bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network specificity decreases community stability and competition among avian haemosporidian parasites and their hosts
Authors: de Angeli Dutra Daniela , Poulin Robert
Published: March 2024

Aim

Parasites play a fundamental role in shaping ecological communities and influencing trophic interactions. Understanding the factors that drive parasite impacts on community structure and stability (i.e. resilience to disturbances) is crucial for predicting disease dynamics and implementing effective conservation strategies. In this study, using avian malaria and malaria‐like parasites as a model system, we investigated the relationship between specificity, community stability and parasite vulnerability and their association with host diversity and climate.

Location

Global.

Time period

2009–2023.

Major taxa studied

Avian malaria and malaria‐like parasites.

Methods

By compiling occurrence data from a global avian haemosporidian parasite database (MalAvi), we constructed a comprehensive dataset encompassing 60 communities. We utilized a phylogenetic model approach to predict missing host–parasite interactions, enhancing the accuracy of our analyses. Network analyses based on bipartite interactions provided measures of network specificity, stability, modularity, parasite competition and vulnerability to extinction.

Results

We found that the high network specificity reduced community stability and decreased competition among parasites. Furthermore, we found that parasite vulnerability decreased with increasing community stability, highlighting the importance of community stability in host–parasite interactions for long‐term parasite persistence. When exploring the influence of local host diversity and climate conditions on host–parasite community stability, we demonstrated that increasing host biodiversity and precipitation reduces parasite competition. Conversely, higher temperature raises competition among parasites.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying parasite impacts on communities and the interplay between specificity, community stability and environmental factors. Further, we reveal the role of climate in shaping host–parasite interactions. By unravelling the complexities of parasite‐mediated interactions, our research substantially improves the current knowledge of the importance of specificity as a modulator of interactions in bipartite networks.
Writing differently: Finding beauty in the broken
Authors: Ridgway Maranda , Edwards Michaela , Oldridge Louise
Published: March 2024

This article presents our “multi‐vocal memory work” of collaborative researching and writing experiences as women academics in UK Business Schools. Set against the backdrop of the broken neoliberal academy, we use Daoism as an analytical lens to identify two emergent themes: 1) emotional contradictions and 2) institutional and social structures: micro‐creative and collective change. Examining ourselves and the academy as broken, we learn to find beauty in the flaws as they signify healing. Thus, sharing our emotions and vulnerability through collective research and writing enables us to “put ourselves back together.” Methodologically, we draw on memory work to explore different ways of researching and writing. We argue that there is emergent hope in identifying and raising the profile of growing spaces within the academy for alternative forms of writing.
Connection between ecological niche changes and population trends in the Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) breeding in lowland and mountain areas of Southern Europe
Authors: Tirozzi Pietro , Orioli Valerio , Dondina Olivia , Bani Luciano
Published: March 2024

Population responses to environmental changes can often vary geographically and between environments, potentially as a consequence of differing niche dynamics. The Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis is an open‐habitat passerine bird that is declining throughout Europe, mainly due to agricultural intensification. We compared population trends (1992–2021) of the species across three sub‐regions of northern Italy characterized by different environmental conditions and human pressures: the Alpine sub‐region (less anthropized mountains), the Plain (strongly anthropized and intensively cultivated) and the Oltrepò (less intensively cultivated hills), with changes in the realized Grinnellian niches over three decades. In each sub‐region, niche comparisons did not show divergence over the study. However, we found an overall reduction in niche occupancy over time. In the Alpine sub‐region, a reduction in niche occupancy in hayfields and pastures was not associated with population decline; indeed, we found an increasing population (+164%), probably because high availability of natural grasslands counteracted niche contraction. Conversely, in the Plain and Oltrepò sub‐regions, the observed population declines (−99% and −36%, respectively) are associated with a general reduction of niche occupancy in arable lands that represented the core of the niche in these ranges. In the Plain, the lack of alternative suitable habitats might have limited any opportunity for the species to colonize new environments. Conversely, in the Oltrepò, the less severe population decline is combined with increased niche occupancy in hayfields and pastures at higher elevations. The joint application of population trend analysis and niche modelling as well as the decomposition of population changes across different environmental contexts can contribute to a better understanding of ecological processes affecting population dynamics, supporting policy‐makers to implement targeted conservation strategies.
Effect of complex nucleating agents on crystallization behavior of CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–ZnO–Na2O–K2O glass‐ceramics
Authors: Kim Dongchan , Kim Kangduk
Published: March 2024

