Consistently, AGS cells were sensitive to killing by NK cells despite the expression of inhibitory KIR on NK cells. Furthermore, H. pylori enhanced HLA‐C surface expression on AGS cells. H. pylori infection enhanced HLA‐C protein synthesis, which could explain H. pylori‐induced HLA‐C surface expression. H. pylori infection enhanced HLA‐C surface expression also in the hepatoma Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, H. pylori‐induced HLA‐C surface expression on AGS cells promoted inhibition of NK cells by KIR, and thereby protected AGS cells from NK cell cytotoxicity. These results suggest that H. pylori enhances HLA‐C expression in host cells and protects them from the cytotoxic attack of NK cells expressing HLA‐C‐specific inhibitory receptors.
Switching from combination therapy with entecavir hydrate plus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B based on nucleotide sequences of hepatitis B virus pregenome RNA
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Uchida Yoshihito , Kouyama Jun‐Ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Tsuji Shohei , Uemura Hayato , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakayama Nobuaki , Imai Yukinori , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mizuno Suguru , Mochida Satoshi
Published: March 2024

Aim

Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection experiencing viral breakthrough (BTH) or partial response (PR) during lamivudine (LAM) or entecavir hydrate (ETV) administration often took ETV plus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) due to the emergence of a drug‐resistance mutation. However, in patients lacking drug‐resistance mutation against TAF, sufficient antiviral effects may be achievable with TAF monotherapy. We assessed the drug‐resistance profile through nucleotide sequences of HBV pregenome RNA, and subsequently changed to TAF monotherapy from ETV plus TAF.

Methods

This prospective study included 25 patients with serum HBV‐DNA below 20 IU/mL under ETV plus TAF administration. Pregenome RNA nucleotide sequences of HBV in the sera were analyzed using direct sequencing and deep sequencing. ETV was discontinued in patients without rtA194T and rtS106C + rtH126Y + rtD134E + rtL269I quadruple mutations in direct sequencing.

Results

LAM‐PR, LAM‐BTH, ETV‐PR, and ETV‐BTH were observed in 1, 16, 7, and 1 patient(s), respectively. Pregenome RNA nucleotide sequences were analyzable in 20 patients. Among the 12 patients classified as LAM‐BTH, six patients showed rtL180M + rtM204V/I in direct sequencing, and one patient showed minor clones containing rtL180M + rtM204V + A194T in deep sequencing at a frequency of 0.3%. In the six patients classified as ETV‐PR, one patient harbored rtM204I. No clones showing rtS106C + rtH126Y + rtD134E + rtL269I quadruple mutation were detected in deep sequencing. Subsequently, ETV was discontinued, and serum HBV‐DNA remained undetectable up to 48 weeks in all patients.

Conclusion

Patients receiving ETV plus TAF due to partial response or BTH during initial LAM or ETV administration were able to safely transition to TAF monotherapy based on nucleotide sequences of HBV pregenome RNA in the sera.
New fossils of Eocypselus and Primapus from the British London Clay reveal a high taxonomic and ecological diversity of early Eocene swift‐like apodiform birds
Authors: Mayr Gerald , Kitchener Andrew C.
Published: March 2024

We describe new specimens and species of apodiform birds from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton‐on‐the Naze (Essex, UK). In addition to multiple partial skeletons of Eocypselus vincenti Harrison, 1984, three new species of Eocypselus are described as Eocypselus geminus, sp. nov., Eocypselus paulomajor, sp. nov. and Eocypselus grandissimus, sp. nov. The previously unknown quadrate of Eocypselus shares a characteristic derived morphology with the quadrate of the Aegothelidae, Hemiprocnidae and Apodidae, whereas the quadrate of the Trochilidae is very different. We also report a striking disparity of the shapes of the axis vertebra of apodiform birds, which is likely to be of functional significance. Eocypselus and extant Hemiprocnidae and Cypseloidini (Apodidae) exhibit the plesiomorphic morphology, whereas a derived shape characterizes extant Aegothelidae, Apodini and Trochilidae. Furthermore, we describe the first partial skeleton of the earliest aegialornithid species, Primapus lacki Harrison & Walker, 1975, which was previously only known from the humeri of the type series that stem from different sites of the London Clay. The apodiform birds from Walton‐on‐the‐Naze show a considerable taxonomic and ecomorphological diversity, and whereas Eocypselus may have inhabited forest edges and caught insects by sallying flights from perches, Primapus probably was a fast‐flying and more aerial bird.
Volatile sulfur compounds in asthmatic children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional study in breath and saliva
Authors: Buj‐Acosta Cindy , García‐Sanz Verónica , Hakobyan Lusine , Tarazona‐Álvarez Beatriz , Molins‐Legua Carmen , Campins‐Falcó Pilar , Paredes‐Gallardo Vanessa , Tortajada‐Girbés Miguel
Published: March 2024

