bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the signals that control catabolite repression in Pseudomonas?
Authors: Moreno Renata , Rojo Fernando
Published: January 2024

Metabolically versatile bacteria exhibit a global regulatory response known as carbon catabolite repression (CCR), which prioritizes some carbon sources over others when all are present in sufficient amounts. This optimizes growth by distributing metabolite fluxes, but can restrict yields in biotechnological applications. The molecular mechanisms and preferred substrates for CCR vary between bacterial groups. Escherichia coli prioritizes glucose whereas Pseudomonas sp. prefer certain organic acids or amino acids. A significant issue in understanding (and potentially bypassing) CCR is the lack of information about the signals that trigger this regulatory response. In E. coli, several key compounds act as flux sensors, governing the flow of metabolites through catabolic pathways and preventing imbalances. These flux sensors can also modulate the CCR response. It has been suggested that the order of substrate preference is determined by carbon uptake flux rather than substrate identity. For Pseudomonas, much less information is available, as the signals that induce CCR are poorly understood. This article briefly discusses the available evidence on the signals that trigger CCR and the questions that remain to be answered in Pseudomonas.
A new index to estimate ecological generalisation in consumer‐resource interactions
Authors: Montoya‐Bustamante Sebastián , Dormann Carsten F. , Krasnov Boris R. , Mello Marco A. R.
Published: January 2024

Generalisation and specialisation in species‐species interactions are key ecological concepts for interpreting the different interaction patterns observed in nature. Hence, finding the best way to operationalise them has been a major quest in Ecology. This quest has led to considerable conceptual development, and now the observed interaction pattern of a species is assumed to be a combination of three factors: its degree of generalisation, abundance‐driven neutral effects, and sampling effects. Here, we aimed to assess the influence of these factors on the performance of previously proposed indices of generalisation.

To do so, we used simulated data that allowed us to separate and analyse independently the influence of each factor.

Our assessment shows that the estimates made by most traditional indices are affected by differences in resource abundance distribution, leading to over‐ or underestimation of how generalised a consumer is. To solve this problem, we propose a new index that remains unaffected by neutral effects and is robust to sampling effects.

Our new index may help to understand what interacting species require to keep viable populations and how they might respond to changes in resource availability.
Senolytic treatment alleviates doxorubicin‐induced chemobrain
Authors: Budamagunta Vivekananda , Kumar Ashok , Rani Asha , Manohar Sindhu Sahana , Yang Yang , Zhou Daohong , Foster Thomas C.
Published: January 2024

Doxorubicin (Dox), a widely used treatment for cancer, can result in chemotherapy‐induced cognitive impairments (chemobrain). Chemobrain is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress similar to aging. As such, Dox treatment has also been used as a model of aging. However, it is unclear if Dox induces brain changes similar to that observed during aging since Dox does not readily enter the brain. Rather, the mechanism for chemobrain likely involves the induction of peripheral cellular senescence and the release of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors and these SASP factors can enter the brain to disrupt cognition. We examined the effect of Dox on peripheral and brain markers of aging and cognition. In addition, we employed the senolytic, ABT‐263, which also has limited access to the brain. The results indicate that plasma SASP factors enter the brain, activating microglia, increasing oxidative stress, and altering gene transcription. In turn, the synaptic function required for memory was reduced in response to altered redox signaling. ABT‐263 prevented or limited most of the Dox‐induced effects. The results emphasize a link between cognitive decline and the release of SASP factors from peripheral senescent cells and indicate some differences as well as similarities between advanced age and Dox treatment.
Neural correlates of drinking reduction during a clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Naqvi Nasir H. , Srivastava A. Benjamin , Sanchez‐Peña Juan , Lee Jessica K. , Drysdale Andrew T. , Mariani John J. , Ochsner Kevin N. , Morgenstern Jon , Patel Gaurav H. , Levin Frances R.
Published: January 2024

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). We hypothesized that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region implicated in cognitive control and goal‐directed behavior, plays a role in behavior change during CBT by facilitating the regulation of craving (ROC).

Methods

Treatment‐seeking participants with AUD (N = 22) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning both before and after a 12‐week, single‐arm trial of CBT, using an ROC task that was previously shown to engage the DLPFC.

Results

We found that both the percentage of heavy drinking days (PHDD) and the overall self‐reported alcohol craving measured during the ROC task were significantly reduced from pre‐ to post‐CBT. However, we did not find significant changes over time in either the ability to regulate craving or regulation‐related activity in any brain region. We found a significant 3‐way interaction between the effects of cue‐induced craving, cue‐induced brain activity and timepoint of assessment (pre‐ or post‐CBT) on PHDD in the left DLPFC. Follow‐up analysis showed that cue‐induced craving was associated with cue‐induced activity in the left DLPFC among participants who ceased heavy drinking during CBT, both at pre‐CBT and post‐CBT timepoints. No such associations were present at either timepoint among participants who continued to drink heavily.