Single (TiO2) and complex (TiO2 and ZrO2) nucleating agents were added in CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–ZnO–Na2O–K2O‐based multicomponent glass to investigate its crystallization behavior and physical properties according to the types and amounts of nucleating agents. Nonisothermal analysis revealed crystallization behavior with an activation energy (E) of 165.176–518.985 kJ/mol and Avrami constant (n) of .73–2.12 with the complex nucleating agent. X‐ray diffraction was used to observe the titanite and zircon crystalline phases in glass when using complex nucleating agents, and the crystallinity was found to be 43%–55%. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy were used to observe the plate‐shaped titanite and column‐shaped zircon crystalline phase in the glass matrix, and the glossiness was found to be decreased owing to the crystallization of the glass. The glass‐ceramic showed a higher hardness and fracture toughness value of 6.45–6.7 GPa and 1.54–3.35 MPa∙m1/2 when using the complex nucleating agent rather than when using the single nucleating agent.
Effect of a person‐centred goals‐of‐care form and clinical communication training on shared decision‐making and outcomes in an acute hospital: a prospective longitudinal interventional study
Authors: Tierney Andrew P. , Milnes Sharyn , Phillips Anita , Simpson Nicholas , Bailey Michael , Corke Charlie , Orford Neil R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with a life‐limiting illness (LLI) requiring hospitalisation have a high likelihood of deterioration and 12‐month mortality. To avoid non‐aligned care, we need to understand our patients' goals and values.

Aim

To describe the association between the implementation of a shared decision‐making (SDM) programme and documentation of goals of care (GoC) for hospitalised patients with LLI.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal interventional study of patients admitted to acute general medicine wards in an Australian tertiary hospital over 5 years was conducted. A SDM programme with a new GoC form, communication training and clinical support was implemented. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a documented person‐centred GoC discussion (PCD). Clinical outcomes included hospital utilisation and 90‐day mortality.

Results

1343 patients were included. The proportion of patients with PCDs increased from 0% to 35.4% (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.01–2.82; P < 0.001). During this time, median hospital length of stay decreased from 8 days (interquartile range (IQR), 4–14) to 6 days (IQR, 3–11) (adjusted estimate effect, −0.38; 95% CI, −0.64 to −0.11; P = 0.005) and rapid response team activation from 28% to 13% (aOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.97; P value = 0.01). Documented treatment preference of high‐dependency unit care decreased from 39.7% to 24.4% (aOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.89; P value < 0.001), and ward‐based care increased from 31.9% to 55.1% (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.14–1.36; P value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The implementation of a SDM programme was associated with increased documentation of person‐centred GoC, changed patient treatment preference to lower intensity care and reduced hospital utilisation.
The multidepot drone general routing problem with duration and capacity constraints
Authors: Corberán Teresa , Plana Isaac , Sanchis José M. , Segura Paula
Published: March 2024

This paper studies the multidepot drone general routing problem with duration and capacity constraints (MDdGRP), an extension of the classical general routing problem with several depots. A fleet of drones with limited flight time and payload, each one located in a different depot, must jointly perform the service. In this continuous optimization problem, a set of lines of a network has to be serviced and a set of nodes has to be visited to deliver a given commodity. The aim is to find a set of drone routes performing the complete service with the shortest total duration. Aerial drones can enter a line at any point, service a portion of that line, and exit through another point, without following the lines of the network. While this flexibility allows for potentially better solutions, it also adds complexity to the problem. To deal with this, we digitize the MDdGRP instances by approximating each line with a polygonal chain containing a finite number of points that can be used to enter and exit each line. Thus, an instance of a discrete multidepot general routing problem (MDGRP) is obtained. This paper proposes an integer formulation for the MDGRP, some families of valid inequalities, and a branch‐and‐cut algorithm based on the strengthened formulation. Two matheuristic algorithms are presented, focused on sequentially selecting (and adding) some promising intermediate points to enter and exit a line. Instances involving up to six depots, 22 delivery points, and 88 original lines have been generated to test the performance of the methods proposed.
The strength of Frontline Practice Leadership in Australian supported accommodation services: Challenges confronting service providers
Authors: Bigby Christine , Humphreys Lincoln
Published: March 2024

Background

The strength of practice leadership predicts the quality of Active Support but it can be compromised by other demands on frontline managers. The study aimed to identify and understand differences in practice leadership over time and between organisations.

Method

Data collected in 2022 in 96 services from 11 organisations using the Observed Measure of Practice Leadership were compared to similar data from 2013 and 2018. Qualitative fieldnotes were analysed thematically.

Findings

Practice leadership scores increased significantly between 2013 and 2018 but declined significantly between 2018 and 2022. Scores were significantly higher in organisations that had implemented Active Support since 2013 compared to later adopters. Higher scoring organisations had structures that supported frontline managers with practice leadership and that countered increasing administrative demands.