Background

Halitosis in children implies psychosocial repercussions. Risk factors associated with this condition are unclear, and detection methods are inaccurate.

Aim

To quantify the levels of sulfur‐like compounds in children with asthma and healthy children from a novel validated assay, and to establish the risk factors related to halitosis.

Design

One hundred and twenty‐eight individuals (63 healthy and 65 asthmatic) from 3 to 17 years of age were tested using a passive colorimetric sensor to measure the levels of sulfur‐like compounds in breath and saliva. Information was collected on oral hygiene habits, gingival and dental health, breathing type, and dental malocclusion.

Results

The mean values of hydrogen sulfide were 4.0 ± 6.8 and 19.7 ± 12.2 ppbv (parts per billion in volume) in the control and asthmatic groups, respectively (p < .001). The presence of higher concentrations of sulfur compounds was significantly associated (p < .05) with the presence of gingival inflammation, tongue coating, dental plaque, mouth breathing, hypomineralization, age, tongue brushing, and the use of dental floss.

Conclusion

The level of sulfur in breath and saliva was significantly higher in patients with asthma. These results can serve as a precedent to raise awareness among paediatricians and parents about oral hygiene care in children and adolescents.
Nurses' use of ‘wellness’ supplements during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States
Authors: Turner Samantha L. , Beccia Ariel , Feeny Gwenneth , Raffoul Amanda , Jackson Destiny , Sarda Vishnudas , Rich‐Edwards Janet , Chavarro Jorge , Hart Jaime E. , Austin S. Bryn
Published: March 2024

Aim

Quantify disparities and identify correlates and predictors of ‘wellness’ supplement use among nurses during the first year of the pandemic.

Design

Longitudinal secondary analysis of Nurses' Health Studies 2 and 3 and Growing Up Today Study data.

Methods

Sample included 36,518 total participants, 12,044 of which were nurses, who completed surveys during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic (April 2020 to April 2021). Analyses were conducted in March 2023. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate disparities in ‘wellness’ supplement use between nurses and non‐healthcare workers and, among nurses only, to quantify associations with workplace‐related predictors (occupational discrimination, PPE access, workplace setting) and psychosocial predictors (depression/anxiety, county‐level COVID‐19 mortality). Models included race/ethnicity, gender identity, age and cohort as covariates.

Results

Nurses were significantly more likely to use all types of supplements than non‐healthcare workers. Lacking personal protective equipment and experiencing occupational discrimination were significantly associated with new immune supplement use. Depression increased the risk of using weight loss, energy and immune supplements.

Conclusion

Nurses' disproportionate use of ‘wellness’ supplements during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be related to workplace and psychosocial stressors. Given well‐documented risks of harm from the use of ‘wellness’ supplements, the use of these products by nurses is of concern.

Impact

‘Wellness’ supplements promoting weight loss, increased energy, boosted immunity and cleansing of organs are omnipresent in today's health‐focused culture, though their use has been associated with harm. This is of added concern among nurses given their risk of COVID‐19 infection at work. Our study highlighted the risk factors associated with use of these products (lacking PPE and experiencing occupational discrimination). Findings support prior research suggesting a need for greater public health policy and education around the use of ‘wellness’ supplements.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines were followed throughout manuscript.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was involved.
Nurses' use of an advisory decision support system in ambulance services: A qualitative study
Authors: Fager Cecilia , Rantala Andreas , Svensson Anders , Holmberg Mats , Bremer Anders
Published: March 2024

Aim

To illuminate from the perspective of nurses in ambulance services the experiences of using a web‐based advisory decision support system to assess care needs and refer patients.

Design

Inductive and descriptive approaches.