Conclusions

These results suggest that patients in whom DLPFC functioning is more strongly related to cue‐induced craving may preferentially respond to CBT.
Effects of liberalising visiting policy and staff education on parental visiting duration in the neonatal unit
Authors: Schuler Rahel , Frodermann Tina , Waitz Markus , Hahn Andreas , Ehrhardt Harald , Neubauer Bernd A. , Mihatsch Walter A.
Published: January 2024

Aim

The effect of different neonatal unit access hour policies on parental visiting duration is unknown. Therefore, we analysed the effects of access hours policies and parental education on parental visiting duration.

Method

This prospective longitudinal cohort study was carried out in a level III neonatal unit from October 2020 to May 2022. Three cohorts were compared. The baseline cohort included 51 preterm infants with restricted visiting hours (October 2020 to May 2021). Cohort 1 comprised 35 preterm infants after liberalisation of visiting hours (June 2021 to November 2021). Cohort 2 consisted of 26 preterm infants after an educational program was implemented (December 2021 to May 2022). The primary outcome was the mean daily parental visiting duration.

Results

Mean maternal visiting duration was 172 (standard deviation, SD ± 49.2), 195 (SD ± 64.4.), and 258 (SD ± 71.1) minutes/day at baseline and in cohorts 1 and 2 (significant increase from baseline and cohort 1 to cohort 2, p < 0.001). Mean paternal visiting duration did not change significantly across the cohorts: 133 (SD ± 47.2), 135 (SD ± 83.5), and 165 (SD ± 71.3) minutes/day.

Conclusion

Liberalisation of access hours did not increase parental visiting duration. Parental and staff education significantly increased maternal but not paternal visiting duration.
Observational studies to emulate randomized trials: Some real‐world barriers
Authors: Suissa Samy
Published: January 2024

The randomized controlled trial (RCT) forms the basis for drug approval by regulatory agencies. Observational studies using existing data from healthcare databases now also provide real‐world evidence (RWE) in regulatory decision‐making. Several initiatives are assessing the value of RWE by conducting observational studies that emulate published RCTs. While many RCTs are straightforward to emulate, others are challenging. We describe three RCT design aspects that pose challenges for observational studies. First are trials that enrol already treated subjects who must discontinue these treatments at the time of randomization, which can distort the comparison with observational studies. Second is the inclusion of a run‐in phase, especially to exclude non‐compliant subjects from the trial. Third are trials that evaluate the effect of weaning off treatment. In conclusion, future randomized trials that aim to be emulated by observational studies could consider study designs that allow emulation and thus provide valid and complementary RWE.
Therapy with hypomethlyating agents/venetoclax in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia requiring admission to the intensive care unit: Possible reduction in side effects with preserved efficacy
Authors: Fiedler Walter
Published: January 2024

Patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia and severe acute complications, such as respiratory failure or sepsis, suffer from a high mortality rate when induction chemotherapy is delivered in an ICU setting. The report by Liang et al. implies that less intensive therapy with hypomethylating agents/venetoclax results in a lower mortality and morbidity rate whereby preserving efficacy in this patient group.

Commentary on: Liang et al. Venetoclax and hypomethylating agents in critically ill patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1219‐1226.
An investigation of computer‐game addiction, physical activity level, quality of life and sleep of children with a sibling with a chronic condition
Authors: Bezgin Sabiha , Özkaya Yunus , Akbaş Yılmaz , Elbasan Bülent
Published: January 2024

Background

It is known that chronic condition also affects siblings without chronic illness. Healthy siblings of children with a chronic condition and aged 9–14 years and healthy children with a sibling without chronic illness and their parents were included in the study.

Aim

The aim of our study was to examine the internet‐game addiction, physical activity, quality of life and sleep in children with a sibling with chronic condition and compare them with their peers with a healthy sibling.

Methods

Computer game addiction, physical activity, sleep quality and quality of life were evaluated respectively by Computer Game Addiction Scale for Children, Child Physical Activity Questionnaire, Children's Sleep Disorder Scale and Children's Quality of Life Scale.

Results

While the mean age of 75 children with chronically ill siblings was 10.65 ± 1.59 years, the mean age of 75 healthy children with healthy siblings was 10.46 ± 2.09 years. It was observed that children with a sibling with a chronic condition were more tend to computer‐game addiction, had lower sleep quality, lower quality of life in terms of school functionality and psychosocial health compared to children with a healthy sibling (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It was revealed that in families with children with a chronic condition, siblings with no health problems should also be evaluated in psychosocial terms and supported by appropriate approaches, such as to increase the level of physical activity.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound is a useful adjunct tool to a clinician's assessment in the evaluation of severe hyponatraemia
Authors: Rahman Latif R. , Melson Eka , Alousi Salam Al , Sardar Muhammad , Levy Miles J. , Shafiq Shahriar , Rahman Faizanur , Coats Tim , Reddy Narendra L.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disorder in inpatients resulting mainly from an imbalance in water homeostasis. Intravascular fluid status assessment is pivotal but is often challenging given multimorbidity, polypharmacy and diuretics use. We evaluated the utility of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) as an adjunct tool to standard practice for fluid assessment in severe hyponatraemia patients.