Conclusions

Establishment of support structures for practice leadership by organisations warrants further investigation together with the relative importance of each task of practice leadership.
Genetic diversity, population structure and origin of the native goats in Central Laos
Authors: Le Sang V. , de las Heras‐Saldana Sara , Alexandri Panoraia , Olmo Luisa , Walkden‐Brown Stephen W. , van der Werf Julius H. J.
Published: March 2024

Maintaining genetic diversity and variation in livestock populations is critical for natural and artificial selection promoting genetic improvement while avoiding problems due to inbreeding. In Laos, there are concerns that there has been a decline in genetic diversity and a rise in inbreeding among native goats in their village‐based smallholder system. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of Lao native goats in Phin, Songkhone and Sepon districts in Central Laos for the first time using Illumina's Goat SNP50 BeadChip. We also explored the genetic relationships between Lao goats with 163 global goat populations from 36 countries. Our results revealled a close genetic relationship between Lao native goats and Chinese, Mongolian and Pakistani goats, sharing ancestries with Guangfen, Jining Grey and Luoping Yellow breeds (China) and Teddi goats (Pakistan). The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity were 0.292 and 0.303 (Laos), 0.288 and 0.288 (Sepon), 0.299 and 0.308 (Phin) and 0.289 and 0.305 (Songkhone), respectively. There was low to moderate genetic differentiation (FST: 0.011–0.043) and negligible inbreeding coefficients (FIS: −0.001 to 0.052) between goat districts. The runs of homozygosity (ROH) had an average length of 5.92–6.85 Mb, with short ROH segments (1–5 Mb length) being the most prevalent (66.34%). Longer ROH segments (20–40 and >40 Mb length categories) were less common, comprising only 4.81% and 1.01%, respectively. Lao goats exhibit moderate genetic diversity, low‐inbreeding levels and adequate effective population size. Some genetic distinctions between Lao goats may be explained by geographic and cultural features.
Targeting HOXA11‐AS to mitigate prostate cancer via the glycolytic metabolism: In vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Jiankang , Li Sailian , Zhang Mengyu , Wang Zhenting , Xing Zengshu
Published: March 2024

As oncogenes or oncogene suppressors, long‐stranded non‐coding RNAs are essential for the formation and progression of human tumours. However, the mechanisms behind the regulatory role of RNA HOXA11‐AS in prostate cancer (PCa) are unclear. PCa is a common malignant tumour worldwide, and an increasing number of studies have focused on its metabolic profile. Studies have shown that the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA11‐AS is aberrantly expressed in many tumours. However, the role of HOXA11‐AS in PCa is unclear. This work aimed to determine how HOXA11‐AS regulated PCa in vitro and in vivo. We first explored the clinical role of HOXA11‐AS in PCa using bioinformatics methods, including single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)‐logistics systematically. In this study, PCa cell lines were selected to assess the PCa regulatory role of HOXA11‐AS overexpression versus silencing in vitro, and tumour xenografts were performed in nude mice to assess tumour suppression by HOXA11‐AS silencing in vivo. HOXA11‐AS expression was significantly correlated with clinicopathological factors, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and glycolysis. Moreover, key genes downstream of HOXA11‐AS exhibited good clinical diagnostic properties for PCa. Furthermore, we studied both in vitro and in vivo effects of HOXA11‐AS expression on PCa. Overexpression of HOXA11‐AS increased PCa cell proliferation, migration and EMT, while silencing HOXA11‐AS had the opposite effect on PCa cells. In addition, multiple metabolites were downregulated by silencing HOXA11‐AS via the glycolytic pathway. HOXA11‐AS silencing significantly inhibited tumour development in vivo. In summary, silencing HOXA11‐AS can inhibit PCa by regulating glucose metabolism and may provide a future guidance for the treatment of PCa.
TRIM52 knockdown inhibits proliferation, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in IL‐1β‐induced synovial fibroblasts to alleviate temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Ma Tie , Wu Chuan‐bin , Shen Qing‐xia , Wang Qiang , Zhou Qing
Published: March 2024