Method

Thirteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the spring of 2020. The data were analysed through the reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The Swedish web‐based advisory decision support system (ADSS) was found to strengthen nurses' feelings of security when they assess patients' care needs, promote their competence and professional pride, and help them manage stress. However, the system also generated difficulties for nurses to adjust to the dynamic ambulance team and revealed a discrepancy between their professional roles and responsibilities to refer patients and provide self‐care advice. The nurses thought that the support system facilitated their increased participation and helped them understand patients and significant others by offering transparency in assessment and decision making. Thus, the support system provides nurses with an opportunity to strengthen patients' independence through information and education. However, in the care relationship, nurses worked to overcome patients' expectations.

Conclusion

Nurses using the ADSS increased their security while performing assessments and referrals and found new opportunities to provide information and promote understanding of their decisions. However, nursing care values can be threatened when new support systems are introduced, especially as ambulance services become increasingly protocol‐driven.

Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care

These findings have implications for nurses' work environments and help them maintain consistency in making medical assessments and in providing equivalent self‐care advice when referring patients to the different levels of care. The findings will also impact researchers and policymakers who formulate decision support systems.

Reporting Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

None.
SBFI26 induces triple‐negative breast cancer cells ferroptosis via lipid peroxidation
Authors: He Gang , Zhang Yiyuan , Feng Yanjiao , Chen Tangcong , Liu Mei , Zeng Yue , Yin Xiaojing , Qu Shaokui , Huang Lifen , Ke Youqiang , Liang Li , Yan Jun , Liu Wei
Published: March 2024

SBFI26, an inhibitor of FABP5, has been shown to suppress the proliferation and metastasis of tumour cells. However, the underlying mechanism by which SBFI26 induces ferroptosis in breast cancer cells remains largely unknown. Three breast cancer cell lines were treated with SBFI26 and CCK‐8 assessed cytotoxicity. Transcriptome was performed on the Illumina platform and verified by qPCR. Western blot evaluated protein levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD), Fe, glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured. SBFI26 induced cell death time‐ and dose‐dependent, with a more significant inhibitory effect on MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Fer‐1, GSH and Vitamin C attenuated the effects but not erastin. RNA‐Seq analysis revealed that SBFI26 treatment significantly enriched differentially expressed genes related to ferroptosis. Furthermore, SBFI26 increased intracellular MDA, iron ion, and GSSG levels while decreasing T‐SOD, total glutathione (T‐GSH), and GSH levels.SBFI26 dose‐dependently up‐regulates the expression of HMOX1 and ALOX12 at both gene and protein levels, promoting ferroptosis. Similarly, it significantly increases the expression of SAT1, ALOX5, ALOX15, ALOXE3 and CHAC1 that, promoting ferroptosis while downregulating the NFE2L2 gene and protein that inhibit ferroptosis. SBFI26 leads to cellular accumulation of fatty acids, which triggers excess ferrous ions and subsequent lipid peroxidation for inducing ferroptosis.
Relationship between diabetes treatment status and occupational accidents
Authors: Ogasawara Ayana , Nagata Tomohisa , Odagami Kiminori , Nagata Masako , Adi Nuri Purwito , Mori Koji
Published: March 2024

Aims

To evaluate the relationship between diabetes treatment status and occupational accidents.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire survey completed in March 2022 among workers aged 20 years or older. The questionnaire included questions about diabetes treatment status and occupational accidents. The association between the treatment status of diabetes and occupational accidents was examined using a logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study included 25,756 participants with no diabetes, 1,364 participants receiving diabetes treatment, 177 participants who had interrupted diabetes treatment, and 396 participants who needed diabetes treatment but had not seen a doctor. Compared with those with diabetes treatment, the odds ratio of occupational accidents among participants without diabetes was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.32–0.49), the odds ratio among participants with interrupted diabetes treatment was 4.15 (95% CI: 2.86–6.01), and the odds ratio among participants who needed diabetes treatment but had not seen a doctor was 1.25 (95% CI: 0.89–1.77).