Methods

Patients presenting with severe hyponatremia (Serum Sodium [Na] < 120 mmol/L; Normal range: 135−145 mol/L), managed by standard care were included. Hyponatraemia biochemistry work‐up and POCUS examination were undertaken. Both clinician and POCUS independently assigned one of the three fluid status groups of hypovolaemia, hypervolaemia or euvolaemia. The final diagnosis of three fluid status groups at admission was made at the time of discharge by retrospective case review. Clinician's (standard of care) and POCUS fluid assessments were compared to that of the final diagnosis at the time of discharge.

Results

n = 19 patients were included. Median Na on admission was 113 mmol/L (109‐116), improved to 129 ± 3 mmol/L on discharge. POCUS showed the higher degree of agreement with the final diagnosis (84%; n = 16/19), followed by the clinician (63%; n = 12/19). A trend towards higher accuracy of POCUS compared to clinician assessment of fluid status was noted (84% vs. 63%, p = 0.1611). Biochemistry was unreliable in 58% (n = 11/19) likely due to renal failure, polypharmacy or diuretic use. Inappropriate emergency fluid management was undertaken in 37% (n = 7/19) of cases based on initial clinician assessment. Thirst symptom correlated to hypovolaemia in 80% (4/5) cases.

Conclusion

As subjective clinical and biochemistry assessments of fluid status are often unreliable due to co‐morbidities and concurrent use of medications, POCUS can be a rapid objective diagnostic tool to assess fluid status in patients with severe hyponatraemia, to guide accurate emergency fluid management.
Prefabricated CAD‐CAM scaffolds for management of oro‐antral communication: A case report and histological analysis
Authors: Helal Mohamed H. , Ali Ahmed N. , Ghoraba Sahar F. , Aboushelib Moustafa N.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Oro‐control communication is one of the complications associated with dental extraction and oral surgeries. This case report presents a minimally invasive surgical approach for bone regeneration at the site of oro‐antral communication utilizing a prefabricated computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) allogenic bone block.

Methods

A 20‐year‐old healthy female, nonsmoker, with a badly destructed upper right first molar was referred for dental implant placement after extraction. Cone beam computerized tomography images revealed the presence of a large bone defect associated with oro‐antral communication with the maxillary sinus and insufficient bone for dental implant placement. A prefabricated CAD‐CAM allogenic bone scaffold was fabricated. After surgical exposure, the scaffold was secured in place and covered with a non‐resorbable membrane. A dental implant was placed after 5 months, and a trephining biopsy was processed for histological evaluation.

Results

Closure of the oro‐antral communication was clinically observed. The average width of the alveolar bone was 12 mm, and the average height was 11 mm. Histological analysis at 5‐month intervals showed thin newly formed bone trabeculae encircling remnants of graft material surrounded by osteoid tissue. The newly formed bone percentages were 32 ± 18% and 28 ± 17% volume remained after the biodegradation of the scaffold. Specific immune‐histochemical staining by anti‐vascular epithelial growth factor expression index value was 32.06%.

Conclusions

A prefabricated CAD‐CAM scaffold was successfully used to seal a large oro‐antral communication and regenerate sufficient bone to place a dental implant.
JAK2V617F drives gut microbiota differences in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Eickhardt‐Dalbøge Christina Schjellerup , Nielsen Henrik V. , Fuursted Kurt , Stensvold Christen Rune , Andersen Lee O' Brien , Lilje Berit , Larsen Morten Kranker , Kjær Lasse , Christensen Sarah Friis , Knudsen Trine Alma , Skov Vibe , Sørensen Anders Lindholm , Ellervik Christina , Olsen Lars Rønn , Christensen Jens Jørgen Elmer , Nielsen Xiaohui Chen , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Ingham Anna Cäcilia
Published: January 2024

Background

Essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (MF) are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Inflammation is involved in the initiation, progression, and symptomology of the diseases. The gut microbiota impacts the immune system, infection control, and steady‐state hematopoiesis.

Methods

We analyzed the gut microbiota of 227 MPN patients and healthy controls (HCs) using next‐generation sequencing. We expanded our previous results in PV and ET patients with additional PV, pre‐MF, and MF patients which allowed us to compare MPN patients collectively, MPN sub‐diagnoses, and MPN mutations (separately and combined) vs. HCs (N = 42) and compare within MPN sub‐diagnoses and MPN mutation.