To explore the mechanism of tripartite motif 52 (TRIM52) in the progression of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Gene and protein expression were tested by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical kit, respectively. Cell counting kit‐8 and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assays were carried out to assess cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of CD68 and Vimentin in primary synovial fibroblasts (SFs). Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Safranin O/Fast green were used to evaluate the pathological damage of synovial and cartilage tissue in rats. TRIM52 was upregulated in the synovial tissue and SFs in patients with TMJOA. Interleukin (IL)‐1β treatment upregulated TRIM52 expression in TMJOA SFs and normal SF (NSF), promoting cell proliferation, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in NSF, SFs. Silence of TRIM52 relieved the cell proliferation, inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by IL‐1β in SFs, while overexpression of TRIM52 enhanced IL‐1β induction. Meanwhile, IL‐1β induction activated toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathway, which was augmented by upregulation of TRIM52 in NSF, and was attenuated by TRIM52 knockdown in SFs. Besides, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid ameliorated IL‐1β‐induced proliferation and inflammatory response by inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signalling. Meanwhile, TRIM52 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in IL‐1β‐induced SFs through downregulation of TLR4. TRIM52 promoted cell proliferation, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in IL‐1β‐induced SFs. The above functions were mediated by the activation of TLR4/NF‐ κB signal pathway.
Histone modification‐linked prognostic model for ovarian cancer reveals LBX2 as a novel growth promoter
Authors: Xiong Jian , Liang Hongyuan , Sun Xiang , Gao Kefei
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a deadly disease with limited treatment options and poor overall survival rates. This study aimed to investigate the role of histone modification‐related genes in predicting the prognosis of OC patients. Transcriptome data from multiple cohorts, including bulk RNA‐Seq data and single‐cell scRNA‐Seq data, were collected. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to identify enriched gene sets in the histone modification pathway. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between histone modification‐high and histone modification‐low groups were identified using Lasso regression. A prognostic model was constructed using five selected prognostic genes from the DEGs in the TCGA‐OV cohort. The study found enrichment of gene sets in the histone modification pathway and identified five prognostic genes associated with OC prognosis. The constructed risk score model based on histone modification‐related genes was correlated with immune infiltration of T cells and M1 macrophages. Mutations are more prevalent in the high‐risk group compared to the low‐risk group. Several drugs were screened against the model genes. Through in vitro experiments, we confirmed the expression patterns of the model genes. LBX2 facilitates the proliferation of OC. Histone modification‐related genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for predicting OC prognosis. Targeting these genes may lead to the development of more effective therapies for OC. Additionally, LBX2 represents a novel cell proliferation promoter in OC carcinogenesis.
Construction of a prognostic model with CAFs for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Xiao Qingqing , Zhang Cong , Zhou Qinghua , Xu Tao
Published: March 2024

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is one of the subtypes of lung cancer (LC) that contributes to approximately 25%–30% of its prevalence. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key cellular components of the TME, and the large number of CAFs in tumour tissues creates a favourable environment for tumour development. However, the function of CAFs in the LUSC is complex and uncertain. First, we processed the scRNA‐seq data and classified distinct types of CAFs. We also identified prognostic CAFRGs using univariate Cox analysis and conducted survival analysis. Additionally, we assessed immune cell infiltration in CAF clusters using ssGSEA. We developed a model with a significant prognostic correlation and verified the prognostic model. Furthermore, we explored the immune landscape of LUSC and further investigated the correlation between malignant features and LUSC. We identified CAFs and classified them into three categories: iCAFs, mCAFs and apCAFs. The survival analysis showed a significant correlation between apCAFs and iCAFs and LUSC patient prognosis. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients in CAF cluster C showed a better survival probability compared to clusters A and B. In addition, we identified nine significant prognostic CAFRGs (CLDN1, TMX4, ALPL, PTX3, BHLHE40, TNFRSF12A, VKORC1, CST3 and ADD3) and subsequently employed multivariate Cox analysis to develop a signature and validate the model. Lastly, the correlation between CAFRG and malignant features indicates the potential role of CAFRG in promoting tumour angiogenesis, EMT and cell cycle alterations. We constructed a CAF prognostic signature for identifying potential prognostic CAFRGs and predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response for LUSC. Our study may provide a more accurate prognostic assessment and immunotherapy targeting strategies for LUSC.
Maintaining A Long‐Term Practice of Daily Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: What Do Childbearing Women Think?
Authors: Yount‐Tavener Susan M. , Fay Rebecca A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

To be effective, pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) exercises should be intense, be practiced consistently, and include clinical support. Many women do not adhere to a consistent PFMT program, compromising the resolution or prevention of urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed to answer 2 key questions: What prevents women from performing PFMT long term, and what can health care providers do to support women to perform them?

Methods

Postpartum women from 4 sites in the United States completed a questionnaire about experiences with PFMT or Kegel exercises during and after pregnancy. This study focused on one of the 7 open‐ended questions: What would prevent you from performing Kegels lifelong? Thematic analysis was implemented via an inductive approach using Braun and Clarke's 6‐phase process.

Results

Three salient themes emerged that help explain factors that prevent women from adhering to a daily PFMT routine: (1) life gets in the way, (2) inadequate PFMT education and instruction, and (3) disconnect exists about long‐term consequences. The sample included 368 participants.

Discussion

The themes were congruent with the limited body of qualitative literature on experience with PFMT exercises. This study was able to identify areas of need in the US maternal health care system to help childbearing people adopt daily PFMT, such as (1) inadequate parental leave and childcare support, (2) no formalized education related to UI and PFMT and a lack of pelvic health promotion, (3) lacking prioritization of long‐term PFMT, and (4) the need to dispel the acceptance that UI postbirth is normal. Health care providers should prioritize interactive education, emphasizing how to correctly perform PFMT and the importance and effectiveness of integrating clinical support. To adequately encompass pelvic floor health care and education up to one year postbirth, changes are needed to the US perinatal health care system, providing sufficient insurance reimbursement and parental social support programs.
Distribution and characteristics of bacteria on the hand during oropharyngeal swab collection: Which handwashing points are affected?
Authors: Chen Nuo , He Wenbin , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Yan , Cheng Xiaolin , Liu Li , Qian Hua , Qiao Fu , Cheng Fan , Deng Yi , Wu Wenwen , Feng Bilong , Wang Ying
Published: March 2024

Aims

To identify the contaminated areas of the hand collection and analyse the distribution characteristics of bacteria in the hand after swab collection.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study sampling 50 pairs of hands (sampling hand and auxiliary hand) of healthcare workers was performed. Ten samples were collected from each participant. The optimal hand hygiene rates and bacterial colony counts of the whole hand and different hand sections without hand hygiene were identified as the primary outcomes.