Conclusions

This study showed that diabetes treatment status was related to occupational accidents, and it may be important for workers with diabetes to be supported to balance their diabetes management and their work commitments.
The link between the early surgery‐induced inflammatory response and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older patients
Authors: Brattinga Baukje , Plas Matthijs , Spikman Jacoba M. , Rutgers Abraham , de Haan Jacco J. , van der Wal‐Huisman Hanneke , Absalom Anthony R. , Nieuwenhuijs‐Moeke Gertrude J. , van Munster Barbara C. , de Bock Geertruida H. , van Leeuwen Barbara L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in older patients with cancer and is associated with decreased quality of life and increased disability and mortality rates. Systemic inflammation resulting in neuroinflammation is considered important in the pathogenesis of POCD. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the early surgery‐induced inflammatory response and POCD within 3 months after surgery in older cancer patients.

Methods

Patients ≥65 years in need of surgery for a solid tumor were included in a prospective cohort study. Plasma levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐10, and Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured perioperatively. Cognitive performance was assessed preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. POCD was defined as a decline in cognitive test scores of ≥25% on ≥2 of five tests within the different cognitive domains of memory, executive functioning, and information processing speed. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

POCD was observed in 44 (17.7%) of 248 included patients. Age >75, preoperative Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤26 and major surgery were independent significant predictors for POCD. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, no significant associations were shown between the early surgery‐induced inflammatory response and either POCD or decline within the different cognitive domains.

Conclusions

This study shows that one out of six older patients with cancer developed POCD within 3 months after surgery. The early surgery‐induced inflammatory response was neither associated with POCD, nor with decline in the separate cognitive domains. Further research is necessary for better understanding of the complex etiology of POCD.
Local terrestrial biodiversity impacts in life cycle assessment: A case study of sedum roofs in London, UK
Authors: Mason Adam R. , Puchol‐Salort Pepe , Gathorne‐Hardy Alfred , Smith Barbara Maria , Myers Rupert J.
Published: March 2024

Urban development is a key driver of global biodiversity loss. “Green” infrastructure is integrated to offset some impacts of development on ecosystem quality by supporting urban biodiversity, a prominent example being green roofs. The effects of green infrastructures on urban biodiversity are not well understood and poorly included in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Here, we present a novel methodology that quantifies the local impact of green infrastructures on terrestrial biodiversity—demonstrated here for sedum roofs in London, UK—and integrates within LCA. It relates energy provision by plants to the metabolic requirements of animals to determine what species richness (number of species) and species abundance (number of individuals) are supported. We demonstrate this methodology using a case study, comparing the life cycle impact of developing 18 buildings, with either asphalt concrete or sedum roofs, on ecosystem quality. We found the sedum roofs (0.018 km2) support 53 species (673 individuals), equivalent to 1.3% of the development's life cycle impacts on ecosystem quality. Complete offsetting requires considerable reduction in transport use throughout the development's lifetime, and lower environmental impact material selection during construction (contributing 98% and 2%, respectively). The results indicate sedum roofs offer minor impact mitigation capacities in the context of urban development, and this capacity is limited for all green infrastructures by species richness in local species pools. This paper demonstrates the potential and limitations of quantifying terrestrial biodiversity offsets offered by green infrastructures alongside urbanization, and the need for realistic expectations of what role it might play in sustainable urban design.
Moving beyond the magic Indian Trope in Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series
Authors: Schaffer Rachel
Published: March 2024

In films, the Magic Negro is a stock character whose supernatural gifts promote the success of a White protagonist. A character with parallel traits found in a number of mystery series is the Magic Indian, who has supernatural connections and abilities unavailable to others. In his Walt Longmire mysteries, Craig Johnson develops a strong supernatural thread with the agency of Native American characters who can be considered Magic Indians. While Johnson's Magic Indians share similarities with Magic Negroes, they exhibit key differences in the way their spirituality is presented that make them more realistic characters serving an educational function.
Patterns of genetic variation and local adaptation of a native herbivore to a lethal invasive plant
Authors: Ravikanthachari Nitin , Steward Rachel A. , Boggs Carol L.
Published: March 2024