Results

MPN patients had a higher observed richness (median, 245 [range, 49–659]) compared with HCs (191.5 [range, 111–300; p = .003]) and a lower relative abundance of taxa within the Firmicutes phylum; for example, Faecalibacterium (6% vs. 14%, p < .001). The microbiota of CALR‐positive patients (N = 30) resembled that of HCs more than that of patients with JAK2V617F (N = 177). In JAK2V617F‐positive patients, only minor differences in the gut microbiota were observed between MPN sub‐diagnoses, illustrating the importance of this mutation.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota in MPN patients differs from HCs and is driven by JAK2V617F, whereas the gut microbiota in CALR patients resembles HCs more.
Global patterns and drivers of plant–soil microbe interactions
Authors: Jiang Feng , Bennett Jonathan A. , Crawford Kerri M. , Heinze Johannes , Pu Xucai , Luo Ao , Wang Zhiheng
Published: January 2024

Plant–soil feedback (PSF) is an important mechanism determining plant community dynamics and structure. Understanding the geographic patterns and drivers of PSF is essential for understanding the mechanisms underlying geographic plant diversity patterns. We compiled a large dataset containing 5969 observations of PSF from 202 studies to demonstrate the global patterns and drivers of PSF for woody and non‐woody species. Overall, PSF was negative on average and was influenced by plant attributes and environmental settings. Woody species PSFs did not vary with latitude, but non‐woody PSFs were more negative at higher latitudes. PSF was consistently more positive with increasing aridity for both woody and non‐woody species, likely due to increased mutualistic microbes relative to soil‐borne pathogens. These findings were consistent between field and greenhouse experiments, suggesting that PSF variation can be driven by soil legacies from climates. Our findings call for caution to use PSF as an explanation of the latitudinal diversity gradient and highlight that aridity can influence plant community dynamics and structure across broad scales through mediating plant–soil microbe interactions.
Not all child‐to‐parent violence is the same: A person‐based analysis using the function of aggression
Authors: Harries Travis , Curtis Ashlee , Skvarc David , Benstead Michelle , Walker Arlene , Mayshak Richelle
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore a typology of dyads experiencing child‐to‐parent violence (CPV) using the function of CPV (i.e., its motivation).

Background

CPV may be motivated by reactive (i.e., retaliatory), proactive (i.e., instrumental), or affective (i.e., primarily emotional) functions, which may co‐occur intraindividually; however, their co‐occurrence pattern is not fully understood.

Method

This study included 252 participants aged 27 to 78 years (M = 45.92, SD = 8.33; 96% female) who were caregivers of a young person aged 5 to 24 years (M = 13.18, SD = 4.86) and completed an online survey measuring the form and function of CPV and a range of child, parent, and dyadic factors. The majority of dyads were mother–child.

Results

Latent profile analysis revealed two distinct types of dyads: High‐proactive dyads reported severe, highly reactive and proactive CPV compared with low‐proactive dyads in which proactive CPV was rare and reactive CPV was uncommon. Rates of affective CPV were similar across types. Analysis of variance demonstrated that high‐ and low‐proactive dyads significantly differed across intervention‐relevant parent, child, and dyadic factors.

Conclusion

High‐proactive dyads exhibited role reversal and spousification (i.e., parental conflict spill‐over) in which caregivers were helpless, frightened, and frightening, and the young person possessed domineering traits. Low‐proactive dyads were characterized by a comparatively in‐control caregiver who exhibited intrusiveness and higher supervision and a young person who was comparatively less domineering.

Implications

Different types of dyads experiencing CPV may have unique intervention needs.
Comparison of the effectiveness of Morus alba and chlorhexidine gels as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on stage II periodontitis – A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gunjal Shilpa , Hampiholi Vinuta , Ankola Anil V. , Pateel Deepak Gowda Sadashivappa
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess and compare the effect of Morus alba and chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in treating stage II periodontitis.

Methods

A single‐blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 180 patients with stage II periodontitis who received full‐mouth SRP. They were randomly assigned to receive chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) gel, Morus alba (MA) and placebo gel for Groups A, B and C, respectively, at the baseline, 15 days and 30 days. Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and quantitative analysis (culture) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were assessed at baseline and 45 days. Analysis of variance was used to compare the significant difference in PI, GI, PPD and microbiological parameters between the three groups after the intervention, followed by post hoc Mann–Whitney U and Tukey's HSD test for clinical and microbiological parameters, respectively.