Results

The optimal hand hygiene rates of the sampling hand and auxiliary hand were 88.8% (222/250) and 91.6% (229/250), respectively. The lowest optimal hand hygiene rates for the sampling hand and the auxiliary hand were both on the dorsal side of the finger and the dorsum of the hand (86.0%, 86.0% vs. 90.0%, 86.0%); the optimal hand hygiene rates for both sites of the sampling hand were 86.0% (43/50), and the optimal hand hygiene rates for the auxiliary hand were 90.0% (45/50) and 86.0% (43/50). The bacteria colony counts did not differ between the sampling hands and auxiliary hand.

Conclusions

The dorsal side of the finger and dorsum of the hand were the most likely to be contaminated during oropharyngeal swab collection. Therefore, it is essential to pay extra attention to hand hygiene care of these two sites during the collection process to minimize the risk of cross‐contamination.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.
A patient‐specific circle of Willis blood flow model in predicting outcomes of balloon test occlusion
Authors: Li Jianmin , Li Daniel , Alaraj Ali , Du Xinjian , Wang Kezhou , Charbel Fady T.
Published: March 2024

Background and Purpose

Balloon test occlusion (BTO) evaluates cerebral ischemic tolerance before internal carotid artery (ICA) sacrifice but carries risks like dissection and thrombosis. This study introduces a new approach using a patient‐specific circle of Willis (COW) blood flow model, based on non‐invasive quantitative MR angiography (qMRA) measurements, to predict the outcomes of BTO.

Methods

We developed individualized COW blood flow models for 43 patients undergoing BTO. These models simulated blood flow and pressure under normal conditions and with the ICA occlusion. We then compared the model's predictions of blood flow changes due to the simulated ICA occlusion to actual qMRA measurements before the BTO.

Results

For all 31 BTO failures, the ipsilateral hemisphere showed an average flow decrease of 15 ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation), compared to 3 ± 2% in the contralateral hemisphere. In all 12 BTO passes, these figures were 6 ± 3% and 1 ± 0.8%, respectively. Notably, all BTO passes had less than a 10% reduction in the ipsilateral hemisphere. In contrast, 65% of BTO failures and 67% single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) failures exhibited a decrease of 10% or more in the same region.

Conclusion

Blood flow reduction exceeding 10% in the ipsilateral hemisphere during BTO is a strong predictor of failure in both BTO and SPECT. Our patient‐specific COW blood flow models, incorporating detailed flow and arterial geometry data, offered valuable insights for predicting BTO outcomes. These models are especially beneficial for situations where conducting BTO or SPECT is clinically impractical.
Community social vulnerability and the 340B Drug Pricing Program: Evaluating predictors of 340B participation among critical access hospital
Authors: Owsley Kelsey M. , Karim Saleema A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program allows eligible hospitals, including critical access hospitals (CAHs), to obtain outpatient drugs at a discounted rate. CAHs likely benefit from 340B participation because they are often under‐resourced and serve at‐risk patient populations. The objective of this study was to understand predictors of 340B program participation among CAHs, and how participation varies with community‐level social vulnerability.

Methods

We used a cross‐sectional study design to assess the relationship between 340B participation in 2019 and community vulnerability status using 2018 data from the CDC's social vulnerability index (SVI) among acute care CAHs. Analyses used linear probability models adjusted for hospital‐level characteristics.

Findings

In bivariate analyses, CAHs participating in the 340B program had lower overall social vulnerability scores, relative to nonparticipating, eligible, and ineligible CAHs, respectively (43.8 vs. 48.7 vs. 64.7, p < 0.10). In adjusted regression models, greater community vulnerability rankings due to socioeconomic status (–0.129, p < 0.05) and minority status and language (–0.092, p < 0.05) were associated with decreased 340B participation. Higher hospital operating margin was associated with increased 340B participation (0.163, p < 0.05). Although the number of for‐profit CAHs ineligible for 340B was small, they had the highest community‐level social vulnerability score and lowest hospital operating margin on average.