Understanding the evolutionary processes that influence fitness is critical to predicting species' responses to selection. Interactions among evolutionary processes including gene flow, drift and the strength of selection can lead to either local adaptation or maladaptation, especially in heterogenous landscapes. Populations experiencing novel environments or resources are ideal for understanding the mechanisms underlying adaptation or maladaptation, specifically in locally co‐evolved interactions. We used the interaction between a native herbivore that oviposits on a patchily distributed introduced plant that in turn causes significant mortality to the larvae to test for signatures of local adaptation in areas where the two co‐occurred. We used whole‐genome sequencing to explore population structure, patterns of gene flow and signatures of local adaptation. We found signatures of local adaptation in response to the introduced plant in the absence of strong population structure with no genetic differentiation and low genetic variation. Additionally, we found localized allele frequency differences within a single population between habitats with and without the lethal plant, highlighting the effects of strong selection. Finally, we identified that selection was acting on larval ability to feed on the plant rather than on females' ability to avoid oviposition, thus uncovering the specific ontogenetic target of selection. Our work highlights the potential for adaptation to occur in a fine‐grained landscape in the presence of gene flow and low genetic variation.
Evolutionary radiation of the Eurasian Pinus species under pervasive gene flow
Authors: Zhao Wei , Gao Jie , Hall David , Andersson Bea Angelica , Bruxaux Jade , Tomlinson Kyle W. , Drouzas Andreas D. , Suyama Yoshihisa , Wang Xiao‐Ru
Published: March 2024

Evolutionary radiation, a pivotal aspect of macroevolution, offers valuable insights into evolutionary processes. The genus Pinus is the largest genus in conifers with 90% of the extant species emerged in the Miocene, which signifies a case of rapid diversification. Despite this remarkable history, our understanding of the mechanisms driving radiation within this expansive genus has remained limited.

Using exome capture sequencing and a fossil‐calibrated phylogeny, we investigated the divergence history, niche diversification, and introgression among 13 closely related Eurasian species spanning climate zones from the tropics to the boreal Arctic.

We detected complex introgression among lineages in subsection Pinus at all stages of the phylogeny. Despite this widespread gene exchange, each species maintained its genetic identity and showed clear niche differentiation. Demographic analysis unveiled distinct population histories among these species, which further influenced the nucleotide diversity and efficacy of purifying and positive selection in each species.

Our findings suggest that radiation in the Eurasian pines was likely fueled by interspecific recombination and further reinforced by their adaptation to distinct environments. Our study highlights the constraints and opportunities for evolutionary change, and the expectations of future adaptation in response to environmental changes in different lineages.
Using multivariate pattern analysis to increase effect sizes for event‐related potential analyses
Authors: Carrasco Carlos Daniel , Bahle Brett , Simmons Aaron Matthew , Luck Steven J.
Published: March 2024

Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) approaches can be applied to the topographic distribution of event‐related potential (ERP) signals to “decode” subtly different stimulus classes, such as different faces or different orientations. These approaches are extremely sensitive, and it seems possible that they could also be used to increase effect sizes and statistical power in traditional paradigms that ask whether an ERP component differs in amplitude across conditions. To assess this possibility, we leveraged the open‐source ERP CORE data set and compared the effect sizes resulting from conventional univariate analyses of mean amplitude with two MVPA approaches (support vector machine decoding and the cross‐validated Mahalanobis distance, both of which are easy to compute using open‐source software). We assessed these approaches across seven widely studied ERP components (N170, N400, N2pc, P3b, lateral readiness potential, error related negativity, and mismatch negativity). Across all components, we found that multivariate approaches yielded effect sizes that were as large or larger than the effect sizes produced by univariate approaches. These results indicate that researchers could obtain larger effect sizes, and therefore greater statistical power, by using multivariate analysis of topographic voltage patterns instead of traditional univariate analyses in many ERP studies.
Individual distribution of muscle hypertrophy among hamstring muscle heads: Adding muscle volume where you need is not so simple
Authors: Frouin A. , Le Sant G. , Barbier L. , Jacquemin E. , McNair P. J. , Ellis R. , Nordez A. , Lacourpaille L.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether a 9‐week resistance training program based on high load (HL) versus low load combined with blood flow restriction (LL‐BFR) induced a similar (i) distribution of muscle hypertrophy among hamstring heads (semimembranosus, SM; semitendinosus, ST; and biceps femoris long head, BF) and (ii) magnitude of tendon hypertrophy of ST, using a parallel randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 45 participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: HL, LL‐BFR, and control (CON). Both HL and LL‐BFR performed a 9‐week resistance training program composed of seated leg curl and stiff‐leg deadlift exercises. Freehand 3D ultrasound was used to assess the changes in muscle and tendon volume.