Results

Intergroup comparison of the PI, GI and microbiological parameters between the MA and CHX groups at the end of 45 days did not show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05), whereas a statistically significant difference was observed for PPD between MA and CHX groups with the mean difference of 0.18 mm (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Morus alba gel was found to be effective in decreasing PPD. However, there was no difference between Morus alba and chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to SRP in treating stage II periodontitis.
Sequential engagement of adhesion molecules and cytokine receptors impacts both piecemeal and anaphylactic degranulation of human basophils
Authors: Mansouri Ladan , Kalm Frida , Björkander Sophia , Melén Erik , Lundahl Joachim , Nopp Anna
Published: January 2024

Basophils are rare granulocytes in circulation which home to tissues in a process depending on rolling, adhesion and cytokine exposure. However, it is still unclear how these steps affect basophil degranulation. Our aim was to imitate these processes associated with homing by sequential crosslinking of adhesion molecules and cytokine exposure and evaluate the effect on basophil piecemeal (PMD) and anaphylactic degranulation (AND). Blood donors with or without allergic asthma were recruited from an ongoing cohort study. Basophils were subjected to CD62L‐, CD49d‐ or CD11b crosslinking and IL‐3 or IL‐33 stimulation in different orders followed by anti‐IgE and fMLP stimulation. Basophil CD203c and CD63 expression were analysed by flow cytometry to determine PMD and AND, respectively. IL‐3 induced PMD in basophils and combined with CD62L‐ or CD11b crosslinking, IL‐3 potentiated the degranulation regardless of sequential order. IL‐3 priming followed by adhesion molecule crosslinking induced AND and potentiated the effect of anti‐IgE. CD62L‐ and CD11b crosslinking did not further potentiate this effect. CD49d crosslinking followed by IL‐3 increased CD63 expression following anti‐IgE. IL‐3 potentiated the effect of fMLP on AND while adhesion molecule crosslinking did not. IL‐33 had impact on PMD only when followed by adhesion molecule crosslinking but did not potentiate neither IgE‐dependent nor IgE‐independent degranulation. Our data indicate that sequential interactions between basophils, cytokines and adhesion molecule ligands have a decisive effect on basophil degranulation and that these interactions are operational for fine‐tuning the activity of tissue dwelling basophils. These data should be considered when the effect of different pharmaceutical on basophil function is studied.
Occupational health nursing: Realities and challenges
Authors: González‐Caballero Javier
Published: January 2024

Background

Designing and enhancing resilient occupational health and safety systems is a challenge. This fact makes it clear that occupational health professionals must be able to develop their full range of competencies. From this premise, it is appropriate to define and deepen the strengths and weaknesses of occupational health nursing (OHN), as well as to point out the opportunities and realities that address its performance.

Sources of evidence

In the history of the professionalization of this speciality, different circumstances have conditioned its projection: the absence of its own body of doctrine, the lack of professional recognition, limited autonomy, and the definition of a clear regulatory framework. In addition to an epistemological limitation and the absence of clear leadership.

Discussion

In the consolidation of this speciality, there is a limited capacity to implement its own competencies, the invisibility of nursing care, the absence of leadership that incorporates research findings and difficulties in the application of scientific evidence, in addition to the influence of regulatory provisions and the idiosyncrasies of the company.

Conclusions and implications for nursing and health policy

The analysis of classical models with a transformative approach invites a more fluid and coordinated communication between occupational health, occupational risk prevention, primary care and public health, a proposal that induces collaboration and a more holistic approach to care for workers.
Relevance of comorbidities for main outcomes during different periods of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Quintana‐Lopez José M. , Rodríguez Lander , Portuondo Janire , García Julia , Legarreta Maria Jose , Gascón María , Larrea Nere , Barrio Irantzu ,   the COVID‐Health Basque Country Research Group
Published: January 2024

Background

Throughout the evolution of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the severity of the disease has varied. The aim of this study was to determine how patients' comorbidities affected and were related to, different outcomes during this time.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all patients testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between March 1, 2020, and January 9, 2022. We extracted sociodemographic, basal comorbidities, prescribed treatments, COVID‐19 vaccination data, and outcomes such as death and admission to hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) during the different periods of the pandemic. We used logistic regression to quantify the effect of each covariate in each outcome variable and a random forest algorithm to select the most relevant comorbidities.

Results

Predictors of death included having dementia, heart failure, kidney disease, or cancer, while arterial hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular diseases, and leukemia were also relevant. Heart failure, dementia, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer were predictors of adverse evolution (death or ICU admission) with arterial hypertension, ischemic heart, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular diseases, and leukemia also relevant. Arterial hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, kidney, ischemic heart diseases, and cancer were predictors of hospitalization, while dyslipidemia and respiratory, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases were also relevant.