Conclusions

CAHs located in areas of high community vulnerability are less likely to participate in the 340B program. Some vulnerable patient populations served by CAHs may be excluded from 340B program benefits.
Gastrointestinal release site for delayed release and gelatin capsules in healthy dogs
Authors: Stone Charles B. , Rudinsky Adam J. , Urion Rebecca J. , March Simone B. , Winston Jenessa A.
Published: March 2024

Gelatin capsules deliver their contents to the stomach, while delayed‐release (DR) capsules are designed to allow delivery to the small intestine. This study evaluated the gastrointestinal release site of DR capsules in six healthy adult dogs compared to gelatin capsules. Both gelatin and DR capsules were filled with barium‐impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS™), and following enteral administration, release site was assessed using abdominal radiographs at baseline, immediately after ingestion, 15 min post‐ingestion, 30 min post‐ingestion, and then every 30 min thereafter. The evaluated phases included fasted conditions (phase 1, n = 6), increased meal size (phase 2, n = 2), double encapsulation (phase 3, n = 2), and altered capsule size (phase 4, n = 1). The released site was the stomach in all phases for both capsule types. In phase 1, DR capsules had a significantly prolonged time (median 60 min, range 60–90) to release BIPS™ compared to gelatin capsules (15 min, range 15–30; p = .03). In phase 2 (full meal size), 3 (double encapsulation), and 4 (smaller capsule size) pilot studies, release time was prolonged but still occurred in the stomach. This is similar to the release site for gelatin capsules but differs from the release site for DR capsules in people. This has implications for pharmacologic outcomes for products that are affected by gastric physiology (e.g. fecal microbiota transplantation). Based on this pilot data, clinicians and researchers should not assume DR capsules will allow for intestinal delivery of contents in dogs. Future studies should be conducted on larger and varied populations of dogs.
The effects of fire on large‐ and medium‐sized mammal communities: what do we know? A review
Authors: Forney Ronny R. , Peacock Mary M.
Published: March 2024

Large‐ and medium‐sized mammals play a unique role in ecosystem dynamics. They can change the physical and biotic landscape by altering the flow of resources among trophic levels, thereby affecting ecosystem functioning.

Although the effects of fire on some ungulates have been well studied, data gaps exist for many species, including canids, felids, mustelids and ursids among others.

To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a literature review to synthesize what is known about large and medium mammal responses to fire, including communities, species richness and species interactions in connection with fire.

Twenty‐seven large and medium mammal species were studied. Fifty percent of the studies examined ungulates, far exceeding studies of other trophic levels. Eighty‐six percent were conducted on large mammals with significantly fewer studies on medium‐sized mammals. Only four studies examined multiple species responses to fire.

Results indicated that fire had a largely positive effect on large‐ and medium‐sized mammals. However, considerable heterogeneity exists within and among taxa.

Most fire research has been conducted on focal species rather than on biodiversity, and a large data gap exists on the interactions within or among large‐ and medium‐sized mammals.

Forest management focus is changing from fire suppression to reinstating natural fire regimes. Effectiveness monitoring programmes will be needed to test the efficacy of restoration strategies in mammalian communities.
A micro‐founded comparison of fiscal policies between indirect and direct job creation
Authors: Ohtake Kensuke
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide a micro‐economic foundation for an argument that the direct employment by the government is more desirable than the government purchase of private goods to eliminate unemployment. A general equilibrium model with monopolistic competition is devised, and the effects of policies (government purchase, tax rate operation, and government employment) on macroeconomic variables (consumption, price, and profit) are investigated. It is shown that (1) the government purchase is inflationary in the sense that additional effective demand by the government not only increases private employment but also raises prices; (2) the government employment can achieve full employment without causing a rise in prices.
A Controlled Variable Study of the Biomechanical Properties of the Proximal Femur before and after Cancellous Bone Removal
Authors: Wang Haicheng , Ding Kai , Zhang Yifan , Ren Chuan , Huo Haoyu , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Qi , Chen Wei
Published: March 2024

Objective

The biomechanical characteristics of proximal femoral trabeculae are closely related to the occurrence and treatment of proximal femoral fractures. Therefore, it is of great significance to study its biomechanical effects of cancellous bone in the proximal femur. This study examines the biomechanical effects of the cancellous bone in the proximal femur using a controlled variable method, which provide a foundation for further research into the mechanical properties of the proximal femur.

Methods

Seventeen proximal femoral specimens were selected to scan by quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and the gray values of nine regions were measure to evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) using Mimics software. Then, an intact femur was fixed simulating unilateral standing position. Vertical compression experiments were then performed again after removing cancellous bone in the femoral head, femoral neck, and intertrochanteric region, and data were recorded. According to the controlled variable method, the femoral head, femoral neck, and intertrochanteric trabeculae were sequentially removed based on the axial loading of the intact femur, and the displacement and strain changes of the femur samples under axial loading were recorded. Gom software was used to measure and record displacement and strain maps of the femoral surface.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in anteroposterior displacement of cancellous bone destruction in the proximal femur (p < 0.001). Proximal femoral bone mass explained 77.5% of the strength variation, in addition proximal femoral strength was mainly affected by bone mass at the level of the upper outer, lower inner, lower greater trochanter, and lesser trochanter of the femoral head. The normal stress conduction of the proximal femur was destroyed after removing cancellous bone, the stress was concentrated in the femoral head and lateral femoral neck, and the femoral head showed a tendency to subside after destroying cancellous bone.