Results

The increase in ST volume was greater in HL (26.5 ± 25.5%) compared to CON (p = 0.004). No difference was found between CON and LL‐BFR for the ST muscle volume (p = 0.627). The change in SM muscle volume was greater for LL‐BFR (21.6 ± 27.8%) compared to CON (p = 0.025). No difference was found between HL and CON for the SM muscle volume (p = 0.178).There was no change in BF muscle volume in LL‐BFR (14.0 ± 16.5%; p = 0.436) compared to CON group. No difference was found between HL and CON for the BF muscle volume (p = 1.0). Regarding ST tendon volume, we did not report an effect of training regimens (p = 0.411).

Conclusion

These results provide evidence that the HL program induced a selective hypertrophy of the ST while LL‐BFR induced hypertrophy of SM. The magnitude of the selective hypertrophy observed within each group varied greatly between individuals. This finding suggests that it is very difficult to early determine the location of the hypertrophy among a muscle group.
Respiratory support in the emergency department: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: O'Donnell Jane , Pirret Alison , Hoare Karen , Fenn Rebecca , McDonald Elissa
Published: March 2024

Background

An estimated 20% of emergency department (ED) patients require respiratory support (RS). Evidence suggests that nasal high flow (NHF) reduces RS need.

Aims

This review compared NHF to conventional oxygen therapy (COT) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in adult ED patients.

Method

The systematic review (SR) and meta‐analysis (MA) methods reflect the Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NHF to COT or NIV use in the ED. Three summary estimates were reported: (1) need to escalate care, (2) mortality, and (3) adverse events (AEs).

Results

This SR and MA included 18 RCTs (n = 1874 participants). Two of the five MA conclusions were statistically significant. Compared with COT, NHF reduced the risk of escalation by 45% (RR 0.55; 95% CI [0.33, 0.92], p = .02, NNT = 32); however, no statistically significant differences in risk of mortality (RR 1.02; 95% CI [0.68, 1.54]; p = .91) and AE (RR 0.98; 95% CI [0.61, 1.59]; p = .94) outcomes were found. Compared with NIV, NHF increased the risk of escalation by 60% (RR 1.60; 95% CI [1.10, 2.33]; p = .01); mortality risk was not statistically significant (RR 1.23, 95% CI [0.78, 1.95]; p = .37).

Linking Evidence to Action

Evidence‐based decision‐making regarding RS in the ED is challenging. ED clinicians have at times had to rely on non‐ED evidence to support their practice. Compared with COT, NHF was seen to be superior and reduced the risk of escalation. Conversely, for this same outcome, NIV was superior to NHF. However, substantial clinical heterogeneity was seen in the NIV delivered. Research considering NHF versus NIV is needed. COVID‐19 has exposed the research gaps and slowed the progress of ED research.
Análisis de estudios empíricos sobre el efecto de las NIIF en el costo de capital propio
Authors: García Carrillo Jorge Fernando , Laverde Sarmiento Miguel Ángel , Lezama Palomin Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

El objetivo del artículo consiste en correlacionar los resultados de investigaciones empíricas que miden el impacto de la adopción de las NIIF sobre el costo de capital propio a partir de un estudio exploratorio de tipo cualitativo, donde por medio de una matriz de recolección se revisaron 22 artículos de revistas indexadas y se sintetizó la información asociada a los modelos econométricos, el periodo de publicación y análisis, los efectos por región, las variables empleadas, las recomendaciones y limitantes de las investigaciones. Se identifica que a nivel general el efecto de las NIIF presenta una disminución sobre el costo de capital, sobre todo Europa y Asia, pero debe ser considerado como un resultado a corto plazo. Por otra parte, los hallazgos en empresas de países latinoamericanos señalan que no existe una incidencia sobre el indicador estudiado al cambiar de estándar contable, fenómeno que puede ser generado por el tiempo lo reciente de su aplicación. Se concluye que existen factores que no han sido considerados en las mediciones como son la infraestructura institucional y la cultura nacional, por lo que se recomienda seleccionar la muestra acorde con unas características similares y adicionalmente, controlar variables macroeconómicas y unificar criterios de las variables e indicadores financieros.