Conclusions

Preexisting comorbidities such as dementia, cardiovascular and renal diseases, and cancers were those most related to adverse outcomes. Of particular note were the discrepancies between predictors of adverse outcomes and predictors of hospitalization and the fact that patients with dementia had a lower probability of being admitted in the first wave.
First molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes from domestic animals (sheep and cattle) and their animal‐keepers in Ilam, western Iran: A zoonotic concern
Authors: Shams Morteza , Bahrami Ali Mohammad , Mousivand Asma , Shamsi Laya , Asghari Ali , Shahabi Saeed , Sadrebazzaz Alireza
Published: January 2024

A total of 360 fecal samples were randomly collected from 150 cattle, 150 sheep, and 60 humans (30 people with close animal contact and 30 individuals without close animal contact) at 10 farms in Ilam, western Iran from June 2022 to August 2023. All samples were directly examined for Blastocystis by zinc sulfate flotation, followed by microscopic observation. Positive samples were further subtyped using conventional PCR and sequencing methods. A mean prevalence of 5.3% (16/300) was estimated for Blastocystis infection among examined animals, with 6% and 4.7% for cattle and sheep, respectively. Among the people who had close and non‐close animal contact, 16.7% (5/30) and 3.3% (1/30) were infected with Blastocystis, respectively (p < 0.05). All 22 positive samples were successfully sequenced at the SSU rRNA locus. Accordingly, Blastocystis isolates infecting domestic animals in Ilam belonged to the four STs (ST1‐ST3, and ST10). Of the 16 animal isolates, nine sequences (four ST10, three ST3, and two ST1) were related to cattle, and seven sequences (three ST10, two ST3, and two ST2) were isolated from sheep. Among the six human isolates, ST3 was the most predominant ST, followed by STs 1, 2, 6, and 7 (one case each). Of note, ST1‐ST3 were isolated in various farms both from animals and their breeders, which indicates the possible circulation of these STs between animal and human populations.
Expanding the quality of life paradigm: Contributions from the field of disability studies
Authors: Edwards Meaghan , Schippers Alice P.
Published: January 2024

This article considers the contributions from the field of Disability Studies to the conceptualization of Quality of Life (QOL) for people labelled with Intellectual Disability (ID). We suggest four elements from the field of Disability Studies that may be incorporated into an evolving QOL paradigm. The first element concerns the meaning of disability itself. Those working in contemporary Disability Studies identify societal obstacles and points of inaccessibility as sources of disablement while also recognizing the experience of difference. We suggest this understanding of disability as an interaction between a person and the social world/environment may be included more explicitly in QOL conceptualization. A responsive and adaptable definition of disability in the QOL paradigm is recommended. The second element is the recognition of relationality. The field of contemporary disability studies challenges the value of considering a person's disability as a solitary medical experience and questions the goals of independence, instead considering the value in interdependence and community. This could be included in the QOL paradigm by further emphasizing the importance of relationships and contributions of those labelled with ID. The third element is participatory design and epistemic justice, making space for people labelled with ID to contribute to research and direct the course of their own lives and supports. This element of self‐determination is important to QOL but an increase in participatory research, service, and support design in the field is recommended. The final element is intersectionality, the idea that the experience of disability must be understood in the context of other points of identity or marginalization such as race, gender, and sexuality. We recommend that the QOL paradigm should allow for these additional elements to be included in further design and research in the field.
Mean‐field liquidation games with market drop‐out
Authors: Fu Guanxing , Hager Paul P. , Horst Ulrich
Published: January 2024

We consider a novel class of portfolio liquidation games with market drop‐out (“absorption”). More precisely, we consider mean‐field and finite player liquidation games where a player drops out of the market when her position hits zero. In particular, round‐trips are not admissible. This can be viewed as a no statistical arbitrage condition. In a model with only sellers, we prove that the absorption condition is equivalent to a short selling constraint. We prove that equilibria (both in the mean‐field and the finite player game) are given as solutions to a nonlinear higher‐order integral equation with endogenous terminal condition. We prove the existence of a unique solution to the integral equation from which we obtain the existence of a unique equilibrium in the MFG and the existence of a unique equilibrium in the N‐player game. We establish the convergence of the equilibria in the finite player games to the obtained mean‐field equilibrium and illustrate the impact of the drop‐out constraint on equilibrium trading rates.
Comparative efficacy of energy‐restricted dietary interventions in overweight and obese populations: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Jun , Duan Xincheng , Zhang Longwei , Zhao Xuelian , Yang Jingyu , Sun Na , Zhao Wenxiao
Published: January 2024

This meta‐analysis compared the effectiveness of different energy‐restricted diets on body composition, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism in overweight and obese populations. Five databases were searched to identify relevant studies in English from inception until July 20, 2023, for randomized controlled trials of at least 2 weeks duration assessing the effects of continuous energy‐restricted diets compared with any intermittent energy‐restricted diet in obesity adults. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 2.0, while the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. A non‐informative prior distribution Bayesian network meta‐analysis was conducted. Thirty‐eight studies (3039 participants) assessing four energy‐restricted diets were included. Three RCTs were at high risk of bias with a very low to moderate certainty of evidence. Combined with pairwise comparisons and surface under the cumulative ranking curve, alternate‐day fasting may be the best energy restriction regimen with the potential to have the most beneficial effects on various aspects of the obesity population. More rigorously designed and long‐term follow‐up studies are warranted.
Impact of the quality of resected thyroid cancer tissue sample on next‐generation sequencing testing
Authors: Hatanaka Kanako C. , Nakamura Kenichi , Katoh Ryohei , Ito Koichi , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Miyauchi Akira , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Kano Satoshi , Okada Yui , Mori Joji , Ito Yoichi M. , Hatanaka Yutaka
Published: January 2024