Conclusion

The trabecular removal significantly altered the strain distribution and biomechanical strength of the proximal femur, demonstrating an important role in supporting and transforming bending moment under the vertical load. In addition, the strength of the proximal femur mainly depends on the bone density of the femoral head and intertrochanteric region.
Development of a next generation SNP genotyping array for wheat
Authors: Burridge Amanda J. , Winfield Mark , Przewieslik‐Allen Alexandra , Edwards Keith J. , Siddique Imteaz , Barral‐Arca Ruth , Griffiths Simon , Cheng Shifeng , Huang Zejian , Feng Cong , Dreisigacker Susanne , Bentley Alison R. , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Barker Gary L.
Published: March 2024

High‐throughput genotyping arrays have provided a cost‐effective, reliable and interoperable system for genotyping hexaploid wheat and its relatives. Existing, highly cited arrays including our 35K Wheat Breeder's array and the Illumina 90K array were designed based on a limited amount of varietal sequence diversity and with imperfect knowledge of SNP positions. Recent progress in wheat sequencing has given us access to a vast pool of SNP diversity, whilst technological improvements have allowed us to fit significantly more probes onto a 384‐well format Axiom array than previously possible. Here we describe a novel Axiom genotyping array, the ‘Triticum aestivum Next Generation’ array (TaNG), largely derived from whole genome skim sequencing of 204 elite wheat lines and 111 wheat landraces taken from the Watkins ‘Core Collection’. We used a novel haplotype optimization approach to select SNPs with the highest combined varietal discrimination and a design iteration step to test and replace SNPs which failed to convert to reliable markers. The final design with 43 372 SNPs contains a combination of haplotype‐optimized novel SNPs and legacy cross‐platform markers. We show that this design has an improved distribution of SNPs compared to previous arrays and can be used to generate genetic maps with a significantly higher number of distinct bins than our previous array. We also demonstrate the improved performance of TaNGv1.1 for Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and its utility for Copy Number Variation (CNV) analysis. The array is commercially available with supporting marker annotations and initial genotyping results freely available.
Deciphering miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNA interaction through experimental validation of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNA targets on mRNAs in Cajanus cajan
Authors: Chowdhury M. R. , Chatterjee C. , Ghosh D. , Mukherjee J. , Shaw S. , Basak J.
Published: March 2024

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is widely cultivated for its nutritional and medicinal value yet remains an orphan crop as productivity has not been improved because of a lack of genome and non‐coding genome information. Non‐coding RNAs, like miRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are involved in regulation of growth, metabolism, development, and stress response, and have a critical role in post‐transcriptional gene regulation (PTGR).

We attempted to elucidate the roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in pigeon pea through experimental validation of computationally predicted miRNAs and lncRNAs and targets of miRNAs on mRNAs.

We experimentally validated 20 miRNAs and 11 lncRNAs. We predicted cleavage sites of three miRNA targets: serine/threonine‐protein kinase, polygalacturonase, beta‐galactosidase. We identified 469 targets of 265 miRNAs and their functional annotations using computational methods. We built a miRNA‐mRNA‐lncRNA network model, with the miRNAs targeting both mRNAs and lncRNAs, to obtain information on the interplay of these three molecules.

A confirmed interaction through experimental validation was established between miRNA, namely cca‐miR1535a targeting the mRNA for beta‐galactosidase, as well as the lncRNA cca‐lnc‐020033. Our findings increase knowledge of the non‐coding genome of pigeon pea and their roles in PTGR and in improving agronomic traits of this pulse crop.
Natural history of periodontal disease: The original Sri Lanka and Oslo studies
Authors: Lang Niklaus P. , Schätzle Marc , Ramseier Christoph A.
Published: March 2024

Susceptibility to periodontal disease depends on individual factors within the host response to the bacterial challenge. The study of these factors requires longitudinal studies of an undisturbed development of the disease process. On the basis of the original longitudinal studies on the natural histology of periodontal disease staged in Sri Lanka and Oslo/Norway, several analyses of periodontal parameters and tooth status have been performed. The main findings were that in the first 20 years of complete absence of oral hygiene practices or preventive services attachment was lost at various rates. Three groups of subjects could be identified: rapidly progressing (RP) (8%), moderately progressing (MP) (81%), and subjects with no disease progression (NP) (11%). In the second two decades, the RP subjects have lost most of their teeth and no NP patients were identified anymore. The progression rate in these two decades was much slower, and the tooth mortality decreased. It could be predicted that subjects who had lost more than 2 mm at age 30 would not maintain a functional dentition at age 60. The corresponding control population in Oslo was used to study the influence of gingival inflammation on the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The pattern and rates of attachment loss were identified in a population that was exposed to optimal and regular preventive services from age 3 onward. In the observation period of 26 years, it could be demonstrated that gingival inflammation varied little throughout adult life and always bleeding sites occurred consistently in 10% to 20%. The role of ongoing gingivitis in the pathogenesis of attachment loss was identified and also reflected stability whenever it was absent. Tooth mortality was only found in subjects with ongoing gingivitis. After 50 years of tooth age, 63% of the teeth were still maintained, while 99.8% were maintained after 50 years when gingival inflammation had been absent. Consequently, continuous gingivitis represented a risk factor for tooth loss.
Pilot study of the effectiveness and acceptability of an automatic toothbrush among residents in long‐term care
Authors: Howell Britteny M. , Trammell Shellea , Livingston Marin , Royer Royann
Published: March 2024

Aims

Reduced mobility and/or low cognitive functioning may make it difficult for residents with special care needs in long‐term care homes to brush their own teeth every day. Demands on caregiving staff in these homes may also result in skipping essential toothbrushing tasks, resulting in poor oral health.

Methods and Results

This article provides the results of a 6‐week pilot study that tested the effectiveness and acceptability of the Willo automatic toothbrush “robot” used among residents in long‐term care compared to their regular toothbrush. Using a non‐randomized delayed‐start design with a convenience sample (age 38–82 years, mean = 66.9), each study participant underwent biofilm assessments at three timepoints: (1) baseline as the study began (mean = 2.33), (2) after using their regular toothbrush daily for 3 weeks (mean = 2.21), and (3) after using the Willo automatic toothbrush daily for 3 weeks (mean = 0.31). Using t‐tests and repeated measures ANOVA, the Willo was significantly more effective than regular toothbrushing at reducing biofilm (p = .00004) and gingivitis (p = .002) over time. Participants also responded to brief weekly satisfaction surveys about their experiences using the two different brushes. The Willo was generally tolerated among participants, who largely reported that the brush was easy to use, not uncomfortable, and did not cause pain or bleeding. While approximately half of the study participants reported liking the Willo, the remainder did not want to replace their regular brush with the Willo, for a variety of reasons.

Conclusion

We recommend more research on the effectiveness and acceptability of automatic toothbrushes with long‐term care residents, caregivers, and others who may benefit from their use.
If looks could talk: Threat and familiarity influence with whom and how infants interact in ambiguous situations
Authors: Ehli Samantha , Schneider Silvia , Newen Albert , Voigt Babett
Published: March 2024

We investigated how apparent threat of an ambiguous stimuli modulates infants’ looking to interaction partners of varying familiarity (mother, familiar experimenter, unfamiliar experimenter). We hypothesized a preference for familiar informants under higher apparent threat, but a preference for unfamiliar informants under lower apparent threat. The informant encouraged infants (N = 104, 8–13 months) to cross a visual cliff in one of two apparent threat conditions (lower vs. higher drop‐off). Under lower threat, infants looked equally long to all informants, but switched gazes more often between their mother and the cliff. Infants explored the cliff more and crossed more often in the mother condition compared to the other two conditions. They also expressed less negative affect in the presence of the mother compared to the unfamiliar experimenter, but not compared to the familiar experimenter. Under high threat, a similar pattern emerged, except that looking duration to the unfamiliar informant was shorter compared to the low threat condition. Heart rate acceleration appeared when infants were placed on the cliff compared to a baseline phase. Higher levels of negative affectivity (but not higher arousal) were observed under higher compared to lower threat. Overall, we found little evidence of the influence of threat within the visual cliff task. We argue that infants may have perceived the cliff as quite challenging even in the lower threat condition and call for more research on the situational embeddedness of early social learning processes.
Intraocular Parafilaria bovicola infection and surgical removal in a mixed breed heifer
Authors: Shukla A. K. , Contadini A. , Kazmir‐Lysak K. , Schnyder M. , Gerspach C. , Pot S. A.
Published: March 2024

An approximately 1.5‐year‐old mixed breed heifer was presented for evaluation and treatment due to ocular pain affecting the right eye secondary to a live nematode within the anterior chamber. Ophthalmic examination revealed marked blepharospasm, evidence of chronic keratitis, uveitis, and a single, white, approximately 2.5 cm long, 0.5 mm thick, living parasite. The heifer underwent general anesthesia, and the parasite was removed using passive aqueous humor outflow following a stab incision into the anterior chamber. Twenty‐four hours after removal of the intraocular parasite, the heifer displayed a significant improvement in ocular comfort, corneal edema, and uveitis. The nematode was identified via genetic analyses as Parafilaria bovicola, a filarial parasite of cattle. The heifer was discharged 5 days following nematode removal with a marked improvement in all ocular signs and apparently normal vision. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous reports of confirmed intraocular filariosis caused by P. bovicola in the veterinary literature, nor are there reports detailing surgical removal of intraocular parasites in bovids.