Activating rearranged during transfection (RET) proto‐oncogene alterations can be identified using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of tumor DNA/RNA. We assessed factors associated with NGS (Oncomine Dx Target Test [ODxTT]) success for resected thyroid cancer (TC) specimens, including sample age, processing conditions, and DNA/RNA quality. TC samples were from three Japanese hospitals, with sample age <1–<10 years, fixative 10%/15% neutralized buffered formalin (NBF), and fixation time ≤48 h/>48 h–≤72 h. NGS success rate was defined as the percentage of samples returning validated NGS results (RET fusion‐positive/negative [RNA] or RET mutation‐positive/negative [DNA], detected using ODxTT). DNA/RNA quality was assessed with indexes based on electrophoresis (DNA/RNA integrity number, DV200) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (DNA/RNA integrity score [ddCq/ΔCq]). NGS success rate (N = 202) was 90%/93% (DNA/RNA) overall, 98%–100% (DNA and RNA) for samples <3 years old, and 91% (DNA and RNA) for samples ≥3–<5 years old fixed in 10% NBF for ≤48 h. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified ddCq and ΔCq as significant predictors of DNA and RNA NGS success rates, respectively. Quality assessment of nucleic acid extracted from archival tissue samples is important for achieving high NGS success rates in clinical practice, especially for samples ≥3 years old.
Introduction to the special issue “China and the global economy”
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Li Jie , Yu Miaojie
Published: January 2024

This is the introduction to the Special Issue on “China and the global economy”. It provides a brief overview of the articles it contains.
Policy process theories in autocracies: Key observations, explanatory power, and research priorities
Authors: van den Dool Annemieke , Schlaufer Caroline
Published: January 2024

The policy process frameworks and theories that are currently considered mainstream were originally developed in the United States, before traveling to other countries. Despite their roots in democratic values, these frameworks and theories are increasingly applied to autocracies. Given important differences between democracies and autocracies, this raises questions about the desirability, limitations, and future directions of this development. In response, this article synthesizes findings from studies that apply existing policy process frameworks and theories to autocracies with the aim of assessing the extent to which the theories are, can, and should be used to explain key aspects of the policy process in autocracies. Based on qualitative content analysis of 146 English‐language peer‐reviewed journal articles that apply the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the Multiple Streams Framework, the Narrative Policy Framework, and the Punctuated Equilibrium Theory to 39 autocracies, we show that these theories help identify influential institutions, actors, networks, ideas, beliefs, and events. The analysis reveals important differences in policy processes between autocracies and democracies. Future research ought to bring existing literature on authoritarianism and authoritarian politics into policy process research to test existing and new hypotheses.
Telemedicine and remote training: the impact on obstetrics and gynaecology training
Authors: Murugesu Sughashini , Saso Srdjan , Barcroft Jennifer , Visvanathan Shankar , Bourne Tom , Joash Karen
Published: January 2024

Key content

The use of telemedicine in obstetrics and gynaecology clinical practice increased significantly during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

This article presents a framework to ensure training opportunities continue during telemedicine consultations, allowing trainees to develop their skills within the framework of telemedicine to optimise consultations and safe clinical practice.

Remote teaching offers several advantages and disadvantages over face‐to‐face teaching. The value of each teaching method needs to be considered for the specific setting and the content tailored accordingly. Hybrid delivery is an option now that the infrastructure is in place.

Telementoring includes remote supervision of clinics and expert review of, for example, colposcopy and ultrasound images. The technology is available for live‐stream remote supervision of ultrasound and surgery, allowing expert input out of hours or in geographically isolated areas.

Telesimulation training can occur remotely and offers the possibility of remote assessment with artificial intelligence. The use of simulation technology may facilitate the standardisation of practical skills assessment in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Learning objectives

To consider a framework to ensure training opportunities and safe clinical practice during telemedicine consultations.

To understand the range of remote training modalities available to improve accessibility to practical skills training and wider access to theoretical knowledge.

Ethical issues

How can we provide adequate supervision during telemedicine and is there an effect on patient safety?

How can trainers and trainees optimise continuing postgraduate learning opportunities as telemedicine and telementoring are established in mainstream clinical practice?
Water resources sustainability assessment in the Vietnamese Srepok River Basin
Authors: Nuong Bui Thi , Darby Stephen , Chung Nguyen Thuy , Du Duong Bui , Trang Vu Quynh
Published: January 2024

This study proposes a sustainability assessment framework for managing the water resources of the Vietnamese portion of the Srepok River Basin (VSRB). A sustainability hierarchy was developed using five, ten, seven and five sustainability indicators to characterize economic, environmental, social and management dimensions of the basin's water resources. Reliable weights for each of these sustainability components were assigned using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process evaluations of judgements obtained from five highly experienced experts. The sustainability levels were ranked in increasing order of Management > Economic > Environment > Social, allowing a composite sustainability index to be assessed. By taking into account economic, environmental, social and management perspectives, the assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability of water resources in the VSRB.
Effect of Broadness of Wave Spectrum on Significant Wave Height and Wave Power for Open Ocean Conditions of the Peru Basin
Authors: De La Torre Dennys , Luyo Jaime , Ortega Arturo
Published: January 2024

When estimating significant wave height and wave power, it is regularly assumed 4 for the spectral estimate factor. It means considering a narrowband wave spectrum. That approach is accurate enough when the spectral broadness parameter is near zero. Since the Peru Basin is an open ocean: swells and local wind waves can overlap; therefore, its wave spectrum should be considered broadband. This work aims to demonstrate that the wave spectrum in the Peru Basin has waves in a broad band of frequencies and also discuss how this characteristic affects estimating the significant wave height and wave power. The methodology comprises numerical methods, inferential statistics, and spectral analysis applied to ocean data. The paper's conclusions declare the Peru Basin wave spectrum as broadband. The estimated significant wave height for broadband wave spectrum is 7% lower than if the wave spectrum was considered narrowband. We propose 3.7 as the spectral estimate factor for calculating the significant wave height in the Peru Basin instead of the commonly used 4. The significant wave height error when assuming a narrowband wave spectrum slightly affects the spectral parametric wave power calculation, causing a maximum overestimation of 5%. Nevertheless, accurately estimating significant wave height is critical for diverse marine technologies.
Efficiency & Emissions Improvement Package for the 7FDL High-Power, Medium-Speed, Locomotive Diesel Engine
Authors: Hart Matthew , Gray Taylor , Brigden Jesse , Brumberg Justin , Grayson AJ , Shindledecker Alex
Published: January 2024

This paper summarizes the technical development of a performance improvement package for Wabtec Corporation’s 7FDL diesel engine. To support the engine and make it more productive for its owners, Wabtec Corporation has developed a modification package for the engine that will improve its performance, enabling either a significant efficiency improvement over the current 7FDL Tier 1+ diesel engine or producing lower emissions at the current efficiency. The redesign improvements also focused on maximizing base engine part reuse to deliver an improvement package at an effective cost point, as well as minimize tooling changes and maintenance retraining efforts for end-users.

The engine performance benefits were achieved through changes in the air handling system, fuel system, and control system. Changes to the air handling system include the optimization of intake valve closure and matched turbocharger. The fuel system was upgraded to a high-pressure common rail fuel system that allowed for increased in-cylinder air-fuel mixing optimization. This performance improvement package for the 7FDL engine was developed through the Lean Startup method of Minimum Viable Product. A series of low-cost experiments were conducted to slowly step into the benefits of changing fuel system and air handling components.
A Computational Analysis of Fuel Evaporation and Mixing in a Methanol Opposed-Piston Engine With a Passive Pre-Chamber
Authors: Menaca Rafael , Silva Mickael , Moreno-Cabezas Kevin , Vorraro Giovanni , Turner James W. G. , Im Hong G.
Published: January 2024

Opposed-piston two-stroke engines (OP2S) have demonstrated high thermodynamic efficiencies due to reduced heat losses and high volume-to-surface area ratios. This leads to remarkable advantages over four-stroke conventional diesel engines, as well as superior combustion characteristics. Therefore, combining this concept with renewable fuels and advanced technologies, such as pre-chamber, can be a route to high-efficiency, carbon-neutral powertrains. The narrow-throat KAUST pre-chamber was chosen for initial assessment, due to its advantage of being a drop-in concept, which lowers the technological barriers for deployment. Key engine design aspects contributing to methanol evaporation and mixture formation in a passive pre-chamber methanol OP2S engine were numerically investigated. CONVERGE™ was selected as the solver to explore the sensitivity of the evaporation and the mixture formation to the variation of injection direction, port swirl angle, and piston bowl shape. Previous studies of the port swirl angle in OP2S engines report that its design can lead to a concentration of hot residual gases around the cylinder axis in the main chamber. Specifically for methanol, these unscavenged residuals could thermally contribute to an increase in evaporation. However, the current study reveals that the sensitivity of methanol to evaporation and mixing are mainly related to the flow dynamics, while the effect of the remaining hot gases is secondary. Lastly, a modified piston was used to demonstrate the sensitivity of fuel evaporation and mixing due to flow patterns associated with the piston design.